December 2015

Twifo/Atti-Morkwa News District Assembly Newsletter, December 2015

Yñn anamusifoõ! Contents

After successfully held district elections on 1 Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District was inaugurated This is Twifo/Atti-Morkwa 3 September 2015, the new Assembly for the on 9 October 2015 to perform its delib- A short profile of the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa erative, legislative and executive functions. District, its rich resources and the > Read more on page 10 potentials for development Projects 7 Roads and transport, markets, education, health and sanitation Inauguration 10 TAMDA’s new District Assembly Budget Hearing 12 The 2016 Budget Hearing for Twifo/Atti- Morkwa Finance Report 13 A brief overview over the revenues and expenditures in 2015 District League Table 14 The Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly made a giant step forward World Aids Day 15 Commemoration at the Methodist School Park

Living with Disability 16 Workshop by the Social Forty District Assembly Members for TAMDA: 28 elected and 12 appointed members make up the Welfare Department new assembly for the district, swearing their oath on 9 October 2015 Tourism in Twifo/Atti-Morkwa 17 A brief overview Origins of the Twifo 17 MOSEASO CELEBRATES FARMERS DAY About the people also referred to as Twiful, Twifur, Twiforo, Teuful District celebration awards 15 farmers for their achievements

ince 1988, Farmers Day is commemorated The celebration of the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa which is threatening production and therefore Seach year on the first Friday of December to district was organized this year at Twifo Mo- suggested that the district takes advantage of honour Ghana’s farmers and fishers. The event seaso. After acknowledging the guests and the the numerous water bodies and low lands for acknowledges the vital position farmers and fish- chair of the occasion, the District Chief Execu- rice and vegetable cultivation. He also entreated ers occupy in the nation’s economic development. tive (DCE), Hon. Bossman Osei Hyiamang, ex- the private sector to invest in irrigation since the Speaking at the launch of the National Cel- plained that most farmers in the district operate government cannot do it all. ebration in Accra on 4 December 2015, the Min- on small scale, cultivating between 0.5 acres to The DCE drew the attention to the im- ister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. 2.0 acres. He however admitted that, no matter portance of beekeeping. Farmers can start with Seth Terkper, noted that agriculture sector as a how small the total output is in terms of yield, one hive and later produce on commercial tool for transformation of the national economy it is still significant in ensuring food security. scale. This will be a source of employment to could be accelerated through private sector par- The level at which farmers understand the role the youth in the district. Those nursing the ticipation. Hon. Collins Dauda, Minister of Lo- fertilizers, cover cropping and zero tillage play in idea could join the Twifo Beekeepers Associa- cal Government and Rural Development, who modern times of farming, as the method of land tion in order to gain insight. As a motivation, chaired the occasion, urged the private sector to rotation is no longer in practice is encouraging. invest in the agricultural sector. He complained of the unreliable nature of rainfall > Continued on page 18 2 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# MESSAGE FROM THE DCE # PORTRAIT

Dear Readers, BOSSMAN OSEI HYIAMANG JR. EDWARD ABAZING

Let me use this opportunity to welcome all readers of this newsletter which is published with the intention to provide information on the programmes of the Assembly from 2013 to 2015. Ghana’s decentralization policy devolves power, functions and responsibility as well as human and financial resources from Central Government to the District Assemblies. As managers of these resources, we must empower our people to partici- pate in our programmes and demonstrate account- ability and transparency for the services we have rendered to them on their behalf. I believe that access to information encourages citizens to partici- A brief profile of the A brief profile of the District pate effectively in the programmes of the Assembly and makes implementation of decisions affecting District Chief Executive (DCE) Co-ordinating Director (DCD) their daily lives easier. This newsletter contains a good number of articles intended to throw more Hon. Bossman Osei Hyiamang Jr obtai- After secondary education in his home- light on major activities that the Assembly has need an Executive Bachelor of Arts degree town Navrongo, Mr. Edward Abazing implemented over the period. It provides a brief in Material and Logistics Administration, obtained a B.A. (HONS) degree in profile of the district, development projects on followed by international diploma in Logis- Sociology with Political Sciences at the tics, Supply Chain, Transport Management University of Ghana and his Master of education, health, road, water and sanitation and and Safety at Work Place, all at Cam- Arts (M.A.) in Governance and Sustai- markets as well as a report on the finances of the bridge International College, UK. He holds nable Development at the University of Assembly, tourism and some history of the origin certifi cates in Motor vehicle engineering Cape Coast. He added a post-graduate of the people of the district. It is quite often noticed (City & Guilds of London) from Accra certifi cate and diploma in Public admi- that the apathy people show to the programmes Polytechnic and in Internal Combustion nistration, both at the Ghana Institute of of the Assemblies is due to lack of information on Engines (City & Guilds of London) from Management and Public Administration their activities and programmes. This newsletter is the Cape Coast Technical Institute. He has (GIMPA). Currently, he is working on the to essentially provide accurate information to fill an advanced certifi cate in Procurement thesis of his Executive Masters in Public this gap and inform what the Assembly has done and Contract Management and Advanced Administration at K.N.U.S.T., Kumasi. and continues to do for the people. It is envisaged executive Mastery certifi cate in Business that this would encourage you to play a vital role Administration and Enterprise Leadership, Prior to his assignment as Coordinating in the Assembly’s development agenda in the areas Port and Shipping Management option Director at TAMDA, he held this position of project implementation, monitoring and evalu- and Management and Administration at the Binduri, Bawku West, Builsa ation to ensure value for money in the projects the option, all from the Graduate School of District and Kassena Nankana Municipal Assembly provides in the respective areas for its Governance and Leadership. From the Assemblies. Altogether, he can proudly people. It is also to get the people know the efforts Central University College, he has an Ad- look back at a career of more than 20 of the Assembly is making in providing basic social vanced certifi cate in Logistics and supply years in Civil Service in more than ten amenities and get them contribute to the develop- Chain Management. Finally, he has a mini assemblies throughout the country. ment of district by paying their levies to enable the MBA in Logistics and Transport Manage- Assembly to continue to do more for them. ment at Graduate School of Governance He used every opportunity to further de- An important aspect of the newsletter is the and Leadership (GSGL). velop his diverse skills through specifi c platform provided by staging names and contact trainings like Project Management, Stra- numbers of both Assembly Members and Heads He worked for Teysec Constructions, Mo- tegic Planning and Leadership, Human of Department to facilitate information flow and seaso JHS, Yamoasco Construction, Na- Resource Management at District Level feedback of our work. The Assembly acknowl- tional Mobilization Program, Danida Micro or Geographic Information Systems edges the importance of feedback in shaping its Finance, National Disaster Management (GIS) for District Environmental Resour- decisions and programmes. We therefore encour- Organisation and United Nations Center ces. His hobbies are reading, travelling for Human Settlement under the MLGRD. and riding. age you to take advantage of this and get us informed about how we are faring in our collective  054 0313448  020 6663673 effort to improve the lives of our people. I will also like to encourage our readers who have comments, observations and suggestions on issuing relating to the work of the Assembly to send their contribu- Imprint tions for consideration and publication in our next Published by: edition. It is my hope that this newsletter would Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly provide you with some information and give you a PO Box 7, Twifo Praso better understanding of the work of our Assembly. Prepared by: Matilda Ansah, Mawuli Akotia, Thank you all. Jeffrey Hammond

Technical support: Alf Bremer, GIZ Support for Decentralisation Reforms (SfDR)

Bossmann Osei Hyiamang Jnr December 2015 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 3

# FEATURE

THIS IS TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA! A short profile of the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District and its rich resources and potentials for development

wifo/Atti-Morkwa District is one of the Ttwenty administrative districts in the Cen- tral Region of Ghana. It was formerly known as the Twifo-Hemang Lower Denkyira District with its capital at Twifo Praso. In 2012, government split the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District into two districts namely Twifo/Atti- Morkwa District and Hemang Lower Denkyira District (Local Government Act 462 of 1992 by Legislative Instrument 2023). The district is zoned in five area councils: Twifo Praso, Mampong, Agona, Wamaso and Nyinase. There are 28 electoral areas in the district, and the District Assembly has currently 40 Assembly Members with 28 elected members and 12 appointees. The district is bounded on the north by the Upper Denkyira East Municipal at the South by the Hemang Lower Denkyira District, at the West by the Mpohor Wassa East District and at the East by the Assin North Municipal and Assin South District. The River Pra Climate & Vegetation The district has double maximal rainfall The vegetation of the district consists of Population with a total annual mean rainfall between 1,200 secondary forest that has been largely disturbed and 2,000 mm. The first rainy season spans from by the activities of man through logging, crop According to the 2010 Population and March to June, the second rainy season is from and livestock farming as well as mining among Housing Census, the district has a total popula- September to November. The main dry season other activities. Nevertheless, there are still large tion of 61,743. This represents 2.9 percent of is from November to February. The district has areas of forest reserves like the Bimpong Forest the population of the Central Region. 51 per- fairly uniform high temperatures ranging be- Reserve, the Minta Forest Reserve and the Bon- cent of the district population are females and tween 26°C in August and 30°C in March. saben Forest Reserve. 49% males. The district has a youthful population, characterized by a large proportion of children aged less than 15 years (41.7 percent) and a small proportion of elderly with 60 years and older (6.8 percent). Females constitute the majority in most of the age groups.

District children 4 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

The proportion of Ghanaian Nationality by birth is 95 percent. Akans form the majority amongst the ethnic groups in the district. The indigenes are Twifo and Atti-Morkwa who are Akans that speak Twi. Migration has also brought ethnic groups such as Ewes, Krobos, Ga-Dangmes as well as from Upper East, West and Northern Regions into the district. With 85 percent of the population, Christi- anity is the predominant religion in the district, followed by Islam with 8 percent of the district population. According to the 2010 population and housing census, 57 percent of the employed population aged 15 years and older engage in agricultural forestry and fishing industry followed by wholesale and retail, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles representing 12 percent. With the work sector, private informal sector is the major employment sector followed by public or government. The least sector is NGOs (local and international). Urban settlement: View over the district capital

Settlements Almost all major settlements are located along The district is a typical rural district. The the Cape Coast - Twifo Praso - Dunkwa trunk rural / urban proportion constitutes 69.7 / 30.3 road. The district capital Twifo Praso has the high- percent (nationwide, 51 percent live in urban est number of social infrastructure and services. areas). There are about 850 settlements in the district. Only one of them namely, Twifo Praso is Housing statistically urban. The urban population consti- The total number of houses in the district tutes only 14 percent of the district’s population. is 8,664 of which 81.5 percent are located in the With population aside, Twifo Praso is typically a rural areas. The Average Household size is 4.8 commercial town with very limited urban func- persons. The average household size of the rural tions and formal employment avenues. Other areas is slightly higher than that of the urban ar- larger communities are: Mampong, Nyenase, eas. 49 percent of households live in compound Ayaase, Wamaso, Ntafrewaso and Nuamakrom. Clay building without electricity supply houses while 32.3 percent live in separate houses.

Name Population Households Houses Twifo Praso 14,651 3,110 1,603 Twifo Mampong 3,844 878 505 Ntafrewaso 2,375 556 277 Nyenase 2,153 475 286 Wamaso 1,491 325 253 Agona 1,476 391 107 Mampoma 1,453 341 243 Nuamakrom 1,449 296 223 Kayireku 1,282 275 179 Aboabo 1,178 214 182 Eduabeng 1,007 259 167 Ahyire 929 202 174 Oseneagya 881 234 71 Number One 878 175 160 Asamoakrom New Town 851 134 125 Akweikrom 847 141 119 Buronya 817 118 137 Aboso 807 151 110 Ekurakese Road: The rehabilitation of roads Mma Baasa 794 163 174 is an essential measure by the district for the Kwanyarko 774 200 149 development of rural communities TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 5

for dwelling units in the district is electric- constitute 48 percent as compared to 52 per- ity which is lower than the regional value of cent of females. The population of 12 years and 66 percent. A higher proportion of the urban older who use internet facilities is 2.5 percent. households (92.1 percent) use electricity than Only 442 households representing 3.4 percent in the rural areas (49 percent). The borehole is have desktop/laptop computers. the most common source of drinking water in the district while public standpipe is the main Literacy and education source of drinking water in the region. Public 78 percent of the population of 12 years toilet is the most common toilet facility in the and above are literate and 22 percent are non- district but WC is the main toilet facility in ur- literate. Female illiterate population is slightly ban areas (54 percent). less than their male counterparts. 65 percent of the people are able to speak and write both Communication English and Ghanaian languages. There are six cellular phone networks op- As Twifo/Atti-Morkwa is a young district, erating in the district, centered in about 15 with 24,488 persons almost 40 percent of the larger towns. These are: MTN, Tigo, Airtel, district population enumerated as currently in Glo, Expresso and Vodafone. Of the popula- school, 47.5 percent of them at primary level, tion of 12 years and above, 38 percent have 18 percent at JSS/JHS and 6 percent at Senior mobile phones. Men who own mobile phones High School level.

Traditional Kete Dance Type All Public Private Pre-School 123 91 32 With 67 percent, cement blocks and con- Primary Level 122 90 32 crete are the main materials for outer walls in the urban areas, while mud brick/earth consti- Junior High Level 74 52 22 tute with 63.3 percent the main material for Senior High Level 2 1 1 outer walls in the rural areas. Metal sheets con- Tertiary Level 1 1 0 stitute the main roofing material in the district. With 59 percent, the main source of lighting Total 322 235 87

Map of the major settlements in the district Public and private schools in the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District 6 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

Health Economy Malaria continues to dominate the chart The Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District is pre- of top ten diseases in the district. Awareness on dominantly an agrarian economy. Some of HIV in the district is very high. Strategies for the agricultural activities undertaken include combating HIV are regular radio education on crop farming, livestock rearing and tree grow- Arise FM, know-your-status-campaign and out- ing. The district is noted for its dominance reach programmes. in the cultivation of oil palm. Twifo Oil Palm According to the Ghana Health Service, Plantation (TOPP) is a major supplier of lo- nurse patient ratio in Twifo Praso is 1:574 cal palm oil to major companies like Nestle and doctor patient ratio is 1:18,813. A new, Ghana Ltd. modern government Hospital is currently un- A number of economic and financial ser- der construction at the Fosu Road near Twifo vices exist in the district. They include peri- Praso. odic and daily markets. The district has a big Cocoa pods market located at Twifo Praso attracting buy- Top-ten diseases in the district ers and trades on the markets days, Tuesday other guest houses within the district offer and Friday. There are cocoa sheds at Twifo accommodation to travelers. The district is Cases / Year 2014 Praso, Wamaso, Agona, Nyenase, Mampong, not so endowed with tourist resources but Malaria (tested positive) 6,598 Nuamakrom, Kyeaboso, Ayaase, Hasowodze the available ones are highly attractive due to Upper respiratory tract infection 5,016 and Kotokye serving as purchasing and stor- their history and friendliness towards nature, age centers for cocoa marketing. for example the site of Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s Skin Diseases 3,236 Guest Houses such as Adom Guest Waterloo, Bonsaben Forest Reserve and the Rheumatism & other joint pains 2,890 House, St. George’s, Boatemaa, Fynba and Snake-Like Oil Palm Tree. Diarrhoea disease 2,882 Acute eye infection 2,077 Hypertension 1,543 Anemia 1,353 Acute urinary tract infection 1,226 Diabetes Mellitus 1,214

Health facilities in the district

Facility Location Government Hospital Twifo Praso TOPP Clinic TOPP Mampong CHPS Mampong St. Florence Maternity Twifo Praso Nyinase CHPS Nyinase Kayereku CHPS Kayereku Wamaso CHPS Wamaso Ayebeng CHPS Ayaase / Bepoben Market women at the new market, Twifo Praso Morkwa H/C Morkwa Agona Pentecost Agona Kotokye CHPS Kotokye Adade Kofi CHPS Adade Kofi Nuamakrom CHPS Nuamakrom Denyase CHPS Denyase Ntiamoahkrom CHPS Ntiamoahkrom

New Cocobod quality control office, Twifo Praso Local palm oil extraction at Mampong Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly Newsletter 2015 7

# Roads and Markets

Providing Infrastructure Improving the transport system and markets are important measures to boost the district’s economy

Construction of the Twifo Praso - Assin Fosu Road

Praso - Morkwa - Dunkwa Road Busy atmosphere at the new market at Twifo Praso

Paved lorry station at Twifo Praso Available market stalls Under construction: the new market in Praso 8 Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# Schools

Building for better education New schools in many communities provide adeqaute access to education. Projects like the e-government platform round-off our efforts in the field of education and information

Six-unit classroom block at Kojokrom

Three-unit classroom block at Abodwese

Six-unit classroom block at Mintaso

Six-unit classroom block at Morkwa Completed Enhanced Information Center, Twifo Praso

Teacher’s quarters at Aklomaim Three-unit classroom block at Bepoben Three-unit classroom block at Abodom

Six-unit classroom block at Asamoahkrom Six-unit classroom block at Hasowodze Three-unit classroom block at Aboso TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 9

# HEALTH AND SANITATION # PROJECT OVERVIEW

HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION Selected projects 2013-2015 Health, water supply and sanitation projects are an important Project Location Construction of one 3-unit Aboso contribution towards a better life in the communities classroom, office and store block with ancillary facilities Construction of one 3-unit Edugyaa classroom block, office and store, 4-seater KVIP Construction of one 3-unit Aklomaim teachers accommodation block Construction of one 3-unit Abodom classroom block Construction of several Aklomain, CHPS compounds Aboabo, Denyase New government hospital site at Twifo Praso Construction of one 6-unit Twifo No.9 classroom block, office and store plus library, staff common room, toilet and water facilities Construction of one 6-unit Osenagya classroom block, office and store plus library, staff common room, toilet and water facilities

Water storage tank at Twifo Kayireku Construction of one 6-unit Twifo Praso Aboabo CHPS Compound under construction classroom block, office and store with ancillary facilities Construction of one 6-unit Akatakyi classroom block, office and store with ancillary facilities Construction of boreholes Var. communities Construction of one 6-unit Denyase classroom block and two 3-unit toilet blocks Aklomain CHPS Compound under construction Borehole drilled at Kojokrom Construction of one 6-unit Wamaso, classroom block and two Kojokrom 3-unit toilet blocks Construction of one 6-unit Attorkrom classroom block and two 3-unit toilet blocks Construction of one 6-unit Mintaso classroom block Construction of one 3-unit Ongwaso classroom block Construction of one 3-unit Manteykrom classroom, office and store Lecture hall at NMTC in Twifo Praso Water tap at Twifo Nyinase block with ancillary facilities Construction of one semi- Fankyenko detached teachers quarters Construction of one 6-unit Morkwa classroom block with ancillary facilities Construction of WC toilet, Twifo Pragya, 1-unit self-contained Fankyenko accommodation and and NMTC 2-unit lecture hall Construction of one 3-unit Bepobeng and classroom, 4-seater urinal Twifo Praso Fire service and ambulance garage at Twifo Praso Pump house at Twifo Abodom and three pipe culverts New Market 10 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# SPECIAL REPORT

TOWARDS THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC The District Assembly for the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District has been inaugurated on 9 October 2015

The DCE, Hon. Bossman Osei Hy- iamang Jnr., thanked all elected and appointed assembly members for making themselves available and congratulated elected members for winning their respective elections. He charged all elected and appointed members to play their respective roles to ensure that development reaches the communities and to serve their interest. He announced that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development will organize an orientation for all member to ensure that they get familiarized with the operation of the assembly. Inaugurating the assembly, Hon. James Agyenim Boateng, representing the Presi- dent of the Republic of Ghana, congratulated all elected members. Elected members have big responsibilities on their shoulders by ensuring that development reaches their respective electoral areas to improve the living conditions of people, he said. He as- sured the assembly that government would TAMDA’s Assembly Members swearing the Official Oath continue to provide all the necessary as- sistance towards developmental projects. However, he charged the assembly to ex- or the sixth time during the Fourth Repub- plore all avenues to help generate the neces- Flic, MMDAs elections have been conducted sary funds to support assembly’s operations. in Ghana. Previous elections were held in 1994, He asked them not to be heavily dependent 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. on the District Assembly Common Fund The forty-member Assembly for the Twifo/ Put your interest aside (DACF) but rather generate funds inter- Atti-Morkwa District, made up of 28 elected as- and work towards the in- nally (IGF). sembly members and 12 government appointees, terest of the public and After the inauguration, members head- has been inaugurated on 9 October 2015 ed to elect the Presiding Membership posi- The Assembly Members were sworn into the nation as a whole. tion. As none of the two candidates, Hon. office by the District Magistrate, His Lordship Edward B. Aggrey and Hon. Michael Ador- Eric Baah Boateng, after taking the Oath of Al- vlo, achieved the necessary cast of 28 votes legiance and the Official Oath. (2/3 majority), the election was postponed.

Structure and functions of the District Assembly

The district assembly is made up of The General Assembly is the political and The committees of the assembly include the administrative authority in the district. Public Relations and Complaints Commit- tee and the Executive Committee and its The District Chief Executive (DCE) The General Assembly performs deliberative, subsidiary committees. 70 percent of the members who are legislative and executive functions of the as- These are: elected by the members of the commu- sembly. This means it uses careful thought, nities in their respective electoral areas discussion and forms of public participation Development Planning Sub-Committee through direct ballot on a non-party in order to make decisions. It has the power Social Services Sub-Committee basis to adopt laws and implement policies and Works Sub-Committee 30 percent of the members appointed programmes. Finance and Administration by the President in consultation with Sub-Committee traditional authorities and interest groups The functions are performed under the lead- Justice and Security Sub-Committee in the district. ership of the Presiding Member. Other subcommittees, as necessary. TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 11

Twame kñkñ! Democracy and development need participation. Participation needs communication. Get in touch with your representatives at local and national level! Elected Assembly Members

No Electoral Area Name Contact 1 Akweikrom / Mile 34 Arhin Blankson 050 2030747 2 Asensuho-Agave Alfred Ackumey 024 3306998 3 Ayaase / Bepobeng Joseph Sayed Effah 024 4404647 4 Bimpong Egya Ringo Gottah 024 2781513 5 Bimpongso / Nkwankyemaso Ignatus James Obeng 024 6379610 6 Darmang Kojokrom Jonathan Kuntor Kamassah 024 2279403 7 Djatokrom / Krobo No.2 Samuel Annan 024 9230564 8 Eduabeng-Kwanyarko Paul Amo-Ampong 024 5752349 9 Edugyaa Ernest Nana Appiah Kubi 024 4767309 10 Kayireku / Ashire Silas Kwame Dankwa 024 2638748 11 Kotokye-Kyirenkum Justice Philip Agyemang 020 0412557 Hon. Samuel Ato Amoah 12 Mampoma / Aboabo Michael Alagah 024 6827914 A brief profile of the districts 13 Mampong East Daniel K. Frimpong 024 6481768 member of parliament (MP) 14 Mampong West Engelbert Ankomah-Quaning 024 9493299 15 Mintaso / Adadekofi Michael Daddy Arhinful 020 9906144 Educational Background Samuel Ato Amoah is currently doing 16 Morkwa / Sebenso Ebenezer Obeng Dwamena 020 3500000 his Masters in Public Administration 17 Moseaso / Somnyamekodur Anthony Stratton Agyapong 020 9364111 at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He has 18 Ntafrewaso / TOPP Ebenezer Oduro-Agyei 024 4091237 a first degree and a diploma in Business 19 Ntiamoahkrom Timothy Ahuron 026 4136591 Management, both from the Universi- 20 Nuamakrom / Afosua Daniel Kwabina Agbodza 024 4889773 ty of Cape Coast (UCC), a diploma in computer hardware at Dard Computers, 21 Nyenase Town Stephen Yeboah-Yankey 024 4060269 a certificate in occupational Health and 22 Praso Asikafoambantem Edward Baiden Aggrey 050 1300914 Safety Management from the Institute of 23 Praso Old Town Musah Braimah 055 4040915 Commercial Management (ICM), a certificate in international Business from the 24 Subriso / Osenagya Paul Divine Mensah Sarpong 024 6914906 Graduate School of Governance and Lea- 25 Twifo Agona Michael Mawuli Adorvlo 024 3945675 dership (gsgL), a certificate in effective Writing at Ghana Institute of Journalism 26 Twifo Praso No. 1 Michael Obeng 054 5034527 (giJ) and a certificate in entrepreneurship 27 Wamaso East Joseph Boafo 024 4736151 GSGL. He attended Boampensem Senior 28 Wamaso West Erasmus Ackomeni 054 0655423 secondary school at dunkwa-on-offin

Working Experience Appointed Assembly Members Member of Parliament for Twifo/Atti- Morkwa constituency, served as the Cen- No Electoral Area Name Contact tral Regional Monitoring and Evaluation 1 - Cecilia Sekyi 027 6792913 officer nHis, ceo at ato’s drug store, 2 - Kwame Amponfi Jnr. 024 4819096 proprietor New Creation Schools (Prima- ry and JHS) and the CEO New Creation 3 - Mathias Ahiabu 024 2054840 Hostel, Twifo Praso 4 - Sarah Ampofo 024 2804845 5 - Isaac Okuesi 024 3253007 Political Career 6 - Albert Aidoo 024 2877797 Served as the Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress 7 - Nana Amoasi Kwadwo II 024 4065326 (1993), Deputy Central Regional Youth 8 - George Antwi 020 0264089 Organizer (2006 to 2008) and the 9 - Kofi Kwakye 024 6311434 Central Regional Youth Organizer (2009 10 - Benjamin Coleman 054 6440541 to 2012) 11 - Eric Aubyn 050 4256164  024 4273479 12 - Enock Y. Appiah 024 2203907 12 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# NEWS

BUDGET HEARING 2016 On 19 October, the Composite Budget hearing for Twifo Atti-Morkwa District took place at the District Assembly Hall

n his welcome address, the District Chief Ex- Iecutive of the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa, Hon. Boss- man Osei Hyiamang Jnr, asked the budget officer to take advantage of the guidance from experts on the field to help make the budget useful: “I hope you all make the necessary contributions to make this composite budget bring the necessary improvement to the district”. Representing the Finance Minister, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, the Dean of Graduate Stud- ies and Research at the Institute of Local Gov- ernment Studies, highlighted the essence of the Composite Budget. “The budget hearings are to ensure that MMDAs budgets are in line with the national budget.” He entreated budget officers to make efforts to eliminate ‘ghost names’ from the government payroll and informed that the government is making efforts to implement the wage bill. “Another significant effort being made by the government is to make it possible for As- semblies to borrow on their own in order to carry During the public Budget Hearing at the Assembly Hall out developmental projects within their districts.” Dr. Oduro Osae thanked participants for their at- After the presentation, questions were an- tendance and urged the DCE to ensure that the swered and suggestions collected to help shape composite budget is implemented. the budget. Upon addressing all issues relating to The budget officer, Mr. Owusu-Ansah, took the composite budget, the District Coordinating the partcipants through the district’s Composite Director gave the closing remarks. He showed Budget for 2016. It includes all sectors, like ag- his appreciation to all those present and urged riculture, information, health, education, social all Heads of Departments to make themselves and gender related issues. The budget contains available when called upon and to bring their administrative actions like capacity building and necessary contributions to help improve the per- a wide range of programmes and projects to ben- formance of the district. In attendance were the efit the citizens in the district like street lighting, chiefs, assembly members, heads of departments public education and sensitization, donations and representatives from various communities. Mr. Owusu-Ansah, Budget Analyst and presentations, scholarships and bursaries, Regarding representation by gender, males out- construction of classroom blocks and many more. numbered the females. Budget Department

Information Services Department The Budget Department facilitates the preparation and execution of the budget The Information Service Department of the District Assembly and assists educates and informs the members in the in the translation of the medium term district about the government’s policies, programme of the district into the district programmes and activities. investment programme. It co-ordinates the organization of in-service-training programmes for the staff of the departments in budget preparation and financial management and assists to verify and certify the status of district development projects before request for funds for payment are submitted to the relevant funding sources. Finally, the department facilitates the preparation of the rating schedules and assists to monitor the programmes and projects of the District Assembly as a measure to ensure economic utilization of Ms. Ansah, District Information Officer Assembly members and staff, chiefs and com- budgetary resources. munity members at the budget hearing TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 13

# FINANCE REPORT

DISTRICT FINANCES FOR 2015 A brief overview over the revenues and expenditures of the District Assembly and their respective sources for the current year

Finance Department Revenue sources 2015 Budget June 2015 Percentage IGF 512,666 206,571 40% The Finance Department is responsible for Compensation Transfer 1,408,849 673,223 48% the sound financial management of the District Assembly’s resources. The Finance Goods and Services Transfer 61.100 6,989 11% Department keeps, renders and publishes Assets Transfer 0 0 0% statements on Public Accounts, prepares DACF 2,467,867 628,934 27% financial reports, payment vouchers and financial encumbrances, undertakes rev- DDF 379,000 0 0% enue mobilization activities of the assembly School Feeding Programme 300,000 68,600 23% and makes Other Donor Transfers 2,870,192 691,420 24% provision for 7,999,674 2,275,735 28% Total financial services to all depart- IGF sources 2015 Budget June 2015 Percentage ments Rates 268,400 87,100 32% in the Fees 88,249 23,655 27% district. Fines 7,530 14,950 199% Mr. Sapathy, District Finance Officer Licenses 85,111 29,260 34% Land 54,005 38,877 72% Transfers are meant for the decentralized departments. The assembly over the years had Rent 1,371 0 0% also benefited from donor funded projects such Miscellaneous 8,000 12,729 159% as DANIDA, EU-Micro-Project, ILO, IFAD, US- Total 512,666 206,571 40% AID, VNG, GIZ, GSOP, IDA and LEAP. These programs form a major part of the assembly‘s budget. For the period up to June 2015, only The District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) and Rural Development. The DDF is avail- an amount of 691,420 GHC was remitted to is a pool of resources created under Article 252 able to all assemblies but the resource al- the Assembly for development projects from of the 1992 constitution of Ghana. It is a mini- location is based upon actual performance donors. This is a little below the quarter (24 mum of 7.5% of the national revenue set aside which is verified in an annual evaluation percent) of the expected total remittance. to be shared among all District Assemblies in called the Functional Organisation Assess- Ghana with a formula approved by Parliament. ment Tool (FOAT). In this evaluation, the The Assembly’s total budget for 2015 was performance of all assemblies are determined 512,665 GHC. Out of this amount, the assem- The District Development Facility (DDF) is against predetermined agreed upon indicators. bly collected 206,571 GHC as at June 2015, a performance-based grant system, imple- The FOAT is implemented by independent con- representing 40% of the budget for the year as mented by the Ministry of Local Government sultancy firms on behalf of the ministry. against 32% for last year at the same period.

Expenditure by department Compensation Goods and services Assets 2015 Budget June 2015 % 2015 Budget June 2015 % 2015 Budget June 2015 % Central Administration 733,070 362,376 49 570,579 209,033 37 1,042,475 145,782 14 Works Department 111,700 53,125 48 377 0 0 2,423,511 474,798 20 Agriculture 371,235 195,824 53 78,921 42,989 55 0 0 0 Social Welfare & Community D. 130,892 62,397 48 311,260 87,853 29 0 0 0 Physical planning 15,611 3,9035 25 11,044 5,630 51 0 0.00 0 Trade and industry 14,295 7,148 50 12,400 3,800 31 0 0 0 Finance 74,739 37,369 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 Education, youth and sports 12,465,805 6,756,843 54 349,002 103,401 30 844,672 331,648 39 Disaster management 90,423 45,222 50 50,000 1,375 3 2,400 0 0 Health 0 0 0 15,516 7,616 49 592,439 113,000 19 Total 14,006,984 7,524,477 54 1,399,099 461,697 33 4,905,496 1,065,227 22 14 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# SHORT NEWS

DISTRICT LEAGUE TABLE 2015 The Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly made a giant step forward in the ranking of all 216 districts in Ghana in regards to development and service delivery

he Ghana Center for Democratic Develop- Tment and UNICEF Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, have initiated a project to develop a District League Table which assesses and ranks all the 216 districts in Ghana in terms of their level of development and progress of de- livering key basic services. It uses indicators from six key sectors - health, education, sanitation, water, governance and security - to compile a single score for each district. With this ranking, it is possible to track which districts are doing well in terms of im- provements in service delivery in Ghana and from which lessons can be learnt. Tema managed to climb up from 20th place in 2014 to the first place in 2015. Kwaebibirem was named the most improved district, moving from the 206th position in 2014 to 103rd in 2015. Overall, 98 districts managed to improve their ranking over last year’s. Twifo/Atti-Morkwa climbed up from rank 180 in 2014 to rank 104 in the 2015 assessment. Top 10 and bottom 10 districts of the 2015 District League Table

COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEEDS TO BE CONTINUED A workshop on Environmental Sanitation at the Assembly Hall in Twifo Praso

TAMDA, presented the efforts made on community education, for example durbars with the concern of the chiefs and other elders of the various communities. Though the education was successful it was marred with some challenges. He mentioned some opposition from sections of the communities, also materials provided to some schools were not properly taken care of. He added that transportation has also become a major challenge over the years. Mr. Van Eck en- Mr. Entsiey, Environmental Health Director Community sensitisation exercise couraged participants to continue visiting communities in order to help the people as issues on Environment Health sanitation are not a “one-day wonder”. NG International, the Cooperation Agency Environmental Sanitation is an essential Vof the Association of Netherlands Munici- factor contributing to the health, produc- palities, and Maple Consult, a Ghanaian de- tivity and welfare of the populace in the velopment consultancy, organized a three-day district. Various programmes implemented capacity program for the Department of Com- include: food hygiene and medical screen- munity Development and the Environmental ing of food and drink handlers, domiciliary Department of the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa and inspection, slaughterhouse duties and meat Hemang Lower Denkyira District Assemblies inspection, community health education at Twifo Praso. Mr. Bart Van Eck, a sanitation and school health programme, waste man- expert, called on both districts to present the agement and levelling of final disposal site, progress they are making in curbing sanitation market sanitation, monitoring and evaluation of sanitation activities. problems. Mr. Entsiey, leader of members from Clean-up exercise, Twifo Praso Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly Newsletter 2015 15

# World Aids Day

Towards an HIV free generation More than 300 guests commemorate World Aids Day at the Methodist School Park in Twifo Praso

World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against IVH , show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

DCE Bossman Osei Hyiamang Jr. during his welcome address

sadeayo Kwesi Kenin IV, president of the infection number and work towards an HIV free A representative of NAP+ Ghana, a network OAtti-Morkwa Traditional Council, chaired generation. The Regional Minister acknowledged of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS representing the occasion at Twifo Praso. He advised that AIDS in his message (read by Mr. Durbin) that Ghana over the 270,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS is no respecter of person and all efforts must be has made remarkable efforts to reduce infection in Ghana, made remarkable observations on the made to eliminate the menace. He urged all to get rates and highlighted priorities set for the 2016- number of children infected in 2013. Accord- tested and to encouraged household education to 2020 Strategic Plan. A national campaign on ing to the NAP+, 34,557 children were infected help achieve the goals of the Aids Control Pro- “Getting Everybody Tested” will help achieve the and 2,248 are said to have died. He urged that gramme. Free HIV/AIDS testing was available at Global Fast Track 90-90-90 targets for Ghana in more attention is given to children, especially to the meeting ground. 2020. He mentioned that the AIDS Control Pro- mother-to child support systems to reduce the DCE Hon. Bossman Osei Hyiamang Jnr. gramme reported National adult having a preva- death rate. There was however a disappointing ob- reminded on the theme for the occasion: “Fast lence rate of 1.47% for the year 2014 which is a servation that, at this stage of growth, stigma and track: Meeting the Health Needs of Children to- rise from the 2013 rate of 1.3%. Thus he called discrimination are still killing factors. The NAP+ wards an HIV free generation”. Out of the global on all in attendance to get tested to know their pledged to give their maximum support to all and number of 2 million people newly infected with HIV status. work towards HIV free generation. HIV in 2014, 1.4 million are from Sub-Saharan Africa. He called on all to work together to reduce the infection figures. He was however happy that out of the 282 persons detected to be infected in the district between 2012 and 2014, 256 have been put on treatment. The district has made efforts through the distribution of condoms and the Know-your-status campaign to help educate and reduce infections. He advised all to confidently check to know their status which will guide their lifestyle. He thanked the nurses and the health staff for their efforts made to prevent the virus. Regional HIV Coordinator, Dr. Ebenezer Koomson warned that stigma and discrimination fuels the dangers that come with the virus. He mentioned that infection of pregnant women has increased from 1.1 million in 2013 to 1.4 in 2014. Thus, all efforts must be made to reduce the Education through entertainment: Drama performed during the World Aids Day at Twifo Praso 16 TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# REPORT

WORKSHOP FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY The Department of Social Welfare in the Twifo/Atti-Morkwa district has organized a two-day workshop for persons with disabilities in the district

Social Welfare and Community Development Department

The Department of Social Welfare and Community Devel- opment assists the Assembly to formu- late and implement social welfare and community development policies. The Depart- Mr. Kwakye, HoD ment facilitates community-based rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, provides community care services, registration and supervision of non-governmental organizations and their activities in the district and community development. Participants following the presentation of the Social Welfare Department

Social Intervention Programmes of ddressing the participants, Social Welfare few days later I got paralyzed, that is how I be- the department AOfficer Ms. Yvonne Anonadaga Kwarah said came disabled.” Another participant, Mr. Asare the purpose of the workshop was to inform on James who also could not resist his emotions causes of disability and also enable an exchange sadly said he was returning from farm one day 1. Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty of experiences. Ms. Kwarah encouraged par- and all of a sudden couldn’t feel his eyes anymore. It started in the district in 2009 with 10 ticipants to look forward with self-esteem: Being Ms. Wendy Owusu Asiedu, one of the of- communities. 2010, it was extended to disabled doesn’t mean one has come to the end of ficials, took participants through what were con- 24 communities, however the number the road. She added that there are many causes sidered disabilities. She said, disabilities are in reduced to 13 when the district was spit- of disability, some people are born with it while many forms. Due to this, there are many people ted into two. In July 2015, an expansion others occur through accidents. She noted that who are disabled but don’t know they are. She work was carried out and 7 communities many people associate disability like blindness to discussed the following as disabilities: were rolled unto the program. A total of 30 spiritual doing and it is about time the change communities are currently under the pro- that mentality. Difficulty in seeing (visually impaired), gram with 417 households as beneficiar- Reports from the Department of Social partial or total blindness. ies. Each individual in a household is paid Welfare indicate that there are about 212 reg- Difficulty in hearing (deaf and dumb) 35 GHC every month. istered persons with disabilities. These persons Difficulty in moving any part of the body 2. Eban Elderly Welfare Cards were drawn from only 46 out of 830 communi- (arm, leg, amputated persons etc.) The social protection concept behind the ties within the district. Difficulty in learning, intellectually chal- Eban elderly welfare cards is to enable Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Kwabena Eyim lenged, mentally retarded etc. the elderly have priority to access social said “I suffered from measles when I was young, Strange or unusual behaviour, e.g. Neurosis services to avoid queuing at banking I was then taken to the hospital for an injection, (mild madness) or psychosis (severe madness) halls, hospitals, transport stations and Fits e.g. Epilepsy provide 50% rebate on Metro Mass Transport buses. In September 2015, Participants discussed how to curb the rate 400 aged were registered in the district, 164 males and 236 females. The District Director for Ministry of Food of disabilities within the district. Christian, one and Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Acqueye, of the active contributors, advised participants to 3. Disability Common Fund educated participants on how to live a rush their wards to the hospital whenever they Out of the Disability Common Fund, healthy life: People should cultivate the fall sick before it gets to the extreme. He also entrepreneurial skill training was carried out habit of eating lots of fruits. He added that gave a word of caution to pregnant women to for persons with disability and their guides, potatoes are very healthy but unfortunately, avoid the intake of certain foods and alcoholic three persons with disability associations we don’t eat them often. He beverages in their period of pregnancy. Opanyin were each given 1,500 GHC for their said potatoes help prevent Asare encouraged his colleagues to get registered programs and a total of 57 individuals were constipation and even cure on the National Health Insurance Scheme in or- given funds for educational, farming and stomach cancer due to the presence of alkaline. der not to fund the bill whenever they or any trading purposes. relative falls sick. TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 17

# TOURISM

TOURISM IN TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA There are few tourist sites in the district, and most have not been developed. A brief overview

Bonsaben Forest Reserve Natural Pra Bridge: Osei Tutu’s Waterloo Bimpong Forest Reserve Bonsaben Forest Reserve, Ayaase Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s Waterloo, Toffoe Bimpong Forest Reserve, Mintaso Watershed of several rivers, evergreen forest with Important historic site for both the Ashantes and Natural beauty of a tropical evergreen forest particularly tall trees and a great biodiversity of Twifos. The site is a natural bridge across River with giant trees and a fascinating biodiversity of both plants and animals. Historic and sacred place Pra which is used during the dry season. Otum- both plants and animals. to the Twifo people because it is believed that the fuo Osei Tutu I was killed here when crossing the Ashantes were mysteriously attacked by a swarm river. An attractive site for visitors and tourists. Snake-Like Oil Palm Tree, Canaan of bees long ago. When developed, the site could Located near Bimpong Forest Reserve. Potential attract activities like camping, hiking, bird watch- Oven-Shaped Cave, Canaan for educational tours and general tourists. ing and picnicking. Huge rock formation with water running through, formed in such a way that there is an Buomu, Nuamakrom entrance. The cave can host 30 people. It is said Great rock formation. It has a cave with several that it never gets dry, and believed to be the home apartments. The development of this site could of a god - a humble tiger becoming visible when attract activities like caving, rock climbing, sight- certain rituals are performed. The place could at- seeing and climbing. tract activities like rock climbing and camping. Snake-Like Oil Tree # HISTORY

profit after they have fought heavily and suffered THE ORIGINS OF THE TWIFO severe losses. They were rather obliged to hand them to the Asantehene, so they migrated to About the people also referred to as Twiful, Twifur, Twiforo, Teuful Cape Coast to declare their allegiance to the Brit- ish flag after they notified the Asantehene that he simplest and most obvious etymology were fleeing from the Ashantis. Whilst the Ashan- they would no longer serve him. Tof this name is that it refers to the Akan tis were chasing them, they ask for their where McCarthy, the then governor of the Brit- dialect Twi and fo meaning people. But in older about and they were told wo twifuro ha - mean- ish Gold Coast Colony, accepted them as alias literature and on old maps appear variants of the ing they climbed towards this direction. Hence to the British but advised them to look for land name. A good reason that further light may need the name Twiforo. The Europeans struggling to to settle on. They therefore settled at Mampong to be shed on its origin. pronounce Twiforo later called them Twifo. The (Twifo) so that the journey to Cape Coast would Another, more reasonable explanation is indigenes of Twifo fled because they were not al- be shortened in case the Ashantes come after that the name came about when the Twifo people lowed to retain their own captives for their own them, before settling at Mampong, they first settled at Mbraem, however, some left and settled at Nwenenaso and Buabeng whiles others moved to Agyempoma. The language spoken is a composi- tion of Fanti and Twi with the Twi being domi- nant. They are Akan in origin. After the Gyaman war waved by Osei Bonsu that the Twifos left the Ashantes. They were the last Akan group to migrate from the Ashantes and migrated with the Denkyiras and the Akyems (Akims). The Denkyiras left under the leadership of Odeefoõ Boamponsem I. The Akyem (Kotoku) were under the leadership of Nana Attafuah I, while the Twifo were led by Owusu Koko I. 18 Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District Assembly Newsletter 2015

# Chieftaincy # Panorama

Our Traditional Authorities >> continued from page 1 Our district is endowed with traditional leaders at all levels in two paramountcy’s: Twifo Traditional and Atti-Morkwa Traditional Area

hiefs are very instrumental in the adminis- or their community. They form also assist Dis- Ctration of districts. To preserve their role as trict Security Committee (DISEC) sometimes a symbol of national unity, the constitution has to resolve major conflicts amongst community barred them from active participation in party members (Conflict resolution role). politics. Chiefs make laws and rules in consultation Chiefs play a developmental role: they mo- with the council of elders and the diverse rep- Exhibition of farm produce at the Farmers Day cel- bilize the different groups and stakeholders liv- resentation of the people in the community or ebration at Moseaso ing in the local environment to work together traditional area (Legislative role). They have im- for success of programs and projects. During the parted pronouncement on economic activities, he announced that Odikro of Binponso Essuekyi monthly observation of the National Sanitation resources and environmental management, social and the chairman of Twifo Beekeepers Associa- Day, chiefs from the two paramountcies play and disputes resolution in the local communities tion were in Bolgatanga to receive a National very instrumental role in mobilizing their people in their kingdoms (Executive role). Award in beekeeping. to come out and clean their communities. They Last not least: In their spiritual Role, chiefs The DCE reminded farmers that there are use their expertise on the need and aspirations of serve as intermediaries between the people and few 5 horse power and 17 horse power pump- the communities to alleviate or reduce poverty. the ancestors who are regarded as a living dead. ing machines in the regional capital. These can Chiefs resolve disputes and conflict between Hence chiefs have an important role to play in be acquired on hire-purchase with 50 percent ethnic groups and individuals in the local areas our country. initial deposit and the remaining to be paid in installment. He made mention of the district having 22 Operational Areas with only 8 Agri- Obrempong Appiah Nuamah II cultural Extension Agents. The government in his attempt to improve the AEA-Farmer Ratio brempong Appiah Nuamah II was born on has introduced Electronic-Extension System OMarch 3, 1960 as Kingsford Yaw Ashiato nationwide. Interested farmers need to be to Opanin Kojo and Victoria Korkor. He had his registered online with their geographic posi- primary and middle education at Morkwa and tions picked by a satellite server. He thanked began his working years at Tarkwa Gold Mines all those who sponsored the program to make but later joined Ghana Education service as a it a success. teacher after the successful completion of the In his speech, the DCE also emphasized Akrokeri Teacher Training College in the Ashanti the high collaboration between the govern- Region. Obrempong continued to University of ment and the private sector in the implemen- Education and attained a diploma in Basic Edu- tation of agricultural programs. All farmers in cation. He held the position as a head teacher for the agricultural value chain should see them- six years before he was transferred to the District’s selves as one and make efforts to support each Education Office at Twifo Praso. He is currently other in order to improve production in the the district’s Welfare Officer at the Ghana Educa- district. There is the need to invest in road sec- tion Service at Twifo Praso. He set up the Twifo- tors to help improve agriculture in the district. man Foundation to help teeming needy but bril- “In our district, 20 km of bitumen cocoa roads liant children pursue their education. are to be constructed to link our district to As- Obrempong Appiah Nuamah II sin Fosu and Dunkwa-on-Offin to support the production and export of cocoa”. He acknowl- Oseadeeyo Kwesi Kennin IV edged the roles played by the Hon. Member of Parliament and the District Assembly in open- seadeeyo Kwesi Kennin IV is known in ing a number of feeder roads that were in bad Oprivate life as Jonas Osei Yankson. shape during the period of heavy downpour. He graduated at the Takoradi Polytechnic He finally urged the staff of the Ministry of after completing secondary education at the Agriculture in the district to intensify their ef- Tarkwa School of Mines. Nana had received forts in providing services to farmers. his primary education at Morkwa Catholic and About 15 farmers won various awards for D/A Middle School. Prior to his ascension onto their achievements in farming crops like rice, the throne, Jonas Osei Yankson was a timber cowpea, maize, yam and poultry. The best merchant and chairman of the Board of Direc- farmer award went to Dr. Kofi Annor from tors of the Twifo Rural Bank. Nuamakrom. The DCE congratulated all Jonas Osei Yankson ascended onto the farmers who won awards for their hard work throne as Omanhene of the Atti-Morkwa Tra- and entreated those who contested but did not ditional Area on 7th April 2013. win not to be downhearted: Through observation and implementation of good agricultural Oseadeeyo Kwesi Kennin IV practices, their efforts will be recognized. TWIFO/ATTI-MORKWA District Assembly Newsletter 2015 19

# PANORAMA

A MODEL NURSING AND TAMDA BECOMES PILOT DISTRICT A TOP AGRICULTURAL PROJECT: MIDWIFERY TRAINING COLLEGE IN “ACCESS TO INFORMATION” TWIFO OIL PALM PLANTATIONS

Entrance to the college in Twifo Praso Participants of the Kick-off conference TOPP advertising their various qualities

The Nursing and Midwifery Training College In June 2015, the German media training in- Twifo Oil Palm Plantations Limited (TOPP) is lo- commenced in 2007 and was officially com- stitute Deutsche Welle Akademie launched a cated at Ntafrewaso with a nucleus planted area missioned in May 2009. Since September, four-year project “Access to information” in co- of 4,234 ha and 1,913 ha for smallholders. The 2011, the school started the training of Diploma operation with the GIZ supported “Support for nucleus area stretches about ten kilometers in Nurses with Diploma in Midwifery Nursing. Decentralization Reforms” (SfDR) programme, north-south and six kilometers in east-west di- The college is currently running three diploma and Twifo/Atti-Morkwa being one of only four rection. The rest of the concession is covered programmes in addition to the Health Assistant pilot districts in Ghana. A kick-off conference with a palm-oil factory, offices, accommodation Clinical (HAC). These are diploma in Commu- involved 35 participants from the district assem- for staff, a recreational center, clinic, police sta- nity Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery. bly, CSOs, local NGOs and traditional authori- tion, banks and schools. TOPP started in 1978 The institution is affiliated to Kwame Nkrumah ties. This was followed by a session with civil as a result of a special agricultural project ini- University of Science and Technology (KNUST). society actors and NGOs and five-day training tiated by the Government of Ghana in 1977. The vision of the institution is to become a Mod- sessions with the local radio station Arise FM Today, major shareholders include the Govern- el Multi Nursing and Midwifery Training College. and staff of the district assembly. ment of Ghana and PS Investment.

# DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS This information is provided essentially to increase interactions between the assembly and its stakeholders.

Department / Unit Name Contact Office Location Central Administration Edward Abazing 020 6663673 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Department of Cooperatives Obeng Annan 024 6669328 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso District Environmental Health Unit Isaac Entsiey 054 8814113 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Birth and Death Mariam Manso 027 2853042 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Human Resources (HR) Akosua Nkoaa 027 8190655 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Budget Louis Owusu-Ansah 024 4780163 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Internal Audit Unit Yussif Fahizu 024 8514019 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Center for National Culture Mathias Kwame Ayi 024 0776628 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso District Planning Coordinating Unit (DPCU) C.K. Opoku 024 3306896 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Social Welfare and Community Development Kofi Kwakye 024 6311434 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Finance Department Eugene Sapathy 024 3681454 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Works Department Eric Nyame 024 4969376 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Town and Country Planning Department Augustine Annan 024 3686767 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Information Services Department (ISD) Matilda Ansah 024 7587226 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Ghana Health Service (GHS) Dr. J.B. Annan 024 3978903 Twifo Praso, Assembly Road Ghana Education Service (GES) Amos K. Hammond 024 2277136 Twifo Praso, Fosu Road Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Emmanuel Acquaye 020 8209111 behind Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Non-formal Education Division P. F. Hamenu 020 6808980 Old Council, Twifo Praso National Disaster Management Org. (NADMO) Salifu Yakubu 024 4188538 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Oppong Nkansah 024 6598561 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso National Com. for Civic Education (NCCE) Elizabeth Ocancy 024 6736427 Assembly Block, Twifo Praso Police Commander Attibu Lambert 024 4575157 New Market, Twifo Praso National Ambulance Service Charles K. Dawson 024 3815977 New Market, Twifo Praso National Fire Service Joseph O. Solomon 024 5855011 New Market, Twifo Praso District Veterinary Officer Christian Yawli 024 3406386 behind Assembly Block, Twifo Praso # LOCAL ECONOMy

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Twifo/Atti-Morkwa District tries to give a boost to its economy through Local Economic Development (LED)

wifo Atti-Morkwa District tried to give Ta boost to its economy through LED. The Rural Enterprise Project has been estab- lished in the district and it is the main driver Bee-keeping to help support small businesses and the un- employed with skills training and provision of small grants to promote economic activities and growth in the district. The district through LED has supported many micro and small scale enterprises with skill training and product development skills to a number of individuals in areas such as bee keeping, soap making, dress making, cassava processing, shampoo and hair con- ditioner making, leather works, palm oil extraction, marketing strategies, leadership training and credit management. The program has also inculcated saving habits among the project client. Distilling Akpeteshie Black soap made in Praso

Cassava processing Locally produced bar soap

Palm-oil processing

Learning how to do leather works Training in soap-making

Proudly presenting self-made bee-hives! A rich choice of agricultural products Acquiring skills, having fun!