TRAINING ON INTEGRATING CLIMATE CHANGE AND GENDER ISSUES INTO MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND BUDGETING.

In a bid to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly organized a comprehensive training session for members of the Municipal Planning Coordinating Unit (MPCU) and heads of various sub-committees. The training focused on mainstreaming climate change and gender issues into municipal planning and budgeting. This training program is part of the capacity support component of the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP). The training took place at Busua Beach Resort on Wednesday 25th April,2024 and had participation from 40 stakeholders, including seven women, demonstrating the Assembly’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
The Municipal Coordinating Director Mr. Daniel Kanyage opened the session, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its impacts on the municipality. Mr. Percy Anaab Bukari, President of the Ghana Institute of Planners and an expert in Development Planning and Management, led the training. He provided valuable insights into integrating climate adaptation strategies and gender considerations into planning processes.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. John Agyare emphasized the importance of proactive climate action and integrating climate change into development planning. Mr. Bukari’s presentation highlighted the significance of incorporating climate change and gender-specific needs into planning and budgeting. Participants worked together to develop work plans integrating these elements, followed by presentations and peer critiques.

Mr. Bukari also introduced the LISA platform, a technological tool for district-level planning and management. The platform’s capabilities in GIS mapping, data integration, risk assessment, and decision support were highlighted as crucial for improving disaster preparedness and integrating climate resilience into municipal planning.
The training emphasized the importance of participatory planning and collaboration among various stakeholders. The Assembly aims to develop socially just and climate-resilient interventions by leveraging local knowledge and experiences.

Overall, the training session was a significant step towards building a sustainable and resilient Ahanta West Municipality. Participants gained a deeper understanding of their roles in combating climate change and promoting gender equity in local development planning. The Assembly’s commitment to integrating climate change and gender considerations into planning processes promises a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Ahanta West.
Below were pictures of the event:

ELECTION OF PRESIDING MEMBERS AND SUBMISSION OF RESULTS

Pursuant to section 17(1) of the Local Governance Act 2016(936) and the Revised Model Standing Orders of the District Assemblies.

The Ahanta West Municipal Assembly on 12th February, 2024 held its inaugural meeting and opened nominations towards the election of the Presiding Member as the second business to be transacted.

Two members of the Assembly, namely Hon. Joseph Baidoo and Hon. Timothy Ampem, offered themselves as candidates for the position. However, neither candidate succeeded in obtaining two-thirds of the members’ votes in two consecutive run-offs.

 

S/N 1st Election No. 2nd Election No.
1.      Total Votes Cast 53 Total Votes Cast 53
2.      Rejected Ballot 2 Rejected Ballot 2
  Timothy Ampem 19 Timothy Ampem 19
  Joseph Yaw Baidoo 32 Joseph Yaw Baidoo 32

 

In accordance with subparagraph (4), another election was convened on Wednesday, 21st February 2024, within the stipulated ten (10) days. Hon. Timothy Ampem formally withdrew his candidacy, deferring to his opponent. The Election Officer, Mr. Randy Sokpe, notified the Assembly Secretary of this development. Subsequently, members were called upon to vote (Yes or No) to confirm or reject the candidate. Ultimately, Hon. Joseph Yaw Baidoo emerged as the confirmed Presiding Member, securing 51 votes, which represented 95% of the total votes cast.

 

Ahanta West Municipal Assembly Held its Third Ordinary Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Assembly

On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly held its Third Ordinary Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Assembly at its Municipal Assembly Hall, Agona Nkwanta. The meeting was held to discuss various issues relating to the Assembly, and also mark the official dissolution of the Eighth Assembly of the Municipality.

Prominent on the agenda were the presentation of the Municipal Chief Executive’s Sessional Address and Executive Committee’s Recommendation, presentation, discussion and approval of the 2024 Annual Action Plan, Budget and Fee-fixing, discussion of Auditor General’s Report and briefing on Sanitation Management by Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

In attendance were Hon. John Agyare (Municipal Chief Executive), Mr. Daniel Kanyage (Municipal Coordinating Director), Honourable Joseph Yaw Baidoo (Presiding Member), Honourable Assembly Members, Heads of Department and Unit, some members of staff of the Municipal Assembly and some students from Sankor Senior High School.

Below were some pictures of the event:

 

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF AHANTA WEST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY HELD IT SECOND MEETING

The Executive Committee of the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly held its second meeting on Tuesday 12Th September, 2023 at the Municipal Health Conference room .

Key issues discussed included;
1. Reports and recommendations from Sub- Committees
2. Presentation and Discussion of Revised Annual Action Plan
3. Presentation and Discussion of Revised Budget for 2023
4. TH Water Services
5. Discussion on E-Tankas
6. Discussion on Property Rate Collection

Present at the meeting were the Municipal Chief Executive (Chairperson), the Municipal Coordinating Director, Chairpersons of the various sub-committees and some Heads of Department.

AHANTA WEST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY HELD ITS SECOND ORDINARY MEETING AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly held its Second Ordinary Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Assembly at the Assembly Hall. The meeting was held to discuss various issues relating to the Assembly.

Prominent on the agenda were the presentation of the Municipal Chief Executive’s Sessional Address and Executive Committee’s Recommendation, presentation and approval of the Revised Annual Action Plan and Revised Annual Budget for 2023, and the election of a new Presiding Member of the Municipal Assembly to replace the deceased Presiding Member, Hon. Andrews Intsiful, who also doubled as the Assembly Member for Funkoe Electoral Area. It was noteworthy that Hon. Joseph Yaw Baidoo, government appointee, was elected as the new Presiding Member of the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly.

In attendance were Hon. John Agyare (Municipal Chief Executive), Mr. Daniel Kanyage (Municipal Coordinating Director), Honourable Assembly Members, Heads of Department and some members of staff of the Assembly. Below were pictures of the event:

 

FLOOD VICTIMS IN AHANTA WEST RECEIVES RELIEF ITEMS

With the current flood issues in Ahanta West, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr. John Agyare has solicited for support from various companies to help curb the situation in the municipality.

Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC responded to the plea and has supported the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly with overwhelming relief items to be distributed to the flood victims in the municipality. The items include 200 bags of cements, mattresses, blankets, toiletries and a truck full of sachet water.

Mr. Benjamin Afful-Eshun, Chief Executive Officer of Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC accompanied by some of his staff happily handed over the items to the Assembly for distribution.

The MCE expressed his profound gratitude and stated that these items will go a long way in managing this unfortunate situation; adding that the Ahanta West NADMO officers shall handle the distribution process accordingly.

SISTER CITIES AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN AHANTA WEST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BAHAMAS

We are delighted to share with you the momentous occasion of the Sister Cities Agreement signing ceremony between the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly and the Bahamas. This event, held on Saturday, 10th June 2023, at the Forecourt of the Municipal Assembly, marks a significant step in fostering collaboration and cultural exchanges between our region and the beautiful Bahamas.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including:

Hon. Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Regional Minister
Hon. John Agyare, Municipal Chief Executive
Mr. Daniel Kanyage, Municipal Coordinating Director
Mr. Eric B. Agbo, Head of Administration
Representative of Security Agencies
Hon. Andrew Intsiful, Presiding Member of Ahanta West Municipal Assembly
We were honored to host distinguished guests from the Bahamas, including:

Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahamas, Cabinet Minister, and MP
His Excellency Andrew Wilson, Ambassador-Designate to Ghana from the Bahamas
Hon. Barry Griffin, Senator in the Bahamas
Mr. Prince Kwame Kludjeson, President, Sister Cities Global Africa
Their presence exemplified the importance and commitment to strengthening the ties between our regions.

The Sister Cities Agreement signing ceremony was filled with memorable moments that showcased the spirit of cooperation and cultural diversity. Guests from the Bahamas were welcomed with warm hospitality and experienced captivating displays of our rich cultural heritage. The ceremony included inspiring speeches from the distinguished guests, highlighting the significance of this partnership. It culminated in the formal signing of the agreement, symbolizing our joint commitment to mutual growth and development.

This agreement marks the beginning of an exciting chapter of collaboration between Ahanta West and the Bahamas. Through this partnership, we aim to foster meaningful exchanges in areas of common interest, sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas. Together, we aspire to create lasting positive impacts on our communities, promoting social, economic, and cultural development. Below were pictures of the ceremony.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed guests from the Bahamas, including Hon. Ginger Moxey, His Excellency Andrew Wilson, Hon. Barry Griffin, and Mr. Prince Kwame Kludjeson, for gracing us with their presence and for their dedication to this partnership. Their contribution and support are vital to the success of this endeavor. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities and initiatives that lie ahead as we embark on this remarkable journey with our sister city, the Bahamas.