It is a great honor to address this esteemed assembly on the occasion of the inaugural session of the 1st Ordinary General Assembly of the 9th term. I also join the Hon. Presiding Member in warmly welcoming all members of this distinguished House.
In line with the Local Governance Act of 2016 (Act 936), I am here to present an overview of the current state of our municipality. Together, we will assess our achievements, identify challenges, and strategize toward achieving our development objectives.
Hon. Presiding Member, the report I am delivering today will be structured as follows:
1. Peace and Security
The municipality has largely remained peaceful throughout the reporting period. However, there have been isolated pockets of unrest, but I am confident that the situation will stabilize in due time. Our security forces are on high alert, ensuring that lives and property are protected. I extend my deepest gratitude to our traditional leaders for their unwavering cooperation in maintaining peace, as well as to the security agencies for their vigilance and prompt response to any potential threats.
2. Finances of the Assembly
2.1 Internally Generated Funds (IGF)
The Assembly set a target to raise GH¢683,600.00 in IGF for the 2024 fiscal year. As of July 31, 2024, we had collected GH¢430,440.28, representing 62.97% of the target—an impressive 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023. With continued support from Hon. Members, I believe we can meet or exceed our annual revenue target. The inauguration of Zonal Councils will further strengthen our efforts to improve revenue mobilization.
Plans to establish a livestock market in Busunu have also progressed, with the project submitted to the Ghana Secondary City Support Project office. Approval is anticipated, which will not only boost local commerce but also enhance our IGF performance.
2.2 District Assembly Common Fund (DACF)
Our municipality’s share of the DACF for 2024 was estimated at GH¢4,000,000.00. To date, we have received GH¢320,979.31, representing 8.02%, which has been allocated to ongoing projects. This highlights the critical importance of our efforts to generate revenue internally to support our developmental goals.
2.3 District Development Fund Receipts/RFG-DACF
The Ministry of Local Government communicated that GH¢664,000.00 was allocated for DPAT VI funds, and we have received GH¢434,134.00 so far. DPAT VII is expected to yield GH¢1,319,080.00, comprising both investment and capacity grants. However, to effectively execute our projects, we must ensure robust revenue mobilization, given the reality of reduced allocations.
3. Ghana Secondary City Support Project (GSCSP)
Our Assembly is fortunate to be among the 35 municipal assemblies included in the Ghana Secondary City Support Project. Through this initiative, we have received GH¢5,717,572.68 under UDG III for various infrastructure projects. The Assembly is currently implementing UDG IV, which includes a shopping center and other facilities in Damongo, and plans for UDG V are already in progress, focusing on establishing a modern livestock market in Busunu.
4. Ghana Productive Safety Net Project
We are also enrolled in the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project, aimed at alleviating urban poverty. This initiative, backed by the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, is expected to have a lasting impact on poverty reduction within our municipality.
5. District Roads Improvement Project (DRIP)
In line with the government’s declaration of 2024 as the “Year of Roads,” the DRIP initiative has commenced, and our municipality is set to receive road-opening equipment. This will significantly improve the state of our local feeder roads.
6. Spatial Planning
With support from the Ghana Secondary City Support Project, we are preparing a Municipal Spatial Development Framework and revising two local plans. We also aim to develop a drainage master plan for Damongo, although budget constraints may necessitate phasing the project.
7. Education
The Assembly has completed a 3-unit classroom block in Damongo to support the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education School, with another classroom block under construction. In partnership with the Municipal Education Directorate, we successfully organized the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for 828 candidates, and the municipality’s educational performance continues to improve. Efforts are underway to further enhance the provision of resources and facilities to support education in the area.
8. Water and Sanitation
Our development partners, Global Communities and World Vision, continue their efforts to make our communities Open Defecation Free (ODF). However, community response remains a challenge. With 34 out of 78 communities achieving ODF status, we must intensify our campaign and mobilize community members to construct household toilets. Additionally, the Broto Water System project is making significant progress, promising to improve water access in Damongo.
9. Health
Our municipality has made strides in healthcare with the construction of CHPS compounds and improved maternal health services. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing teenage pregnancies, anemia in pregnancy, and malaria prevalence. We must work together to ensure that critical health facilities, such as staff bungalows, are renovated, and healthcare delivery is enhanced.
10. Agriculture
Through the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, our farmers have benefitted from essential inputs, including fertilizers and seeds. With over 1,093 farmers receiving assistance, this program continues to support food security and livelihoods in our municipality.
11. Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP)
The LEAP program, with 5,025 beneficiaries across 73 communities, has disbursed GH¢4,638,984.00 in support. We also facilitated the renewal of NHIS cards for 420 LEAP beneficiaries, ensuring access to healthcare services.
12. Recommendations from the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee met on August 22, 2024, and made several key recommendations for improving service delivery and promoting development, including enhancing spatial planning, prioritizing the renovation of essential facilities, addressing waste management issues, and reviewing fees to increase revenue.
Hon. Presiding Member, I urge this House to deliberate on the critical issues presented in this report to build consensus and foster progress in the development of our municipality. Let us work together to achieve our shared goals for the betterment of our people.
