MINUTES OF FIRST ORDINARY MEETING OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FOURTH

ASSEMBLY OF THE ASHAIMAN MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON MONDAY 19TH APRIL,

2023 AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF THE ASHAIMAN MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY.

DAY 1

MEMBERS PRESENT ELECTORAL AREA

1. HON. AZOGI AYAGIBA ANANGA NII TETTEH AMUI EAST

2. HON. ALBERT BOAKYE OKYERE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE

3. ALHAJI SAAKA DRAMANI SECRETARY

4. HON. NII MENSAH ABO

5. HON. APOKOLA BABA RABIU NII ANANG ADJOR

6. HON. YAKUBU AMADU NII TETTEH AMUI WEST
7. HON. FREEMAN TSEKPO NII KOMIETEH

8. HON. ENYONAM KUDAHOR GOVT APPOINTEE

9. HON. YUSIF HAMIDU GARIBAH NII DOKU
10. HON. MEMUNATU LABARAN BARRY GOVT APPOINTEE
11. HON. SAVIOUR KUFORDZI TEBIBIANO
12. HON. EMMANUEL TETTEH MANTEY GOVT APPOINTEE

13. HON. EMMANUEL AGBOSON TETTEY NKPA

14. HON. KUDOVOR KWAKU KENNETH MONI OBAANYE

15. HON. FRANK TEYE EMA OHIE

16. HON. CHARLES K. KISSI GOVT APPOINTEE

17. HON. EMMANUEL KWABINA NARH NII MAN

18. HON. NII AYIKU KABUTEY NAA MERLEY

19. HON. SETH OCLOO OBAAKATSE

20. HON. MOSES ATTERH OSABUTEY TSINAI AGBER

21. HON. AWUDU MOHAMMED MANMOMO

22. HON. IDDRISU ALI MAILAGA GOVT APPOINTEE

23. HON. BINFO DACOSTA JOHN GOVT APPOINTEE

24. HON.ERIC GREGORY KWATAI GOVT APPOINTEE

25. HON. IDDRISU ALI MAILAGA GOVT APPOINTEE

26. HON. SALOMEY NKANSAH GOVT APPOINTEE.

IN ATTENDANCE

1. DAVID.M. TUGLO CENTRAL ADMIN

2. FRANCISN DANZERL FINANCE
3. CLIFFORD HENAKU BUDU MDE
4. ELIZABETH ADU-OPOKU AGRICULTURE
5. MIGHTY SEKPEH PHYSICAL PLANNING
6. ARCHIBALD MENSAH SWCD
7. SAEED AHMED BISHARAT WORKS
8. ALIDU.M. AMIN INDUSTRY & TRADE
9. DANIEL ACQUAH DISASTER PREVENTION & MGT
10. JOSEPH COMMODORE URBAN ROADS
11. SETH AGBOTTAH TRANSPORT
12. ADUAMAH GILBERT STATISTICS
13. STELLA MAWUENYEGA HUMAN RESOURCE
14. GEORGINA SAMLAFO BIRTH & DEATH DEPT
15. COLLINS OHENE GYAN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
16. ATOGRAH NICHOLAS MUN. BUDGET
17. NANA YAW ADUSEI MUN. INTERNAL AUDITO
18. GIFTY GYAMFI EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTANT
19. EMMANUEL J.Q. SEOKOU NON-FORMAL
20. PATIENCE WILSON INFORMATION SERVICE
21. MOSES AYARIGA NAT.LIASON OFFICER
22. HENRY MWINGOGLE HEAD OF BNI
23. MICHEAL KPOTOSU MENSAH ZONAL COUNCIL
24. IRENE OWUSU ANSAH ZONAL COUNCIL
25. CHARITY VORYEE ZONAL COUNCIL
26. APPERKEY BISMARK ZONAL COUNCIL
27. BUSBY ASEIDU M.E.H. O
28. YAHAYA NAFISATU RECORDS
29. HAYFORD BUGRI REVENUE HEAD
30. PHYLLIS LAMISI ASST PLANNER
31. RUTH GYIMAH ASST BUDGET
32. ABUKARI MARTIN HEAD, CITY GUARD UNIT
33. CYNTHIA ANIBEA MCD’S SECRETARIAT
34. KWASI ADU GYAMFI MUN. INFO ASST
35. SHAIBU OSMAAN ASST. DIRECTOR IIA
36. EUNICE ASANTEWAA OFOSU ASST. DIRECTOR I
37. MAGDALENE ISSAH ASST. DIRECTOR IIB
38. PERPETUAL OTOO ASST. DIRECTOR IIB
39. PERFECT ADIDOBOH HEAD, CSU
40. AHORBO JULIET SELASI ASST. DIRECTOR IIB
41. MARGARET.B. AGUSIKA ASST. DIRECTOR IIB
42. ABUKARI MARTIN CITY GUARD
 43. AGBOADA GLADSTONE NIA
44. AMOS ADUSEI BONSU PROCUREMENT

S\N PROCEEDING ACTION BY

1.0 OPENING

The meeting was called to order by the Presiding Member, Hon. Azogi
Ayagiba Ananga at 11:00 am. The opening prayer was said by Clifford
Henaku Budu, Municipal Education Director.

2.0 APOLOGIES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

2.1 Apologies

There was no apology

3.0 Opening Remarks by the Presiding Member

Hon. Presiding Member (PM) welcomed all members to the meeting and
entreated them to be decorous in their submissions and contribute
meaningfully to the deliberations. He subsequently led the House to
observe a minute silence for the late Hon. Dr. Donkor a former Assembly
member in the Municipality.

3.1 Amendments of the agenda

Hon. presiding member (PM) read the agenda for the meeting and sort
the pleasure of the House for correction and discussion of the previous
minutes.
 READING, CORRECTIONS, AND CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
DISCUSSIONS OF PREVIOUS MINUTES OF 16TH DECEMBER, 2022
Corrections, Omission, and Approval of the Previous Minutes
Day 2; page 34; last paragraph; the dates “Tuesday, October 6 2020 to
Tuesday, October 5th 2020 ” to read “Monday, October 5, 2020, to
Monday, September 6, 2021”

• Page 1. ‘YUSIF H. GARIBAH’ Should read YUSIF HAMIDU GARIBAH

• Page 5. “SOCIAL SERVICE” corrected to read “SOCIAL SECURITY”
• Page 5 day 2 “RANKED 17TH corrected to read “RANK 15th”

4.0 MATTERS ARISING

4.1 Acquisition of Land Bank for Future Developments

On the acquisition of land banks for future development, the head of the
Physical Planning department informed the house that 21 sites have
been identified and submitted to PM for due diligence. He added that
steps were been taken to identify other sites.

The meeting, therefore, tasked him to brief the house on the above
PPD
subject in the subsequent meeting.

4.2 State of Public Toilets in the Municipality

The meeting was informed that the main market toilet was under
construction. Be that as it may, the Assembly was in partnership to
 procure the services of private companies to construct the remaining
toilets that are in a deplorable state.

In a related matter, the Works Department has halted a private

MWE
construction of a toilet by an individual in the Manmomo Electoral area.

4.3 Proposed Construction of a Security Gate

The meeting was informed that a design and cost were submitted to
management for consideration regarding the security gate. The Works WE
department was to update the house on the next sitting.

4.4 Encroachment on Irrigation Development Authority (IDA) Land

The house wanted to know if there has been any action taken by IDA on
the above issue, the Municipal Co-ordinating Director stated that details
of the issue will be addressed in the Executive Committee report to be
read by the MCE and also informed the members that a representative
from IDA will also be briefing the House on the same issue.

4.5 Education Director’s Bungalow

On the development of the Education Director’s Bungalow, the MCD

commented that the Education Director’s bungalow had been completed
and that he has taken occupancy of it.
4.6 Market Manager

In relation to the Market Manager, the MCD informed the House that the
Market Manager had been dismissed from the post after the issue was
referred to Development Planning Sub-Committee.

4.7 Decongestion of Public Walkways

With regards to the decongestion of the Public Walkways, the MCD

informed the House that the project was being implemented in the main
market. He added that the city guard in collaboration with Urban Roads DUR/CG
will ensure the decongestion exercise in the entire Municipality.

8.8 Purchase of Office Equipment

In relation to the equipment needed for the offices, the MCD stated that
MPO
management is taking it into consideration – i.e. the management was
prioritizing the issues and was in the process of procuring them gradually.

3.9 Revocation of Permit.

The house wanted to find out whether the motion raised by Hon. Godwin
Tsimese during the emergency meeting on the revocation of the permit
on the Sakasaka Park until the final determination of the ownership of
the land has been carried.

The MCD responded that management in extensive deliberations,

referred the matter to a legal practitioner for advice. Additionally, the
LEGAL
Assembly has been requested to provide documents that prove the
ownership of the land.
 On the other hand, Hon. Ayiku asked the Assembly’s lawyer to be present
in the next Meeting since he has not been formally introduced to the Sec.
House.

Motion

In the absence of any further deliberations, Hon. Freeman moved for the
acceptance of the previous minutes and as a true reflection of the
proceedings. The motion was seconded by Hon. Nii Abo Mensah

4.0 BUSINESS OF THE DAY

4.1 PRESENTATION OF MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S SESSIONAL

ADDRESS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

The Municipal Chief Executive presented his First ordinary address of the
Third session of the Fourth Assembly to the House which entailed
activities undertaken, challenges and achievements made during the
year under review, and what to be done subsequently. The MCE used the
occasion to eulogize Assembly Members for their meritorious service to the
Municipality.

The areas MCE touched on included Security, Revenue Mobilization and

Financial Performance, Environmental Sanitation and Waste
Management, Education and Sports, Health, Roads, Infrastructural
Development, Social Intervention, Transportation, Agriculcture and Food
Security, Property Address System and Climate Change which had
culminated in a significant improvement in bringing the objective of the
24-Hour Liveable City Agenda into fruition.

He indicated that over the past thirty-seven months, despite budgetary

 constraints, the Assembly has worked hard to improve service delivery to
the good people of Ashaiman and set in motion key policy initiatives and
flagship projects to maintain local economic stability, boost revenue,
promote private sector led job creation, boost agricultural productivity,
provide quality education, and develop entrepreneurship skills creative
skills, sanitation, among others.

He also outlined physical infrastructural projects undertaken in the

Municipality in various sectors during the year under review.

He then congratulated Hon. Assembly Members and Unit Committee

Members whose unmatched efforts contributed towards the realization
of those achievements.

He then situated the address on the following;

4.2 Revenue Mobilization and Financial Performance;

The house was informed by the MCE that the entire spectrum of financial
activities of government which is guided by the principles of
effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability are the
foundation on which the Assembly will achieve its development goals. He
added the Assembly had always adhered to fiscal discipline, allocative
efficiency, and operational efficiency in accordance with the Public
Financial Management Act, 921 of 2016.

Below is a summary of the performance indicators:

• Revenues from Internally Generated Fund (IGF) was GHS

4,366,456.32, out of the total Budgeted estimate of GHS
4,334,441.50 representing 100.7%;
Touching on Property Rate the MCE indicated that year on year the
property rate continues to show huge potential.

The MCE noted to the house that the population in the Municipality is
becoming increasingly urbanized which requires city managers and
stakeholders to develop strategies to address the associated
socioeconomic consequences. As a result, he implored the Hon.
Assembly Members, and all stakeholders to get involved by educating
the citizenry on the need to obtain development permit before putting
up structures.

However, he then outlined the following activities have been earmarked

for 2023 to boost revenue generation.

• Organize Town Hall meetings at all Electoral Areas to present the

Assembly’s performance in 2022 and planned activities for 2023;
• Prosecution of rate defaulters to serve as a deterrent to others;
• Introduce a mobile money payment system to provide convenience
for ratepayers;
• Deploy a special task force to collect penalty fees from developers
who have put up structures without requisite permits.
• Intensify education on the need to obtain a development permit
before erecting structures.

The MCE seized the opportunity to announce to the august house that to
ensure efficiency, reduce leakages and maximize collections, starting
January 1, 2023, the property rate collection will no longer be taken by
the Assembly alone but in partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He urged the Hon. Members to link up with the resident Associations and
 educate the citizens on new development.

4.3 Management of health promotion

The Municipal Chief Executive indicated to the house that attaining a low
mortality rate is one of the key objectives of policymakers and
implementers. The latest Health Review assessment revealed a decline in
morbidity trajectory based on health promotion activities we have
undertaken over the period. Some notable achievements over the period
under review are;

• Protecting Every Child's Potential (PECP) Project: The purpose

of the project is to analyze the LEAD content in the blood of
about 400 children under 5 years in Amuidjor Sub-municipal
(Fitter-line)

• HIV/AIDS screening: Livingstone Foundation with support

from the service organized HIV/AIDs screening for about 381
people in the municipality

• Malaria Eradication: Continuous distribution of about 7,857

Mosquito Nets for children under 5years and 11,862 for
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC). 25,075 Resistance
Temperature Detector (RDT) Kits to all health facilities in the
municipality. This goes a long way to prevent malaria in
pregnant women and children under 5 years.

In a related development the MCE informed the house accordingly

Assembly was recently adjudged number one in the Greater Accra region
in terms of nutrition on the recent district league table rankings and
second in the regional, during the 2022 regional health rankings through
the Municipal Health Directorate.
4.4 Status of Roads Works and Infrastructure and Urban Transport
Under roads, the MCE informed the house that there has been
substantial improvement and expansion in terms of condition and
coverage. He added that the works included community-specific
interventions to address specific community challenges, and arterial
improvements to improve time and network connectivity. He then gave
a brief breakdown of the road infrastructure; Pink Lady Road (1.67km),
Jericho (3.0km) and Tulaku (1.7km).

However, the MCE mentioned that GH¢950,000 was budgeted to be used

on 10km of routine maintenance within the year in the following
communities; Lebanon, Middle East, Communities 22 and 22 extension
whiles Newtown roads cost 300,000.00.

He concluded that work is steadily progressing on the rehabilitation

works programmes that are at various stages of completion.

The MCE touching on infrastructure mentioned that his vision of the

administration is to ensure that all ongoing projects are duly completed
and handed over to the user community.
In furtherance to this, he hinted that budgetary allocations has been
made for various sectors including the following;
• 22 Economic Development
• 55 Social Development
• 14 Environment, infrastructure and Human Settlement
• 63 governance, corruption and Public Accountability
• Energy Planning and Preparedness.
• Implementation, Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation.
However, he added that, the infrastructural developments and activities
were aimed at improving healthcare service delivery and the quality of
education. The other activities through development control ensured
that developers were constructing in line with the national building
regulations. He intimated that, decongestion and demolition exercises
were carried out to reduce flooding incidence in the Municipality.
He concluded, by informing the August House about some achievements
the Assembly has gained and ongoing projects notably; Completion of a
single-story 3-bedroom residence for the Director of Education at
Community 22, Construction of 1No. 2-Unit KG Block with ancillary
facilities and the supply of furniture for the SDA Basic School at Roman
Down and Construction of U-drains along selected roads within Lebanon
and filter lines as well as Construction of Girls’ Dormitory (Phase 2) at
Ashaiman Senior High School, Construction of isolation ward (Phase 2) at
the Ashaiman Polyclinic and Construction of a fence wall around the
stadium at Roman Down.
Highlighting on the transportation MCE indicated that, transport will
continue be a key driver of the local economy and the proper planning
and implementation of transport-related interventions. He said that this
will creates opportunity for jobs creation, improve access, reduce
congestion and improve the management of the city.

Indeed, the transport sector is important to the extent that it facilitates

trade, exchange and travel thereby directly impacting all other sectors of
the economy.
 He informed the house that, towing of wrongfully parked vehicles, a
project which has impacted positively on the traffic situation by
significantly reducing congestion in and around the Central Business
District (CBD), whilst generating some revenue for the Assembly.

4.5 Government Social Interventions;

The house was informed about the social interventions that the Assembly
had instituted to complement the lives of people such as Livelihood
Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the disbursement and capacity
building for People With Disabilities (PWDs), and amicable resolution of
child protection cases in the best interest of children. I am happy to
inform you that, the Management executed a number of social
intervention programmes as follows;
• Amount paid for LEAP for the year 2022 for 2 payment cycles was
GH¢50,932. 244 individuals who benefited comprised 86 male
and 158 female caregivers on the programme.
• Total amount of GH¢83,500.00 was disbursed to 31 PWDs in the
municipality.
• Total child protection cases received for the year were 296 cases,
out of which: 228 cases were amicably settled, 74 cases are
pending resolution, and 30 cases have been referred to the family
tribunal for redress. A total amount of Two Hundred and Eleven
Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty-Six Ghana Cedis (GH¢211,466)
was received on behalf of the aggrieved mothers to take care of
their children.

Concluding on social interventions the MCE said that there are still some
pockets of the vulnerable in the municipality to reach out to with these
 interventions, I, therefore, make a clarion call to Civil Society
Organizations, Faith Based Institutions, and Corporate Institutions to
support the Assembly in catering for these people within our society.

4.6 Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management

Under the Sanitation and Waste Management, the MCE indicated that to
develop critical infrastructure to stimulate growth and ensure a clean and
healthy environment.

In the area of sanitation, we have achieved the following specific goals:

• Desilting of drains and sweeping of the streets.
• Organise 12 monthly clean-up exercises in all electoral areas as
well as the main market and the main Lorry Station within the
municipality
• Disinfection and disinfestation activities were done in all 17
electoral areas including container sites, refuse dumps and public
toilets.
• Burial of unclaimed paupers. The Assembly over the period has
picked Seven (7) dead bodies in collaboration with the Municipal
District Police Command. Five (5) were sent to the Police
mortuary for further investigation and two (2) were buried at the
community 9 cemetery in Tema.
In all those instances, Hon. Members played major roles in the handling
of these paupers and I commend them for that.

In a related matter, the MCE inform the house about a modern transfer
station that would be commissioned in the Municipality in a few days,
which is expected to serve as a transit point for refuse disposal before
 final evacuation to the landfill site. In addition, all tricycles are obliged to
deposit waste at all transit stations. He however wished that a permanent
processing plant shall be installed.

In a related issue, MCE indicated, for sanity to prevail the Assembly would
collaborate with DVLA to ensure that all tricycles operating within the
Municipality will be embossed, insured, and licensed. He cautioned that
no tricycle from a different municipality would be allowed to operate in
Ashaiman.
MCE in conclusion indicated that, there are more strategies aimed at
registering all solid waste service providers, an inspection of selected
premises, increased awareness on hygienic practices, scaling up the
screening of food vendors, enforcement of the sanitation bye-laws and a
more active engagement with stakeholders and service providers as well
as prosecuting sanitary offenders as a deterrent to others to adhere to
the law.

4.7 CLIMATE CHANGE

Under the climate change programme, the MCE mentioned that, the
municipality was able to plant 5000 seedlings last year, he, however,
wished that 10,000 seedlings would be planted in the 2023 green Ghana
day.

5.0
REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

5.1 Works Sub-Committee

The MCE informed the house of the following outlined issues and seeks
for approval of same.
 • that, necessary steps should be taken to stop indiscriminate
springing of unauthorized structures that was gradually
enveloping the Municipality;
• That, the Assembly should embark on education on the
acquisition of development permits by potential developers in the
Municipality;
• That immediate steps should be taken to renovate the NIB
building which is in a deplorable state.

5.2 Agricultural Development

The MCE addressed the house on the issues of agriculture and presented
the following for consideration and approval;

• Development Control laws should be enforced to halt

unauthorised development on IDA lands.

5.3 Environmental and Sanitation Management

The Assembly is committed to providing sanitized environment. The MCE

in light of the above presented the following for approval from the
general assembly.

• That necessary steps should be taken to review the contract

between the Assembly and the service providers.

5.4 Social Services

It was reported to the general house that the Assembly had made
significant gain in institutionalising and creating a social protection
 system. In this regards the MCE presented to house for approval of the
following:

• That necessary actions should be taken to build classroom block

for the primary division for Ashaiman No.1 JHS.
• That the Assembly must ensure that all the caterers selling food in
various schools premises go through health screening
• The committee recommended that Ashaiman JHS No.1, Ashaiman
JHS No.4 and Cluster of Schools JHS No.3 needs to be connected
to the national grid.

5.5 Finance and Administration (F&A)

The general house was informed that the Assembly was mandated to
take all necessary measures to ensure that the municipality is managed
in such a manner as to maximize the rate of economic development and
to secure the maximum welfare of every citizen in the municipality.
Pursuant to this, the MCE presented the following for approval
• Refer to Appendix A

5.6 Development Planning

The meeting was informed that the Assembly seeks to create stakeholder
engagement for all our developmental projects to their fullest and the
pursuit of infrastructure through appropriate stakeholder participation
and strategic investments. To this end, the MCE indicated following;
 • That a two-story toilet facility should be considered to meet the
increasing demand for use of the facility and also maximize the
use of the available space for the project.
• That, a Public Private Partner arrangement should be considered
since the Assembly does not have needed funds to fund the
reconstruction by itself.
• That the management of the toilet facility should be separated
from the franchise agreement of the car terminal if developed
under the PPP arrangement.

5.7 Justice and Security

The MCE reported that the Assembly continues to focus on the

wellbeing, personal safety and security of the good people of the
Municipality. In light of this, he presented the following for the general
house consideration;

• The Assembly should move the District Court from its current
location to the Ashma Assembly Hall, this recommendation is to
forestall any future eventuality as the building housing the Court
has deteriorated and at the verge of collapse. This would also save
the Assembly resources that can be used to build a new structure
for the court.
• As a result of the increasing population and rising crime rates in
the Municipality, the Committee recommends that the Assembly
should have a plan to expand the courts in the Municipality to
have at least two District Courts and two Circuit courts.
 • The Assembly should include in the budget, a plan to expand the
Circuit Court cells to include female cells.

Hon. Gregory Kwatia moved that the Municipal Chief Executive’s

Sessional Address and Executive Report be accepted for discussion. The
motion was seconded by Hon. Freeman Tsekpo.

Motion carried.

8.0 ADJOURNMENTS:

In the absence of any further deliberations, Hon. Emmanuel K. Narh

moved for the adjournment of the meeting. The motion was seconded
by Hon. Seth Ocloo.
Motion carried.

CLOSING
The meeting ended with a closing prayer by Hon. Charles Kissi 1:28 pm
 Day 2 (20/04/2023)

ITEM PROCEEDINGS ACTION BY

1.0 OPENING

The meeting was called to order by the Hon. Presiding Officer at 11:.18 am. The
opening prayer was said by Hon. Amandu Yakubu

2.0 APOLOGIES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

2.1 Apologies

There was no apology

3.0 PRESIDING MEMBER’S OPENING REMARKS

The Presiding Member welcomed all members to the First Ordinary meeting of
the Third Session of the 4th General Assembly and expressed his gratitude to the
House for their immense support of the Hon. Assembly.

He commended Management’s efforts in achieving the number one position with

respect to the nutrition on the recent District league table ranking.

In a related development, the Presiding Member urged the Hon. MCE to ensure
that effective structures were put in place to continue achieve his developmental
agenda of making Ashaiman “a 24-hour liveable city”. He also entreated the
General House to fully support the “Operation Clean Your Frontage” programme
spearheaded by the Regional Minister in the MMDAs to transform the
Municipality.
4.0 PRESENTATION BY MUNICIPAL POLICE COMMAND

The Municipal Police Command led by Alhassan Osman present to the general
house the security situation in the municipality during the period under review.
In his presentation expressed his gratitude to the House for the opportunity given
him and took to introduce himself as Supt. Mr. Osman Alhassan (District Police
Commander) with Supt. Mr Antwi Tanoh (District Crime Officer), Supt. Mrs.
Benedicta Amara (Divisional DOVVSU), ASP. Mr. Bukari Ibrahim (2 nd in charge,
District Commander), ASP. Mr. Isaac P.K. Avornorkadzi (3 rd in charge, District
Commander).

The commander informed the general house that a Three-shift system has been
introduced because the workload was unbearable. He indicated that Ashaiman
enjoys better security service than before as a result of the shift system. He
explained that the shift system comprises Four (4) Senior Police Officers at the
District level with other officers totalling 128 officers in Ashaiman currently.

Additionally, he said the police need the support of all stakeholders i.e., MCE,
Chiefs, Assembly Members, and citizens to help improve upon the security issues
in Ashaiman.

In a related development, he breasts the house with the crime rate in some
suburbs of Ashaiman including the Lebanon zone 2 catchment area due to the
citizen’s watch night, followed by the Middle East neighbourhood watch
committee.

He ended the presentation with first-quarter statistics of crime in the

Municipality including various offences. See Appendix A.

He ended his presentation with some challenges that the District Command faces:
 • Non-payment of volunteers
• Lack of logistics (more police station and more men at post)

• lack of cooperation by citizens in the Municipality

• Lack of accommodation for personnel
• Lack of Visibility in most communities (put up streetlights at various
locations and CCTV cameras in town.
• Road network within the Municipality hinders easy movement of patrol
vehicles.

The meeting unanimously agreed that management should as matter of urgency

support the district command to resolve some of the challenges that are MCE
confronting them to enable them operate efficiently and effectively.

QUESTIONS

The general house wanted to know a common contact number that was reliable
and can be called in case of any emergency.

In response, the commander gave out these emergency numbers 191-18555,

0542719093, and indicated that it is Tema Control Room.

5.0 PRESENTATION BY IDA SCHEME MANAGER

The Manager of the Irrigational Development Authority (IDA), Mr. Tetteh Samuel
Dawuona in his presentation gave brief historical antecedents to the fact that the
IDA lands are farmlands and that all the allocations are done at the head office.
He also reported that some portions of the land have been encroached on by Real
Estate developers and peasant farmers.
He also informed the house about the areas that are part of the IDA catchment
areas. Land that stretches from Adjei Kojo road to Jericho police station and a
portion after ECG were all part of IDA lands as well as land close to Zoom lion and
DIF.

In his conclusions, he mentioned that some of the challenges that they have at
hand is with the traditional leaders.

In a response to a question on the lease of the IDA lands in Roman down the
scheme manager informed the house that the Roman down area has not been
leased to anyone by IDA.

But in a shrill rebuttal the MCE said that despite the fact that IDA lands have not
been leased there are a number of development springing up in the area. The MCD/MWE
MCE subsequently drew the attention of the MCD and Municipal Works Engineer
to take the necessary action to bring sanity to that enclave.

In addition, the MCE cautioned the manager saying whatever decision the IDA
manager wants to implement must be brought to the Assembly’s attention.

It was unanimously agreed that the MCE, Physical Planning, and IDA scheme
manager should plan together on how to develop the area.

Furtherance to that, Hon. Freeman move that the scheme manager should be
Secretary
present at the next General Assembly meeting to give an account of all the issues
relating to the IDA lands. The motion was seconded by Hon. Seth Ocloo.

Motion carried.
6.0 BRIEF BY NIA COORDINATOR

The Coordinator for National Identification Authority in a brief presentation

informed the house that the office had about a back lock of 6,332 and out of
which have managed to issue about 200 cards in March. Notwithstanding, the
above there are about 4000 cards are to be issued to the communities.

The Co-ordinator added that, plans are underway to engage with stakeholders at
various communities within the Municipality on the old cards from 2019 – 2020.

In addition, the office is in preparation to roll out a scheme where a list of all
applications and dates of card insurance will be made available to all honourable
members.

7.0 DISCUSSION OF SESSIONAL ADDRESS

7.1 General Administration in the Municipality

Under the General Administration, the Municipal Co-ordinating Director

indicated that management was in readiness to implement the plan and prepare
programmes.

7.2 Security Situation in the Municipality

In an exhaustive deliberation, the house wanted to know the reasons the address
did not capture the Military invasion.

The MCE indicated that he will give a comprehensive report on it when the
national security had finished its investigation during the next sitting.

In a related issue, the meeting unanimously agreed that the Assembly should
mount Closed-Circuit Television cameras (CCTV) within the office premises to
ward off criminals.
 In another development, the general house wanted to know when the new office
complex building will be completed this became necessary that the Assembly was
faced with space.

The MCE responded that the office would be completed as soon as possible as
soon as funds are released from the DACF.

He added that the furniture for the new block was ready and that the only
challenge was getting the building ready for use.

In a related issue, added that the Assembly was ready to move the court to the
old block with ancillary facilities to avoid interference from the offices.

7.3 Environmental and Sanitation Management

During the discussion of the address, one thing that came up was the clean-up
exercise in the various electoral areas within the municipality. To this end, the
house agreed that some of the community mobilization funds should be
channeled to take care of the exercise.

The issue of the waste treatment plan came for discussion of which the house
agreed that management should organize a field trip to the waste transfer MCD/MEHO
treatment centre.

The meeting in extensive deliberations agreed that the Assembly should intensify
the registering of all solid waste service providers, an inspection of selected
premises, increase awareness of hygienic practices, scale up the screening of food MEHO
vendors, enforcement of the sanitation bye-laws and more active engagement
with stakeholders and service providers as well as prosecuting sanitary offenders.

Additionally, the house agreed that Management should collaborate with the
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to register all the refuse tricycles
within the Municipality to ensure smooth regulation of their activities. MCD/TO

MCE argued that there was legal backing for the insurance and embossment of
tricycles.
 A member of the house reported that trucks have started parking on the Jericho
bridge and along the road which was causing a nuisance.

Commenting on the above issue MCE said that the works engineer and the city
Guard should put signs post (no packing) on the Jericho Bridge. MWE/CG

In a related development MCE indicated that construction of the new transfer

station has been completed called Safisana along the Adjei Kojo main road to
curtail the challenges of waste raw material into high-value products.

7.3.1 Screening of food vendors

In the prevalence of hepatitis B, it became necessary that the Assembly organize

a health screening among food vendors.

The MCE commenting on this indicated that the assembly was sabotaged by
unmasked people to prevent people from screening. Nonetheless, there were
some who defied the odds and came for the screening.

The MCE additionally, expressed outrage and threatened to report the issue to
the Regional Minister for appropriate sanction if the offers are found culpable.

In a health-related issue the Municipal Health Director gave some statistics about
the top ten (10) diseases which include HBV were 4654 cases.

In 2020 about 4654 cases were reported, in 2021 - 618 cases, and in 2022, 3872
cases.

Furtherance to this the house agreed that management should put measures in
MCD/MHD
place to curb the situation if not eradication.

7.4 Management of Education And Sports

The MCE informed the house about the life-transformation strategies to be
implemented in 2023 to boost the inclusive educational system in the
municipality including
• Improve school facilities, especially the classroom blocks that need re-
roofing and facelift;
• Increase enrolment of students in public schools;
 • Training of early childhood and kindergarten teachers will be
prioritized;
• Support technical and vocational institutions;
• Strengthen and equip the Education Oversight Advisory Committee, an
independent inspection body, to ensure that standards are maintained
or improved across pre-tertiary education;
• Provide sporting facilities and revive sporting competition among schools;
He indicated that children with special needs are not left behind, but are assisted
by specialist teachers with skills in differentiated teaching methods.
7.5 Management of Health Promotion
Under the health promotion, the Hon. MCE reiterated the success that was gained
during the district league table rankings. To this end, the Hon. Presiding Member
urged the august house to commend the Municipal Health Director and her team
for the achievement.
The Municipal Chief Executive assured the house that management shall commit
more resources to the Health sector to achieve more success for the municipality
in a pragmatic way.

7.6 Road Works in the Municipality

With regards to the decongestion of the Public Walkways, the MCD informed the
House that the project was being implemented in the main market. He added that
the city guard in collaboration with Urban Roads would ensure the decongestion
exercise in the entire Municipality.
It is also worth mentioning that works are steadily progressing on the
Rehabilitation works programme in the municipality.
The MCE assured the house that despite the progress of the rehabilitation works,
the municipality would witness more roads development as the Assembly DUR
continues with routine maintenance works especially desilting, cleaning of curbs
 and drains, grading of selected roads and pothole patching as well as upgrading
and graveling of selected roads, resealing, drain and culvert construction.

7.8 Infrastructural Development

The house was informed that management had put in more pragmatic
programmes to realize the completion of the ongoing programme and initiate
new ones.
Despite the assurance from the MCE on the uncompleted projects, members
exercise their displeasure at the delay in the completion of the projects.
The house, therefore, agreed that the Work department should brief the house
on the state of all the projects that are ongoing at the next sitting. MWE

7.9 Revenue Mobilization and Financial Performance

The house was informed that the Assembly continues to be fiscally disciplined
by respecting the limits set for us within the budget approved by this august
House.
Meanwhile, the following activities have been earmarked for 2023 to boost
revenue collections:

• Organize Town Hall meetings at all Electoral Areas to present the

Assembly’s performance in 2022 and planned activities for 2023;
• Prosecution of rate defaulters to serve as a deterrent to others;
• Introduce a mobile money payment system to provide convenience for
ratepayers;
• Deploy a special taskforce to collect penalty fees from developers who have
put up structures without requisite permits.
• Intensify education on the need to obtain development permit before
erecting structures.
 He took the opportunity to appeal to Hon. Members and all stakeholders to get ISD
involved by educating the citizenry on the need to obtain a development permit
before putting up structures.

7.10 Implementation of Unified Property Rate Collection

The Hon. Chief Executive informed the house that effective January 1st 2023, the
Ghana Revenue Authority had partnered with the Assembly to collect property
rate. He added that GRA in conjunction with the Land Valuation Board of the
Lands Commission will be embarking on property valuation in the municipality.

7.11 Government Social Interventions

The house in extensive deliberations under the government social intervention
programme, management informed the house that there are still some pockets
of vulnerable in the municipality to reach out to, and all possible means are been
SW/CD
put in place with these interventions. He, therefore, made a clarion call to Civil
Society Organizations, Faith Based Institutions and Corporate Institutions to
support the Assembly in catering to these people within our society.

7.12 Management of Urban Transport

The meeting was informed that, towing of wrongfully parked vehicles, a project
which has impacted positively on the traffic situation by significantly reducing
congestion in and around the Central Business District (CBD), whilst generating
some revenue for the Assembly.

He informed the house that, the Assembly, we will continue to prioritize the
transport sector by improving the regulation of all forms of public transport
DOT
through an enhanced registration and permitting system that is expected to
eliminate all the shortfalls associated with same.
 To this end, he said effort are being made to regulate public transport operations
through improved planning and enforcement to ensure sanity in the sector and
the safety of our citizenry.

7.13 Management of Agriculture and Food Security

The MCE informed that house the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, since
its inception, has benefitted smallholder farmers within the Municipality through
the provision of subsidized certified seeds and fertilizers to improve their farming
activities.

He mentioned that during the period under review 1,500 kg of hybrid seed maize
was received and the same was distributed to farmers within the municipality
under the seed subsidy and 2, 850 bags of NPK and 1,200 bags of Urea were
received and distributed to 747 farmers within the Municipality comprises of 664
males and 83 females under the fertilizer subsidy.

He said that the annual production of onions in the Municipality is about 240
metric tons culminating to an increase of about 11% taking the production level
to about 266.4 metric tons.

In a related matter the MCE indicated that, to promoting agribusiness in the

municipality the Assembly will collaborate with the Aquaculture Centre in
Ashaiman to promote fish farming in various homes in the municipality as well as
promoting home gardening through the “A” frame in 2023.

7.14 Street Naming and Property Addressing System

The MCE informed the house that during the year under review, eighty one (81)
development applications were received in the year under review out of which
sixty (67) have been processed and forwarded for approval. Fifty-Six (56) were
approved and eleven (11) were deferred.
 Furthermore, approximately 150 developments were stopped from constructing
without requisite permits from the Assembly, He added that the Assembly has
prepared an “As-Built Local Plan” for the Middle East and has also obtained some
of the planning schemes from TDC Development Company Limited.

Motion.
Without further discussions Hon. Emmanuel Tetteh Mantey moved for the
acceptance of the Sectional Address and Executive Committee Report as working
document. The motion was seconded by Hon. Godwin Tsimese.

Motion carried.

8.0 ADJOURNMENT
In the absence of any further deliberations, Hon. Freeman Tsekpo moved for the
adjournment of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Hon. Nii Ayiku
Kabutey.

CLOSING

The meeting ended with a prayer by Hon. Binfo Dacosta at 3:41 pm

………………….…………………… ………..……………………….………….
HON. AZOGI A. ANANGA ALHAJI SAAKA DRAMANI
(PRESIDING MEMBER) (SECRETARY)

Recorded by:
Perpetual Otoo
(Assistant Director IIB)

Magdalene N. Issah
(Assistant Director IIB).

Selasi Ahorboh Juliet

(Assistant Director IIB)