By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), Aug. 09, GNA-Mr Jacintho Andrews Kwaku, the Presiding Member of Jasikan Municipal Assembly and Dean of Presiding Members in the Oti Region, has commended the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, for what he described as his visionary, inclusive and collaborative leadership, which continues to strengthen local governance and accelerate development across the region.
The commendation was made during a courtesy call by the Presiding Members of the various Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the region on the Regional Minister, at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council in Dambai.
The visit was to express appreciation for the Minister’s commitment to participatory governance, his accessibility to local authorities, and his consistent engagement with key stakeholders in the decentralisation process.
Mr Kwaku, who is also the National Dean of Presiding Members, Ghana, said the Minister’s regular consultations with Presiding Members had deepened cooperation between the Regional Coordinating Council and the Assemblies, creating an enabling environment for frank discussions on developmental challenges and practical solutions.
He said such engagements had enhanced transparency, accountability and mutual respect among local governance actors, thereby improving decision-making and service delivery in the region.
“The Minister has demonstrated that effective leadership is about listening, consulting and working with all stakeholders. His open-door policy has strengthened confidence in the decentralisation system and inspired us to contribute our quota towards the region’s development,” he said.
Mr Kwaku noted that the Presiding Members remained committed to supporting initiatives that would promote peace, unity and sustainable development in the Oti Region.
He said although the region continued to face challenges in road infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery and economic opportunities, collaborative leadership and effective partnerships would help address those concerns.
“As one of Ghana’s youngest regions, Oti possesses enormous agricultural, tourism and human resource potential. We believe that through unity, transparency and effective leadership, the region can become one of the country’s fastest-growing regions,” he stated.
The Dean appealed to traditional authorities, Assembly Members, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to continue supporting the Regional Coordinating Council in implementing development programmes that would improve the living standards of residents.
Responding, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong expressed gratitude to the Presiding Members for the recognition and pledged to continue operating an inclusive administration that prioritises consultation, accountability and collective responsibility.
He said the progress of the region depended on the commitment of all stakeholders and assured the Presiding Members that their concerns and recommendations would continue to receive the needed attention.
The Regional Minister urged the Presiding Members to sustain their collaboration with the Assemblies to ensure effective implementation of government policies and programmes at the local level.
He reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to strengthening decentralisation, promoting good governance and creating an enabling environment for socio-economic development across the Oti Region.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the Regional Coordinating Council and the Presiding Members to work together to advance the development agenda of the Oti Region through dialogue, partnership and accountable leadership.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah