MINUTES OF THE DISTRICT PLANNING COORDINATING UNIT MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 23RD JULY, 2024 AT THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY HALL

OPENING
The meeting began at 10;09am with an opening prayer from Mr. Samuel Dompre

OPENING REMARKS
The Chairman, extended a warm welcome to all attendees and encouraged active participation in the day’s discussions.

READING AND CORRECTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and necessary corrections were made.

ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
A motion was moved by Mr. Charles Boazor, for the acceptance of the minutes as a reflection of the proceedings and as official working document of the District Assembly. The motion was seconded by Mr. Amega Jerry.

DAY’S BUSINESS
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF 2024 REVISED DEPARTMENTAL ACTION PLAN
The District Planning Officer led the session, guiding the presentation and discussion of the review of departmental action plan to form a comprehensive district-wide revised action plan. This collective plan will serve as the foundation for the formulation of the revised 2024 District Composite Budget. The session commenced with an in-depth focus on the Department of Agriculture. Discussion points were directed by the criteria outlined in the performance contract and District Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT) checklist, ensuring the inclusion of programs and projects in alignment with the district’s development objectives. Significantly the Economic Development programs, which encompassed a total of 15 programs, consisted of 10 programs from the Department of Agriculture. The aim was to harmonize these initiatives with the overarching district development agenda. Each program was meticulously scrutinized to ensure its compliance with the district’s developmental priorities.

All parties involved actively contributed their respective perspectives and proposals, ultimately fostering a comprehensive strategy to shape the upcoming revised district composite budget for 2024.
After the presentation and discussion of the Agricultural Department’s action plan, the department was advised to revise its extension services strategy. It was emphasized that utilizing community information centers as a key medium for disseminating information would be both cost-effective and highly impactful in reaching a broader audience and achieving better results.
It was surprising to learn that neither the Agricultural Department nor the Environmental Health Unit (EHU) could account for the quality and safety of the meat consumed within the district. The EHU explained that an officer, who had been posted outside the district, was still responsible for overseeing meat inspections, thereby complicating the efforts of the officers currently stationed in the district. As a result, it was decided that the EHU should formally communicate this issue to the District Coordinating Director (DCD) to enable the DCD to engage with the butchers and resolve the matter. Subsequently, the DCD was tasked with appointing a dedicated officer to be in charge of meat inspections in the district to ensure proper oversight and regulation.
During the session, the Social Welfare Department provided a comprehensive overview of their planned activities for the year, which were proposed for inclusion.
However, The Ghana Health Service reported that they had targeted 72,000 people for the distribution of bed nets. To date, they have successfully distributed 35,000 bed nets, achieving a distribution rate of 97%. This initiative is part of their broader effort to prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, significantly improving public health within the district and will continue for the rest of the year.
It was noted with concern that there have been numerous complaints regarding Zoomlion’s failure to adequately clean the Central Business District (CBD). This situation reflects poorly on the Assembly. As a result, the decision was made for the District Planning and Coordinating Unit (DPCU) to conduct quarterly monitoring exercises, beginning in the third quarter, to ensure that sanitation standards are being maintained.

It was observed that there was incomplete data from previous medical screenings conducted. Consequently, a decision was taken to contract the Peki Government Hospital to provide food screening services for the Assembly. Furthermore, since medical screening is a social service that necessitates an integrated approach, the Health Directorate will be engaged to collaborate on a comprehensive food screening exercise to ensure improved coordination and efficiency in the service delivery.
OTHER MATTERS
Under other matters, the Chairmen of the Sub-structures were urged to intensify efforts in mobilizing against stray animals within their jurisdictions. This action is crucial, as it contributes directly to the ceded revenue, which helps to improve overall district development and revenue generation.

CLOSING
Miss. Mary Geraldo moved for the adjournment of the meeting and was seconded by Mr. Charles Boazor.

CLOSING PRAYER
Miss Cecilia Donkor prayed to close the meeting at 4:04 pm.
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MR. KENNEDY COBBAH MR. SYLVANUS TETTEY
CHAIRMAN (DCD) SECRETARY (DPO)
EHU&GHS