Denkyembour District Assembly Holds Social Services Sub-committee Meeting
Posted by Elvis Offei-Bekoe - 1st February 2023
On Wednesday 1st February 2023, the Social Services sub-committee of the Denkyembour District Assembly held its first meeting for the year 2023 to deliberate on issues concerning social services within the district. The Social Services sub-committee is mandated to take a comprehensive and long term look at areas of social development in the district, particularly in areas of health, education, social welfare, sports and culture and also to develop the information base on these areas of social development. The sub-committee is also mandated to identify strengths and weaknesses in the social services areas.
The chairperson for the committee; Honourable Eunice Appiah welcomed all members and staff to the meeting and wished them the very best for the year. She mentioned that some of the planned activities for 2022 could not be implemented due to logistical challenges but was hopeful the year 2023 would be different. She then led the house through correction and deliberations of minutes of the previous meeting which was accepted as a working document for the sub-committee.
The chairperson led the house through planning of activities of the sub-committee for the year 2023. The committee planned to undertake education campaigns on teenage pregnancy through churches, mosques and schools. They also planned on organizing durbars to sensitize the public on social issues. The committee also agreed on embarking on mass registration of Persons with disabilities and also visitation to schools and health centers.
The Head of Department for Social Welfare and Community Development; Mrs Mabel Twumwaa Acheampong briefed the house on some activities being undertaken by the department. She mentioned that in December 2022, fifty-seven (57) persons living with disabilities benefitted from PWD disbursement which included payment of fees, and setting up of businesses for them.
The District Director for Health; Mr Daniel Derby, briefed the house on some activities undertaken by the Health Directorate. He mentioned that there was a public screening on HIV/AIDS in Akwatia. He also mentioned that COVID-19 vaccination carried out in January 2023 has seen over 1193 vaccines being issued out to people for their first doze, second doze and boosters respectively.
The District Director for Education; Mr Thomas More Mensah Tsorhe also briefed the house on activities carried out in the year. He mentioned that there was a Regional Educational Review Forum where progress of each Educational Directorate within the region were discussed including challenges faced for the previous year. He added that, distribution of mathematics text books for basic 1, 2 and 3 learners was undertaken. He also mentioned that the directorate met with all private school owners within the district to educate them about the laid down procedures in operating a private school as enshrined in the Pre Tertiary Act 2020 (Act 1049).
The chairperson for the sub-committee, in her closing remarks, expressed her profound gratitude to all members, heads of departments and staff for taking time to deliberate on issues. She further mentioned that all recommendations would be tabled to the Executive Committee for consideration and approval.