THE WESTERN REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL HOLDS GHANA’S 67TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY AT SEKONDI GYANDU PARK

On Wednesday, 6th march 2024, Ghana celebrated its independence across the country under the theme ‘’Our Democracy, Our Pride’’. Annually, this historic event is celebrated to remind us of the struggles and the sacrifices our forefathers endured for us to attain independence from our colonial masters. The freedom, the democracy, and the peace we are experience is as a result of the legacy our forefathers left for us.

The event was graced by the presences of traditional and religious leaders, political, opinion leaders, heads of department, teachers, public and private sector workers, security services, students, farmers, artisans, traders, the media and the general public.

The Regional Minister, Dr. kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah who doubles as the member of parliament for the good people of Takoradi in his address made mention of the struggles and the sacrifices our forefathers went through for us to get where we are now. He emphasized that Ghana have come a long way and that this 67th independence Anniversary should remind us of our democratic values, the responsibilities bestows upon us, and collectively, envision the future we aspire to build.

Ghana is recognized as Africa’s beacon of democracy. It is however crucial for us to acknowledge that Ghana’s democratic history has relatively recent roots, emerging in the 20th century. The country’s journey towards democracy began with her independence from British colonial rule. Prior to gaining independence in 1957, Ghana, then known as Gold Coast was under British rule without any democratic system in place.

The Regional Minister also stressed that in the early 20th century, a nationalist movement led by Paa Grant, R.S. Blay, J.B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah (popularly called the Big Six) advocated for self-rule and democracy. This period witnessed the formation of political parties in the 1940’s and 1950’s, leading to Ghana’s independence on 6th March, 1957.

In a democratic system, power is decentralized, and Local Governance plays a crucial role in ensuring that our needs and interests are being addressed in a tailor-made fashion. Ghana’s Local Government system is arguably one of the best across the continent of Africa. Ghana continues to prioritize good governance and effective public administration at the grassroots level.

The Regional Minister made mention of how Government is always committed to uphold the principles of democracy. This assurance remains steadfast especially as we look ahead to December 7, 2024, a pivotal moment in our democratic calendar, the government reassures the nation of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, recognizing that the electoral journey is a shared one, and every eligible citizen must embrace the power vested in their vote. Trust in the electoral system is paramount, and the government is dedicated to upholding the integrity of the process, guaranteeing that every citizen’s voice is counted and respected.

It is worth noting that the responsibility to adhere to the principles of democracy is not confined to the realm of formal governance alone, or levels of governance. It is a duty that permeates our daily interactions, shaping the dynamics between individuals, organizations, and traditional structures. By upholding democratic tenets in our workplaces, communities, and traditional settings, we contribute to the harmonious fabric of a society founded on fairness, justice, and mutual respect.

 The Regional Minister, Dr. kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah added that democracy is not a passive endeavor. It requires the active engagement of each citizen. Our pride in this democratic legacy must translate into a sense of responsibility. He cautioned that as citizens of this great nation, we hold the pen that writes the narrative of our collective destiny and that our voices be heard not only on Election Day but in the spaces where policies are shaped and decisions are made. Our democracy flourishes when we actively participate, question, and contribute to the discourse that shapes our nation’s trajectory.

Ghana witnessed a steady trend in socio-economic growth over the years. Government interventions such as trade liberalization and private sector participation have led to increased economic opportunities. Particularly, contributions from policies of the current NPP government and programmes like the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), support to People Living with Disabilities, One District-One-Factory, Planting for Foods and Jobs have all boosted socio-economic empowerment.

The Regional Minister addressing the people said our region is home to a wealth of untapped talent in various fields, from arts to entrepreneurship and innovation which presents the future of not only our economy, but also, the aspirations and dreams of our young people.  You are the driving force of any nation’s development. 

 Innovative thinking, energy, and fresh perspectives can be harnessed to shape a brighter future for our region. Entrepreneurship, the spirit of starting and managing one’s own business, is a powerful avenue for young people to channel their creativity, ambition, and drive. He therefore encourages each and every one, especially the youth, to consider entrepreneurship in addition to their academic and other career paths you chosen, not only to seek employment, but also to help address local and global challenges. He implores the youth to have a red car mentality to spot opportunities and to create wealth for the development of the Western Region.

He added that the developmental projects of the Western Region, the transformative strides in development that are shaping the landscape of our communities. The government’s commitment to infrastructure projects, economic empowerment, and social welfare in the region is unwavering. New initiatives are unfolding, laying the groundwork for a region that thrives in all aspects.

In conclusion the Regional Minister said that despite the strides and the gains consolidated from our constitutional democratic journey, we must bear in mind that our democracy is a continuous work in progress. We must remain vigilant in safeguarding the principles and values that underpin our democratic system. We should continue to fight against corruption, promote good governance, and ensure the equitable distribution of resources.

The Regional Minister commended the Hon. MMDCEs and able Nananom, Security Agencies, Heads of Organizations and all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to ensuring Western Region’s development.

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The Hon. Regional Minister is pro-business, believes in sustainable development and is a lead advocate for the oil and gas local content in the parliament of Ghana. He is an experienced politician and business development advocate.

The Hon. Regional Minister as a student of Mfantsipim School, he produced the first science magazine of the school in 1993.

He holds a BSc(Hons) Biochemistry degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology(Ghana) and a Master of Arts degree in Democracy,
Governance, Law and Development from the University of Cape Coast(Ghana). In
2014 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree (DL Honoris Causa) by AIUCC,
Missouri USA.

Joining Parliament in 2009 till date he has served on many Parliamentary Committees and
delegations including Foreign Affairs, Roads and Transport, Education and Subsidiary
Legislation Committee that developed the current local content law, LI 2204. Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah became a member of the 2016 New Patriotic Party Manifesto Committee on Energy and a member of the 2017
Government Transition Team on Energy.

He founded the IT Company, e-Base Africa Ltd with his elder brother and became the Managing Director in 2001. His leadership introduced broadband internet in the Western Region and KNUST Kumasi.

For his commitment and pragmatic leadership ethics, he still serves on the Boards of
Raybow International Hotel, ORPED International, Western Regional Coastal
Foundation (an Oil & Gas not-for-profit), Citizen Advisory Council and Students in
Free Enterprise of Takoradi Technical University.

His vision is to make the Western Region a model one hinged on three main pillars of:
i. Entrepreneurial Governance System,
ii. Enterprising Western Region, and
iii. working to achieve the thematic areas of the Sustainable Development Goals mainstreaming and empowering the Youth
He recently received the award of the most outstanding business leader of the year – Public Sector at the prestigious Ghana Business Standard awards 2019 and the Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Centre in partnership with Dynasty Group – Qatar presented by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar.

She was the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency from 2001 to 2016 for 4 terms. Whilst in Parliament, she became a Parliamentary Leader for 12 years as a Deputy Chief Majority and Minority Whips.

On issues of women empowerment, Mrs. Gifty Kusi has had a lot of training and experiences. She was the Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus in the Parliament of Ghana and the Convener of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians for Africa and the Africa Representative to the international Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians to conferences.

As a member of the Gender and Children Committee, she became the Ranking Member for the committee from 2012 to 2016.

She also attended the West African workshop on Women in Politics in Sierra Leone organized by Gender and Youth Division, Commonwealth Secretariat in London

Her training also took her to the United Nations Sessions of the Committee for the Status on Women (CSW) on three occasions at the New York Headquarters in New York, USA. She also attended the Committee On Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Conference in Geneva UN Office to defend the status of Ghanaian women.

She attended the session to defend the Child Rights of the Ghanaian Children in Geneva with the Minister of Gender and Children on two occasions.

She attended a 3-Month Internship Programme, at the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights and African Women Leadership course in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 1999.

She served on the Committee on the Drafting of Affirmation Action Bill presently before Cabinet and also attended the session on African Commission On Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights held at the Gambia

She also attended a workshop to Review Laws on Female Genital Mutilation and to Advocate for Law Reform and on Early Childhood care and Development sponsored by Ghana Association of Women’s Welfare and the Ministry of Gender and Children all in Accra

She is a women activist who has presented papers at various conferences on energy, mining and women issues. She also served for 12 years on the Health Committee as a Vice Chairperson and as a member. She attended many conferences on health and the World Health Assembly by the WHO in 2014.

Mr. Ataogye is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Administrators and Management Consultants Ghana (2018); a Chartered Professional Administrator (ChPA) and a Chartered Management Consultant (CMC).

He was appointed into the Ghana Civil Service (and later the Local Government Service) in May 1990 and has been responsible for the management of the Assemblies’ and the RCC’s Human, Material and Financial Resources; superintending their operations/management, planning co-ordination, resource mobilization as well as service delivery and project implementation.

 

Mr. Ataogye has a: “let’s fix it” attitude – a true problem solver. He demonstrates strategic and transformational leadership. He is an experienced Administrator / Co-ordinating Director of high repute and is very affable with effective communication and negotiation skills.

 

Mr. Ataogye, as a student of Nandom Secondary School (1980-1982) and Notre Dame Seminary Secondary School, Navrongo (1975-1980) held the post of House Prefect in both schools.

 

He holds a BSc(Hons) Administration (Management) from the University of Ghana, Legon and a Master of Governance and Leadership (MGL) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He also has to his credit, certificates from GIMPA for the Chief Executive Programme, Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration.

 

National Service Assignment

Mr. Michael B. Ataogye fulfilled his National Service obligations at the Navrongo Secondary School (1983/84), where he taught French and Economics and later in 1989 at the Asutifi South District assembly, Kenyasi in the Brong Ahafo Region.

 

Awards

In 2005, he was awarded the Best Senior Staff for Good Human Relations, Staff Motivation and Initiative; and for Leadership provided for the Landscaping and Beautification of the Asante Akim South District Assembly Grounds at Juaso.

 

He was commended by the Head of Civil Service for Good 2004 Annual Administrative Performance and Reporting (Asante Akim South District Assembly, Juaso).

 

He was also commended by the Civil Service Council for Excellent Performance in the Execution of the 1999 Performance Agreement of District Co-ordinating Directors (Aowin Suaman District Assembly, Enchi).

 

Additional Assignment

Mr. Ataogye served as a member of the Management/ Governing Board of Kumasi Rattray Park (June 2015-December 2016) and a member of the Governing Board of Prempeh College, Kumasi (Feb 2015-Feb 2019).

 

For his commitment, innovative and pragmatic leadership as well as ethical conduct, he served on the Boards of the following institutions;

 

He was the Chairman for the Social Committee on the Resettlement of Atuabo Community near Tarkwa (1996-1997) and Chairman for Ejura-Sekyedumase Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (Jan,2009-Nov,2019).

 

Training/Career Development Courses and Seminars attended

Among the several training courses, seminars and workshops attended are the following:

 

Thesis and Dissertations presented

Mr. Michael B. Ataogye researched and worked on the following topics;