EASTERN REGIONAL CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL HOLDS ITS SECOND MEETING FOR 2024

On Friday, 29th November 2024, the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council (ERCC) held its second statutory meeting for the year at the RCC Conference Hall in Koforidua. The meeting, chaired by the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, brought together Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), Presiding Members, Regional Heads of Decentralised Departments, representatives from the Regional House of Chiefs.

In his opening address, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong expressed gratitude to all Council members for honouring the invitation to the last meeting of the current Council. He emphasized the importance of the statutory meeting as a platform for reflecting on achievements and challenges while planning ahead for sustained progress. He took the opportunity to express profound appreciation to the Council members, Chiefs, and the people of the region for their unwavering support during his tenure. “Without your collaboration, the management of the region would not have been as smooth, and our shared accomplishments might have been a different story,” he noted.
The Minister commended all Municipal and District Assemblies for successfully organizing the 40th Farmers’ day events amidst challenges. He noted that the Eastern Region distinguished itself at the national level, earning three awards: National 2nd Runner-up, Best Coffee Farmer, and Best Woman Farmer. The region also successfully commemorated the 79th Remembrance Day with contingents from various security agencies participating in the event held at Jubilee Park, Koforidua. The Council highlighted the successful Town Hall Meeting and Exhibition held on 3rd September, 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, which showcased government achievements and gathered feedback from citizens, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.

Hon. Acheampong reported that the region remains calm and secure as the general elections approach. He commended the Regional Election Security Task Force for its proactive measures to ensure violence-free elections and acknowledged the success of the ongoing REGSEC peace tour, which has covered six out of eleven paramountcies, promoting peace among stakeholders. The Minister also shared updates on public health, including the region’s response to cholera cases and other health challenges. He commended the Regional Health Directorate for its surveillance efforts and health education campaigns, which have significantly improved the region’s health outcomes.
The Regional Minister highlighted key educational milestones, including the successful conduct of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior High School Examinations (WASSCE). He also informed members that region participated in stakeholder engagements on the new Secondary Education Curriculum organized by NaCCA.
The Council reviewed progress of flagship programs – Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0) and the Eastern Commodity Satellite Market Fair. The Minister lauded efforts to support farmers affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage and highlighted interventions aimed at boosting food security and resilience. Significant progress was reported under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and other initiatives. The region witnessed the rehabilitation and partial reconstruction of over 23 kilometers of town roads and the completion of 8.32 kilometers of asphaltic overlay works in various districts.
Hon. Acheampong extended special recognition to Mr. John Donkor, a former Regional Co-ordinating Director, for his dedicated service to the region. The Council organized a send-off event in his honour as he retires from the Local Government Service.
In regards to the upcoming elections, Hon. Acheampong called on all stakeholders to ensure peace and safeguard Ghana’s democratic principles. “Ghana has come far in upholding democratic governance, and we cannot afford to fail. Working together, we can ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections,” he concluded. The meeting underscored the ERCC’s commitment to collaboration and proactive governance, ensuring that the Eastern Region remains a beacon of progress and stability.