The Ga West Municipal Assembly has successfully held its Nine Lessons and Carols Service as part of activities to mark the end of the 2025 year and celebrate the Christmas season.

The event brought together the Municipal Chief Executive, the Honourable Member of Parliament for the Amasaman Constituency, the Presiding Member, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Assembly Members, department heads, staff, security personnel, media representatives, and National Service Personnel. Representatives from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service underscored the importance of the occasion.

During the welcome address, Issac Kwakye, the Municipal Coordinating Director, officially welcomed all participants and highlighted the significance of the gathering. She noted that the event provided a rare opportunity for staff, service personnel, and leadership to interact as one family, particularly following changes in leadership during the year.

He emphasised that the Nine Lessons and Carols Service was not only to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ but also to foster forgiveness, unity, and stronger interpersonal relationships among staff and stakeholders, as the Assembly prepares for a new year.

Delivering remarks, Hon. Desmond Nai Sowah, the Municipal Chief Executive, reflected on the spiritual meaning of the Nine Lessons and Carols, describing it as a reminder of humility, integrity, compassion, and hope, values that align with public service.

He outlined key achievements recorded under the Assembly’s 2025 Annual Action Plan, particularly in environmental sanitation and waste management. He highlighted intensified clean-up exercises and enforcement of sanitation regulations, noting that December 13 to 20, 2025, was designated as Sanitation Week in the municipality.

Special commendation was given to the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Assembly Members, Heads of Departments, and staff for their active participation and leadership in sanitation activities.

In the education sector, the MCE indicated that the Assembly had supported basic schools and initiated and continued classroom infrastructure projects, with plans to showcase ongoing projects in the coming year.

On health, he revealed plans to upgrade health facilities, including improving emergency buildings and developing a modern CHPS compound equipped with a laboratory and pharmacy.

Addressing market organization, the MCE expressed concern about traders occupying pedestrian walkways, posing risks, especially to schoolchildren. He announced that while traders would be allowed to enjoy the Christmas festivities, enforcement to clear pavements would commence immediately after the holidays.

The MCE also announced the introduction of a holistic staff appraisal system beginning in 2026. The system will assess productivity across all categories of staff to improve efficiency and accountability within the Assembly. He stressed that public service must be driven by productivity, discipline, and commitment rather than complacency.

He acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of staff across all departments, including administrative, finance, planning, engineering, environmental health, and social services, noting that their collective efforts form the backbone of the Assembly’s successes.

 The Honourable Member of Parliament for the Amasaman Constituency, Hon. Sedem Afenyo, during his remarks commended the leadership and staff of the Assembly for their efforts in 2025. He disclosed that one of the key challenges facing the municipality is the absence of a mortuary at the municipal health facility.

He announced that plans were far advanced to construct a mortuary within the municipality, describing it as a critical intervention to ease the burden on residents during bereavement.

The MP also emphasised the need for attitudinal change towards work, stressing the importance of punctuality, commitment, and dedication as essential ingredients for development. He encouraged staff to use the Christmas season as a time for reflection, review, and self-improvement.

The event concluded with renewed calls for unity, professionalism, and ethical service delivery. Leaders challenged staff to remain focused, people-oriented, and committed to serving the residents of Ga West with integrity.

Best wishes were extended to all staff, stakeholders, and residents for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, with prayers for good health, peace, and collective progress in the municipality.

SOURCE: DORCAS ASANTEWAA OSEI. ISD, GWMA