A newly constituted ten (10)-Member HIV/AIDS Committee of the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly has been sworn into office to spearhead the Municipality’s response to HIV and AIDS.
The committee, chaired by the Municipal Chief Executive, Christian Tetteh Badger, has been given a four-year mandate to guide, coordinate, and monitor HIV/AIDS interventions within the municipality.
Members of the committee took the Official Oath and the Oath of Secrecy during an inauguration ceremony held in Accra on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Addressing the committee the swearing-in ceremony, Hon. Badger stressed that HIV and AIDS remain major public health concerns affecting families, productivity, and the future of communities.
He noted that the fight against the disease could not be left to the health sector alone, emphasizing the need for coordinated action, strong leadership, and active stakeholder participation.
“That is why this Committee matters. Your mandate is clear: to guide, coordinate, and monitor our local response to HIV and AIDS,” he stated.
Hon. Badger charged members to mobilise resources, intensify public education, reduce stigma, and ensure that prevention, treatment, and support services reach all parts of the Municipality, particularly vulnerable groups.
“As you take your oath today, remember that you are serving the people. Your work must be guided by integrity, accountability, and a commitment to results,” he added.
He assured the committee of the Assembly’s support, noting that the success of its work would depend largely on members’ dedication and collaboration.
According to him, the Assembly remains committed to creating an environment where no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
“Together, we can reduce new infections, improve access to care, and protect the dignity of all residents,” he said.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, John Nana Owu, urged members to be punctual and committed to meetings to enable the committee effectively carry out its mandate.
Technical Coordinator at the Technical Support Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Rita Afriyie, said HIV remains a manageable condition despite continuing challenges.
She disclosed that about 335,000 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana, with approximately 12,000 deaths recorded in 2025 and more than 15,000 new infections reported nationwide.
Madam Afriyie also expressed concern about the growing number of orphans affected or infected by the disease, noting that orphanages caring for such children were already overstretched.
“We want to reduce new infections among the population despite the lack of funds to carry out programmes,” she said.
At the national level, she explained that District Assemblies were being engaged to strengthen community education and support treatment interventions spearheaded by the Commission.
She further highlighted the “95-95-95” strategy aimed at identifying persons unaware of their HIV status, ensuring access to treatment, and reducing infections to the barest minimum.
Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Khadijah Ali expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged the committee’s commitment to advancing HIV-related activities in the Municipality.
Source: onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson, AD IIB