The Wassa East District Assembly has officially inaugurated its District Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), marking a significant milestone in decentralizing the national HIV and AIDS response. The ceremony, held at the Assembly Hall in Daboase, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders committed to combating the epidemic at the local level.
Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Ibrahim, the District Chief Executive (DCE), was formally inaugurated as the Chairman of the Committee. In his acceptance speech, he pledged his full support and reiterated the Assembly’s determination to integrate HIV and AIDS concerns into district development planning and implementation.
“I call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of programmes aimed at reducing new infections and improving the quality of life for affected persons,” Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim stated .
The Committee, established under the Ghana AIDS Commission Act 2016 (Act 938), is tasked with coordinating, monitoring, and supporting HIV and AIDS programmes within the district. It will serve as the highest decision-making body for HIV-related activities at the local level and is expected to submit periodic reports to the Regional Committee to ensure accountability .
Multi-Sectoral Representation
The newly inaugurated Committee comprises representatives from diverse sectors, reflecting the multi-sectoral approach required to effectively address HIV and AIDS. Members include:
· The District Chief Executive (Chairman)
· District Health Directorate
· Ghana Education Service (represented by Director Thomas Kwofie)
· Traditional Authorities
· Ghana AIDS Commission
· Christian Council and Faith-Based Organizations
· Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
· Civil Society and Community-Based Organizations
· Women’s and Youth Groups
In his welcome address, the DCE expressed gratitude to the Ghana AIDS Commission and all stakeholders for their commitment to the fight against the disease. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort in addressing challenges associated with HIV and AIDS .
Traditional Leaders Pledge Support
Speaking on behalf of traditional authorities, the Tufuhene of Daboase, Nana Kwaw Piabo, underscored the important role of traditional leaders in community mobilization, advocacy, and public education.
“Traditional authorities are committed to promoting awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination, and encouraging community participation in HIV and AIDS interventions across the district,” Nana Kwaw Piabo assured the Committee.
The Tufuhene’s commitment is significant, as traditional leaders are often the gatekeepers of community norms and values, and their involvement is critical to the success of public health interventions.
Representatives from the Ghana AIDS Commission Regional Office highlighted the Committee’s mandate and encouraged members to actively contribute towards achieving the national goal of reducing HIV infections and improving access to prevention, treatment, care, and support services .
Renewed Commitment to an HIV-Free Generation
The inauguration concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together towards achieving an HIV-free generation and creating a healthy and informed society within the Wassa East District. The establishment of the District AIDS Committee is expected to strengthen the coordination and implementation of HIV/AIDS interventions in accordance with the Ghana AIDS Commission Decentralization strategy .
This initiative aligns with the national HIV and AIDS strategic framework, which emphasizes the importance of decentralized structures in curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS at the local level . With the Committee now in place, Wassa East District is better positioned to design context-specific interventions tailored to its unique terrain, demographics, and challenges .
Credit: Samuel Nii Armah- AD11B
