Offinso Municipal Assembly Holds Stakeholder Meeting on Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report
On 26th June 2024, the Offinso Municipal Assembly organized a stakeholder meeting to discuss findings from the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report and explore strategies for integrating them into development planning. The session, held at the BAC Conference Room, brought together Heads of Departments and Units to examine poverty beyond income levels by assessing deprivations in education, health, employment, and living conditions.

The meeting featured presentations from Mr. Ebenezer Kwame Amofah, Municipal Development Planning Officer, Ms. Memuna Issifu, Municipal Statistician, and Nana Kwesi Kontor Asmah, Head of MIS. Ms. Issifu provided an overview of the MPI, highlighting that 23.5% of Offinso’s population is multidimensionally poor, with employment and lack of health insurance as the most significant deprivations. Mr. Amofah emphasized the importance of using the MPI findings to guide resource allocation, strengthen social protection programs, and align development efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, Mr. Asmah introduced the District Development Data Platform, a tool designed to improve data collection, project monitoring, and reporting. He encouraged departments to utilize the platform for real-time tracking of development interventions to ensure accountability and informed decision-making.

Discussions centered on strategies to reduce multidimensional poverty, including targeted job creation, expanding access to health insurance, and improving education and vocational training opportunities. Participants agreed on the need to incorporate MPI findings into sector plans, prioritize social protection initiatives, and enforce the use of the data platform for monitoring development programs.
The meeting reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to evidence-based planning and sustainable development, with a follow-up session scheduled to assess implementation progress.