The Department of Co-operatives is a government agency charged with the administration of Co-operative Societies Decree NLCD 252 of 1968.  The main statutory functions include:

1. Registration of groups into Co-operative Societies
2. Audit and inspection of Co-operative Societies
3. Arbitration of disputes among Co-operative Societies
4. Liquidation of Co-operative Societies

The Department also functions to create awareness among the general public about benefits of:

i)    Group Development and
ii)    Education and Training of members, Staff and Board of Managers of Co-operative Societies
The Department is under the Ministry of employment and social Welfare.
   
Mission
The Department of Co-operatives envisions that all types of Co-operatives and Farmer-Based Organizations operate as efficient member-owned and managed business enterprises.

Vision
The department exists to facilitate the development of vibrant Co-operatives and Farmer-Based Organizations that are capable of contributing positively to sustainable employment generation and Agricultural Growth, Poverty Reduction and Community Development through capacity building, policy implementation, co-ordination monitoring, evaluation and regulation based or our belief in group action.


Objectives
The department pursues two broad short term objectives which derive from the Ministry’s broad sectional objectives.

Short Term
i)    To promote and encourage the creation of an enabling environment for accelerated growth and development through Co-operative action.
ii)    To improve capacity building and skills training for the Co-operative in the Municipality.

Long Term
The department aims at ensuing that all Co-operatives as well as Farmer-Based Organizations operate as life long viable business entities that can complete effectively with other forms of businesses.

Policy
The department pursues the policy of making all Co-operatives take care of themselves with little reliance on the government.

Staff List
The Department is headed by Municipal Co-operative Officer with two other supporting staff.  Below is the detail analysis of the staff.

Constaints/Challenges
The office lacks logistics to work with.  Inadequate budgetary support is making it difficult to reach more Societies.  The Office does not have enough Staff to work with.  There is only two Technical Staff to manage the Affairs of the Co-operatives in the Municipality.

Most of the Societies do not want to renew their certificate for a fee of GH¢5.00 per annum.  They do not submit their financial records for auditing in compliance with the NLCD 252 of 1968.

Administrator of Stool Lands
The Office of the Administration of Stool Lands ( OASL) exists to enhance  Stool/skin Land Revenue Mobilization and Disbursement and ensure efficient Management of Stool Lands for the benefit of present and future generation.

Functions

1. Established Stool Lands Account for each stool into which shall be paid all rents, dues and royalties.
2. To collect stool Lands Revenue and Account for same to the beneficiaries.
3. Disburse Stool Lands Revenue to beneficiaries according to the constitution.
4. Consult with Stool and Traditional Authorities on the Administration and Development of Stool Lands.   
5. Co-ordinate with the Lands Commission and other Stakeholders in preparing policy framework for rational and productive development of Stool Lands.
6. To facilitate the establishment and operation of Customary Land Secretariats for Traditional Authorities
7. Research into Stool Land issues
8. The Office/Department is under the Ministry of Lands and Forestry.

The Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands wishes to assist the District, for their various projects through Disbursement of Monthly Returns.   

Challenges Facing the Department

1. Most of the Defaulters in the payment of ground rent in the municipality are not Willing to settle their differences.  So we have decided to form joint Task Force in order to retrieve all amount involved.
2. The Department needs a new office because the one we are using now belongs to the District’s Court.   
3. Municipal Stool Lands Officer needs your help by providing him an  Accommodation.

Refer to pdf file attached for tables