Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Credit Union of the Ghana Water Company in Ho has presented a quantity of food items and soap to inmates of the leprosarium at the Ho Polyclinic.
These include four bags of rice, two bags of gari, one bag of beans, one bag of sugar and three cartons of key soap.
The chairman of the union, Mr John Mensah, said the donation was part of their social responsibility to the disabled in society.
The medical superintendent, Madam Grace Atiemo, commended the donors for their gesture and promised to distribute them to the target group.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Volta Regional House of Chiefs in a fix.... page 21
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The operation of the legal counsel for the Volta Region house of chiefs is faced with technical hitches and cannot make the office function properly until the resolution of emerging conflicts in the chieftaincy institution of the country.
One problem was that the term of office of the current president had expired and without a substantive president and judicial committee there cannot be any intervention to settle the scores of chieftaincy disputes that had bedeviled the region.
The newly appointed legal counsel, Mr Dzanku Kwadzo-Kuma who disclosed this to the “Daily Graphic” in an interview also said the stumbling block on the work of the house of chiefs is an alleged writ filed by one Tetteh from Tema challenging some sections of the chieftaincy act which according to the plaintiff does not conform to the 1992 constitution.
Lawyer Dzanku said not until the case was determined there can be no fresh elections at the house of chiefs all over the country adding that it is incumbent on the Attorney-General to go to the Supreme Court to dismiss the writ.
According to him, the section quoted in the writ by the applicant does not exist in the chieftaincy act.
He indicated that not until the chieftaincy act is amended by parliament any attempt to overturn its provisions would be illegal.
There are about 30 chieftaincy cases comprising, substantive, motions and appeals that had been filed for judicial hearing at the house of chiefs but without a judicial committee those cases cannot be tackled.
The operation of the legal counsel for the Volta Region house of chiefs is faced with technical hitches and cannot make the office function properly until the resolution of emerging conflicts in the chieftaincy institution of the country.
One problem was that the term of office of the current president had expired and without a substantive president and judicial committee there cannot be any intervention to settle the scores of chieftaincy disputes that had bedeviled the region.
The newly appointed legal counsel, Mr Dzanku Kwadzo-Kuma who disclosed this to the “Daily Graphic” in an interview also said the stumbling block on the work of the house of chiefs is an alleged writ filed by one Tetteh from Tema challenging some sections of the chieftaincy act which according to the plaintiff does not conform to the 1992 constitution.
Lawyer Dzanku said not until the case was determined there can be no fresh elections at the house of chiefs all over the country adding that it is incumbent on the Attorney-General to go to the Supreme Court to dismiss the writ.
According to him, the section quoted in the writ by the applicant does not exist in the chieftaincy act.
He indicated that not until the chieftaincy act is amended by parliament any attempt to overturn its provisions would be illegal.
There are about 30 chieftaincy cases comprising, substantive, motions and appeals that had been filed for judicial hearing at the house of chiefs but without a judicial committee those cases cannot be tackled.
Maegaret Marquart Hospital honours past workers, page 21
Story: Tim Dzamboe,Kpando
The staff and management of the Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital at Kpando have honoured 23 past workers who had gone on retirement after working for an average of 35 years.
The were honoured at the maiden Pensioners Appreciation Day(PAD) instituted by the hospital under the theme, “They shall not grow old, we that are left grow old, age shall weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember them”.
They were presented with parcels and some plastic chairs and special envelopes including a golden handshake.
Various speakers at the function commended the hospital authorities for instituting the day because it was the first of its kind in the Ho diocese and the region as a whole.
In an address, the district director of medical services, Dr Winfred Ofosu said the occasion had shown that it is worth dying for the hospital and that it would serve as a motivation for the current staff to rededicate their sense to duty.
He thanked the pensioners for their invaluable service to the nation and asked them to adopt pragmatic approach to the management of life in retirement especially when they will lose compatriots at workplace and loneliness at home.
Dr Ofosu advised pensioners to eat rich and nourishable foods, fruits and vegetables as well as to involve themselves in social and community activities,
He called on workers to fight for better salaries in order to influence the higher payment of pensioner’s allowances when they go on retirement.
He frowned on unsatisfactory attitude of health workers against clients adding that it had affected the image of all hospitals in the country and called on management to maintain high standards at the hospital.
The Superior General of the sisters of the Mary Mother of the church, Reverend Sister Cecilia Kudexa said the sisters were ready to associate with a noble endeavour and will be ready to work among people who were dedicated to their work.
A past Diocesan health administrator, Reverend Father Cletus Frank Egbi said those who have sacrificed their lives should not forget those who are presently working adding that the present workforce should uphold the call to duty.
In an address, the medical officer in-charge, Dr Kuklui Gavua said the staff had served as a source of hope for many patients who had sought spiritual and medical healing at the hospital.
He disclosed that an average of 180 patients seek treatment in the hospital daily saying that the hospital had served as a mini-teaching and referral hospital in the Volta Region next to the Volta Regional hospital.
In a welcoming address, the chaplain of the hospital, Rev. Dr. Apollinaris Anyomi said pension was a good way of learning to recollect past memories for nurturing and admonishing younger generations to enable them to refuse, reject and to be disallowed to be frustrated by anything.
The staff and management of the Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital at Kpando have honoured 23 past workers who had gone on retirement after working for an average of 35 years.
The were honoured at the maiden Pensioners Appreciation Day(PAD) instituted by the hospital under the theme, “They shall not grow old, we that are left grow old, age shall weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember them”.
They were presented with parcels and some plastic chairs and special envelopes including a golden handshake.
Various speakers at the function commended the hospital authorities for instituting the day because it was the first of its kind in the Ho diocese and the region as a whole.
In an address, the district director of medical services, Dr Winfred Ofosu said the occasion had shown that it is worth dying for the hospital and that it would serve as a motivation for the current staff to rededicate their sense to duty.
He thanked the pensioners for their invaluable service to the nation and asked them to adopt pragmatic approach to the management of life in retirement especially when they will lose compatriots at workplace and loneliness at home.
Dr Ofosu advised pensioners to eat rich and nourishable foods, fruits and vegetables as well as to involve themselves in social and community activities,
He called on workers to fight for better salaries in order to influence the higher payment of pensioner’s allowances when they go on retirement.
He frowned on unsatisfactory attitude of health workers against clients adding that it had affected the image of all hospitals in the country and called on management to maintain high standards at the hospital.
The Superior General of the sisters of the Mary Mother of the church, Reverend Sister Cecilia Kudexa said the sisters were ready to associate with a noble endeavour and will be ready to work among people who were dedicated to their work.
A past Diocesan health administrator, Reverend Father Cletus Frank Egbi said those who have sacrificed their lives should not forget those who are presently working adding that the present workforce should uphold the call to duty.
In an address, the medical officer in-charge, Dr Kuklui Gavua said the staff had served as a source of hope for many patients who had sought spiritual and medical healing at the hospital.
He disclosed that an average of 180 patients seek treatment in the hospital daily saying that the hospital had served as a mini-teaching and referral hospital in the Volta Region next to the Volta Regional hospital.
In a welcoming address, the chaplain of the hospital, Rev. Dr. Apollinaris Anyomi said pension was a good way of learning to recollect past memories for nurturing and admonishing younger generations to enable them to refuse, reject and to be disallowed to be frustrated by anything.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
NGO to fight malaria.. page 36
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A non-governmental organization, the Strong Tower Foundation has evolved a strategy on community involvement to fight the menace of mosquito and malaria in 10 communities in the Ho Municipality.
This is aimed at imbibing a sense of self ownership in members of the communities with the view to making them take sole responsibility of their surroundings and to ensure an excellent sanitation practices to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes, the agents of the malaria disease.
The communities are Bakpe, Bame, Kpale-Xorse, Etordome, Hlefi, Anfoeta-Gbogame, Anfoeta-Tsebi, Nkwanta, Avenui and Avenui Camp.
Addressing an advocacy workshop at Ho, the executive director of Strong Tower, Evangelist Ellen Sebuava said malaria was an enormous global health problem especially in children and pregnant women in the country.
She said between 1995 to the present, malaria had consistently represented almost 40 per cent of reported cases annually and that it had been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
She said the situation in the Ho Municipality was very alarming because 42, 993 cases of malaria were reported and amounted to 59.7 per cent of all cases.
Evangelist Sebuava attributed the high incidence of malaria cases to the weak behavior of the people in seeking their health, the lack of adequate knowledge on behaviours and factors that promoted the incidence of malaria.
She added that others were the unavailability of and the lack of information on materials and equipment that served as efficacious measures against contracting malaria, and the erroneous belief that malaria treatment was very expensive.
Madam Sebuava said if these problems were not effectively solved the municipality would be at risk of losing rapidly its human and financial resources adding that the only antidote is to come together to drive the disease away.
She said that was the essence of the capacity building project dubbed, “Roll Back Malaria Community Project” on the theme, “ Let’s come together to drive malaria away”.
A non-governmental organization, the Strong Tower Foundation has evolved a strategy on community involvement to fight the menace of mosquito and malaria in 10 communities in the Ho Municipality.
This is aimed at imbibing a sense of self ownership in members of the communities with the view to making them take sole responsibility of their surroundings and to ensure an excellent sanitation practices to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes, the agents of the malaria disease.
The communities are Bakpe, Bame, Kpale-Xorse, Etordome, Hlefi, Anfoeta-Gbogame, Anfoeta-Tsebi, Nkwanta, Avenui and Avenui Camp.
Addressing an advocacy workshop at Ho, the executive director of Strong Tower, Evangelist Ellen Sebuava said malaria was an enormous global health problem especially in children and pregnant women in the country.
She said between 1995 to the present, malaria had consistently represented almost 40 per cent of reported cases annually and that it had been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
She said the situation in the Ho Municipality was very alarming because 42, 993 cases of malaria were reported and amounted to 59.7 per cent of all cases.
Evangelist Sebuava attributed the high incidence of malaria cases to the weak behavior of the people in seeking their health, the lack of adequate knowledge on behaviours and factors that promoted the incidence of malaria.
She added that others were the unavailability of and the lack of information on materials and equipment that served as efficacious measures against contracting malaria, and the erroneous belief that malaria treatment was very expensive.
Madam Sebuava said if these problems were not effectively solved the municipality would be at risk of losing rapidly its human and financial resources adding that the only antidote is to come together to drive the disease away.
She said that was the essence of the capacity building project dubbed, “Roll Back Malaria Community Project” on the theme, “ Let’s come together to drive malaria away”.
Fodome, Abutia people celebrate ' Yorveawoza' festival, page 36
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Fodome-Helu
In the spirit of integration under the ethos of globalization, the people of Fodome traditional area in the Hohoe district and Abutia traditional area in the Ho Municipality have celebrated their second “Yorveawoza” at Fodome-Helu in the Hohoe district.
The festival which was first celebrated in Abutia demonstrated the zeal of the people of re-uniting and to re-establish a permanent occasion for reinforcing unity, peace, cooperation, collective development and progress.
It was also aimed at giving credence to attributes which gave the ancestors long life at Glime in medieval Notsie and were referred to as “Yorveawo” which literally meant, “the people who dislike going to grave”.
Addressing a durbar to climax the occasion, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nayan urged all traditional areas to rid themselves of conflicts and bring their people closer together to be able to access available opportunities for steady development.
He therefore said the transformation of the festival beyond cultural boundaries to a socio-economic development realm is commendable stressing that brotherliness, peace and tranquility were fundamental to every development process in life.
Mr Nayan said the government is desirous to promoting better living standards in all spheres of life adding that it will not discriminate in the extension of development to any part of the country.
He urged them to embrace government programmes on the National Health Insurance Scheme, Millennium Challenge Account and education in order to make life better living.
In an address, the Fiaga of Fodome traditional area, Togbega Gbedegbleme Honu III said the institutionalization of the festival would serve as a mobilizing forum for the human and material resources for development.
He said education was considered as a cornerstone for the development of the area and therefore the need for the government to upgrade the Community Senior High School to a government assisted one.
Togbega Gbedegbleme appealed to the government to expedite action to post police personnel to the Fodome police station that had been rehabilitated six years ago but without a police man to serve there.
He appealed to the government to tar the Hohoe-Fodome-Gbledi and the Ve-Golokwati to Wli roads to make the area accessible to the large number of tourists that visited the area daily.
In a message, the Fiaga of Abutia, Togbega Gidi V re-emphasized the need for the people to maintain the tempo of cordiality among the people in order to forge ahead in steady development.
In the spirit of integration under the ethos of globalization, the people of Fodome traditional area in the Hohoe district and Abutia traditional area in the Ho Municipality have celebrated their second “Yorveawoza” at Fodome-Helu in the Hohoe district.
The festival which was first celebrated in Abutia demonstrated the zeal of the people of re-uniting and to re-establish a permanent occasion for reinforcing unity, peace, cooperation, collective development and progress.
It was also aimed at giving credence to attributes which gave the ancestors long life at Glime in medieval Notsie and were referred to as “Yorveawo” which literally meant, “the people who dislike going to grave”.
Addressing a durbar to climax the occasion, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nayan urged all traditional areas to rid themselves of conflicts and bring their people closer together to be able to access available opportunities for steady development.
He therefore said the transformation of the festival beyond cultural boundaries to a socio-economic development realm is commendable stressing that brotherliness, peace and tranquility were fundamental to every development process in life.
Mr Nayan said the government is desirous to promoting better living standards in all spheres of life adding that it will not discriminate in the extension of development to any part of the country.
He urged them to embrace government programmes on the National Health Insurance Scheme, Millennium Challenge Account and education in order to make life better living.
In an address, the Fiaga of Fodome traditional area, Togbega Gbedegbleme Honu III said the institutionalization of the festival would serve as a mobilizing forum for the human and material resources for development.
He said education was considered as a cornerstone for the development of the area and therefore the need for the government to upgrade the Community Senior High School to a government assisted one.
Togbega Gbedegbleme appealed to the government to expedite action to post police personnel to the Fodome police station that had been rehabilitated six years ago but without a police man to serve there.
He appealed to the government to tar the Hohoe-Fodome-Gbledi and the Ve-Golokwati to Wli roads to make the area accessible to the large number of tourists that visited the area daily.
In a message, the Fiaga of Abutia, Togbega Gidi V re-emphasized the need for the people to maintain the tempo of cordiality among the people in order to forge ahead in steady development.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
December 19, Give CPP a Chance-Asare, page 15
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Peki-Wudome
A ranking member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP),Mr Celemence Asare, a.ka Kofi Sabon has said the party is highly viable at the moment of its history because it had paraded very credible presidential candidates at its last congress in Kumasi.
He said the presidential candidates were people with rich experience in governance and knew the length and breadth of the country and others with lot of international experience.
Mr Asare who was speaking to the “Daily Graphic” therefore said what is more important for the nation is for the citizens to choose the CPP as the next government in order to safeguard the peace prevailing in the nation.
According to him the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC) were two parties bound not to bring peace to the nation because of “the way they reacted to each other, the way they looked at each other and the way they assessed each other is all antagonism”
“Antagonism cannot build this country, it is only peace and understanding that can build this country” he said, adding “if we are not careful and vote for NPP or NDC we are only setting the stage for a fight”.
Mr Asare said there could be a fight because NPP will never accept a defeat in case NDC won the elections and likewise the NDC will not accept defeat if the NPP retained power.
He said the solution is a neutral party declaring that, “that is the CPP, so all peace loving citizens of this country should ignore NPP and NDC so far as the 2008 elections were concerned”.
He said he is aspiring to contest the South Dayi constituency seat on the CPP ticket and called on the people to give CPP, a peace loving party, the chance.
A ranking member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP),Mr Celemence Asare, a.ka Kofi Sabon has said the party is highly viable at the moment of its history because it had paraded very credible presidential candidates at its last congress in Kumasi.
He said the presidential candidates were people with rich experience in governance and knew the length and breadth of the country and others with lot of international experience.
Mr Asare who was speaking to the “Daily Graphic” therefore said what is more important for the nation is for the citizens to choose the CPP as the next government in order to safeguard the peace prevailing in the nation.
According to him the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC) were two parties bound not to bring peace to the nation because of “the way they reacted to each other, the way they looked at each other and the way they assessed each other is all antagonism”
“Antagonism cannot build this country, it is only peace and understanding that can build this country” he said, adding “if we are not careful and vote for NPP or NDC we are only setting the stage for a fight”.
Mr Asare said there could be a fight because NPP will never accept a defeat in case NDC won the elections and likewise the NDC will not accept defeat if the NPP retained power.
He said the solution is a neutral party declaring that, “that is the CPP, so all peace loving citizens of this country should ignore NPP and NDC so far as the 2008 elections were concerned”.
He said he is aspiring to contest the South Dayi constituency seat on the CPP ticket and called on the people to give CPP, a peace loving party, the chance.
Friday, December 14, 2007
CREATION OF BIAKOYE DISTRICT GENERATES AGITATION... Page 20
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE creation of the Biakoye District from the Jasikan District under a new legislative instrument has generated agitations over the siting of the district capital at Nkonya.
Although the people of Nkonya, Tapa, Bowiri, Worawora and Apesokubi traditional areas had all welcomed the creation of the new district, the people of Bowiri, Worawora, Tapa and Apesokubi were against the siting of the capital at Nkonya with varied reasons.
Last Monday, a letter addressed to the regional editor of the Graphic Communications Group in Ho indicated a petition by the Bowiri-Kwamekrom Concerned Citizens’ Association to the effect that they were against the capital being sited at Nkonya.
The petition which was jointly signed by Mr Solomon Yao Danquah, chairman, Mr Edwin Asamoah, secretary and Mr Bright Yao Mensah, organising secretary, of the association, said it congratulated the government for creating the new district because it demonstrated the government’s commitment to the development of the constituency.
The petition, however, stated that it was against the siting of the capital because Nkonya was a conflict zone and could not guarantee a congenial atmosphere in which workers of the new district assembly could dwell and work without fear of terror.
It said the geographical position of Nkonya, so far as the head office of the new assembly within the Biakoye Constituency was remote and therefore, could not promote any convenient administrative justice.
It further stated that there was no marketplace in Nkonya for the generation of revenue as compared to Kwamekrom or Tapa-Abotoase which had large markets for that purpose.
According to the petition, Bowiri-Kwamekrom is geographically centrally situated, with a large market, adding that it had a town council and was the most populated town in the whole constituency.
The petition appealed to the government, as a matter of urgency, to dispatch without delay a fact finding team to the constituency to recommend a suitable headquarters for the Biakoye District Assembly, which could be either at Tapa-Abotoase or Bowiri Kwamekrom.
The petition was addressed to President Mr John Kufuor, and copied to the Minister of Local Government, the Volta Regional Minister, the Jasikan District Chief Executive, Chiefs of the Biakoye Constituency and the media. Another petition from the people of Worawora had vehemently protested against the siting of the capital at Nkonya.
In a petition against the creation of the Biakoye District, jointly signed by the chiefs, it stated that all the chiefs had agreed that the capital of the district should be sited at Worawora because of the availability of infrastructural facilities ranging from a hospital, police station, rural bank, senior high school, Ghana Water Company sub-station, Ghana National Fire Service, a rest house, among others.
Signatories to the petition in 2000 were the late Tapamanhene, Nana Ogrowhe Anyenam Kwaku Boateng II; Omanhene of Nkonya, Nana Okoto Kofi III; Omanhene of Bowiri, Nana Kwaku Salo II; Omanhene of Worawora, Daasebre Asare Baa III; and Omanhene of Apesokubi, Nana Kwasi Dente Kataboa II.
The petition also drew the attention of the government to the fact that there had been a protracted dispute between the Nkonyas and Alavanyos, over land issues spanning some 80 years.
.
THE creation of the Biakoye District from the Jasikan District under a new legislative instrument has generated agitations over the siting of the district capital at Nkonya.
Although the people of Nkonya, Tapa, Bowiri, Worawora and Apesokubi traditional areas had all welcomed the creation of the new district, the people of Bowiri, Worawora, Tapa and Apesokubi were against the siting of the capital at Nkonya with varied reasons.
Last Monday, a letter addressed to the regional editor of the Graphic Communications Group in Ho indicated a petition by the Bowiri-Kwamekrom Concerned Citizens’ Association to the effect that they were against the capital being sited at Nkonya.
The petition which was jointly signed by Mr Solomon Yao Danquah, chairman, Mr Edwin Asamoah, secretary and Mr Bright Yao Mensah, organising secretary, of the association, said it congratulated the government for creating the new district because it demonstrated the government’s commitment to the development of the constituency.
The petition, however, stated that it was against the siting of the capital because Nkonya was a conflict zone and could not guarantee a congenial atmosphere in which workers of the new district assembly could dwell and work without fear of terror.
It said the geographical position of Nkonya, so far as the head office of the new assembly within the Biakoye Constituency was remote and therefore, could not promote any convenient administrative justice.
It further stated that there was no marketplace in Nkonya for the generation of revenue as compared to Kwamekrom or Tapa-Abotoase which had large markets for that purpose.
According to the petition, Bowiri-Kwamekrom is geographically centrally situated, with a large market, adding that it had a town council and was the most populated town in the whole constituency.
The petition appealed to the government, as a matter of urgency, to dispatch without delay a fact finding team to the constituency to recommend a suitable headquarters for the Biakoye District Assembly, which could be either at Tapa-Abotoase or Bowiri Kwamekrom.
The petition was addressed to President Mr John Kufuor, and copied to the Minister of Local Government, the Volta Regional Minister, the Jasikan District Chief Executive, Chiefs of the Biakoye Constituency and the media. Another petition from the people of Worawora had vehemently protested against the siting of the capital at Nkonya.
In a petition against the creation of the Biakoye District, jointly signed by the chiefs, it stated that all the chiefs had agreed that the capital of the district should be sited at Worawora because of the availability of infrastructural facilities ranging from a hospital, police station, rural bank, senior high school, Ghana Water Company sub-station, Ghana National Fire Service, a rest house, among others.
Signatories to the petition in 2000 were the late Tapamanhene, Nana Ogrowhe Anyenam Kwaku Boateng II; Omanhene of Nkonya, Nana Okoto Kofi III; Omanhene of Bowiri, Nana Kwaku Salo II; Omanhene of Worawora, Daasebre Asare Baa III; and Omanhene of Apesokubi, Nana Kwasi Dente Kataboa II.
The petition also drew the attention of the government to the fact that there had been a protracted dispute between the Nkonyas and Alavanyos, over land issues spanning some 80 years.
.
HO TESCON COMMENDS GOVT ...Page 17
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ho Polytechnic chapter of the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has commended the government for the initiative to bridge the development gap between the three northern regions and the southern part of the country.
“This is an indication that the government is truly committed to making Ghana a better place for all of us,” the chapter said.
This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the President, Mr Jones Jid Pekyi, and the Secretary, Mr Moses Aglina and issued in Ho last Wednesday.
The statement said as the 2008 budget had been approved, the Ho Poly chapter wished to congratulate the government on the pragmatic measures taken towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“With this budget, we are now convinced that, indeed, the future is bright. We believe that the government will continue to develop the human resource base, the economy and social amenities in the country,” the statement said.
It stated that Ghanaians had seen great development under the leadership of President Kufuor and the NPP, adding that retaining the party in power in the 2008 elections was, therefore, a forgone conclusion.
It congratulated the party’s presidential aspirants on the excellent campaign which they had mounted, as they had exhibited decorum by telling Ghanaians that they were believers in democracy, adding that it emphatically signified that the NPP had gone far and beyond the era of declarations.
The statement challenged the aspirants to remain united during and after the congress and rally behind the winner for victory in 2008.
“They should live beyond reproach and put the nation and the party above their individual aspirations to continue the excellent and heroic performance of President Kufuor,” it said.
“We are working hard to dilute the support base of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region and increase the parliamentary seats in the region,” it stated.
THE Ho Polytechnic chapter of the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has commended the government for the initiative to bridge the development gap between the three northern regions and the southern part of the country.
“This is an indication that the government is truly committed to making Ghana a better place for all of us,” the chapter said.
This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the President, Mr Jones Jid Pekyi, and the Secretary, Mr Moses Aglina and issued in Ho last Wednesday.
The statement said as the 2008 budget had been approved, the Ho Poly chapter wished to congratulate the government on the pragmatic measures taken towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“With this budget, we are now convinced that, indeed, the future is bright. We believe that the government will continue to develop the human resource base, the economy and social amenities in the country,” the statement said.
It stated that Ghanaians had seen great development under the leadership of President Kufuor and the NPP, adding that retaining the party in power in the 2008 elections was, therefore, a forgone conclusion.
It congratulated the party’s presidential aspirants on the excellent campaign which they had mounted, as they had exhibited decorum by telling Ghanaians that they were believers in democracy, adding that it emphatically signified that the NPP had gone far and beyond the era of declarations.
The statement challenged the aspirants to remain united during and after the congress and rally behind the winner for victory in 2008.
“They should live beyond reproach and put the nation and the party above their individual aspirations to continue the excellent and heroic performance of President Kufuor,” it said.
“We are working hard to dilute the support base of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region and increase the parliamentary seats in the region,” it stated.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Baby abandoned in bush....Mirror Dec.6, 2007, page 31
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A 23 -year old mother of three children, Xornam Atitsogbui has been arrested by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for abandoning her one week old baby girl in a bush at Mawuli Estate in Ho.
Police investigations revealed that on November 24, the suspect gave birth to a baby girl at the Ho Municipal hospital and was discharged the same day.
On November 30 she was found in the house by her brother crying without the baby and when questioned by the brother, the suspect told him that the baby had felt sick on the night of the previous day and that when she sent her to the regional hospital for treatment the child was pronounced dead on arrival by a nurse.
She claimed that the nurse took the alleged dead baby from her with the promised to bury her and she obliged to the offer.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of the regional directorate of DOVVSU, Madam Rita Narh disclosed that the brother was not convinced and decided to ascertain the facts in a follow-up to the hospital.
She said the alleged dead baby was found abandoned in front of the Suncity Video Library in Ho half naked with the umbilical cord partially healed.
Madam Narh said the child was brought to the DOVSSU headquarters and after investigations suspect was arrested.
In a statement to the police, the suspect said she could not cater for an extra mouth as she already had two children adding that the man who impregnated her had denied responsibility and fled to Nigeria.
The suspect claimed that the parents of the alleged man have also not been helpful and so she decided to abandon the child.
The DOVVSU has charged the suspect with offence of child abandonment contrary to section 96 Act 29 of the criminal code of 1960.
A 23 -year old mother of three children, Xornam Atitsogbui has been arrested by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for abandoning her one week old baby girl in a bush at Mawuli Estate in Ho.
Police investigations revealed that on November 24, the suspect gave birth to a baby girl at the Ho Municipal hospital and was discharged the same day.
On November 30 she was found in the house by her brother crying without the baby and when questioned by the brother, the suspect told him that the baby had felt sick on the night of the previous day and that when she sent her to the regional hospital for treatment the child was pronounced dead on arrival by a nurse.
She claimed that the nurse took the alleged dead baby from her with the promised to bury her and she obliged to the offer.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of the regional directorate of DOVVSU, Madam Rita Narh disclosed that the brother was not convinced and decided to ascertain the facts in a follow-up to the hospital.
She said the alleged dead baby was found abandoned in front of the Suncity Video Library in Ho half naked with the umbilical cord partially healed.
Madam Narh said the child was brought to the DOVSSU headquarters and after investigations suspect was arrested.
In a statement to the police, the suspect said she could not cater for an extra mouth as she already had two children adding that the man who impregnated her had denied responsibility and fled to Nigeria.
The suspect claimed that the parents of the alleged man have also not been helpful and so she decided to abandon the child.
The DOVVSU has charged the suspect with offence of child abandonment contrary to section 96 Act 29 of the criminal code of 1960.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
ANYAKO EP CHURCH CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY (Page 36)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Anyako
THE Anyako Evangelical Presbyterian Church has celebrated its 150th anniversary with a thanksgiving service and fundraising at which GH¢14,200(¢142million) was realised last Sunday.
The fund will be used to refurbish a modern library for schools and for the construction of a residential accommodation for the parish.
Preaching the sermon, the Moderator of the church, Right Reverend Dr Livingstone Buama, said the anniversary should sanctify and glorify the name of God and that the expectation of the people should be fulfilling a new hope.
He said the anniversary should reflect an element of recollection, an element of participation and an element of anticipation imbued with the perspectives of retrospection, stocktaking and soul searching.
Rt Rev Buama said although things may look hard and life-threatening, salvation would eventually come on condition that recipients of salvation were steadfast, circumspect of their behaviour and wore the garment of holiness and righteousness.
He urged Christians to exhibit the virtues of love, which were the hallmark of Christianity, adding that a positive regard for the other person was a good sign of love.
The President of the Trinity Theological Seminary at Legon, Rev Dr Cyril Fayose, paid tribute to the early missionaries and asked the people to draw useful lessons from the 150 years of existence of the EP Church in Anyako.
According to him, it was time for Africans to champion Christianity and do it by example by worshipping the Almighty God with greater scientific outlook, reduced superstition and fostered values which promoted peace and progress in the society.
The Dufia of Anyako, Togbi Gligue Tenge Dzokoto VI, said the journey of the church to 150 years today was not easy but with the help of the chiefs, all obstacles were cleared for the missionaries to settle to establish the church and educational facilities.
He said although it had witnessed breakaways and splits, the church was still growing but said the lack of job opportunities in the area compelled the youth to migrate to urban centres and that affected the size of the congregation.
In a welcoming address, the Southern Presbytery chairman, Rev. E.O. Tibu, said the celebration was unique because it would generate a new spirit among the people to continue to work to save souls for the kingdom of God.
The Synod Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Herbert Oppong, presented GH¢100 to the church as part of the goodwill message of the sister church.
The occasion was used to highlight the establishment of the E.P University after having been granted accreditation by the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
The function was chaired by a business executive, Mr Raymond Okudzeto, whilst the synod clerk, Rev. Frank Anku, conducted the order of s
Other activities for the week-long celebration were lectures, cultural music and dancing, quiz competition, choral night and candlelight procession.
THE Anyako Evangelical Presbyterian Church has celebrated its 150th anniversary with a thanksgiving service and fundraising at which GH¢14,200(¢142million) was realised last Sunday.
The fund will be used to refurbish a modern library for schools and for the construction of a residential accommodation for the parish.
Preaching the sermon, the Moderator of the church, Right Reverend Dr Livingstone Buama, said the anniversary should sanctify and glorify the name of God and that the expectation of the people should be fulfilling a new hope.
He said the anniversary should reflect an element of recollection, an element of participation and an element of anticipation imbued with the perspectives of retrospection, stocktaking and soul searching.
Rt Rev Buama said although things may look hard and life-threatening, salvation would eventually come on condition that recipients of salvation were steadfast, circumspect of their behaviour and wore the garment of holiness and righteousness.
He urged Christians to exhibit the virtues of love, which were the hallmark of Christianity, adding that a positive regard for the other person was a good sign of love.
The President of the Trinity Theological Seminary at Legon, Rev Dr Cyril Fayose, paid tribute to the early missionaries and asked the people to draw useful lessons from the 150 years of existence of the EP Church in Anyako.
According to him, it was time for Africans to champion Christianity and do it by example by worshipping the Almighty God with greater scientific outlook, reduced superstition and fostered values which promoted peace and progress in the society.
The Dufia of Anyako, Togbi Gligue Tenge Dzokoto VI, said the journey of the church to 150 years today was not easy but with the help of the chiefs, all obstacles were cleared for the missionaries to settle to establish the church and educational facilities.
He said although it had witnessed breakaways and splits, the church was still growing but said the lack of job opportunities in the area compelled the youth to migrate to urban centres and that affected the size of the congregation.
In a welcoming address, the Southern Presbytery chairman, Rev. E.O. Tibu, said the celebration was unique because it would generate a new spirit among the people to continue to work to save souls for the kingdom of God.
The Synod Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Herbert Oppong, presented GH¢100 to the church as part of the goodwill message of the sister church.
The occasion was used to highlight the establishment of the E.P University after having been granted accreditation by the National Accreditation Board (NAB).
The function was chaired by a business executive, Mr Raymond Okudzeto, whilst the synod clerk, Rev. Frank Anku, conducted the order of s
Other activities for the week-long celebration were lectures, cultural music and dancing, quiz competition, choral night and candlelight procession.
Anyako EP Chruch celebrates150th anniversary....December 6 , 2007, page 36
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Anyako
The Anyako Evangelical Presbyterian Church has celebrated a weeklong 150th anniversary with a thanksgiving service and fundraising at which GHC 14,200(C142million) was realized last Sunday.
The funds will be used to refurbish a modern library for schools and the construction of a residential accommodation for the parish.
Preaching the sermon, the moderator of the church, Right Reverend Dr. Livingstone Buama said the anniversary should sanctify and glorify the name of God and that the expectation of the people should be fulfilling a new hope.
He said the anniversary should reflect “an element of recollection, an element of participation and an element of anticipation” imbued with the perspectives of retrospection, stocktaking and soul searching.
Rt. Rev.Buama said although things may look hard and life threatening, salvation will eventually come on condition that recipients of salvation were steadfast, circumspect of their behaviour and wore the garment of holiness and righteousness.
He urged Christians to exhibit the virtues of love which were the hallmark of Christianity adding that a positive regard for the other person was a good sign of love.
In an address, the president of the of the Trinity Theological Seminary at Legon Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose paid tribute to the early missionaries and that the people should draw useful lessons from the 150 years of existence of the EP Church in Anyako.
According to him, it was time for Africans to champion Christianity and do it exemplarily by worshipping the almighty God with greater scientific outlook, reduced superstition and fostered values which promotes peace and progress in the society.
He said like all knowledge, knowledge of the almighty God was bound to start somewhere with some people before spreading adding that like the discoveries of science , mathematics and computers, the knowledge of Almighty God started with Abraham and started spreading from Israel to Europe from where it came to Africa.
In an address, the Dufia of Anyako, Togbi Gligue Tenge Dzokoto VI said the journey of the church to150 years today was not easy but with the help of the chiefs all obstacles were cleared for the missionaries to settle to establish church and educational facilities.
He said although it had witnessed breakaways and splits the church was still growing but said the lack of job opportunities in the area compelled the youth to migrate to urban centres and that affected the size of the congregation.
In a welcoming address, the southern presbytery chairman, Rev. E.O. Tibu said the celebration was unique because it will generate a new spirit among the people the people to continue to work to save souls for the kingdom of God.
The synod clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Hebert Oppong presented GHC100 to the church as part of the goodwill message of the sister church.
The occasion was used to highlight the establishment of the E.P University after having been granted accreditation by the National Accreditation Board(NAB).
The function was chaired by a business executive, Mr. Raymond Okudzeto whilst the synod clerk Rev. Frank Anku conducted the order of service.
Other activities for the celebration were lectures, cultural music and dancing, quiz competition, choral night, candle light procession and a welcome church service.
The Anyako Evangelical Presbyterian Church has celebrated a weeklong 150th anniversary with a thanksgiving service and fundraising at which GHC 14,200(C142million) was realized last Sunday.
The funds will be used to refurbish a modern library for schools and the construction of a residential accommodation for the parish.
Preaching the sermon, the moderator of the church, Right Reverend Dr. Livingstone Buama said the anniversary should sanctify and glorify the name of God and that the expectation of the people should be fulfilling a new hope.
He said the anniversary should reflect “an element of recollection, an element of participation and an element of anticipation” imbued with the perspectives of retrospection, stocktaking and soul searching.
Rt. Rev.Buama said although things may look hard and life threatening, salvation will eventually come on condition that recipients of salvation were steadfast, circumspect of their behaviour and wore the garment of holiness and righteousness.
He urged Christians to exhibit the virtues of love which were the hallmark of Christianity adding that a positive regard for the other person was a good sign of love.
In an address, the president of the of the Trinity Theological Seminary at Legon Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose paid tribute to the early missionaries and that the people should draw useful lessons from the 150 years of existence of the EP Church in Anyako.
According to him, it was time for Africans to champion Christianity and do it exemplarily by worshipping the almighty God with greater scientific outlook, reduced superstition and fostered values which promotes peace and progress in the society.
He said like all knowledge, knowledge of the almighty God was bound to start somewhere with some people before spreading adding that like the discoveries of science , mathematics and computers, the knowledge of Almighty God started with Abraham and started spreading from Israel to Europe from where it came to Africa.
In an address, the Dufia of Anyako, Togbi Gligue Tenge Dzokoto VI said the journey of the church to150 years today was not easy but with the help of the chiefs all obstacles were cleared for the missionaries to settle to establish church and educational facilities.
He said although it had witnessed breakaways and splits the church was still growing but said the lack of job opportunities in the area compelled the youth to migrate to urban centres and that affected the size of the congregation.
In a welcoming address, the southern presbytery chairman, Rev. E.O. Tibu said the celebration was unique because it will generate a new spirit among the people the people to continue to work to save souls for the kingdom of God.
The synod clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Hebert Oppong presented GHC100 to the church as part of the goodwill message of the sister church.
The occasion was used to highlight the establishment of the E.P University after having been granted accreditation by the National Accreditation Board(NAB).
The function was chaired by a business executive, Mr. Raymond Okudzeto whilst the synod clerk Rev. Frank Anku conducted the order of service.
Other activities for the celebration were lectures, cultural music and dancing, quiz competition, choral night, candle light procession and a welcome church service.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
HO COURT GRANTS BAIL TO SEVEN (Page 34)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ho High Court has granted bail to seven persons arrested by the police in connection with the Anlo chieftaincy conflict in which four persons died during a clash on November 1, this year.
The seven, accused of “murder” and “riot with weapon”, were bailed at GH¢15,000 each with one surety. They are to report themselves to the Keta District Police once every two weeks.
The accused persons are Yao Agbemakpor, John Kwawu Sefogah, Aaron Agbota, Kwawu Galley, Francis Adzrah, Prince Wisdom Kpodo and Atsu Afedo. They are being represented by Mr Ernest Gaewu.
The seven have been in prison custody since November 2 when the police arrested 75 people, out of which 67 were granted police enquiry bail, while eight of them were remanded in police custody in Ho.
One of the suspects, Israel Kwabla Amenume, died while still in custody, leaving the seven who were eventually granted bail yesterday.
They first appeared before the Ho District Magistrate Court on November 5 and again on November 22, but the court, presided over by Mr P.W. Amedior, declined them bail and advised their counsel to apply to the High Court for bail.
The High Court, presided over by Mr Justice Kofi Essel-Mensah, said the case was silent on who actually murdered the constable, adding that if all the accused persons kidnapped and murdered the constable, then they would have acted in concert.
He said, however, that a charge of conspiracy was not preferred against the accused persons and that the facts were not supportive of the case.
The judge said the facts of the case were replete with doubts and that, in the circumstance, the charge of murder preferred against them was not well laid.
According to him, the offence of murder, with which the accused had been charged, was for the sake of convenience only to allow the police ample time to conduct investigations into the whole affair.
Mr Essel-Mensah said the irony in the bail application was that as the prosecution was seeking to do justice by bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book, grave injustice of unfathomable proportions was being done to the applicants.
The Chief State Attorney for the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Okyere-Darko, who prosecuted, said the state was opposed to the application for bail and had filed an affidavit in opposition.
THE Ho High Court has granted bail to seven persons arrested by the police in connection with the Anlo chieftaincy conflict in which four persons died during a clash on November 1, this year.
The seven, accused of “murder” and “riot with weapon”, were bailed at GH¢15,000 each with one surety. They are to report themselves to the Keta District Police once every two weeks.
The accused persons are Yao Agbemakpor, John Kwawu Sefogah, Aaron Agbota, Kwawu Galley, Francis Adzrah, Prince Wisdom Kpodo and Atsu Afedo. They are being represented by Mr Ernest Gaewu.
The seven have been in prison custody since November 2 when the police arrested 75 people, out of which 67 were granted police enquiry bail, while eight of them were remanded in police custody in Ho.
One of the suspects, Israel Kwabla Amenume, died while still in custody, leaving the seven who were eventually granted bail yesterday.
They first appeared before the Ho District Magistrate Court on November 5 and again on November 22, but the court, presided over by Mr P.W. Amedior, declined them bail and advised their counsel to apply to the High Court for bail.
The High Court, presided over by Mr Justice Kofi Essel-Mensah, said the case was silent on who actually murdered the constable, adding that if all the accused persons kidnapped and murdered the constable, then they would have acted in concert.
He said, however, that a charge of conspiracy was not preferred against the accused persons and that the facts were not supportive of the case.
The judge said the facts of the case were replete with doubts and that, in the circumstance, the charge of murder preferred against them was not well laid.
According to him, the offence of murder, with which the accused had been charged, was for the sake of convenience only to allow the police ample time to conduct investigations into the whole affair.
Mr Essel-Mensah said the irony in the bail application was that as the prosecution was seeking to do justice by bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book, grave injustice of unfathomable proportions was being done to the applicants.
The Chief State Attorney for the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Okyere-Darko, who prosecuted, said the state was opposed to the application for bail and had filed an affidavit in opposition.
ONLY NPP CAN SUSTAIN MACROECONOMIC STABILITY (Page 15)
STORY: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A PRESIDENTIAL aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Alan Kyeremateng, has said that apart from the NPP any other government that assumed the reins of power will only dismantle the achievements made in ensuring macro economic stability, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other reforms and initiatives on health education, and others.
He said what the NPP needed to do was to build a solid foundation which would help accelerate the growth of the economy within a period of 10 and 12 years.
According to him, no country in the world had achieved any superlative performance in growth without a sustained period of stabilisation , and that the performance of the NPP government in seven years was enough evidence for it to be retained in power for more years to complete and sustain the period of stabilisation and growth of the economy.
Mr Kyeremateng was addressing media practitioners in Ho after a tour of 15 constituencies in the Volta Region in the campaign to win the flagbearership of the party in the delegates conference slated for December 22 this year.
He said from his own assessment, by the end of the second round campaign tour of the Volta Region, he was more convinced that if the region alone was going to vote he would be declared the flag bearer.
He said the challenge for the leadership was not for contestants alone but the entire party membership and that as a strategist in the present government he would shift emphasis on to the productive sectors of the economy when elected as the flag bearer and eventually become the head of state.
Mr Kyeremanten promised to build a strong grassroots network for the party and would ensure that no gap existed between the top and bottom in governance.
On campaign funding, he said it was a critical issue in the body politic internationally and that everybody had his own way of mobilising funds to finance his campaign and the ability to mobilise funds was crucial to a successful campaign.
"If you want to be successful you must be able to fund a campaign. I don't see that as splashing of money", he said.
Mr Kyeremateng said the negative propaganda in politics made people spend money based on their own beliefs and strategies and that he spent money effectively on campaigns in order not to waste resources.
He said all the delegates had made up their minds on their choice of candidate and money would have little influence on their choice.
Mr Kyeremateng stressed that he was a frontrunner in the race and intended working towards winning in the first round of the ballot but said in politics anything could happen and, therefore, there was the possibility to make room for an alliance with others to win if there should be any second balloting.
He said strategically, he was one step ahead in the campaign, and that he was preparing for the delegates conference, as well as the national elections, adding that with the present focus he would win the flagbearership contest.
A PRESIDENTIAL aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Alan Kyeremateng, has said that apart from the NPP any other government that assumed the reins of power will only dismantle the achievements made in ensuring macro economic stability, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other reforms and initiatives on health education, and others.
He said what the NPP needed to do was to build a solid foundation which would help accelerate the growth of the economy within a period of 10 and 12 years.
According to him, no country in the world had achieved any superlative performance in growth without a sustained period of stabilisation , and that the performance of the NPP government in seven years was enough evidence for it to be retained in power for more years to complete and sustain the period of stabilisation and growth of the economy.
Mr Kyeremateng was addressing media practitioners in Ho after a tour of 15 constituencies in the Volta Region in the campaign to win the flagbearership of the party in the delegates conference slated for December 22 this year.
He said from his own assessment, by the end of the second round campaign tour of the Volta Region, he was more convinced that if the region alone was going to vote he would be declared the flag bearer.
He said the challenge for the leadership was not for contestants alone but the entire party membership and that as a strategist in the present government he would shift emphasis on to the productive sectors of the economy when elected as the flag bearer and eventually become the head of state.
Mr Kyeremanten promised to build a strong grassroots network for the party and would ensure that no gap existed between the top and bottom in governance.
On campaign funding, he said it was a critical issue in the body politic internationally and that everybody had his own way of mobilising funds to finance his campaign and the ability to mobilise funds was crucial to a successful campaign.
"If you want to be successful you must be able to fund a campaign. I don't see that as splashing of money", he said.
Mr Kyeremateng said the negative propaganda in politics made people spend money based on their own beliefs and strategies and that he spent money effectively on campaigns in order not to waste resources.
He said all the delegates had made up their minds on their choice of candidate and money would have little influence on their choice.
Mr Kyeremateng stressed that he was a frontrunner in the race and intended working towards winning in the first round of the ballot but said in politics anything could happen and, therefore, there was the possibility to make room for an alliance with others to win if there should be any second balloting.
He said strategically, he was one step ahead in the campaign, and that he was preparing for the delegates conference, as well as the national elections, adding that with the present focus he would win the flagbearership contest.
CRISIS LOOMS ...In vehicular traffic (Lead Story)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A TRANSPORTATION crisis beyond Lagos and Beijing proportions has been predicted in Ghana if the prevailing ratio of vehicles to motorable roads should continue into 2015.
A study conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) predicted total saturation and unbearable pollution at peak time when all vehicles would come to a standstill as a result of the disproportionate growth of vehicular fleet to roads.
The statistics showed that vehicular fleet increased from 382,261 to 624,783 from 2000 to 2005, representing an average growth of 6.9 per cent, a growth rate that is likely to lead to saturation, considering the slower rate of provision of roads.
The data were presented in a summary for policy makers on Ghana Vehicular Emission Inventory prepared by the Climate Change Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and released last September.
Relating vehicular emissions to vehicular growth, the report said emissions from motor vehicles were in two categories — exhaust or tailpipe emissions and evaporate emissions.
It noted that exhaust emissions were one of the major forms of emissions from on-road vehicle operations, while evaporative emissions consisted entirely of other forms.
It further stated that a national fleet data, national statistics on fuel consumption, data on weather conditions and data on driving patterns were requirements for the determination of emission estimation in the country.
The report gathered that a total of 1,569,603.7 metric tonnes of diesel, gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) were consumed in 2005, against 1,316,532.6 metric tonnes in 2000.
That amounted to total emission levels from 32,222.78 tonnes in 2000 to 52,666.17 tonnes in 2005 at the rate of 16.67 per cent per annum. The rate of increase depended on a corresponding increase in fleet numbers and fuel consumption.
It recommended that relevant institutions like the Tema Oil Refinery, the DVLA, and the oil manufacturing companies should make conscious efforts to capture data that would help to improve the certainty of future emission inventory.
It also noted that the state of vehicle population data at the DVLA required immediate attention, especially speeding up the digitisation process of analogue data.
The report recommended that there must be continuous improvement in quality of fuel devoid of dilution and adulteration and the institution of regular mobile engine inspection and maintenance schedules.
The report suggested alternative sustainable transport options and alternative fuel use, as well as regulatory measures and enforcement, to prevent higher emissions and their attendant pollution and negative effects on human health and the environment.
Meanwhile, the EPA has held a dissemination workshop on a study conducted in Kumasi and Accra with the view to sensitising relevant stakeholders to the challenges ahead in connection with emissions in the country.
A TRANSPORTATION crisis beyond Lagos and Beijing proportions has been predicted in Ghana if the prevailing ratio of vehicles to motorable roads should continue into 2015.
A study conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) predicted total saturation and unbearable pollution at peak time when all vehicles would come to a standstill as a result of the disproportionate growth of vehicular fleet to roads.
The statistics showed that vehicular fleet increased from 382,261 to 624,783 from 2000 to 2005, representing an average growth of 6.9 per cent, a growth rate that is likely to lead to saturation, considering the slower rate of provision of roads.
The data were presented in a summary for policy makers on Ghana Vehicular Emission Inventory prepared by the Climate Change Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and released last September.
Relating vehicular emissions to vehicular growth, the report said emissions from motor vehicles were in two categories — exhaust or tailpipe emissions and evaporate emissions.
It noted that exhaust emissions were one of the major forms of emissions from on-road vehicle operations, while evaporative emissions consisted entirely of other forms.
It further stated that a national fleet data, national statistics on fuel consumption, data on weather conditions and data on driving patterns were requirements for the determination of emission estimation in the country.
The report gathered that a total of 1,569,603.7 metric tonnes of diesel, gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) were consumed in 2005, against 1,316,532.6 metric tonnes in 2000.
That amounted to total emission levels from 32,222.78 tonnes in 2000 to 52,666.17 tonnes in 2005 at the rate of 16.67 per cent per annum. The rate of increase depended on a corresponding increase in fleet numbers and fuel consumption.
It recommended that relevant institutions like the Tema Oil Refinery, the DVLA, and the oil manufacturing companies should make conscious efforts to capture data that would help to improve the certainty of future emission inventory.
It also noted that the state of vehicle population data at the DVLA required immediate attention, especially speeding up the digitisation process of analogue data.
The report recommended that there must be continuous improvement in quality of fuel devoid of dilution and adulteration and the institution of regular mobile engine inspection and maintenance schedules.
The report suggested alternative sustainable transport options and alternative fuel use, as well as regulatory measures and enforcement, to prevent higher emissions and their attendant pollution and negative effects on human health and the environment.
Meanwhile, the EPA has held a dissemination workshop on a study conducted in Kumasi and Accra with the view to sensitising relevant stakeholders to the challenges ahead in connection with emissions in the country.
Only NPP can sustain macroeconomic stability, Dec.5 ,2007, page 15
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Alan Kyeremanteng has said no serious government after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led one will assume office to dismantle achievements in the macro economic stability, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other vital state reforms on health and education, among others.
What is left to be done, he said, is to construct a consistent framework for the stabilisation for the growth of the economy within a period of 10 and 12 years.
According to him no country in the world had achieved any superlative performance in growth without a sustained period of stabilization effort adding that the record track performance of the NPP government in seven years was enough evidence to for it to be voted back into power to go through additional years to complete a sustained period of stabilization and growth of the economy.
Mr Kyeremanteng was addressing media practitioners in Ho after a tour of 15 constituencies in the Volta Region in the campaign to win the flagbearer position of the party in the delegates conference slated for December 22 this year.
He said from his own assessment, by the end of the second round campaign tour of the Volta Region, he was more convinced that if the region alone was going to vote he would be declared the flag bearer.
He said the challenge for leadership was not for contestants alone but the entire party adding that as a strategist in the present government he will shift emphasis on the productive sectors of the economy when elected as the flagbearer and eventually the head of state.
Mr Kyeremanteng promised to build a strong grassroots network for the party and will ensure that no gap existed between the top and bottom in governance.
On campaign funding he said it was a critical issue in the body politic of the international scene saying that everybody had his own way of mobilizing funds for campaigning and the ability to mobilize funds was crucial to a successful campaign.
“If you want to be successful you must be able to fund a campaign, I don’t see that as splashing of money”, he said.
Mr Kyeremanteng said there was negative propaganda in politics making people to spend money based on their own beliefs and strategies adding that he spent money effectively on campaigns in order not to waste resources.
He said all delegates had made up their minds on the choice of candidate and money will play a little influence on their choice.
Mr Kyeremanteng affirmed that he was a forerunner in the race and intends working towards winning the first round of ballot but said in politics anything could happen and therefore the possibility to create an environment to forge an alliance to win if there should be any second balloting.
He said strategically, he went one step ahead in the campaign, that is preparing for the delegates conference, as well as the national elections adding that with the present focus he will win the flagbearership contest.
A presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Alan Kyeremanteng has said no serious government after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led one will assume office to dismantle achievements in the macro economic stability, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other vital state reforms on health and education, among others.
What is left to be done, he said, is to construct a consistent framework for the stabilisation for the growth of the economy within a period of 10 and 12 years.
According to him no country in the world had achieved any superlative performance in growth without a sustained period of stabilization effort adding that the record track performance of the NPP government in seven years was enough evidence to for it to be voted back into power to go through additional years to complete a sustained period of stabilization and growth of the economy.
Mr Kyeremanteng was addressing media practitioners in Ho after a tour of 15 constituencies in the Volta Region in the campaign to win the flagbearer position of the party in the delegates conference slated for December 22 this year.
He said from his own assessment, by the end of the second round campaign tour of the Volta Region, he was more convinced that if the region alone was going to vote he would be declared the flag bearer.
He said the challenge for leadership was not for contestants alone but the entire party adding that as a strategist in the present government he will shift emphasis on the productive sectors of the economy when elected as the flagbearer and eventually the head of state.
Mr Kyeremanteng promised to build a strong grassroots network for the party and will ensure that no gap existed between the top and bottom in governance.
On campaign funding he said it was a critical issue in the body politic of the international scene saying that everybody had his own way of mobilizing funds for campaigning and the ability to mobilize funds was crucial to a successful campaign.
“If you want to be successful you must be able to fund a campaign, I don’t see that as splashing of money”, he said.
Mr Kyeremanteng said there was negative propaganda in politics making people to spend money based on their own beliefs and strategies adding that he spent money effectively on campaigns in order not to waste resources.
He said all delegates had made up their minds on the choice of candidate and money will play a little influence on their choice.
Mr Kyeremanteng affirmed that he was a forerunner in the race and intends working towards winning the first round of ballot but said in politics anything could happen and therefore the possibility to create an environment to forge an alliance to win if there should be any second balloting.
He said strategically, he went one step ahead in the campaign, that is preparing for the delegates conference, as well as the national elections adding that with the present focus he will win the flagbearership contest.
Ho Court grants bail to seven, Dec 5, 2007, page34
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A Ho High court has granted bail to seven persons arrested by the police in connection with the Anlo chieftaincy conflict in which four persons died during a clash on November 1 this year.
The seven, accused of “murder” and “riot with weapon” were bailed at a sum of GHC15,000 each with one surety to appear to the Keta District police once in every two weeks.
The accused persons are Yao Agbemakpor, John Kwawu Sefogah, Aaron Agbota, Kwawu Galley, Francis Adzrah, Prince Wisdom Kpodo and Atsu Afedo with counsel as Mr Ernest Gaewu.
They had been in prison custody since November 2 when they police arrested 75 persons out of which 67 of them were granted a police enquiry bail whist eight of them were remanded in police custody in Ho.
One of the suspects, Israel Kwabla Amenume died in police cells, leaving the seven who were eventually granted bail today.
They first appeared before a Ho District Magistrate court on November 5 and secondly on November 22 but the court presided over by His Lordship. Mr. P.W Amedior declined them bail and advised counsel to apply to the High court for bail.
The high court, presided over by Mr Justice Kofi Essel-Mensah said the case was silent on who actually murdered the constable adding that if all the accused persons kidnapped and murdered the constable then they would have acted in concert.
He said however that a charge of conspiracy was not preferred against the accused persons and that the facts were not supportive of the case.
The judge said the facts of the case were replete with doubts and that in the circumstance of it the charge of murders preferred against the accused was not well laid.
According to him the offence of murder with which the accused were charged was for the sake of convenience only, so as to allow the police ample time to conduct investigations into the whole affair.
Mr Essel-Mensah said the irony in this application was that as the prosecution was seeking to do justice to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book, grave injustice of unfathomable proportions was being done to the applicants.
The chief state attorney for the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Okyere-Darko who prosecuted said the state was opposed to the application for bail and had filed an affidavit in opposition.
A Ho High court has granted bail to seven persons arrested by the police in connection with the Anlo chieftaincy conflict in which four persons died during a clash on November 1 this year.
The seven, accused of “murder” and “riot with weapon” were bailed at a sum of GHC15,000 each with one surety to appear to the Keta District police once in every two weeks.
The accused persons are Yao Agbemakpor, John Kwawu Sefogah, Aaron Agbota, Kwawu Galley, Francis Adzrah, Prince Wisdom Kpodo and Atsu Afedo with counsel as Mr Ernest Gaewu.
They had been in prison custody since November 2 when they police arrested 75 persons out of which 67 of them were granted a police enquiry bail whist eight of them were remanded in police custody in Ho.
One of the suspects, Israel Kwabla Amenume died in police cells, leaving the seven who were eventually granted bail today.
They first appeared before a Ho District Magistrate court on November 5 and secondly on November 22 but the court presided over by His Lordship. Mr. P.W Amedior declined them bail and advised counsel to apply to the High court for bail.
The high court, presided over by Mr Justice Kofi Essel-Mensah said the case was silent on who actually murdered the constable adding that if all the accused persons kidnapped and murdered the constable then they would have acted in concert.
He said however that a charge of conspiracy was not preferred against the accused persons and that the facts were not supportive of the case.
The judge said the facts of the case were replete with doubts and that in the circumstance of it the charge of murders preferred against the accused was not well laid.
According to him the offence of murder with which the accused were charged was for the sake of convenience only, so as to allow the police ample time to conduct investigations into the whole affair.
Mr Essel-Mensah said the irony in this application was that as the prosecution was seeking to do justice to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book, grave injustice of unfathomable proportions was being done to the applicants.
The chief state attorney for the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Okyere-Darko who prosecuted said the state was opposed to the application for bail and had filed an affidavit in opposition.
CRISIS LOOMS.In vehicuar traffic...Dec.5, 2007(Front Page)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has launched a report on vehicular emissions after a study of the effects of pollution from road transport in major urban centres in the country.
The report comprised a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of transport policy, Ghana Vehicle Emission Inventory and the Road and Air Traffic Noise Monitoring conducted under the sub-component of the Danish International Development Agency(DANIDA) Transport Sector Programme Support(TSPS) , Phase II.
It was launched at a two-day national stakeholder dissemination workshop on vehicular emissions at Ho today.
Launching the report on the behalf of the minister of local government, rural development and environment, the deputy minister, Alhaji Ahmed A. Yirimea said urban air pollution from road transport was a growing concern since it affected air quality for quality public health, .
He said the SEA recommended that environmental issues were institutionalised and managed in an integrated and sustainable manner adding that alternative roads designs must consider the provision of noise barriers as a means of attenuating the noise levels.
He also said there was the need to strengthen linkages between transport sector and other sectors such as energy, health, tourism, among others and to ensure that such cross-sectoral overlaps were properly addressed.
Alhaji Yirimea noted that for the nation to deal air pollution it is imperative to evolve a transport planning systems that covered Traffic Demand Management, Traffic Management Systems as necessary and fundamental components.
He therefore said an integrated approach combining land use and transport planning, traffic demand management and management systems and regulation needs to be promoted.
He said all the elements should be supported by appropriate policies and actions on resource mobilization, taxation, pricing, institutional and legal aspects with the relevant promotion and awareness creation programmes.
“ It is important to develop vehicular emission standards which must be enforced together with existing traffic laws and regulations to achieve significant improvements in traffic flow and air quality”, he stated.
Alhaji Yirimea explained that proper enforcement is best implemented when the traffic code is clear and traffic management measures support desirable driving behaviour.
In an address read on his behalf, the deputy Volta Regional minister, Mr Joseph Nayan said apart from environmental pollution, vehicle pollution was detrimental to health and caused irritation in respiratory system, coughing, choking, reduced lung capacity, pneumonia influenza and asthma.
He said the emission of carbon monoxide can block the transport of oxygen to the brain, heart and other vital organs in the human body that could cause birth defects, cancer and other serious illnesses.
A programme officer of DANIDA, Mr Mawuena Hayibor said the Danish government considered climate change critical in its policies with developing countries.
He therefore announced that in line with its commitment to ensuring sustainable development in the development countries, the Danish government will be addressing climate change, energy and environment as one of its priorities under its development assistance for the next five years.
A director of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Godwin Brocke said vehicle emission inventory will have significant implications for the planning of road transport infrastructure and the delivery of all modes of transport and health in the country.
In welcoming address, the executive director of EPA, Mr Jonathan Allotey said the agency was instrumental in the phasing out of leaded fuel in 2004 adding that it was commited to championing the complete elimination of the use of metallic additives and also reduce the level of sulphur in fuels.
He said the agency will continue to raise awareness among stakeholders about best practices that were likely to bring about environmental benefits to the society adding “ we will continue to work with, and not against, the economic incentives of various transport actors”.
The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has launched a report on vehicular emissions after a study of the effects of pollution from road transport in major urban centres in the country.
The report comprised a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of transport policy, Ghana Vehicle Emission Inventory and the Road and Air Traffic Noise Monitoring conducted under the sub-component of the Danish International Development Agency(DANIDA) Transport Sector Programme Support(TSPS) , Phase II.
It was launched at a two-day national stakeholder dissemination workshop on vehicular emissions at Ho today.
Launching the report on the behalf of the minister of local government, rural development and environment, the deputy minister, Alhaji Ahmed A. Yirimea said urban air pollution from road transport was a growing concern since it affected air quality for quality public health, .
He said the SEA recommended that environmental issues were institutionalised and managed in an integrated and sustainable manner adding that alternative roads designs must consider the provision of noise barriers as a means of attenuating the noise levels.
He also said there was the need to strengthen linkages between transport sector and other sectors such as energy, health, tourism, among others and to ensure that such cross-sectoral overlaps were properly addressed.
Alhaji Yirimea noted that for the nation to deal air pollution it is imperative to evolve a transport planning systems that covered Traffic Demand Management, Traffic Management Systems as necessary and fundamental components.
He therefore said an integrated approach combining land use and transport planning, traffic demand management and management systems and regulation needs to be promoted.
He said all the elements should be supported by appropriate policies and actions on resource mobilization, taxation, pricing, institutional and legal aspects with the relevant promotion and awareness creation programmes.
“ It is important to develop vehicular emission standards which must be enforced together with existing traffic laws and regulations to achieve significant improvements in traffic flow and air quality”, he stated.
Alhaji Yirimea explained that proper enforcement is best implemented when the traffic code is clear and traffic management measures support desirable driving behaviour.
In an address read on his behalf, the deputy Volta Regional minister, Mr Joseph Nayan said apart from environmental pollution, vehicle pollution was detrimental to health and caused irritation in respiratory system, coughing, choking, reduced lung capacity, pneumonia influenza and asthma.
He said the emission of carbon monoxide can block the transport of oxygen to the brain, heart and other vital organs in the human body that could cause birth defects, cancer and other serious illnesses.
A programme officer of DANIDA, Mr Mawuena Hayibor said the Danish government considered climate change critical in its policies with developing countries.
He therefore announced that in line with its commitment to ensuring sustainable development in the development countries, the Danish government will be addressing climate change, energy and environment as one of its priorities under its development assistance for the next five years.
A director of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Godwin Brocke said vehicle emission inventory will have significant implications for the planning of road transport infrastructure and the delivery of all modes of transport and health in the country.
In welcoming address, the executive director of EPA, Mr Jonathan Allotey said the agency was instrumental in the phasing out of leaded fuel in 2004 adding that it was commited to championing the complete elimination of the use of metallic additives and also reduce the level of sulphur in fuels.
He said the agency will continue to raise awareness among stakeholders about best practices that were likely to bring about environmental benefits to the society adding “ we will continue to work with, and not against, the economic incentives of various transport actors”.
Monday, December 3, 2007
TAPA ABOTOASE INSTALS NEW CHIEF(mirror)-Dec. 1, 2007
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Tapa-Abotoase
In the midst of pockets of chieftaincy conflicts in certain parts of the country which had attracted large numbers of security personnel to provide security for life and property in recent times, the people of Tapa traditional area, an Akan tribe in the Jasikan district of the Volta Region had successfully sailed through this threat by installing a new paramount chief.
He is Okofrobour Baffour Kwame Asante II who succeeded Ogrohwe Anyenam Kwaku Boateng II who reigned from 1994 to 2006 and passed away last year.
The new Omanahene is known in private life as Lieutenant Commander Isaac Lawrence Anti Ampeh, a retired naval officer of the Ghana Armed Forces. He is 67 years old, married with four children and the 14th occupant to the stool of the Anyeman stool of Tapaman.
The minister of Chieftaincy affairs, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo did not minced words by congratulating the new Omanhene for being the unanimous choice of the royal kingmakers and further thanked the kingmakers for making a wise choice and selecting the most suitable candidate in the traditional area.
He likened the out-dooring of the new chief as a journey of a thousand miles that had started with a step adding that the new paramount chief had embarked on a journey of local development that could be accomplished with the active support and cooperation from his subjects.
He appealed to kingmakers to compile the procedures for enstooling chiefs in the traditional area stressing that when customary practices were well documented, outsiders would not attempt to usurp the stool in contravention to the rules.
He expressed the hope that the absence of conflict during his nomination and selection and the spontaneous approval by the kingmakers were enough assurances that there is much hope for the steady development of the Tapa area and that would prevent unnecessary litigation regarding chieftaincy and land matters.
Mr Boafo urged all the kingmakers and other opinion leaders in the area to cooperate with the new chief to draw up a development plan for the district.
He appealed that land should be made available at no cost to the new Biakoye district assembly for development projects adding that other parcels of land should be set aside as land banks for allocation to investors.
The minister said that although the coronation was incident-free and peaceful it was pertinent for the new chief to take early steps for the resolution of land related conflicts in order to make the area attractive to big time business executives.
Addressing the function, the Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi announced that a landing site has been earmarked for Tapa Abotoase lakeside market.
He urged the new chief to rally his subjects and consider the construction of a palace to the kingdom.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi who is an honourable Nkosuohene of the area pledged support for the area and urged chiefs not to litigate over the capital chosen for the new Biakoye district and should accept it as chosen by the government.
In an address, Okofrobour Asante said although such installations sparked conflicts in some parts of the country he was proud and happy to say that there was no record of such conflicts in the history of Tapaman.
He urged the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture to enforce the provisions of chieftaincy act particularly section 48 which stated, thus, “A person from the right family and lineage who is nominated, elected, installed as a chief with all the requisite customary laws performed on him with his name in the national register is the only person who can style himself as a chief”.
He expressed the hope that if this provision was strictly followed, the nation will have one of the best chieftaincy institutions in the world, devoid of conflicts and acrimony.
Okrofrobuor Asante pledged to abide by customary practices in the area to sustain the peace throughout his reign.
He appealed to the government to supply the area with pipe borne water as a matter of urgency and that his subjects should take the education of their children, health, sanitation and environment issues very seriously.
In an address, the Krontihene of Tapa, Nana Kwadzo Obrim II, said the peaceful outdooring ceremony testified to the peaceful environment in the area and pledged the support of all chiefs to the new paramount chief to facilitate the steady development of the area, the district, region and the nation as whole.
Present at the function were chiefs and elders from Buem, Nkonya, Worawora, Krachi, Bowiri and Apesokubi traditional areas.
In the midst of pockets of chieftaincy conflicts in certain parts of the country which had attracted large numbers of security personnel to provide security for life and property in recent times, the people of Tapa traditional area, an Akan tribe in the Jasikan district of the Volta Region had successfully sailed through this threat by installing a new paramount chief.
He is Okofrobour Baffour Kwame Asante II who succeeded Ogrohwe Anyenam Kwaku Boateng II who reigned from 1994 to 2006 and passed away last year.
The new Omanahene is known in private life as Lieutenant Commander Isaac Lawrence Anti Ampeh, a retired naval officer of the Ghana Armed Forces. He is 67 years old, married with four children and the 14th occupant to the stool of the Anyeman stool of Tapaman.
The minister of Chieftaincy affairs, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo did not minced words by congratulating the new Omanhene for being the unanimous choice of the royal kingmakers and further thanked the kingmakers for making a wise choice and selecting the most suitable candidate in the traditional area.
He likened the out-dooring of the new chief as a journey of a thousand miles that had started with a step adding that the new paramount chief had embarked on a journey of local development that could be accomplished with the active support and cooperation from his subjects.
He appealed to kingmakers to compile the procedures for enstooling chiefs in the traditional area stressing that when customary practices were well documented, outsiders would not attempt to usurp the stool in contravention to the rules.
He expressed the hope that the absence of conflict during his nomination and selection and the spontaneous approval by the kingmakers were enough assurances that there is much hope for the steady development of the Tapa area and that would prevent unnecessary litigation regarding chieftaincy and land matters.
Mr Boafo urged all the kingmakers and other opinion leaders in the area to cooperate with the new chief to draw up a development plan for the district.
He appealed that land should be made available at no cost to the new Biakoye district assembly for development projects adding that other parcels of land should be set aside as land banks for allocation to investors.
The minister said that although the coronation was incident-free and peaceful it was pertinent for the new chief to take early steps for the resolution of land related conflicts in order to make the area attractive to big time business executives.
Addressing the function, the Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi announced that a landing site has been earmarked for Tapa Abotoase lakeside market.
He urged the new chief to rally his subjects and consider the construction of a palace to the kingdom.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi who is an honourable Nkosuohene of the area pledged support for the area and urged chiefs not to litigate over the capital chosen for the new Biakoye district and should accept it as chosen by the government.
In an address, Okofrobour Asante said although such installations sparked conflicts in some parts of the country he was proud and happy to say that there was no record of such conflicts in the history of Tapaman.
He urged the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture to enforce the provisions of chieftaincy act particularly section 48 which stated, thus, “A person from the right family and lineage who is nominated, elected, installed as a chief with all the requisite customary laws performed on him with his name in the national register is the only person who can style himself as a chief”.
He expressed the hope that if this provision was strictly followed, the nation will have one of the best chieftaincy institutions in the world, devoid of conflicts and acrimony.
Okrofrobuor Asante pledged to abide by customary practices in the area to sustain the peace throughout his reign.
He appealed to the government to supply the area with pipe borne water as a matter of urgency and that his subjects should take the education of their children, health, sanitation and environment issues very seriously.
In an address, the Krontihene of Tapa, Nana Kwadzo Obrim II, said the peaceful outdooring ceremony testified to the peaceful environment in the area and pledged the support of all chiefs to the new paramount chief to facilitate the steady development of the area, the district, region and the nation as whole.
Present at the function were chiefs and elders from Buem, Nkonya, Worawora, Krachi, Bowiri and Apesokubi traditional areas.
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