Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A Natural resource and environmental governance programme, a multi-lateral project on best practices for environmental protection, is set to start in the country under the leadership of the World Bank and development partners.
It is a sector budget support assistance to the government of Ghana aimed at promoting forest management, protection of forest resources from bush fires, plantation establishment, and natural regeneration, among others.
The chief executive of the Forestry Commission, Professor Nii Ashie Kotey, announced this at Ho last Thursday at the handover of the Forest Resource and Management (FORUM) project, undertaken jointly by the Ghana and German governments in the Volta Region for the past 15 years.
He said development partners expected to support the project included the British Department for International Development (DFID), the Dutch government, the European Union, the Danish Agency for International Development (DANIDA), Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA) and a French government agency.
Professor Kotey said all the components of the FORUM project would be adopted for the next five years and called on all local and expatriate workers on the project to ensure that the benefits were secured and sustained.
He also said the Forestry Commission would use internally generated funds to support education, suppression and prevention of wild fires and said part of the projected revenue of about GH¢40 million to be generated this year would be sunk into the project.
The country director of the German Technical Co-operation, Ms Marita Brommelmeier, disclosed that 13 million Euros was injected into the project.
She stressed the need for nations to protect the environment in view of the increasing threat posed by global climate change.
Ms Brommelmeier called for the sustainability of the project to ensure consistent dissemination of learning experiences, adding that its success could form the thrust for poverty alleviation in the society.
In an address read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the project had increased forest cover in the forest reserves from 6400 hectares in 1996 to 14, 212 hectares by 2007.
He also noted that the 600 hectares of woodlots that existed in 1993 increased to 5,817 hectares by 2007 in addition to the employment of 10,000 people with 3,500 households benefiting from improved agricultural practices.
Mr Dzamesi expressed the desire that the success story could be replicated in the Agumatsa Waterfall Rehabilitation and Development Project, designed to rehabilitate the vegetation cover of the catchment area of the Wli Waterfalls.
He said the waterfall was the only one in the West Africa sub-region emanating from the highest point ever and this made its tourism potential huge, which will impact positively on the income, livelihood and standard of living of the people living in the project area and beyond.
The Volta Regional Manager of the Forestry Services Division, Mr Winfred Bimah, thanked the German government for the cooperation, adding that there was mutual understanding between the two partners in making proposals, decision making, monitoring and control of the project.
He said friendship also developed between the communities and project staff, which hitherto were perceived as antagonistic, and legal knowledge on forest issues had also been enhanced.
In a testimony, the chief of Asato Gyamonome in the Kadjebi District, Nana Amoah Nyarku, said the project had helped to improve the micro-climate, ensure reduction in slope erosion, the return of endangered species, enhance the potential for ecotourism and above all, instil a sense of ownership in the people.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
BUSHFIRES DESTROY POWER POLES IN VR (Spread)
Story: Tim Dzanboe, Ho
RAMPANT bushfires have plunged parts of the Volta Region into darkness and denied some communities the opportunity of watching the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Officials say the fires, which have destroyed vast areas of farmlands and food reserves, have also destroyed a number of wooden electricity poles. As a result, many communities are living in total darkness.
Communities in the northern sector of the region are worst affected.
Giving details of the crises, the Volta Regional Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Felix Fiebor, confirmed to the Daily Graphic that electricity supply to all communities from Kwamekrom through Worawora to Jasikan, Nkwanta and Dambai had had their supply of electricity interrupted since January 26.
He described the situation as unfortunate but attributed it to bush burning by unpatriotic residents, which had also destroyed high tension poles at Nsuta, Akposso-Kabo and Tapa-Amanya, all in the Jasikan District.
Mr Fiebor said it would take some time to restore the services even though the ECG regretted the power cuts during the Ghana 2008 football fiesta.
He appealed to chiefs and assembly members in the region to educate their people against indiscriminate bush burning to ensure continuous flow of power to all communities.
In another development, another outbreak of fire which swept through Gbi-Godeny, near Hohoe has destroyed a yam barn belonging to the Pastor of the Jordanu White Cross Society, Pastor Godwin Otto, and four others.
According to Pastor Otto, his goat pen was also destroyed but the timely release of the animals saved them.
RAMPANT bushfires have plunged parts of the Volta Region into darkness and denied some communities the opportunity of watching the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Officials say the fires, which have destroyed vast areas of farmlands and food reserves, have also destroyed a number of wooden electricity poles. As a result, many communities are living in total darkness.
Communities in the northern sector of the region are worst affected.
Giving details of the crises, the Volta Regional Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Felix Fiebor, confirmed to the Daily Graphic that electricity supply to all communities from Kwamekrom through Worawora to Jasikan, Nkwanta and Dambai had had their supply of electricity interrupted since January 26.
He described the situation as unfortunate but attributed it to bush burning by unpatriotic residents, which had also destroyed high tension poles at Nsuta, Akposso-Kabo and Tapa-Amanya, all in the Jasikan District.
Mr Fiebor said it would take some time to restore the services even though the ECG regretted the power cuts during the Ghana 2008 football fiesta.
He appealed to chiefs and assembly members in the region to educate their people against indiscriminate bush burning to ensure continuous flow of power to all communities.
In another development, another outbreak of fire which swept through Gbi-Godeny, near Hohoe has destroyed a yam barn belonging to the Pastor of the Jordanu White Cross Society, Pastor Godwin Otto, and four others.
According to Pastor Otto, his goat pen was also destroyed but the timely release of the animals saved them.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
ASAFOATSE TO CONTEST BUEM SEAT (Page 17)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
WITH the mounting competition in the political environment, many people continue to declare their intentions to become representatives of the people in the next Parliament.
Although registered political parties are yet to declare the full complement of their candidates, some anxious individuals have set the tone to make prospective opponents apparently more anxious or jittery.
To this end, an astute broadcast journalist and educationist, Mr Richard Asafoatse Obeng Akyea, has declared his intention to contest the Buem parliamentary seat in the next elections as an independent candidate.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, he explained that he did not belong to any political party because of his job as a broadcast journalist.
“I think it is good for one’s credibility and acceptability to be determined by the electorate of the Buem Constituency,” he stated.
Mr Akyea said his involvement with the people socially, educationally and religiously justified his acceptability, adding, “I have opened my doors to the people of the constituency right from my youthful days through free tuition for school dropouts, specifically in English and Literature.”
He said he had assisted students of the Bueman Senior High School in the same area, and had responded to all calls by the Jasikan Teacher Training College to assist in its programmes.
He said he had encouraged youth sporting groups in the constituency, adding that he was actually motivated to go to Parliament for the people to reactivate their -interest, in the development of the area.
According to him, development had remained at a standstill in the area over the years, hence his theme for the campaign, “Advocacy for Development for Buem”.
He said he would explore his contacts nationally and internationally, coupled with his power of advocacy, to make the people economically empowered to fashion their destiny, instead of looking to someone else to feed them.
Mr Akyea said his cardinal goals were economic empowerment for the youth and women, education, sanitation and local services also for the aged.
WITH the mounting competition in the political environment, many people continue to declare their intentions to become representatives of the people in the next Parliament.
Although registered political parties are yet to declare the full complement of their candidates, some anxious individuals have set the tone to make prospective opponents apparently more anxious or jittery.
To this end, an astute broadcast journalist and educationist, Mr Richard Asafoatse Obeng Akyea, has declared his intention to contest the Buem parliamentary seat in the next elections as an independent candidate.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, he explained that he did not belong to any political party because of his job as a broadcast journalist.
“I think it is good for one’s credibility and acceptability to be determined by the electorate of the Buem Constituency,” he stated.
Mr Akyea said his involvement with the people socially, educationally and religiously justified his acceptability, adding, “I have opened my doors to the people of the constituency right from my youthful days through free tuition for school dropouts, specifically in English and Literature.”
He said he had assisted students of the Bueman Senior High School in the same area, and had responded to all calls by the Jasikan Teacher Training College to assist in its programmes.
He said he had encouraged youth sporting groups in the constituency, adding that he was actually motivated to go to Parliament for the people to reactivate their -interest, in the development of the area.
According to him, development had remained at a standstill in the area over the years, hence his theme for the campaign, “Advocacy for Development for Buem”.
He said he would explore his contacts nationally and internationally, coupled with his power of advocacy, to make the people economically empowered to fashion their destiny, instead of looking to someone else to feed them.
Mr Akyea said his cardinal goals were economic empowerment for the youth and women, education, sanitation and local services also for the aged.
VOLTA REGION CPP IN CRISIS? (Page 16)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Volta Region branch of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) is heading for constitutional crisis if it is not able to hold a regional congress to elect its regional executive by February 2.
Although the national congress had given a respite to the region to resolve all differences and to elect new executive by the said date, nothing seems to excite the conscience of the current executive to do so.
Sympathisers of the party are, therefore, worried that despite an improved image of the CPP, which may bring in more fortunes in the 2008 elections, the party is still groping in the nexus of uncertainty in the region.
One of them told the Daily Graphic that it could mean that the national executives would have to sort out the issue with the constituency executive, because the mandate of the regional executive would expire on February 2.
He added that any gap between the national and constituency executive would not augur well for the party in the region.
An aggrieved member recounted the saga on the list of delegates from the region at the national congress in Kumasi and how the region was able to overcome the threats that confronted it, and said although many people had expressed interest to contest for the various positions, they were still unwilling to come forward.
THE Volta Region branch of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) is heading for constitutional crisis if it is not able to hold a regional congress to elect its regional executive by February 2.
Although the national congress had given a respite to the region to resolve all differences and to elect new executive by the said date, nothing seems to excite the conscience of the current executive to do so.
Sympathisers of the party are, therefore, worried that despite an improved image of the CPP, which may bring in more fortunes in the 2008 elections, the party is still groping in the nexus of uncertainty in the region.
One of them told the Daily Graphic that it could mean that the national executives would have to sort out the issue with the constituency executive, because the mandate of the regional executive would expire on February 2.
He added that any gap between the national and constituency executive would not augur well for the party in the region.
An aggrieved member recounted the saga on the list of delegates from the region at the national congress in Kumasi and how the region was able to overcome the threats that confronted it, and said although many people had expressed interest to contest for the various positions, they were still unwilling to come forward.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
LIKPE LAUNCHES 'LEKORYI' FESTIVAL (Page 20)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Likpe-Bala
THE people of the Likpe Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality have launched their biennial "Lekoryi" or unity festival at
Likpe-Bala in the Volta Region.
The launch finalised all arrangements for the celebration of the festival, which comes off on March 22, this year.
The festival will coincide with the launch of a GH¢100,000 education endowment fund to promote education in the traditional area.
In an address, the Otekple of Likpe, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, explained that the festival was a significant milestone in the revival of the rich values of Likpe.
He, therefore, urged the people to bury their differences and work in unity to speed up development of the area.
Launching the festival, a member of the planning committee, Mr Clement Dorleku, stressed the need for a sanitation contest among all communities in the traditional area, adding that the sides of roads linking all communities in the area would be cleared during the competition.
He said as part of the festival, the people would visit the Todome ancestral caves and organise a football gala and indoor games.
Fourteen members of the Sekpele Development Committee charged with the writing of the Likpe dialect, known as "Sekpele" into a readable language, were introduced at the durbar.
In an address, a member of the committee, Mr W. Y. Bonsi, said currently, the Likpe language could be written and read, making it accessible and easy for other tribes to learn.
He urged all the natives to read and review the available literature to enable them to give a feedback and suggestions to the committee.
Mr Bonsi said the project was under the auspices of the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) and the Volta Regional Multiple Project.
THE people of the Likpe Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality have launched their biennial "Lekoryi" or unity festival at
Likpe-Bala in the Volta Region.
The launch finalised all arrangements for the celebration of the festival, which comes off on March 22, this year.
The festival will coincide with the launch of a GH¢100,000 education endowment fund to promote education in the traditional area.
In an address, the Otekple of Likpe, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, explained that the festival was a significant milestone in the revival of the rich values of Likpe.
He, therefore, urged the people to bury their differences and work in unity to speed up development of the area.
Launching the festival, a member of the planning committee, Mr Clement Dorleku, stressed the need for a sanitation contest among all communities in the traditional area, adding that the sides of roads linking all communities in the area would be cleared during the competition.
He said as part of the festival, the people would visit the Todome ancestral caves and organise a football gala and indoor games.
Fourteen members of the Sekpele Development Committee charged with the writing of the Likpe dialect, known as "Sekpele" into a readable language, were introduced at the durbar.
In an address, a member of the committee, Mr W. Y. Bonsi, said currently, the Likpe language could be written and read, making it accessible and easy for other tribes to learn.
He urged all the natives to read and review the available literature to enable them to give a feedback and suggestions to the committee.
Mr Bonsi said the project was under the auspices of the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) and the Volta Regional Multiple Project.
HO HOSPITAL LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLAN (Page 20)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ho Municipal Hospital has launched a five-year strategic plan dubbed: "Rising Internal Strength" during which the hospital will be transformed to provide better service delivery through best practices in all units of the hospital.
The plan is the outcome of collaboration between the Change Management Unit of the Ho Polytechnic and the hospital, in a response to dwindling government funding, deteriorating physical infrastructure, lack of adequate internally generated funds and the poor work attitude of some staff.
To this end, the Municipal Director of Health, Dr John Eleeza, has inaugurated six committees to serve as focal points for the implementation of various action plans within the master plan.
These are the quality assurance team, drugs and therapeutic, research and scientific, in-service training, disciplinary and recreational committees.
In a keynote address, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Andrew Arde-Acquah, said the management of health care services in the country had become a complex and challenging issue, which needed careful planning in order to cope effectively with challenges.
He said the vision indicated in the strategic plan was laudable.
Mr Arde-Acquah, therefore, charged all stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the performance of their duties and added that they must create an organisational culture that was congenial and promoted effectiveness.
Dr Arde-Acquah asked the staff to improve upon customer care and provide quality healthcare services to their clients in order to attract and retain them.
He said they should demonstrate attitudinal change that would reverse the negative perception of the public that services rendered in the hospital were not good enough.
The regional director asked health workers to reciprocate the government's gesture of improving working conditions of health staff by working hard to achieve the vision of the Ghana Health Service.
In a welcoming address, the acting Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Kofi Gafatsi Normanyo, promised that the hospital would become one of the best.
He said the facility would radiate a lot of love, compassion, wisdom and knowledge that would be beneficial to everyone.
Dr Normanyo said it was the wish of the hospital to collaborate with the Ho Polytechnic in future to train nurses in addition to the training of brilliant accountants, who had overcrowded the job market.
He underscored the need for overhauling manpower training in the country to meet current market demands of human resource.
Launching the plan, the Deputy Director of Administration of the Ghana Health Service, Mr Yaw Mpianim Brobbey, urged the hospital staff to rally themselves into a strong force to ensure that the plan was effectively executed.
He said they should rise up to changing demands of the time, especially since more people were now demanding their rights to health.
THE Ho Municipal Hospital has launched a five-year strategic plan dubbed: "Rising Internal Strength" during which the hospital will be transformed to provide better service delivery through best practices in all units of the hospital.
The plan is the outcome of collaboration between the Change Management Unit of the Ho Polytechnic and the hospital, in a response to dwindling government funding, deteriorating physical infrastructure, lack of adequate internally generated funds and the poor work attitude of some staff.
To this end, the Municipal Director of Health, Dr John Eleeza, has inaugurated six committees to serve as focal points for the implementation of various action plans within the master plan.
These are the quality assurance team, drugs and therapeutic, research and scientific, in-service training, disciplinary and recreational committees.
In a keynote address, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Andrew Arde-Acquah, said the management of health care services in the country had become a complex and challenging issue, which needed careful planning in order to cope effectively with challenges.
He said the vision indicated in the strategic plan was laudable.
Mr Arde-Acquah, therefore, charged all stakeholders to rededicate themselves to the performance of their duties and added that they must create an organisational culture that was congenial and promoted effectiveness.
Dr Arde-Acquah asked the staff to improve upon customer care and provide quality healthcare services to their clients in order to attract and retain them.
He said they should demonstrate attitudinal change that would reverse the negative perception of the public that services rendered in the hospital were not good enough.
The regional director asked health workers to reciprocate the government's gesture of improving working conditions of health staff by working hard to achieve the vision of the Ghana Health Service.
In a welcoming address, the acting Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Kofi Gafatsi Normanyo, promised that the hospital would become one of the best.
He said the facility would radiate a lot of love, compassion, wisdom and knowledge that would be beneficial to everyone.
Dr Normanyo said it was the wish of the hospital to collaborate with the Ho Polytechnic in future to train nurses in addition to the training of brilliant accountants, who had overcrowded the job market.
He underscored the need for overhauling manpower training in the country to meet current market demands of human resource.
Launching the plan, the Deputy Director of Administration of the Ghana Health Service, Mr Yaw Mpianim Brobbey, urged the hospital staff to rally themselves into a strong force to ensure that the plan was effectively executed.
He said they should rise up to changing demands of the time, especially since more people were now demanding their rights to health.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
BAGBIN: RESOLVE TO CHART DEMOCRATIC PATH ...(Page 16)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, has urged Ghanaians to resolve to sustain the democratic path to governance of the state.
He said the best system that humanity had ever developed was democracy, and that where there was an intervention of the “gun” in governance, it was Parliament that suffered, while the Executive and the Judiciary functioned uninterruptedly.
Mr Bagbin was addressing a Regional Parliamentary Forum on “Strengthening the Legislature through Public Engagement” in Ho.
He, therefore, said that there was the need to appreciate a responsible minority or opposition in governance, because it served as the voice of the voiceless, a viable alternative to the ruling government and an opposition to the ruling government.
As the voice of the voiceless, the Minority leader said the opposition expressed the views of a significant section of the electorate and helped to ensure that concerns of the various groups and other interests not represented in government were not forgotten or trampled upon.
The Minority leader said the opposition also served as a reminder that properly functioning democratic systems were about choice, and that there was a viable alternative with a real or imagined potential to improve the quality of life of the people which could help them realise their aspirations.
He, however, said opposition must exercise circumspection in opposing government in order to put national interest supreme at all times.
In an address, the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes, said Parliament had resolved to build on the gains made so far and to consolidate democracy in the country.
He urged citizens to contribute their views on parliamentary democracy in order to put them in a better position to make laws that would stand the test of time.
The Speaker stressed that there should be no room for complacency to promote the entrenchment of democracy; and that as a nation, the people should uphold the principles of democracy to ward off undemocratic upheavals that had occurred in some African countries.
For his part, the Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Mr Adusa Okechire, said the unofficial functions of MPs, without the requisite resources, had put them under pressure and scores of criticisms from the electorate.
He said the provision of infrastructure was not the function of the MP; but that the work of the parliamentarian was to lobby in favour of the people, adding that it would be very unfair if this perception continued, making MPs to be chasing ministers for infrastructural development.
The Resident Director of the Frederich Ebert Foundation, Ms Cathrin Brischna, said Parliament belonged to the people, and the people had every right to challenge or commend their representatives.
She, however, said the electorate should be fair to the MPs, explaining that although many people hoped that MPs could be of direct assistance to them, they had their duty first to the nation, before their constituencies and their respective parties.
Ms Brischan pledged the support of the foundation to Parliament to enable it grow to play its role effectively in the democratic process.
In a welcoming address, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the forum was a vivid demonstration of parliamentary democracy for the people, because it enabled people living outside Accra to know more about the governance of their nation.
He said if the culture was sustained, it would strengthen our democracy, because many people would actually appreciate democracy the more.
The function was chaired by the Volta Regional representative of the Council of State, Togbe Kpangbatriku III, Chief of Dodome Traditional Area.
THE Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, has urged Ghanaians to resolve to sustain the democratic path to governance of the state.
He said the best system that humanity had ever developed was democracy, and that where there was an intervention of the “gun” in governance, it was Parliament that suffered, while the Executive and the Judiciary functioned uninterruptedly.
Mr Bagbin was addressing a Regional Parliamentary Forum on “Strengthening the Legislature through Public Engagement” in Ho.
He, therefore, said that there was the need to appreciate a responsible minority or opposition in governance, because it served as the voice of the voiceless, a viable alternative to the ruling government and an opposition to the ruling government.
As the voice of the voiceless, the Minority leader said the opposition expressed the views of a significant section of the electorate and helped to ensure that concerns of the various groups and other interests not represented in government were not forgotten or trampled upon.
The Minority leader said the opposition also served as a reminder that properly functioning democratic systems were about choice, and that there was a viable alternative with a real or imagined potential to improve the quality of life of the people which could help them realise their aspirations.
He, however, said opposition must exercise circumspection in opposing government in order to put national interest supreme at all times.
In an address, the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes, said Parliament had resolved to build on the gains made so far and to consolidate democracy in the country.
He urged citizens to contribute their views on parliamentary democracy in order to put them in a better position to make laws that would stand the test of time.
The Speaker stressed that there should be no room for complacency to promote the entrenchment of democracy; and that as a nation, the people should uphold the principles of democracy to ward off undemocratic upheavals that had occurred in some African countries.
For his part, the Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Mr Adusa Okechire, said the unofficial functions of MPs, without the requisite resources, had put them under pressure and scores of criticisms from the electorate.
He said the provision of infrastructure was not the function of the MP; but that the work of the parliamentarian was to lobby in favour of the people, adding that it would be very unfair if this perception continued, making MPs to be chasing ministers for infrastructural development.
The Resident Director of the Frederich Ebert Foundation, Ms Cathrin Brischna, said Parliament belonged to the people, and the people had every right to challenge or commend their representatives.
She, however, said the electorate should be fair to the MPs, explaining that although many people hoped that MPs could be of direct assistance to them, they had their duty first to the nation, before their constituencies and their respective parties.
Ms Brischan pledged the support of the foundation to Parliament to enable it grow to play its role effectively in the democratic process.
In a welcoming address, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the forum was a vivid demonstration of parliamentary democracy for the people, because it enabled people living outside Accra to know more about the governance of their nation.
He said if the culture was sustained, it would strengthen our democracy, because many people would actually appreciate democracy the more.
The function was chaired by the Volta Regional representative of the Council of State, Togbe Kpangbatriku III, Chief of Dodome Traditional Area.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Fans Celebrate Stars' Victory in Style...page 3
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Many football fans poured onto the streets of Ho and other towns and villages of the Volta Region in stupor last Sunday night to celebrate the 2-1 victory by the Black Stars over Guinea.
The outpour spontaneously ended the high suspense which hitherto had caught the fans when the game appeared to be ending in a draw until Sulley Muntari scored the victorious goal in the 90th minute.
Processions started from the central market to the civic centre to meet a large crowd that had gathered at Bankoe. Similar large gatherings were witnessed at Ho- Ahoe, Sokode-Lokoe and at SSNIT flats where a large number of children undertook a procession in the streets.
There were others who came out from their homes to shout at the top of their voices to the glory of the Black Stars.
Many people the ‘Daily Graphic” interviewed, spoke to express their joy at last and said it was obvious that the stars faced a tough match because it was the opening match which by all standards were always tough in every tournament.
The Ketu District Coordinating Director, Mr Peter Thompson said the victory was a demonstration of the true die hard Ghanaian spirit which made citizens prepared to fight till the last drop of their blood. The Ghanaian will never give up, he said.
He said it was a good spirit adding that the team knew what was at stake and expressed the hope that they will fight hard till the end.
Mr Thompson said the Guinean side was tough but the Black Stars performed creditably adding that it was a replication of excellence achieved at the last World Cup.
Mr Moses Kakaw from Sogakope said with the African Cup of Nations cup final, Ghanaians have seen themselves as one people.
According to him what happened in Sogakope was a reflection of togetherness that had caught up with Ghanaians and it was a message that the spirit must be used to work together so that we can achieve what we wanted as a nation.
Mr Kakaw stressed the need to give a free hand to the technical team and the public should refrain from agitating for the removal of any member of the team.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh expressed happiness on the performance of the club and said a mobile television screen will be rotated among some communities during the festival in addition to a permanent one in Ho at the STC yard at the civic centre.
The Kpandu District Chef Executive, Mr Pius Adanuti said the overwhelming turn out for the celebration of the victory last Sunday was remarkable so also were reports from Techiman in the Brong Ahafo region .
For his part, Elder Emmanuel Tide of Ho SNNIT flats commended the Black Stars and said they should persevere to conquer other teams in order to win the ultimate.
Ms Selina Dzikunu, a seamstress said she was happy that her prediction of her scoreline was fulfilled but admitted that the Guineans were a tough side which stretched the Black Stars.
Many football fans poured onto the streets of Ho and other towns and villages of the Volta Region in stupor last Sunday night to celebrate the 2-1 victory by the Black Stars over Guinea.
The outpour spontaneously ended the high suspense which hitherto had caught the fans when the game appeared to be ending in a draw until Sulley Muntari scored the victorious goal in the 90th minute.
Processions started from the central market to the civic centre to meet a large crowd that had gathered at Bankoe. Similar large gatherings were witnessed at Ho- Ahoe, Sokode-Lokoe and at SSNIT flats where a large number of children undertook a procession in the streets.
There were others who came out from their homes to shout at the top of their voices to the glory of the Black Stars.
Many people the ‘Daily Graphic” interviewed, spoke to express their joy at last and said it was obvious that the stars faced a tough match because it was the opening match which by all standards were always tough in every tournament.
The Ketu District Coordinating Director, Mr Peter Thompson said the victory was a demonstration of the true die hard Ghanaian spirit which made citizens prepared to fight till the last drop of their blood. The Ghanaian will never give up, he said.
He said it was a good spirit adding that the team knew what was at stake and expressed the hope that they will fight hard till the end.
Mr Thompson said the Guinean side was tough but the Black Stars performed creditably adding that it was a replication of excellence achieved at the last World Cup.
Mr Moses Kakaw from Sogakope said with the African Cup of Nations cup final, Ghanaians have seen themselves as one people.
According to him what happened in Sogakope was a reflection of togetherness that had caught up with Ghanaians and it was a message that the spirit must be used to work together so that we can achieve what we wanted as a nation.
Mr Kakaw stressed the need to give a free hand to the technical team and the public should refrain from agitating for the removal of any member of the team.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh expressed happiness on the performance of the club and said a mobile television screen will be rotated among some communities during the festival in addition to a permanent one in Ho at the STC yard at the civic centre.
The Kpandu District Chef Executive, Mr Pius Adanuti said the overwhelming turn out for the celebration of the victory last Sunday was remarkable so also were reports from Techiman in the Brong Ahafo region .
For his part, Elder Emmanuel Tide of Ho SNNIT flats commended the Black Stars and said they should persevere to conquer other teams in order to win the ultimate.
Ms Selina Dzikunu, a seamstress said she was happy that her prediction of her scoreline was fulfilled but admitted that the Guineans were a tough side which stretched the Black Stars.
DFP INAUGURATES KETU NORTH EXECUTIVE (Page 17)
Story: tim Dzamboe, Dzodze
THE Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has inaugurated its first batch of executive for the Ketu-North Constituency in the Volta Region.
The executive are Mr Makafui Boame as Chairman; Mr Ametefe Anaglah, as the Vice- Chairman; Mr Nelson Davor as Secretary; Mr Petro Gavor as Organiser; Mr Francis Avorkpo as Deputy Organiser; Mr Christian Tsormana as Public Education Officer; Mr Johnson Fevlo as Deputy Public Education Officer, Mr Godfred Adelakoe as Youth Organiser and Miss Victoria Kpedator as Women’s Organiser.
The Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Manfred Nuku-Dei, who inaugurated the executive, said the DFP was not in just to dismember the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but to do business to win the 2008 elections and to form the next government.
Mr Nuku-Dei said politics was all about sacrifice, and that the executive should put all hands on deck to win power in order to govern the nation, adding that it would be unwise for them to belong to the NDC or any other party for the past 13 years and now move out just for the sake of dismembering their former parties.
For his part, the Regional Organiser, Mr Michael Gamor, said party organisation was about structures and advised the executive to go into various wards and branches to spread the message of the DFP to the people.
He said the DFP was not an election machine. He said without viable structures there would be no party, hence the need to strengthen branches and wards.
THE Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has inaugurated its first batch of executive for the Ketu-North Constituency in the Volta Region.
The executive are Mr Makafui Boame as Chairman; Mr Ametefe Anaglah, as the Vice- Chairman; Mr Nelson Davor as Secretary; Mr Petro Gavor as Organiser; Mr Francis Avorkpo as Deputy Organiser; Mr Christian Tsormana as Public Education Officer; Mr Johnson Fevlo as Deputy Public Education Officer, Mr Godfred Adelakoe as Youth Organiser and Miss Victoria Kpedator as Women’s Organiser.
The Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Manfred Nuku-Dei, who inaugurated the executive, said the DFP was not in just to dismember the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but to do business to win the 2008 elections and to form the next government.
Mr Nuku-Dei said politics was all about sacrifice, and that the executive should put all hands on deck to win power in order to govern the nation, adding that it would be unwise for them to belong to the NDC or any other party for the past 13 years and now move out just for the sake of dismembering their former parties.
For his part, the Regional Organiser, Mr Michael Gamor, said party organisation was about structures and advised the executive to go into various wards and branches to spread the message of the DFP to the people.
He said the DFP was not an election machine. He said without viable structures there would be no party, hence the need to strengthen branches and wards.
Monday, January 21, 2008
GHANA 2008 IGNITES NATIONALISM (Page 24)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE upcoming African Nations Cup final dubbed Ghana 2008 has ignited the spirit of nationalism among Ghanaians as it is the wish of many of them that the Black Stars who are hosting the tournament win the cup.
Interviews conducted among a cross-section of football fans in Ho indicated that despite the fact that the venues for the tournament were far located from the Volta Region, a sizeable number of fans were planning to travel to those places to watch the matches live.
Miss Janet Dunyo, who operates a drinking spot near the Ho central market, said it was her aim to see the players personally and in action, adding that Ghana 2008 would bring money and promote tourism, business and fruitful interaction.
She said although none of the matches would be played in Ho, she was optimistic that the tournament would open a gateway for business because fans of the eastern corridor of the nation would certainly pass through the region, especially Ho, for hospitality and refreshment.
“The cup is already in Ghana, no two ways about that, ” she declared.
Mr Wisdom Tsiagbe, who was in the tournament’s branded shirt, said he knew Ghana was going to be the best team to win the cup.
He said he was preparing to go to Tamale by air to watch the matches at that venue, expressing the happiness that Ghana was hosting the tournament that would expose the nation to the international community.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Green Globe Society in Ho, Mr Samuel Deh, said it was nice that Ghana was hosting the tournament, but prayed that the professional players of the Black Stars should put the interest of the nation above all other considerations.
He said they should not relax but should give of their best to enable the nation to win the cup. “They should fight hard so that the cup will remain in Ghana,” he stressed.
The Volta Regional Editor of the Ghanaian Times, Mr Winston Tamakloe, said football was the passion of the nation and that history favoured the nation to win the cup.
According to him, with the rich store of experience from 1978 through 2002 when the nation hosted and co-hosted the tournament, the signs were clear on the wall that the tournament was going to be the best in view of the calibre of teams and technical men that would be assembled.
He, however, said the issue of “host and win” as had happened to some countries, was not going to be easy for Ghana.
“We have to fight very hard, it is not logic or spontaneous but demands patriotism and discipline on the part of the players and the technical men,” Mr Tamakloe stressed.
Mr Dzigbordi Asuo of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in Ho said there were no signs of the tournament apart from the venues because there were no flags and banners in towns in the Volta Region.
When interviewed, some taxi drivers who had hoisted the national flag on their cars said they bought them because of the beauty of the flags and that those who sold them should have explained the essence of the occasion to them.
THE upcoming African Nations Cup final dubbed Ghana 2008 has ignited the spirit of nationalism among Ghanaians as it is the wish of many of them that the Black Stars who are hosting the tournament win the cup.
Interviews conducted among a cross-section of football fans in Ho indicated that despite the fact that the venues for the tournament were far located from the Volta Region, a sizeable number of fans were planning to travel to those places to watch the matches live.
Miss Janet Dunyo, who operates a drinking spot near the Ho central market, said it was her aim to see the players personally and in action, adding that Ghana 2008 would bring money and promote tourism, business and fruitful interaction.
She said although none of the matches would be played in Ho, she was optimistic that the tournament would open a gateway for business because fans of the eastern corridor of the nation would certainly pass through the region, especially Ho, for hospitality and refreshment.
“The cup is already in Ghana, no two ways about that, ” she declared.
Mr Wisdom Tsiagbe, who was in the tournament’s branded shirt, said he knew Ghana was going to be the best team to win the cup.
He said he was preparing to go to Tamale by air to watch the matches at that venue, expressing the happiness that Ghana was hosting the tournament that would expose the nation to the international community.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Green Globe Society in Ho, Mr Samuel Deh, said it was nice that Ghana was hosting the tournament, but prayed that the professional players of the Black Stars should put the interest of the nation above all other considerations.
He said they should not relax but should give of their best to enable the nation to win the cup. “They should fight hard so that the cup will remain in Ghana,” he stressed.
The Volta Regional Editor of the Ghanaian Times, Mr Winston Tamakloe, said football was the passion of the nation and that history favoured the nation to win the cup.
According to him, with the rich store of experience from 1978 through 2002 when the nation hosted and co-hosted the tournament, the signs were clear on the wall that the tournament was going to be the best in view of the calibre of teams and technical men that would be assembled.
He, however, said the issue of “host and win” as had happened to some countries, was not going to be easy for Ghana.
“We have to fight very hard, it is not logic or spontaneous but demands patriotism and discipline on the part of the players and the technical men,” Mr Tamakloe stressed.
Mr Dzigbordi Asuo of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in Ho said there were no signs of the tournament apart from the venues because there were no flags and banners in towns in the Volta Region.
When interviewed, some taxi drivers who had hoisted the national flag on their cars said they bought them because of the beauty of the flags and that those who sold them should have explained the essence of the occasion to them.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
CPP TO RECLAIM VOLTA REGION-NDUOM...page 16
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom has said the party had undergone the required transformation over the years to reclaim its territories in the Volta Region and other parts in the body politic of the nation.
He said CPP which was regarded as the party which won independence for the nation is not a weak party saying that the time has come for it to rise with the readiness to combat and compete in the elections for victory.
Dr Nduom was addressing a durbar at the Asogli palace in Ho during a visit to the Volta Region as a sign of respect and greetings to the chiefs and people after having been elected the flagbearer of the party recently.
He said after eight years each of the governments of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party(NPP), the CPP was the best alternative for Ghanaians after the earlier parties had performed from good to better respectively, and the CPP to provide the best.
He however said the battle was long and tough but expressed the readiness to sacrifice and work selflessly to win the election, adding that a CPP government will share the national cake equally as had been done under the Kwame Nkrumah regime.
Dr Nduom promised to conduct a positive campaign and will not speak ill against opponents adding that he expected “positive work, positive character and positive behaviour” from all others in the campaign.
Addressing the durbar, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV underscored the need for all those aspiring to lead the nation to declare their assets adding that those who mdon’t want the public to know what they have don’t qualify to lead the people.
He said the nation needs a humble and honest leader who inspires the citizenry and instills in them the virtues of hard work, discipline, ambition, honesty, altruism, independence, tolerance, respect for one another and love for the nation.
The Agbogbomefia said wherever there was greed there was lack of transparency which provided a breeding ground for suspicion, nepotism and tribalism because close relations tend to be more reliable partners.
He stressed the need for equity underpinned with a transparent formula for the allocation of state resources to minimize suspicion and anxiety and inspire people to nation building.
On the politics of the Volta Region, Togbe Afede said it needed to be interpreted within the context of the dirty and hate politics of the past especially during tha transition to democratic rule in 1992 when tribe-based slogans were coined by short sighted politicians.
He therefore called for the rejection of politics that divided the nation and instead forged the kind of alliances that will enhance the strength of the people adding,” we have the responsibility to bequeath to our children a united nation that guarantees freedom from fear of all forms of discrimination and prejudice”.
The national chairman of CPP, Mr Ladi Nyandler said the CPP has Ghana as a world bank unlike some parties who had their World Banks in specified locations.
He said the CPP had come out with a new generation of people and will rededicate themselves to region adding that the premier role of Volta Region in Ghana politics cannot be ignored.
For his part the regional chairman, Mr Prince Ahiadzro thanked the chiefs and elders for the respect accorded the party.
The presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom has said the party had undergone the required transformation over the years to reclaim its territories in the Volta Region and other parts in the body politic of the nation.
He said CPP which was regarded as the party which won independence for the nation is not a weak party saying that the time has come for it to rise with the readiness to combat and compete in the elections for victory.
Dr Nduom was addressing a durbar at the Asogli palace in Ho during a visit to the Volta Region as a sign of respect and greetings to the chiefs and people after having been elected the flagbearer of the party recently.
He said after eight years each of the governments of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party(NPP), the CPP was the best alternative for Ghanaians after the earlier parties had performed from good to better respectively, and the CPP to provide the best.
He however said the battle was long and tough but expressed the readiness to sacrifice and work selflessly to win the election, adding that a CPP government will share the national cake equally as had been done under the Kwame Nkrumah regime.
Dr Nduom promised to conduct a positive campaign and will not speak ill against opponents adding that he expected “positive work, positive character and positive behaviour” from all others in the campaign.
Addressing the durbar, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV underscored the need for all those aspiring to lead the nation to declare their assets adding that those who mdon’t want the public to know what they have don’t qualify to lead the people.
He said the nation needs a humble and honest leader who inspires the citizenry and instills in them the virtues of hard work, discipline, ambition, honesty, altruism, independence, tolerance, respect for one another and love for the nation.
The Agbogbomefia said wherever there was greed there was lack of transparency which provided a breeding ground for suspicion, nepotism and tribalism because close relations tend to be more reliable partners.
He stressed the need for equity underpinned with a transparent formula for the allocation of state resources to minimize suspicion and anxiety and inspire people to nation building.
On the politics of the Volta Region, Togbe Afede said it needed to be interpreted within the context of the dirty and hate politics of the past especially during tha transition to democratic rule in 1992 when tribe-based slogans were coined by short sighted politicians.
He therefore called for the rejection of politics that divided the nation and instead forged the kind of alliances that will enhance the strength of the people adding,” we have the responsibility to bequeath to our children a united nation that guarantees freedom from fear of all forms of discrimination and prejudice”.
The national chairman of CPP, Mr Ladi Nyandler said the CPP has Ghana as a world bank unlike some parties who had their World Banks in specified locations.
He said the CPP had come out with a new generation of people and will rededicate themselves to region adding that the premier role of Volta Region in Ghana politics cannot be ignored.
For his part the regional chairman, Mr Prince Ahiadzro thanked the chiefs and elders for the respect accorded the party.
Friday, January 18, 2008
IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS ASKED TO BE VIGILANT, FRIENDLY (Back Page)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Aflao
THE Director of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ms Elizabeth Adjei, has urged security agencies at the country’s frontiers to be innovative to enable them to contain the challenges to be faced in the massive influx of visitors expected for the Ghana 2008 tournament.
According to her, it had been estimated that more than 500,000 football fans would enter the country through the Aflao border alone.
Ms Adjei, who is a member and the head of security of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said this during a day’s visit to the Aflao border to acquaint herself with the preparedness of immigration officials for the games.
Unfortunately, there were no banners at the Aflao border to indicate the hosting of the tournament.
She said a special manifest had been sent to Cameroun and Nigeria to enable them to assist in processing the movement of people to the tournament to avoid delay.
The format of the manifest, she explained, covered the name of the traveller, sex, nationality, passport number, contact address and the length of stay in the country.
She said six tents had been mounted at the border to cater for those covered by the manifest in order not to disrupt normal operations at the border.
She said each bus from Nigeria or anywhere in the region would carry a manifest and advised immigration officials not to insist on stamping the passports as all they needed to do was to cross-check the passengers in the bus and allow them easy entry as much as possible.
Ms Adjei advised officials of the Immigration Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to treat travellers to the game in a friendly manner and not to delay them unnecessarily.
She urged them to capture information on private vehicles as swiftly as possible.
The Aflao Sector Commander of CEPS, Mr Emmanuel Impraim, suggested that the border should be opened beyond 10 p.m. to enable football fans who might return to their countries to travel uninterrupted.
He said although the Ghana 2008 tournament was most welcomed, the nation would not have to overlook security issues as drug and small arm traffickers would want to use the period to operate.
The GIS Officer for Aflao, Mr E.A. Yirenkyi, who conducted the director round, expressed the hope that their Togolese counterparts would as usual collaborate with them to ensure the swift movement of visitors to the country.
THE Director of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ms Elizabeth Adjei, has urged security agencies at the country’s frontiers to be innovative to enable them to contain the challenges to be faced in the massive influx of visitors expected for the Ghana 2008 tournament.
According to her, it had been estimated that more than 500,000 football fans would enter the country through the Aflao border alone.
Ms Adjei, who is a member and the head of security of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said this during a day’s visit to the Aflao border to acquaint herself with the preparedness of immigration officials for the games.
Unfortunately, there were no banners at the Aflao border to indicate the hosting of the tournament.
She said a special manifest had been sent to Cameroun and Nigeria to enable them to assist in processing the movement of people to the tournament to avoid delay.
The format of the manifest, she explained, covered the name of the traveller, sex, nationality, passport number, contact address and the length of stay in the country.
She said six tents had been mounted at the border to cater for those covered by the manifest in order not to disrupt normal operations at the border.
She said each bus from Nigeria or anywhere in the region would carry a manifest and advised immigration officials not to insist on stamping the passports as all they needed to do was to cross-check the passengers in the bus and allow them easy entry as much as possible.
Ms Adjei advised officials of the Immigration Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to treat travellers to the game in a friendly manner and not to delay them unnecessarily.
She urged them to capture information on private vehicles as swiftly as possible.
The Aflao Sector Commander of CEPS, Mr Emmanuel Impraim, suggested that the border should be opened beyond 10 p.m. to enable football fans who might return to their countries to travel uninterrupted.
He said although the Ghana 2008 tournament was most welcomed, the nation would not have to overlook security issues as drug and small arm traffickers would want to use the period to operate.
The GIS Officer for Aflao, Mr E.A. Yirenkyi, who conducted the director round, expressed the hope that their Togolese counterparts would as usual collaborate with them to ensure the swift movement of visitors to the country.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
MINIMISE GREED, MATERIALISM ...Togbe Afede XIV calls for right leaders (P.15)
Story: Tim Dzamboe
THE Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has said the nation has reached the state where the chosen leaders would work towards minimising greed and materialism than enriching themselves.
He said excessive greed and materialism were distorting national priorities and that leaders must set a good example by recognising the differences between their wants and their needs.
The Agbogbomefia said this when he addressed a durbar at the forecourt of his palace in honour of the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was on a visit to Ho.
He called on all who aspired to lead the nation to publicly declare their assets and added that those who did not want the public to know what they had did not qualify to lead the people.
Togbe Afede called for mutual respect and warned that nepotism, tribalism, intolerance and excessive politicisation of governance were the main causes of poverty and conflict and expressed the need for people to ward off such negative practices and rather work towards the preservation of peace.
According to him, tribal considerations appeared to feature in several aspects of our Ghanaian lives such as appointment to public office and the awarding of government contracts without recourse to demonstrated capability and honesty as underpinned by the constitutional requirement of regional balance.
He also said the Constitution was not in tune with ethnic realities, adding that for a country whose politics had sometimes been dominated by bitter ethnic rivalry, the Constitution had become outmoded because of the excessive power given to the executive branch of government.
“ The executive powers of appointment, the powers granted our unicameral legislature and the executive over the creation of electoral constituencies, and their powers over the creation and functioning of district assemblies, for example, require some checks”, he stated.
In an address, Nana Akufo-Addo said the national congress was historic in the annals of the party and thanked members for the great honour done him by electing him. He said that was also a great responsibility.
He said the party emerged from the congress stronger and that was demonstrated by the presence of all contestants during his post-election tour of the regions.
Nana Akufo-Addo said the excellent foundation laid by the NPP government and the unity of the party was indicative that the party deserved another mandate and that although it was a critical election year there was no basis for any form of violence.
He expressed the hope that the Electoral Commission would put in place appropriate arrangements to organise free and fair elections to preserve the status of the nation as the beacon of Africa.
He also said the support of the party in the Volta Region would improve appreciably under his tenure.
THE Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has said the nation has reached the state where the chosen leaders would work towards minimising greed and materialism than enriching themselves.
He said excessive greed and materialism were distorting national priorities and that leaders must set a good example by recognising the differences between their wants and their needs.
The Agbogbomefia said this when he addressed a durbar at the forecourt of his palace in honour of the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was on a visit to Ho.
He called on all who aspired to lead the nation to publicly declare their assets and added that those who did not want the public to know what they had did not qualify to lead the people.
Togbe Afede called for mutual respect and warned that nepotism, tribalism, intolerance and excessive politicisation of governance were the main causes of poverty and conflict and expressed the need for people to ward off such negative practices and rather work towards the preservation of peace.
According to him, tribal considerations appeared to feature in several aspects of our Ghanaian lives such as appointment to public office and the awarding of government contracts without recourse to demonstrated capability and honesty as underpinned by the constitutional requirement of regional balance.
He also said the Constitution was not in tune with ethnic realities, adding that for a country whose politics had sometimes been dominated by bitter ethnic rivalry, the Constitution had become outmoded because of the excessive power given to the executive branch of government.
“ The executive powers of appointment, the powers granted our unicameral legislature and the executive over the creation of electoral constituencies, and their powers over the creation and functioning of district assemblies, for example, require some checks”, he stated.
In an address, Nana Akufo-Addo said the national congress was historic in the annals of the party and thanked members for the great honour done him by electing him. He said that was also a great responsibility.
He said the party emerged from the congress stronger and that was demonstrated by the presence of all contestants during his post-election tour of the regions.
Nana Akufo-Addo said the excellent foundation laid by the NPP government and the unity of the party was indicative that the party deserved another mandate and that although it was a critical election year there was no basis for any form of violence.
He expressed the hope that the Electoral Commission would put in place appropriate arrangements to organise free and fair elections to preserve the status of the nation as the beacon of Africa.
He also said the support of the party in the Volta Region would improve appreciably under his tenure.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
KOSI DEDEY CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVT (Page 17)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ho Central Constituency Chairman of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Mr Kosi Dedey, has called for transparency and accountability from all public institutions in order to check shoddy works and the inefficient execution of contracts.
“We must demand that the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) accounts for his stewardship to the people of Ho Central in a town hall meeting as he hardly attends municipal assembly meetings,” he stated.
According to him, since the inception of multiparty democracy in 1992, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs had taken the people of Ho Central for granted, and the NPP had failed to provide good leadership for the efficient development of the constituency.
This was contained in a press release issued in Ho, in connection with the 58th anniversary of the declaration of “Positive Action” by the CPP on January 8, 1950, aimed at adopting all legitimate and constitutional means to attack the forces of imperialism in the country.
THE Ho Central Constituency Chairman of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Mr Kosi Dedey, has called for transparency and accountability from all public institutions in order to check shoddy works and the inefficient execution of contracts.
“We must demand that the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) accounts for his stewardship to the people of Ho Central in a town hall meeting as he hardly attends municipal assembly meetings,” he stated.
According to him, since the inception of multiparty democracy in 1992, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs had taken the people of Ho Central for granted, and the NPP had failed to provide good leadership for the efficient development of the constituency.
This was contained in a press release issued in Ho, in connection with the 58th anniversary of the declaration of “Positive Action” by the CPP on January 8, 1950, aimed at adopting all legitimate and constitutional means to attack the forces of imperialism in the country.
Monday, January 14, 2008
CHIEF LINGUIST COMMITS SUICIDE ... (PAGE 24)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE chief linguist of Akrofu in the Ho Municipality, Enos Amu Yao 79, left home unceremoniously last Sunday and was regrettably found hanging on a mango tree with an electric cable tied to his neck.
His unusual departure from home at about 10 am that day was said to have aroused the suspicion of his wife and children, who started looking for him.
According to the Volta Regional Police Public Relations officer, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, the body of the late linguist was found last Monday at about 8am by a female farmer, who had gone to her farm.
He said the farmer went back to town and informed the relatives, who later made a report to the police.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the police visited the scene and inspected the body but found no mark of violence.
The body has since been deposited at the Ho regional hospital pending autopsy and further investigations.
THE chief linguist of Akrofu in the Ho Municipality, Enos Amu Yao 79, left home unceremoniously last Sunday and was regrettably found hanging on a mango tree with an electric cable tied to his neck.
His unusual departure from home at about 10 am that day was said to have aroused the suspicion of his wife and children, who started looking for him.
According to the Volta Regional Police Public Relations officer, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, the body of the late linguist was found last Monday at about 8am by a female farmer, who had gone to her farm.
He said the farmer went back to town and informed the relatives, who later made a report to the police.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the police visited the scene and inspected the body but found no mark of violence.
The body has since been deposited at the Ho regional hospital pending autopsy and further investigations.
NGO PRESENTS SCHOOL UNIFORMS TO ORPHANS ....(Page 24)
Story: tim Dzamboe, Ho
COMMUNITY Development Concern (CDC), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), that operates in the Volta Region has presented school uniforms to 45 orphans and children of cured lepers in the Agotorme and Wortoe Communities in the Ho Municipality. They had assistance from the Ghana AIDS Commission.
According to the Executive Director of CDC, Hon. Joycely Akorfa Ochlich, there were a number of orphans and vulnerable children in many communities who needed support from all concerned citizens but they were being ignored.
She said it was surprising to see that some children still walked bare footed to school in tattered school uniforms within Ho township, adding that in one case in the Cured Leper’s Community, two sisters shared a tattered shoe together depending on who was faster to grab it in the morning, then the other had to walk bare feet to school.
Mrs Ochlich said one does not have to look far to see abject poverty in the less fortunate neighbours and children and called on all concerned people to quickly clear their children’s wardrobe of unwanted clothes and shoes and donate them to orphans and vulnerable children. She challenged everyone to visit a school in their neighbourhood and inspect the children’s uniforms during assembly time and they would be surprised at what they see..
She advised parents to practise family planning to be able to give quality care to few cherished children.
She ended by expressing the hope that people will find it in their hearts to support the Children of Cured Lepers in Ho.
COMMUNITY Development Concern (CDC), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), that operates in the Volta Region has presented school uniforms to 45 orphans and children of cured lepers in the Agotorme and Wortoe Communities in the Ho Municipality. They had assistance from the Ghana AIDS Commission.
According to the Executive Director of CDC, Hon. Joycely Akorfa Ochlich, there were a number of orphans and vulnerable children in many communities who needed support from all concerned citizens but they were being ignored.
She said it was surprising to see that some children still walked bare footed to school in tattered school uniforms within Ho township, adding that in one case in the Cured Leper’s Community, two sisters shared a tattered shoe together depending on who was faster to grab it in the morning, then the other had to walk bare feet to school.
Mrs Ochlich said one does not have to look far to see abject poverty in the less fortunate neighbours and children and called on all concerned people to quickly clear their children’s wardrobe of unwanted clothes and shoes and donate them to orphans and vulnerable children. She challenged everyone to visit a school in their neighbourhood and inspect the children’s uniforms during assembly time and they would be surprised at what they see..
She advised parents to practise family planning to be able to give quality care to few cherished children.
She ended by expressing the hope that people will find it in their hearts to support the Children of Cured Lepers in Ho.
Friday, January 11, 2008
JUVENILE STONES MAN TO DEATH ...(Page 29)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A Fifteen-year-Old juvenile from Taviefe in the Ho Municipality has been remanded in police custody for allegedly stoning a 21-year old man to death.
The magistrate’s court, presided over by Mr P.W.D Amedior, ordered the accused to reappear on January 22.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, said police investigations on the death revealed that the deceased, Kwaku Agyapong, also from Taviefe was riding a bicycle belonging to a friend in the town and when the accused saw him, he gave him a chase on foot to collect the bicycle from him.
He said the deceased refused to hand over the bicycle resulting in a fight between them with the accused having the upper hand in the fight but a good Samaritan intervened and rescued the deceased.
Inspector Afagbedzi said both went away to their various homes but later in the day, the accused went to the deceased's grandmother's room where he resided at the time and started beating him all over again.
The deceased who was said to be an alleged sickle cell patient took a knife and threatened the accused to leave the room or leave him alone apparently to ward off the accused.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the accused refused and rather stretched out his left hand and dared the deceased to either cut or slash him with the knife, saying that he had been fortified against such objects.
He alleged that the accused further stated that in lieu of carrying out his orders he would be subjected to more beatings.
He said the deceased obeyed as ordered and then slashed the accused resulting in an injury.
The accused ambushed the deceased and hit him with a stone on the forehead, adding that the deceased started bleeding profusely and was rushed to the Ho Municipal Hospital where he was admitted and died the following day.
He said the accused admitted the offence of murder in a caution statement to the police.
A Fifteen-year-Old juvenile from Taviefe in the Ho Municipality has been remanded in police custody for allegedly stoning a 21-year old man to death.
The magistrate’s court, presided over by Mr P.W.D Amedior, ordered the accused to reappear on January 22.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, said police investigations on the death revealed that the deceased, Kwaku Agyapong, also from Taviefe was riding a bicycle belonging to a friend in the town and when the accused saw him, he gave him a chase on foot to collect the bicycle from him.
He said the deceased refused to hand over the bicycle resulting in a fight between them with the accused having the upper hand in the fight but a good Samaritan intervened and rescued the deceased.
Inspector Afagbedzi said both went away to their various homes but later in the day, the accused went to the deceased's grandmother's room where he resided at the time and started beating him all over again.
The deceased who was said to be an alleged sickle cell patient took a knife and threatened the accused to leave the room or leave him alone apparently to ward off the accused.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the accused refused and rather stretched out his left hand and dared the deceased to either cut or slash him with the knife, saying that he had been fortified against such objects.
He alleged that the accused further stated that in lieu of carrying out his orders he would be subjected to more beatings.
He said the deceased obeyed as ordered and then slashed the accused resulting in an injury.
The accused ambushed the deceased and hit him with a stone on the forehead, adding that the deceased started bleeding profusely and was rushed to the Ho Municipal Hospital where he was admitted and died the following day.
He said the accused admitted the offence of murder in a caution statement to the police.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
SOLDIERS MUST REMAIN NEUTRAL ... (Page 31)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A REVEREND minister of the Christ Evangelistic Ministry at Legon, Rev Dr Seth Amevor, has advised soldiers to remain neutral to the state to ensure that the next general election is held successfully.
“Your party is the state. Don’t take sides, be professional and don’t let politics interfere in your professional duty,” he said.
Rev Dr Amevor gave the advice when he delivered the sermon at a thanksgiving service of the 66th Artillery Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Ho last Sunday.
He predicted that the year would be peaceful and that the soldiers must be vigilant to defend the state on the sea, on land and in air.
According to him, the Ghana 2008 tournament would bring so many challenges to the state and so the soldiers must be abreast of all forms of tricks that visitors to the country might employ to ply their genuine or otherwise trades.
In another sermon, the Imam of the regiment, Alhaji Abubakar Yusif, said many did not receive answers to prayers because they were not backed by deeds to effect a true change.
He said the Biblical call for love for one another had been replaced with “destruction of one another” that made people armoured with envies and jealousy to embark on their deadly missions on colleagues in the community, work place, families and the society in general.
“Thos who put evil minds will not have peace of mind in this world, he admonished.
“Your heart must be clean, let us love one another”, he added, stressing that those who went to churches and mosques should be pure in heart.
Alhaji Yusif urged humanity to rededicate themselves to the virtues of “forgive and forget,” respect, discipline and responsibility without which there could be no true salvation.
In an address, the President of the Ghana Artillery Officers Association, Major General George Brock, reiterated unity as a divine source of strength and that they should remain united to maintain their meritorious achievements during peacekeeping in Lebanon.
The commanding officer of the regiment, Lt. Col Emmanuel Kotia, and other past commanding officers and officers who had served at the unit were present at the church service.
A REVEREND minister of the Christ Evangelistic Ministry at Legon, Rev Dr Seth Amevor, has advised soldiers to remain neutral to the state to ensure that the next general election is held successfully.
“Your party is the state. Don’t take sides, be professional and don’t let politics interfere in your professional duty,” he said.
Rev Dr Amevor gave the advice when he delivered the sermon at a thanksgiving service of the 66th Artillery Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Ho last Sunday.
He predicted that the year would be peaceful and that the soldiers must be vigilant to defend the state on the sea, on land and in air.
According to him, the Ghana 2008 tournament would bring so many challenges to the state and so the soldiers must be abreast of all forms of tricks that visitors to the country might employ to ply their genuine or otherwise trades.
In another sermon, the Imam of the regiment, Alhaji Abubakar Yusif, said many did not receive answers to prayers because they were not backed by deeds to effect a true change.
He said the Biblical call for love for one another had been replaced with “destruction of one another” that made people armoured with envies and jealousy to embark on their deadly missions on colleagues in the community, work place, families and the society in general.
“Thos who put evil minds will not have peace of mind in this world, he admonished.
“Your heart must be clean, let us love one another”, he added, stressing that those who went to churches and mosques should be pure in heart.
Alhaji Yusif urged humanity to rededicate themselves to the virtues of “forgive and forget,” respect, discipline and responsibility without which there could be no true salvation.
In an address, the President of the Ghana Artillery Officers Association, Major General George Brock, reiterated unity as a divine source of strength and that they should remain united to maintain their meritorious achievements during peacekeeping in Lebanon.
The commanding officer of the regiment, Lt. Col Emmanuel Kotia, and other past commanding officers and officers who had served at the unit were present at the church service.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
RAT-CHASING JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR CAUSING BUSH FIRE (Back Page)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A group of juveniles, said to be on a rat-hunting expedition, has been arrested in Ho, for allegedly causing a raging bush fire on the Kabakaba Hills.
Officials of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the children (names withheld) were all primary school pupils, with the exception of one, who is in the Junior High School. They are between 11 and 15 years.
They were said to be using their time during the Christmas holidays for hunting when one of them, after chasing a rat which ran into a hole, set fire to the bush after a futile attempt to smoke out the rat from its hideout.
The acting Fire Officer for Ho, Mr Sakutey Addo, told newsmen that a congregation of the Global Evangelical Church on the Kabakaba Hill felt threatened by the fire and telephoned the service for an intervention.
He said on their way to the spot, the firemen discovered that one of the boys had been arrested by some concerned citizens of the town who handed him over to the officials. The boy later helped to trace the other accomplices who were also arrested.
One of the boys disclosed that they went for a hoe at the residence of the grandmother of a peer and when they were returning, they saw a hole suspected to be the burrow of a rat.
He said they dug it aggressively to no avail, adding that in the process one of them, now on the run, set fire and fanned it to force out the rat but the fire engulfed a wider area in the bush and spread into the village.
The Volta Regional Pubic Relations Officer of the GNFS, Mr Joy Agbleze, said the children would be handed over to the police for the necessary action.
He expressed regret that the children had set a precedent for fire outbreaks in the Ho Municipality and other parts of the region in the ensuing harmattan season and warned communities to step up vigilance to curb the annual menace of bush fires to the environment.
Mr Agbleze urged parents to exercise greater control over their children during the holidays in order to enable them to spend more time on their studies than undertaking such harmful expeditions.
A group of juveniles, said to be on a rat-hunting expedition, has been arrested in Ho, for allegedly causing a raging bush fire on the Kabakaba Hills.
Officials of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the children (names withheld) were all primary school pupils, with the exception of one, who is in the Junior High School. They are between 11 and 15 years.
They were said to be using their time during the Christmas holidays for hunting when one of them, after chasing a rat which ran into a hole, set fire to the bush after a futile attempt to smoke out the rat from its hideout.
The acting Fire Officer for Ho, Mr Sakutey Addo, told newsmen that a congregation of the Global Evangelical Church on the Kabakaba Hill felt threatened by the fire and telephoned the service for an intervention.
He said on their way to the spot, the firemen discovered that one of the boys had been arrested by some concerned citizens of the town who handed him over to the officials. The boy later helped to trace the other accomplices who were also arrested.
One of the boys disclosed that they went for a hoe at the residence of the grandmother of a peer and when they were returning, they saw a hole suspected to be the burrow of a rat.
He said they dug it aggressively to no avail, adding that in the process one of them, now on the run, set fire and fanned it to force out the rat but the fire engulfed a wider area in the bush and spread into the village.
The Volta Regional Pubic Relations Officer of the GNFS, Mr Joy Agbleze, said the children would be handed over to the police for the necessary action.
He expressed regret that the children had set a precedent for fire outbreaks in the Ho Municipality and other parts of the region in the ensuing harmattan season and warned communities to step up vigilance to curb the annual menace of bush fires to the environment.
Mr Agbleze urged parents to exercise greater control over their children during the holidays in order to enable them to spend more time on their studies than undertaking such harmful expeditions.
Friday, January 4, 2008
MORE COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE HISTORY OF MIGRATION (Page 26)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Likpe-Abrani
More communities in the Volta Region continue to celebrate the history of their migration from ancestral homes as festivals and tools for mobilising material and human resources for development.
The people of Tsoxor, Kpeve, Tsibu, Klefe and Klikor have celebrated their “ Zendo Glimetsoza” at Tsibu in the Ho Municipality and the people of Kpalime Traditional Area have also celebrated their “Kpalikpakpa” festival at Todome-Kpalime.
Last Thursday, the people of Likpe-Abrani in the Hohoe District celebrated their “Dituyi” festival to mark the 40th anniversary of migration from Likpe-Mate.
The Chief of the town, Nana Borkey Akototse V, declared that the festival was a beacon of hope for mobilising funds for the town’s development agenda.
He said the movement of the people to the present settlement brought to an end a protracted chieftaincy dispute to be replaced with absolute peace as a tool for development.
“Evidence of this peace saw the community firmly united under the chiefs and elders in all communal activities of the past,” he affirmed.
Nana Akototse disclosed that the agenda for the festival was to mobilise funds for the construction of a kindergarten block to replace a block which was destroyed by a rainstorm three years ago.
The chief appealed to the authorities to extend electricity to the Zongo community of the town, adding that the health ministry should post a nurse to the local health centre which had been renovated through communal labour.
The chief of Gudeve, Nana Ambor, announced that pupils with aggregates between six and 10 would be supported to advance in education, and that that should be a motivating factor for the youth to take their studies seriously rather than watching movies.
He advised the people to live in peace and avoid conflicts during land ownership and chieftaincy affairs.
More communities in the Volta Region continue to celebrate the history of their migration from ancestral homes as festivals and tools for mobilising material and human resources for development.
The people of Tsoxor, Kpeve, Tsibu, Klefe and Klikor have celebrated their “ Zendo Glimetsoza” at Tsibu in the Ho Municipality and the people of Kpalime Traditional Area have also celebrated their “Kpalikpakpa” festival at Todome-Kpalime.
Last Thursday, the people of Likpe-Abrani in the Hohoe District celebrated their “Dituyi” festival to mark the 40th anniversary of migration from Likpe-Mate.
The Chief of the town, Nana Borkey Akototse V, declared that the festival was a beacon of hope for mobilising funds for the town’s development agenda.
He said the movement of the people to the present settlement brought to an end a protracted chieftaincy dispute to be replaced with absolute peace as a tool for development.
“Evidence of this peace saw the community firmly united under the chiefs and elders in all communal activities of the past,” he affirmed.
Nana Akototse disclosed that the agenda for the festival was to mobilise funds for the construction of a kindergarten block to replace a block which was destroyed by a rainstorm three years ago.
The chief appealed to the authorities to extend electricity to the Zongo community of the town, adding that the health ministry should post a nurse to the local health centre which had been renovated through communal labour.
The chief of Gudeve, Nana Ambor, announced that pupils with aggregates between six and 10 would be supported to advance in education, and that that should be a motivating factor for the youth to take their studies seriously rather than watching movies.
He advised the people to live in peace and avoid conflicts during land ownership and chieftaincy affairs.
COMPLY WITH LAID-DOWN REGULATIONS ...Anyomi (Page 26)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Hohoe
The Hohoe District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr George Anyomi, has advised orphanages to comply with laid down regulations in order not to abuse the rights of poor children.
He said the adoption of children was a technical issue and that those who wanted to do it should pass through legitimate processes to give credence to children’s welfare which was paramount in the laws of the nation.
Mr Anyomi said this at a durbar held in honour of a group of donors from England, the United States of America and Canada in respect of their assistance to the Christian Orphanage Home at Hohoe.
The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of a laptop to the Department of Social Welfare by the donors.
Mr Anyomi said children should not be toyed with, and warned non-governmental organisations which operated illegally, and parents who sacrificed their children to orphanages for no apparent reason to desist from the unlawful habit.
The Director of the orphanage, Mr Nicholas Abibu Koku Victus, said 86 children had been adopted at the orphanage, adding that they would be catered for until they became self sustainable.
The Hohoe District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr George Anyomi, has advised orphanages to comply with laid down regulations in order not to abuse the rights of poor children.
He said the adoption of children was a technical issue and that those who wanted to do it should pass through legitimate processes to give credence to children’s welfare which was paramount in the laws of the nation.
Mr Anyomi said this at a durbar held in honour of a group of donors from England, the United States of America and Canada in respect of their assistance to the Christian Orphanage Home at Hohoe.
The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of a laptop to the Department of Social Welfare by the donors.
Mr Anyomi said children should not be toyed with, and warned non-governmental organisations which operated illegally, and parents who sacrificed their children to orphanages for no apparent reason to desist from the unlawful habit.
The Director of the orphanage, Mr Nicholas Abibu Koku Victus, said 86 children had been adopted at the orphanage, adding that they would be catered for until they became self sustainable.
SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES RETARD YOUTH EDUCATION (Page 26)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Agotime-Kpetoe
AN educationist at the Volta Regional directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Robert Kofi Ayitah, has observed that the education of the youth of border communities is retarded by smuggling activities because the youth prefer smuggling to schooling.
He said border towns in which special skills and trades like Kente weaving were practised suffered a doubled agony of child labour in which children were engaged in skill training to the detriment of their education.
Mr Ayitah was addressing a durbar to mark the 10th anniversary celebration of the Silver Youth Club of Agotime-Kpetoe in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District last weekend.
He has, therefore, appealed to civil society organisations and pressure groups to embark on a series of interventions to reverse the trend in the area by encouraging the youth to take their education seriously, since it was the backbone of every endeavour in life.
In an address, the Member of Parliament for Ho-East, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, enjoined the community to support the club, since the members were purposeful and positive, minded.
A prominent citizen, Mr D.D. Dzorkpe, advised members to bury their differences and discrimination because they constituted the pitfalls to earlier initiatives.
He advised them not to meddle in politics, adding that it was causing destruction in the cohesion of many communities in the country.
The immediate past president of the club, Mr Elvis Ativoe, said it was the vision of the club to set a stage for future generations of the town, declaring that “the future of the next generation should be better than ours”.
He appealed to mothers to take care of their children, and that they should not relax, since the future of Agotime had started with zeal.
In a speech, the President of the club, Mr Elvis Amenyitor, said the club had chalked modest successes in all facets of development.
He said the club was currently building a state-of-the-art modern library and Information and Communication Technology complex for the whole district.
He said the club looked forward to serving as the pathfinder in bringing all youth groups under the common umbrella for moving the development agenda of Agotime into top gear.
Mr Amenyitor stressed that the development of the human capital through formal education was one key issue at the heart of the club because a well-developed human resource helped to overcome poverty and squalor.
Certificates of honour were presented to 50 citizens whose contributions had been recognised as fulfilling to the vision of the club.
Other speakers were Professor Akept Adzima, Mama Avorkpo, Nene Ahortor Makaku and the assembly member, who reiterated issues on education, gender development, child education and women development.
AN educationist at the Volta Regional directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Robert Kofi Ayitah, has observed that the education of the youth of border communities is retarded by smuggling activities because the youth prefer smuggling to schooling.
He said border towns in which special skills and trades like Kente weaving were practised suffered a doubled agony of child labour in which children were engaged in skill training to the detriment of their education.
Mr Ayitah was addressing a durbar to mark the 10th anniversary celebration of the Silver Youth Club of Agotime-Kpetoe in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District last weekend.
He has, therefore, appealed to civil society organisations and pressure groups to embark on a series of interventions to reverse the trend in the area by encouraging the youth to take their education seriously, since it was the backbone of every endeavour in life.
In an address, the Member of Parliament for Ho-East, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, enjoined the community to support the club, since the members were purposeful and positive, minded.
A prominent citizen, Mr D.D. Dzorkpe, advised members to bury their differences and discrimination because they constituted the pitfalls to earlier initiatives.
He advised them not to meddle in politics, adding that it was causing destruction in the cohesion of many communities in the country.
The immediate past president of the club, Mr Elvis Ativoe, said it was the vision of the club to set a stage for future generations of the town, declaring that “the future of the next generation should be better than ours”.
He appealed to mothers to take care of their children, and that they should not relax, since the future of Agotime had started with zeal.
In a speech, the President of the club, Mr Elvis Amenyitor, said the club had chalked modest successes in all facets of development.
He said the club was currently building a state-of-the-art modern library and Information and Communication Technology complex for the whole district.
He said the club looked forward to serving as the pathfinder in bringing all youth groups under the common umbrella for moving the development agenda of Agotime into top gear.
Mr Amenyitor stressed that the development of the human capital through formal education was one key issue at the heart of the club because a well-developed human resource helped to overcome poverty and squalor.
Certificates of honour were presented to 50 citizens whose contributions had been recognised as fulfilling to the vision of the club.
Other speakers were Professor Akept Adzima, Mama Avorkpo, Nene Ahortor Makaku and the assembly member, who reiterated issues on education, gender development, child education and women development.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
PASSAGE OF DISABILITY BILL NOT SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS (Page 21)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Volta Physically Challenged Independent Group (VOLPHIG), an association of physically challenged people in the Volta Region, has said the passage of the Disability Bill alone cannot be a panacea to the problems facing them.
It said it required collective and persistent advocacy and lobbying for the effective implementation of the legislation through the development of a strategy and working relationships with identified groups, stakeholders and government agencies to foster the speedy implementation of the Act.
Addressing the fifth anniversary get-together of the group at Ho the board chairman of VOLPHIG, Mr Joseph Dehole Dometi, said the excellent support and encouragement over the years by development partners and donors was commendable, adding that it was a way of assisting persons with disability to enter and participate in the mainstream of national development.
He mentioned them as MEND Trust of New Zealand, Democracy and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy, Ibis West Africa, The Royals Netherlands Embassy, Feed the Mind of UK and the Voluntary Service Overseas(VSO).
Mr Dometi said locally they were in partnership with five disability non-governmental organisations to form a network known as Volta Disability Network (VODIN).
He said that revolving loans had been advanced to 135 members, mobility aids to over 90 members and residential vocational skills training and ICT for 21 members.
The programme head of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Peter Hlovor, assured them that the department would continue to discharge its statutory obligations to support VOLPHIG and others to promote the welfare of the physically challenged.
He disclosed that with financial and material support from the Ho Municipal Assembly and the VSO the department had reactivated three projects in Tsawenu, Anyirawase and Awudome- Nkwanta.
This he said was to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to promote and protect their human rights as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Chil
The Volta Physically Challenged Independent Group (VOLPHIG), an association of physically challenged people in the Volta Region, has said the passage of the Disability Bill alone cannot be a panacea to the problems facing them.
It said it required collective and persistent advocacy and lobbying for the effective implementation of the legislation through the development of a strategy and working relationships with identified groups, stakeholders and government agencies to foster the speedy implementation of the Act.
Addressing the fifth anniversary get-together of the group at Ho the board chairman of VOLPHIG, Mr Joseph Dehole Dometi, said the excellent support and encouragement over the years by development partners and donors was commendable, adding that it was a way of assisting persons with disability to enter and participate in the mainstream of national development.
He mentioned them as MEND Trust of New Zealand, Democracy and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy, Ibis West Africa, The Royals Netherlands Embassy, Feed the Mind of UK and the Voluntary Service Overseas(VSO).
Mr Dometi said locally they were in partnership with five disability non-governmental organisations to form a network known as Volta Disability Network (VODIN).
He said that revolving loans had been advanced to 135 members, mobility aids to over 90 members and residential vocational skills training and ICT for 21 members.
The programme head of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Peter Hlovor, assured them that the department would continue to discharge its statutory obligations to support VOLPHIG and others to promote the welfare of the physically challenged.
He disclosed that with financial and material support from the Ho Municipal Assembly and the VSO the department had reactivated three projects in Tsawenu, Anyirawase and Awudome- Nkwanta.
This he said was to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to promote and protect their human rights as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Chil
HO POLYTECHNIQUE ADMISSIONS GO UP (Page 29)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Admissions to the Ho Polytechnic have shot up following the provision of essential facilities for academic work.
The completion of a 1,000- seater lecture/auditorium complex, a 400-room hostel, a four-storey classroom block and a computer laboratory as well as a library, financed under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) at more than ¢10 billion might have fuelled the rush for admissions into the institution.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech ) programmes in Automobile Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism Management has also added value and credence to polytechnic education.
Speaking at the 15th matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic, the rector, Dr Komla Dzisi, said 1,758 students were admitted for the B-Tech, Higher National Diploma and non-tertiary courses, adding that it was against a total of 2,308 applications received for consideration for the academic year.
He said in order to increase the number of students in the Applied Sciences, Applied Arts and Engineering programmes, a bridging programme had been introduced to offer graduates from technical and vocational schools the opportunity to pursue Higher National Diploma programmes in the polytechnic.
According to him, 40 students had been admitted to take part in the bridging programme which is being jointly run with the National Board for Professional and Technical Examinations (NABPTEX) with an expected increase in the years ahead.
Dr Dzisi stated that with the coming into force of the new polytechnic law, it was anticipated that more B-Tech programmes would be introduced in the polytechnics.
Dr Dzisi advised the new students to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic community since the violation of the tenets of responsible behaviour would not be countenanced.
He asked them to avail themselves of activities of the Students Representative Council, extra curricula activities, health activities and campus HIV/AIDS policy to have a successful period in the institute.
The polytechnic registrar, Mr F.K. Dzineku, administered the matriculation oath to the students and underscored good and moral behaviour on campus.
Admissions to the Ho Polytechnic have shot up following the provision of essential facilities for academic work.
The completion of a 1,000- seater lecture/auditorium complex, a 400-room hostel, a four-storey classroom block and a computer laboratory as well as a library, financed under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) at more than ¢10 billion might have fuelled the rush for admissions into the institution.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech ) programmes in Automobile Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism Management has also added value and credence to polytechnic education.
Speaking at the 15th matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic, the rector, Dr Komla Dzisi, said 1,758 students were admitted for the B-Tech, Higher National Diploma and non-tertiary courses, adding that it was against a total of 2,308 applications received for consideration for the academic year.
He said in order to increase the number of students in the Applied Sciences, Applied Arts and Engineering programmes, a bridging programme had been introduced to offer graduates from technical and vocational schools the opportunity to pursue Higher National Diploma programmes in the polytechnic.
According to him, 40 students had been admitted to take part in the bridging programme which is being jointly run with the National Board for Professional and Technical Examinations (NABPTEX) with an expected increase in the years ahead.
Dr Dzisi stated that with the coming into force of the new polytechnic law, it was anticipated that more B-Tech programmes would be introduced in the polytechnics.
Dr Dzisi advised the new students to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic community since the violation of the tenets of responsible behaviour would not be countenanced.
He asked them to avail themselves of activities of the Students Representative Council, extra curricula activities, health activities and campus HIV/AIDS policy to have a successful period in the institute.
The polytechnic registrar, Mr F.K. Dzineku, administered the matriculation oath to the students and underscored good and moral behaviour on campus.
'PASSAGE OF DISABILITY BILL NOT SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS'..page 21
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Volta Physically Challenged Independent Group (VOLPHIG), an association of physically challenged people in the Volta Region has said the passage of the Disability Bill alone cannot be a panacea to the problems facing affected people.
It said it required a collective and persistent advocacy and lobbying for the effective implementation of the legislation through the development of a strategy and working relationships with identified groups, stakeholders and government agencies to foster the speedy implementation of the act.
The board chairman of VOLPHIG, Mr Joseph Dehole Dometi said this when he addressed the fifth anniversary get-together of the group at Ho.
He said the excellent support and encouragement over the years by development partners and donors was commendable adding that it was a way of assisting persons with disability to enter and participate in the mainstream of the national development process.
He mentioned them as MEND Trust of New Zealand, Democracy and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy, Ibis West Africa, The Royals Netherlands Embassy, Feed the Mind of UK and the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).
Mr Dometi said locally they have joined partnership with five disability non-governmental organizations to form a network known as Volta Disability Network (VODIN).
He disclosed that revolving loans had been advanced to 135 members, mobility aids to over 90 members and residential vocational skills training and ICT for 21 members.
He also said the group had also sponsored the corrective for 25 children and provided mobility aids to 180 members and also vocational skills training and micro credit facility for over 120 new members.
In an address, the programme head of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Peter Hlovor assured them that the department would continue to discharge its statutory obligations to support VOLPHIG and others to promote their welfare in communities.
He disclosed that with financial and material support from the Ho Municipal Assembly and the VSO the department had reactivated three projects in Tsawenu, Anyirawase and Awudome- Nkwanta.
This he said was to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and to promote and protect their human rights as enshrined in the UN conventions on the rights of the child.
In a press release signed by the general secretary of VOLPHIG, Mr Francis Asong stated that the group had been able to sell over 50 cartons of chalk to some schools in Ho and its environs on a” buy-one and get-one free promotion basis.
The release stated that disability is still invisible in the wider development agenda particularly the Millennium Development Goals and the country level in the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy(GPRS).
It stated that disability was recognized specifically in the MDGs thus making most donors who focused on the MDGs did not consider disability as a priority.
The release however said disability is gaining recognition as a development issue at international level by the World Bank and stressed the commitment to work with sister organizations and Civil Society Organisations with a shred vision to ensure that persons with disability get the necessary support within the provided legal framework.
The Volta Physically Challenged Independent Group (VOLPHIG), an association of physically challenged people in the Volta Region has said the passage of the Disability Bill alone cannot be a panacea to the problems facing affected people.
It said it required a collective and persistent advocacy and lobbying for the effective implementation of the legislation through the development of a strategy and working relationships with identified groups, stakeholders and government agencies to foster the speedy implementation of the act.
The board chairman of VOLPHIG, Mr Joseph Dehole Dometi said this when he addressed the fifth anniversary get-together of the group at Ho.
He said the excellent support and encouragement over the years by development partners and donors was commendable adding that it was a way of assisting persons with disability to enter and participate in the mainstream of the national development process.
He mentioned them as MEND Trust of New Zealand, Democracy and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy, Ibis West Africa, The Royals Netherlands Embassy, Feed the Mind of UK and the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).
Mr Dometi said locally they have joined partnership with five disability non-governmental organizations to form a network known as Volta Disability Network (VODIN).
He disclosed that revolving loans had been advanced to 135 members, mobility aids to over 90 members and residential vocational skills training and ICT for 21 members.
He also said the group had also sponsored the corrective for 25 children and provided mobility aids to 180 members and also vocational skills training and micro credit facility for over 120 new members.
In an address, the programme head of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Peter Hlovor assured them that the department would continue to discharge its statutory obligations to support VOLPHIG and others to promote their welfare in communities.
He disclosed that with financial and material support from the Ho Municipal Assembly and the VSO the department had reactivated three projects in Tsawenu, Anyirawase and Awudome- Nkwanta.
This he said was to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and to promote and protect their human rights as enshrined in the UN conventions on the rights of the child.
In a press release signed by the general secretary of VOLPHIG, Mr Francis Asong stated that the group had been able to sell over 50 cartons of chalk to some schools in Ho and its environs on a” buy-one and get-one free promotion basis.
The release stated that disability is still invisible in the wider development agenda particularly the Millennium Development Goals and the country level in the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy(GPRS).
It stated that disability was recognized specifically in the MDGs thus making most donors who focused on the MDGs did not consider disability as a priority.
The release however said disability is gaining recognition as a development issue at international level by the World Bank and stressed the commitment to work with sister organizations and Civil Society Organisations with a shred vision to ensure that persons with disability get the necessary support within the provided legal framework.
HO POLYTECHNIC ADMISSIONS GO UP...page 20
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Admissions to the Ho Polytechnic shot up sharply within a year following the provision of more essential facilities for academic and teaching work for students and lecturers.
The completion of the elegant 1000- lecture/ auditorium complex, a 400 room hostel, a four-storey classroom block and a computer laboratory and a library funded under the Ghana Education Trust Fund(GETFUND) at over C10 billion might have fuelled the rush for admission into the polytechnic.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech ) programmes in Automobile Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism Management has also added value and credence to polytechnic education.
Speaking at the 15th matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic today, the rector, Dr Komla Dzisi said a total of 1,758 students were admitted for the B-Tech, Higher National Diploma, and Non-Tertiary courses adding that it was against a total of 2,308 applications received for consideration for the academic year.
He said in order to increase the number of students in the Applied Science, Applied Arts and Engineering,a bridging programme has been introduced to offer graduates from Technical and Vocational Schools the opportunity to pursue Higher National Diploma programmes in the Polytechnic.
According to him, 40 students have been admitted to take part in the bridging programme which is being jointly run with the National Board for Professional and Technical Examinations(NABPTEX) with an expected increase in the years ahead.
Dr Dzisi stated that with the coming into force of the new polytechnic law, it is anticipated that more B-Tech programmes would be introduced in the polytechnics in the years ahead.
He stressed the essence of the matriculation oath to tertiary students and said it was aimed at making them to avail themselves to a regime of excellent classroom and laboratory work, hands on skill and field work under the supervision of a highly motivated and dedicated academic staff.
The rector also said the matriculation was a watershed between secondary school and higher education, adding, “you have clearly matured this morning and we are hopeful that maturity will characterize all your activities here at Ho Polytechnic”.
Dr Dzisi therefore advised the new students to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic community since the violation of the tenets of responsible behaviour will not be countenanced.
He asked them to avail themselves to activities of the Students Representative Council, extra curricula activities, health facilities and campus HIV/AIDS policy to stay on successfully throughout their course in the institute.
The polytechnic registrar, Mr F.K Dzineku administered the matriculation oath to the students who underscored good and moral behaviour on campus. The registrar also dissolved the matriculation assembly.
Admissions to the Ho Polytechnic shot up sharply within a year following the provision of more essential facilities for academic and teaching work for students and lecturers.
The completion of the elegant 1000- lecture/ auditorium complex, a 400 room hostel, a four-storey classroom block and a computer laboratory and a library funded under the Ghana Education Trust Fund(GETFUND) at over C10 billion might have fuelled the rush for admission into the polytechnic.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech ) programmes in Automobile Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism Management has also added value and credence to polytechnic education.
Speaking at the 15th matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic today, the rector, Dr Komla Dzisi said a total of 1,758 students were admitted for the B-Tech, Higher National Diploma, and Non-Tertiary courses adding that it was against a total of 2,308 applications received for consideration for the academic year.
He said in order to increase the number of students in the Applied Science, Applied Arts and Engineering,a bridging programme has been introduced to offer graduates from Technical and Vocational Schools the opportunity to pursue Higher National Diploma programmes in the Polytechnic.
According to him, 40 students have been admitted to take part in the bridging programme which is being jointly run with the National Board for Professional and Technical Examinations(NABPTEX) with an expected increase in the years ahead.
Dr Dzisi stated that with the coming into force of the new polytechnic law, it is anticipated that more B-Tech programmes would be introduced in the polytechnics in the years ahead.
He stressed the essence of the matriculation oath to tertiary students and said it was aimed at making them to avail themselves to a regime of excellent classroom and laboratory work, hands on skill and field work under the supervision of a highly motivated and dedicated academic staff.
The rector also said the matriculation was a watershed between secondary school and higher education, adding, “you have clearly matured this morning and we are hopeful that maturity will characterize all your activities here at Ho Polytechnic”.
Dr Dzisi therefore advised the new students to abide by the rules and regulations of the polytechnic community since the violation of the tenets of responsible behaviour will not be countenanced.
He asked them to avail themselves to activities of the Students Representative Council, extra curricula activities, health facilities and campus HIV/AIDS policy to stay on successfully throughout their course in the institute.
The polytechnic registrar, Mr F.K Dzineku administered the matriculation oath to the students who underscored good and moral behaviour on campus. The registrar also dissolved the matriculation assembly.
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