17/03/08
THE Supervising High Court Judge of the Volta Region, Mr Justice Gibson Adzagli, has expressed concern over the high rate of homicide in the region and called for concerted efforts to curb it.
According to him, out of 17 cases of felony prepared for hearing at the courts, as many as 16 concerned murders, attempted murders and manslaughter, with the last one being rape.
Mr Justice Adzagli made this known when he addressed the opening session of the 2008 assizes to be held at the High Court and the swearing in of jurors in Ho on Wednesday.
He appealed to lawyers, the police, prison officers, jurors, as well as accused persons, to play their roles well in order to make criminal assizes a success.
In an address, the Chief State Attorney for the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Otchere-Darko, expressed dissatisfaction at the inability of prosecutors to produce witnesses at the courts and blamed the police for partially causing it and eventually causing delay in trials.
She said witnesses who attended court usually complained of failure to reimburse them, making it difficult for them to continue doing their civil duty.
Mrs Otchere-Darko further said police investigators relaxed in their duty to produce witnesses, with the complaint that they lacked transport facilities, adding that police responses to wireless messages were also poor.
She, therefore, suggested that station officers should do proper hand over of case dockets to enable fluid liaison between the police and the Attorney-General’s Department and warned that the usual excuse of the original investigator being “on leave, on course, on transfer, on peace mission abroad or on retirement” would not be allowed to retard cases.
The Chief State Attorney advised jurors to exercise diligence in their work and conduct themselves in accordance with the rules by eschewing corruption and absenteeism in court, stressing that their absence would cause cases to be unduly delayed.
The President of the Volta Regional Branch of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr Saviour Dzikunu, commended prison officers for their co-operation in the handling of remand prisoners.
The Deputy Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Jones Osei-Agyemang, said the charges levelled against the police had been carefully noted and promised that the necessary action would be taken to address them.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Chiefs, Clergy summit held inHo...March 10
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Minister of Health, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) has called for more ingenuous approach for the transformation of technologies left behind by forebears in order to add value and refine the enormous natural resources endowed in the nation.
He said the nation had wasted much time in the past 50 years of nationhood adding that it was time for a change and that the scriptures should be able to provide the leadership for the change from mental enslavement.
Major Quashigah said this when he addressed the second Chiefs and Clergy Summit organized by a Christian non-governmental organization, Operation Rescue Africa Incorporated at Ho last Wednesday.
He said the summit was a sign of a wind of change that was expected to blow adding that the clergy should be busy searching for knowledge in the Bible while chiefs should mobilize their people in utilizing the knowledge, with politicians occupying themselves with the provision of real and practical development for the people.
He urged citizens to be inquisitive enough to facilitate the abolishing of outmoded customs that was in conflict with the development aspirations of society.
In a resolution to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture read by the queen of Tefle traditional area, Mama Adokuwa Asigble IV, the chiefs and elders of the Volta Region appealed to the government to expedite action on the restoration of 103 paramountcies and their inclusion as permanent members of the regional house of chiefs.
The resolution called for the introduction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and training programme for chiefs to equip them with the necessary expertise to handle cases.
It also called for the reintroduction of native court system in the judicial system and that the adjudication of cases by chiefs should be incorporated into the judicial system to enable the right to appeal to the higher courts.
The resolution further advocated for the improvement of cordial relations between chiefs and politicians as well as between chiefs and the clergy and also called for the return of lands acquired by the government that had not been utilized yet.
In a response the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi said the forum should serve as a unifying force for the mutual recognition of all stakeholders in the development of the nation.
He said the resolution will be accorded the required attention be it at the regional or national levels, or where it may deem fit.
Mr Dzamesi advised the people to assess all candidates that will contest the next general election in order to make right choices for their own interest.
In a welcoming address, the president of the NGO, Dr Gilbert Okechy said the aim of the summit was to bring chiefs and the clergy together with opinion leaders to prayerfully brainstorm on issues that will enhance the progress and development of the region and to enlighten the people on some of the traditional practices which may not be understood by them and find a way to review or do away with those that do not bring any development to communities.
The Minister of Health, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) has called for more ingenuous approach for the transformation of technologies left behind by forebears in order to add value and refine the enormous natural resources endowed in the nation.
He said the nation had wasted much time in the past 50 years of nationhood adding that it was time for a change and that the scriptures should be able to provide the leadership for the change from mental enslavement.
Major Quashigah said this when he addressed the second Chiefs and Clergy Summit organized by a Christian non-governmental organization, Operation Rescue Africa Incorporated at Ho last Wednesday.
He said the summit was a sign of a wind of change that was expected to blow adding that the clergy should be busy searching for knowledge in the Bible while chiefs should mobilize their people in utilizing the knowledge, with politicians occupying themselves with the provision of real and practical development for the people.
He urged citizens to be inquisitive enough to facilitate the abolishing of outmoded customs that was in conflict with the development aspirations of society.
In a resolution to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture read by the queen of Tefle traditional area, Mama Adokuwa Asigble IV, the chiefs and elders of the Volta Region appealed to the government to expedite action on the restoration of 103 paramountcies and their inclusion as permanent members of the regional house of chiefs.
The resolution called for the introduction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and training programme for chiefs to equip them with the necessary expertise to handle cases.
It also called for the reintroduction of native court system in the judicial system and that the adjudication of cases by chiefs should be incorporated into the judicial system to enable the right to appeal to the higher courts.
The resolution further advocated for the improvement of cordial relations between chiefs and politicians as well as between chiefs and the clergy and also called for the return of lands acquired by the government that had not been utilized yet.
In a response the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi said the forum should serve as a unifying force for the mutual recognition of all stakeholders in the development of the nation.
He said the resolution will be accorded the required attention be it at the regional or national levels, or where it may deem fit.
Mr Dzamesi advised the people to assess all candidates that will contest the next general election in order to make right choices for their own interest.
In a welcoming address, the president of the NGO, Dr Gilbert Okechy said the aim of the summit was to bring chiefs and the clergy together with opinion leaders to prayerfully brainstorm on issues that will enhance the progress and development of the region and to enlighten the people on some of the traditional practices which may not be understood by them and find a way to review or do away with those that do not bring any development to communities.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Two robbers arrested in Ho
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
13/03/08
After several attempts to clamp down on armed robbers in the medical village in Ho, the police have finally arrested two young men as prime suspects in the robberies since December, 2007.
Isaac Siamey, 19, and Bright Ahedor, 18, were arrested when one of the mobile phones stolen from the accountant of the Volta Regional Hospital, Mr Justice Ahorlu, was discovered by her sister-in-law to have been sold to one Madam Beatrice Appiah.
According to the Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Dery, the sister-in-law of the accountant came across the mobile phone being offered for sale by one Ebenezer Bedzra and she questioned the ownership of the phone.
He said she later reported to the police who trailed the two suspects and arrested them at the Civic Centre in Ho, adding that a third accomplice, John Gazarel, managed to escape and was on the run.
Mr Dery said when the police conducted a search in the rooms of the suspects a number of items, including computers, ghetto blasters, standing fans, kitchen utensils, sound systems, plastic chairs, jeans, canvas, pairs of shoes, pairs of trousers and household items were retrieved.
When interrogated, Madam Appiah disclosed that he bought the mobile phone from one of the suspects, Bright Ahedor, for GH¢50.
Mr Ahorlu said he was burgled at around 2 a.m. when he and the family were asleep, adding that they woke up to find out that their rooms had been ransacked through the window with five mobile phones and about GH¢200 taken away.
Meanwhile, Mr Dery told newsmen that following the rampant armed robbery at the medical village, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) recommended the establishment of a police post in the area.
The REGSEC advised the clearing of bushy areas and called for a list of domestic servants and maids with their fingerprints as a security measure to check further stealing.
Mr Dery said the REGSEC also recommended the installation of street lights, since visibility was poor in the area and made it easier for thieves to keep the medical doctors and other hospital staff under surveillance, adding that it was suspected that the thieves were residents of the area.
13/03/08
After several attempts to clamp down on armed robbers in the medical village in Ho, the police have finally arrested two young men as prime suspects in the robberies since December, 2007.
Isaac Siamey, 19, and Bright Ahedor, 18, were arrested when one of the mobile phones stolen from the accountant of the Volta Regional Hospital, Mr Justice Ahorlu, was discovered by her sister-in-law to have been sold to one Madam Beatrice Appiah.
According to the Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Dery, the sister-in-law of the accountant came across the mobile phone being offered for sale by one Ebenezer Bedzra and she questioned the ownership of the phone.
He said she later reported to the police who trailed the two suspects and arrested them at the Civic Centre in Ho, adding that a third accomplice, John Gazarel, managed to escape and was on the run.
Mr Dery said when the police conducted a search in the rooms of the suspects a number of items, including computers, ghetto blasters, standing fans, kitchen utensils, sound systems, plastic chairs, jeans, canvas, pairs of shoes, pairs of trousers and household items were retrieved.
When interrogated, Madam Appiah disclosed that he bought the mobile phone from one of the suspects, Bright Ahedor, for GH¢50.
Mr Ahorlu said he was burgled at around 2 a.m. when he and the family were asleep, adding that they woke up to find out that their rooms had been ransacked through the window with five mobile phones and about GH¢200 taken away.
Meanwhile, Mr Dery told newsmen that following the rampant armed robbery at the medical village, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) recommended the establishment of a police post in the area.
The REGSEC advised the clearing of bushy areas and called for a list of domestic servants and maids with their fingerprints as a security measure to check further stealing.
Mr Dery said the REGSEC also recommended the installation of street lights, since visibility was poor in the area and made it easier for thieves to keep the medical doctors and other hospital staff under surveillance, adding that it was suspected that the thieves were residents of the area.
Dadebo stresses the need for teaching ICT in schools
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The director in-charge of Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the Ghana Education Service(GES), Reverend Emmanuel K Dadebo has stressed the need for a systematic plan and strategic commitment to the teaching of ICT in schools.
This he said will usher the younger generation into the appropriate orbit and clear understanding of the stakes and challenges of the ensuing 21st century.
Rev. Dadebo was delivering a paper on the theme, “Transforming Schools through e-learning” at the first Volta Region heads of schools summit organized by “E-Toys and More” company at Ho last weekend.
He said the use of technology is not an end to itself but must be harnessed to improve creativity and facilitate digital inclusion and that there must be room for total cost of ownership to embrace regular servicing arrangement and transparency.
He said the challenges on multimedia evolution were enormous adding that so much information was coming out such that it had been estimated that new information coming out in the previous 30 years was more than what had been received in the last five centuries.
Rev Dadebo noted that today’s pupils were ready to learn on electronic (e)-media than dealing with books and that the change in learning styles had therefore been wrongfully interpreted as laziness and accused children of today as not learning.
He advised school authorities to choose appropriate options that will not strangle their resources saying that, “the earlier we apply ourselves to modern trends the better”.
In an address read on her behalf, the Volta Regional director of GES, Mrs Olivia Sosu said there was the need for schools to be transformed through technology with e-learning for a massive way forward.
She said e-learning guaranteed universal acquisition of knowledge and saves the cost on studying and passing the requisite examination without necessarily buying books and other materials or shuttling between the home and school.
Mrs Sosu therefore said the focus now was to adapt to new and existing technologies to appreciably enhance the learning experience of pupils with the view to adding value to schools.
In a welcoming address, the executive vice president of E-TOYS & MORE, Mrs Theresa Sackey said the summit had taken place at a time when the nation was preparing to host the third international conference on ICT for development education and training in May.
She said the summit provided a unique forum to gain access to the important global trends in education in order to help them produce the necessary changes for better results in education.
Mrs Sackey said the scope of the company covered modern teaching and learning resources, fully financed e-learning centres, schools management solutions and integrated curriculum for schools.
Others are, school buildings and expansion solutions, schools SMS solutions, interactive electronic whiteboards, pre-school furniture and schools photocopier solutions.
The sponsors were Ghana Leasing Company, Africa Online, Computer 4 Kids, Sedco Publishing, SMSWEB, Kwikspace and e-learning.
The director in-charge of Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the Ghana Education Service(GES), Reverend Emmanuel K Dadebo has stressed the need for a systematic plan and strategic commitment to the teaching of ICT in schools.
This he said will usher the younger generation into the appropriate orbit and clear understanding of the stakes and challenges of the ensuing 21st century.
Rev. Dadebo was delivering a paper on the theme, “Transforming Schools through e-learning” at the first Volta Region heads of schools summit organized by “E-Toys and More” company at Ho last weekend.
He said the use of technology is not an end to itself but must be harnessed to improve creativity and facilitate digital inclusion and that there must be room for total cost of ownership to embrace regular servicing arrangement and transparency.
He said the challenges on multimedia evolution were enormous adding that so much information was coming out such that it had been estimated that new information coming out in the previous 30 years was more than what had been received in the last five centuries.
Rev Dadebo noted that today’s pupils were ready to learn on electronic (e)-media than dealing with books and that the change in learning styles had therefore been wrongfully interpreted as laziness and accused children of today as not learning.
He advised school authorities to choose appropriate options that will not strangle their resources saying that, “the earlier we apply ourselves to modern trends the better”.
In an address read on her behalf, the Volta Regional director of GES, Mrs Olivia Sosu said there was the need for schools to be transformed through technology with e-learning for a massive way forward.
She said e-learning guaranteed universal acquisition of knowledge and saves the cost on studying and passing the requisite examination without necessarily buying books and other materials or shuttling between the home and school.
Mrs Sosu therefore said the focus now was to adapt to new and existing technologies to appreciably enhance the learning experience of pupils with the view to adding value to schools.
In a welcoming address, the executive vice president of E-TOYS & MORE, Mrs Theresa Sackey said the summit had taken place at a time when the nation was preparing to host the third international conference on ICT for development education and training in May.
She said the summit provided a unique forum to gain access to the important global trends in education in order to help them produce the necessary changes for better results in education.
Mrs Sackey said the scope of the company covered modern teaching and learning resources, fully financed e-learning centres, schools management solutions and integrated curriculum for schools.
Others are, school buildings and expansion solutions, schools SMS solutions, interactive electronic whiteboards, pre-school furniture and schools photocopier solutions.
The sponsors were Ghana Leasing Company, Africa Online, Computer 4 Kids, Sedco Publishing, SMSWEB, Kwikspace and e-learning.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Govt concerns about plight of poor people. February 21
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Aflao
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi has said theintroduction of pro-poor programmes was an attestation to the concern of thegovernment to address the difficulties the citizens face in their daily lives.
He thereforesaid the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Capitation grant, schoolfeeding programme and the National Youth Employment programme, among otherswere all aimed at enhancing the socio-economic condition in the country.
MrDzamesi said this in an address delivered on his behalf at an end of year get-together of the Ketu District Mutual Health Insurance Schemeand a send off for the first scheme manager, Mr Raymond Avinu who had beenelevated to the Volta regional scheme manager at Aflao last weekend.
He saidwhen the NHIS took off many people vehemently kicked against it but today ithad become the “ saviour” without which many people especially the vulnerablewould have gone to their graves owing to inability to pay for health care.
Theregional minister said the government had sunk huge sums of money into itsoperation adding that as at November last year the Ketu district alone receiveda total subsidy of GHc 1,000,165.59 against a premium of GHc 152,078.8 with atotal registration of 135, 650 and 125, 000 card bearing members.
Touchingon peace and security, Mr Dzamesi commended the security agencies for theirvigilance in the maintenance of law and order especially along the easterncorridor.
Heurged the people to maintain the peaceful atmosphere in an election year toenable citizens to exercise their franchise in an atmosphere devoid ofintimidation and insecurity.
In anaddress, the board chairman and member of the National Health InsuranceAuthority Mr Obed Okudzeto said the scheme had chalked many successes in thefields of instant photo identity card delivery and technical vetting system.
Hecommended the outgoing scheme manager for his dedication and hard work andassured the government that the board and management of the scheme would workharder than before to break new grounds.
In hisacknowledgement, Mr Avinu said the honour done him was a great day in his lifeand that he was extremely humbled by the honour.
He saidhe has rededicated the contents of the citation to the poor and vulnerable whohad not yet registered under the scheme.
Thechairman of the function, Togbe Awusu II of Afife-Kukorti said the occasion wasa memorable one befitting a wonderful initiative executed by government addingthat Mr Raymond Avinu had distinguished himself at the national level and deservedsuch an honour.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi has said theintroduction of pro-poor programmes was an attestation to the concern of thegovernment to address the difficulties the citizens face in their daily lives.
He thereforesaid the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Capitation grant, schoolfeeding programme and the National Youth Employment programme, among otherswere all aimed at enhancing the socio-economic condition in the country.
MrDzamesi said this in an address delivered on his behalf at an end of year get-together of the Ketu District Mutual Health Insurance Schemeand a send off for the first scheme manager, Mr Raymond Avinu who had beenelevated to the Volta regional scheme manager at Aflao last weekend.
He saidwhen the NHIS took off many people vehemently kicked against it but today ithad become the “ saviour” without which many people especially the vulnerablewould have gone to their graves owing to inability to pay for health care.
Theregional minister said the government had sunk huge sums of money into itsoperation adding that as at November last year the Ketu district alone receiveda total subsidy of GHc 1,000,165.59 against a premium of GHc 152,078.8 with atotal registration of 135, 650 and 125, 000 card bearing members.
Touchingon peace and security, Mr Dzamesi commended the security agencies for theirvigilance in the maintenance of law and order especially along the easterncorridor.
Heurged the people to maintain the peaceful atmosphere in an election year toenable citizens to exercise their franchise in an atmosphere devoid ofintimidation and insecurity.
In anaddress, the board chairman and member of the National Health InsuranceAuthority Mr Obed Okudzeto said the scheme had chalked many successes in thefields of instant photo identity card delivery and technical vetting system.
Hecommended the outgoing scheme manager for his dedication and hard work andassured the government that the board and management of the scheme would workharder than before to break new grounds.
In hisacknowledgement, Mr Avinu said the honour done him was a great day in his lifeand that he was extremely humbled by the honour.
He saidhe has rededicated the contents of the citation to the poor and vulnerable whohad not yet registered under the scheme.
Thechairman of the function, Togbe Awusu II of Afife-Kukorti said the occasion wasa memorable one befitting a wonderful initiative executed by government addingthat Mr Raymond Avinu had distinguished himself at the national level and deservedsuch an honour.
New School block for Ho SSNIT flats
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) flats branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church in Ho has inaugurated a GHc 40,000 school building for a basic education school complex under the EP Church Educational unit.
The project was executed with seed money assistance of $14,000 to the SSNIT flats church from the Creative Ministries of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to augment the regular special contributions from members of the church.
Named the Kekeli International School, the project served as the main achievement out-doored at the climax of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the SSNIT flats church commemorated last Sunday.
Other achievements obtained through fund raising activities were a set of musical instruments, an electronic organ and a public address system.
The branch has several church groups comprising, a Sunday school for children, a church choir, a Bible class, Christian Youth Builders (CYB), Men’s Fellowship, Action Band and the Hope, Trust and “Can Do” groups.
Preaching the sermon, the moderator of the EP Church, Right Reverend Dr. Livingstone Buama said the church had built the school as a stepping stone for its generations to come.
He commended the head pastor of the church Rev. S.K Asamoah for his tremendous support, enthusiasm and inspiration to the congregation to undertake the project.
The moderator said the achievement of the SSNIT flats EP Church should serve as an example to all upcoming churches to note that the sky is the limit and that Rome was not built in a day.
He also congratulated the entire congregation for their immense contribution towards the project and that they were ordinary people doing extra ordinary things.
The host pastor, Rev S.K Asamoah said the congregation was not a stable one because it was made up of workers who were not permanently stationed in Ho but said despite the unstable nature it was the preferred place of worship for many people who were non-residents at the flats.
He extolled the gratitude of God for seeing the church through 20 years of both spiritual and material growth.
An amount of GHc 4,000 was realized in a fund raising at the church service.
CAPTION: Picture shows the magnificent school block.
Picture by Tim Dzamboe.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) flats branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church in Ho has inaugurated a GHc 40,000 school building for a basic education school complex under the EP Church Educational unit.
The project was executed with seed money assistance of $14,000 to the SSNIT flats church from the Creative Ministries of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to augment the regular special contributions from members of the church.
Named the Kekeli International School, the project served as the main achievement out-doored at the climax of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the SSNIT flats church commemorated last Sunday.
Other achievements obtained through fund raising activities were a set of musical instruments, an electronic organ and a public address system.
The branch has several church groups comprising, a Sunday school for children, a church choir, a Bible class, Christian Youth Builders (CYB), Men’s Fellowship, Action Band and the Hope, Trust and “Can Do” groups.
Preaching the sermon, the moderator of the EP Church, Right Reverend Dr. Livingstone Buama said the church had built the school as a stepping stone for its generations to come.
He commended the head pastor of the church Rev. S.K Asamoah for his tremendous support, enthusiasm and inspiration to the congregation to undertake the project.
The moderator said the achievement of the SSNIT flats EP Church should serve as an example to all upcoming churches to note that the sky is the limit and that Rome was not built in a day.
He also congratulated the entire congregation for their immense contribution towards the project and that they were ordinary people doing extra ordinary things.
The host pastor, Rev S.K Asamoah said the congregation was not a stable one because it was made up of workers who were not permanently stationed in Ho but said despite the unstable nature it was the preferred place of worship for many people who were non-residents at the flats.
He extolled the gratitude of God for seeing the church through 20 years of both spiritual and material growth.
An amount of GHc 4,000 was realized in a fund raising at the church service.
CAPTION: Picture shows the magnificent school block.
Picture by Tim Dzamboe.
NGO caals for devt of Keta's potential-Frebruary 21
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Keta
A non-governmental development organization, the Volta Foundation, has proposed a Keta Restoration Project as a new paradigm for the revival of potential of Keta for relaxation, pleasure and leisure and for investment.
This is against the background that the area was ready for investment in salt, marina, tourism and fishing following the completion of the Keta Sea Defence project that had made it possible to reclaim part of lost lands from the sea as well as stopping further sea erosion in the area.
The founder and president of the foundation, Mr Raymond Okudzeto made the proposal at a colourful durbar of chiefs of the Anlo traditional council which was unprecedented in recent times in view of the controversy surrounding the occupancy of the Awoamefia stool.
The durbar was held at a newly established tourism resort centre on a reclaimed land known as the Emancipation Cultural Beach Resort to mark the second year of the foundation on the theme, “ Unearthing the hidden potential of the Volta Region”.
Mr Okudzeto congratulated all those whose efforts culminated into the reclamation of vast spans of land in Keta and its environs, most especially the past and the current governments for their foresight and will power to start and to continue the project.
He said the impetus to propose the Keta Restoration Project was aimed at answering the onerous question of whether the people were putting the resources available for the development of the area which was once famous for its booming economic activities.
He said the foundation on its part had distributed books to schools in the region and publishes a magazine to expose the potentials of the region to the nation and the international community.
Mr Okudzeto said the foundation will support education, health care delivery, agriculture, bio-diesel production, youth employment with the support and partnership with communities and the diplomatic corps.
In an address, the Dufia of Alakple, Torgbui Kporku III said the durbar was the first time the real chiefs of Anlo had assembled without security men outnumbering the spectators and stressed the need to rise up in unity to forge the path of progress.
He advised the people to eschew lukewarm attitudes and apathy that had caused them a lot of deprivation although the area was richly endowed with natural resources.
Torgbui Kporku warned that nobody can impose himself on the people of Anlo adding that, “when they bring the fight to us we shall fight them until we read their obituary”.
Addressing the durbar, the Keta District Chief Executive, Mr Edward Kofi Ahiabor declared that Keta had become the promised land of the Volta Region especially the numerous untapped tourist attractions that had emerged in the area.
He therefore entreated chiefs to champion the crusade on peace in the area because they commanded affection and respect of the youth and can play a great role in mobilizing them.
Mr Ahiabor expressed reservations on sand winning at unathorised places at the reclaimed and that they should cast their minds back on the past negative effects of the sea that brought in the sea defence project and that nothing should be done to undermine the achievements of the project.
In a welcoming address, the Dufia of Keta, Togbui James Ocloo pledged the readiness of his people to participate in relevant projects identified by the foundation for the socio-economic development of the area.
A member of council of state who chaired the function, Mr. A.K Deku said the historical significance of Keta as the only district capital in the Lower Volta and the only area that was part of the Gold Coast cannot be overemphasized.
Present were the ambassadors of Canada and Italy and their spouses .
Activities held to mark the second anniversary were inter schools quiz competition, inter schools beach soccer competition, water sports and a beach jamboree.
The wife of Mr Okudzeto, Lois made cash donations to some nurses at the Keta Government Hospital and also donated paints for the renovation of the children’s ward of the hospital.
A non-governmental development organization, the Volta Foundation, has proposed a Keta Restoration Project as a new paradigm for the revival of potential of Keta for relaxation, pleasure and leisure and for investment.
This is against the background that the area was ready for investment in salt, marina, tourism and fishing following the completion of the Keta Sea Defence project that had made it possible to reclaim part of lost lands from the sea as well as stopping further sea erosion in the area.
The founder and president of the foundation, Mr Raymond Okudzeto made the proposal at a colourful durbar of chiefs of the Anlo traditional council which was unprecedented in recent times in view of the controversy surrounding the occupancy of the Awoamefia stool.
The durbar was held at a newly established tourism resort centre on a reclaimed land known as the Emancipation Cultural Beach Resort to mark the second year of the foundation on the theme, “ Unearthing the hidden potential of the Volta Region”.
Mr Okudzeto congratulated all those whose efforts culminated into the reclamation of vast spans of land in Keta and its environs, most especially the past and the current governments for their foresight and will power to start and to continue the project.
He said the impetus to propose the Keta Restoration Project was aimed at answering the onerous question of whether the people were putting the resources available for the development of the area which was once famous for its booming economic activities.
He said the foundation on its part had distributed books to schools in the region and publishes a magazine to expose the potentials of the region to the nation and the international community.
Mr Okudzeto said the foundation will support education, health care delivery, agriculture, bio-diesel production, youth employment with the support and partnership with communities and the diplomatic corps.
In an address, the Dufia of Alakple, Torgbui Kporku III said the durbar was the first time the real chiefs of Anlo had assembled without security men outnumbering the spectators and stressed the need to rise up in unity to forge the path of progress.
He advised the people to eschew lukewarm attitudes and apathy that had caused them a lot of deprivation although the area was richly endowed with natural resources.
Torgbui Kporku warned that nobody can impose himself on the people of Anlo adding that, “when they bring the fight to us we shall fight them until we read their obituary”.
Addressing the durbar, the Keta District Chief Executive, Mr Edward Kofi Ahiabor declared that Keta had become the promised land of the Volta Region especially the numerous untapped tourist attractions that had emerged in the area.
He therefore entreated chiefs to champion the crusade on peace in the area because they commanded affection and respect of the youth and can play a great role in mobilizing them.
Mr Ahiabor expressed reservations on sand winning at unathorised places at the reclaimed and that they should cast their minds back on the past negative effects of the sea that brought in the sea defence project and that nothing should be done to undermine the achievements of the project.
In a welcoming address, the Dufia of Keta, Togbui James Ocloo pledged the readiness of his people to participate in relevant projects identified by the foundation for the socio-economic development of the area.
A member of council of state who chaired the function, Mr. A.K Deku said the historical significance of Keta as the only district capital in the Lower Volta and the only area that was part of the Gold Coast cannot be overemphasized.
Present were the ambassadors of Canada and Italy and their spouses .
Activities held to mark the second anniversary were inter schools quiz competition, inter schools beach soccer competition, water sports and a beach jamboree.
The wife of Mr Okudzeto, Lois made cash donations to some nurses at the Keta Government Hospital and also donated paints for the renovation of the children’s ward of the hospital.
Restore teaching of religious and moral education-Februry 21
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A group Christian ladies in Ho, has likened the removal of religious education as a subject from the school curriculum in the educational reform as tantamount to the removal of God from the minds of children.
They said it could lead children to drift to their foolish ways and the end result is heaviness for the mother since women had the most heartbreak and suffered most when their children went wayward.
This was contained in a communiqué adopted at a Ho Christian Women’s Conference on the theme, “Christian Mum/ Lady, You Can Make A Difference” under the auspices of a non-governmental organization, Open Door Foundation (OPF) held in Ho.
The communiqué which was jointly signed by the director, Evangelist Blessed Fiawoo, Reverend Mrs Wilhemina Dzandu and Mrs Gladys Agbottah noted that , already lawlessness, disobedience, arrogance and immorality were gradually gaining grounds in the society.
It stated that religion shapes man to reach his or her fullest potential and withdrawal of it from the curriculum would mean a false balance of children and an abomination to God.
“This would eventually cripple posterity and the nation for, the future depends on the foundation we lay today”, the communiqué stated.
“Whatever reason that might be behind this decision we, women, wish to state that it should not be God the very source and foundation of life that must be withdrawn and, humbly request that religious and moral education be retained as a subject in the school syllabus if the authorities do not want things to get out of hand in our dear nation,” the communiqué stated.
A group Christian ladies in Ho, has likened the removal of religious education as a subject from the school curriculum in the educational reform as tantamount to the removal of God from the minds of children.
They said it could lead children to drift to their foolish ways and the end result is heaviness for the mother since women had the most heartbreak and suffered most when their children went wayward.
This was contained in a communiqué adopted at a Ho Christian Women’s Conference on the theme, “Christian Mum/ Lady, You Can Make A Difference” under the auspices of a non-governmental organization, Open Door Foundation (OPF) held in Ho.
The communiqué which was jointly signed by the director, Evangelist Blessed Fiawoo, Reverend Mrs Wilhemina Dzandu and Mrs Gladys Agbottah noted that , already lawlessness, disobedience, arrogance and immorality were gradually gaining grounds in the society.
It stated that religion shapes man to reach his or her fullest potential and withdrawal of it from the curriculum would mean a false balance of children and an abomination to God.
“This would eventually cripple posterity and the nation for, the future depends on the foundation we lay today”, the communiqué stated.
“Whatever reason that might be behind this decision we, women, wish to state that it should not be God the very source and foundation of life that must be withdrawn and, humbly request that religious and moral education be retained as a subject in the school syllabus if the authorities do not want things to get out of hand in our dear nation,” the communiqué stated.
CAGD builds data base for pension payments
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department is building its own data base by scanning all documents kept by third party institutions with the view to reducing the period of confirmation for the payment of pensions from the third parties.
To this effect, the establishment list of the Office of the Head of Civil Service, teacher’s and nurses’s certificates at the national archives, teacher education division of the Ghana Education Service and the Nurses and Midwife Council respectively, will be collated to resolve all problems relating to the payment of pensions.
The Controller and Accountant General, Mr Christian Sottie announced this when he addressed some pensioner’s in the Volta Region at Ho last Friday.
It was part of a two-day working visit to address workers, pensioners and those on government payroll to clear misconceptions on the work of the department as well as to educate the public on what steps to take to address any grievances they encountered.
According to him the CAGD relied on confirmations from third party organizations such as the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), GES, National Archives and the Head of Civil Service to facilitate processing of pensions and that the drudgery in obtaining the necessary information apparently delayed processing of pensions.
He also said the CAGD has taken over the pre-auditing of the gratuities from the Auditor-General and said it will enhance pension administration in the country.
Mr Sottie said these were some of the measures taken to curtail delays in pension payment adding that with the implementation of the Integrated IPPD-2 system it is expected that the payroll system can be used to process pensions automatically of a staff who had retired and qualified for CAP 30.
He however said the late submission of documents and files of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the submission of incomplete and inaccurate information hindered the prompt payment of pensions to retirees.
Mr Sottie also disclosed that the department had set up a pension committee to resolve some grey issues involving pension payment adding that it had also engaged an information technology expert to automate the file tracking system at the pension section to be completed by April this year.
He appealed to prospective pensioners to fulfill the requirement expected from them and to submit on schedule the pension process without delays and queries which had been the cause of unwanted delays in the past.
He said that pension payment was a sensitive area that the government was interested in seeing a transformation in its processes to make it less stressful for gallant public servants who had successfully served the nation.
Mr Sottie had earlier addressed workers in the region and warned them to protect their pay slips because fraudsters could use them to authorize deduction from their salaries without their concern.
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department is building its own data base by scanning all documents kept by third party institutions with the view to reducing the period of confirmation for the payment of pensions from the third parties.
To this effect, the establishment list of the Office of the Head of Civil Service, teacher’s and nurses’s certificates at the national archives, teacher education division of the Ghana Education Service and the Nurses and Midwife Council respectively, will be collated to resolve all problems relating to the payment of pensions.
The Controller and Accountant General, Mr Christian Sottie announced this when he addressed some pensioner’s in the Volta Region at Ho last Friday.
It was part of a two-day working visit to address workers, pensioners and those on government payroll to clear misconceptions on the work of the department as well as to educate the public on what steps to take to address any grievances they encountered.
According to him the CAGD relied on confirmations from third party organizations such as the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), GES, National Archives and the Head of Civil Service to facilitate processing of pensions and that the drudgery in obtaining the necessary information apparently delayed processing of pensions.
He also said the CAGD has taken over the pre-auditing of the gratuities from the Auditor-General and said it will enhance pension administration in the country.
Mr Sottie said these were some of the measures taken to curtail delays in pension payment adding that with the implementation of the Integrated IPPD-2 system it is expected that the payroll system can be used to process pensions automatically of a staff who had retired and qualified for CAP 30.
He however said the late submission of documents and files of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the submission of incomplete and inaccurate information hindered the prompt payment of pensions to retirees.
Mr Sottie also disclosed that the department had set up a pension committee to resolve some grey issues involving pension payment adding that it had also engaged an information technology expert to automate the file tracking system at the pension section to be completed by April this year.
He appealed to prospective pensioners to fulfill the requirement expected from them and to submit on schedule the pension process without delays and queries which had been the cause of unwanted delays in the past.
He said that pension payment was a sensitive area that the government was interested in seeing a transformation in its processes to make it less stressful for gallant public servants who had successfully served the nation.
Mr Sottie had earlier addressed workers in the region and warned them to protect their pay slips because fraudsters could use them to authorize deduction from their salaries without their concern.
PAY BACK .19,000 Teachers asked to refund overpaid arrears- frontapge headline March 1,
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
About 19,000 teachers who were overpaid salary arrears in January due to data error entry into the national payroll are to refund the amount involved through direct deduction from the February salary.
The system cannot spread overpayment over months because it had been designed to prevent fraud and so those so enjoyed the illegal payment should be well informed of what is ahead of them.
The Controller and Accountant General, Mr Christian Sottie disclosed this at a worker’s durbar at Ho last Thursday.
He said the transfer of the history of workers to the new Integrated Personnel Payroll Database (IPPD) had been completed adding that all arrears accrued to public servants will start by April.
Mr Sottie expressed misgivings on the allegations of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) that the accountant general had diverted the October 2006 salaries of striking teachers into a private bank account.
He said it was malignant on the part of NAGRAT to have made such an unfounded allegation which the potential of tarnishing the image of a highly place public servant for posterity.
He therefore urged the NAGRAT to come out publicly to retract the allegation otherwise the Controller and Accountant General will backlist the association for its services aside of the statutory function of payment of salaries to members.
The Controller and Accountant General told the workers that the department was investigating the software that facilitated the deduction of tax on arrears on payrolls with the assurance that deductions which were not justified will be credited.
He advised public servants to desist from acting arbitrarily on agitations against public officials and their departments because they were all partners, “ we are partners, we work together” saying that the public should appreciate their work and should not insult them.
Mr Sottie admonished MDAs for keying in wrong information on grades, dates of birth and the untimely presentation of budgets and said they were some of the shortfalls that caused unnecessary delay in the payment of some remunerations.
During an open forum, the Volta Regional chairman of NAGRAT, Mr Dan Yorgbe expressed satisfaction on the discourse of the accountant general and assured him that NAGRAT was expected to hold a meeting at which it will consider the issue to retract the malignant statement against him.
Other suggestions include the need for the accountant general to insulate government departments from the frustrations on prefinancing for utility services and more rigid security measures to safeguard the interest of public servants.
The Chief director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Steve Selormey who chaired the function said some departments could not prepay for utilities and that hindered productivity and so the accountant general should tackle the problem seriously with policy makers.
The director in charge of payroll, Mr Daniel Domelevo advised workers to deal only with designated officers without which expectations on their grievances could not be achieved.
About 19,000 teachers who were overpaid salary arrears in January due to data error entry into the national payroll are to refund the amount involved through direct deduction from the February salary.
The system cannot spread overpayment over months because it had been designed to prevent fraud and so those so enjoyed the illegal payment should be well informed of what is ahead of them.
The Controller and Accountant General, Mr Christian Sottie disclosed this at a worker’s durbar at Ho last Thursday.
He said the transfer of the history of workers to the new Integrated Personnel Payroll Database (IPPD) had been completed adding that all arrears accrued to public servants will start by April.
Mr Sottie expressed misgivings on the allegations of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) that the accountant general had diverted the October 2006 salaries of striking teachers into a private bank account.
He said it was malignant on the part of NAGRAT to have made such an unfounded allegation which the potential of tarnishing the image of a highly place public servant for posterity.
He therefore urged the NAGRAT to come out publicly to retract the allegation otherwise the Controller and Accountant General will backlist the association for its services aside of the statutory function of payment of salaries to members.
The Controller and Accountant General told the workers that the department was investigating the software that facilitated the deduction of tax on arrears on payrolls with the assurance that deductions which were not justified will be credited.
He advised public servants to desist from acting arbitrarily on agitations against public officials and their departments because they were all partners, “ we are partners, we work together” saying that the public should appreciate their work and should not insult them.
Mr Sottie admonished MDAs for keying in wrong information on grades, dates of birth and the untimely presentation of budgets and said they were some of the shortfalls that caused unnecessary delay in the payment of some remunerations.
During an open forum, the Volta Regional chairman of NAGRAT, Mr Dan Yorgbe expressed satisfaction on the discourse of the accountant general and assured him that NAGRAT was expected to hold a meeting at which it will consider the issue to retract the malignant statement against him.
Other suggestions include the need for the accountant general to insulate government departments from the frustrations on prefinancing for utility services and more rigid security measures to safeguard the interest of public servants.
The Chief director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Steve Selormey who chaired the function said some departments could not prepay for utilities and that hindered productivity and so the accountant general should tackle the problem seriously with policy makers.
The director in charge of payroll, Mr Daniel Domelevo advised workers to deal only with designated officers without which expectations on their grievances could not be achieved.
Go for voluntary testing — NGO
Story: Tim Dzamboe
GOSANET Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has celebrated the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at Adaklu-Kodzobi in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District in the Volta Region with the view to strengthening the message on prevention, care and support on the disease among the black race.
The foundation co-ordinated activities with NBHAAD in the United States of America and focused on the need for people to opt for voluntary testing for HIV, knowledge on mode of transmission and treatment. It was on the theme: “Prevention is Power.”
Addressing a durbar, the Executive Director of GOSANET, Mr Samuel Yao Atidzah, said the infection rate in the Ho Municipality was unacceptable hence the need to embark on the campaign to educate the public.
He said the NGO was ready to help those infected with the disease.
Mr Atidzah stressed that it was time for the public to change their attitudes to remove the stigma on HIV/AIDS victims to encourage them to come out to declare their status.
In an address read on behalf of the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Mawuli Dabi, he urged the community to embrace the educational campaign on the disease and to come out for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) to safeguard themselves against infection.
The Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, Ms Mabel Klutse, urged the community to avoid stigmatisation of people living with the disease. He appealed to pregnant women to attend hospital for VCT.
For his part, the chief of the town, Togbe Dzegblade IV, stressed the need for married couples to be faithful to their partners.
He appealed to the NGO to establish income generating ventures in the area to provide employment for the youth.
GOSANET Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has celebrated the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at Adaklu-Kodzobi in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District in the Volta Region with the view to strengthening the message on prevention, care and support on the disease among the black race.
The foundation co-ordinated activities with NBHAAD in the United States of America and focused on the need for people to opt for voluntary testing for HIV, knowledge on mode of transmission and treatment. It was on the theme: “Prevention is Power.”
Addressing a durbar, the Executive Director of GOSANET, Mr Samuel Yao Atidzah, said the infection rate in the Ho Municipality was unacceptable hence the need to embark on the campaign to educate the public.
He said the NGO was ready to help those infected with the disease.
Mr Atidzah stressed that it was time for the public to change their attitudes to remove the stigma on HIV/AIDS victims to encourage them to come out to declare their status.
In an address read on behalf of the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Mawuli Dabi, he urged the community to embrace the educational campaign on the disease and to come out for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) to safeguard themselves against infection.
The Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, Ms Mabel Klutse, urged the community to avoid stigmatisation of people living with the disease. He appealed to pregnant women to attend hospital for VCT.
For his part, the chief of the town, Togbe Dzegblade IV, stressed the need for married couples to be faithful to their partners.
He appealed to the NGO to establish income generating ventures in the area to provide employment for the youth.
Fire Officer concerned about endemic bush fires
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Assistant Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in charge of the Volta Region, Mr Ekow E. Blankson, has warned people in the region to strive in preventing fire outbreaks, which had become endemic and uncontrollable in the area.
According to him, the violations were too many that they needed a stronger collaborative force to reverse the unimaginable incidents of fire outbreaks.
At the re-launch of fire safety and bush fire prevention campaign in Ho, Mr Blankson said last year the service responded to 35 incidents of fire outbreaks but had responded to unimaginable figure of 61 within a period of two-and-a-half months this year.
He, therefore, called for a new approach to improve upon fire detective devices as well as managing incidents of fire outbreaks very well should they occur.
Mr Blankson expressed concern about the way people ignore safety education by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
He blamed top officers at decision-making positions for failing to open up for expert advice, forgetting that being knowledgeable in fire safety education meant taking protection into one’s own hands.
In an address read on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, he called on the GNFS to collaborate further to sustain public education on keeping the nation safe from fires.
He underscored the need for collective responsibility required to prevent fire outbreaks.
He charged District Assemblies to enforce the bye-laws on bush fires by providing logistics and building volunteer corps to fight bush fires.
Mr Dzamesi also urged the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana Police Service, the Town and Country Planning Department and allied agencies to team up with the GNFS to protect the society.
A fire magazine edited at the regional level of the GNFS also launched at the function.
Meanwhile, a fire evacuation drill has been held at the Ho Polytechnic as part of efforts to sensitise the polytechnic community to fire safety techniques.
THE Assistant Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in charge of the Volta Region, Mr Ekow E. Blankson, has warned people in the region to strive in preventing fire outbreaks, which had become endemic and uncontrollable in the area.
According to him, the violations were too many that they needed a stronger collaborative force to reverse the unimaginable incidents of fire outbreaks.
At the re-launch of fire safety and bush fire prevention campaign in Ho, Mr Blankson said last year the service responded to 35 incidents of fire outbreaks but had responded to unimaginable figure of 61 within a period of two-and-a-half months this year.
He, therefore, called for a new approach to improve upon fire detective devices as well as managing incidents of fire outbreaks very well should they occur.
Mr Blankson expressed concern about the way people ignore safety education by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
He blamed top officers at decision-making positions for failing to open up for expert advice, forgetting that being knowledgeable in fire safety education meant taking protection into one’s own hands.
In an address read on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, he called on the GNFS to collaborate further to sustain public education on keeping the nation safe from fires.
He underscored the need for collective responsibility required to prevent fire outbreaks.
He charged District Assemblies to enforce the bye-laws on bush fires by providing logistics and building volunteer corps to fight bush fires.
Mr Dzamesi also urged the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana Police Service, the Town and Country Planning Department and allied agencies to team up with the GNFS to protect the society.
A fire magazine edited at the regional level of the GNFS also launched at the function.
Meanwhile, a fire evacuation drill has been held at the Ho Polytechnic as part of efforts to sensitise the polytechnic community to fire safety techniques.
Health committees inaugurated in Ho
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
06/03/08
THE Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to solid partnership at all levels to enhance the health status of Ghanaians.
He has, therefore, emphasised the need for all stakeholders to work together as partners of institutions for the common good of the country.
Mr Dzamesi said this when he addressed a durbar at the forecourt of the Regional Co-ordinating Council to inaugurate the regional and district health committees at Ho.
The inauguration, which was the second in the region under the present government, was in accordance with the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Act 525 of 1996, that mandated the constitution of regional and district health committees for every three years.
The regional minister urged members of the committee to be committed, honest, understanding, co-operative, resourceful and objective in their approach to work, adding that they must appreciate the challenges facing the institutions as well as the communities they served.
He said it was for the good health of the people that the government introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make access to health care easy for all Ghanaians.
Mr Dzamesi added that the government was also doing all it could to ensure that health institutions were provided with their basic needs for them to function effectively.
He stated that even though many people, especially those in the Volta Region thought that the NHIS was a political ploy of the government, there was no doubt that they had now seen the importance of the scheme.
“Our government is a courageous and caring one and will only take actions and institute policies, which will be in the best interest of all Ghanaians,” he stated.
The regional minister appealed to people who had not registered with the NHIS to do so as early as possible to enable them to enjoy free medical care.
“This is a great achievement for which the government deserves a pat on the back,” he said.
Mr Dzamesi advised the scheme managers of all health insurance schemes managers not only to work harder to ensure maximum coverage in the region, but must also live above reproach.
He stressed the need for them to discharge their functions in a honest manner and in strict compliance with the tenets of the scheme.
The Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Andrew Arde-Acquah, explained the essence of the district health committee, saying that it was an advisory body that was also mandated to play advocacy and facilitating roles.
He urged the committees to help mobilise the necessary resources, be it in cash or in kind, to advance the health service agenda throughout the region in conformity with the motto of the Ghana Health Service’s motto: “Their health, our concern.”
A representative of the committees, Dr L.K.T. Dorvlo, thanked the authorities for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work assiduously for the benefit of the society.
06/03/08
THE Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to solid partnership at all levels to enhance the health status of Ghanaians.
He has, therefore, emphasised the need for all stakeholders to work together as partners of institutions for the common good of the country.
Mr Dzamesi said this when he addressed a durbar at the forecourt of the Regional Co-ordinating Council to inaugurate the regional and district health committees at Ho.
The inauguration, which was the second in the region under the present government, was in accordance with the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Act 525 of 1996, that mandated the constitution of regional and district health committees for every three years.
The regional minister urged members of the committee to be committed, honest, understanding, co-operative, resourceful and objective in their approach to work, adding that they must appreciate the challenges facing the institutions as well as the communities they served.
He said it was for the good health of the people that the government introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make access to health care easy for all Ghanaians.
Mr Dzamesi added that the government was also doing all it could to ensure that health institutions were provided with their basic needs for them to function effectively.
He stated that even though many people, especially those in the Volta Region thought that the NHIS was a political ploy of the government, there was no doubt that they had now seen the importance of the scheme.
“Our government is a courageous and caring one and will only take actions and institute policies, which will be in the best interest of all Ghanaians,” he stated.
The regional minister appealed to people who had not registered with the NHIS to do so as early as possible to enable them to enjoy free medical care.
“This is a great achievement for which the government deserves a pat on the back,” he said.
Mr Dzamesi advised the scheme managers of all health insurance schemes managers not only to work harder to ensure maximum coverage in the region, but must also live above reproach.
He stressed the need for them to discharge their functions in a honest manner and in strict compliance with the tenets of the scheme.
The Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Andrew Arde-Acquah, explained the essence of the district health committee, saying that it was an advisory body that was also mandated to play advocacy and facilitating roles.
He urged the committees to help mobilise the necessary resources, be it in cash or in kind, to advance the health service agenda throughout the region in conformity with the motto of the Ghana Health Service’s motto: “Their health, our concern.”
A representative of the committees, Dr L.K.T. Dorvlo, thanked the authorities for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work assiduously for the benefit of the society.
Be fair to all — Togbui Adrakpanya
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Dzodze
06/03/08
THE Fiaga of the Afife Traditional Area in the newly inaugurated Ketu North District, Togbui Adrakpanya V, has cautioned all stakeholders of the new district to play a fair game in the corporate interest of all traditional areas in the area.
He said the people of the capital of the district, Dzodze, should refrain from manipulating the district to their advantage and rather involve all and sundry to ensure that there was understanding among all partners for equitable development.
Togbui Adrakpanya said this when he delivered an address as the chairman at the inauguration of the new district at Dzodze last Friday.
He also advised workers who would be posted to the new district to work as a team and avoid selfishness, greed and gluttony, adding that assembly members should desist from writing anonymous letters.
A circuit court judge at Aflao, Group Captain M.M. Obeng-Ntim (retd), administered the oath of office to the 29 assembly members.
In an address, the Ketu District Chief Executive, Mr Justice Cudjoe, called on the people to support and co-operate with the new assembly.
“Let us all, therefore, willingly meet our tax obligations to the new assembly by paying the necessary rates and fees to the assembly willingly,” he said.
Mr Cudjoe also called on landowners to release land on flexible terms for the siting of development projects that might come in the way of the assembly.
He advised the assembly members to abide by the principles of consensus building as had been the case when they were with the old Ketu Assembly.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, read President J.A. Kufuor’s speech at the ceremony, which was graced by the chiefs and people of the Dzodze, Afife, Weta, Tadzewu and Penyi traditional areas which formed the new district.
06/03/08
THE Fiaga of the Afife Traditional Area in the newly inaugurated Ketu North District, Togbui Adrakpanya V, has cautioned all stakeholders of the new district to play a fair game in the corporate interest of all traditional areas in the area.
He said the people of the capital of the district, Dzodze, should refrain from manipulating the district to their advantage and rather involve all and sundry to ensure that there was understanding among all partners for equitable development.
Togbui Adrakpanya said this when he delivered an address as the chairman at the inauguration of the new district at Dzodze last Friday.
He also advised workers who would be posted to the new district to work as a team and avoid selfishness, greed and gluttony, adding that assembly members should desist from writing anonymous letters.
A circuit court judge at Aflao, Group Captain M.M. Obeng-Ntim (retd), administered the oath of office to the 29 assembly members.
In an address, the Ketu District Chief Executive, Mr Justice Cudjoe, called on the people to support and co-operate with the new assembly.
“Let us all, therefore, willingly meet our tax obligations to the new assembly by paying the necessary rates and fees to the assembly willingly,” he said.
Mr Cudjoe also called on landowners to release land on flexible terms for the siting of development projects that might come in the way of the assembly.
He advised the assembly members to abide by the principles of consensus building as had been the case when they were with the old Ketu Assembly.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, read President J.A. Kufuor’s speech at the ceremony, which was graced by the chiefs and people of the Dzodze, Afife, Weta, Tadzewu and Penyi traditional areas which formed the new district.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
WORKSHOP ON MICRO-FINANCE HELD IN HO (PAGE 38)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
MEMBERS of the Ghana Co-operative Council (GCC) have been called upon to adopt prudent management practices to enable them to stay in business.
A board member of the GCC, Nana Afena Dantsi, aka William Buckman, who made the call, said the adoption of such practices would also facilitate the ability of the members to access the Micro-Finance and Small Loan Scheme (MASLOC) to enable them to become more viable in the fast-growing economy.
Nana Dantsi, who is also the Executive Director of the Pioneer Co-operative Cold Store Complex in Tema, was addressing separate training workshops on sensitisation to micro-finance for 200 participants in Ho and Sogakope.
He said the government was doing its best and so it remained with the co-operative groups to take advantage of government policies to expand their businesses.
He said many co-operatives were not able to access loans and credit from the financial institutions because of the complex terms the institutions offered.
Nana Dantsi said the establishment of the micro-finance and credit scheme, therefore, offered hope for co-operatives and other individuals who wanted to venture into business.
He expressed the hope that the new regime on micro-finance in the country would help to transform the lives of millions of people, including women, to come out of poverty.
He said recent international reviews and evaluations of the performance of co-operatives indicated that the co-operative form of private enterprise was very significant in many national economies on certain conditions.
According to him, co-operatives offered ideal and sustainable institutional structures that could help to improve the delivery of goods and services to targeted groups and poverty alleviation programmes.
Nana Dantsi said in Ghana, apart from providing employment for the people, co-operatives contributed to the revenue base of the state.
The Project Manager of the GCC, Mr Samuel Addo-Newton, advised participants to abide by the principles of group dynamics and the mobilisation of savings, adding that it was a wrong business culture to incorporate family expenditure into business accounts.
MEMBERS of the Ghana Co-operative Council (GCC) have been called upon to adopt prudent management practices to enable them to stay in business.
A board member of the GCC, Nana Afena Dantsi, aka William Buckman, who made the call, said the adoption of such practices would also facilitate the ability of the members to access the Micro-Finance and Small Loan Scheme (MASLOC) to enable them to become more viable in the fast-growing economy.
Nana Dantsi, who is also the Executive Director of the Pioneer Co-operative Cold Store Complex in Tema, was addressing separate training workshops on sensitisation to micro-finance for 200 participants in Ho and Sogakope.
He said the government was doing its best and so it remained with the co-operative groups to take advantage of government policies to expand their businesses.
He said many co-operatives were not able to access loans and credit from the financial institutions because of the complex terms the institutions offered.
Nana Dantsi said the establishment of the micro-finance and credit scheme, therefore, offered hope for co-operatives and other individuals who wanted to venture into business.
He expressed the hope that the new regime on micro-finance in the country would help to transform the lives of millions of people, including women, to come out of poverty.
He said recent international reviews and evaluations of the performance of co-operatives indicated that the co-operative form of private enterprise was very significant in many national economies on certain conditions.
According to him, co-operatives offered ideal and sustainable institutional structures that could help to improve the delivery of goods and services to targeted groups and poverty alleviation programmes.
Nana Dantsi said in Ghana, apart from providing employment for the people, co-operatives contributed to the revenue base of the state.
The Project Manager of the GCC, Mr Samuel Addo-Newton, advised participants to abide by the principles of group dynamics and the mobilisation of savings, adding that it was a wrong business culture to incorporate family expenditure into business accounts.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FACES PROBLEMS (PAGE 34)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE construction industry in the country is bedevilled with multiple problems that hinder the prosperity of contractors and the
nation as a whole.
The problems include unreasonable rates, unfavourable contract agreements, under quoting, delay of payment and underpayment of contracts.
The interim National Chairman of the Progressive Road Contractors Association (PROCA), Mr Michael Adu, made this known at the first general meeting of the association at Ho.
He, however, denied allegations that road contractors paid 10 per cent of contract sums to their clients before they won contracts, adding that any contractor who did that did so unprofessionally.
Mr Adu stated that most of the problems facing contractors could be solved with the required guidelines to avoid what was happening to sister associations in the industry.
He stressed the need for the members to rededicate themselves to the association to ensure the survival of the construction industry.
Mr Adu said many people were yearning to become contractors because they did not know how the contractors were suffering, adding that ”contractors are getting poorer and poorer”.
According to him, many contractors were made to sign documents in a rush without being given much time to go through the terms of the contract agreement.
He said the delay in payment for work done had frustrated many of the contractors and the situation marred the relationship between them and their bankers.
Mr Adu advised contractors not to rush in signing contracts without reading the contents and understanding them otherwise they would entangle themselves with unfavourable terms.
THE construction industry in the country is bedevilled with multiple problems that hinder the prosperity of contractors and the
nation as a whole.
The problems include unreasonable rates, unfavourable contract agreements, under quoting, delay of payment and underpayment of contracts.
The interim National Chairman of the Progressive Road Contractors Association (PROCA), Mr Michael Adu, made this known at the first general meeting of the association at Ho.
He, however, denied allegations that road contractors paid 10 per cent of contract sums to their clients before they won contracts, adding that any contractor who did that did so unprofessionally.
Mr Adu stated that most of the problems facing contractors could be solved with the required guidelines to avoid what was happening to sister associations in the industry.
He stressed the need for the members to rededicate themselves to the association to ensure the survival of the construction industry.
Mr Adu said many people were yearning to become contractors because they did not know how the contractors were suffering, adding that ”contractors are getting poorer and poorer”.
According to him, many contractors were made to sign documents in a rush without being given much time to go through the terms of the contract agreement.
He said the delay in payment for work done had frustrated many of the contractors and the situation marred the relationship between them and their bankers.
Mr Adu advised contractors not to rush in signing contracts without reading the contents and understanding them otherwise they would entangle themselves with unfavourable terms.
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