Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The acting Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mrs Rosemond Keteku, has noted that improvement in the qualification of teachers has not had the desired quality of educational delivery in schools.
She noted that the GES had put a high premium on teacher training and development programmes and had, therefore, approved sponsorship for 3,000 teachers every year for further studies.
In a speech read on her behalf at the closing ceremony of an in-service training workshop for 96 selected primary school teachers from deprived schools in the Volta Region in Ho, Mrs Keteku noted that despite working under stressful conditions, without commensurate compensation, teachers, as professionals, ought to live up to their professional calling because they could not hold any person or the employer responsible for lapses that were strictly professional.
The four-day training workshop was jointly organised by the Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF) and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).
Mrs Keteku said qualified teachers hardly accepted posting to rural, under-served schools and that when they did they were unable to deliver effectively as a result of a multiplicity of challenges.
She, therefore, enjoined all teachers to make the best out of any bad situation to deliver services as professionals and to be responsive to the new educational reform.
In an address, the Deputy General Secretary of GNAT, Mr John Nyoagbe, said the workshop aimed at addressing identified barriers to effective education delivery, adding that some of them were the lack of qualified and motivated teachers and the absence of suitable classroom infrastructure.
He said others were the absence of teachers’ living accommodation, lack of all-weather roads to communities, antagonistic and apathetic communities, unsanitary school environment, rural poverty and its implications on parental support for schoolchildren.
Mr Nyoagbe appealed to teachers to link up harmoniously and productively with their communities for effective and quality delivery of public education.
The CTF Team Leader, Ms Hellen McDonald, said it was a delight to have made sustained and fruitful partners in Ghana towards the achievement of education for all, adding, “It is a pleasure to work with all of you.”
The Course Prefect, Mr Pope Yao Yevoo, suggested that a special workshop on Information and Communication Technology be organised to get teachers abreast of details of the subject.
He also suggested the decentralisation of such workshops to the district level to involve more teachers.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
HO TEACHERS CREDIT UNION DECLARES PROFIT (PAGE 39)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ho District Teachers Co-operative Credit Union made a net surplus of GH¢20,822 in its transactions last financial year despite huge investments in various portfolios that were intended to improve on the lives of members.
In 2006, the union declared a net surplus of GH¢18,193.
The union — which has a total membership of 2,481 with teachers forming the majority, and others being health workers, traders, hoteliers, bakers, among others — has been making steady progress.
The union achieved the feat after drastically reducing expenditure on security, administration and organisation in the previous year.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the union, Mr Stephen Dzorkpata, announced this in a report he delivered at the union’s 12th annual general meeting at Ho.
He said the union floated a house bond of GH¢10 last year for the construction of an office complex, adding that 30 building plots had also been bought for members to enable them to settle conveniently before and after retirement.
Mr Dzorkpata expressed regret that the transfer of names of workers from the Integrated Personal Payroll Database 1 (IPPD-1) to IPPD-2, had created several difficulties for teachers, such as the omission of inputs, unacceptable deductions and the delay in remittances.
In an address, the General Manager of Credit Union Association (CUA), Mr Robert Kofi Ngizah, urged members to win their colleagues to join the union, adding that they should pay back loans promptly to enable the management to introduce new products.
Mr Ngizah said his outfit had resolved to work towards strengthening credit unions in the country, adding that it had also decided to pass a law to regulate savings of credit unions.
Speaking on the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, Mr Chris Quao, said the consumption of steroids created diseases for the consumer, adding that drug abuse could be the overdose or wrong usage of particular drugs.
THE Ho District Teachers Co-operative Credit Union made a net surplus of GH¢20,822 in its transactions last financial year despite huge investments in various portfolios that were intended to improve on the lives of members.
In 2006, the union declared a net surplus of GH¢18,193.
The union — which has a total membership of 2,481 with teachers forming the majority, and others being health workers, traders, hoteliers, bakers, among others — has been making steady progress.
The union achieved the feat after drastically reducing expenditure on security, administration and organisation in the previous year.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the union, Mr Stephen Dzorkpata, announced this in a report he delivered at the union’s 12th annual general meeting at Ho.
He said the union floated a house bond of GH¢10 last year for the construction of an office complex, adding that 30 building plots had also been bought for members to enable them to settle conveniently before and after retirement.
Mr Dzorkpata expressed regret that the transfer of names of workers from the Integrated Personal Payroll Database 1 (IPPD-1) to IPPD-2, had created several difficulties for teachers, such as the omission of inputs, unacceptable deductions and the delay in remittances.
In an address, the General Manager of Credit Union Association (CUA), Mr Robert Kofi Ngizah, urged members to win their colleagues to join the union, adding that they should pay back loans promptly to enable the management to introduce new products.
Mr Ngizah said his outfit had resolved to work towards strengthening credit unions in the country, adding that it had also decided to pass a law to regulate savings of credit unions.
Speaking on the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, Mr Chris Quao, said the consumption of steroids created diseases for the consumer, adding that drug abuse could be the overdose or wrong usage of particular drugs.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
2 HELD FOR FARMER'S DEATH (MIRROR, PAGE 34)
From Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The police at Dzodze in the Volta Region have arrested two persons in connection with the murder of Emmanuel Ahiaba, a.k.a. Nana Kwame.
The two suspects, Kwabla Amanyo Ashigbi, a 39-year-old farmer, and Ruben Kwaku Gohoho, a 26-year-old mason, were arrested following the composition of a search party to look for the deceased when he was reported missing from home last Saturday.
According to the Volta Regional police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, when the first suspect Ashigbi was interrogated he admitted the offence and mentioned Gohoho as an accomplice.
He disclosed that the deceased came home from work around 4 p.m. on Saturday with some balls of kenkey. When he was about to eat the food he received a call on his cellphone. After answering the call he left the grandmother with whom he lived to see someone in town and that was the last time he was seen.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the next day, the grandmother, Tawiah Amadora, informed some of the relatives and the regent of the town Penyi-Hata who was once a police chief inspector, advised them to report the matter to the police.
He said the regent also caused a gong-gong to be beaten and a search party was formed to look for the boy. After looking for the boy in vain a report was made to the police on Monday.
The PRO disclosed that on the same day information reached relatives and the search party that the body of the deceased had been found in a well and that there were bloodstains and also that the keys of the deceased were found.
He said following this discovery the search was extended and a member of the search party Ruben Gohoho, suggested that it was possible the deceased had been dumped in a well which was ahead.
Inspector Afagbedzi said by virtue of his familiarity with the terrain the suspect led the search party to the well and found the dead body and later reported to the police.
He said a team of policemen led by Superintendent Joseph Antwi-Gyewu of Dzodze with the assistance of the regent of the town and a section of the youth went to the scene of crime and found the decomposing body of the deceased.
Further examination of the body revealed a deep cut on the left forehead and the back of the head with blood from the nostrils and the mouth.
The two suspects have been remanded in police custody by a circuit court at Aflao for further investigations while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the police hospital for preservation and autopsy.
The police at Dzodze in the Volta Region have arrested two persons in connection with the murder of Emmanuel Ahiaba, a.k.a. Nana Kwame.
The two suspects, Kwabla Amanyo Ashigbi, a 39-year-old farmer, and Ruben Kwaku Gohoho, a 26-year-old mason, were arrested following the composition of a search party to look for the deceased when he was reported missing from home last Saturday.
According to the Volta Regional police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, when the first suspect Ashigbi was interrogated he admitted the offence and mentioned Gohoho as an accomplice.
He disclosed that the deceased came home from work around 4 p.m. on Saturday with some balls of kenkey. When he was about to eat the food he received a call on his cellphone. After answering the call he left the grandmother with whom he lived to see someone in town and that was the last time he was seen.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the next day, the grandmother, Tawiah Amadora, informed some of the relatives and the regent of the town Penyi-Hata who was once a police chief inspector, advised them to report the matter to the police.
He said the regent also caused a gong-gong to be beaten and a search party was formed to look for the boy. After looking for the boy in vain a report was made to the police on Monday.
The PRO disclosed that on the same day information reached relatives and the search party that the body of the deceased had been found in a well and that there were bloodstains and also that the keys of the deceased were found.
He said following this discovery the search was extended and a member of the search party Ruben Gohoho, suggested that it was possible the deceased had been dumped in a well which was ahead.
Inspector Afagbedzi said by virtue of his familiarity with the terrain the suspect led the search party to the well and found the dead body and later reported to the police.
He said a team of policemen led by Superintendent Joseph Antwi-Gyewu of Dzodze with the assistance of the regent of the town and a section of the youth went to the scene of crime and found the decomposing body of the deceased.
Further examination of the body revealed a deep cut on the left forehead and the back of the head with blood from the nostrils and the mouth.
The two suspects have been remanded in police custody by a circuit court at Aflao for further investigations while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the police hospital for preservation and autopsy.
BREAK MYTH ABOUT TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS (MIRROR, PAGE 35)
From Tim Dzamboe, Kpeve-Tornu
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe South, Mr Joseph Amenowode, has called on the Afrikania Mission to intensify public education on their religion in order to remove misconceptions and to break the myth on traditional African religion.
Mr Amenowode was delivering a speech at the zonal convention of Zone 10 of the Afrikania Mission in the Volta Region at Kpeve Tornu in the South Dayi District.
He says it is a contravention of the 1992 Constitution to condemn
any religion for its mode of worship. He asked members of the religion to
rise up to explain to the public that it is a form of worship of God and
not fetish or Satanic.
The head of Afrikania Mission, His Holiness Osofo Okomfo Atsu Kove, said the mission would resist all forms of threats and propaganda against it and urged members to foster stronger bonds to make the religion grow from strength to strength.
“We are not a vulture church, and not a burial church either. We believe in God as the head of all voodoo”, he declared. He claims it is a lie that those who do not believe in
the Bible will not go to heaven. According to him, this is propaganda of agents in the Western world to exploit Africans.
Okomfo Atsu Kove asked Africans to take a second look at their
names by adopting African names, adding that the choice of Christian names such as James, Peter and Samuel was part of an orchestrated plan to impose foreign religion on Africans because they knew the powers inherent in the African religion were enormous.
According to him, Christians were making a lot of money with the support of “white men” and foreign religion and called on the youth to stop copying bad foreign cultures not acceptable in the African context.
Okomfo Atsu Kove advised members of the religion to dress
decently to conventions in order to add prestige to the
religion and that they should live exemplary lives characterised by
goodwill to neighbours.
The host priest and zonal co-ordinator, Osofo Hunua Gatukpe, said the religion had survived trials and attacks but the Afrikania God provided the required protection.
He said all that notwithstanding, the Afrikania Mission had excelled in non-denominational fund raising for education projects and had paid many school debts in the area. The Asafoatse of Kpeve Gboxome, Togbe Sylvester Ansah, said in an environment of increasing freedom of association and expression, it was unnecessary to be antagonistic in the field of religion.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe South, Mr Joseph Amenowode, has called on the Afrikania Mission to intensify public education on their religion in order to remove misconceptions and to break the myth on traditional African religion.
Mr Amenowode was delivering a speech at the zonal convention of Zone 10 of the Afrikania Mission in the Volta Region at Kpeve Tornu in the South Dayi District.
He says it is a contravention of the 1992 Constitution to condemn
any religion for its mode of worship. He asked members of the religion to
rise up to explain to the public that it is a form of worship of God and
not fetish or Satanic.
The head of Afrikania Mission, His Holiness Osofo Okomfo Atsu Kove, said the mission would resist all forms of threats and propaganda against it and urged members to foster stronger bonds to make the religion grow from strength to strength.
“We are not a vulture church, and not a burial church either. We believe in God as the head of all voodoo”, he declared. He claims it is a lie that those who do not believe in
the Bible will not go to heaven. According to him, this is propaganda of agents in the Western world to exploit Africans.
Okomfo Atsu Kove asked Africans to take a second look at their
names by adopting African names, adding that the choice of Christian names such as James, Peter and Samuel was part of an orchestrated plan to impose foreign religion on Africans because they knew the powers inherent in the African religion were enormous.
According to him, Christians were making a lot of money with the support of “white men” and foreign religion and called on the youth to stop copying bad foreign cultures not acceptable in the African context.
Okomfo Atsu Kove advised members of the religion to dress
decently to conventions in order to add prestige to the
religion and that they should live exemplary lives characterised by
goodwill to neighbours.
The host priest and zonal co-ordinator, Osofo Hunua Gatukpe, said the religion had survived trials and attacks but the Afrikania God provided the required protection.
He said all that notwithstanding, the Afrikania Mission had excelled in non-denominational fund raising for education projects and had paid many school debts in the area. The Asafoatse of Kpeve Gboxome, Togbe Sylvester Ansah, said in an environment of increasing freedom of association and expression, it was unnecessary to be antagonistic in the field of religion.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Likpe Traditional Area
March 28
Story: Tim Dzamboe,
Likpe-Mate
A Large number of people from the 12 communities in the Likpe Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region have celebrated the “Lekoryi” Unity festival at Likpe-Mate.
The festival, which was presided over by the Paramount Chief of Likpe, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, was on the theme: “Peace, Unity and Development”.
The occasion was used to foster unity and brotherliness and to recognise sons and daughters of the area who had distinguished themselves by promoting peace and development of the traditional area.
Among the personalities who were honoured were Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, a veteran politician, the Most Reverend Frank Atese Nubuasah, Bishop of Francis Town in Botswana, the late Major General Edward Kwaku Utuka (retd) and the late Opanin John Kosi Ekudi also known as Leklembi Kosi.
Addressing the durbar, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the theme for the festival was very relevant and of national importance in view of the fact that many communities were unable to organise festivals due to strife and conflicts.
He said as a nation there was the need to create a congenial environment for progress and socio-economic development as well as upholding the principles of peaceful co-existence, tolerance and good neighbourliness.
Mr Dzamesi appealed to the people of the region to keep the peace in their homes and communities, adding that “peace means that there must be rule of law”.
He advised the people to exhibit maturity and tolerance in the conduct of political campaigns, stressing that politicians must focus on issues but not personalities.
The regional minister implored them to avoid the use of provocative language and violence in all forms in their campaigns.
The Otekple of Likpe, Nana Soglo Alloh, said the celebration marked the beginning of the end of all chieftaincy disputes in the traditional area.
“Today’s Lekoryi celebration should be observed with great feast and joy, and we should all thank the Almighty for His love of the Bakpeles,” he declared.
The Agbogbomefia of Ho Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, commended the people for their deep sense of unity, adding that they should strive to break all the shackles of poverty, which had bedevilled the black race all over the world.
He asked them to rededicate themselves to virtues of development and should eschew tendencies of division and animosity that hindered development in many places.
The Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, Togbe Gabusu, made a passionate appeal to Dr Obed Asamoah to champion efforts to withdraw all cases pending in the courts for amicable settlement at home.
The chairman for the function, Nana Kweku Aboagye, who is the Mankrado of Likpe Agbozume, said the people had been thirsty for the festival and that the celebration had made them a great people of the time.
As part of the celebration, a pilgrimage was organised to the ancestral caves at Likpe Todome. A football gala was also organised, with the Likpe Mate town team emerging the champions.
Story: Tim Dzamboe,
Likpe-Mate
A Large number of people from the 12 communities in the Likpe Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region have celebrated the “Lekoryi” Unity festival at Likpe-Mate.
The festival, which was presided over by the Paramount Chief of Likpe, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, was on the theme: “Peace, Unity and Development”.
The occasion was used to foster unity and brotherliness and to recognise sons and daughters of the area who had distinguished themselves by promoting peace and development of the traditional area.
Among the personalities who were honoured were Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, a veteran politician, the Most Reverend Frank Atese Nubuasah, Bishop of Francis Town in Botswana, the late Major General Edward Kwaku Utuka (retd) and the late Opanin John Kosi Ekudi also known as Leklembi Kosi.
Addressing the durbar, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the theme for the festival was very relevant and of national importance in view of the fact that many communities were unable to organise festivals due to strife and conflicts.
He said as a nation there was the need to create a congenial environment for progress and socio-economic development as well as upholding the principles of peaceful co-existence, tolerance and good neighbourliness.
Mr Dzamesi appealed to the people of the region to keep the peace in their homes and communities, adding that “peace means that there must be rule of law”.
He advised the people to exhibit maturity and tolerance in the conduct of political campaigns, stressing that politicians must focus on issues but not personalities.
The regional minister implored them to avoid the use of provocative language and violence in all forms in their campaigns.
The Otekple of Likpe, Nana Soglo Alloh, said the celebration marked the beginning of the end of all chieftaincy disputes in the traditional area.
“Today’s Lekoryi celebration should be observed with great feast and joy, and we should all thank the Almighty for His love of the Bakpeles,” he declared.
The Agbogbomefia of Ho Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, commended the people for their deep sense of unity, adding that they should strive to break all the shackles of poverty, which had bedevilled the black race all over the world.
He asked them to rededicate themselves to virtues of development and should eschew tendencies of division and animosity that hindered development in many places.
The Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, Togbe Gabusu, made a passionate appeal to Dr Obed Asamoah to champion efforts to withdraw all cases pending in the courts for amicable settlement at home.
The chairman for the function, Nana Kweku Aboagye, who is the Mankrado of Likpe Agbozume, said the people had been thirsty for the festival and that the celebration had made them a great people of the time.
As part of the celebration, a pilgrimage was organised to the ancestral caves at Likpe Todome. A football gala was also organised, with the Likpe Mate town team emerging the champions.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
VRCC INAUGURATAES C'TEE ON BIAKOYE DISTRICT (PAGE 16)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A seven-member committee has been inaugurated by the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) to look into the controversy over the siting of the capital of the Biakoye District with a view to resolving the issue as quickly as possible to facilitate the take-off of the newly created district.
The members of the committee are the Catholic Bishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Bishop Adanuti; the Paramount Chief of the Vakpo Traditional Area, Togbega Gbogbolulu; a retired Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice E.D. Adjabeng; the Chief of Nsuta-Buem and member of the Jasikan District Assembly, Nana Odam Siaw; the Chief State Attorney of the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Otchere-Darko; an assembly member and opinion leader, Mr George Ahiable, and a deputy director of the VRCC, Mr E.A. Gidiglo as member/secretary.
Inaugurating the committee, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the government was extremely worried at the fact that the phenomenon of feuding over the siting of a district capital had occurred for the second time in the region, adding, “This, in a way, is negatively impacting on the overall socio-economic development and progress of our dear country.”
He said the terms of reference of the committee were to determine the merit or demerit in siting the capital of the district at Nkonya Ahenkro and the merit or demerit in the call to resite the capital elsewhere.
Others were to make recommendations to resolve the issue to facilitate the inauguration of the district as early as possible, to make recommendations on how to ensure peaceful co-existence of the traditional communities making up the district and also to make any other recommendation on how to resolve the issue.
The committee has four weeks within which to complete its work and submit its report to the government through the regional minister.
Mr Dzamesi appealed to all chiefs and people in the various communities making up the new district to fully co-operate with the committee to ensure that the committee discharged its work satisfactorily within the time frame given it.
A seven-member committee has been inaugurated by the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) to look into the controversy over the siting of the capital of the Biakoye District with a view to resolving the issue as quickly as possible to facilitate the take-off of the newly created district.
The members of the committee are the Catholic Bishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Bishop Adanuti; the Paramount Chief of the Vakpo Traditional Area, Togbega Gbogbolulu; a retired Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice E.D. Adjabeng; the Chief of Nsuta-Buem and member of the Jasikan District Assembly, Nana Odam Siaw; the Chief State Attorney of the Volta Region, Mrs Felicia Otchere-Darko; an assembly member and opinion leader, Mr George Ahiable, and a deputy director of the VRCC, Mr E.A. Gidiglo as member/secretary.
Inaugurating the committee, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the government was extremely worried at the fact that the phenomenon of feuding over the siting of a district capital had occurred for the second time in the region, adding, “This, in a way, is negatively impacting on the overall socio-economic development and progress of our dear country.”
He said the terms of reference of the committee were to determine the merit or demerit in siting the capital of the district at Nkonya Ahenkro and the merit or demerit in the call to resite the capital elsewhere.
Others were to make recommendations to resolve the issue to facilitate the inauguration of the district as early as possible, to make recommendations on how to ensure peaceful co-existence of the traditional communities making up the district and also to make any other recommendation on how to resolve the issue.
The committee has four weeks within which to complete its work and submit its report to the government through the regional minister.
Mr Dzamesi appealed to all chiefs and people in the various communities making up the new district to fully co-operate with the committee to ensure that the committee discharged its work satisfactorily within the time frame given it.
MEET THE LEADING CHOPBAR OPERATOR AT HO (PAGE 11)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
At the age of 12, Ms Augusta Adjei a.k.a Agbenorhevi, started offering a helping hand to her mother in the sale of cooked food in the village of Likpe–Kukurantumi in the Volta Region.
She upheld every principle in the traditional culinary methods learnt from her mother diligently, and today she has become the leading chop bar operator in Ho in the Volta Region.
Recently, she inaugurated modern chop bar in Ho, which is a grand expansion of the business she established in 1974.
The new chop bar complex comprises a dining hall, kitchen, four changing rooms, a washroom and car park. Menu served at the restaurant are “fufu,” “banku,” “ampesi” and “omuo tuo” with variety of soup to match.
Speaking at the ceremony, an elated Agbenorhevi said she started on a modest level with “gari” and beans and “ampesi” in 1974 and by 1983 she was able to set up the first chop bar.
Having won the best traditional caterer award in the Volta Region under the auspices of the Ghana Tourists Board Tourism Awards programme on four occasions, Agbenorhevi has resolved further to develop her enterprise as a family business.
To this end, she has trained two attendants, Esi and Enyo, in the management of the facilities and also accord customers warm reception at the bars.
“You see I want to give my customers the best of what they want to eat, so that they are satisfied and I will equally be satisfied”, she remarked.
In public life, Agbenorhevi had been an inspirer to many women in the society, especially the women’s group of her church, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana at Ho-Bankoe
She has invested in the education of her children to the university level with one presently at the Central University College in Accra.
Agbenorhevi has also made some donations towards the development of the community and church and also to needy persons who approached her for help.
The ceremony to mark the launch of the expansion project was held in January, this year, during the arrival of many visitors to the country for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament, which was held in the country recently.
The building was dedicated by Reverend O.K. Pida of the Ho-Bankoe Evangelical Presbyterian Church, with assistance from the catechist, Mrs E.M. Edu-Yao.
At the age of 12, Ms Augusta Adjei a.k.a Agbenorhevi, started offering a helping hand to her mother in the sale of cooked food in the village of Likpe–Kukurantumi in the Volta Region.
She upheld every principle in the traditional culinary methods learnt from her mother diligently, and today she has become the leading chop bar operator in Ho in the Volta Region.
Recently, she inaugurated modern chop bar in Ho, which is a grand expansion of the business she established in 1974.
The new chop bar complex comprises a dining hall, kitchen, four changing rooms, a washroom and car park. Menu served at the restaurant are “fufu,” “banku,” “ampesi” and “omuo tuo” with variety of soup to match.
Speaking at the ceremony, an elated Agbenorhevi said she started on a modest level with “gari” and beans and “ampesi” in 1974 and by 1983 she was able to set up the first chop bar.
Having won the best traditional caterer award in the Volta Region under the auspices of the Ghana Tourists Board Tourism Awards programme on four occasions, Agbenorhevi has resolved further to develop her enterprise as a family business.
To this end, she has trained two attendants, Esi and Enyo, in the management of the facilities and also accord customers warm reception at the bars.
“You see I want to give my customers the best of what they want to eat, so that they are satisfied and I will equally be satisfied”, she remarked.
In public life, Agbenorhevi had been an inspirer to many women in the society, especially the women’s group of her church, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana at Ho-Bankoe
She has invested in the education of her children to the university level with one presently at the Central University College in Accra.
Agbenorhevi has also made some donations towards the development of the community and church and also to needy persons who approached her for help.
The ceremony to mark the launch of the expansion project was held in January, this year, during the arrival of many visitors to the country for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament, which was held in the country recently.
The building was dedicated by Reverend O.K. Pida of the Ho-Bankoe Evangelical Presbyterian Church, with assistance from the catechist, Mrs E.M. Edu-Yao.
ANOTEHR FATAL ACCIDENT CLAIMS 5 LIVES AT SALO (PAGE 40)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
An accident has occurred at Salo near Agortoe on the Anloga-Accra road in the Volta Region, resulting in the death of five persons, four instantly, and one later at the hospital.
This is the second time in less than a week that such a fatal accident has happened at the same spot.
The dead were among seven persons from the same family travelling on a Mitsubishi pick-up with registration number GN 4929 C from Ashiaman to Alakple in the Keta District for a funeral when the accident occurred.
They are the driver of the vehicle, Ben Vordzogbe, 48, and his 48-year old wife, Mrs Agnes Salome Vordzogbe, who died later at the theatre of the Keta Government Hospital, as well as his siblings, Brown Kobla Vordzogbe, 45, and Atsu, 43.
According to the Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Joy Afagbedzi, when the driver reached a spot between Agortoe and Salo, it was alleged that a tyre of the vehicle burst, making him lose control and veer off the road; the car somersaulted and finally landed in the bush.
He said two injured persons who survived the accident, were responding to treatment at the Keta Government Hospital while the dead bodies had been deposited at the morgue of the Sogakope Hospital.
It will be recalled that a similar accident occurred in the same area involving a Mercedes 207 Benz bus which claimed the lives of three persons instantly and another one later at the Keta Government Hospital.
An accident has occurred at Salo near Agortoe on the Anloga-Accra road in the Volta Region, resulting in the death of five persons, four instantly, and one later at the hospital.
This is the second time in less than a week that such a fatal accident has happened at the same spot.
The dead were among seven persons from the same family travelling on a Mitsubishi pick-up with registration number GN 4929 C from Ashiaman to Alakple in the Keta District for a funeral when the accident occurred.
They are the driver of the vehicle, Ben Vordzogbe, 48, and his 48-year old wife, Mrs Agnes Salome Vordzogbe, who died later at the theatre of the Keta Government Hospital, as well as his siblings, Brown Kobla Vordzogbe, 45, and Atsu, 43.
According to the Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Joy Afagbedzi, when the driver reached a spot between Agortoe and Salo, it was alleged that a tyre of the vehicle burst, making him lose control and veer off the road; the car somersaulted and finally landed in the bush.
He said two injured persons who survived the accident, were responding to treatment at the Keta Government Hospital while the dead bodies had been deposited at the morgue of the Sogakope Hospital.
It will be recalled that a similar accident occurred in the same area involving a Mercedes 207 Benz bus which claimed the lives of three persons instantly and another one later at the Keta Government Hospital.
WUSUTA TEACHERS TAKE FRENCH LEAVE ...After female colleagues had been dubbed (PAGE 40)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A female teacher at the Evangelical Presbyterian Primary School at Wusuta in the Kpando District, Miss Mary Gidisu, was clubbed by an unknown person when she was taking her bath around 8 p.m. last week Monday.
She fell unconscious and was rushed to the Hohoe Government Hospital where she was said to be responding to treatment.
The situation has created fear and panic among teachers in the town resulting in the closure of schools.
Following petitions sent to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the EP Educational Unit, the Kpando District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), a series of emergency meetings have been held with the teachers and traditional authorities, elders, a section of the youth, parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and school management committees (SMCs) to resolve the impasse amicably.
Prior to the attack on the lady teacher, it was alleged that some citizens of the town had been making derogatory remarks about the teachers, threatening their lives, defecating and displaying charms in classrooms and stealing property belonging to the teachers.
These unfortunate deeds have demoralised teachers and prevented them from entering the classrooms to teach, resulting in the closure of all the six primary schools in the town since last week.
Addressing a meeting last Wednesday, the chief of the town, Togbe Honu Letsa IV, disclosed that measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of the headteachers and teachers, adding that security lights would be installed on school campuses in addition to the engagement of watchmen to check loitering around the classrooms in the night.
He appealed to the officials to impress upon the teachers to exercise restraint, saying “our community is at the crossroads and we plead that nothing is done to jeopardise the education of the children”.
An elder and opinion leader of the town, Mr Seth Atigah, said a series of meetings had been held with the teachers to find a solution to the unfortunate situation but this had not yielded any result and promised that the leaders of the community would not countenance the unlawful acts.
The Regional Secretary of GNAT, Nana Pobee Asomaning Darko, condemned the acts, and stressed the need to tackle the issue collectively and professionally while sympathising with school heads and teachers.
He appealed to the teachers to abandon their intended actions and go about their normal duties while the traditional authorities, elders and the police conducted investigations into the matter.
The Kpando District Director of the GES, Mr E.K. Keteku, cautioned the teachers on implications of whatever action they took in order not to incur the displeasure of sympathisers and their employers.
For his part, the Regional Manager of E.P. Schools, Mr E.K. Dzikunu, asked the teachers to have confidence in the leadership of the community, show considerable remorse and return to the classroom to complete the academic calendar for the term.
He said the education of the children and safety of teachers were equally important.
A female teacher at the Evangelical Presbyterian Primary School at Wusuta in the Kpando District, Miss Mary Gidisu, was clubbed by an unknown person when she was taking her bath around 8 p.m. last week Monday.
She fell unconscious and was rushed to the Hohoe Government Hospital where she was said to be responding to treatment.
The situation has created fear and panic among teachers in the town resulting in the closure of schools.
Following petitions sent to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the EP Educational Unit, the Kpando District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), a series of emergency meetings have been held with the teachers and traditional authorities, elders, a section of the youth, parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and school management committees (SMCs) to resolve the impasse amicably.
Prior to the attack on the lady teacher, it was alleged that some citizens of the town had been making derogatory remarks about the teachers, threatening their lives, defecating and displaying charms in classrooms and stealing property belonging to the teachers.
These unfortunate deeds have demoralised teachers and prevented them from entering the classrooms to teach, resulting in the closure of all the six primary schools in the town since last week.
Addressing a meeting last Wednesday, the chief of the town, Togbe Honu Letsa IV, disclosed that measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of the headteachers and teachers, adding that security lights would be installed on school campuses in addition to the engagement of watchmen to check loitering around the classrooms in the night.
He appealed to the officials to impress upon the teachers to exercise restraint, saying “our community is at the crossroads and we plead that nothing is done to jeopardise the education of the children”.
An elder and opinion leader of the town, Mr Seth Atigah, said a series of meetings had been held with the teachers to find a solution to the unfortunate situation but this had not yielded any result and promised that the leaders of the community would not countenance the unlawful acts.
The Regional Secretary of GNAT, Nana Pobee Asomaning Darko, condemned the acts, and stressed the need to tackle the issue collectively and professionally while sympathising with school heads and teachers.
He appealed to the teachers to abandon their intended actions and go about their normal duties while the traditional authorities, elders and the police conducted investigations into the matter.
The Kpando District Director of the GES, Mr E.K. Keteku, cautioned the teachers on implications of whatever action they took in order not to incur the displeasure of sympathisers and their employers.
For his part, the Regional Manager of E.P. Schools, Mr E.K. Dzikunu, asked the teachers to have confidence in the leadership of the community, show considerable remorse and return to the classroom to complete the academic calendar for the term.
He said the education of the children and safety of teachers were equally important.
EXTOL ACHIEVEMENTS OF GOVT ...Awuni urges journalists (PAGE 40)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE presidential Press Secretary, Mr Andrew Awuni, has urged media practitioners to extol the achievements of the government in order to counter the negative propaganda being peddled by its political opponents.
He urged them to articulate the achievements in terms of the consistent growth of the Domestic Gross Product (GDP), debt cancellation, leadership of the African Union, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and other significant achievements to give correct direction and information to Ghanaians since those things did not just happen.
Mr Awuni was addressing media practitioners at a press soiree and conference at the residency in Ho.
He said the achievements signified that there was a path to follow, adding that every government of the nation had invested in oil exploration but the discovery in commercial quantities eventually occurred under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“All this does not just happen. You cannot ignore them and go to sleep. This shows that there is a path to follow”, he declared.
Mr Awuni said for the first time in the history of the nation, Ghana could raise funds for development on the international market through the floatation of Eurobonds, and said it was a sign that Ghanaian was weaning itself from traditional sources of revenue that had entangled the nation for far too long.
He charged journalists to take a critical look at the steady growth of the nation and appreciate it accordingly in order to give a correct picture to others.
“Journalists should be missionaries in the country and not sit as impartial observers,” he said.
Mr Awuni said the new task or mission for journalists was for them to be impartial since there were no problems such as lawlessness, military dictatorship and the fear of free expression in the nation again.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the forum was vital for journalists, especially those in the Volta Region where the peddling of falsehood was rife.
He added that the Press Secretary had also been a guest on some Frequency Modulated (FM) stations to clear misconceptions about government policies.
THE presidential Press Secretary, Mr Andrew Awuni, has urged media practitioners to extol the achievements of the government in order to counter the negative propaganda being peddled by its political opponents.
He urged them to articulate the achievements in terms of the consistent growth of the Domestic Gross Product (GDP), debt cancellation, leadership of the African Union, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and other significant achievements to give correct direction and information to Ghanaians since those things did not just happen.
Mr Awuni was addressing media practitioners at a press soiree and conference at the residency in Ho.
He said the achievements signified that there was a path to follow, adding that every government of the nation had invested in oil exploration but the discovery in commercial quantities eventually occurred under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“All this does not just happen. You cannot ignore them and go to sleep. This shows that there is a path to follow”, he declared.
Mr Awuni said for the first time in the history of the nation, Ghana could raise funds for development on the international market through the floatation of Eurobonds, and said it was a sign that Ghanaian was weaning itself from traditional sources of revenue that had entangled the nation for far too long.
He charged journalists to take a critical look at the steady growth of the nation and appreciate it accordingly in order to give a correct picture to others.
“Journalists should be missionaries in the country and not sit as impartial observers,” he said.
Mr Awuni said the new task or mission for journalists was for them to be impartial since there were no problems such as lawlessness, military dictatorship and the fear of free expression in the nation again.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, said the forum was vital for journalists, especially those in the Volta Region where the peddling of falsehood was rife.
He added that the Press Secretary had also been a guest on some Frequency Modulated (FM) stations to clear misconceptions about government policies.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY HELD AT HO (PAGE 36)
PUBLISHED MARCH 20
STORY: TIM DZAMBOE, HO
NINETY-THREE females out of 118,367 children between the ages of 12 and 14 years in the Volta Region were in married union, according to the population and 2000 housing census conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service.
The report further stated that 43 were married, 25 were in consensual union, with one separated, six divorced, while nine were widowed.
The Volta Regional Director of the Department of Women, Ms Lena Alai, quoted these figures at the regional durbar to commemorate the International Women’s Day celebration at Ho, to make a point on the essence of protecting females against gender-based inequalities.
It was on the theme: “Investment in the Education and Health of Women and Girls Contributes to Ghana’s Sustainable Development.”
Ms Alai said it was not likely that those girls affected by the social canker were likely to go back to school again if ever they had the chance, and that it was interesting to note that no boy within that age group was found to be married.
“Marriage poses very great challenges even for adults, some of whom find themselves in mental hospitals. It must, therefore, be a no-go area for girls too,” she stated.
Ms Alai said the nation was taking bold steps to ensure that women attained responsible positions in public life, and that nevertheless, women and girls faced many challenges in the areas of education and health care, which were inextricably linked.
She stated that a literate woman was better informed about her health needs and that of her family, adding that she was more likely to understand the consequences of poor sanitation and the benefits of nutritious diet.
An educated woman, she said, would be able to give correct dosage of medicine to her children and take measures to protect herself and her family from health and social issues, such as maternal and child mortality, stunted growth, malaria, uncontrolled birth, unwanted pregnancies, school dropout and teenage pregnancy.
According to Ms Alai, it was in line with that aspiration that two seasoned women from the Volta Region who had distinguished themselves in the fields of education and health were invited to impact on the participants.
No doubt, the choice of a consultant radiologist at the Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Mrs Klenam Dzefi-Tetteh, and Mama Agblatsu, an educationist and queen of Ho-Bankoe, generated so much enthusiasm that the seminar could have been endless due to the several questions that were asked by the participants.
Dr Dzefi-Tetteh said education investment in young women had been regarded by economists as the best form of investment and the benefits could be quite dramatic, adding that it had a multiplier effect on productivity and sustained economic growth.
She said the World Bank had announced that the more girls continued to enrol in senior high schools, the higher a country’s per capita income growth.
Dr Dzefi-Tetteh, therefore, declared that the time had come for families and communities to continue to invest in women and girls.
She added that “women rights begin with the girl-child who must be protected against discrimination, ill health, malnutrition, violence, forced marriage and exploitation”.
Dr Dzefi-Tetteh said direct advocacy should start from parents, traditional and religious leaders, parliamentarians and policy makers.
For her part, Mama Agblatsu, said investing in girl’s education brought in good dividends, which human profit could not be quantified but could be felt.
The Bankoe queen, however, emphasised that irrespective of laid down protocols, the investment in girls and women should start from birth through adolescence to old age.
The only man that dared the high table on women’s day celebration was the Paramount Chief of the Shia Traditional Area, Togbe Dadzawa, who advised young girls to pursue their courses with “academic discipline”.
He said they should be God-fearing and respectful in order to achieve their ambitions.
STORY: TIM DZAMBOE, HO
NINETY-THREE females out of 118,367 children between the ages of 12 and 14 years in the Volta Region were in married union, according to the population and 2000 housing census conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service.
The report further stated that 43 were married, 25 were in consensual union, with one separated, six divorced, while nine were widowed.
The Volta Regional Director of the Department of Women, Ms Lena Alai, quoted these figures at the regional durbar to commemorate the International Women’s Day celebration at Ho, to make a point on the essence of protecting females against gender-based inequalities.
It was on the theme: “Investment in the Education and Health of Women and Girls Contributes to Ghana’s Sustainable Development.”
Ms Alai said it was not likely that those girls affected by the social canker were likely to go back to school again if ever they had the chance, and that it was interesting to note that no boy within that age group was found to be married.
“Marriage poses very great challenges even for adults, some of whom find themselves in mental hospitals. It must, therefore, be a no-go area for girls too,” she stated.
Ms Alai said the nation was taking bold steps to ensure that women attained responsible positions in public life, and that nevertheless, women and girls faced many challenges in the areas of education and health care, which were inextricably linked.
She stated that a literate woman was better informed about her health needs and that of her family, adding that she was more likely to understand the consequences of poor sanitation and the benefits of nutritious diet.
An educated woman, she said, would be able to give correct dosage of medicine to her children and take measures to protect herself and her family from health and social issues, such as maternal and child mortality, stunted growth, malaria, uncontrolled birth, unwanted pregnancies, school dropout and teenage pregnancy.
According to Ms Alai, it was in line with that aspiration that two seasoned women from the Volta Region who had distinguished themselves in the fields of education and health were invited to impact on the participants.
No doubt, the choice of a consultant radiologist at the Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Mrs Klenam Dzefi-Tetteh, and Mama Agblatsu, an educationist and queen of Ho-Bankoe, generated so much enthusiasm that the seminar could have been endless due to the several questions that were asked by the participants.
Dr Dzefi-Tetteh said education investment in young women had been regarded by economists as the best form of investment and the benefits could be quite dramatic, adding that it had a multiplier effect on productivity and sustained economic growth.
She said the World Bank had announced that the more girls continued to enrol in senior high schools, the higher a country’s per capita income growth.
Dr Dzefi-Tetteh, therefore, declared that the time had come for families and communities to continue to invest in women and girls.
She added that “women rights begin with the girl-child who must be protected against discrimination, ill health, malnutrition, violence, forced marriage and exploitation”.
Dr Dzefi-Tetteh said direct advocacy should start from parents, traditional and religious leaders, parliamentarians and policy makers.
For her part, Mama Agblatsu, said investing in girl’s education brought in good dividends, which human profit could not be quantified but could be felt.
The Bankoe queen, however, emphasised that irrespective of laid down protocols, the investment in girls and women should start from birth through adolescence to old age.
The only man that dared the high table on women’s day celebration was the Paramount Chief of the Shia Traditional Area, Togbe Dadzawa, who advised young girls to pursue their courses with “academic discipline”.
He said they should be God-fearing and respectful in order to achieve their ambitions.
PROBLEMS HINDER SMALL PRIVATE BUSINESSES IN VR
PUBLISHED MARCH 20
Story: TIM DZAMBOE
A number of problems plaguing the performance of small businesses in the private sector the Volta Region have been identified.
They are the non-involvement of small scale operators in decision making, lack of private sector desk in Municipal and District Assemblies, lack of easy access to credit facilities, red-tapeism and blockade to the release of funds.
Others are the preference of financing exporters than producers, difficulty in getting financial assistance and materials for investment and non-involvement of artisans in projects.
These came to light at a forum organised by the Association of Small Scale Industries (ASSI) and the Business Advisory Centre (BUSAC) in conjunction with the Ghana Journalists Association and KAB Consult in Ho last weekend.
The forum was aimed at improving advocacy for the development of small operators into viable and sustainable entities as job and wealth creators.
According to the participants, micro credit offered them was so low while the interest rates were so high that it favoured commerce than production.
They said there was the lack of knowledge and information on the Micro Finance and Small Loan Centre (MASLOC) and that it had been politicised too much at the grassroots level and expressed concern about the bureaucracies attached to the system.
According to them the programmes also lacked the required information and sensitisation for the people who needed them.
A communication consultant of KAB Consult, Mrs Mariam Kyei, said the main issue that hindered many enterprises from accessing loan facilities was a reliable contact address.
Mrs Kyei expressed concern about poor record keeping that did not educate creditors well, a situation that discouraged them from doing businesses.
For his part, the Regional Head of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Mr Ransford Kani, said it was pertinent for small businesses to look out for information themselves.
Story: TIM DZAMBOE
A number of problems plaguing the performance of small businesses in the private sector the Volta Region have been identified.
They are the non-involvement of small scale operators in decision making, lack of private sector desk in Municipal and District Assemblies, lack of easy access to credit facilities, red-tapeism and blockade to the release of funds.
Others are the preference of financing exporters than producers, difficulty in getting financial assistance and materials for investment and non-involvement of artisans in projects.
These came to light at a forum organised by the Association of Small Scale Industries (ASSI) and the Business Advisory Centre (BUSAC) in conjunction with the Ghana Journalists Association and KAB Consult in Ho last weekend.
The forum was aimed at improving advocacy for the development of small operators into viable and sustainable entities as job and wealth creators.
According to the participants, micro credit offered them was so low while the interest rates were so high that it favoured commerce than production.
They said there was the lack of knowledge and information on the Micro Finance and Small Loan Centre (MASLOC) and that it had been politicised too much at the grassroots level and expressed concern about the bureaucracies attached to the system.
According to them the programmes also lacked the required information and sensitisation for the people who needed them.
A communication consultant of KAB Consult, Mrs Mariam Kyei, said the main issue that hindered many enterprises from accessing loan facilities was a reliable contact address.
Mrs Kyei expressed concern about poor record keeping that did not educate creditors well, a situation that discouraged them from doing businesses.
For his part, the Regional Head of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Mr Ransford Kani, said it was pertinent for small businesses to look out for information themselves.
CONFLICTS BETWEEN DCE'S AND MPS HINDER DEVT (PAGE 36)
PUBLISHED MARCH 20
Story: TIM DZAMBOE, HO
THE dichotomy between Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCRs) in the struggle for power at the district level has been identified as real and was hindering the development of many districts in the country to the detriment of the welfare of rural dwellers.
All the speakers at a one-day workshop on the theme: “Co-operation between MPs and DCEs” conceded that the problem was not only related to the appropriation of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACE), but some MPs’ self-aggrandisement, self-elevation and other human factors.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, attracted MPs and DCEs from the Volta and Eastern regions.
In an address, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Freddie Blay, said the MP was a lobbyist with overlapping functions into the district level, and that had led to the emergence of animosity and mistrust between the MPs and the DCEs.
He said the problem should not be allowed to degenerate, especially in an election year, adding that it did not occur only when the MP and DCE belonged to different parties, but even when both could be members of the same party.
The Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, said the district chief executive was the representative of the government and head of both the administrative and political spheres.
He said the MP was to contribute to the debate of the district assembly but had no voting rights.
Mr Adjei-Darko stated that the roles of those two actors were key to good governance and ensuring improved participation in the development agenda.
He said co-operation was necessary for all different actors to achieve their objectives instead of competing with one another resulting in conflicts.
The minister stressed the need for both parties to recognise their respective roles.
He said society must be made aware that the performances of MPs and MMDCEs could not be evaluated using the same yardstick.
Mr Adjei-Darko called on the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to embark on a campaign to clear the minds of the people on the roles of MPs and MMDCEs.
He said lack of harmony among actors due to power struggles, misunderstanding of roles and lack of co-operation could be avoided if all stakeholders saw themselves as partners whose relationship with the MMDCEs would enhance their leadership roles.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidoo, said despite the definition roles by law, the two actors must see themselves as partners in development and that there should be cohesion at all times to enhance development.
He said each of them must complement the efforts of the other so that the desired synergy could be achieved.
Mr Ossei-Aidoo said there was the need to show mutual respect to one other and no person should feel superior to the other whether they belonged to the same party or not, and must harmonise their efforts for the general good of the people.
“I do acknowledge the status of the DCE as a manager of the district and that the MP must recognise this and should not attempt to usurp this function. In a similar vein, I expect the DCE to acknowledge the national status of the MP and accord him due recognition,” he emphasised.
He suggested that effective channels of communication should be established between the MP and the DCE.
The Majority Leader stressed the need for MPs to be invited to assembly meetings and other official functions of the district on time to erase misconceptions and to create avenues for greater co-operation.
Mr Ossei-Aidoo also suggested the separation of the MPs share of the common fund from the district assemblies, and that the legislation on the tenure of DCEs for two terms must be reviewed, since it was a key source of conflict.
The Administrator of the DACF, Mr Joshua Magnus Nicol, said it did not matter whether the fund was the assemblies’ main fund or constituency development fund (MPs common fund), since the two funds belonged to the people of Ghana.
He said the difference was that the groups had different roles to play to bring development to the communities.
Mr Nicol added that if all should work with the guidelines, it could reduce misunderstandings and instead promote good working relations in the interest of the people that they claimed to be serving.
He said although the common fund had been increased from five to 7.5 per cent, it should be borne in mind that the number of assemblies had been increased from 138 to 170 and the additional ones were expected to benefit from the same fund.
The DACF administrator, however, said some assemblies would have their burdens reduced, since new districts created from them would be given their share of the fund.
For his part, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the perceived conflict was part of human existence where competition was inevitable, attributing it to the inability of those involved to live by the concepts that the nation had embraced effectively.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, who chaired the function, said it was sad to note that conflicts and differences continued to exist across political affiliation, which had a negative impact on the communities.
“Whatever it is, the problem must be seen holistically and objectively without any political colouring,” he stressed.
Story: TIM DZAMBOE, HO
THE dichotomy between Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCRs) in the struggle for power at the district level has been identified as real and was hindering the development of many districts in the country to the detriment of the welfare of rural dwellers.
All the speakers at a one-day workshop on the theme: “Co-operation between MPs and DCEs” conceded that the problem was not only related to the appropriation of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACE), but some MPs’ self-aggrandisement, self-elevation and other human factors.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, attracted MPs and DCEs from the Volta and Eastern regions.
In an address, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Freddie Blay, said the MP was a lobbyist with overlapping functions into the district level, and that had led to the emergence of animosity and mistrust between the MPs and the DCEs.
He said the problem should not be allowed to degenerate, especially in an election year, adding that it did not occur only when the MP and DCE belonged to different parties, but even when both could be members of the same party.
The Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, said the district chief executive was the representative of the government and head of both the administrative and political spheres.
He said the MP was to contribute to the debate of the district assembly but had no voting rights.
Mr Adjei-Darko stated that the roles of those two actors were key to good governance and ensuring improved participation in the development agenda.
He said co-operation was necessary for all different actors to achieve their objectives instead of competing with one another resulting in conflicts.
The minister stressed the need for both parties to recognise their respective roles.
He said society must be made aware that the performances of MPs and MMDCEs could not be evaluated using the same yardstick.
Mr Adjei-Darko called on the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to embark on a campaign to clear the minds of the people on the roles of MPs and MMDCEs.
He said lack of harmony among actors due to power struggles, misunderstanding of roles and lack of co-operation could be avoided if all stakeholders saw themselves as partners whose relationship with the MMDCEs would enhance their leadership roles.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidoo, said despite the definition roles by law, the two actors must see themselves as partners in development and that there should be cohesion at all times to enhance development.
He said each of them must complement the efforts of the other so that the desired synergy could be achieved.
Mr Ossei-Aidoo said there was the need to show mutual respect to one other and no person should feel superior to the other whether they belonged to the same party or not, and must harmonise their efforts for the general good of the people.
“I do acknowledge the status of the DCE as a manager of the district and that the MP must recognise this and should not attempt to usurp this function. In a similar vein, I expect the DCE to acknowledge the national status of the MP and accord him due recognition,” he emphasised.
He suggested that effective channels of communication should be established between the MP and the DCE.
The Majority Leader stressed the need for MPs to be invited to assembly meetings and other official functions of the district on time to erase misconceptions and to create avenues for greater co-operation.
Mr Ossei-Aidoo also suggested the separation of the MPs share of the common fund from the district assemblies, and that the legislation on the tenure of DCEs for two terms must be reviewed, since it was a key source of conflict.
The Administrator of the DACF, Mr Joshua Magnus Nicol, said it did not matter whether the fund was the assemblies’ main fund or constituency development fund (MPs common fund), since the two funds belonged to the people of Ghana.
He said the difference was that the groups had different roles to play to bring development to the communities.
Mr Nicol added that if all should work with the guidelines, it could reduce misunderstandings and instead promote good working relations in the interest of the people that they claimed to be serving.
He said although the common fund had been increased from five to 7.5 per cent, it should be borne in mind that the number of assemblies had been increased from 138 to 170 and the additional ones were expected to benefit from the same fund.
The DACF administrator, however, said some assemblies would have their burdens reduced, since new districts created from them would be given their share of the fund.
For his part, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the perceived conflict was part of human existence where competition was inevitable, attributing it to the inability of those involved to live by the concepts that the nation had embraced effectively.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, who chaired the function, said it was sad to note that conflicts and differences continued to exist across political affiliation, which had a negative impact on the communities.
“Whatever it is, the problem must be seen holistically and objectively without any political colouring,” he stressed.
Another fatal accident claims 5 lives at Salo
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
In less than a week, another fatal accident had occurred almost at the same spot at Salo near Agortoe on the Anloga-Accra road in the Volta Region killing five persons, four on the spot and one died later at the hospital.
The dead were among seven persons from the same family traveling in a Mitsubishi pick up with registration number GV 4929 C and were from Ashiaman to Alakple in the Keta district for a funeral when the accident occurred
They are the driver of the vehicle, Ben Vordzogbe, 48, and the wife 48, and siblings Brown Kobla Vordzogbe, 45, and Atsu , 43. Agnes Salome Vordzogbe was said to have died later in the theatre of the Keta Government Hospital.
According to the Volta Regional police public relations officer,Mr Joy Afagbedzi, on reaching a spot between Agortoe and Salo, it was alleged that the off side tyre got burst causing the driver to lose control and veered off the road, somersaulted and finally landed in the bush.
He said two injured persons who survived the accident were responding to treatment at the Keta Government Hospital while the dead bodies had been deposited at the Sogakope hospital.
It will be recalled that a similar accident occurred in the same area involving Mercedenz 207 benz bus in which three persons died on the spot and one later at the Keta Government Hospital.
In less than a week, another fatal accident had occurred almost at the same spot at Salo near Agortoe on the Anloga-Accra road in the Volta Region killing five persons, four on the spot and one died later at the hospital.
The dead were among seven persons from the same family traveling in a Mitsubishi pick up with registration number GV 4929 C and were from Ashiaman to Alakple in the Keta district for a funeral when the accident occurred
They are the driver of the vehicle, Ben Vordzogbe, 48, and the wife 48, and siblings Brown Kobla Vordzogbe, 45, and Atsu , 43. Agnes Salome Vordzogbe was said to have died later in the theatre of the Keta Government Hospital.
According to the Volta Regional police public relations officer,Mr Joy Afagbedzi, on reaching a spot between Agortoe and Salo, it was alleged that the off side tyre got burst causing the driver to lose control and veered off the road, somersaulted and finally landed in the bush.
He said two injured persons who survived the accident were responding to treatment at the Keta Government Hospital while the dead bodies had been deposited at the Sogakope hospital.
It will be recalled that a similar accident occurred in the same area involving Mercedenz 207 benz bus in which three persons died on the spot and one later at the Keta Government Hospital.
Wusuta Teachers take French Leave. After female colleague had been clubbed
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Wusuta
A female teacher at the Evangelical Presbyterian Primary School at Wusuta in the Kpando district, Miss Mary Gidisu was clubbed by an unknown person when was taking her bath about 8 p.m last Monday..
She fell unconscious and was rushed to the Hohoe Government Hospital where she was said to be responding to treatment.
The situation had created fear and panic among teachers in the town and consequently closed down schools and also refused to conduct terminal examinations for pupils.
Following a petition to the Ghana National Association of Teachers(GNAT), EP Eduactional unit, the Kpando District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service(GES) seperate emergency meetings were held with teachers and traditional authorities, elders, a section of the youth, Parent Teacher Associations(PTAs) and School Management Committees(SMCs) to resolve the impasse amicably.
Prior to the attack on the lady teacher, it was alleged that some citizens of the town were making derogatory remarks on the teachers, threatening their lives, defaecating and smearing of charms in classrooms and stealing property belonging to the teachers.
These had discouraged teachers and demoralized them from entering the classrooms to teach leading to the closure of all six primary schools in the town for about a week.
Addressing a meeting last Wednesday, the chief of the town Togbe Honu Letsa IV disclosed that measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of the headteachers and teachers adding that security lights will be installed on school campuses in addition to the engagement of a watchman to check loitering around the classrooms in the night.
He appealed to the officials to impress upon the teachers to exercise restraint saying that “our community is at the crossroads and we plead that nothing is done to jeopardise the education of the children”.
An elder and opinion leader, Mr Seth Atigah said a series of meetings had been held with the teachers to find solutions to the unfortunate situation but to no avail and promised that the leaders of the community will not countenance the unlawful acts.
The regional secretary of GNAT, Nana Pobee Asomaning Darko condemned the acts and stressed the need to tackle the issue collectively and professionally while sympathizing with heads and teachers.
He appealed to teachers to abandon their intended actions and go about their normal duties while the traditional authorities, elders and the police conducted investigations into the matter.
The Kpando District Director of GES, Mr E.K Keteku cautioned the teachers on implications of whatever action they took in order not incur the displeasure of sympathisers and their employers.
For his part, regional manager of EP Schools, Mr E.K Dzikunu asked the teachers to have confidence in the leadership of the community, show considerable remorse and return to the classroom to complete the academic calendar for the term.
He said they would not compromise the education of the children and safety of teachers.
A female teacher at the Evangelical Presbyterian Primary School at Wusuta in the Kpando district, Miss Mary Gidisu was clubbed by an unknown person when was taking her bath about 8 p.m last Monday..
She fell unconscious and was rushed to the Hohoe Government Hospital where she was said to be responding to treatment.
The situation had created fear and panic among teachers in the town and consequently closed down schools and also refused to conduct terminal examinations for pupils.
Following a petition to the Ghana National Association of Teachers(GNAT), EP Eduactional unit, the Kpando District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service(GES) seperate emergency meetings were held with teachers and traditional authorities, elders, a section of the youth, Parent Teacher Associations(PTAs) and School Management Committees(SMCs) to resolve the impasse amicably.
Prior to the attack on the lady teacher, it was alleged that some citizens of the town were making derogatory remarks on the teachers, threatening their lives, defaecating and smearing of charms in classrooms and stealing property belonging to the teachers.
These had discouraged teachers and demoralized them from entering the classrooms to teach leading to the closure of all six primary schools in the town for about a week.
Addressing a meeting last Wednesday, the chief of the town Togbe Honu Letsa IV disclosed that measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of the headteachers and teachers adding that security lights will be installed on school campuses in addition to the engagement of a watchman to check loitering around the classrooms in the night.
He appealed to the officials to impress upon the teachers to exercise restraint saying that “our community is at the crossroads and we plead that nothing is done to jeopardise the education of the children”.
An elder and opinion leader, Mr Seth Atigah said a series of meetings had been held with the teachers to find solutions to the unfortunate situation but to no avail and promised that the leaders of the community will not countenance the unlawful acts.
The regional secretary of GNAT, Nana Pobee Asomaning Darko condemned the acts and stressed the need to tackle the issue collectively and professionally while sympathizing with heads and teachers.
He appealed to teachers to abandon their intended actions and go about their normal duties while the traditional authorities, elders and the police conducted investigations into the matter.
The Kpando District Director of GES, Mr E.K Keteku cautioned the teachers on implications of whatever action they took in order not incur the displeasure of sympathisers and their employers.
For his part, regional manager of EP Schools, Mr E.K Dzikunu asked the teachers to have confidence in the leadership of the community, show considerable remorse and return to the classroom to complete the academic calendar for the term.
He said they would not compromise the education of the children and safety of teachers.
Extol achievements of government. Awuni urges journalists
From: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The presidential press secretary, Mr Andrew Awuni has urged media practitioners to extol the achievements of the government in order to counter the negative propaganda being peddled by opponents.
He said they should be able to articulate achievements on the consistent growth of the Domestic Gross Product(GDP), debt cancellation, leadership of the African Union, the Millennium Challenge Account(MCA) among other significant achievements to give correct direction and information to the people of the nation since those things did not just happen.
Mr Awuni was addressing media practitioners at a press soiree and conference at the residency in Ho.
He said the achievements signified that there was a path to follow adding that every government of the nation had invested in oil exploration but the discovery in commercial quantities eventually occurred under the New Patriotic Party(NPP) government.
“All this doesn’t just happen. You can’t ignore them to go and sleep. This shows that there is a path to follow”, he declared.
He said, “we have found a path for growth and development and the future” adding that when the touch of a person come into the life of a people the destiny cannot be ruled out.
Mr Awuni said for the first time in the history of the nation, Ghana could raise funds for development on the international market through the floatation of Eurobonds and said it was a sign that Ghanaian was weaning itself from traditional sources of revenue that had entangled the nation for far too long.
He charged journalists to take a critical look on the steady growth of the nation and appreciate it accordingly in order to give a correct picture to others.
“Journalists should be missionaries in the country and should not sit as impartial observers”, he said.
Mr Awuni said the new task or mission for the journalist is to be partial for development and growth to move the nation forward adding that, that was essential because there was no problem on the lack of rule of law, military dictatorship, freedom of expression in the nation again.
In an address, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi said the forum was vital for journalists especially of the Volta region where the peddling of falsehood was ripe by the propaganda of the strong opposition in the region.
He said it was unique that the press secretary had also been a guest to some Frequency Modulated (FM) stations to clear misconceptions on government policies.
The presidential press secretary, Mr Andrew Awuni has urged media practitioners to extol the achievements of the government in order to counter the negative propaganda being peddled by opponents.
He said they should be able to articulate achievements on the consistent growth of the Domestic Gross Product(GDP), debt cancellation, leadership of the African Union, the Millennium Challenge Account(MCA) among other significant achievements to give correct direction and information to the people of the nation since those things did not just happen.
Mr Awuni was addressing media practitioners at a press soiree and conference at the residency in Ho.
He said the achievements signified that there was a path to follow adding that every government of the nation had invested in oil exploration but the discovery in commercial quantities eventually occurred under the New Patriotic Party(NPP) government.
“All this doesn’t just happen. You can’t ignore them to go and sleep. This shows that there is a path to follow”, he declared.
He said, “we have found a path for growth and development and the future” adding that when the touch of a person come into the life of a people the destiny cannot be ruled out.
Mr Awuni said for the first time in the history of the nation, Ghana could raise funds for development on the international market through the floatation of Eurobonds and said it was a sign that Ghanaian was weaning itself from traditional sources of revenue that had entangled the nation for far too long.
He charged journalists to take a critical look on the steady growth of the nation and appreciate it accordingly in order to give a correct picture to others.
“Journalists should be missionaries in the country and should not sit as impartial observers”, he said.
Mr Awuni said the new task or mission for the journalist is to be partial for development and growth to move the nation forward adding that, that was essential because there was no problem on the lack of rule of law, military dictatorship, freedom of expression in the nation again.
In an address, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi said the forum was vital for journalists especially of the Volta region where the peddling of falsehood was ripe by the propaganda of the strong opposition in the region.
He said it was unique that the press secretary had also been a guest to some Frequency Modulated (FM) stations to clear misconceptions on government policies.
VRCC inaugurates C'ttee on Biakoye District
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A seven member committee has been inaugurated by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council(VRCC) to look into the controversy over the siting of the Biakoye district capital with the view to resolving the issue as quickly as possible to facilitate the take off of the newly created district.
Members are the Catholic Bishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Right Reverend Bishop Adanuti; paramount chief of Vakpo traditional area, Togbega Gbogbolulu; a retired supreme court judge, Mr Justice E.D Adjabeng; Chief of Nsuta-Buem and member of the Jasikan district assembly, Nana Odam Siaw; the Chief State Attorney of Volta Region , Mrs Felicia Otchere-Darko; an assembly member and opinion leader, Mr George Ahiable and a deputy director of the VRCC Mr E.A Gidiglo as member/secretary.
Inaugurating the committee, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi said the government was extremely worried over the fact that the phenomenon had occurred for the second time in the region adding that, “this in a way is negatively impacting on the overall socio-economic development and progress of our dear country”.
He said the terms of reference of the committee were, to determine the merit or demerit of siting the capital of the district at Nkonya Ahenkro , to determine the merit or demerit of the call to resite the capital of the district elsewhere.
Others are to make recommendations to resolving the issue to facilitate the inauguration of the Biakoye district assembly as early as possible and to make recommendations as to how to ensure a peaceful coexistence of the traditional communities making up the district and also to make any other recommendations as to the resolution of the issue.
The committee has four weeks within which to complete its work and submit its report to the government through the regional minister.
Mr Dzamesi appealed to all chiefs and people of the various communities making up the new district to fully cooperate with the committee to ensure that the committee discharges its work satisfactorily within the time frame given them.
A seven member committee has been inaugurated by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council(VRCC) to look into the controversy over the siting of the Biakoye district capital with the view to resolving the issue as quickly as possible to facilitate the take off of the newly created district.
Members are the Catholic Bishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Right Reverend Bishop Adanuti; paramount chief of Vakpo traditional area, Togbega Gbogbolulu; a retired supreme court judge, Mr Justice E.D Adjabeng; Chief of Nsuta-Buem and member of the Jasikan district assembly, Nana Odam Siaw; the Chief State Attorney of Volta Region , Mrs Felicia Otchere-Darko; an assembly member and opinion leader, Mr George Ahiable and a deputy director of the VRCC Mr E.A Gidiglo as member/secretary.
Inaugurating the committee, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi said the government was extremely worried over the fact that the phenomenon had occurred for the second time in the region adding that, “this in a way is negatively impacting on the overall socio-economic development and progress of our dear country”.
He said the terms of reference of the committee were, to determine the merit or demerit of siting the capital of the district at Nkonya Ahenkro , to determine the merit or demerit of the call to resite the capital of the district elsewhere.
Others are to make recommendations to resolving the issue to facilitate the inauguration of the Biakoye district assembly as early as possible and to make recommendations as to how to ensure a peaceful coexistence of the traditional communities making up the district and also to make any other recommendations as to the resolution of the issue.
The committee has four weeks within which to complete its work and submit its report to the government through the regional minister.
Mr Dzamesi appealed to all chiefs and people of the various communities making up the new district to fully cooperate with the committee to ensure that the committee discharges its work satisfactorily within the time frame given them.
Meet the leading chop bar operator in Ho
LARGEST MODERN CHOP BAR OPENED IN VOLTA REGION
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
At the age of 12, Ms Augusta Adjei a.k.a Agbenorhevi started as a helping hand to the mother in the sale of cooked food in the village of Likpe –Kukurantumi in the Volta Region. She upheld every principle in the traditional culinary methods learnt from her mother diligently, and today she had grown and matured into the leading chop bar operator in Ho and the Volta Region as a whole.
Recently, she inaugurated a multi-million ultra modern chop bar was inaugurated in Ho serving as a grand expansion of the chop bar business she had established since 1974.
The new chop bar complex comprise a dinning hall, executive dinning hall, a kitchen, four changing rooms, a wash room and car park that can accommodate 100 guests at a time. Menu at the restaurant are “fufu,” “banku,” “ampesi” and “omuo tuo” with variety of soups to match.
An elated Agbenorhevi at the ground breaking ceremony said she started on a modest level with “gari” and beans and “ampesi” in 1974 and by 1983 she was able to set up the first chop bar.
Having won the best traditional caterer award in the Volta Region under the auspices of the Ghana Tourists Board tourism awards for four times, Agbenorhevi has resolved further to develop her enterprise as a family business.
To this end, Esi and Enyo have almost gone through the mill in the management of the facilities and accorded customers warm reception at the bars.
“ You see I want to give my customers the best of what they wanted to eat, so that they are satisfied and I am in turn equally satisfied”, she remarked.
To this end more than 100 customers were treated to a free meal and drinks on the opening ceremony.
In her public life, Agbenorhevi had been an inspirer to many women in the society especially the women’s group of her church, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana at Ho-Bankoe
She had invested in the education of some of her children to the University level with one, Janet presently at the Central University College.
Agbenorhevi had made several meaningful donations towards community and church development at home and other communities and had donated to charity by helping genuine needy persons that approached her for help.
“I have shared my fortunes with many people as well as family problems especially good care for my mother until she died in 2000” she disclosed.
The restaurant was opened at the peak of arrival of visitors to the nation to witness the African Cup of Nations tournament dubbed CAN 2008.
The occasion which was chaired by the former Volta regional head of the Ghana Telecom, Mr Douglas Kirk Wagba and was dedicated to God by Reverend O.K Pida of the Ho-Bankoe Evangelical Presbyterian Church and assisted by the catechist, Mrs E.M Edu-Yao.
CAPTION: Picture by Tim Dzamboe
Picture shows the front view of the new restaurant complex and insert is Augusta Adjei popularly known as “Agbenorhevi”.
Second picture shows manager of the new bar, Enyonam preparing the soup to serve customers.
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
At the age of 12, Ms Augusta Adjei a.k.a Agbenorhevi started as a helping hand to the mother in the sale of cooked food in the village of Likpe –Kukurantumi in the Volta Region. She upheld every principle in the traditional culinary methods learnt from her mother diligently, and today she had grown and matured into the leading chop bar operator in Ho and the Volta Region as a whole.
Recently, she inaugurated a multi-million ultra modern chop bar was inaugurated in Ho serving as a grand expansion of the chop bar business she had established since 1974.
The new chop bar complex comprise a dinning hall, executive dinning hall, a kitchen, four changing rooms, a wash room and car park that can accommodate 100 guests at a time. Menu at the restaurant are “fufu,” “banku,” “ampesi” and “omuo tuo” with variety of soups to match.
An elated Agbenorhevi at the ground breaking ceremony said she started on a modest level with “gari” and beans and “ampesi” in 1974 and by 1983 she was able to set up the first chop bar.
Having won the best traditional caterer award in the Volta Region under the auspices of the Ghana Tourists Board tourism awards for four times, Agbenorhevi has resolved further to develop her enterprise as a family business.
To this end, Esi and Enyo have almost gone through the mill in the management of the facilities and accorded customers warm reception at the bars.
“ You see I want to give my customers the best of what they wanted to eat, so that they are satisfied and I am in turn equally satisfied”, she remarked.
To this end more than 100 customers were treated to a free meal and drinks on the opening ceremony.
In her public life, Agbenorhevi had been an inspirer to many women in the society especially the women’s group of her church, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana at Ho-Bankoe
She had invested in the education of some of her children to the University level with one, Janet presently at the Central University College.
Agbenorhevi had made several meaningful donations towards community and church development at home and other communities and had donated to charity by helping genuine needy persons that approached her for help.
“I have shared my fortunes with many people as well as family problems especially good care for my mother until she died in 2000” she disclosed.
The restaurant was opened at the peak of arrival of visitors to the nation to witness the African Cup of Nations tournament dubbed CAN 2008.
The occasion which was chaired by the former Volta regional head of the Ghana Telecom, Mr Douglas Kirk Wagba and was dedicated to God by Reverend O.K Pida of the Ho-Bankoe Evangelical Presbyterian Church and assisted by the catechist, Mrs E.M Edu-Yao.
CAPTION: Picture by Tim Dzamboe
Picture shows the front view of the new restaurant complex and insert is Augusta Adjei popularly known as “Agbenorhevi”.
Second picture shows manager of the new bar, Enyonam preparing the soup to serve customers.
New Poly Law Requires careful study...April 16
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A former vice chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Frank Obed Kwami has said the new polytechnic law needed careful study and implementation in order not to divert from the good intentions of making polytechnics a hub for training skilled manpower for business and industry.
He said also although the law granted explicit academic autonomy to a polytechnic he advised that the Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics (CORP) should try to harmonize their programmes to ensure certain degree of harmonization and rationalization.
Professor Kwami who is the chairman of the Ho Polytechnic council said this at the eighth congregation of the Ho Polytechnic during which 470 students from the 2006 year group were presented with Higher National Dipomas (HNDs) last weekend.
He quoted a section of the law, thus, “a polytechnic may award degrees subject to the conditions that the council of that polytechnic may determine” saying that there had been some interpretations in several ways some of which were not in consonant with the existing aims and objectives of polytechnic education.
He stressed that what was missing in national educational system were the structures for the delivery of technical and vocational education and training and the formation of effective and sustainable human capital for socio-economic development.
As a result of the new polytechnic act, Professor Kwami therefore underscored the need for all stakeholders to meet and fashion out national vision for the polytechnics.
He suggested the meeting of the government, Councils Polytechnics, Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics, Regulatory Bodies of Tertiary Institutions, National Council for Technical Education and Training(COTVET) and Industry to find ways of addressing structural deficiencies at all levels of education and training.
Professor Kwami said the long standing matter that affected the entire polytechnic community was the poor salaries and conditions of service adding that it needed to be resolved quickly.
He said the proliferation of tertiary institutions especially in the private sector has generated a keen demand for lecturers and support staff and making it difficult for polytechnics to retain and recruit staff.
In an address, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic Fobih announced that the government was desirous in making conditions of service attractive so that the best of staff can be appointed adequately motivated and retained to train the middle level manpower for the nation.
He, however, said it needed time to solve all problems in the polytechnics and other tertiary institutions and pleaded for time to sort out challenges facing the government.
Professor Fobih said the government was committed to supporting the Competency Based Teaching and Learning concept in polytechnics and will ensure that its objectives were achieved.
He advised young graduands to gear up into the field by setting up their own businesses in order to become employers instead of joining the queues for nonexistent government jobs.
He also said the government was making great efforts at creating a conducive environment for business by putting in place a sound micro-economic system that will be of interest to the youth adding that “ government is sparing no effort to give young energetic men and women like you the opportunity to be the very best that you can be”.
In a welcoming address, the rector of the polytechnic, Dr Komla Agbeko Dzisi disclosed that out of 240 students, four obtained first class, 246 obtained second class upper division, 215 obtained second class lower division with five obtaining a pass.
He said there was bias towards the study of Business Studies at the polytechnic and that a bridging programme had started to encourage more enrolment in Applied Science, Engineering and Allied Arts programmes.
Dr Dzisi proposed to the government to subsidize the fees of science students to bring them at par with arts and business students in second cycle institutions in order encourage the study of science courses in second and tertiary institutions.
A former vice chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Frank Obed Kwami has said the new polytechnic law needed careful study and implementation in order not to divert from the good intentions of making polytechnics a hub for training skilled manpower for business and industry.
He said also although the law granted explicit academic autonomy to a polytechnic he advised that the Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics (CORP) should try to harmonize their programmes to ensure certain degree of harmonization and rationalization.
Professor Kwami who is the chairman of the Ho Polytechnic council said this at the eighth congregation of the Ho Polytechnic during which 470 students from the 2006 year group were presented with Higher National Dipomas (HNDs) last weekend.
He quoted a section of the law, thus, “a polytechnic may award degrees subject to the conditions that the council of that polytechnic may determine” saying that there had been some interpretations in several ways some of which were not in consonant with the existing aims and objectives of polytechnic education.
He stressed that what was missing in national educational system were the structures for the delivery of technical and vocational education and training and the formation of effective and sustainable human capital for socio-economic development.
As a result of the new polytechnic act, Professor Kwami therefore underscored the need for all stakeholders to meet and fashion out national vision for the polytechnics.
He suggested the meeting of the government, Councils Polytechnics, Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics, Regulatory Bodies of Tertiary Institutions, National Council for Technical Education and Training(COTVET) and Industry to find ways of addressing structural deficiencies at all levels of education and training.
Professor Kwami said the long standing matter that affected the entire polytechnic community was the poor salaries and conditions of service adding that it needed to be resolved quickly.
He said the proliferation of tertiary institutions especially in the private sector has generated a keen demand for lecturers and support staff and making it difficult for polytechnics to retain and recruit staff.
In an address, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic Fobih announced that the government was desirous in making conditions of service attractive so that the best of staff can be appointed adequately motivated and retained to train the middle level manpower for the nation.
He, however, said it needed time to solve all problems in the polytechnics and other tertiary institutions and pleaded for time to sort out challenges facing the government.
Professor Fobih said the government was committed to supporting the Competency Based Teaching and Learning concept in polytechnics and will ensure that its objectives were achieved.
He advised young graduands to gear up into the field by setting up their own businesses in order to become employers instead of joining the queues for nonexistent government jobs.
He also said the government was making great efforts at creating a conducive environment for business by putting in place a sound micro-economic system that will be of interest to the youth adding that “ government is sparing no effort to give young energetic men and women like you the opportunity to be the very best that you can be”.
In a welcoming address, the rector of the polytechnic, Dr Komla Agbeko Dzisi disclosed that out of 240 students, four obtained first class, 246 obtained second class upper division, 215 obtained second class lower division with five obtaining a pass.
He said there was bias towards the study of Business Studies at the polytechnic and that a bridging programme had started to encourage more enrolment in Applied Science, Engineering and Allied Arts programmes.
Dr Dzisi proposed to the government to subsidize the fees of science students to bring them at par with arts and business students in second cycle institutions in order encourage the study of science courses in second and tertiary institutions.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ketu North endorses Torgbui Awusu III as DCE
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Dzodze
The newly created Ketu North district assembly has overwhelmingly voted 100 per cent for the president’s nominee, Torgbui Awusu III as the new District Chief Executive.
All the 29 assembly members voted for 40- year old DCE who was a public servant with the Volta Regional Centre for National Culture.
Present was the Volta Regional Dzamesi, his deputy, Mr Joseph Nayan, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Mr James Avedzi, a leading member of New Patriotic Party(NPP), Mr Obed Okudzeto, the Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Steve Selormey and all paramount chiefs of the district comprising Dzodze, Afife, Penyi and Wheta.
Addressing the assembly, Torgbui Awusu said with his election a dream had been achieved to demonstrate servant leadership ability and thanked members for the confidence reposed in him.
He said he was aware of great expectations required from him adding that he acknowleged the challenges ahead especially in the fields of health, agriculture, education and public health which needed the support of all in order to transform the district successfully.
The regional minister, Mr Dzamesi advised the DCE to ignore rumours since they had been the most serious issues militating against the running of institutions in the region.
He said he should look for the truth and check the facts and figures before any action is taken adding that, that will ensure that the proper mandate to office is executed to expectation.
Mr Dzamesi also asked him to work closely with traditional authorities by bringing them together in concert for a common goal.
On the anti climax the assembly failed to elect a presiding member when the sole candidate Mr Vincent Dickson Tettey, 65, an educationist failed to poll the two-thirds of votes cast.
He polled 17 “yes” votes against “13” no votes and having been rejected for the third time he stepped down in the public interest.
The assembly however reopened nominations after an hour break but also failed to elect one of Torgbui Agbewode III and Mr Gideon Kobla Fianu since none of them also polled two thirds majority.
The elections had been adjourned in consonance with the law.
The newly created Ketu North district assembly has overwhelmingly voted 100 per cent for the president’s nominee, Torgbui Awusu III as the new District Chief Executive.
All the 29 assembly members voted for 40- year old DCE who was a public servant with the Volta Regional Centre for National Culture.
Present was the Volta Regional Dzamesi, his deputy, Mr Joseph Nayan, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Mr James Avedzi, a leading member of New Patriotic Party(NPP), Mr Obed Okudzeto, the Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Steve Selormey and all paramount chiefs of the district comprising Dzodze, Afife, Penyi and Wheta.
Addressing the assembly, Torgbui Awusu said with his election a dream had been achieved to demonstrate servant leadership ability and thanked members for the confidence reposed in him.
He said he was aware of great expectations required from him adding that he acknowleged the challenges ahead especially in the fields of health, agriculture, education and public health which needed the support of all in order to transform the district successfully.
The regional minister, Mr Dzamesi advised the DCE to ignore rumours since they had been the most serious issues militating against the running of institutions in the region.
He said he should look for the truth and check the facts and figures before any action is taken adding that, that will ensure that the proper mandate to office is executed to expectation.
Mr Dzamesi also asked him to work closely with traditional authorities by bringing them together in concert for a common goal.
On the anti climax the assembly failed to elect a presiding member when the sole candidate Mr Vincent Dickson Tettey, 65, an educationist failed to poll the two-thirds of votes cast.
He polled 17 “yes” votes against “13” no votes and having been rejected for the third time he stepped down in the public interest.
The assembly however reopened nominations after an hour break but also failed to elect one of Torgbui Agbewode III and Mr Gideon Kobla Fianu since none of them also polled two thirds majority.
The elections had been adjourned in consonance with the law.
Anglican Schools to be provided with ICT facilities
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The general manager of Anglican educational unit, Mr James Mike Abban has announced that all Anglican affiliated schools in the country will be provided with facilities for the study of Information and Communication Technology(ICT).
He said Anglican schools will not sacrifice ICT for frivolity adding that all schools in the district capitals will furnished first as part of the programme.
Mr Abban announced this when he addressed the 37th annual conference of managers and heads of Anglican higher institutions (COMHAI) at Ho last weekend.
The four day conference was on the theme, “ The new educational reform, the role of the Anglican church”.
He said the church will sponsor teacher trainees for its schools saying that it had posed itself strategically to face the challenges of new educations reform.
The general manager said the performance of teachers, students and pupils must be examined so as to avoid the wholesale condemnation of teachers in times of poor performance in schools.
Mr Abban reaffirmed the churches support for schools with the view to producing high class products to serve in various sectors of the economy.
He decried indiscipline in schools as becoming a great concern at all levels of society and said a section of the media was covertly and overtly supporting some acts of indiscipline.
In an address read on his behalf, the Ho Municipal Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh said the education reform programme was dictated by national requirements for the nation to keep pace with global dynamics of development.
He said the government and the church had a collective and crucial role to play to ensure the success of the reforms.
Mr Goh commended the church for establishing three new Senior High Schools but urged it to rehabilitate existing schools adding that the conference should identify hidden challenges and innovations for the reforms to succeed.
For his part the Anglicna Bishop for Ho Diocese, Right Reverend Matthias Medadues-Badohu said Ghana had been overtaken by other African countries in many fields because she had become a nation that sells than manufacture due to the non-adherence to recommendations.
He said for the reforms to succeed teachers must be able to apply the norms of discipline in themselves especially on lateness to school and absenteeism adding that” if teachers at the top do not reform how can they bring about reforms”.
Solidarity messages were read on behalf of the Ghana National Assoicationof Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers(NAGRAT), Conference of District Directors of Education(CODDE) and COMEU.
The general manager of Anglican educational unit, Mr James Mike Abban has announced that all Anglican affiliated schools in the country will be provided with facilities for the study of Information and Communication Technology(ICT).
He said Anglican schools will not sacrifice ICT for frivolity adding that all schools in the district capitals will furnished first as part of the programme.
Mr Abban announced this when he addressed the 37th annual conference of managers and heads of Anglican higher institutions (COMHAI) at Ho last weekend.
The four day conference was on the theme, “ The new educational reform, the role of the Anglican church”.
He said the church will sponsor teacher trainees for its schools saying that it had posed itself strategically to face the challenges of new educations reform.
The general manager said the performance of teachers, students and pupils must be examined so as to avoid the wholesale condemnation of teachers in times of poor performance in schools.
Mr Abban reaffirmed the churches support for schools with the view to producing high class products to serve in various sectors of the economy.
He decried indiscipline in schools as becoming a great concern at all levels of society and said a section of the media was covertly and overtly supporting some acts of indiscipline.
In an address read on his behalf, the Ho Municipal Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh said the education reform programme was dictated by national requirements for the nation to keep pace with global dynamics of development.
He said the government and the church had a collective and crucial role to play to ensure the success of the reforms.
Mr Goh commended the church for establishing three new Senior High Schools but urged it to rehabilitate existing schools adding that the conference should identify hidden challenges and innovations for the reforms to succeed.
For his part the Anglicna Bishop for Ho Diocese, Right Reverend Matthias Medadues-Badohu said Ghana had been overtaken by other African countries in many fields because she had become a nation that sells than manufacture due to the non-adherence to recommendations.
He said for the reforms to succeed teachers must be able to apply the norms of discipline in themselves especially on lateness to school and absenteeism adding that” if teachers at the top do not reform how can they bring about reforms”.
Solidarity messages were read on behalf of the Ghana National Assoicationof Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers(NAGRAT), Conference of District Directors of Education(CODDE) and COMEU.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Students gang rape colleague...April 12 Mirror
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A first year student girl of the Comboni Technical Vocational Institute at Sogakope in the South -Tongu district was brutally raped by three student males of the institute after offering her an overdose of an aphrodisiac known as “Opeimu” bitters.
The male students who are on the run are Ruben Ayitah, 20, Justice Gbedze, 19, and George Adegle, 21.
According to the Volta Regional public relations officer of the Ghana Police Service, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi said the victim, accompanied by the mother Madam Christiana Agbosu reported to the Sogakope police that she had been ganged raped by three of her male colleagues in the school.
He said the victim was invited out by the boys and offered her the Opeimu to drink adding that after taking the stuff she got drunk and lost control of herself making the boys to take advantage of her situation and forcibly had sex with her in turns.
Inspector Afagbedzi said when the victim regained consciousness she saw one of the boys called Ruben Ayitah having sex with her with the other two boys holding her hands.
He said when the victim attempted to shout for help one of the boys covered her mouth with the hand and that although she bit the hand they overpowered her and took turns and forcibly had sex with her.
The police PRO disclosed that she made a report to the housemistress on campus who later reported the incident to the police. The suspects are currently on the run.
A first year student girl of the Comboni Technical Vocational Institute at Sogakope in the South -Tongu district was brutally raped by three student males of the institute after offering her an overdose of an aphrodisiac known as “Opeimu” bitters.
The male students who are on the run are Ruben Ayitah, 20, Justice Gbedze, 19, and George Adegle, 21.
According to the Volta Regional public relations officer of the Ghana Police Service, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi said the victim, accompanied by the mother Madam Christiana Agbosu reported to the Sogakope police that she had been ganged raped by three of her male colleagues in the school.
He said the victim was invited out by the boys and offered her the Opeimu to drink adding that after taking the stuff she got drunk and lost control of herself making the boys to take advantage of her situation and forcibly had sex with her in turns.
Inspector Afagbedzi said when the victim regained consciousness she saw one of the boys called Ruben Ayitah having sex with her with the other two boys holding her hands.
He said when the victim attempted to shout for help one of the boys covered her mouth with the hand and that although she bit the hand they overpowered her and took turns and forcibly had sex with her.
The police PRO disclosed that she made a report to the housemistress on campus who later reported the incident to the police. The suspects are currently on the run.
VILLAGE TAKES POLICE HOSTAGE..April 12 Mirror
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The people of Awusakope in the South -Tongu district took four policemen hostage, disarmed them and assaulted them until they were rescued by a reinforcement from Adidome.
The policemen armed with one AK 47 rifle were detailed to arrest a suspect Kofi Agbenya at the village for allegedly involved in the stealing of tarpaulins belonging to the Rollider Construction Company Limited.
The Volta Regional public relations officer of the Ghana Police Service, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi disclosed that the suspect was a former employee of the company who was declared redundant with others a day prior to the stealing of the items at the workplace.
He said he was alleged to be the one in charge of such items and so when the theft was detected by the company some members of staff went to his village to persuade him to own up for stealing the items.
The PRO said while on their way back with some workers the suspect in an attempt to flee jumped out of the vehicle and sustained serious injuries and went back to the village to inform them that he was assaulted by the workers.
He said subsequently when the police went to arrest the suspect a prejudiced mob rushed on them and rather arrested the police and disarmed them.
Inspector Afagbedzi said a reinforcement of 14 policemen drawn from Adidome led by Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) George Sampson Doe rescued the men and retrieved the rifle adding that the suspect Kofi Agbenya is on the run while the police have mounted a search for him.
The people of Awusakope in the South -Tongu district took four policemen hostage, disarmed them and assaulted them until they were rescued by a reinforcement from Adidome.
The policemen armed with one AK 47 rifle were detailed to arrest a suspect Kofi Agbenya at the village for allegedly involved in the stealing of tarpaulins belonging to the Rollider Construction Company Limited.
The Volta Regional public relations officer of the Ghana Police Service, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi disclosed that the suspect was a former employee of the company who was declared redundant with others a day prior to the stealing of the items at the workplace.
He said he was alleged to be the one in charge of such items and so when the theft was detected by the company some members of staff went to his village to persuade him to own up for stealing the items.
The PRO said while on their way back with some workers the suspect in an attempt to flee jumped out of the vehicle and sustained serious injuries and went back to the village to inform them that he was assaulted by the workers.
He said subsequently when the police went to arrest the suspect a prejudiced mob rushed on them and rather arrested the police and disarmed them.
Inspector Afagbedzi said a reinforcement of 14 policemen drawn from Adidome led by Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) George Sampson Doe rescued the men and retrieved the rifle adding that the suspect Kofi Agbenya is on the run while the police have mounted a search for him.
Four die in accident...April 10
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Three persons died on the spot with one seriously injured when a 207 Mercedes Benz bus with registration number GE 1951 X was involved in an accident at Salo on the Anloga-Accra road.
A fourth person was pronounced dead on arrival at the Keta Government Hospital.
The dead were Abitchi Beckley, 27, Julaina Agbemava, 48, Joseph Agbemava, 49, and one Lawson.
According to the Volta Regional police public relations officer, Mr Joy Afagbedzi the rest of passengers who sustained various degrees of injuries were responding to treatment the Keta hospital.
He disclosed that the vehicle was traveling to Accra with 23 passengers on board and on reaching Salo near Savietula , the driver of the vehicle Jerry John Akorlor alleged that the rear tyre got burst and he lost control.
Mr Afagbedzi said the vehicle veered off the road and somersaulted several times and eventually landed in the bush killing the three passengers instantly.
Three persons died on the spot with one seriously injured when a 207 Mercedes Benz bus with registration number GE 1951 X was involved in an accident at Salo on the Anloga-Accra road.
A fourth person was pronounced dead on arrival at the Keta Government Hospital.
The dead were Abitchi Beckley, 27, Julaina Agbemava, 48, Joseph Agbemava, 49, and one Lawson.
According to the Volta Regional police public relations officer, Mr Joy Afagbedzi the rest of passengers who sustained various degrees of injuries were responding to treatment the Keta hospital.
He disclosed that the vehicle was traveling to Accra with 23 passengers on board and on reaching Salo near Savietula , the driver of the vehicle Jerry John Akorlor alleged that the rear tyre got burst and he lost control.
Mr Afagbedzi said the vehicle veered off the road and somersaulted several times and eventually landed in the bush killing the three passengers instantly.
Students urged to improve on their education.April 9
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Kpedze
The president of the Evangelical Presbyterian University College, Mr Walter Blege has urged students in the catchment area of the institution to take advantage of its establishment to acquire higher knowledge in life.
He said the new university is a spontaneous tradition of the church as a leader in the provision of education to the majority of people in the Volta Region and other parts of the country and that it was a cherished dream to have built on its track record as service provider in the field of education.
Mr Blege was addressing the 46th speech and prize giving day of the Kpedze Senior High School on the theme, “ the Challenges of the New Educational Reforms: The Way Forward” at Kpedze in the Ho Municipality last weekend.
He said the Volta Region was known as the human resource basket of the nation and that students from the region occupy majority of places at tertiary institutions in the country but it was it was a wonder that the region itself had no university.
“You now have a university right at your doorstep”, he declared.
In an address, the Ho Municipal director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ms Rosemond Keteku said the day’s celebration will mark the rejuvenation of the fortunes of the school.
She said the major challenges facing to all stakeholders in the educational sector include infrastructural facilities such as additional classrooms blocks, accommodation for both students and staff and more teaching and learning materials, among others.
Ms Keteku who is the acting headmistress for the school, said it was incumbent on the government, school administrators, parents, teachers, students and the private sector and all who want to see a developing Ghana become a developed Ghana to put their acts together to ensure a brighter future for children.
On the needs of the school she said it needed a 12 unit classroom block to cater for the fourth year students as well as to decongest the current classroom which had 45 students each.
She also said there was the need for more staff accommodation, a library and computer laboratory and the rehabilitation of the dinning hall complex.
The Member of Parliament of Ho-West constituency, Mr Francis Agbotse expressed indignation on the high rate of indiscipline among the youth especially towards the environment.
He said it was sad to note that for the lust of rats some people had set fire to the bush leading to the destruction of 13 wooden electric poles and thus disconnecting the area of normal electricity supply for the past two weeks.
Mr Agbotse fervently appealed to chiefs to champion the crusade against bush fires by being proactive to ward off bush fires in the future or else electricity will remain interrupted to the detriment of socio-economic lives of the people.
He also appealed to the electorate to avail themselves to all programmes on the electoral calendar from the replacement of identity cards, exhibition and others that will mandate them to vote.
The president of the past students association, Mr Justice Senyo Tsitsi presented 11 computers and two printers worth GHc7,400 and books valued at GHc 2, 000 on behalf of the association to the school.
He said looking at the deteriorating infrastructure of the school there was the urgent need for past students to know that they had a big responsibility at hand adding, “Let us all come together and put our shoulders to the wheel”.
Prizes were presented to 80 persons of the school community comprising students, teaching and non-teaching staff for excelling in their duties.
The president of the Evangelical Presbyterian University College, Mr Walter Blege has urged students in the catchment area of the institution to take advantage of its establishment to acquire higher knowledge in life.
He said the new university is a spontaneous tradition of the church as a leader in the provision of education to the majority of people in the Volta Region and other parts of the country and that it was a cherished dream to have built on its track record as service provider in the field of education.
Mr Blege was addressing the 46th speech and prize giving day of the Kpedze Senior High School on the theme, “ the Challenges of the New Educational Reforms: The Way Forward” at Kpedze in the Ho Municipality last weekend.
He said the Volta Region was known as the human resource basket of the nation and that students from the region occupy majority of places at tertiary institutions in the country but it was it was a wonder that the region itself had no university.
“You now have a university right at your doorstep”, he declared.
In an address, the Ho Municipal director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ms Rosemond Keteku said the day’s celebration will mark the rejuvenation of the fortunes of the school.
She said the major challenges facing to all stakeholders in the educational sector include infrastructural facilities such as additional classrooms blocks, accommodation for both students and staff and more teaching and learning materials, among others.
Ms Keteku who is the acting headmistress for the school, said it was incumbent on the government, school administrators, parents, teachers, students and the private sector and all who want to see a developing Ghana become a developed Ghana to put their acts together to ensure a brighter future for children.
On the needs of the school she said it needed a 12 unit classroom block to cater for the fourth year students as well as to decongest the current classroom which had 45 students each.
She also said there was the need for more staff accommodation, a library and computer laboratory and the rehabilitation of the dinning hall complex.
The Member of Parliament of Ho-West constituency, Mr Francis Agbotse expressed indignation on the high rate of indiscipline among the youth especially towards the environment.
He said it was sad to note that for the lust of rats some people had set fire to the bush leading to the destruction of 13 wooden electric poles and thus disconnecting the area of normal electricity supply for the past two weeks.
Mr Agbotse fervently appealed to chiefs to champion the crusade against bush fires by being proactive to ward off bush fires in the future or else electricity will remain interrupted to the detriment of socio-economic lives of the people.
He also appealed to the electorate to avail themselves to all programmes on the electoral calendar from the replacement of identity cards, exhibition and others that will mandate them to vote.
The president of the past students association, Mr Justice Senyo Tsitsi presented 11 computers and two printers worth GHc7,400 and books valued at GHc 2, 000 on behalf of the association to the school.
He said looking at the deteriorating infrastructure of the school there was the urgent need for past students to know that they had a big responsibility at hand adding, “Let us all come together and put our shoulders to the wheel”.
Prizes were presented to 80 persons of the school community comprising students, teaching and non-teaching staff for excelling in their duties.
Parties , security agents to collaborate on security..April 11
Story : Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Representatives of all political parties in the Volta Region have unanimously fixed every first Wednesday in every month for a meeting to interact with security agencies on matters of concern as regards peaceful election in December this year.
On strategies to ensure peace and order, the security agencies shall form regional election committee with representatives from all sister security agencies in the region.
This was contained in a release signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Volta Region, Mr Bernard Guyiri Dery and issued in Ho last weekend.
This was after a meeting with regional executive members of political parties and security services to discuss ways of creating an enabling political environment for political parties for political campaigns, meetings and processions before, during and after the elections.
The release enjoined all party executives to adhere to the Public Order Act 491 and to accept security advice under the act on the need to relocate venues or change of dates of special events based on cogent and transparent reasons.
It stated that the police may apply the rules of first come first serve or the supremacy of national interest.
It said the security agencies are well prepared to handle all situations and that there was no need to engage “machomen” so far as the December elections was concerned.
The release cautioned against the destruction of posters, banners that will create unnecessary tension and that press releases and statements during political campaigns should contain quality information, facts , figures and not based on rumours and hearsay intended to damage the image of opponents.
It advised the executive members to divorce chieftaincy and religious problems from political activities during campaigns.
It stated that the people of the Volta Region have no problems among themselves and that those who create problems were some of the city dwellers who felt that they were “universal celebrities or repositories of wisdom” who try to influence residents of the region for their selfish interest.
“It is time to identify these people and stop listening to their empty slogans and taunts”, the release said.
Representatives of all political parties in the Volta Region have unanimously fixed every first Wednesday in every month for a meeting to interact with security agencies on matters of concern as regards peaceful election in December this year.
On strategies to ensure peace and order, the security agencies shall form regional election committee with representatives from all sister security agencies in the region.
This was contained in a release signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Volta Region, Mr Bernard Guyiri Dery and issued in Ho last weekend.
This was after a meeting with regional executive members of political parties and security services to discuss ways of creating an enabling political environment for political parties for political campaigns, meetings and processions before, during and after the elections.
The release enjoined all party executives to adhere to the Public Order Act 491 and to accept security advice under the act on the need to relocate venues or change of dates of special events based on cogent and transparent reasons.
It stated that the police may apply the rules of first come first serve or the supremacy of national interest.
It said the security agencies are well prepared to handle all situations and that there was no need to engage “machomen” so far as the December elections was concerned.
The release cautioned against the destruction of posters, banners that will create unnecessary tension and that press releases and statements during political campaigns should contain quality information, facts , figures and not based on rumours and hearsay intended to damage the image of opponents.
It advised the executive members to divorce chieftaincy and religious problems from political activities during campaigns.
It stated that the people of the Volta Region have no problems among themselves and that those who create problems were some of the city dwellers who felt that they were “universal celebrities or repositories of wisdom” who try to influence residents of the region for their selfish interest.
“It is time to identify these people and stop listening to their empty slogans and taunts”, the release said.
Workshop on Labour Law Held in Ho.... April 8
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The Deputy Chairman of the National Labour Commission, Mr Kwasi Danso-Acheampong has said assault of opponents during a legal strike action is not part of the labour law.
He said that the de-criminalisation of the labour law does not permit extreme criminal behaviour and that the commission will not countenance any aspect which undermined respect for social partners in the resolution of labour issues.
Mr Danso-Acheampong said this when he addressed 80 participants drawn from organized labour organizations in the country at a workshop on the theme, “ The new role of the Trade Union and labour negotiator in Collective Bargaining Negotiation Under Act 651” at Ho.
He said the labour department has no jurisdiction in settling labour issues adding that their role had been repealed with the enactment of the Labour Act 651.
He said if the labour law failed workers would be the losers because it would be relatively cumbersome and expensive for them to pass through the normal court system to seek redress to grievances on labour issues.
Mr Danso-Acheampong said the principles of rule of law underpinned the labour law and that it was worthwhile for the commission to throw out challenges to all stakeholders to share practices in areas of apprehension and difficulties.
The executive secretary of NLC, Mr Edward Briku said industrial relation officers should appreciate the demands of the law and negotiate appropriately in the interest of workers.
For his part a consultant to the NLC, Mr S.R Asiedu asked participants to concentrate on tuition at the workshop since it will enrich them to write well tested collective agreements for the development and sustained peaceful labour market.
Topics treated at the workshop were “Engagement and Disengagement of Staff”, “ Unfair Labour Practices”, “The formation of trade unions”. “ The collective bargaining process”, “Negotiating and Writing the Collective Agreement”, and “ Settlement of Industrial Disputes”.
The Deputy Chairman of the National Labour Commission, Mr Kwasi Danso-Acheampong has said assault of opponents during a legal strike action is not part of the labour law.
He said that the de-criminalisation of the labour law does not permit extreme criminal behaviour and that the commission will not countenance any aspect which undermined respect for social partners in the resolution of labour issues.
Mr Danso-Acheampong said this when he addressed 80 participants drawn from organized labour organizations in the country at a workshop on the theme, “ The new role of the Trade Union and labour negotiator in Collective Bargaining Negotiation Under Act 651” at Ho.
He said the labour department has no jurisdiction in settling labour issues adding that their role had been repealed with the enactment of the Labour Act 651.
He said if the labour law failed workers would be the losers because it would be relatively cumbersome and expensive for them to pass through the normal court system to seek redress to grievances on labour issues.
Mr Danso-Acheampong said the principles of rule of law underpinned the labour law and that it was worthwhile for the commission to throw out challenges to all stakeholders to share practices in areas of apprehension and difficulties.
The executive secretary of NLC, Mr Edward Briku said industrial relation officers should appreciate the demands of the law and negotiate appropriately in the interest of workers.
For his part a consultant to the NLC, Mr S.R Asiedu asked participants to concentrate on tuition at the workshop since it will enrich them to write well tested collective agreements for the development and sustained peaceful labour market.
Topics treated at the workshop were “Engagement and Disengagement of Staff”, “ Unfair Labour Practices”, “The formation of trade unions”. “ The collective bargaining process”, “Negotiating and Writing the Collective Agreement”, and “ Settlement of Industrial Disputes”.
Election is a battle between NPP &NDC-Alan ...April 8
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A former presidential contestant of the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Mr Alan Kyeremanteng has said the December general elections is a champion of champions battle between the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC).
He said both parties had ruled the nation for two terms each and had made certain claims in their propaganda with the bid to win the hearts of the electorate for another term of office.
He therefore called on NPP supporters throughout the country to explain the achievements of the party to the people in order to appreciate them.
Mr Kyeremanteng said this when he addressed delegates and supporters of the party in Ho as part of a thanksgiving mission for the support rendered to him during the campaign for flagbearership in December last year.
He said the NPP cannot afford to lose the next elections adding that having been in opposition for 30 years it had managed to win passion of the people and that was the impetus for performing creditably in the two terms of office as a government.
He said a third term of NPP will bring hope into the lives of the people by empowering them to earn money on continuous basis with the promise that there are good times ahead.
“ All of us should put our last effort towards 2008 election so that we come out to appreciate and congratulate ourselves”, he said.
Mr Kyeremanteng said the empowerment of polling station executives is cardinal to the party and promised support to the people to deliver their functions efficiently.
He urged them to stay together and focus on the task ahead adding that it is necessary to change the fortunes of the party in the Volta Region.
In a speech the Ho-Central constituency parliamentary candidate, Mr Walter Glalah described Mr Kyeremanteng as a great statesman by virtue of taking his time to visit the region and thanked the people.
A former presidential contestant of the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Mr Alan Kyeremanteng has said the December general elections is a champion of champions battle between the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC).
He said both parties had ruled the nation for two terms each and had made certain claims in their propaganda with the bid to win the hearts of the electorate for another term of office.
He therefore called on NPP supporters throughout the country to explain the achievements of the party to the people in order to appreciate them.
Mr Kyeremanteng said this when he addressed delegates and supporters of the party in Ho as part of a thanksgiving mission for the support rendered to him during the campaign for flagbearership in December last year.
He said the NPP cannot afford to lose the next elections adding that having been in opposition for 30 years it had managed to win passion of the people and that was the impetus for performing creditably in the two terms of office as a government.
He said a third term of NPP will bring hope into the lives of the people by empowering them to earn money on continuous basis with the promise that there are good times ahead.
“ All of us should put our last effort towards 2008 election so that we come out to appreciate and congratulate ourselves”, he said.
Mr Kyeremanteng said the empowerment of polling station executives is cardinal to the party and promised support to the people to deliver their functions efficiently.
He urged them to stay together and focus on the task ahead adding that it is necessary to change the fortunes of the party in the Volta Region.
In a speech the Ho-Central constituency parliamentary candidate, Mr Walter Glalah described Mr Kyeremanteng as a great statesman by virtue of taking his time to visit the region and thanked the people.
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