THE Preventive Unit of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at Aflao has intercepted a truck loaded with 1,195 full and 60 half pieces of wax prints at Wute, near Akatsi in the Volta Region.
The vehicle, a 308 Mercedes Benz bus, with registration number GE 9867 W, was intercepted by a mobile patrol unit, led by Mr Nicholas Kwafo, upon a tip-off that the goods were being smuggled.
Briefing journalists at Aflao last Monday, the Chief Collector in charge of the Preventive Unit, Mr David Atta, said about 1.30 a.m. on May 23, this year, the patrol unit had a hint that the vehicle would cart the wax prints from a bush to Accra.
He said the unit moved in and impounded the vehicle, together with its occupants, who managed to escape.
Mr Atta added that the vehicle was towed by a tractor to the CEPS premises at Aflao.
He explained that it was only the Takoradi Port that was permitted to import textiles into the country, warning that any importer who flouted that directive would be arrested.
According to Mr Atta, the tax element of the impounded goods was GH¢4,025.2324.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
THE PLIGHT OF HO NURSES TRAINING COLLEGE (PAGE 40)
WITH the new educational reform, nurses training colleges, just like teacher training colleges, have been upgraded to tertiary educational institutions accredited to award diplomas to graduands.
Against the high trend of nurses and doctors seeking greener pastures in foreign lands, many young high school graduates have been motivated to enrol in nurses training schools throughout the country.
The situation is not well for many of them, especially those from poor homes with great expectations and hoping to rely on government subsidy and scholarships for meals and tuition.
Government subvention to the Ho Nurses Training College has not been regular, putting it in financial distress.
The Principal of the college, Mr James Agboada, who disclosed this at the joint matriculation ceremony of first-year students of the college, expressed concern over the growing trend.
He stated that the college might close down by the end of June if the government did not intervene within the shortest possible time.
According to him, the college owed six private landlords huge sums of money as rent for hostels hired for the students, adding that the landlords had threatened to eject the students if the arrears were not settled.
Mr Agboada said the payment of allowances had been stopped for first and second-year students, despite the fact that they were supposed to take three square meals a day.
The plight of the Ho Nurses Training College has been compounded by inadequate classrooms, the lack of a skills acquisition laboratory and residential accommodation for teachers and students.
The accommodation problem could have been resolved if work on the ongoing hostel project off the Ho-Aflao road had been expedited and completed. Currently, work on the project has come to a standstill.
The college continues to receive a very high number of applicants but it cannot admit all of them due to the challenges facing it.
According to the Deputy Director of the Nurses and Midwifery Council, Mr Felix Nyantey, the curriculum for nurses training colleges was under review.
“However, with these constraints, how can we effectively uphold the higher ideals of the nursing profession by training nurses easily without letting them pass through avoidable obstacles?” he asked.
Mr Nyantey urged the students to be courteous to all manner of people, in accordance with the ethics of the profession.
Mr Nyantey further urged them to dedicate themselves to the training in order to come out successfully.
In an address read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Andrew Arde-Acquah, announced that the Ghana Health Service in the region had come up with a scheme on the retention of graduates of nurses training colleges.
He added that they would be bonded for four years to serve in the region, irrespective of where they came from.
Dr Arde-Acquah also stated that there were incentives for those who would accept posting to deprived areas.
The Students Representative Council (SRC) President, Mr Mawuli Goka, pleaded with the authorities not to stop feeding the students, since that would negatively affect them.
Against the high trend of nurses and doctors seeking greener pastures in foreign lands, many young high school graduates have been motivated to enrol in nurses training schools throughout the country.
The situation is not well for many of them, especially those from poor homes with great expectations and hoping to rely on government subsidy and scholarships for meals and tuition.
Government subvention to the Ho Nurses Training College has not been regular, putting it in financial distress.
The Principal of the college, Mr James Agboada, who disclosed this at the joint matriculation ceremony of first-year students of the college, expressed concern over the growing trend.
He stated that the college might close down by the end of June if the government did not intervene within the shortest possible time.
According to him, the college owed six private landlords huge sums of money as rent for hostels hired for the students, adding that the landlords had threatened to eject the students if the arrears were not settled.
Mr Agboada said the payment of allowances had been stopped for first and second-year students, despite the fact that they were supposed to take three square meals a day.
The plight of the Ho Nurses Training College has been compounded by inadequate classrooms, the lack of a skills acquisition laboratory and residential accommodation for teachers and students.
The accommodation problem could have been resolved if work on the ongoing hostel project off the Ho-Aflao road had been expedited and completed. Currently, work on the project has come to a standstill.
The college continues to receive a very high number of applicants but it cannot admit all of them due to the challenges facing it.
According to the Deputy Director of the Nurses and Midwifery Council, Mr Felix Nyantey, the curriculum for nurses training colleges was under review.
“However, with these constraints, how can we effectively uphold the higher ideals of the nursing profession by training nurses easily without letting them pass through avoidable obstacles?” he asked.
Mr Nyantey urged the students to be courteous to all manner of people, in accordance with the ethics of the profession.
Mr Nyantey further urged them to dedicate themselves to the training in order to come out successfully.
In an address read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Andrew Arde-Acquah, announced that the Ghana Health Service in the region had come up with a scheme on the retention of graduates of nurses training colleges.
He added that they would be bonded for four years to serve in the region, irrespective of where they came from.
Dr Arde-Acquah also stated that there were incentives for those who would accept posting to deprived areas.
The Students Representative Council (SRC) President, Mr Mawuli Goka, pleaded with the authorities not to stop feeding the students, since that would negatively affect them.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
HO POLY STUDENTS 'DISCOVER' CHEAPER FUEL (PAGE 11)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
STUDENTS of the Auto Department of the Mechanical Engineering faculty of the Ho Polytechnic, have “discovered” water gas to be a cheaper means of fuel for automobile engines when compared with hydrocarbon and other forms of fuel.
The discovery was made by premier students of the Ho Polytechnic, two years after the introduction of the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programme at the Polytechnic.
The discovery was the result of a project titled, “Water Car Technology”, (Water as fuel) undertaken by a project group of the faculty led by its group leader Mr John Abban.
The timely discovery could save the nation billions of dollars if the findings received by the authorities were devoid of suppression of big time capitalist interest groups and could facilitate the salvation of the numerous poor in developing countries.
For now, one of the students has been operating a taxi through the use of water gas and was said to be performing with higher engine efficiency, and power output.
Speaking to the “ Daily Graphic”, Messrs Abban and John Bentoom said research had shown that when water gas was directed into a car’s carburetor or manifold it greatly improved efficiency and performance of the car.
They said the water gas technology was designed to complement combustion rather than replace the natural operation of the engine.
Touching on how it worked, they explained that a small-size ‘Horlics Bottle” was placed somewhere under the hood in the engine compartment and filled with distilled water and a little bit of baking soda.
They said the device got vacuum and electricity from the engine and produced HHO gas(Hydrogen Oxygen ) which was supplied to the engine’s manifold or carburetor.
Mr Abban and Mr Bentoom explained that the electrical connection was simple and safe without relays of any other complications adding that the device was connected to the 12volts of battery through the ignition switch to prevent the production of hydrogen when the engine was off.
According to them, the use of the water gas facilitated doubling in mileage and that when burned the “Brown‘s Gas” produced converted in water vapour without the release of harmful chemicals.
They also said it greatly enhanced engine power and performance and vehicles pulled better uphill with the technology adding that the system widened the torque range and made the vehicle accelerate faster.
They said the use of the new fuel removed carbon deposits and prevented future carbon build up, reduction in engine temperature, calmer, quieter and much smoother engine, longer life expectancy of the engine, and fuel economy.
Messrs Abban and Bentoom said the water-to-gas converter technology is supplementery to petrol or diesel and one of the most practical free-energy devices marked by extraordinary simplicity and effectiveness.
A research paper on the water-to-gas converter technology stated that, “ it is not our invention and it is not new” adding that “ the basic research work had been in existence for many years and many researchers worldwide continue to perfect the technology”.
The paper stated that the necessary skills and materials for this innovation were found locally and in many countries and should not be a constraint to further replication and enlargement.
“With training and promotional efforts, this technology can provide access to a secure, safe and sufficient source of fuel as a fundamental requirement for the survival, well being and socio economic development of thousands of rural businesses and households”, it stated.
STUDENTS of the Auto Department of the Mechanical Engineering faculty of the Ho Polytechnic, have “discovered” water gas to be a cheaper means of fuel for automobile engines when compared with hydrocarbon and other forms of fuel.
The discovery was made by premier students of the Ho Polytechnic, two years after the introduction of the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programme at the Polytechnic.
The discovery was the result of a project titled, “Water Car Technology”, (Water as fuel) undertaken by a project group of the faculty led by its group leader Mr John Abban.
The timely discovery could save the nation billions of dollars if the findings received by the authorities were devoid of suppression of big time capitalist interest groups and could facilitate the salvation of the numerous poor in developing countries.
For now, one of the students has been operating a taxi through the use of water gas and was said to be performing with higher engine efficiency, and power output.
Speaking to the “ Daily Graphic”, Messrs Abban and John Bentoom said research had shown that when water gas was directed into a car’s carburetor or manifold it greatly improved efficiency and performance of the car.
They said the water gas technology was designed to complement combustion rather than replace the natural operation of the engine.
Touching on how it worked, they explained that a small-size ‘Horlics Bottle” was placed somewhere under the hood in the engine compartment and filled with distilled water and a little bit of baking soda.
They said the device got vacuum and electricity from the engine and produced HHO gas(Hydrogen Oxygen ) which was supplied to the engine’s manifold or carburetor.
Mr Abban and Mr Bentoom explained that the electrical connection was simple and safe without relays of any other complications adding that the device was connected to the 12volts of battery through the ignition switch to prevent the production of hydrogen when the engine was off.
According to them, the use of the water gas facilitated doubling in mileage and that when burned the “Brown‘s Gas” produced converted in water vapour without the release of harmful chemicals.
They also said it greatly enhanced engine power and performance and vehicles pulled better uphill with the technology adding that the system widened the torque range and made the vehicle accelerate faster.
They said the use of the new fuel removed carbon deposits and prevented future carbon build up, reduction in engine temperature, calmer, quieter and much smoother engine, longer life expectancy of the engine, and fuel economy.
Messrs Abban and Bentoom said the water-to-gas converter technology is supplementery to petrol or diesel and one of the most practical free-energy devices marked by extraordinary simplicity and effectiveness.
A research paper on the water-to-gas converter technology stated that, “ it is not our invention and it is not new” adding that “ the basic research work had been in existence for many years and many researchers worldwide continue to perfect the technology”.
The paper stated that the necessary skills and materials for this innovation were found locally and in many countries and should not be a constraint to further replication and enlargement.
“With training and promotional efforts, this technology can provide access to a secure, safe and sufficient source of fuel as a fundamental requirement for the survival, well being and socio economic development of thousands of rural businesses and households”, it stated.
HORROR AT TSITO ...Skulls of missing twins found in septic tank (LEAD STORY)
Story & Pictures: Tim Dzamboe, Tsito
AN intensive search for nine-year-old twins, Benjamin and Joseph Bani, whose disappearance was announced last January has produced a horrific story in Tsito in the Volta Region.
The town was thrown into a deeper state of shock last Sunday when the police discovered the skulls and other decomposed parts of two bodies in a septic tank behind an uncompleted building at the outskirts of Tsito. The body parts are believed to be those of the twins.
If that proves to be true, then it will be contrary to earlier rumours that the children had been abducted to the Republic of Togo.
The owner of the uncompleted building and the caretaker (names withheld) have been arrested and placed in police custody at Tsito, while one person is on the run.
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Dery, who led the operation to the scene last Sunday, told journalists that five persons had been arrested earlier in connection with the crime and were in prison custody.
He disclosed that upon a tip-off, a team of policemen was instructed to mount surveillance in the area. It also ordered the septic tank to be drained, upon which the remains of the two children were discovered.
According to the Regional Police Commander, investigations had revealed that the children had been killed at a private hostel of the Tsito High/Technical School, adding that there was reason to suspect that they had been killed for ritual purposes.
Mr Dery further disclosed that there was blood linkage among the five suspects arrested earlier and between the two arrested on Sunday, adding that the police suspected that the suspects could be a syndicate.
Earlier this year, the children were reported to have been abducted at Awudome-Tsito in the Ho municipality.
The last time they had been seen was January 2 when John Adeku, now in custody, was said to have invited them into the house of one Dan at Tsito.
Adeku and three others have been in custody helping the police in investigations but Dan, said to be the prime suspect, is on the run.
AN intensive search for nine-year-old twins, Benjamin and Joseph Bani, whose disappearance was announced last January has produced a horrific story in Tsito in the Volta Region.
The town was thrown into a deeper state of shock last Sunday when the police discovered the skulls and other decomposed parts of two bodies in a septic tank behind an uncompleted building at the outskirts of Tsito. The body parts are believed to be those of the twins.
If that proves to be true, then it will be contrary to earlier rumours that the children had been abducted to the Republic of Togo.
The owner of the uncompleted building and the caretaker (names withheld) have been arrested and placed in police custody at Tsito, while one person is on the run.
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Dery, who led the operation to the scene last Sunday, told journalists that five persons had been arrested earlier in connection with the crime and were in prison custody.
He disclosed that upon a tip-off, a team of policemen was instructed to mount surveillance in the area. It also ordered the septic tank to be drained, upon which the remains of the two children were discovered.
According to the Regional Police Commander, investigations had revealed that the children had been killed at a private hostel of the Tsito High/Technical School, adding that there was reason to suspect that they had been killed for ritual purposes.
Mr Dery further disclosed that there was blood linkage among the five suspects arrested earlier and between the two arrested on Sunday, adding that the police suspected that the suspects could be a syndicate.
Earlier this year, the children were reported to have been abducted at Awudome-Tsito in the Ho municipality.
The last time they had been seen was January 2 when John Adeku, now in custody, was said to have invited them into the house of one Dan at Tsito.
Adeku and three others have been in custody helping the police in investigations but Dan, said to be the prime suspect, is on the run.
HORROR AT TSITO ...Skulls of missing twins found in septic tank (LEAD STORY)
Story & Pictures: Tim Dzamboe, Tsito
AN intensive search for nine-year-old twins, Benjamin and Joseph Bani, whose disappearance was announced last January has produced a horrific story in Tsito in the Volta Region.
The town was thrown into a deeper state of shock last Sunday when the police discovered the skulls and other decomposed parts of two bodies in a septic tank behind an uncompleted building at the outskirts of Tsito. The body parts are believed to be those of the twins.
If that proves to be true, then it will be contrary to earlier rumours that the children had been abducted to the Republic of Togo.
The owner of the uncompleted building and the caretaker (names withheld) have been arrested and placed in police custody at Tsito, while one person is on the run.
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Dery, who led the operation to the scene last Sunday, told journalists that five persons had been arrested earlier in connection with the crime and were in prison custody.
He disclosed that upon a tip-off, a team of policemen was instructed to mount surveillance in the area. It also ordered the septic tank to be drained, upon which the remains of the two children were discovered.
According to the Regional Police Commander, investigations had revealed that the children had been killed at a private hostel of the Tsito High/Technical School, adding that there was reason to suspect that they had been killed for ritual purposes.
Mr Dery further disclosed that there was blood linkage among the five suspects arrested earlier and between the two arrested on Sunday, adding that the police suspected that the suspects could be a syndicate.
Earlier this year, the children were reported to have been abducted at Awudome-Tsito in the Ho municipality.
The last time they had been seen was January 2 when John Adeku, now in custody, was said to have invited them into the house of one Dan at Tsito.
Adeku and three others have been in custody helping the police in investigations but Dan, said to be the prime suspect, is on the run.
AN intensive search for nine-year-old twins, Benjamin and Joseph Bani, whose disappearance was announced last January has produced a horrific story in Tsito in the Volta Region.
The town was thrown into a deeper state of shock last Sunday when the police discovered the skulls and other decomposed parts of two bodies in a septic tank behind an uncompleted building at the outskirts of Tsito. The body parts are believed to be those of the twins.
If that proves to be true, then it will be contrary to earlier rumours that the children had been abducted to the Republic of Togo.
The owner of the uncompleted building and the caretaker (names withheld) have been arrested and placed in police custody at Tsito, while one person is on the run.
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Dery, who led the operation to the scene last Sunday, told journalists that five persons had been arrested earlier in connection with the crime and were in prison custody.
He disclosed that upon a tip-off, a team of policemen was instructed to mount surveillance in the area. It also ordered the septic tank to be drained, upon which the remains of the two children were discovered.
According to the Regional Police Commander, investigations had revealed that the children had been killed at a private hostel of the Tsito High/Technical School, adding that there was reason to suspect that they had been killed for ritual purposes.
Mr Dery further disclosed that there was blood linkage among the five suspects arrested earlier and between the two arrested on Sunday, adding that the police suspected that the suspects could be a syndicate.
Earlier this year, the children were reported to have been abducted at Awudome-Tsito in the Ho municipality.
The last time they had been seen was January 2 when John Adeku, now in custody, was said to have invited them into the house of one Dan at Tsito.
Adeku and three others have been in custody helping the police in investigations but Dan, said to be the prime suspect, is on the run.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
NDC MP FOR HO EAST RE-ELECTED (PAGE 17)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Adaklu-Helekpe
THE incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ho East Constituency, Mrs Jualiana Azumah-Mensah, has been elected by popular acclamation to contest the parliamentary seat on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the Adaklu-Anyigbe District Electoral Officer, Mr Francis Paine, she was the only candidate who filed nominations at the end of the period, and therefore declared her winner after the delegates had acclaimed her as their choice.
In a post-election speech, Mrs Azumah-Mensah thanked constituency executives and delegates for the confidence reposed in her to represent them in parliament for the second time.
She said the next term in Parliament would be easier for her and the electorate because she was optimistic that the NDC would be elected into government.
The MP assured them that every person who sacrificed towards the cause of the party would be duly recognised when Professor John Mills became the next president.
She advised them against getting hoodwinked by people who hid behind other colours to tell them that the NDC was dead, adding that they must educate their people against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and resist the temptation to use their voter identity cards as collateral for non-existent loans.
She said although the end of their suffering was near because victory was on the doorstep, it would not come easily if they did not encourage eligible voters to register when the register was opened.
In an address the Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Modestus Ahiable, took a swipe at the NPP for consuming the national cake, saying that it was an abomination for the NPP government to claim that nothing good had happened under the NDC.
He said the future would be brighter than the past because the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would be streamlined to remove all defects.
In an address, the constituency chairman, Mr M.K. Adzaho, commended the parliamentary nominee for her victory in addition to her “hard work, open and equitable distribution of her common fund in the constituency”
He appealed to the national executive committee through the regional chairman for a pick-up, motorbikes and bicycles in order to reach out to more people.
THE incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ho East Constituency, Mrs Jualiana Azumah-Mensah, has been elected by popular acclamation to contest the parliamentary seat on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the Adaklu-Anyigbe District Electoral Officer, Mr Francis Paine, she was the only candidate who filed nominations at the end of the period, and therefore declared her winner after the delegates had acclaimed her as their choice.
In a post-election speech, Mrs Azumah-Mensah thanked constituency executives and delegates for the confidence reposed in her to represent them in parliament for the second time.
She said the next term in Parliament would be easier for her and the electorate because she was optimistic that the NDC would be elected into government.
The MP assured them that every person who sacrificed towards the cause of the party would be duly recognised when Professor John Mills became the next president.
She advised them against getting hoodwinked by people who hid behind other colours to tell them that the NDC was dead, adding that they must educate their people against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and resist the temptation to use their voter identity cards as collateral for non-existent loans.
She said although the end of their suffering was near because victory was on the doorstep, it would not come easily if they did not encourage eligible voters to register when the register was opened.
In an address the Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Modestus Ahiable, took a swipe at the NPP for consuming the national cake, saying that it was an abomination for the NPP government to claim that nothing good had happened under the NDC.
He said the future would be brighter than the past because the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would be streamlined to remove all defects.
In an address, the constituency chairman, Mr M.K. Adzaho, commended the parliamentary nominee for her victory in addition to her “hard work, open and equitable distribution of her common fund in the constituency”
He appealed to the national executive committee through the regional chairman for a pick-up, motorbikes and bicycles in order to reach out to more people.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
PAST STUDENTS MUST HELP SUSTAIN QUALITY EDUCATION (PAGE 11)
STORY: TIM DZAMBOE
The role of past students of senior high schools has been amplified as one of the major ways to achieve sustained quality education for all generations.
It could help improve the physical and mental freedom to increase control over the resources of life and to build a high degree of self-reliance, confidence and awareness of opportunities of life.
A director of hydro division of the Volta River Authority, Mr Kirk Coffie, made these remarks when he addressed the 55th speech and prize-giving day of the Kpando Senior High School at the weekend.
He spoke on the theme: “Quality Secondary Education, the role of Old Students” and it was under the chairmanship of Dr T. M. Kwadzo, a lecturer and consultant at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Mr Coffie observed that education was a tool for democracy and political stability and noted that the only way to guarantee this was to streamline the levels of senior secondary schools to efficiently deliver quality education.
He said the role of old students, therefore, could not be overemphasised because they were the role models and mentors to the younger generation and could share their wisdom and experience in career development and partnership in the provision of vital facilities for the schools.
He, however, said students at the receiving end must apply themselves to serious learning habits, underpinned by a high sense of discipline in order to motivate past students to make the needed inflows for staff and student motivation.
In an address read on his behalf, the Headmaster of the school, Mr Geoffrey Bissi, said the school was a force to reckon with in academic performance and sports in the country.
Mr Bissi, who is currently in Sweden with a member of staff and four students of the school on an exchange programme, said the school scored 100 per cent in last year’s West Africa Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) with 205 out of the 294 students qualifying for admission to university and tertiary institutions.
He said the school had procured a new electricity generating plant to ensure uninterrupted power supply, adding that the old students association had also rehabilitated a hostel for students.
Mr Bissi appealed for urgent assistance for the construction of a three-unit classroom block to ease congestion in classrooms and also for more staff bungalows, since there were only 17 bungalows for the 52 members of staff.
In an address read on her behalf, the Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Ms Akua Dansua, said her dream for the school had come true with the visit of the headmaster, a staff and four students who are currently in Sweden on an exchange programme initiated by her.
She urged students above 18 years to register to vote in order to exercise their civic responsibilities in the next elections.
The Kpando District Chief Executive, Mr Pius Adanuty, said in an address read on his behalf that the school needed strong partnerships with parents, teachers and past students to deliver quality education and urged past students to offer guidance and counselling to younger ones to choose the right career paths.
The Chief of Kpando-Aloryi, Togbe Komla Teng V, congratulated final year students on their successful completion of study at the school and urged them to strive to greater heights.
Highlights of the occasion included a brilliant performance by the military cadet corps and the award of prizes to students, teachers and workers who had distinguished themselves in the past year.
The role of past students of senior high schools has been amplified as one of the major ways to achieve sustained quality education for all generations.
It could help improve the physical and mental freedom to increase control over the resources of life and to build a high degree of self-reliance, confidence and awareness of opportunities of life.
A director of hydro division of the Volta River Authority, Mr Kirk Coffie, made these remarks when he addressed the 55th speech and prize-giving day of the Kpando Senior High School at the weekend.
He spoke on the theme: “Quality Secondary Education, the role of Old Students” and it was under the chairmanship of Dr T. M. Kwadzo, a lecturer and consultant at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Mr Coffie observed that education was a tool for democracy and political stability and noted that the only way to guarantee this was to streamline the levels of senior secondary schools to efficiently deliver quality education.
He said the role of old students, therefore, could not be overemphasised because they were the role models and mentors to the younger generation and could share their wisdom and experience in career development and partnership in the provision of vital facilities for the schools.
He, however, said students at the receiving end must apply themselves to serious learning habits, underpinned by a high sense of discipline in order to motivate past students to make the needed inflows for staff and student motivation.
In an address read on his behalf, the Headmaster of the school, Mr Geoffrey Bissi, said the school was a force to reckon with in academic performance and sports in the country.
Mr Bissi, who is currently in Sweden with a member of staff and four students of the school on an exchange programme, said the school scored 100 per cent in last year’s West Africa Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) with 205 out of the 294 students qualifying for admission to university and tertiary institutions.
He said the school had procured a new electricity generating plant to ensure uninterrupted power supply, adding that the old students association had also rehabilitated a hostel for students.
Mr Bissi appealed for urgent assistance for the construction of a three-unit classroom block to ease congestion in classrooms and also for more staff bungalows, since there were only 17 bungalows for the 52 members of staff.
In an address read on her behalf, the Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Ms Akua Dansua, said her dream for the school had come true with the visit of the headmaster, a staff and four students who are currently in Sweden on an exchange programme initiated by her.
She urged students above 18 years to register to vote in order to exercise their civic responsibilities in the next elections.
The Kpando District Chief Executive, Mr Pius Adanuty, said in an address read on his behalf that the school needed strong partnerships with parents, teachers and past students to deliver quality education and urged past students to offer guidance and counselling to younger ones to choose the right career paths.
The Chief of Kpando-Aloryi, Togbe Komla Teng V, congratulated final year students on their successful completion of study at the school and urged them to strive to greater heights.
Highlights of the occasion included a brilliant performance by the military cadet corps and the award of prizes to students, teachers and workers who had distinguished themselves in the past year.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
AKUFO-ADDO TO DISPEL WRONG NOTIONS (PAGE 13)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has declared that the party will spend more time in the Volta region to seek understanding and reconciliation with the people to dispel wrong notions about it.
He said it was not true that the NPP did not like the Volta Region, and that it was malicious and wicked propaganda orchestrated against the party in order to sow a seed of conflict between the party and the people.
Nana Akufo-Addo said this when he addressed a rally at Kpedze in the Ho-West Constituency, beginning a tour of the region to introduce himself and some parliamentary candidates to the people.
He said hitherto, some of the strongest allies of the party were in the Volta Region, but unfortunately, the understanding had broken down because of the negative propaganda peddled against the party.
He said for now, it was clear for the people to discern the truth from the false propaganda, adding that the prospects for the party were enormous and had generated a lot of confidence to demand from the people to renew the party’s mandate to build on the solid foundation laid by the Kufuor administration.
Nana Akufo-Addo said today, the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press were so liberal that many were free to talk without any apprehension.
He said it was the determination of the NPP government to implement universal access to education for children, adding that there would be massive injection of capital into existing and new interventions to make the youth more resourceful.
He said the discovery of oil in commercial quantities had opened another glimmer of hope for the nation, and that a government led by him would handle well the funds that would be generated, to the benefit of the nation as a whole.
One of the presidential aspirants, who lost at the last congress of the party, Mr Boakye Agyarko, said the next election was predicted to be a champion of champions between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said it was not about who could give 50Gp and a T-shirt to the people, but was fundamentally about who could guarantee the development of the people.
Mr Agyarko said there was progress coming to the Volta Region under the NPP administration, and so there was a glimmer of hope of guarantee for the future of the people, especially children.
He declared that Nana Akufo-Addo was the best candidate to be given the mandate to guarantee hope for the future, and that they should equally vote for the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Mr Mawutor Goh, so as to form an approachable clique in governance.
“You must change with the changing times,” he said, explaining that they should be on the winning side.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, cautioned the people against the emergence of plausible liars and deceitful persons during the political season, explaining that they should not be rigid and conservative that even if they were offered gold, they would reject it.
The Paramount chief of Kpedze, Togbe Astridom V, said the people were elated at the visit of the flag bearer to the area, and that they were ready to listen to all messages so as to digest them.
He said Ho-West Constituency had acknowledged some changes, adding that the past was not the same, saying it in Ewe, thus, “tsa le vo, tsatsa le vo”.
He said the people were more mature and would make their choices according to their conscience.
THE presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has declared that the party will spend more time in the Volta region to seek understanding and reconciliation with the people to dispel wrong notions about it.
He said it was not true that the NPP did not like the Volta Region, and that it was malicious and wicked propaganda orchestrated against the party in order to sow a seed of conflict between the party and the people.
Nana Akufo-Addo said this when he addressed a rally at Kpedze in the Ho-West Constituency, beginning a tour of the region to introduce himself and some parliamentary candidates to the people.
He said hitherto, some of the strongest allies of the party were in the Volta Region, but unfortunately, the understanding had broken down because of the negative propaganda peddled against the party.
He said for now, it was clear for the people to discern the truth from the false propaganda, adding that the prospects for the party were enormous and had generated a lot of confidence to demand from the people to renew the party’s mandate to build on the solid foundation laid by the Kufuor administration.
Nana Akufo-Addo said today, the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press were so liberal that many were free to talk without any apprehension.
He said it was the determination of the NPP government to implement universal access to education for children, adding that there would be massive injection of capital into existing and new interventions to make the youth more resourceful.
He said the discovery of oil in commercial quantities had opened another glimmer of hope for the nation, and that a government led by him would handle well the funds that would be generated, to the benefit of the nation as a whole.
One of the presidential aspirants, who lost at the last congress of the party, Mr Boakye Agyarko, said the next election was predicted to be a champion of champions between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said it was not about who could give 50Gp and a T-shirt to the people, but was fundamentally about who could guarantee the development of the people.
Mr Agyarko said there was progress coming to the Volta Region under the NPP administration, and so there was a glimmer of hope of guarantee for the future of the people, especially children.
He declared that Nana Akufo-Addo was the best candidate to be given the mandate to guarantee hope for the future, and that they should equally vote for the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Mr Mawutor Goh, so as to form an approachable clique in governance.
“You must change with the changing times,” he said, explaining that they should be on the winning side.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, cautioned the people against the emergence of plausible liars and deceitful persons during the political season, explaining that they should not be rigid and conservative that even if they were offered gold, they would reject it.
The Paramount chief of Kpedze, Togbe Astridom V, said the people were elated at the visit of the flag bearer to the area, and that they were ready to listen to all messages so as to digest them.
He said Ho-West Constituency had acknowledged some changes, adding that the past was not the same, saying it in Ewe, thus, “tsa le vo, tsatsa le vo”.
He said the people were more mature and would make their choices according to their conscience.
Friday, May 16, 2008
COCOBOD WON'T COUNTENANCE BAD PRACTICES — OSAM-DADE (PAGE 20)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will not countenance bad practices, which may undermine efforts to produce high quality beans for the international markets.
It will ensure the use of only prescribed chemicals on farms in order not to lose the premium attached to Ghana’s cocoa by major international consumers.
The Volta Regional Manager of the Quality Control Division of COCOBOD, Mr Okwan Osam–Dade, said this at a farmers’ rally held at Kpedze last Tuesday.
He mentioned the brand names of authorised chemicals for use on farms as Callisulfan 350EC; Thiorex 35 EC; Endosulfan 35EC and Thiodan 35EC.
Mr Osam-Dade expressed regret that an analysis had revealed that residues of unauthorised chemicals had been detected in cocoa, adding that such chemicals were Fenvalerate, Promecarb, Chlorpyrifos and Pirimiphos usually bought without the supervision of extension officers.
He said the nation would not compromise quality assurance and would ensure that standards would be met in accordance with yardsticks set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
In an address read on his behalf, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh, commended cocoa farmers on sustaining the industry.
He appealed to the COCOBOD to assist farmers to rehabilitate their burnt cocoa farms and that they should introduce more private buyers to help reduce smuggling.
Mr Goh also called for scholarships for farmers’ wards.
The Regional Manager of the Produce Buying Company, Mr Prosper Zegbla, announced that a third cocoa seed garden was to be established at Saviefe in the Ho Municipality and urged farmers to take advantage of it to plant high yielding and early maturing species on their farms.
He said Ghana’s cocoa was on high demand on the international market, and therefore asked the youth to learn more on crop husbandry to generate income for themselves.
The Ho Municipal Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Anthony Tabi, advised the farmers to use agro-chemicals judiciously.
He also warned that importers of cocoa were not ready to buy cocoa from countries, which engaged child labour to the detriment of the full development of children.
THE Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will not countenance bad practices, which may undermine efforts to produce high quality beans for the international markets.
It will ensure the use of only prescribed chemicals on farms in order not to lose the premium attached to Ghana’s cocoa by major international consumers.
The Volta Regional Manager of the Quality Control Division of COCOBOD, Mr Okwan Osam–Dade, said this at a farmers’ rally held at Kpedze last Tuesday.
He mentioned the brand names of authorised chemicals for use on farms as Callisulfan 350EC; Thiorex 35 EC; Endosulfan 35EC and Thiodan 35EC.
Mr Osam-Dade expressed regret that an analysis had revealed that residues of unauthorised chemicals had been detected in cocoa, adding that such chemicals were Fenvalerate, Promecarb, Chlorpyrifos and Pirimiphos usually bought without the supervision of extension officers.
He said the nation would not compromise quality assurance and would ensure that standards would be met in accordance with yardsticks set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
In an address read on his behalf, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh, commended cocoa farmers on sustaining the industry.
He appealed to the COCOBOD to assist farmers to rehabilitate their burnt cocoa farms and that they should introduce more private buyers to help reduce smuggling.
Mr Goh also called for scholarships for farmers’ wards.
The Regional Manager of the Produce Buying Company, Mr Prosper Zegbla, announced that a third cocoa seed garden was to be established at Saviefe in the Ho Municipality and urged farmers to take advantage of it to plant high yielding and early maturing species on their farms.
He said Ghana’s cocoa was on high demand on the international market, and therefore asked the youth to learn more on crop husbandry to generate income for themselves.
The Ho Municipal Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Anthony Tabi, advised the farmers to use agro-chemicals judiciously.
He also warned that importers of cocoa were not ready to buy cocoa from countries, which engaged child labour to the detriment of the full development of children.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
HAVE CELEBRATES 75TH AGADEVI FESTIVAL (PAGE 40)
STORY: TIM DZAMBOE, HO
WITH the first half of the year coming to an end, a season of tourism-related festivals unfolds in the Volta Region in the second half of the year.
Incidentally, the people of Have in the Hohoe Municipality will mark this festival season with the celebration of the 75th edition of the Agadevi festival from June 8 to 15, 2008.
Unlike many communities and traditional areas, which associate their festivals with the migration from their ancestral homes, the people of Have celebrate theirs to commemorate remembrance of their survival from a landslide that nearly annihilated the town in 1933.
The festival, known as the Have Agadevi festival, has always been celebrated on the theme: “The Development of Have; Our Shared Responsibility with the view to generating the spirit of self-help in the people to contribute to the development of the area.
Over the years, the people, under the umbrella of the festival, have mobilised resources to enhance education, health and human resource development, among others.
For health, the people have been able to construct a health post, which has since been upgraded to a clinic with the potential for further upgrading to a polyclinic.
Local resources have been harnessed to build structures for the various schools in the town. One of the structures, which is ready for inauguration, is a six-classroom block with offices and a library. All the projects were constructed under the joint collaboration of the Have Citizens Association and the Social Investment Fund.
The people have also constructed a technical institute, which has been absorbed into the public system by the Ghana Education Service. The school has been rated among the best in the country.
With the advent of the self-help electrification programme (SHEP), the people mobilised resources and provided poles and other materials to become instant beneficiaries of the SHEP.
They have also entered into fruitful partnership with the Community Water and Sanitation Programme (CWSP) with sponsorship from the Danish Agency for International Development (DANIDA) to provide potable water for majority of the people.
With adequate educational facilities on their doorstep, many citizens of the area have been trained to become a source of human resource capital to the nation and are found in various fields of human endeavour, such as the military, police, civil and public service, educational institutions, judiciary, legal, performing arts, banking and entrepreneurship.
That has been the significant hallmark of the Agadevi festival celebrated on the philosophy of collective responsibility.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration of Agadevi from June 8 to 15, 2008 will serve as a rallying point for all towns in the Have Traditional Area under the leadership of the paramount chief, Togbe Asemtsyra IX. The communities are Aveyoyoe, Ando Number One, Ando Number Two, Sadzikope and Central.
It is expected that the people of Have will truly redefine their roles in consonance with national and international objectives, particularly to streamline their needs to modern trends as demanded under the global revolution on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
To the general public, their visit to Have from June 8 to 15 will not be regrettable because many activities will be held to broaden their horizons about the culture and traditions of the people.
They include a borborbor (a traditional dance) night, public health lecture, clean-up exercises, , migration story, festival story, quiz competition, choral night, beauty contest and a football match.
Certainly, the 75th anniversary celebration of Agadevi festival and subsequent celebrations would continue to serve as a rallying point and platform for the development of the Have Traditional Area.
WITH the first half of the year coming to an end, a season of tourism-related festivals unfolds in the Volta Region in the second half of the year.
Incidentally, the people of Have in the Hohoe Municipality will mark this festival season with the celebration of the 75th edition of the Agadevi festival from June 8 to 15, 2008.
Unlike many communities and traditional areas, which associate their festivals with the migration from their ancestral homes, the people of Have celebrate theirs to commemorate remembrance of their survival from a landslide that nearly annihilated the town in 1933.
The festival, known as the Have Agadevi festival, has always been celebrated on the theme: “The Development of Have; Our Shared Responsibility with the view to generating the spirit of self-help in the people to contribute to the development of the area.
Over the years, the people, under the umbrella of the festival, have mobilised resources to enhance education, health and human resource development, among others.
For health, the people have been able to construct a health post, which has since been upgraded to a clinic with the potential for further upgrading to a polyclinic.
Local resources have been harnessed to build structures for the various schools in the town. One of the structures, which is ready for inauguration, is a six-classroom block with offices and a library. All the projects were constructed under the joint collaboration of the Have Citizens Association and the Social Investment Fund.
The people have also constructed a technical institute, which has been absorbed into the public system by the Ghana Education Service. The school has been rated among the best in the country.
With the advent of the self-help electrification programme (SHEP), the people mobilised resources and provided poles and other materials to become instant beneficiaries of the SHEP.
They have also entered into fruitful partnership with the Community Water and Sanitation Programme (CWSP) with sponsorship from the Danish Agency for International Development (DANIDA) to provide potable water for majority of the people.
With adequate educational facilities on their doorstep, many citizens of the area have been trained to become a source of human resource capital to the nation and are found in various fields of human endeavour, such as the military, police, civil and public service, educational institutions, judiciary, legal, performing arts, banking and entrepreneurship.
That has been the significant hallmark of the Agadevi festival celebrated on the philosophy of collective responsibility.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration of Agadevi from June 8 to 15, 2008 will serve as a rallying point for all towns in the Have Traditional Area under the leadership of the paramount chief, Togbe Asemtsyra IX. The communities are Aveyoyoe, Ando Number One, Ando Number Two, Sadzikope and Central.
It is expected that the people of Have will truly redefine their roles in consonance with national and international objectives, particularly to streamline their needs to modern trends as demanded under the global revolution on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
To the general public, their visit to Have from June 8 to 15 will not be regrettable because many activities will be held to broaden their horizons about the culture and traditions of the people.
They include a borborbor (a traditional dance) night, public health lecture, clean-up exercises, , migration story, festival story, quiz competition, choral night, beauty contest and a football match.
Certainly, the 75th anniversary celebration of Agadevi festival and subsequent celebrations would continue to serve as a rallying point and platform for the development of the Have Traditional Area.
HO-KPONZI EP CHURCH LAUCHES ANIVERSARY (PAGE 40)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Ho-Kpodzi branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church has launched its 150th anniversary of the establishment of the church in Ho.
The celebration is slated for November 27, next year, on the theme: “Sow in tears, reap with joy.”
Activities lined up for the occasion include renovation of all monuments of the church, which incidentally are located at the headquarters.
AN elder of the church, Mr Edward Glalah, made this known when he led a delegation of the church to inform the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV and his elders of the anniversary at his palace at Ho last Sunday.
Giving a brief history of the church, a committee member, Reverend S.K. Mensah, recounted how the German missionaries arrived in Ho after sojourning in Peki, Adaklu and Anyako.
He said the missionaries were most impressed with the warm reception accorded them and decided to establish the headquarters in Ho.
Mr Glalah said the celebration was for all the people of Ho and not the church alone.
He, therefore, appealed to all citizens to participate in the activities.
Togbe Afede thanked the church for its role in the development of the area in the past years, especially in the field of education.
He, therefore, donated GH¢1,000 towards the anniversary.
The Agbogbomefia also announced his intention to celebrate the fifth anniversary celebration of his ascendancy to the stool.
He called on all churches in the town to devote their time to a thanksgiving service, in connection with the occasion, as well as the forthcoming Yam festival to be celebrated by him and his people.
THE Ho-Kpodzi branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church has launched its 150th anniversary of the establishment of the church in Ho.
The celebration is slated for November 27, next year, on the theme: “Sow in tears, reap with joy.”
Activities lined up for the occasion include renovation of all monuments of the church, which incidentally are located at the headquarters.
AN elder of the church, Mr Edward Glalah, made this known when he led a delegation of the church to inform the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV and his elders of the anniversary at his palace at Ho last Sunday.
Giving a brief history of the church, a committee member, Reverend S.K. Mensah, recounted how the German missionaries arrived in Ho after sojourning in Peki, Adaklu and Anyako.
He said the missionaries were most impressed with the warm reception accorded them and decided to establish the headquarters in Ho.
Mr Glalah said the celebration was for all the people of Ho and not the church alone.
He, therefore, appealed to all citizens to participate in the activities.
Togbe Afede thanked the church for its role in the development of the area in the past years, especially in the field of education.
He, therefore, donated GH¢1,000 towards the anniversary.
The Agbogbomefia also announced his intention to celebrate the fifth anniversary celebration of his ascendancy to the stool.
He called on all churches in the town to devote their time to a thanksgiving service, in connection with the occasion, as well as the forthcoming Yam festival to be celebrated by him and his people.
NPP YOUTH EMBRACES BAWA (PAGE 15)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE concerned youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akan Constituency of the Volta Region have embraced suggestions from certain quarters on making the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Rashid Bawa, the running mate of the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the December elections.
The group claimed that it was not surprised at the suggestions coming from different parts of the country, because they knew that Alhaji Bawa had all the requisite and necessary qualities that would be required for a running mate.
Ambassador Rashid Bawa is an excellent team player, affable, goal-oriented, humble, youthful and down to earth,” it stated.
This was contained in a release signed by the Chairman of the youth, Mr Bernard Nana Akompi, and issued in Ho last Monday.
It said Ambassador Bawa was adored and admired by the youth and seen as a symbol of strength and inspiration to the youth in the Volta Region, adding that he extended the same sterling qualities to both sports men and women in the entire country.
The statement said though Ambassador Rashid Bawa was born and raised in a Muslim home at Kadjebi, he was also popular in the three northern regions of the country.
It stated that as a devout Muslim with good reputation in the Zongo communities, he also related very well with Christians and ensured that good relations existed between both religions in the district and the region as a whole.
“This had given him an in-depth knowledge of co-existence between the two religions in the country as a whole,” it stated.
It said Ambassador Bawa was one exceptional, inspirational and loyal person who would best partner the NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the 2008 general election.
THE concerned youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akan Constituency of the Volta Region have embraced suggestions from certain quarters on making the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Rashid Bawa, the running mate of the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the December elections.
The group claimed that it was not surprised at the suggestions coming from different parts of the country, because they knew that Alhaji Bawa had all the requisite and necessary qualities that would be required for a running mate.
Ambassador Rashid Bawa is an excellent team player, affable, goal-oriented, humble, youthful and down to earth,” it stated.
This was contained in a release signed by the Chairman of the youth, Mr Bernard Nana Akompi, and issued in Ho last Monday.
It said Ambassador Bawa was adored and admired by the youth and seen as a symbol of strength and inspiration to the youth in the Volta Region, adding that he extended the same sterling qualities to both sports men and women in the entire country.
The statement said though Ambassador Rashid Bawa was born and raised in a Muslim home at Kadjebi, he was also popular in the three northern regions of the country.
It stated that as a devout Muslim with good reputation in the Zongo communities, he also related very well with Christians and ensured that good relations existed between both religions in the district and the region as a whole.
“This had given him an in-depth knowledge of co-existence between the two religions in the country as a whole,” it stated.
It said Ambassador Bawa was one exceptional, inspirational and loyal person who would best partner the NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the 2008 general election.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
ISSUES TO DETERMINE WINNER OF 2008 ELECTIONS (PAGE 17)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Political decision-making by the electorate in the next general elections is expected to be based on issues and not the desire for change as had been the case in the 2000 elections.
It is going to be on issues relating to the achievements of the three parties which have ruled the nation after independence and voters will subject their choices to comparison and contrast modules before they cast their votes.
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organisation, the Floating Voters Association (FVA), Mr David Akpabli, made this assertion in an interview with the Daily Graphic at Ho last weekend.
He said the achievements of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be scrutinised before voters cast their votes.
According to him, the CPP gained independence for the nation and adopted a seven-year development programme, implemented free education, free health, established state farms, a workers brigade, constructed the Akosombo Dam, Tema Motorway and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
However some of the weaknesses were the Preventive Detective Act and a one-party state which led to its downfall.
On the NDC, he said it emerged from the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and inherited the gains of a revolution, and implemented a high level security system to check armed robbery and crime.
He also said the NDC helped to establish a democratic culture and put in place structures recommended by the 1992 Constitution, established regional hospitals, the GETFund, built hospitals, roads and schools and allowed some level of press freedom.
Mr Akpabli, however, argued that the NDC could not manage the economy well, could not check inflation and allowed the influx of cheap foreign products that led to the collapse local industries, adding that it contributed to the call for change of government.
On the NPP, he said the party assumed power when Ghanaians wanted a change to test our democratic maturity, adding that the party won commendation for being able to maintain traditional and organisational acumen and overcoming their long stay in opposition for almost three decades.
He added that the party continued with the institution of constitutional structures and kept faith with the people by putting in place presidential initiatives such as the National Youth Employment Programme, and the National Health Insurance Scheme. It also undertook a lot of infrastructural development and eventually oil was discovered under its rule.
He said the perceived corruption and leadership interfering with the judiciary were some of the weaknesses of the regime.
Mr Akpabli said the parties would be assessed in five thematic areas, namely agriculture, health, education, industrial development and corruption and added that floating voters would look for a leadership that would introduce “vigorous and magical” agricultural policy that would check the high rate of unemployment.
On health, he said they would look for a leadership that would work hard to develop and sustain the National Health Insurance Scheme, improve infrastructure and facilities and also motivate health personnel to remain in the country.
Mr Akpabli further said a leadership that could make education a professional base so that no one left school without a profession and help majority of people to acquire tertiary education through various scholarship schemes would also win more votes.
Touching on industrial development, he said a leadership that would encourage people to develop industrial potentials to check unemployment and steer the nation to reach the middle-income status was also needed.
On corruption, Mr Akpabli said what people wanted was a leadership that would keep faith with the people, deal swiftly with corrupt people, protect national assets religiously and to make sure that everybody benefited was the preferred choice.
Mr Akpabli said past leaders had fooled the electorate but now, voters were more discerning and added that floating voters would not allow themselves to be deceived but make sure that they voted according to their conscience.
He said the Floating Voters Association was building up a formidable team across the nation and would put politicians on their toes to facilitate speedy development of the nation.
Political decision-making by the electorate in the next general elections is expected to be based on issues and not the desire for change as had been the case in the 2000 elections.
It is going to be on issues relating to the achievements of the three parties which have ruled the nation after independence and voters will subject their choices to comparison and contrast modules before they cast their votes.
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organisation, the Floating Voters Association (FVA), Mr David Akpabli, made this assertion in an interview with the Daily Graphic at Ho last weekend.
He said the achievements of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be scrutinised before voters cast their votes.
According to him, the CPP gained independence for the nation and adopted a seven-year development programme, implemented free education, free health, established state farms, a workers brigade, constructed the Akosombo Dam, Tema Motorway and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
However some of the weaknesses were the Preventive Detective Act and a one-party state which led to its downfall.
On the NDC, he said it emerged from the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and inherited the gains of a revolution, and implemented a high level security system to check armed robbery and crime.
He also said the NDC helped to establish a democratic culture and put in place structures recommended by the 1992 Constitution, established regional hospitals, the GETFund, built hospitals, roads and schools and allowed some level of press freedom.
Mr Akpabli, however, argued that the NDC could not manage the economy well, could not check inflation and allowed the influx of cheap foreign products that led to the collapse local industries, adding that it contributed to the call for change of government.
On the NPP, he said the party assumed power when Ghanaians wanted a change to test our democratic maturity, adding that the party won commendation for being able to maintain traditional and organisational acumen and overcoming their long stay in opposition for almost three decades.
He added that the party continued with the institution of constitutional structures and kept faith with the people by putting in place presidential initiatives such as the National Youth Employment Programme, and the National Health Insurance Scheme. It also undertook a lot of infrastructural development and eventually oil was discovered under its rule.
He said the perceived corruption and leadership interfering with the judiciary were some of the weaknesses of the regime.
Mr Akpabli said the parties would be assessed in five thematic areas, namely agriculture, health, education, industrial development and corruption and added that floating voters would look for a leadership that would introduce “vigorous and magical” agricultural policy that would check the high rate of unemployment.
On health, he said they would look for a leadership that would work hard to develop and sustain the National Health Insurance Scheme, improve infrastructure and facilities and also motivate health personnel to remain in the country.
Mr Akpabli further said a leadership that could make education a professional base so that no one left school without a profession and help majority of people to acquire tertiary education through various scholarship schemes would also win more votes.
Touching on industrial development, he said a leadership that would encourage people to develop industrial potentials to check unemployment and steer the nation to reach the middle-income status was also needed.
On corruption, Mr Akpabli said what people wanted was a leadership that would keep faith with the people, deal swiftly with corrupt people, protect national assets religiously and to make sure that everybody benefited was the preferred choice.
Mr Akpabli said past leaders had fooled the electorate but now, voters were more discerning and added that floating voters would not allow themselves to be deceived but make sure that they voted according to their conscience.
He said the Floating Voters Association was building up a formidable team across the nation and would put politicians on their toes to facilitate speedy development of the nation.
Monday, May 12, 2008
TORGBUI DAGADU LAID TO REST (PAGE 3)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
The late paramount chief of the Akpini Traditional Area and a former Member of the Council of State, Okpekpewuokpe Togbui
Dagadu VII, has been laid to rest after 11 days of mourning at Kpando in the Volta Region.
Togbui Dagadu died at the age of 68 after ruling from 1992 to 2006 during which he was elected president of the Volta Region House of Chiefs for two terms in 1995 and 1998.
A government delegation, led by the Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr S.K. Boafo, and accompanied by the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi; his deputy, Mr Joseph Nayan; and a Member of Council of State, Togbe Kpangbatriku, paid their last respects and made donations to the bereaved state.
Also present were the Member of Parliament for North-Dayi, Ms Akua Dansua; the Kpando District Chief Executive, Mr Pius Adanuty; the Jasikan District Chief Executive, Mr Solomon Donkor; and the Ketu District Chief Executive, Mr Justice Cudjoe.
Delivering a sermon at the burial service, the Catholic Bishop of Ho Diocese, Most Reverend Francis Anani Kofi Lodonu, said the Akpini state was full of sorrow because a big tree had fallen and that the departure of the late paramount chief was a signal for a new epoch that would unfold in the area but should unfold without much pain and struggle.
He deplored the suffering in the chieftaincy institution, adding that the late chief had suffered a lot but made a lot of sacrifices, despite those obstacles.
Bishop Lodonu extended gratitude to all those who had contributed to the fitting funeral for the late chief and prayed that his successor would not face the sufferings of the late chief.
He appealed to all those who were fighting over stools and land in the country to stop and give peace a chance, adding that the death of the chief should serve as an opportunity for reconciliation in the Akpini state.
The late paramount chief of the Akpini Traditional Area and a former Member of the Council of State, Okpekpewuokpe Togbui
Dagadu VII, has been laid to rest after 11 days of mourning at Kpando in the Volta Region.
Togbui Dagadu died at the age of 68 after ruling from 1992 to 2006 during which he was elected president of the Volta Region House of Chiefs for two terms in 1995 and 1998.
A government delegation, led by the Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr S.K. Boafo, and accompanied by the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi; his deputy, Mr Joseph Nayan; and a Member of Council of State, Togbe Kpangbatriku, paid their last respects and made donations to the bereaved state.
Also present were the Member of Parliament for North-Dayi, Ms Akua Dansua; the Kpando District Chief Executive, Mr Pius Adanuty; the Jasikan District Chief Executive, Mr Solomon Donkor; and the Ketu District Chief Executive, Mr Justice Cudjoe.
Delivering a sermon at the burial service, the Catholic Bishop of Ho Diocese, Most Reverend Francis Anani Kofi Lodonu, said the Akpini state was full of sorrow because a big tree had fallen and that the departure of the late paramount chief was a signal for a new epoch that would unfold in the area but should unfold without much pain and struggle.
He deplored the suffering in the chieftaincy institution, adding that the late chief had suffered a lot but made a lot of sacrifices, despite those obstacles.
Bishop Lodonu extended gratitude to all those who had contributed to the fitting funeral for the late chief and prayed that his successor would not face the sufferings of the late chief.
He appealed to all those who were fighting over stools and land in the country to stop and give peace a chance, adding that the death of the chief should serve as an opportunity for reconciliation in the Akpini state.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION CALLS ON REGIONAL MINISTER (PAGE 26)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A HIGH-POWERED delegation of the South African Government has paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, in Ho.
Led by the Premier of Northern Cape-Kimberley province, Ms Dipuo Peters, the group was on its way to Leklebi–Fiafe in the Hohoe Municipality to hold consultation with the people on possibilities of establishing a village to village relationship with a village in the Kgalagadi District in South Africa.
Kgosi KP Toto, a local chief in the district, was a member of the delegation in addition to the South African High Commissioner in Accra, Mr Rarilane Molekane, and the Mayor of Moshaweng District, Mr T. L. Seikaneng.
Ms Peters said the village to village co-operation was in consonance with a rural development strategy on the initiative of the embassy to develop rural areas with the view to curbing the movement to the urban centres by the youth, who eventually become squatters.
She said the link with a village in Ghana was an exploratory one and that it could also serve as a platform for investment in agriculture and tourism.
Mr Molekane said Leklebi was chosen because of a native of the town, one Mr Sammy Adzah, the first Ghanaian to be employed at the high commission, hence the development of interest and tradition to maintain links with the area.
For his part, Mr Dzamesi told the group that Ghana was ready to learn from the rich experiences and exposure of South Africa in many fields.
He said the region was vast with diverse climatic zones, adding that their destination in the country was located in the Hohoe Municipality, which is noted as the hub of tourism in the country.
He said the region was also a leader in the cultivation of high quality mangoes.
A HIGH-POWERED delegation of the South African Government has paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, in Ho.
Led by the Premier of Northern Cape-Kimberley province, Ms Dipuo Peters, the group was on its way to Leklebi–Fiafe in the Hohoe Municipality to hold consultation with the people on possibilities of establishing a village to village relationship with a village in the Kgalagadi District in South Africa.
Kgosi KP Toto, a local chief in the district, was a member of the delegation in addition to the South African High Commissioner in Accra, Mr Rarilane Molekane, and the Mayor of Moshaweng District, Mr T. L. Seikaneng.
Ms Peters said the village to village co-operation was in consonance with a rural development strategy on the initiative of the embassy to develop rural areas with the view to curbing the movement to the urban centres by the youth, who eventually become squatters.
She said the link with a village in Ghana was an exploratory one and that it could also serve as a platform for investment in agriculture and tourism.
Mr Molekane said Leklebi was chosen because of a native of the town, one Mr Sammy Adzah, the first Ghanaian to be employed at the high commission, hence the development of interest and tradition to maintain links with the area.
For his part, Mr Dzamesi told the group that Ghana was ready to learn from the rich experiences and exposure of South Africa in many fields.
He said the region was vast with diverse climatic zones, adding that their destination in the country was located in the Hohoe Municipality, which is noted as the hub of tourism in the country.
He said the region was also a leader in the cultivation of high quality mangoes.
VR EXCELS IN QUALITY COCOA PRODUCTION (PAGE 26)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Ho
THE Volta Region excelled in the production of high quality cocoa beans in the country following a laboratory analysis conducted at Tema.
Production levels, however, continue to fall sharply in the region due to alleged smuggling and the destruction of crops due to bush fires.
The regional managers of the Quality Control Division and Produce Buying Company disclosed this in separate lectures delivered at a cocoa farmers’ educational rally held at Peki-Avetile in the South District last Thursday.
According to the Regional Manager for PBC, Mr Prosper Zegbla, cocoa production fell from 30,000 bags in 2000 to 11,000 bags last year.
He attributed the decline to smuggling of the produce to neighbouring Togo.
Mr Zegbla said investigations had revealed that output of cocoa in Togo increased by 50 per cent last year because of smuggling from Ghana.
He noted with concern that even some farmers, who benefited from the mass cocoa spraying exercise, failed to sell their produce to the PBC.
He advised farmers to sell their produce to the nation in order to benefit from several incentive packages, such as scholarships for their wards, housing projects and solar street lighting for communities.
Mr Zegbla disclosed that a third seed garden was to be established at Saviefe in the Ho Municipality in addition to the existing ones at Ampeyo in the Kadjebi District and Akaa in the Jasikan District, to supply hybrid seeds to farmers.
He said the demand for Ghana’s cocoa was increasing hence the need for the youth to embrace cocoa farming in order to meet the high demand, adding that the COCOBOD was ready to help farmers replant their burnt cocoa farms.
For his part, the Regional Manager of the Quality Control Division, Mr Osam-Dade Okwan, urged farmers to adopt good fermentation and drying practices to avoid the production of purple beans.
He advised them to ferment their beans for six days and also dry them with only solar power and not with fire.
Mr Okwan said smuggling often compelled farmers to sell their beans and thus violated the desired period for fermentation.
He also cautioned against the overuse of agrochemicals since it affected the beans and also the health of farmers, adding that wrong use of insecticides might eventually cause the death of a person.
In an address read on her behalf, the South Dayi District Chief Executive, Mrs Woyram Boachie-Danquah, said the district assembly was ready to partner with any agency, both government and non-governmental, to move the district forward.
She said traditional agriculture could no longer sustain the growing population and that there was the need to adopt modern ways of farming with the use of agrochemicals.
Mrs Boachie-Danquah, however, said care must be exercised in the use of such chemicals in view of adverse effects on human health.
THE Volta Region excelled in the production of high quality cocoa beans in the country following a laboratory analysis conducted at Tema.
Production levels, however, continue to fall sharply in the region due to alleged smuggling and the destruction of crops due to bush fires.
The regional managers of the Quality Control Division and Produce Buying Company disclosed this in separate lectures delivered at a cocoa farmers’ educational rally held at Peki-Avetile in the South District last Thursday.
According to the Regional Manager for PBC, Mr Prosper Zegbla, cocoa production fell from 30,000 bags in 2000 to 11,000 bags last year.
He attributed the decline to smuggling of the produce to neighbouring Togo.
Mr Zegbla said investigations had revealed that output of cocoa in Togo increased by 50 per cent last year because of smuggling from Ghana.
He noted with concern that even some farmers, who benefited from the mass cocoa spraying exercise, failed to sell their produce to the PBC.
He advised farmers to sell their produce to the nation in order to benefit from several incentive packages, such as scholarships for their wards, housing projects and solar street lighting for communities.
Mr Zegbla disclosed that a third seed garden was to be established at Saviefe in the Ho Municipality in addition to the existing ones at Ampeyo in the Kadjebi District and Akaa in the Jasikan District, to supply hybrid seeds to farmers.
He said the demand for Ghana’s cocoa was increasing hence the need for the youth to embrace cocoa farming in order to meet the high demand, adding that the COCOBOD was ready to help farmers replant their burnt cocoa farms.
For his part, the Regional Manager of the Quality Control Division, Mr Osam-Dade Okwan, urged farmers to adopt good fermentation and drying practices to avoid the production of purple beans.
He advised them to ferment their beans for six days and also dry them with only solar power and not with fire.
Mr Okwan said smuggling often compelled farmers to sell their beans and thus violated the desired period for fermentation.
He also cautioned against the overuse of agrochemicals since it affected the beans and also the health of farmers, adding that wrong use of insecticides might eventually cause the death of a person.
In an address read on her behalf, the South Dayi District Chief Executive, Mrs Woyram Boachie-Danquah, said the district assembly was ready to partner with any agency, both government and non-governmental, to move the district forward.
She said traditional agriculture could no longer sustain the growing population and that there was the need to adopt modern ways of farming with the use of agrochemicals.
Mrs Boachie-Danquah, however, said care must be exercised in the use of such chemicals in view of adverse effects on human health.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
LIKPE -KUKURANTUMI GETS NEW CHIEF (PAGE 23)
Story: Tim Dzamboe, Likpe-Kukurantumi
THE people of Likpe–Kukurantumi in the Hohoe municipality now have a chief, after almost 20 years of controversies about who should occupy the vacant seat after the death of the previous chief.
The coronation ceremony attracted chiefs from the 12 communities in the Likpe Traditional Area and the nearby communities, including New Ayoma and Baika.
The new chief, Nana Kwaku Agyeman III, who is known in private life as Mr Victor Aniewu, is an accountant of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
Nana Agyeman, after being in confinement for 12 days, swore the oath of allegiance to the Mankrado of the town, Nana Akakli Abiti III, who in turn swore an oath and performed the rites of coronation.
In his maiden address, Nana Agyeman said he had accepted the challenge although it was not an easy one, stressing that with the help of God and support of the people, he would be able to provide quality leadership.
He underscored the need for discipline and peace in order to add value to the achievements of their forebears.
Nana Agyeman said since education and good sanitation were crucial to the development of the community, he would ensure that every child of the town enrolled in school and reached the junior high school level, at least.
He called for religious tolerance, stressing that all identifiable groups should foster unity, love and spiritual development.
The chief appealed to the government and non-governmental organisations to offer practical assistance to accelerate the development of the town.
The Presiding Member of the Hohoe Municipal Assembly, Mr Kwame Avega Kamabla, congratulated the new chief and his people and assured them of the assembly’s support.
The Chief of Likpe Bala and Nifahene of Likpe, Nana Osai Bulley VII, said chieftaincy was a leadership position ordained by God and, therefore, urged the people to rally behind their new chief to enable him to live up to expectation.
A sub-chief of the town, Nana Samba II, recounted difficulties that the town faced in the absence of a chief and expressed optimism that the coronation of a new traditional ruler would end all frustrations of the past since the new chief was the popular choice of the people.
THE people of Likpe–Kukurantumi in the Hohoe municipality now have a chief, after almost 20 years of controversies about who should occupy the vacant seat after the death of the previous chief.
The coronation ceremony attracted chiefs from the 12 communities in the Likpe Traditional Area and the nearby communities, including New Ayoma and Baika.
The new chief, Nana Kwaku Agyeman III, who is known in private life as Mr Victor Aniewu, is an accountant of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
Nana Agyeman, after being in confinement for 12 days, swore the oath of allegiance to the Mankrado of the town, Nana Akakli Abiti III, who in turn swore an oath and performed the rites of coronation.
In his maiden address, Nana Agyeman said he had accepted the challenge although it was not an easy one, stressing that with the help of God and support of the people, he would be able to provide quality leadership.
He underscored the need for discipline and peace in order to add value to the achievements of their forebears.
Nana Agyeman said since education and good sanitation were crucial to the development of the community, he would ensure that every child of the town enrolled in school and reached the junior high school level, at least.
He called for religious tolerance, stressing that all identifiable groups should foster unity, love and spiritual development.
The chief appealed to the government and non-governmental organisations to offer practical assistance to accelerate the development of the town.
The Presiding Member of the Hohoe Municipal Assembly, Mr Kwame Avega Kamabla, congratulated the new chief and his people and assured them of the assembly’s support.
The Chief of Likpe Bala and Nifahene of Likpe, Nana Osai Bulley VII, said chieftaincy was a leadership position ordained by God and, therefore, urged the people to rally behind their new chief to enable him to live up to expectation.
A sub-chief of the town, Nana Samba II, recounted difficulties that the town faced in the absence of a chief and expressed optimism that the coronation of a new traditional ruler would end all frustrations of the past since the new chief was the popular choice of the people.
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