The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, has asked politicians to desist from polluting the minds of the electorate, as if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has done nothing for the Volta Region.
He said it was simply hypocritical and a way of taking the people of the Volta Region for granted because they thought the region was a stronghold of a particular political party, and therefore could continue to belittle and demean them.
‘They believe that whatever they say and do the people of the region will vote for them, no matter what hence their misinformation and disinformation about the region,” he said.
Mr Dzamesi said this at the opening of a VRCC meeting embracing all heads of department and the management of the regional education endowment fund at the residency in Ho.
He said, “as a government, we are duty bound to counter such negative and unholy pieces of information in order to set the records straight,” he said.
He said the government had achieved a lot in physical development, ranging from the construction of roads, school, health facilities, and that it would be unfair, most deceitful, dishonest, insincere and unfortunate for any one to claim that the NPP government had done nothing for the region.
The minister said apart from physical development, the government had implemented social programmes such as the National Health Insurance Scheme and youth employment programme which had brought a lot of relief to thousands of people in the region.
On the endowment fund, he appealed to members of the VRCC to help build the fund to promote formal education in the region.
Mr Dzamesi affirmed the wish that the regional education endowment fund would be one of the main legacies that his administration would leave for the region.
He advised the management board to be proactive to enable them to move into a higher gear to raise money to establish the fund in order to start the disbursement soon.
He called on Voltarians to unite and put an end to chieftaincy and land conflicts and move forward to build the region for future generations.
The President of the Volta Regional House of chiefs, the Agbogbomefia of Ho-Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, pledged the commitment of chiefs to work closely with the VRCC to justify the notion that development was an important part of their calling.
He asked all Ghanaians to work towards peace rather than desire it in order to protect what the nation had achieved to make it unique in the sub-region.
The Chairman of the endowment fund, Professor John Aheto, said it was the hope that the fund would award scholarships to reverse the continuous decline of education in the region.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
NPP ATTRACTS BIG CROWD IN HO (SPREAD)
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured the people of the Volta Region of massive development of the region under his leadership as President of Ghana.
He expressed belief that there was oil in the Keta Basin which his government would endeavour to find to help accelerate the development of the region.
Nana Akufo-Addo gave the assurance last Monday when he addressed a regional rally of the NPP at the RTC Park in Ho.
Turnout was very encouraging and underlined the in-roads being made by the NPP in a region considered to be the “World Bank” of the main minority party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“If the crowd here is anything to go by, then it’s clear that there is a new wind of change in the Volta Region. Four years ago we could not have seen such a crowd,” a leading member of the NPP, Mr Alan Kyerematen, said.
Although political watchers in the region are not excited by the size of crowds at rallies as a reflection of the strength of political parties on the ground, they nevertheless admit that the NPP has been more organised in the region, particularly in Ho Central, for this year’s elections than ever before and that will most likely change its political fortunes in the region at the December 7 polls.
The gradual and effective penetration of the NPP in the region is said to have caused the NDC to revise its strategy in order to consolidate its overwhelming hold on the region.
Traditionally, the Volta Region has been the stronghold of the NDC since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1992. Currently, out of the 22 parliamentary seats in the region, the NPP has only one — Nkwanta North.
While acknowledging the difficult political terrain in the region, NPP insiders are confident that the party will make a huge impact there at the December 7 polls by improving on its fortunes. The party’s strategy in the region for Election 2008 is to increase its parliamentary seats and its presidential votes.
That was the expectation with which Nana Akufo-Addo invited the electorate in the Volta Region to join forces with the NPP to help accelerate the development of the region and build a new Ghana that held enormous promise for the youth.
Outlining his vision for that new Ghana, he said a government under his leadership would pursue policies such as free education to the senior high school level, science and technology, information and communications technology (ICT), modernised agriculture, industrialisation and the spirit of oneness among the people.
Commenting on the agenda for change, which had been the campaign message of some political parties, Nana Akufo-Addo cautioned Ghanaians not to be swayed by such a clarion call because change could be good or bad.
He asked the people not to accept any change that would take the nation back to the era of the “cash-and-carry” system, human rights abuses, the Criminal Libel Law, bad economic management and a change that would abolish good policies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme.
He said he would continue the good policies of the NPP administration since it took office in 2001 to improve the lot of Ghanaians.
He said he was not in politics for personal gain.
“I’m a famous lawyer and if I want to make money, I will stay in my chambers,” he remarked.
Nana Akufo-Addo urged the electorate to go out in their numbers in a peaceful manner to vote on election day, adding that Ghanaians must demonstrate to the world that the Black man was capable of managing his own affairs.
A leading member of the NPP, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, said Election 2008 was a straight contest between the NPP and the NDC, and that comparing the records of the two parties in government, particularly their management of the economy, the NPP was far ahead of the NDC.
He, therefore, urged the electorate to retain the NPP in power to enable it to continue its good works.
Speakers who mounted the dais at the rally included Mr Kyerematen and the Campaign Manager of the party, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.
He expressed belief that there was oil in the Keta Basin which his government would endeavour to find to help accelerate the development of the region.
Nana Akufo-Addo gave the assurance last Monday when he addressed a regional rally of the NPP at the RTC Park in Ho.
Turnout was very encouraging and underlined the in-roads being made by the NPP in a region considered to be the “World Bank” of the main minority party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“If the crowd here is anything to go by, then it’s clear that there is a new wind of change in the Volta Region. Four years ago we could not have seen such a crowd,” a leading member of the NPP, Mr Alan Kyerematen, said.
Although political watchers in the region are not excited by the size of crowds at rallies as a reflection of the strength of political parties on the ground, they nevertheless admit that the NPP has been more organised in the region, particularly in Ho Central, for this year’s elections than ever before and that will most likely change its political fortunes in the region at the December 7 polls.
The gradual and effective penetration of the NPP in the region is said to have caused the NDC to revise its strategy in order to consolidate its overwhelming hold on the region.
Traditionally, the Volta Region has been the stronghold of the NDC since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1992. Currently, out of the 22 parliamentary seats in the region, the NPP has only one — Nkwanta North.
While acknowledging the difficult political terrain in the region, NPP insiders are confident that the party will make a huge impact there at the December 7 polls by improving on its fortunes. The party’s strategy in the region for Election 2008 is to increase its parliamentary seats and its presidential votes.
That was the expectation with which Nana Akufo-Addo invited the electorate in the Volta Region to join forces with the NPP to help accelerate the development of the region and build a new Ghana that held enormous promise for the youth.
Outlining his vision for that new Ghana, he said a government under his leadership would pursue policies such as free education to the senior high school level, science and technology, information and communications technology (ICT), modernised agriculture, industrialisation and the spirit of oneness among the people.
Commenting on the agenda for change, which had been the campaign message of some political parties, Nana Akufo-Addo cautioned Ghanaians not to be swayed by such a clarion call because change could be good or bad.
He asked the people not to accept any change that would take the nation back to the era of the “cash-and-carry” system, human rights abuses, the Criminal Libel Law, bad economic management and a change that would abolish good policies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme.
He said he would continue the good policies of the NPP administration since it took office in 2001 to improve the lot of Ghanaians.
He said he was not in politics for personal gain.
“I’m a famous lawyer and if I want to make money, I will stay in my chambers,” he remarked.
Nana Akufo-Addo urged the electorate to go out in their numbers in a peaceful manner to vote on election day, adding that Ghanaians must demonstrate to the world that the Black man was capable of managing his own affairs.
A leading member of the NPP, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, said Election 2008 was a straight contest between the NPP and the NDC, and that comparing the records of the two parties in government, particularly their management of the economy, the NPP was far ahead of the NDC.
He, therefore, urged the electorate to retain the NPP in power to enable it to continue its good works.
Speakers who mounted the dais at the rally included Mr Kyerematen and the Campaign Manager of the party, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
MINISTER CUTS SOD FOR TWO LANDING SITES AT DZEMENI (PAGE 23)
THE Minister of Fisheries, Mrs Gladys Asmah, has cut the sod for the construction of two landing sites on the banks of the Volta Lake at Dzemeni in the South Dayi District and Tapa Abotoase in the Jasikan District.
The projects form part of the infrastructural development agenda for the fisheries sector by the government under which 14 fishing harbours and landing sites are to be constructed.
She also inaugurated the Lake Region Fishermen Association embracing inland fishermen around the Volta Region from Akosombo to Buipe in the north.
Mrs Asmah said the prosperity envisioned in providing those landing sites should make the lives of fishermen comfortable and successful and provide them a long-term future, adding, “With the provision of these facilities, fish will no longer be thrown into the sea during bumper harvests but preserved to cut down on post-harvest losses.
She said the projects also underscored the need to strengthen food security as a component of poverty reduction in fishing communities and asked the beneficiary communities to support the projects to a smooth completion.
Mrs Asmah announced that the ministry had developed a national fisheries and aquaculture policy document expected to serve as the blueprint for the management of fisheries resources and the development of aquaculture, adding that it would be the first comprehensive policy document on the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In an address, the Deputy Minister for Transportation, Mr Magnus Opare-Asamoah, cautioned fishermen against the over-exploitation of children in the fishing industry and said they should rather send their children to school.
He said the ministry was committed to the improvement of roads from fishing and farming communities to link marketing centres, saying roads from the Volta Lake and the Afram Plains would be tackled as priority.
The Interim Chairman of the association, Mr Castro Mediale, said the association was a historic formation, adding that the biggest challenge was to ensure sustainability in production through simple fishing practices.
He said the association would also focus on the development of an alternative livelihood for fishermen during the fishing off season and that they could diversify into dry season farming to make life comfortable for members.
Mr Mediale appealed to the authorities to extend credit facilities to the members for the procurement of outboard motors and fish processing equipment.
In a welcoming address, the South Dayi District Chief Executive, Mrs Woyram Boachie-Danquah, said a landing site for the district was long overdue, adding that undertaking such a project in a viable Dzemeni market along the Volta Lake would enrich the people in the district.
The projects form part of the infrastructural development agenda for the fisheries sector by the government under which 14 fishing harbours and landing sites are to be constructed.
She also inaugurated the Lake Region Fishermen Association embracing inland fishermen around the Volta Region from Akosombo to Buipe in the north.
Mrs Asmah said the prosperity envisioned in providing those landing sites should make the lives of fishermen comfortable and successful and provide them a long-term future, adding, “With the provision of these facilities, fish will no longer be thrown into the sea during bumper harvests but preserved to cut down on post-harvest losses.
She said the projects also underscored the need to strengthen food security as a component of poverty reduction in fishing communities and asked the beneficiary communities to support the projects to a smooth completion.
Mrs Asmah announced that the ministry had developed a national fisheries and aquaculture policy document expected to serve as the blueprint for the management of fisheries resources and the development of aquaculture, adding that it would be the first comprehensive policy document on the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In an address, the Deputy Minister for Transportation, Mr Magnus Opare-Asamoah, cautioned fishermen against the over-exploitation of children in the fishing industry and said they should rather send their children to school.
He said the ministry was committed to the improvement of roads from fishing and farming communities to link marketing centres, saying roads from the Volta Lake and the Afram Plains would be tackled as priority.
The Interim Chairman of the association, Mr Castro Mediale, said the association was a historic formation, adding that the biggest challenge was to ensure sustainability in production through simple fishing practices.
He said the association would also focus on the development of an alternative livelihood for fishermen during the fishing off season and that they could diversify into dry season farming to make life comfortable for members.
Mr Mediale appealed to the authorities to extend credit facilities to the members for the procurement of outboard motors and fish processing equipment.
In a welcoming address, the South Dayi District Chief Executive, Mrs Woyram Boachie-Danquah, said a landing site for the district was long overdue, adding that undertaking such a project in a viable Dzemeni market along the Volta Lake would enrich the people in the district.
CLUB ORGANISES PLATFORM FOR PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES (PAGE 13)
The Silver Youth Club of Agotime Traditional Area in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District has organised a platform for parliamentary candidates in the Ho-East Constituency, with a view to offering opportunity to the electorate to assess the candidates and make informed choices in the December 7 elections.
Present were the incumbent Member of Parliament of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, and the independent candidate, Dr Samuel Baume, a lecturer and legal practitioner, out of the six candidates who had filed to contest on the ticket of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the People’s National Convention(PNC).
The immediate past President of the club, Mr Elvis Ativoe, said the electorate in the constituency should exercise decorum and listen to the messages of the candidates.
He commended Dr Buame for honouring the invitation for the first time, adding that it was the third function organised by the club prior to elections, but this time round it was only two interested groups that had responded to the invitation.
In his presentation, Dr Buame said his presence at the function was the expression of the desire to represent the people of the constituency, adding that his aim was to unify the three traditional areas and to open up the area through the construction of all-weather roads.
He also said education was a priority for the area because it was considered a premium in an area, that was not noted for the production of gold or cocoa.
Dr Buama also promised to improve on water and sanitation facilities, expressing regret that it was appalling that humans and cattle shared water from the same source.
He also said he would tackle the problem of electricity to end a situation where some communities were ready with poles, but had not been connected, and said it would serve as an impetus for micro-enterprise in tomato and okro as well as Kente production in the area.
For her part, Mrs Azumah-Mensah renewed her commitment to the development of the area, adding that the needs of the people ranged from the provision of potable water, good roads, and good schools to poverty alleviation.
She said she had identified all vulnerable areas in the three traditional areas that made up the constituency and had done her best to address the problems on a gradual and sustainable basis.
She said she had lobbied the executive for some of the proposals to be accepted very soon and the need to retain her to attain maturity of her plans.
During the forum, a participant said a lack of communication was the cause of animosity among the three traditional areas, adding that such a forum should be replicated in all the three traditional areas for at least twice a year.
While Mrs Azumah-Mensah championed the cause for compromise and reconciliation, Dr Buame declared that he believed in meritocracy.
Present were the incumbent Member of Parliament of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, and the independent candidate, Dr Samuel Baume, a lecturer and legal practitioner, out of the six candidates who had filed to contest on the ticket of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the People’s National Convention(PNC).
The immediate past President of the club, Mr Elvis Ativoe, said the electorate in the constituency should exercise decorum and listen to the messages of the candidates.
He commended Dr Buame for honouring the invitation for the first time, adding that it was the third function organised by the club prior to elections, but this time round it was only two interested groups that had responded to the invitation.
In his presentation, Dr Buame said his presence at the function was the expression of the desire to represent the people of the constituency, adding that his aim was to unify the three traditional areas and to open up the area through the construction of all-weather roads.
He also said education was a priority for the area because it was considered a premium in an area, that was not noted for the production of gold or cocoa.
Dr Buama also promised to improve on water and sanitation facilities, expressing regret that it was appalling that humans and cattle shared water from the same source.
He also said he would tackle the problem of electricity to end a situation where some communities were ready with poles, but had not been connected, and said it would serve as an impetus for micro-enterprise in tomato and okro as well as Kente production in the area.
For her part, Mrs Azumah-Mensah renewed her commitment to the development of the area, adding that the needs of the people ranged from the provision of potable water, good roads, and good schools to poverty alleviation.
She said she had identified all vulnerable areas in the three traditional areas that made up the constituency and had done her best to address the problems on a gradual and sustainable basis.
She said she had lobbied the executive for some of the proposals to be accepted very soon and the need to retain her to attain maturity of her plans.
During the forum, a participant said a lack of communication was the cause of animosity among the three traditional areas, adding that such a forum should be replicated in all the three traditional areas for at least twice a year.
While Mrs Azumah-Mensah championed the cause for compromise and reconciliation, Dr Buame declared that he believed in meritocracy.
Friday, November 21, 2008
TOYOTA GHANA RECOGNISES GERCO AUTO VENTURES (PAGE 20)
A MOTOR mechanic company in Ho, Gerco Auto Ventures, has been accredited by the Toyota Company (Ghana) Limited as a one stop shop for the servicing of all kinds of Toyota vehicles in the Volta Region.
The facility has components such as spare parts shop, diagnostic machines, electrical department, gas and electricity welding, reception and administration, among other sophisticated modern departments.
Inaugurating the centre, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota Ghana, Mr Masato Kumata, said the staff of Gerco had obtained enough professional skills through mechanical training in addition to the philosophy of customer satisfaction.
Mr Kumata commended the management of Gerco for investing in its staff through various training programmes that generated team work, and urged it to sustain the discipline and build on it to satisfy the principles of “Toyota Way”.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh, commended Toyota for taking the lead among motor industry players to expand its services and products to Ho.
He said the hard work by Gerco had earned them partnership with Toyota, adding that it was in consonance with the mission to increase and accelerate private sector activities in the Ho Municipality by attracting corporate entities to transform the economic environment.
Mr Goh suggested that the new partnership should foster a linkage with the Ho Polytechnic to facilitate the sharing of useful information and practical experience.
He added that the new scheme would also open up employment avenues and transfer skills to garages and fitting shops.
In an address, the Managing Director of Gerco, Mr Gershon Doe Gakpetor, said his centre started at a modest level as a vehicle repairing shop under a coconut tree with a small wooden structure.
He said its vision was to be the best corporate service centre in the country. Mr Gakpetor pledged best practices and services as he was determined to make the sky the beginning and not the limit.
Present at the ceremony were a representative of Ho Asogli Traditional Council led by the chief of Ho-Heve, Togbe Kwasi Afele.
The facility has components such as spare parts shop, diagnostic machines, electrical department, gas and electricity welding, reception and administration, among other sophisticated modern departments.
Inaugurating the centre, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota Ghana, Mr Masato Kumata, said the staff of Gerco had obtained enough professional skills through mechanical training in addition to the philosophy of customer satisfaction.
Mr Kumata commended the management of Gerco for investing in its staff through various training programmes that generated team work, and urged it to sustain the discipline and build on it to satisfy the principles of “Toyota Way”.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mawutor Goh, commended Toyota for taking the lead among motor industry players to expand its services and products to Ho.
He said the hard work by Gerco had earned them partnership with Toyota, adding that it was in consonance with the mission to increase and accelerate private sector activities in the Ho Municipality by attracting corporate entities to transform the economic environment.
Mr Goh suggested that the new partnership should foster a linkage with the Ho Polytechnic to facilitate the sharing of useful information and practical experience.
He added that the new scheme would also open up employment avenues and transfer skills to garages and fitting shops.
In an address, the Managing Director of Gerco, Mr Gershon Doe Gakpetor, said his centre started at a modest level as a vehicle repairing shop under a coconut tree with a small wooden structure.
He said its vision was to be the best corporate service centre in the country. Mr Gakpetor pledged best practices and services as he was determined to make the sky the beginning and not the limit.
Present at the ceremony were a representative of Ho Asogli Traditional Council led by the chief of Ho-Heve, Togbe Kwasi Afele.
603 HO POLY STUDENTGS RECEIVE HNDs (PAGE 11)
THE Ho Polytechnic has held a congregation during which it awarded 603 students who completed various programmes last year with Higher National Diplomas.
They comprise Hotel Management, 49; Catering and Institutional Management, 18; Statistics, 10; Fashion Design and Modelling, 206 ; Accountancy, 70; Marketing, 49; Secretaryship and Management Studies, 16; Agricultural Engineering, 34; Auto Engineering, 77; Building Technology and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 74
Addressing the congregation, the Chairman of the Ho Polytechnic Council, Professor Frank Obed Kwami, said polytechnics in the country needed to affiliate with older universities for a few years during which period they could exercise oversight responsibilities over their degree programmes.
He pointed out that affiliations with universities could change the direction of polytechnic education.
Seriously, this should not be allowed to happen, else the vision of polytechnics will be lost.
Prof. Kwami said polytechnics must have their own stream of progression which guaranteed the production of a workforce imbued with deep knowledge and advanced skills tailored for specific careers in industry.
Prof. Kwami called for a change of attitude and perception towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in order to move towards rapid and sustainable industrialisation, economic growth and national prosperity.
He said this change of attitude would make TVET to be regarded as a progressive parallel system of education which is good for everybody as a first choice educational opportunity.
Prof. Gyasi stressed the need to develop the TVET system as a whole and to offer polytechnic staff competitive salaries and conditions of service.
The Rector of the Ho Polytechnic, Dr K. A. Dzisi, announced that the first batch of students admitted to the access programme for graduates of technical and vocational institutes had been offered admission to pursue HND programmes in Applied Science, Applied Arts and Egineering.
In an address read on his behalf, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof. Dominic Fobih, said the government was determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service of polytechnic lecturers.
He appealed to industries to offer avenues for polytechnic graduates to help enhance their competencies.
Present at the function was the Agbogbomefia of Ho Asogli and President of the Volta Regional house of chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV.
They comprise Hotel Management, 49; Catering and Institutional Management, 18; Statistics, 10; Fashion Design and Modelling, 206 ; Accountancy, 70; Marketing, 49; Secretaryship and Management Studies, 16; Agricultural Engineering, 34; Auto Engineering, 77; Building Technology and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 74
Addressing the congregation, the Chairman of the Ho Polytechnic Council, Professor Frank Obed Kwami, said polytechnics in the country needed to affiliate with older universities for a few years during which period they could exercise oversight responsibilities over their degree programmes.
He pointed out that affiliations with universities could change the direction of polytechnic education.
Seriously, this should not be allowed to happen, else the vision of polytechnics will be lost.
Prof. Kwami said polytechnics must have their own stream of progression which guaranteed the production of a workforce imbued with deep knowledge and advanced skills tailored for specific careers in industry.
Prof. Kwami called for a change of attitude and perception towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in order to move towards rapid and sustainable industrialisation, economic growth and national prosperity.
He said this change of attitude would make TVET to be regarded as a progressive parallel system of education which is good for everybody as a first choice educational opportunity.
Prof. Gyasi stressed the need to develop the TVET system as a whole and to offer polytechnic staff competitive salaries and conditions of service.
The Rector of the Ho Polytechnic, Dr K. A. Dzisi, announced that the first batch of students admitted to the access programme for graduates of technical and vocational institutes had been offered admission to pursue HND programmes in Applied Science, Applied Arts and Egineering.
In an address read on his behalf, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof. Dominic Fobih, said the government was determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service of polytechnic lecturers.
He appealed to industries to offer avenues for polytechnic graduates to help enhance their competencies.
Present at the function was the Agbogbomefia of Ho Asogli and President of the Volta Regional house of chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
DESIST FROM POLLUTING MINDS OF ELECTORATE — DZAMESI (PAGE 16)
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, has asked politicians to desist from polluting the minds of the electorate in Volta Region to the effect that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has done nothing for the region.
He said it was simply hypocritical and a way of continuing to take the people of the Volta Region for granted because those politicians thought the region was a stronghold of a particular political party, and therefore could continue to belittle and demean its people.
‘They believe that whatever they say and do the people of the region will vote for them, no matter what, hence their misinformation and disinformation about the region,” he said.
Mr Dzamesi said this at the opening of a VRCC meeting embracing all heads of department and the management of the regional education endowment fund at the residency in Ho on Monday.
“As a government, we are duty-bound to counter such negative and unholy pieces of information in order to set the records straight,” he said.
He said the government achieved a lot in physical development, ranging from roads, school projects and health, and that it would be unfair, most deceitful, dishonest, insincere and unfortunate for any one to claim that the NPP had done nothing for the region.
The minister said apart from physical development, the government had implemented social programmes such as the national health insurance scheme and youth employment programme, which have brought a lot of relief to thousands of people in the region.
On the endowment fund, he appealed to members of the VRCC to help build the fund to promote formal education in the region.
Mr Dzamesi affirmed the wish that the regional education endowment fund could be one of the main legacies that his administration would leave for the region.
He advised the management board to be proactive to enable them to move into a higher gear to raise money to establish the fund in order to start the disbursement soon.
He called on Voltarians to unite and put an end to chieftaincy and land conflicts and move forward to build the region for the generations to come.
The President of the Volta Regional House of chiefs, the Agbogbomefia of Ho-Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, pledged the commitment of chiefs to work closely with the VRCC to justify the notion that development was an important part of their calling.
He asked all Ghanaians to work towards peace rather than desire it in order to protect what the nation had achieved to make it unique in the sub-region.
The Chairman of the endowment fund, Professor John Aheto, said it was the hope that the fund would award scholarships to reverse the continuous decline of educational standards.
He said it was simply hypocritical and a way of continuing to take the people of the Volta Region for granted because those politicians thought the region was a stronghold of a particular political party, and therefore could continue to belittle and demean its people.
‘They believe that whatever they say and do the people of the region will vote for them, no matter what, hence their misinformation and disinformation about the region,” he said.
Mr Dzamesi said this at the opening of a VRCC meeting embracing all heads of department and the management of the regional education endowment fund at the residency in Ho on Monday.
“As a government, we are duty-bound to counter such negative and unholy pieces of information in order to set the records straight,” he said.
He said the government achieved a lot in physical development, ranging from roads, school projects and health, and that it would be unfair, most deceitful, dishonest, insincere and unfortunate for any one to claim that the NPP had done nothing for the region.
The minister said apart from physical development, the government had implemented social programmes such as the national health insurance scheme and youth employment programme, which have brought a lot of relief to thousands of people in the region.
On the endowment fund, he appealed to members of the VRCC to help build the fund to promote formal education in the region.
Mr Dzamesi affirmed the wish that the regional education endowment fund could be one of the main legacies that his administration would leave for the region.
He advised the management board to be proactive to enable them to move into a higher gear to raise money to establish the fund in order to start the disbursement soon.
He called on Voltarians to unite and put an end to chieftaincy and land conflicts and move forward to build the region for the generations to come.
The President of the Volta Regional House of chiefs, the Agbogbomefia of Ho-Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, pledged the commitment of chiefs to work closely with the VRCC to justify the notion that development was an important part of their calling.
He asked all Ghanaians to work towards peace rather than desire it in order to protect what the nation had achieved to make it unique in the sub-region.
The Chairman of the endowment fund, Professor John Aheto, said it was the hope that the fund would award scholarships to reverse the continuous decline of educational standards.
JUAPONG GETS MILK FACTORY (PAGE 40)
ALL is set for the inauguration a milk factory at Juapong. The factory is aimed at improving the economic livelihood of cattle farmers in the North Tongu District in the Volta Region.
A management board has been appointed not only to run the factory, but also to search for public/private partnership to help sustain the venture.
The North Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Moses Mensah Assem, made this known at the 24th national Farmers Day celebration at Juapong.
Nineteen farmers and institutions received awards for their meritorious work and Mr Ben Nyadiaya of Juapong was adjudged the overall district best farmer.
He was presented with a colour television set, a bicycle, four machetes, a pair of wellington boots, a full piece of wax print, a knapsack sprayer, a radio cassette player, agro-chemicals and a certificate as his prize.
According to Mr Assem, the establishment of the milk factory would go a long way to alleviate the poverty of the cattle farmers and also encourage scientific methods in animal husbandry in the North Tongu District, which has the largest population of cattle in the Volta Region.
The DCE said the district assembly had set up a task force to tackle the problem of cattle rustling in the area, and urged the traditional authorities to co-operate in that direction.
He assured the farmers that the government would continue in making available soft loans, irrigation facilities and other auxiliary services to reduce the high risk in agricultural production.
Mr Assem, therefore, appealed to the government to expedite action on the policy on the re-introduction of subsidies on farming inputs.
He expressed concern about the dismal performance of some road contractors in the district, saying that they used the powers that be in the system to secure jobs only to reach half way and abandon the projects without any tangible reason.
Mr Assem cited an instance when a contractor who was awarded a contract to tar the Juapong town roads abandoned the project, while another contractor also abandoned a road project.
He said the attitude of some contractors was thwarting the laudable initiative of the
government and dampening the spirit of the people.
In his address, the District Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Seth R. Addey, said livestock development project, which focuses on the development of animal production, animal health, capacity building, project management and provision of credit, was being implemented in the district.
He said some people had been trained in yoghurt production, which has become good
business for some of them, especially those in Adidome and Mafi-Kumase.
According to Mr Addey, his ministry had introduced pigeon, pea and stylozanthes to farmers.
He said under a pro-poor intervention, cockerels, sheep and goats which have been bred in some improved ways were distributed to farmers to improve their breeds.
Mr Addey added that a cassava grating machine with accessories was given to some farmers groups at Amerlokope and Tsikudokope in addition to tractors sold to them at reduced prices.
A management board has been appointed not only to run the factory, but also to search for public/private partnership to help sustain the venture.
The North Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Moses Mensah Assem, made this known at the 24th national Farmers Day celebration at Juapong.
Nineteen farmers and institutions received awards for their meritorious work and Mr Ben Nyadiaya of Juapong was adjudged the overall district best farmer.
He was presented with a colour television set, a bicycle, four machetes, a pair of wellington boots, a full piece of wax print, a knapsack sprayer, a radio cassette player, agro-chemicals and a certificate as his prize.
According to Mr Assem, the establishment of the milk factory would go a long way to alleviate the poverty of the cattle farmers and also encourage scientific methods in animal husbandry in the North Tongu District, which has the largest population of cattle in the Volta Region.
The DCE said the district assembly had set up a task force to tackle the problem of cattle rustling in the area, and urged the traditional authorities to co-operate in that direction.
He assured the farmers that the government would continue in making available soft loans, irrigation facilities and other auxiliary services to reduce the high risk in agricultural production.
Mr Assem, therefore, appealed to the government to expedite action on the policy on the re-introduction of subsidies on farming inputs.
He expressed concern about the dismal performance of some road contractors in the district, saying that they used the powers that be in the system to secure jobs only to reach half way and abandon the projects without any tangible reason.
Mr Assem cited an instance when a contractor who was awarded a contract to tar the Juapong town roads abandoned the project, while another contractor also abandoned a road project.
He said the attitude of some contractors was thwarting the laudable initiative of the
government and dampening the spirit of the people.
In his address, the District Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Seth R. Addey, said livestock development project, which focuses on the development of animal production, animal health, capacity building, project management and provision of credit, was being implemented in the district.
He said some people had been trained in yoghurt production, which has become good
business for some of them, especially those in Adidome and Mafi-Kumase.
According to Mr Addey, his ministry had introduced pigeon, pea and stylozanthes to farmers.
He said under a pro-poor intervention, cockerels, sheep and goats which have been bred in some improved ways were distributed to farmers to improve their breeds.
Mr Addey added that a cassava grating machine with accessories was given to some farmers groups at Amerlokope and Tsikudokope in addition to tractors sold to them at reduced prices.
YOUTH OF EP CHURCH CELEBRATE GOLDEN JUBILEE (PAGE 40)
THE Christian Youth Builders (CYB) of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church has celebrated its golden jubilee.
The CYB, founded by a Scottish reverend minister, has the aim of building the capacity of the youth to prepare them adequately to face the realities of life when they become adults.
Addressing a durbar to highlight the occasion, the National President of CYB, Mr J.E.K. Ahiatrogah, said in achieving the objective, the establishment of youth resource centres had been identified as a priority.
He, therefore, appealed for assistance from the state, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to come for CBY to achieve the mission.
He noted that the spirit of volunteerism and devotion to duty among the youth in the church and the society at large was dying, adding, “This is the reason for choosing the theme for the celebration: "Youth volunteerism in changing society".
Mr Ahiatrogah said the CYB had championed an annual blood donation exercise at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and other hospitals nation-wide, adding that the Alavanyo Trades Training Centre was the brainchild of the CYB.
He also said the construction of the Woe market in the Keta District was a joint venture with the Christian Youth Origination( CYO) of the Catholic Church,all in the name of communal spirit and volunteerism.
In a goodwill message, the founder of the CYB, Mr Ian Strachan, urged members of the church to create fellowship based on the Bible, to serve others and to have time for singing, dancing and playing games to become useful and responsible citizens.
He said the church and society were inseparable, saying the founding of the CYB coincided with an era of independence from colonialism, which led to the creation of the Young Pioneer as a nationalist youth movement equivalent to the CYB with the task of helping the youth to find their proper place within the life of the church.
In another goodwill message, the youth programme officer, Rev. R.K. Nimo, said the youth should be able to plough back the huge investment in their material and spiritual development by way of helping to reshape society.
The Moderator of the EP Church, Rt Rev Dr Livingstone Buama, exhorted the youth to avoid conflicts either through the bullet or the rod in the upcoming general election, stressing that they should use the thumb and prayers to secure a credible election.
The CYB, founded by a Scottish reverend minister, has the aim of building the capacity of the youth to prepare them adequately to face the realities of life when they become adults.
Addressing a durbar to highlight the occasion, the National President of CYB, Mr J.E.K. Ahiatrogah, said in achieving the objective, the establishment of youth resource centres had been identified as a priority.
He, therefore, appealed for assistance from the state, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to come for CBY to achieve the mission.
He noted that the spirit of volunteerism and devotion to duty among the youth in the church and the society at large was dying, adding, “This is the reason for choosing the theme for the celebration: "Youth volunteerism in changing society".
Mr Ahiatrogah said the CYB had championed an annual blood donation exercise at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and other hospitals nation-wide, adding that the Alavanyo Trades Training Centre was the brainchild of the CYB.
He also said the construction of the Woe market in the Keta District was a joint venture with the Christian Youth Origination( CYO) of the Catholic Church,all in the name of communal spirit and volunteerism.
In a goodwill message, the founder of the CYB, Mr Ian Strachan, urged members of the church to create fellowship based on the Bible, to serve others and to have time for singing, dancing and playing games to become useful and responsible citizens.
He said the church and society were inseparable, saying the founding of the CYB coincided with an era of independence from colonialism, which led to the creation of the Young Pioneer as a nationalist youth movement equivalent to the CYB with the task of helping the youth to find their proper place within the life of the church.
In another goodwill message, the youth programme officer, Rev. R.K. Nimo, said the youth should be able to plough back the huge investment in their material and spiritual development by way of helping to reshape society.
The Moderator of the EP Church, Rt Rev Dr Livingstone Buama, exhorted the youth to avoid conflicts either through the bullet or the rod in the upcoming general election, stressing that they should use the thumb and prayers to secure a credible election.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
NYEP EMPLOYS 13,981 IN VOLTA REGION (PAGE 23)
THIRTEEN thousand, nine hundred and eighty-one people have been employed under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in the Volta Region since its inception two years ago.
The programme has contributed to the improvement of the socio-economic lives of the youth and also made them gain experience in the transit from unemployment to full employment within the two years.
The Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nayan made this known when he addressed a large number of the beneficiaries of the programme after they had undertaken a float at Ho on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of the NYEP.
According to him, 3,806 people were employed in community education and teaching, 1,012 as health extension workers, 920 in waste management, 7,135 in youth in agriculture business, 83 in internship, 227 in voluntary service while 48 of them were engaged in forestry plantation.
He said the participation of school drop outs and unskilled personnel in the programme, had widened the scope of beneficiaries, adding that the role being played by the waste and sanitation management sector of the NYEP, had resulted in improvement of sanitation in some towns and cities.
Mr Nayan, however, stated that the greatest challenge confronting the programme was the delay in the release of funds for the payment of allowances to beneficiaries.
He said that setback had been resolved following an agreement between the NYEP and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to credit the accounts of beneficiaries on monthly basis.
The deputy regional minister said the programme would continue to be a guide for the government to continue to address any major drawbacks to employment issues and to make progress towards achieving the objectives of the programme by laying a good foundation for the socio-economic transformation of the nation.
He commended pioneers of the programme and urged them to remain focused and committed, adding “You must be aware of the fact that the programme does not provide permanent employment by itself but only serves as a means to permanent employment”.
Mr Nayan reiterated the need for them to uphold and cherish the peace and tranquillity the nation had enjoyed so far since elections were not a matter of life or death but to provide an opportunity for the electorate to make a choice based on their convictions.
He, therefore, appealed to the youth to be civil and exercise maturity and decorum in the conduct of political campaigns to ensure that the nation’s young democracy was protected.
In a welcoming address, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Mawutor Goh said the government had placed premium on the development of the youth, adding that the NYEP programme was designed to serve the rural communities.
He, therefore, implored communities to team up with the NYEP workers to give credence to dignity in labour and also to establish that it was an act of nobility and an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership qualities.
Mr Goh commended the beneficiaries of the NYEP on their achievements, adding that the programme had offered them the opportunity to carry out with their selected vocations.
During the float, the participants carried placards some of which read: “The future is bright through NYEP”, “Thank you NYEP”, “NYEP is a stepping stone to a higher height”, “What else can we say, thank you government”.
The programme has contributed to the improvement of the socio-economic lives of the youth and also made them gain experience in the transit from unemployment to full employment within the two years.
The Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nayan made this known when he addressed a large number of the beneficiaries of the programme after they had undertaken a float at Ho on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of the NYEP.
According to him, 3,806 people were employed in community education and teaching, 1,012 as health extension workers, 920 in waste management, 7,135 in youth in agriculture business, 83 in internship, 227 in voluntary service while 48 of them were engaged in forestry plantation.
He said the participation of school drop outs and unskilled personnel in the programme, had widened the scope of beneficiaries, adding that the role being played by the waste and sanitation management sector of the NYEP, had resulted in improvement of sanitation in some towns and cities.
Mr Nayan, however, stated that the greatest challenge confronting the programme was the delay in the release of funds for the payment of allowances to beneficiaries.
He said that setback had been resolved following an agreement between the NYEP and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to credit the accounts of beneficiaries on monthly basis.
The deputy regional minister said the programme would continue to be a guide for the government to continue to address any major drawbacks to employment issues and to make progress towards achieving the objectives of the programme by laying a good foundation for the socio-economic transformation of the nation.
He commended pioneers of the programme and urged them to remain focused and committed, adding “You must be aware of the fact that the programme does not provide permanent employment by itself but only serves as a means to permanent employment”.
Mr Nayan reiterated the need for them to uphold and cherish the peace and tranquillity the nation had enjoyed so far since elections were not a matter of life or death but to provide an opportunity for the electorate to make a choice based on their convictions.
He, therefore, appealed to the youth to be civil and exercise maturity and decorum in the conduct of political campaigns to ensure that the nation’s young democracy was protected.
In a welcoming address, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Mawutor Goh said the government had placed premium on the development of the youth, adding that the NYEP programme was designed to serve the rural communities.
He, therefore, implored communities to team up with the NYEP workers to give credence to dignity in labour and also to establish that it was an act of nobility and an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership qualities.
Mr Goh commended the beneficiaries of the NYEP on their achievements, adding that the programme had offered them the opportunity to carry out with their selected vocations.
During the float, the participants carried placards some of which read: “The future is bright through NYEP”, “Thank you NYEP”, “NYEP is a stepping stone to a higher height”, “What else can we say, thank you government”.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
UNITY RURAL BANK MAKES PROGRESS (PAGE 40)
THE Unity Rural Bank at Ziope in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District in the Volta Region has made progress in five areas, namely deposit mobilisation, total assets, total advances, share capital and total income during the last financial year.
The bank has, however, increased expenditure and high provision for bad and doubtful debts in its operations, hence the reduction of its net profit from GH¢65,189 to GH¢40,150 in the same period which ended on December 31, 2007.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Togbe Binah Lawluvi VI, made this known at the 13th annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders of the bank at Ziope.
He said the period under review faced an unfavourable environment such as falling interest rates in respect of returns on dwindled investment, increasing fuel prices with attendant rise in transport fares and prices in the domestic market.
Togbe Lawluvi, however, stated that clientele had been steadily increasing over the years, adding that deposit had shot up by 57 per cent while loans and overdrafts had increased by 55 per cent.
He added that the bank spent GH¢2,000 on scholarships last year and also donated 50 bags of cement to the people of Agotime, presented GH¢200 towards the Asogli yam festival.
According to Togbe Lawluvi, the bank donated an amount of GH¢100 towards the Godigbe festival of the people of Aflao and GH¢200 to the Adaklu Anyigbe District Assembly in connection with the 23rd national Farmers Day.
In order to satisfy the requirements laid down by the Bank of Ghana for rural and community banks to raise their minimum capital to GH¢150,000, the shareholders passed a resolution authorising the board of directors to transfer GH¢20,000 from its income surplus account to stated capital account.
Togbe Lawluvi said the downward trend in profits notwithstanding, the directors had proposed a dividend of 15 Gp per share to all shareholders.
In an address read on his behalf, the Managing Director of the ARB Apex Bank Limited, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, stated that the performance of rural banks in deposit mobilisation had been good and that had won public confidence in the banks.
He, however, stated that a lot more needed to be done, especially in the institution of internal controls.
Mr Osei-Bonsu advised rural banks to take note of the external environment, especially the rising cost of food, fuel prices and the credit crunch, since they might affect the operations of banks worldwide.
He said they should be flexible to accept proposals on mergers because co-operative mergers could ward off the threat of high competition that many rural banks may face in their operations.
The bank has, however, increased expenditure and high provision for bad and doubtful debts in its operations, hence the reduction of its net profit from GH¢65,189 to GH¢40,150 in the same period which ended on December 31, 2007.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Togbe Binah Lawluvi VI, made this known at the 13th annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders of the bank at Ziope.
He said the period under review faced an unfavourable environment such as falling interest rates in respect of returns on dwindled investment, increasing fuel prices with attendant rise in transport fares and prices in the domestic market.
Togbe Lawluvi, however, stated that clientele had been steadily increasing over the years, adding that deposit had shot up by 57 per cent while loans and overdrafts had increased by 55 per cent.
He added that the bank spent GH¢2,000 on scholarships last year and also donated 50 bags of cement to the people of Agotime, presented GH¢200 towards the Asogli yam festival.
According to Togbe Lawluvi, the bank donated an amount of GH¢100 towards the Godigbe festival of the people of Aflao and GH¢200 to the Adaklu Anyigbe District Assembly in connection with the 23rd national Farmers Day.
In order to satisfy the requirements laid down by the Bank of Ghana for rural and community banks to raise their minimum capital to GH¢150,000, the shareholders passed a resolution authorising the board of directors to transfer GH¢20,000 from its income surplus account to stated capital account.
Togbe Lawluvi said the downward trend in profits notwithstanding, the directors had proposed a dividend of 15 Gp per share to all shareholders.
In an address read on his behalf, the Managing Director of the ARB Apex Bank Limited, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, stated that the performance of rural banks in deposit mobilisation had been good and that had won public confidence in the banks.
He, however, stated that a lot more needed to be done, especially in the institution of internal controls.
Mr Osei-Bonsu advised rural banks to take note of the external environment, especially the rising cost of food, fuel prices and the credit crunch, since they might affect the operations of banks worldwide.
He said they should be flexible to accept proposals on mergers because co-operative mergers could ward off the threat of high competition that many rural banks may face in their operations.
4 TRADITIONAL AREAS CELEBRATE SASADU FESTIVAL (PAGE 40)
THE SASADU Supreme Council comprising the people of Saviefe, Akrofu, Sovie and Alavanyo Traditional Areas in the Volta Region have held a grand durbar at Sovie to climax their SASADU festival.
In an address, the president of SASADU Supreme Council, Togbega Kofi Nyarku VII, who is also the Paramount Chief of Sovie Traditional Area, said the festival was aimed at fostering brotherliness among the four traditional areas that migrated from the same ancestral home in Notsie at different times to their present settlements in Ghana.
He, however, expressed regret over the high spate of chieftaincy disputes in some SASADU communities and said those disputes had not only stagnated development but also posed danger to general security.
According to him, innocent people cannot walk freely at night in certain areas of their own town for fear of being attacked or even killed by their opponents, adding that families are divided with married couples being forced to separate.
The paramount chief stressed the need for the energy used in fuelling those disputes to be re-channelled into fighting poverty, ignorance and disease which are the real enemies of the people.
Togbega Nyarku said it was an excellent occasion to rejoin their relatives at home and share with them the fortunes they had made as workers, adding: “These are the people whose toil, sacrifices and taxes sponsored their education in the universities and other tertiary institutions.”
He further stated that the reunion would ignite the tempo to unite the people to support the vision of bringing development to the respective communities and to alleviate poverty, ignorance and deprivation.
To that end, Togbega Nyarku said a GH¢50,000 SASADU Development Fund was launched with an initial realisation of more than GH¢3,500 to support the various community initiated projects.
Some of the projects earmarked were a day care centre at Akrofu-Agove, community secondary school for Saviefe, SASADU clinic for Sovie and road network from Kpando to Alavanyo.
Togbega Nyarku appealed to donor agencies to support their development initiatives by donating generously into the fund for the improvement of quality of life of the people.
He advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence or indulge in any negative acts that could destroy the destiny of the nation.
Togbega Nyarku said any disturbances or violence before, during or after the December 7, 2008 general election would not only undermine the relative peace the nation was enjoying, but would also disturb the bright future envisaged for the next generation.
The Kpando District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Pius Adanuty, for his part, commended the people for continuously celebrating the festival over the years and said the gains were enormous for the people.
He said further that the nation had a new image due to the good leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and stressed the need for citizens to change their attitudes in tackling emerging issues of the contemporary world.
Mr Adanuty said Ghanaians’ inability to recognise their own fortunes had retarded efforts to fight disease, ignorance, poverty and land degradation.
He said the government had made several interventions that had brought great relief to the nation.
They include the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiatives, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the school feeding programme, the Millennium Challenge Account, the oil discovery.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, and the aspiring parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 general election, Mr Ken Anku, also addressed the function and tried to woo the people explaining why they should be voted for in the upcoming polls.
In an address, the president of SASADU Supreme Council, Togbega Kofi Nyarku VII, who is also the Paramount Chief of Sovie Traditional Area, said the festival was aimed at fostering brotherliness among the four traditional areas that migrated from the same ancestral home in Notsie at different times to their present settlements in Ghana.
He, however, expressed regret over the high spate of chieftaincy disputes in some SASADU communities and said those disputes had not only stagnated development but also posed danger to general security.
According to him, innocent people cannot walk freely at night in certain areas of their own town for fear of being attacked or even killed by their opponents, adding that families are divided with married couples being forced to separate.
The paramount chief stressed the need for the energy used in fuelling those disputes to be re-channelled into fighting poverty, ignorance and disease which are the real enemies of the people.
Togbega Nyarku said it was an excellent occasion to rejoin their relatives at home and share with them the fortunes they had made as workers, adding: “These are the people whose toil, sacrifices and taxes sponsored their education in the universities and other tertiary institutions.”
He further stated that the reunion would ignite the tempo to unite the people to support the vision of bringing development to the respective communities and to alleviate poverty, ignorance and deprivation.
To that end, Togbega Nyarku said a GH¢50,000 SASADU Development Fund was launched with an initial realisation of more than GH¢3,500 to support the various community initiated projects.
Some of the projects earmarked were a day care centre at Akrofu-Agove, community secondary school for Saviefe, SASADU clinic for Sovie and road network from Kpando to Alavanyo.
Togbega Nyarku appealed to donor agencies to support their development initiatives by donating generously into the fund for the improvement of quality of life of the people.
He advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence or indulge in any negative acts that could destroy the destiny of the nation.
Togbega Nyarku said any disturbances or violence before, during or after the December 7, 2008 general election would not only undermine the relative peace the nation was enjoying, but would also disturb the bright future envisaged for the next generation.
The Kpando District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Pius Adanuty, for his part, commended the people for continuously celebrating the festival over the years and said the gains were enormous for the people.
He said further that the nation had a new image due to the good leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and stressed the need for citizens to change their attitudes in tackling emerging issues of the contemporary world.
Mr Adanuty said Ghanaians’ inability to recognise their own fortunes had retarded efforts to fight disease, ignorance, poverty and land degradation.
He said the government had made several interventions that had brought great relief to the nation.
They include the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiatives, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the school feeding programme, the Millennium Challenge Account, the oil discovery.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, and the aspiring parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 general election, Mr Ken Anku, also addressed the function and tried to woo the people explaining why they should be voted for in the upcoming polls.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
EXHIBIT PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT...Dery tells police personnel (SPREAD)
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Bernard Guyiri Dery, has cautioned personnel of the service to desist from acts that may give cause for Ghanaians to blame the police for failing in their constitutional duty of protecting the electoral process.
According to him, any professional misconduct on the part of a police officer on election day would serve to portray the police in a bad light and give cause for people to point accusing fingers at the service.
He, therefore, warned of punitive action against police personnel found to be engaging in unprofessional conduct with the tendency of undermining the electoral process.
Speaking at a day's joint police and military pre-election study day code-named, "Exercise Peace Angel", in Ho yesterday, DCOP Dery charged the police not to “become a problem for people to manage at the polling stations".
The meeting brought together senior officers from all the security agencies to brainstorm on key challenges that might come up on election day with the view to working out appropriate methods to handle those situations.
In addition to that, there will be a mock exercise on Sunday, November 16, 2008, during which actual scenarios will be simulated with the appropriate response from the security agencies as a dress rehearsal towards election day.
DCOP Dery said the police were poised to ensure that the electoral process in the Volta Region would be devoid of any incidents that would mar the beauty of Ghana's democracy in order to produce results that would be accepted by all as the true outcome of the elections.
He also made a passionate appeal to the media to exercise the highest level of circumspection on that day, since irresponsible reportage had the potential of creating chaos and needless anxiety.
The Volta Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Madam Laurentia Kpatakpa, reminded the security agencies that they were statutorily banned from getting involved in the actual administration of elections and that their role was restricted to providing security for the process.
She urged them to use minimum force only when necessary and cautioned against accepting gifts that could compromise their impartial role in the success of the elections.
The Volta Regional Security Co-ordinator, Major Edward Aphour (retd), said the challenges that confronted the security agencies in the discharge of their duties on election day were not insurmountable with adequate preparation and total commitment to duty.
He also called on the media to cross-check their facts before putting them in the public domain.
According to him, any professional misconduct on the part of a police officer on election day would serve to portray the police in a bad light and give cause for people to point accusing fingers at the service.
He, therefore, warned of punitive action against police personnel found to be engaging in unprofessional conduct with the tendency of undermining the electoral process.
Speaking at a day's joint police and military pre-election study day code-named, "Exercise Peace Angel", in Ho yesterday, DCOP Dery charged the police not to “become a problem for people to manage at the polling stations".
The meeting brought together senior officers from all the security agencies to brainstorm on key challenges that might come up on election day with the view to working out appropriate methods to handle those situations.
In addition to that, there will be a mock exercise on Sunday, November 16, 2008, during which actual scenarios will be simulated with the appropriate response from the security agencies as a dress rehearsal towards election day.
DCOP Dery said the police were poised to ensure that the electoral process in the Volta Region would be devoid of any incidents that would mar the beauty of Ghana's democracy in order to produce results that would be accepted by all as the true outcome of the elections.
He also made a passionate appeal to the media to exercise the highest level of circumspection on that day, since irresponsible reportage had the potential of creating chaos and needless anxiety.
The Volta Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Madam Laurentia Kpatakpa, reminded the security agencies that they were statutorily banned from getting involved in the actual administration of elections and that their role was restricted to providing security for the process.
She urged them to use minimum force only when necessary and cautioned against accepting gifts that could compromise their impartial role in the success of the elections.
The Volta Regional Security Co-ordinator, Major Edward Aphour (retd), said the challenges that confronted the security agencies in the discharge of their duties on election day were not insurmountable with adequate preparation and total commitment to duty.
He also called on the media to cross-check their facts before putting them in the public domain.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
PARLIAMENTARY WORK NOT UNIT COMMITTEE WORK — ADZAHO (PAGE 15)
THE Ho East Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Michael Adzaho, has advised Ghanaians to vote for parliamentary candidates who can represent their interest and aspirations.
“Parliamentary work is not unit committee work”, he said, adding that care must be taken in choosing the appropriate candidate to suit the present times and its challenges.
Mr Adzaho gave the advice during the introduction of the NDC parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, a Master’s of Science degree holder in nursing and midwifery, at Agotime-Kpetoe in the Ho East Constituency.
She is contesting with Ms Benedicta Datsomor, a teacher, for the Convention People’s Party (CPP); Mr Victus Avuwordah, an electrical technician of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Dr Samuel C.K. Buame, a lecturer and legal practitioner as an independent candidate; Mr Michael Gamor, for the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and Ms Sarah Kporku, of the People’s National Convention (PNC).
Mr Adzaho described Mrs Azumah-Mensah, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), as the right candidate and that the people must vote for her to continue with her good work for the area.
The Chief of Adaklu-Kodzobi, Togbe Degbladze, openly criticised the policy that chiefs should not engage in active politics.
He said he was on the platform to declare his stand that although a chief, he could not hide his support and that of the people of Adaklu for Mrs Azumah-Mensah.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mr Modestus Ahiable, said the party was sure of victory and that they should retain the NDC candidate in Parliament.
He said further that they should resist the campaign of lies and deceit being peddled by the NPP and that the claim by the NPP to have performed better than the NDC was not true.
For her part, Mrs Azumah-Mensah said she had championed the cause of the three traditional areas in the constituency during the past four years and would continue to work hard with the view to earning a good position in the next NDC administration.
She asked the people to reflect on their present sad conditions and be accordingly guided to vote for the NDC and its parliamentary candidates in order to change the situation.
“Parliamentary work is not unit committee work”, he said, adding that care must be taken in choosing the appropriate candidate to suit the present times and its challenges.
Mr Adzaho gave the advice during the introduction of the NDC parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, a Master’s of Science degree holder in nursing and midwifery, at Agotime-Kpetoe in the Ho East Constituency.
She is contesting with Ms Benedicta Datsomor, a teacher, for the Convention People’s Party (CPP); Mr Victus Avuwordah, an electrical technician of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Dr Samuel C.K. Buame, a lecturer and legal practitioner as an independent candidate; Mr Michael Gamor, for the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and Ms Sarah Kporku, of the People’s National Convention (PNC).
Mr Adzaho described Mrs Azumah-Mensah, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), as the right candidate and that the people must vote for her to continue with her good work for the area.
The Chief of Adaklu-Kodzobi, Togbe Degbladze, openly criticised the policy that chiefs should not engage in active politics.
He said he was on the platform to declare his stand that although a chief, he could not hide his support and that of the people of Adaklu for Mrs Azumah-Mensah.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mr Modestus Ahiable, said the party was sure of victory and that they should retain the NDC candidate in Parliament.
He said further that they should resist the campaign of lies and deceit being peddled by the NPP and that the claim by the NPP to have performed better than the NDC was not true.
For her part, Mrs Azumah-Mensah said she had championed the cause of the three traditional areas in the constituency during the past four years and would continue to work hard with the view to earning a good position in the next NDC administration.
She asked the people to reflect on their present sad conditions and be accordingly guided to vote for the NDC and its parliamentary candidates in order to change the situation.
MP SUPPORTS AGOTIME SCHOOL (PAGE 11)
A FOUR-UNIT classroom block provided by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho-East, Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah, has been dedicated to the Agotime Senior High School at Kpetoe in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District.
She has also donated six computers and furniture worth GH¢1,080 to school’s the computer laboratory and dining hall respectively.
The computers were donated through her collaboration with a non-governmental organisation, the Entire Village Computers Organisation (EVCO) Incorporated.
Addressing the students, staff and some parents, Mrs Azumah-Mensah said education was key to the development of every society.
She noted that it was pertinent for the youth to take keen interest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) since it was the driving force of the world today.
The MP said she had offered assistance to about 450 students in senior high schools (SHSs) and tertiary institutions and pledged further support to propel education to a higher level.
She appealed to the people to protect school lands in order to keep those with the tendency to encroach on them at bay.
Mrs Azumah-Mensah urged school authorities to ban the speaking of pidgin English on school campuses because it contributed to the poor grades attained in the English Language in examination in recent times.
She advised students to avoid all forms of insubordination that could derail their steady growth into productive citizens.
The Country Director of EVCO INC, Mr Owusu Sunu, disclosed that over 5,450 junior high schools and 503 senior high schools would benefit from the distribution of computers.
He promised to provide technical support on the use and repair of computers and accessories to all beneficiaries.
In an address read on his behalf, the headmaster, Mr M. K. Fiamordzi, said over the past two years, female students had excelled in their final examinations.
She appealed to the authorities to prevail on the contractor working on the girls hostel to speed up the work since it was already behind schedule.
For his part, the District Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Sam Tumaku, expressed gratitude to the donors for their gesture to the younger generation and urged the recipients to be disciplined.
The chairman of the parent teacher association (PTA), Mr D. B. Avorgli, said the MP’s gesture demonstrated selflessness, uprightness and dedication to a community by an individual.
She has also donated six computers and furniture worth GH¢1,080 to school’s the computer laboratory and dining hall respectively.
The computers were donated through her collaboration with a non-governmental organisation, the Entire Village Computers Organisation (EVCO) Incorporated.
Addressing the students, staff and some parents, Mrs Azumah-Mensah said education was key to the development of every society.
She noted that it was pertinent for the youth to take keen interest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) since it was the driving force of the world today.
The MP said she had offered assistance to about 450 students in senior high schools (SHSs) and tertiary institutions and pledged further support to propel education to a higher level.
She appealed to the people to protect school lands in order to keep those with the tendency to encroach on them at bay.
Mrs Azumah-Mensah urged school authorities to ban the speaking of pidgin English on school campuses because it contributed to the poor grades attained in the English Language in examination in recent times.
She advised students to avoid all forms of insubordination that could derail their steady growth into productive citizens.
The Country Director of EVCO INC, Mr Owusu Sunu, disclosed that over 5,450 junior high schools and 503 senior high schools would benefit from the distribution of computers.
He promised to provide technical support on the use and repair of computers and accessories to all beneficiaries.
In an address read on his behalf, the headmaster, Mr M. K. Fiamordzi, said over the past two years, female students had excelled in their final examinations.
She appealed to the authorities to prevail on the contractor working on the girls hostel to speed up the work since it was already behind schedule.
For his part, the District Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Sam Tumaku, expressed gratitude to the donors for their gesture to the younger generation and urged the recipients to be disciplined.
The chairman of the parent teacher association (PTA), Mr D. B. Avorgli, said the MP’s gesture demonstrated selflessness, uprightness and dedication to a community by an individual.
Friday, November 7, 2008
SIC DONATES TOWARDS EDUCATIONAL FUND (PAGE 40)
THE SIC Insurance Company has donated GH¢2,000 to the Asogli Education Endowment Fund, bringing to GH¢8,500 the total amount the company has so far paid into the fund over the past three years.
Presenting a dummy cheque for the amount, a senior staff member of the company, Miss Lydia Lamina Bawa, said the gesture was part of the company's social responsibility, adding that future donations might be big based on the increased fortunes of the company.
She used the occasion to advise property owners to undertake insurance cover against fire for their assets since it was now mandatory for them to buy insurance against fire under the new Insurance Law.
Miss Bawa cautioned drivers who misused their licences by way of using them to drive unprescribed vehicles, stressing that it was an offence for drivers holding a licence of a particular grade to drive a vehicle meant for a higher grade licence and that it was even more serious to use a driver’s licence to ride a motor bike.
She made it clear that such offenders would not be paid any insurance compensation in case of any accident.
The Volta Regional Branch Manager of SIC, Mr Richard Fenuku-Doamekpor, advised insurance companies to be alert about the activities of some clients who were indebted to certain insurance companies and so wanted to reinsure with different ones with the view to defrauding the original companies.
He said such dubious practices could endanger the growth of the insurance industry and therefore advised clients to desist from them.
Receiving the cheque, the Afetorfia of Ho-Heve, Togbe Dekortsu II, underscored the value of education as the key to development.
He said the gesture by SIC was in tune with the mission to provide quality education for needy and deprived children.
Presenting a dummy cheque for the amount, a senior staff member of the company, Miss Lydia Lamina Bawa, said the gesture was part of the company's social responsibility, adding that future donations might be big based on the increased fortunes of the company.
She used the occasion to advise property owners to undertake insurance cover against fire for their assets since it was now mandatory for them to buy insurance against fire under the new Insurance Law.
Miss Bawa cautioned drivers who misused their licences by way of using them to drive unprescribed vehicles, stressing that it was an offence for drivers holding a licence of a particular grade to drive a vehicle meant for a higher grade licence and that it was even more serious to use a driver’s licence to ride a motor bike.
She made it clear that such offenders would not be paid any insurance compensation in case of any accident.
The Volta Regional Branch Manager of SIC, Mr Richard Fenuku-Doamekpor, advised insurance companies to be alert about the activities of some clients who were indebted to certain insurance companies and so wanted to reinsure with different ones with the view to defrauding the original companies.
He said such dubious practices could endanger the growth of the insurance industry and therefore advised clients to desist from them.
Receiving the cheque, the Afetorfia of Ho-Heve, Togbe Dekortsu II, underscored the value of education as the key to development.
He said the gesture by SIC was in tune with the mission to provide quality education for needy and deprived children.
Monday, November 3, 2008
LIKPE BALA EP CHURCH LAUNCHES CENTENARY (PAGE 22)
THE Likpe Bala branch of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church has launched the 100 years celebration of the establishment of the church in the town.
The centenary, launched at the EP Church in Hohoe, attracted people from all walks of life during which an appeal for fund yielded GH¢1,630.
Preaching the sermon, the Parish Priest of Hohoe, Reverend W.R. Sakoe, urged the congregation to support the state and the church in all efforts meant to improve the living standards of the people by paying taxes or levies imposed for those purposes.
He noted with concern the evasion of taxes by some citizens and businessmen, adding that the negative attitude retarded the development of the nation.
Rev Sakoe likened taxation to the Blibical story in which Jesus Christ told the Pharisees and Herodians that they should “pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor and pay God what is due to God”.
The Presbyter of the church, Mr W.Y. Bonsi, appealed to the congregation for financial support to enable the church to complete the new centenary chapel project before the celebration of the centenary, scheduled for December 28, this year.
The centenary, launched at the EP Church in Hohoe, attracted people from all walks of life during which an appeal for fund yielded GH¢1,630.
Preaching the sermon, the Parish Priest of Hohoe, Reverend W.R. Sakoe, urged the congregation to support the state and the church in all efforts meant to improve the living standards of the people by paying taxes or levies imposed for those purposes.
He noted with concern the evasion of taxes by some citizens and businessmen, adding that the negative attitude retarded the development of the nation.
Rev Sakoe likened taxation to the Blibical story in which Jesus Christ told the Pharisees and Herodians that they should “pay the emperor what belongs to the emperor and pay God what is due to God”.
The Presbyter of the church, Mr W.Y. Bonsi, appealed to the congregation for financial support to enable the church to complete the new centenary chapel project before the celebration of the centenary, scheduled for December 28, this year.
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