THE Volta Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Fidelis S.K Attoh, has charged directors and other stakeholders at different levels of the commission to be conversant with relevant directives towards the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He said all programmes or service activities undertaken by the commission fell within the ambit and prescriptions of the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Mr Attoh was delivering a speech at the Third Volta Regional District Directors’ conference of the NCCE at Ho. It was aimed at enabling the participants to take stock of their activities within the year.
He stressed that the development of the nation was the ultimate objective and that all service activities or outreach programmes of the NCCE must be geared at attaining that goal.
Mr Attoh said staff of the NCCE should nip in the bud apparent arrogance, parallel administration tendencies, disregard for workplace authority and chain of command, idle gossip, poor work attendance and absenteeism and above all the threat of staff hegemony and the god-father syndrome which had badly emboldened some staff to deal directly with the national headquarters without recourse to the regional directorate.
In an address, the secretary to the NCCE, Mr Tito Voegborlo called on the staff of the commission to gear themselves up to educate the public on the population and housing census and the local government elections scheduled to take off next year in 2010.
He reminded the directors that the mandate of NCCE was to instill the spirit of good citizenship for development and urged them to always focus on their daily functions.
He called on every district to develop a data base in order to become sources of credible information in the districts, stressing that, “ the offices should be so equipped with information that anybody could go there for basic data on the districts”.
Mr Voegborlo noted that the fifth function which bordered on “ to assess for information of the government, the limits to the achievement of democracy caused by inequalities between the different levels and to make recommendation to government to redress these inequalities”, was being ignored and urged them to revive their operations to urgently address the omission.
He charged the district directors to carry out civic education to every corner of the districts and to be accurate in their reportage so that work done in the field could be accurately captured for the attention of all stakeholders.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
UPHOLD GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES — NECKU (PAGE 16, DEC 14)
THE Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku (retd), has urged Ghanaians to uphold and preserve the values, policies and good governance practices that have endeared the nation to the world.
He said good service delivery to clients was one of the hallmarks and index to good governance.
He added that it was pertinent for every citizen to adopt values that would enhance democratic governance to let the nation shine among the comity of nations.
Col. Necku said this when he addressed the closing ceremony of a three-day workshop for staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other stakeholders in disaster management in the Volta Region in Ho last Thursday.
The workshop was organised under a bilateral agreement between the North Dakota State of the United States of America(USA) and the government of Ghana.
Col. Necku said the protection of life of the people should be a prior responsibility, adding that particular attention should be paid to disaster prevention by giving appropriate and early warning of risks and also be reasonably persuasive to avert havoc.
“Prevention of disasters is an important component of Good Governance and the better Ghana agenda”, he stressed.
He therefore asked them to team up and to avoid conflict of roles with the view to making disaster management system very responsive and effective to serve as the role model for other regions to emulate.
A disaster management expert from North Dakota, Mr Doug Friez commended the participants for the high resourcefulness displayed at the course and said it would enhance the injection of new ideas for disaster management in the region.
He described Ghana as a country which was endowed with rich human resource base.
The deputy national coordinator of NADMO, Mr P.K Aboni, called for a new face to disaster management stating that they should be proactive and develop a good working relationship enough to implement goals together.
In an address, the Volta Regional coordinator of NADMO, Mr Henry Ametefe disclosed that emergency rescue operation was underway in Krachi -West, Krachi -East, Biakoye, Nkwanta- North districts where most of the towns in these districts were flooded.
He said several islands on the Volta Lake were completely washed away which had resulted in the displacement of hundreds of people.
In an assessment, the Volta Regional Police Commander, Reverend David Ampah-Benin said the looming threat of climate change and others were a major source of concern adding that the course content would enrich disaster management.
For his part, the forestry service manager, Mr W.E.K Bimah said such courses should be replicated in district assemblies because the international dimension was important and relevant to the nation but expressed regret that traditional rulers were excluded as participants.
The Volta Regional Director of the Red Cross, Mr Larry Yeboah said the course had put stakeholders together, reawakened the spirit of unity and also exposed weaknesses for necessary redress.
He said good service delivery to clients was one of the hallmarks and index to good governance.
He added that it was pertinent for every citizen to adopt values that would enhance democratic governance to let the nation shine among the comity of nations.
Col. Necku said this when he addressed the closing ceremony of a three-day workshop for staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other stakeholders in disaster management in the Volta Region in Ho last Thursday.
The workshop was organised under a bilateral agreement between the North Dakota State of the United States of America(USA) and the government of Ghana.
Col. Necku said the protection of life of the people should be a prior responsibility, adding that particular attention should be paid to disaster prevention by giving appropriate and early warning of risks and also be reasonably persuasive to avert havoc.
“Prevention of disasters is an important component of Good Governance and the better Ghana agenda”, he stressed.
He therefore asked them to team up and to avoid conflict of roles with the view to making disaster management system very responsive and effective to serve as the role model for other regions to emulate.
A disaster management expert from North Dakota, Mr Doug Friez commended the participants for the high resourcefulness displayed at the course and said it would enhance the injection of new ideas for disaster management in the region.
He described Ghana as a country which was endowed with rich human resource base.
The deputy national coordinator of NADMO, Mr P.K Aboni, called for a new face to disaster management stating that they should be proactive and develop a good working relationship enough to implement goals together.
In an address, the Volta Regional coordinator of NADMO, Mr Henry Ametefe disclosed that emergency rescue operation was underway in Krachi -West, Krachi -East, Biakoye, Nkwanta- North districts where most of the towns in these districts were flooded.
He said several islands on the Volta Lake were completely washed away which had resulted in the displacement of hundreds of people.
In an assessment, the Volta Regional Police Commander, Reverend David Ampah-Benin said the looming threat of climate change and others were a major source of concern adding that the course content would enrich disaster management.
For his part, the forestry service manager, Mr W.E.K Bimah said such courses should be replicated in district assemblies because the international dimension was important and relevant to the nation but expressed regret that traditional rulers were excluded as participants.
The Volta Regional Director of the Red Cross, Mr Larry Yeboah said the course had put stakeholders together, reawakened the spirit of unity and also exposed weaknesses for necessary redress.
Friday, December 11, 2009
KIDS SHOULD STAY INDOORS TO LEARN (PAGE 20, DEC 11)
Professor Victoria Dzogbefia of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has expressed concern over the escalating tendency among the youth to spend precious time on the streets in the night, instead of staying indoors to study their books.
She said without good education, they could not be gainfully employed to earn appreciable income, compelling them to do menial jobs.
Professor Dzogbefia said this last weekend when she addressed a durbar to mark the Have Abrodi Development celebration in the Hohoe Municipality.
She said it was rather unfortunate that only two girls had been able to access a scholarship scheme set up for girls in the area in the past 10 years and attributed that to poor performance.
She, therefore, appealed to parents to support their children in school, supervise them to conduct themselves and stay away from the streets.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, commended the people for upholding the principles of harmony, and that they should release land for the youth to go in to agriculture and also encourage them to grow more trees.
He presented GH¢200 to the community and promised to provide the women’s group with six beehives to boost their income-generating activities.
In a welcome address read on his behalf, the Chief of the town, Togbe Teke Foli IX, said the Abrodis had championed the cause of human and physical development.
He commended them for sustaining the self-help spirit, adding that many other projects initiated over the years had gone on well.
These included procurement of plastic chairs and canopies for hiring, welfare scheme to support bereaved families, increased enrolment of girls in school and the sponsorship of four girls to enter senior high school.
For his part, the Chief of Domefe, Togbe Krakani Apau, called for the revival of all positive traditions that stood the test of time and challenged modern technology, adding that certain powers were inconsistent with foreign technology.
An amount of GH¢2,170 was realised in a fund raising at the function, in aid of the construction of a community centre.
She said without good education, they could not be gainfully employed to earn appreciable income, compelling them to do menial jobs.
Professor Dzogbefia said this last weekend when she addressed a durbar to mark the Have Abrodi Development celebration in the Hohoe Municipality.
She said it was rather unfortunate that only two girls had been able to access a scholarship scheme set up for girls in the area in the past 10 years and attributed that to poor performance.
She, therefore, appealed to parents to support their children in school, supervise them to conduct themselves and stay away from the streets.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, commended the people for upholding the principles of harmony, and that they should release land for the youth to go in to agriculture and also encourage them to grow more trees.
He presented GH¢200 to the community and promised to provide the women’s group with six beehives to boost their income-generating activities.
In a welcome address read on his behalf, the Chief of the town, Togbe Teke Foli IX, said the Abrodis had championed the cause of human and physical development.
He commended them for sustaining the self-help spirit, adding that many other projects initiated over the years had gone on well.
These included procurement of plastic chairs and canopies for hiring, welfare scheme to support bereaved families, increased enrolment of girls in school and the sponsorship of four girls to enter senior high school.
For his part, the Chief of Domefe, Togbe Krakani Apau, called for the revival of all positive traditions that stood the test of time and challenged modern technology, adding that certain powers were inconsistent with foreign technology.
An amount of GH¢2,170 was realised in a fund raising at the function, in aid of the construction of a community centre.
Monday, November 30, 2009
AWARD CONTRACT ON MERIT — MP (PAGE 16, NOV 30)
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho-Central, Captain George Nfojoh (retd), has said it is not fashionable to award contracts on the basis of political affiliation, and that contracts should be awarded based on merit.
He said contractors who proved their worth and worked well should be given more work to execute, and that their certificates should be processed without delay.
Capt. Nfojoh said this when he addressed the third annual general meeting of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana(ABCECG) at Ho recently.
He, however, said contractors should exercise restraint and be sympathetic when their clients delayed in the payment for work done.
This was due to the disclosure by the Volta Regional chairman of ABCECG, Mr Prosper Ledi, that the numerous challenges facing contractors include delayed payments, high tax regimes, high interest rates from the banks and lack of capacity building and preferential treatment given to foreign companies.
In an address, the General Manager of State Insurance Company (SIC), Mr John K. Ofori-Kuragu, announced that the company had waived collateral security for any bond that was needed for contractors, and that the company would guarantee bank loans but said it would be prudent if that arrangement was between the contractors and the association.
He said SIC would grant advance mobilisation bond, performance bond and all contractors risk bond to all clients, and urged them to undertake the package which included sponsorship for conferences, workman’s compensation and insurance package covering management staff.
Mr Ofori–Kuragu presented a cheque for GHC3,000 to the Volta Region branch of ABCECG as part of sponsorship package designed for their annual conferences.
He said contractors who proved their worth and worked well should be given more work to execute, and that their certificates should be processed without delay.
Capt. Nfojoh said this when he addressed the third annual general meeting of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana(ABCECG) at Ho recently.
He, however, said contractors should exercise restraint and be sympathetic when their clients delayed in the payment for work done.
This was due to the disclosure by the Volta Regional chairman of ABCECG, Mr Prosper Ledi, that the numerous challenges facing contractors include delayed payments, high tax regimes, high interest rates from the banks and lack of capacity building and preferential treatment given to foreign companies.
In an address, the General Manager of State Insurance Company (SIC), Mr John K. Ofori-Kuragu, announced that the company had waived collateral security for any bond that was needed for contractors, and that the company would guarantee bank loans but said it would be prudent if that arrangement was between the contractors and the association.
He said SIC would grant advance mobilisation bond, performance bond and all contractors risk bond to all clients, and urged them to undertake the package which included sponsorship for conferences, workman’s compensation and insurance package covering management staff.
Mr Ofori–Kuragu presented a cheque for GHC3,000 to the Volta Region branch of ABCECG as part of sponsorship package designed for their annual conferences.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
IMPLEMENT SFP TO BENEFIT TARGET GROUPS (NOV 28, PAGE 14)
THE Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku (retd), has asked key actors of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) to roll up the programme well in order to win the hearts of the target groups.
He said the programme was not political but had political undertones, such that any party in government that implemented it well would take credit and win more votes.
He, therefore, cautioned that they should refrain from any malfeasance, saying that “if you are rolling the programme for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), then you better roll it out well”.
Col. Necku was addressing a sensitisation and orientation seminar for district level actors comprising District Chief Executives, District Co-ordinating Directors, District Directors of the Health Services, District Directors of Education, District Directors of Food and Agriculture in Ho.
“We need accountability, selflessness, hard work, dedication and a working environment devoid of bribery and corruption, favouritism and nepotism to be able to achieve our development agenda,” he said.
Col Necku said the SFP was a sure way to achieve human resource development by creating opportunities for easy and ready access to education, particularly at the basic level.
In an address, the Deputy National Co-ordinator of the SFP, Mr Francis Yaw Gyarko, announced that the Dutch government had restored support to the programme following the validation of nine weaknesses associated with it.
He said the plan was to scale up the programme to benefit 1,040,000 pupils by the end of the first phase in 2010, saying that currently there were 1,696 public schools, with 656,624 pupils in 170 districts in the country.
Mr Gyarko said there was well co-ordinated teamwork, adding that an audit implementation committee had finished its work on the 2006 and 2007 audit reports.
“Looking ahead, we need to reposition ourselves and clarify our roles and responsibilities to bring changes in the way the programme is being managed and implemented,” he stated.
The Volta Regional Co-ordinator of the SFP, Ms Edith Akpotor, asked participants to collaborate in order to make the delivery of the programme in the region very effective.
Ms Levina Owusu made a presentation on the overview of the SFP, while a technical advisor, Mr Kwami Nuako, gave presentations on the social accountability project and financial management for GSFP.
He said the programme was not political but had political undertones, such that any party in government that implemented it well would take credit and win more votes.
He, therefore, cautioned that they should refrain from any malfeasance, saying that “if you are rolling the programme for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), then you better roll it out well”.
Col. Necku was addressing a sensitisation and orientation seminar for district level actors comprising District Chief Executives, District Co-ordinating Directors, District Directors of the Health Services, District Directors of Education, District Directors of Food and Agriculture in Ho.
“We need accountability, selflessness, hard work, dedication and a working environment devoid of bribery and corruption, favouritism and nepotism to be able to achieve our development agenda,” he said.
Col Necku said the SFP was a sure way to achieve human resource development by creating opportunities for easy and ready access to education, particularly at the basic level.
In an address, the Deputy National Co-ordinator of the SFP, Mr Francis Yaw Gyarko, announced that the Dutch government had restored support to the programme following the validation of nine weaknesses associated with it.
He said the plan was to scale up the programme to benefit 1,040,000 pupils by the end of the first phase in 2010, saying that currently there were 1,696 public schools, with 656,624 pupils in 170 districts in the country.
Mr Gyarko said there was well co-ordinated teamwork, adding that an audit implementation committee had finished its work on the 2006 and 2007 audit reports.
“Looking ahead, we need to reposition ourselves and clarify our roles and responsibilities to bring changes in the way the programme is being managed and implemented,” he stated.
The Volta Regional Co-ordinator of the SFP, Ms Edith Akpotor, asked participants to collaborate in order to make the delivery of the programme in the region very effective.
Ms Levina Owusu made a presentation on the overview of the SFP, while a technical advisor, Mr Kwami Nuako, gave presentations on the social accountability project and financial management for GSFP.
Friday, November 27, 2009
HOMEOPATHS WITHOUT BORDERS LEND HELPING HAND (PAGE 35, MIRRROR, NOV 28)
From Tim Dzamboe, Ho
A team of experienced classical homeopaths from “Homeopaths without Borders” are in the country to organise training courses for practising homeopaths to strengthen their capacity and professional development.
The team, which arrived in Accra last Friday, October 9, were from the Netherlands, India and the United Kingdom and will stay until November 18.
An Accra-based Classical Homeopath, Mr Julius M.K. Berdie, told The Mirror that the team would meet with officials of the Ministry of Health to discuss the development of homeopathy in Ghana and to organise clinical sessions for the public and other activities to raise awareness on homeopathy.
He said classical homeopathy is that branch of medical practice that focuses on the whole person instead of concentrating on the disease alone.
Mr Berdie, who is the programme co-ordinator, said it was discovered by a German physician called Dr Samuel Hahnemann based on the principle of “like cures like”, adding that a substance that causes a disease condition in a normal healthy person will cure a similar disease condition when given to a sick person.
He said homeopathic medicines, usually called remedies, were prepared as highly diluted solutions from sources such as plants, animals, minerals, diseased and normal tissues or organs.
He added that homeopathy is a natural healing system as the homeopathic remedy only stimulated the body’s own immune system to jump-start the healing process, stating that the body has the capacity to restore its own capacity to heal itself.
Mr Berdie said homeopathy was a safe and effective treatment for acute and chronic diseases in children and adults and that it had shown significant success and helped populations throughout the world in past and present epidemics such as the cholera outbreak in Europe from 1831-32, swine flu epidemic in Europe, and the recent seasonal epidemic after the Asian Tsunami.
According to him, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised homeopathy as an alternative and complementary medical practice in 1985, adding that homeopathy was recognised by the Ministry of Health as one of the alternative medical practices.
He recalled that in 1994 Homeopaths without Borders started a training programme for a few homeopaths in Ghana but it was suspended in 2000 due to lack of funds, adding that the current training programme covered clinical diagnosis, homeopathic philosophy, materia medica, case taking and case management.
Clinical sessions will be held in the afternoons for the general public and that people with chronic conditions can take advantage of these sessions at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Conference Room at Osu from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. Similar sessions will be held in Kumasi.
A team of experienced classical homeopaths from “Homeopaths without Borders” are in the country to organise training courses for practising homeopaths to strengthen their capacity and professional development.
The team, which arrived in Accra last Friday, October 9, were from the Netherlands, India and the United Kingdom and will stay until November 18.
An Accra-based Classical Homeopath, Mr Julius M.K. Berdie, told The Mirror that the team would meet with officials of the Ministry of Health to discuss the development of homeopathy in Ghana and to organise clinical sessions for the public and other activities to raise awareness on homeopathy.
He said classical homeopathy is that branch of medical practice that focuses on the whole person instead of concentrating on the disease alone.
Mr Berdie, who is the programme co-ordinator, said it was discovered by a German physician called Dr Samuel Hahnemann based on the principle of “like cures like”, adding that a substance that causes a disease condition in a normal healthy person will cure a similar disease condition when given to a sick person.
He said homeopathic medicines, usually called remedies, were prepared as highly diluted solutions from sources such as plants, animals, minerals, diseased and normal tissues or organs.
He added that homeopathy is a natural healing system as the homeopathic remedy only stimulated the body’s own immune system to jump-start the healing process, stating that the body has the capacity to restore its own capacity to heal itself.
Mr Berdie said homeopathy was a safe and effective treatment for acute and chronic diseases in children and adults and that it had shown significant success and helped populations throughout the world in past and present epidemics such as the cholera outbreak in Europe from 1831-32, swine flu epidemic in Europe, and the recent seasonal epidemic after the Asian Tsunami.
According to him, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised homeopathy as an alternative and complementary medical practice in 1985, adding that homeopathy was recognised by the Ministry of Health as one of the alternative medical practices.
He recalled that in 1994 Homeopaths without Borders started a training programme for a few homeopaths in Ghana but it was suspended in 2000 due to lack of funds, adding that the current training programme covered clinical diagnosis, homeopathic philosophy, materia medica, case taking and case management.
Clinical sessions will be held in the afternoons for the general public and that people with chronic conditions can take advantage of these sessions at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Conference Room at Osu from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. Similar sessions will be held in Kumasi.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
BRIDGE COLLAPSES AT TSOXOR AREA (NOV 25, PAGE 31)
THE only bridge linking the Tsoxor Traditional Area to other parts of the Kpando District has collapsed, denying the people a vital link through Botoku to Vakpo in the Kpando Municipality.
With the collapse of the bridge, there is no other road by which the people could travel out, since the town is a terminal community surrounded by the Volta Lake.
The Paramount Chief of Tsoxor Traditional Area, Togbe Akoto V, lamented the situation when he addressed a durbar to climax the 10th “Zendo Glimetsoza” of the people of Kpeve, Klikor, Klefe, Tsorxor and Tsibu Traditional areas at Tsorxor over the weekend.
“You are all witnesses of the bad nature of the road to Tsorxor as you travelled along it this morning. It has always been so, if not worse. Every year, we talk about it, but nothing seems to be done about it,” he lamented.
In an address, the Ketu-South District Chief Executive, Mr Frank Amable, entreated all workers of the Zendo Movement to pool resources to facilitate the advancement of their communities.
He lauded the intercommunity assistance concept of the festival, adding that it was a good sign for the restitution of extended family system.
Mr Amable urged them to release land for the youth in agriculture programme, and said it would be ideal for communities to release not less than 20 acres, saying that the Government will look out for markets for produce from such projects.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to pay a special package to teachers who accepted postings to rural areas, adding that the Government would also construct school buildings where pupils attended classes under trees.
He, however, pleaded with the people to exercise restraint with the Government to enable it to seal some loopholes before rewarding them.
With the collapse of the bridge, there is no other road by which the people could travel out, since the town is a terminal community surrounded by the Volta Lake.
The Paramount Chief of Tsoxor Traditional Area, Togbe Akoto V, lamented the situation when he addressed a durbar to climax the 10th “Zendo Glimetsoza” of the people of Kpeve, Klikor, Klefe, Tsorxor and Tsibu Traditional areas at Tsorxor over the weekend.
“You are all witnesses of the bad nature of the road to Tsorxor as you travelled along it this morning. It has always been so, if not worse. Every year, we talk about it, but nothing seems to be done about it,” he lamented.
In an address, the Ketu-South District Chief Executive, Mr Frank Amable, entreated all workers of the Zendo Movement to pool resources to facilitate the advancement of their communities.
He lauded the intercommunity assistance concept of the festival, adding that it was a good sign for the restitution of extended family system.
Mr Amable urged them to release land for the youth in agriculture programme, and said it would be ideal for communities to release not less than 20 acres, saying that the Government will look out for markets for produce from such projects.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to pay a special package to teachers who accepted postings to rural areas, adding that the Government would also construct school buildings where pupils attended classes under trees.
He, however, pleaded with the people to exercise restraint with the Government to enable it to seal some loopholes before rewarding them.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
GBC TO OPEN 2 FM STATIONS IN VOLTA REGION (PAGE 20, NOV 24)
THE Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) is to establish two community radio stations at Akatsi and Kete-Krachi, with a view to empowering the people to design their programmes and articulate them as part of the democratic devolution process to the grass roots.
It is part of the responsibility as a public broadcaster to provide useful information to the public to protect it from the consumption of unpalatable information poured out from some private radio stations in the country.
The Director-General of GBC, Mr William Ampem-Darko, announced this at a durbar to climax the 13th anniversary celebration of the Volta Star Radio.
It was on the theme: “Volta Star—Challenges and solutions,” at Ho.
He said there was the need to ensure sanitation on the airwaves, adding that as a state and public service broadcaster, it was incumbent upon them to solicit the goodwill of the people by educating, informing and entertaining them in a responsible manner.
On poor transmission to the Volta Region, the director-general acknowledged the weakness and assured the people that all efforts would be made to improve on television and radio transmission to the region.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, said the station had been highly resourceful in broadcasting regarding education on agriculture, health, education, religion and entertainment.
He, however, said all efforts must be applied to find a lasting solution to the poor reception of Ghana
Television in the region, adding “we cannot watch GTV, and we can’t hear news from the Volta Star because of jamming of the radio station; by 9 p.m., GTV is off”.
Mr Amenowode commended the staff for their perseverance, and advised them to repackage their programmes to benefit majority of listeners.
The Regional Director of GBC, Mr Ralph Avornyo, said the radio station was darling to listeners in Togo, Benin and the outskirts of Nigeria, adding that there were confirmed reports that the station also had audience in South Africa and Germany.
He said the past 13 years of the station’s existence had not been without problems, particularly pertaining to
technical and electricity problems.
Mr Avornyo added that new TV and radio transmitters were yet to be installed to improve upon transmission.
He shared sentiments with viewers and listeners, and assured them that the difficulties of the corporation were temporary.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Asafoatse Obeng Akyea, said the success of the anniversary had proved those who openly and secretly castigated them.
He said in view of the enormous and hydra-headed challenges facing the corporation, there was a need for team work to facilitate deliverance of good services to the appreciation of the teeming clientele.
It is part of the responsibility as a public broadcaster to provide useful information to the public to protect it from the consumption of unpalatable information poured out from some private radio stations in the country.
The Director-General of GBC, Mr William Ampem-Darko, announced this at a durbar to climax the 13th anniversary celebration of the Volta Star Radio.
It was on the theme: “Volta Star—Challenges and solutions,” at Ho.
He said there was the need to ensure sanitation on the airwaves, adding that as a state and public service broadcaster, it was incumbent upon them to solicit the goodwill of the people by educating, informing and entertaining them in a responsible manner.
On poor transmission to the Volta Region, the director-general acknowledged the weakness and assured the people that all efforts would be made to improve on television and radio transmission to the region.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, said the station had been highly resourceful in broadcasting regarding education on agriculture, health, education, religion and entertainment.
He, however, said all efforts must be applied to find a lasting solution to the poor reception of Ghana
Television in the region, adding “we cannot watch GTV, and we can’t hear news from the Volta Star because of jamming of the radio station; by 9 p.m., GTV is off”.
Mr Amenowode commended the staff for their perseverance, and advised them to repackage their programmes to benefit majority of listeners.
The Regional Director of GBC, Mr Ralph Avornyo, said the radio station was darling to listeners in Togo, Benin and the outskirts of Nigeria, adding that there were confirmed reports that the station also had audience in South Africa and Germany.
He said the past 13 years of the station’s existence had not been without problems, particularly pertaining to
technical and electricity problems.
Mr Avornyo added that new TV and radio transmitters were yet to be installed to improve upon transmission.
He shared sentiments with viewers and listeners, and assured them that the difficulties of the corporation were temporary.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Asafoatse Obeng Akyea, said the success of the anniversary had proved those who openly and secretly castigated them.
He said in view of the enormous and hydra-headed challenges facing the corporation, there was a need for team work to facilitate deliverance of good services to the appreciation of the teeming clientele.
QUOTA FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY INCREASED (PAGE 20, NOV 24)
THE Government has increased quota for Persons with Disability (PWDs) from two to five per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), the National Chairman of the National Council of Persons With Disability, Mr Andrews Okai-Koi, has announced.
He said funds allocated for disability purposes would be applied and not misappropriated, adding that non-qualified persons would not access the fund, but would only be accessed and used for disability purposes.
Mr Okai-Koi announced this at the inauguration of the South Dayi branch of the Federation of Persons with Disability at Kpeve in the South–Dayi District.
He said the Government considered disability issues as its priority, adding that the increase in the Common Fund epitomised main streaming of persons with disability.
“The road may be very rough and hazardous, but nonetheless, we must start today and mark the continuation of the journey with the message of equal opportunity,” Mr Okai-Koi stated.
He said the Disability Act 715 would be used as a spring board to transform the social and welfare landscape of PWDs.
The South-Dayi District Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Kanyi, announced that service centres would be established with the Common Fund to train PWDs in small-scale ventures, such as mushroom production, bee-keeping and grasscutter rearing.
He said the district assembly would do its best to make them comfortable, adding that their quota of the Common Fund would not be disbursed to any individual to enrich themselves.
The District Social Welfare Officer, Mrs Emma Adom, said many people claimed that disability was hereditary, but that was not so because health hazards, accidents, old age and some cultural practices could disable a person.
She said disability could happen to any person, so able-bodied persons should stop discriminating against those with disabilities.
The Regional Chairman of the association, Mr Wilson Anku,
called for the abolition of obsolete customs that discriminated against them, stressing that the public should wage a campaign to integrate them into the mainstream of society.
Other speakers at the function included the District Chairman of the association, Mr Emmanuel Amoah Darko and Togbe Agbi Nani, who chaired the function.
The national chairman donated a pack of 50 white canes to the members.
He said funds allocated for disability purposes would be applied and not misappropriated, adding that non-qualified persons would not access the fund, but would only be accessed and used for disability purposes.
Mr Okai-Koi announced this at the inauguration of the South Dayi branch of the Federation of Persons with Disability at Kpeve in the South–Dayi District.
He said the Government considered disability issues as its priority, adding that the increase in the Common Fund epitomised main streaming of persons with disability.
“The road may be very rough and hazardous, but nonetheless, we must start today and mark the continuation of the journey with the message of equal opportunity,” Mr Okai-Koi stated.
He said the Disability Act 715 would be used as a spring board to transform the social and welfare landscape of PWDs.
The South-Dayi District Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Kanyi, announced that service centres would be established with the Common Fund to train PWDs in small-scale ventures, such as mushroom production, bee-keeping and grasscutter rearing.
He said the district assembly would do its best to make them comfortable, adding that their quota of the Common Fund would not be disbursed to any individual to enrich themselves.
The District Social Welfare Officer, Mrs Emma Adom, said many people claimed that disability was hereditary, but that was not so because health hazards, accidents, old age and some cultural practices could disable a person.
She said disability could happen to any person, so able-bodied persons should stop discriminating against those with disabilities.
The Regional Chairman of the association, Mr Wilson Anku,
called for the abolition of obsolete customs that discriminated against them, stressing that the public should wage a campaign to integrate them into the mainstream of society.
Other speakers at the function included the District Chairman of the association, Mr Emmanuel Amoah Darko and Togbe Agbi Nani, who chaired the function.
The national chairman donated a pack of 50 white canes to the members.
UNITY RURAL BANK MAKES POSITIVE IMPACT (PAGE 20, NOV 24)
THE rural banking concept was introduced into the country in 1970 after a case study of the same practice in the Philippines. It was aimed at extending credit facilities to small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs.
This became imperative because rural dwellers depended on local money lenders for their credit needs at very high interest rates to the extent that they were left with little or no returns.
In an attempt to alleviate the hardship of rural entrepreneurs, co-operatives and other associations were formed with the aim of providing credit and other facilities for them on flexible terms. Unfortunately, these measures did not achieve any appreciable success in providing dependable and adequate sources of credit for the rural dweller.
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) was established in 1965 as a branch of the Bank of Ghana’s Rural Credit , but its role in agricultural financing was not fully appreciated since its services reached only a small fraction of rural dwellers. It eventually followed the trail of commercial banks which tapped resources from rural to urban areas and demanded unaffordable collateral for their credit facilities.
It was the aim of closing the lending gap between the urban and areas that made the Bank of Ghana recommend the opening of the Unity Rural Bank Limited at Ziope in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District, the 79th of such facilities in the country.
The bank was first known as Adaklu Rural Bank and had its headquarters at Adaklu-Waya, but the headquarters was later moved to Ho by the first Chairman, the late Mr Addae de Souza, popularly known as Fettor Koku, due to a misunderstanding between him on one side and the staff and the community on the other.
As a sequel to that, in 1985, the name of the bank was changed from Adaklu to Unity Rural Bank by a special resolution, with the approval of the Registrar of Companies.
For now, the bank has expanded its activities to Agotime-Kpetoe, Ave Dakpa, in Ho and Aflao, where it opened agencies, in addition to a mobilisation centre at the Ho Lorry Park, near the Central Market.
Although the bank made losses for a few years, it has overcome that problem and has now been declaring profits at its annual general meetings (AGMs).
The bank has become a pillar for socio-economic development in some parts of the Volta Region, especially in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District, since it has offered a number of facilities for its clients and the communities.
The facilities offered last year included scholarships and donations worth GH¢3,000 to the people of Aflao, Kekeli Preparatory School at Aflao, the Kente festival of Agotime Kpetoe, Asogli State festival, Adaklu-Anyigbe District Farmers Day celebration and the speech and prize-giving day of Ave-Dakpa Senior High School (AVESCO).
The operational results of the bank in the previous year increased in all portfolios, and spanned sectors such as total deposits, total assets, total advances, shareholders funds, total income and net profits. The expenditure of the bank, however, continues to rise.
According the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Togbe Binah Lawluvi VI, although crude oil prices continued to fluctuate and the unpredictability of crude prices made meaningful planning very difficult, the bank has managed to increase its profit from GH¢40,150 in 2007 to GH¢99,214 in 2008.
He said capital had also shot up from GH¢98,091 in December, 2007 to GH¢169,193 in December 2008, far above the Bank of Ghana’s requirements, adding that although the bank had crossed the threshold of GH¢150,000, it could declare and pay dividends.
As of now, the bank has a total clientele of 25,483 with 9,075 for savings, 8,332 for current accounts, and 7,876 for Susu. It also manages funds for the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Food and Budgetary Support (FABS), People With Disabilities (PWD) and Community Based Rural Development Project (CBRDP).
At the silver jubilee celebration of the bank, the board members proposed payment of dividend of GH¢O.015 per share, totalling GH¢46,254 to its 2,017 shareholders.
Over the years, the bank has energised the agricultural sector and granted loans for the production of tomatoes, maize, yams, cassava, beans and other varieties of crops.
It has also supported the production of Agbamevor or Kente to consolidate the claims that the area is the cradle of the cloth’s production.
At 25, it is unique that the computerisation programme of the bank would be realised by the end of this year to enhance the quality services it renders to its cherished customers.
To the shareholders and stakeholders, however, the computerisation process entailed enormous cost that called for the subscription of more shares to enable the bank to remain in competitive business.
The bank has been able to stand on its feet through the effective supervision of the Supervising Manager, Mr Joseph Sunu, who has served it for 23 years. He is the longest-serving member of staff, of all the 40 employees who are currently at post.
It has, however, not been easy for the Unity Rural Bank to come this far in the prevailing turbulent economic and financial market.
This became imperative because rural dwellers depended on local money lenders for their credit needs at very high interest rates to the extent that they were left with little or no returns.
In an attempt to alleviate the hardship of rural entrepreneurs, co-operatives and other associations were formed with the aim of providing credit and other facilities for them on flexible terms. Unfortunately, these measures did not achieve any appreciable success in providing dependable and adequate sources of credit for the rural dweller.
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) was established in 1965 as a branch of the Bank of Ghana’s Rural Credit , but its role in agricultural financing was not fully appreciated since its services reached only a small fraction of rural dwellers. It eventually followed the trail of commercial banks which tapped resources from rural to urban areas and demanded unaffordable collateral for their credit facilities.
It was the aim of closing the lending gap between the urban and areas that made the Bank of Ghana recommend the opening of the Unity Rural Bank Limited at Ziope in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District, the 79th of such facilities in the country.
The bank was first known as Adaklu Rural Bank and had its headquarters at Adaklu-Waya, but the headquarters was later moved to Ho by the first Chairman, the late Mr Addae de Souza, popularly known as Fettor Koku, due to a misunderstanding between him on one side and the staff and the community on the other.
As a sequel to that, in 1985, the name of the bank was changed from Adaklu to Unity Rural Bank by a special resolution, with the approval of the Registrar of Companies.
For now, the bank has expanded its activities to Agotime-Kpetoe, Ave Dakpa, in Ho and Aflao, where it opened agencies, in addition to a mobilisation centre at the Ho Lorry Park, near the Central Market.
Although the bank made losses for a few years, it has overcome that problem and has now been declaring profits at its annual general meetings (AGMs).
The bank has become a pillar for socio-economic development in some parts of the Volta Region, especially in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District, since it has offered a number of facilities for its clients and the communities.
The facilities offered last year included scholarships and donations worth GH¢3,000 to the people of Aflao, Kekeli Preparatory School at Aflao, the Kente festival of Agotime Kpetoe, Asogli State festival, Adaklu-Anyigbe District Farmers Day celebration and the speech and prize-giving day of Ave-Dakpa Senior High School (AVESCO).
The operational results of the bank in the previous year increased in all portfolios, and spanned sectors such as total deposits, total assets, total advances, shareholders funds, total income and net profits. The expenditure of the bank, however, continues to rise.
According the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Togbe Binah Lawluvi VI, although crude oil prices continued to fluctuate and the unpredictability of crude prices made meaningful planning very difficult, the bank has managed to increase its profit from GH¢40,150 in 2007 to GH¢99,214 in 2008.
He said capital had also shot up from GH¢98,091 in December, 2007 to GH¢169,193 in December 2008, far above the Bank of Ghana’s requirements, adding that although the bank had crossed the threshold of GH¢150,000, it could declare and pay dividends.
As of now, the bank has a total clientele of 25,483 with 9,075 for savings, 8,332 for current accounts, and 7,876 for Susu. It also manages funds for the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Food and Budgetary Support (FABS), People With Disabilities (PWD) and Community Based Rural Development Project (CBRDP).
At the silver jubilee celebration of the bank, the board members proposed payment of dividend of GH¢O.015 per share, totalling GH¢46,254 to its 2,017 shareholders.
Over the years, the bank has energised the agricultural sector and granted loans for the production of tomatoes, maize, yams, cassava, beans and other varieties of crops.
It has also supported the production of Agbamevor or Kente to consolidate the claims that the area is the cradle of the cloth’s production.
At 25, it is unique that the computerisation programme of the bank would be realised by the end of this year to enhance the quality services it renders to its cherished customers.
To the shareholders and stakeholders, however, the computerisation process entailed enormous cost that called for the subscription of more shares to enable the bank to remain in competitive business.
The bank has been able to stand on its feet through the effective supervision of the Supervising Manager, Mr Joseph Sunu, who has served it for 23 years. He is the longest-serving member of staff, of all the 40 employees who are currently at post.
It has, however, not been easy for the Unity Rural Bank to come this far in the prevailing turbulent economic and financial market.
Friday, November 13, 2009
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF COLONIAL, POST-COLONIAL AFRICA LAUNCHED (PAGE 16, NOV 13)
A New book entitled, “Political Economy of Colonial and Post–Colonial Africa” and authored by a lecturer at the Ho Polytechnic, Mr Simon Amegashie-Viglo, has been launched at the auditorium of the polytechnic.
The 13-chapter book with a total of 244 pages was launched by the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku (retd).
Col. Necku commended the author and said it was a turning point for other potential writers to blaze the trail of others who had ventured into book writing, although it was a difficult adventure.
He said it was not easy to write a book because it required absolute peace of mind, unique sense of direction and purpose.
Col. Necku stressed the need for Ghanaians and the entire African continent to embark on a new cause in writing their own history in order to correct the distortions in our history books as written by the European colonialists.
He recommended the book to development planners, policy makers, students and the entire literate society, because it could contribute to enriching their knowledge.
Presenting the synopsis, Mr Amegashie-Viglo said writing a book was difficult, getting it published was more difficult, and the marketing much more difficult.
He said his main motivation was to disentangle the minds of people from the oppression and the superiority imposed on the African continent through the various stages of colonialism, imperialism, pan-Africanism, nationalism, post-colonial Africa, military interventions and third world indebtedness.
Others, he said, were dependency relations, concept of decentralisation and the evolution of decentralisation, adding that this was his humble contribution to add to the literature on political economy of Africa.
The 13-chapter book with a total of 244 pages was launched by the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku (retd).
Col. Necku commended the author and said it was a turning point for other potential writers to blaze the trail of others who had ventured into book writing, although it was a difficult adventure.
He said it was not easy to write a book because it required absolute peace of mind, unique sense of direction and purpose.
Col. Necku stressed the need for Ghanaians and the entire African continent to embark on a new cause in writing their own history in order to correct the distortions in our history books as written by the European colonialists.
He recommended the book to development planners, policy makers, students and the entire literate society, because it could contribute to enriching their knowledge.
Presenting the synopsis, Mr Amegashie-Viglo said writing a book was difficult, getting it published was more difficult, and the marketing much more difficult.
He said his main motivation was to disentangle the minds of people from the oppression and the superiority imposed on the African continent through the various stages of colonialism, imperialism, pan-Africanism, nationalism, post-colonial Africa, military interventions and third world indebtedness.
Others, he said, were dependency relations, concept of decentralisation and the evolution of decentralisation, adding that this was his humble contribution to add to the literature on political economy of Africa.
RESOLVE CONFLICT BETWEEN WAEC AND SHS MANAGEMENTS...Over declaration of exams results (PAGE 11, NOV 13)
THE 47th National Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has ended in Ho, with a call for the resolution of a conflict between the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) and senior high school (SHS) managements in respect of the announcement of final examination results and payment of school fees.
In view of the practice whereby WAEC persistently posts the results of the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on the Internet, long before it gets to schools, heads of the SHS may have no alternative than to be compelled to send examination candidates who still owe fees home, three clear weeks before the commencement of the final examination, until they pay fully.
This was contained in an 11-point communiqué signed by the National Secretary of CHASS, Mr Felix Essah-Hiemo, and issued at the end of the conference held in Ho on the theme, “ Senior High School Education: The challenges and the way forward”.
The communiqué passionately appealed to politicians to refrain from directly interfering with school administration, but rather use all due processes available to seek redress for problems.
It expressed appreciation for the continued efforts of the Government in providing vehicles to a good number of schools, and said the exercise was accelerated to cover all schools by the end of this academic year.
The communiqué said in order to ensure successful absorption of the fourth year students of the 2010-2011 academic year and to solve the serious accommodation problems of the schools, it was important to address the infrastructural needs of the schools and complete all existing projects with special attention to the less-endowed schools.
It, therefore, appealed to the Government to urgently review other fees such as school uniforms, house dresses, jerseys, examination stationery and postage to meet production costs of suppliers.
It further appreciated the Government’s efforts at adjusting the feeding cost per student from GH¢0.80 to GH¢ 1.20, but reiterated that it was woefully inadequate and must be adjusted upwards to bring it at par with the feeding cost per pupil per meal of the school feeding programme of basic schools to reflect current market prices.
The communiqué touched on the conditions of service pertaining to the appointment of substantive heads to schools, and said efforts must be intensified to avoid the situation where district directors were made to act as heads of schools for very long periods.
It also appealed to the Ghana Education Service to, as a matter of expediency, automatically promote all substantive heads who were still at the rank of assistant director 1 to the rank of deputy director.
The communiqué further appealed to the Government to increase the responsibility allowance for senior housemasters and heads of departments by 50 per cent of the salaries, pending the fulfilment of the proposal to make those positions as established posts which match with their salaries and allowances pro rata.
In view of the practice whereby WAEC persistently posts the results of the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on the Internet, long before it gets to schools, heads of the SHS may have no alternative than to be compelled to send examination candidates who still owe fees home, three clear weeks before the commencement of the final examination, until they pay fully.
This was contained in an 11-point communiqué signed by the National Secretary of CHASS, Mr Felix Essah-Hiemo, and issued at the end of the conference held in Ho on the theme, “ Senior High School Education: The challenges and the way forward”.
The communiqué passionately appealed to politicians to refrain from directly interfering with school administration, but rather use all due processes available to seek redress for problems.
It expressed appreciation for the continued efforts of the Government in providing vehicles to a good number of schools, and said the exercise was accelerated to cover all schools by the end of this academic year.
The communiqué said in order to ensure successful absorption of the fourth year students of the 2010-2011 academic year and to solve the serious accommodation problems of the schools, it was important to address the infrastructural needs of the schools and complete all existing projects with special attention to the less-endowed schools.
It, therefore, appealed to the Government to urgently review other fees such as school uniforms, house dresses, jerseys, examination stationery and postage to meet production costs of suppliers.
It further appreciated the Government’s efforts at adjusting the feeding cost per student from GH¢0.80 to GH¢ 1.20, but reiterated that it was woefully inadequate and must be adjusted upwards to bring it at par with the feeding cost per pupil per meal of the school feeding programme of basic schools to reflect current market prices.
The communiqué touched on the conditions of service pertaining to the appointment of substantive heads to schools, and said efforts must be intensified to avoid the situation where district directors were made to act as heads of schools for very long periods.
It also appealed to the Ghana Education Service to, as a matter of expediency, automatically promote all substantive heads who were still at the rank of assistant director 1 to the rank of deputy director.
The communiqué further appealed to the Government to increase the responsibility allowance for senior housemasters and heads of departments by 50 per cent of the salaries, pending the fulfilment of the proposal to make those positions as established posts which match with their salaries and allowances pro rata.
PROJECT TO MAKE VOLTA LAKE SAFER LAUNCHED (NOV 13, BACK PAGE)
A project to reduce accidents on the Volta Lake and also make travelling on the lake safer has been launched at Tapa Abotoase in the Biakoye District of the Volta Region.
Dubbed, “The Volta Lake Enhancement Project”, it is in response to a recent disaster on the lake which claimed the lives of more than 20 people.
The project, which is a collaboration among Zoil Services Limited, a subsidiary of Zoomlion, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), is aimed at reducing the loss of lives on the lake.
Under the project, 10,000 life jackets will be provided for boat operators and users, while 2,000 people will be recruited, trained and equipped with the capacity to monitor and ensure that lake users adopt safe practices in their operations.
The Naval patrol team on the lake will also be provided with speed boats, and disaster response/rescue teams will be provided with communication gadgets and other disaster management logistics will be established at vantage points along the lake.
Launching the project, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Aku Attivor, said GMA investigations indicated that major causes of accidents on the lake included overloading and drunkenness, lack of effective enforcement, licensing and sanction regimes for offenders, lack of satisfactory lake transport, incompetent boat operators, among other factors.
She noted that although the GMA and the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) had endeavoured to intensify efforts at implementing a number of lake safety measures, which led to a drastic reduction in the rate of accidents on the lake, recent events on the lake indicated that a lot more needed to be done.
She indicated that as part of efforts to improve safety on the lake, the MoT, together with the GMA, had embarked on regular educational campaigns in the communities along the lake.
For instance, brochures in English and the local languages had been produced on inland water safety code, she said.
In addition, she said, the MoT was setting up a fund to support the project and urged all district assemblies along the lake and other stakeholders to contribute their quota.
Proceeds from the fund are expected to be used to support boat owners to acquire modern and safer boats, remove stumps from the lake and secure patrol boats for the Naval task force.
Mrs Attivor expressed the MoT’s appreciation for the kind gesture of Zoomlion in supporting the ministry’s determination to make life more meaningful for communities along the Volta Lake.
The Director of the GMA, Mr I.P. Azumah, advised the people to use the life jackets donated for the purpose, not to be used as decorative items in the rooms of the recipients.
He noted that the use of softwood for boat construction, coupled with the tree stumps in the lake, did not augur well for safety.
He, therefore, called for alternative materials such as fibre glass and aluminium for the construction of boats to enhance the nature of the boats on the lake.
Zoomlion donated 1,000 life jackets, 10 motorbikes and 10 bicycles to the MoT to support the project. It also donated GH¢5,000 and 40 bags of rice as relief items to the victims of the October 19, 2009 accident.
Present at the ceremony were members of the Volta Regional Caucus in Parliament, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Transport, some district chief executives (DCEs) in the region and traditional rulers.
Dubbed, “The Volta Lake Enhancement Project”, it is in response to a recent disaster on the lake which claimed the lives of more than 20 people.
The project, which is a collaboration among Zoil Services Limited, a subsidiary of Zoomlion, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), is aimed at reducing the loss of lives on the lake.
Under the project, 10,000 life jackets will be provided for boat operators and users, while 2,000 people will be recruited, trained and equipped with the capacity to monitor and ensure that lake users adopt safe practices in their operations.
The Naval patrol team on the lake will also be provided with speed boats, and disaster response/rescue teams will be provided with communication gadgets and other disaster management logistics will be established at vantage points along the lake.
Launching the project, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Aku Attivor, said GMA investigations indicated that major causes of accidents on the lake included overloading and drunkenness, lack of effective enforcement, licensing and sanction regimes for offenders, lack of satisfactory lake transport, incompetent boat operators, among other factors.
She noted that although the GMA and the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) had endeavoured to intensify efforts at implementing a number of lake safety measures, which led to a drastic reduction in the rate of accidents on the lake, recent events on the lake indicated that a lot more needed to be done.
She indicated that as part of efforts to improve safety on the lake, the MoT, together with the GMA, had embarked on regular educational campaigns in the communities along the lake.
For instance, brochures in English and the local languages had been produced on inland water safety code, she said.
In addition, she said, the MoT was setting up a fund to support the project and urged all district assemblies along the lake and other stakeholders to contribute their quota.
Proceeds from the fund are expected to be used to support boat owners to acquire modern and safer boats, remove stumps from the lake and secure patrol boats for the Naval task force.
Mrs Attivor expressed the MoT’s appreciation for the kind gesture of Zoomlion in supporting the ministry’s determination to make life more meaningful for communities along the Volta Lake.
The Director of the GMA, Mr I.P. Azumah, advised the people to use the life jackets donated for the purpose, not to be used as decorative items in the rooms of the recipients.
He noted that the use of softwood for boat construction, coupled with the tree stumps in the lake, did not augur well for safety.
He, therefore, called for alternative materials such as fibre glass and aluminium for the construction of boats to enhance the nature of the boats on the lake.
Zoomlion donated 1,000 life jackets, 10 motorbikes and 10 bicycles to the MoT to support the project. It also donated GH¢5,000 and 40 bags of rice as relief items to the victims of the October 19, 2009 accident.
Present at the ceremony were members of the Volta Regional Caucus in Parliament, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Transport, some district chief executives (DCEs) in the region and traditional rulers.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
BEST FARMER SHARES IDEAS ON IMPROVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE (PAGE 23, NOV 7)
THE Second National Best Farmer for 1998, Mr Nicholas Fato, has stressed on the need for major transfers of agricultural officers from the grass roots to the top.
That, he said, was necessary because some of them had been in their stations for long periods of time and taken to drunkenness.
Mr Fato, who was also the overall Best Volta Regional Farmer in 1995, said extension officers should be paid well and inputs for farmers made more accessible to them by making sure that supplies are done on door-to-door basis.
He said bureaucracy was not good for peasant farmers, adding that the present arrangement where coupons for fertilisers and other farming inputs could be accessed between a distance of 20 and 30 kilometres from home was frustrating them.
According to Mr Fato, the land tenure system was another bottleneck which prevented the youth from venturing into agriculture.
He stated that availability and accessibility to land was very difficult and needed to be reviewed.
Mr Fato, who is also an international consultant on pragmatic consultancy in sustainable animal and crop production, said marketing of agricultural products should be redefined within the context of the School Feeding Programme and others, in order to make it the proper outlet for feeding Ghanaian children on what the nation produced.
Mr Fato, who had also won the best regional farmer awards for maize and rice in 1990 and 1992 respectively, said the nation had abundant potentials in agriculture but was still lagging behind in initiating the necessary policies required to feed the nation.
He said he was prepared to support the government towards the achievement of revolution in agriculture in Ghana.
That, he said, was necessary because some of them had been in their stations for long periods of time and taken to drunkenness.
Mr Fato, who was also the overall Best Volta Regional Farmer in 1995, said extension officers should be paid well and inputs for farmers made more accessible to them by making sure that supplies are done on door-to-door basis.
He said bureaucracy was not good for peasant farmers, adding that the present arrangement where coupons for fertilisers and other farming inputs could be accessed between a distance of 20 and 30 kilometres from home was frustrating them.
According to Mr Fato, the land tenure system was another bottleneck which prevented the youth from venturing into agriculture.
He stated that availability and accessibility to land was very difficult and needed to be reviewed.
Mr Fato, who is also an international consultant on pragmatic consultancy in sustainable animal and crop production, said marketing of agricultural products should be redefined within the context of the School Feeding Programme and others, in order to make it the proper outlet for feeding Ghanaian children on what the nation produced.
Mr Fato, who had also won the best regional farmer awards for maize and rice in 1990 and 1992 respectively, said the nation had abundant potentials in agriculture but was still lagging behind in initiating the necessary policies required to feed the nation.
He said he was prepared to support the government towards the achievement of revolution in agriculture in Ghana.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
PARENTS CANT FAIL TO SEND WARDS TO SCHOOL (NOV 3, PAGE 16)
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, has said there is no justification for any parent not to send his/her child to school, in view of the favourable policies initiated to reduce the burden on parents as far as the payment of school fees and the provision of school uniforms to pupils are concerned.
According to him, the Government had increased the quantum of the Capitation Grant by 50 per cent and the programme to provide free uniforms to 1.6 million pupils across the country would be implemented by the end of the first term of the 2009/10 academic year, in addition to the provision of 10 exercise books per child in basic schools.
He also said the Government was committed to continuing the school feeding programme, and would improve and expand coverage to more schools.
“ With these policies, no parent had the excuse for not sending their children to school because of his/ her inability to pay fees or provide school uniforms or books,” he declared.
Mr Amenowode was addressing a grand durbar to climax the 10th anniversary of the institution of the Akwantutenten festival of the chiefs and people of the Worawora Traditional Area in the non-functioning Biakoye District last weekend.
He announced that the Government was considering reviving the Worawora Nurses Training School into a midwifery school in collaboration with the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC), Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Ghana Health Service.
The regional minister called for the total co-operation and support of the chiefs and people of Worawora.
In an address, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah, said such festivals afforded the indigenes the opportunity to reconnect lost bonds which would otherwise not have been possible to recapture.
He said festivals were also networking platforms that enabled the people to discuss vital development issues.
Mr Asum –Ahensah underscored the need for the nation to reposition itself to take advantage of global tourism by using remarkable tools such as festivals and other significant customary practices to showcase the country’s rich values to the outside world.
He impressed on chiefs and elders to revive the interest of the youth in culture and to inculcate in them respect for elders and appreciation of traditional values which used to be the indicators of maturity.
In his welcoming address, the Woraworahene, Daasebre Asare Baah III, said a lot of investment opportunities had been identified in the area in respect of tourism development, rice milling, nursing training school, private hostel and accommodation for hospital and nursing training college, petrol and gas filling station, development of soccer academy and sports stadium, cold store facilities, and a Frequency Modulated(FM)station.
Others are the development of hotels and lakeside resorts at Kogokrom, commercial fresh water fishing along the Volta Lake, cash crop farming along the lake on the vast Worawora lands.
According to him, the Government had increased the quantum of the Capitation Grant by 50 per cent and the programme to provide free uniforms to 1.6 million pupils across the country would be implemented by the end of the first term of the 2009/10 academic year, in addition to the provision of 10 exercise books per child in basic schools.
He also said the Government was committed to continuing the school feeding programme, and would improve and expand coverage to more schools.
“ With these policies, no parent had the excuse for not sending their children to school because of his/ her inability to pay fees or provide school uniforms or books,” he declared.
Mr Amenowode was addressing a grand durbar to climax the 10th anniversary of the institution of the Akwantutenten festival of the chiefs and people of the Worawora Traditional Area in the non-functioning Biakoye District last weekend.
He announced that the Government was considering reviving the Worawora Nurses Training School into a midwifery school in collaboration with the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC), Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Ghana Health Service.
The regional minister called for the total co-operation and support of the chiefs and people of Worawora.
In an address, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensah, said such festivals afforded the indigenes the opportunity to reconnect lost bonds which would otherwise not have been possible to recapture.
He said festivals were also networking platforms that enabled the people to discuss vital development issues.
Mr Asum –Ahensah underscored the need for the nation to reposition itself to take advantage of global tourism by using remarkable tools such as festivals and other significant customary practices to showcase the country’s rich values to the outside world.
He impressed on chiefs and elders to revive the interest of the youth in culture and to inculcate in them respect for elders and appreciation of traditional values which used to be the indicators of maturity.
In his welcoming address, the Woraworahene, Daasebre Asare Baah III, said a lot of investment opportunities had been identified in the area in respect of tourism development, rice milling, nursing training school, private hostel and accommodation for hospital and nursing training college, petrol and gas filling station, development of soccer academy and sports stadium, cold store facilities, and a Frequency Modulated(FM)station.
Others are the development of hotels and lakeside resorts at Kogokrom, commercial fresh water fishing along the Volta Lake, cash crop farming along the lake on the vast Worawora lands.
WORAWORAHENE CALLS FOR PROBE INTO BIAKOYE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY (NOV 3, PAGE 16)
The Woraworahene, Dasebre Asare Baah III, has called on the Government to institute a probe into the expenditure of the Biakoye District Assembly in order to bring to book those who misused the district assembly’s common fund allocated to the non-functional district.
He said available information indicated that the new district’s share of the District Assemblies Common fund had been spent by the functionaries of the previous Government although the district assembly never functioned.
Daasebre Asare Baah made the call in a speech he delivered on the theme: “A decade of peace, cultural revival and development” at a durbar to climax the 10th Akwantutenten festival celebration of the people of Worawora last weekend.
He said it was unfortunate that the issue of where the capital of the new district should be sited was creating a problem for Biakoye, adding that the previous government created a district all right, but announced the capital at a different location without any prior consultation with the chiefs in the new district.
He said the action was contrary to the wishes of five paramount chiefs in the area, who in the year 2000 sent a petition to the then government to create the Biakoye District out of the Jasikan District and came to a consensus that should the district be created, the district capital should be at Worawora.
Daasebre Asare Baah, therefore, implored President John Atta Mills to use his good offices to resolve the Biakoye issue as majority of the people in the district approved of Worawora as the proposed capital.
Touching on the issue, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, pleaded with all stakeholders, especially chiefs and elders of the land to reflect on the rather unfortunate situation that the district assembly was not functioning.
He said the harm the delay in inaugurating the assembly was doing to the development agenda of the area was enormous, and that, “it is only when we have a functioning district and district chief executive in office that the utilisation of resources for the accelerated development of your area would begin”.
He said available information indicated that the new district’s share of the District Assemblies Common fund had been spent by the functionaries of the previous Government although the district assembly never functioned.
Daasebre Asare Baah made the call in a speech he delivered on the theme: “A decade of peace, cultural revival and development” at a durbar to climax the 10th Akwantutenten festival celebration of the people of Worawora last weekend.
He said it was unfortunate that the issue of where the capital of the new district should be sited was creating a problem for Biakoye, adding that the previous government created a district all right, but announced the capital at a different location without any prior consultation with the chiefs in the new district.
He said the action was contrary to the wishes of five paramount chiefs in the area, who in the year 2000 sent a petition to the then government to create the Biakoye District out of the Jasikan District and came to a consensus that should the district be created, the district capital should be at Worawora.
Daasebre Asare Baah, therefore, implored President John Atta Mills to use his good offices to resolve the Biakoye issue as majority of the people in the district approved of Worawora as the proposed capital.
Touching on the issue, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, pleaded with all stakeholders, especially chiefs and elders of the land to reflect on the rather unfortunate situation that the district assembly was not functioning.
He said the harm the delay in inaugurating the assembly was doing to the development agenda of the area was enormous, and that, “it is only when we have a functioning district and district chief executive in office that the utilisation of resources for the accelerated development of your area would begin”.
Monday, November 2, 2009
DON'T USE FAKE INSURANCE STICKERS (PAGE 38, NOV 2)
THE Volta Regional Manager of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr Elvis Gbesemete, has warned drivers and vehicle owners against pasting fake insurance stickers on their vehicles.
He said the use of fake insurance stickers was undermining efforts of insurance companies, as well as putting the lives of passengers at risk in the event of any accident on the road.
Mr Gbesemete gave the warning at the launch of the 10th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the NRSC and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ho last Wednesday.
He called for the opening of DVLA offices in all districts and municipalities within the region in order to lessen the drudgery in acquiring the necessary papers and driver’s licences.
Mr Gbesemete announced that Volta Region came first in a national competition on road discipline last year, and saluted all stakeholders for their commitment towards the achievement.
He called for more logistics in order to strengthen road safety committees at the grass roots.
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Reverend David Ampah-Bennin, advised drivers to adopt tactics of defensive driving and have better understanding of road signs to reduce road accidents.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, said in spite of the concerted effort by the Government to develop the road sector, a major challenge facing the transport sector was how to keep the roads safe and minimise loss of lives and property through accidents.
He impressed upon the NRSC to strengthen partnership with the police to check unqualified drivers, overloading, expired road worthy certificates, refusal to fasten seat belts and general indiscipline on the roads.
A Principal Technical Officer of DVLA, Mr Godson Wemegah, called for more research into the causes of accidents in order to address weaknesses in the system.
The Executive Director of Road Safety Enforcement Foundation (ROSEF), a non-governmental organisation, Togbui Dunyo, said the foundation would bridge the gap between the police and drivers to eliminate antagonism and the fear between the two bodies.
Mr Dunyo pledged support for the road safety commission in order to bring more dignity into the driving profession.
He said the use of fake insurance stickers was undermining efforts of insurance companies, as well as putting the lives of passengers at risk in the event of any accident on the road.
Mr Gbesemete gave the warning at the launch of the 10th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the NRSC and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ho last Wednesday.
He called for the opening of DVLA offices in all districts and municipalities within the region in order to lessen the drudgery in acquiring the necessary papers and driver’s licences.
Mr Gbesemete announced that Volta Region came first in a national competition on road discipline last year, and saluted all stakeholders for their commitment towards the achievement.
He called for more logistics in order to strengthen road safety committees at the grass roots.
The Volta Regional Police Commander, Reverend David Ampah-Bennin, advised drivers to adopt tactics of defensive driving and have better understanding of road signs to reduce road accidents.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, said in spite of the concerted effort by the Government to develop the road sector, a major challenge facing the transport sector was how to keep the roads safe and minimise loss of lives and property through accidents.
He impressed upon the NRSC to strengthen partnership with the police to check unqualified drivers, overloading, expired road worthy certificates, refusal to fasten seat belts and general indiscipline on the roads.
A Principal Technical Officer of DVLA, Mr Godson Wemegah, called for more research into the causes of accidents in order to address weaknesses in the system.
The Executive Director of Road Safety Enforcement Foundation (ROSEF), a non-governmental organisation, Togbui Dunyo, said the foundation would bridge the gap between the police and drivers to eliminate antagonism and the fear between the two bodies.
Mr Dunyo pledged support for the road safety commission in order to bring more dignity into the driving profession.
Friday, October 30, 2009
HO POLY COLLABORATES WITH FOREIGN SCHOOLS (PAGE 11, OCT 30)
THE Ho Polytechnic has entered into a number of agreements with high-class foreign educational institutions, with a view to providing its students with progression to higher academic and professional qualification.
In line with this, a team of lecturers from the polytechnic and others from the Accra polytechnic have left for the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom (UK) to work on a possible progression route to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) for students of the Department of Building and Civil Engineering.
In addition, the polytechnic is establishing a link with the University of Teesside in the UK for developing capacity in distance learning for training personnel for the oil and gas industry.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Komla Dzisi, announced this at the matriculation ceremony for 1,703 fresh students admitted to the polytechnic this academic year.
He said four students were currently in the United States of America undertaking a one year programme at a community college, stressing that it demanded hard work to enable them to benefit from the highly competitive programme.
He cautioned the students against the new “freedom” they perceived to be enjoying, having graduated from senior high school into a polytechnic, adding that, “ this freedom is not absolute and comes with a lot of responsibility on your part as well”.
He drew their attention to unacceptable behaviour like physical assault, willful destruction of polytechnic property, sexual molestation, illicit drugs and occultism, adding that the polytechnic would not condone any behaviour within or outside the campus which contravened the laws of the land and brought the name of the polytechnic into disrepute.
In an address, the Chairman of Polytechnic Council, Professor A.A Adimado, said over 3,000 candidates, sought admission into the polytechnic and that the new students must consider themselves very lucky to have earned a place.
He said with their admission, they had begun a new orientation in life and in a process of forging new relationships with persons from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds with the academic horizon certainly getting wider and wider.
Prof. Adimado therefore urged them to avoid any peer influences that could distract their attention from academic work.
The Registrar of the polytechnic, Mr Francis Dzineku, administered the oath of matriculation to the new students.
In line with this, a team of lecturers from the polytechnic and others from the Accra polytechnic have left for the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom (UK) to work on a possible progression route to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) for students of the Department of Building and Civil Engineering.
In addition, the polytechnic is establishing a link with the University of Teesside in the UK for developing capacity in distance learning for training personnel for the oil and gas industry.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Komla Dzisi, announced this at the matriculation ceremony for 1,703 fresh students admitted to the polytechnic this academic year.
He said four students were currently in the United States of America undertaking a one year programme at a community college, stressing that it demanded hard work to enable them to benefit from the highly competitive programme.
He cautioned the students against the new “freedom” they perceived to be enjoying, having graduated from senior high school into a polytechnic, adding that, “ this freedom is not absolute and comes with a lot of responsibility on your part as well”.
He drew their attention to unacceptable behaviour like physical assault, willful destruction of polytechnic property, sexual molestation, illicit drugs and occultism, adding that the polytechnic would not condone any behaviour within or outside the campus which contravened the laws of the land and brought the name of the polytechnic into disrepute.
In an address, the Chairman of Polytechnic Council, Professor A.A Adimado, said over 3,000 candidates, sought admission into the polytechnic and that the new students must consider themselves very lucky to have earned a place.
He said with their admission, they had begun a new orientation in life and in a process of forging new relationships with persons from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds with the academic horizon certainly getting wider and wider.
Prof. Adimado therefore urged them to avoid any peer influences that could distract their attention from academic work.
The Registrar of the polytechnic, Mr Francis Dzineku, administered the oath of matriculation to the new students.
HO POLY COLLABORATES WITH FOREIGN SCHOOLS (PAGE 11, OCT 30)
THE Ho Polytechnic has entered into a number of agreements with high-class foreign educational institutions, with a view to providing its students with progression to higher academic and professional qualification.
In line with this, a team of lecturers from the polytechnic and others from the Accra polytechnic have left for the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom (UK) to work on a possible progression route to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) for students of the Department of Building and Civil Engineering.
In addition, the polytechnic is establishing a link with the University of Teesside in the UK for developing capacity in distance learning for training personnel for the oil and gas industry.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Komla Dzisi, announced this at the matriculation ceremony for 1,703 fresh students admitted to the polytechnic this academic year.
He said four students were currently in the United States of America undertaking a one year programme at a community college, stressing that it demanded hard work to enable them to benefit from the highly competitive programme.
He cautioned the students against the new “freedom” they perceived to be enjoying, having graduated from senior high school into a polytechnic, adding that, “ this freedom is not absolute and comes with a lot of responsibility on your part as well”.
He drew their attention to unacceptable behaviour like physical assault, willful destruction of polytechnic property, sexual molestation, illicit drugs and occultism, adding that the polytechnic would not condone any behaviour within or outside the campus which contravened the laws of the land and brought the name of the polytechnic into disrepute.
In an address, the Chairman of Polytechnic Council, Professor A.A Adimado, said over 3,000 candidates, sought admission into the polytechnic and that the new students must consider themselves very lucky to have earned a place.
He said with their admission, they had begun a new orientation in life and in a process of forging new relationships with persons from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds with the academic horizon certainly getting wider and wider.
Prof. Adimado therefore urged them to avoid any peer influences that could distract their attention from academic work.
The Registrar of the polytechnic, Mr Francis Dzineku, administered the oath of matriculation to the new students.
In line with this, a team of lecturers from the polytechnic and others from the Accra polytechnic have left for the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom (UK) to work on a possible progression route to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) for students of the Department of Building and Civil Engineering.
In addition, the polytechnic is establishing a link with the University of Teesside in the UK for developing capacity in distance learning for training personnel for the oil and gas industry.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Komla Dzisi, announced this at the matriculation ceremony for 1,703 fresh students admitted to the polytechnic this academic year.
He said four students were currently in the United States of America undertaking a one year programme at a community college, stressing that it demanded hard work to enable them to benefit from the highly competitive programme.
He cautioned the students against the new “freedom” they perceived to be enjoying, having graduated from senior high school into a polytechnic, adding that, “ this freedom is not absolute and comes with a lot of responsibility on your part as well”.
He drew their attention to unacceptable behaviour like physical assault, willful destruction of polytechnic property, sexual molestation, illicit drugs and occultism, adding that the polytechnic would not condone any behaviour within or outside the campus which contravened the laws of the land and brought the name of the polytechnic into disrepute.
In an address, the Chairman of Polytechnic Council, Professor A.A Adimado, said over 3,000 candidates, sought admission into the polytechnic and that the new students must consider themselves very lucky to have earned a place.
He said with their admission, they had begun a new orientation in life and in a process of forging new relationships with persons from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds with the academic horizon certainly getting wider and wider.
Prof. Adimado therefore urged them to avoid any peer influences that could distract their attention from academic work.
The Registrar of the polytechnic, Mr Francis Dzineku, administered the oath of matriculation to the new students.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
TEN MORE LAKE DISASTER BODIES ETRIEVED (BACK PAGE, OCT 28)
TEN more bodies of those who were drowned in the recent boat disaster at Wusuta-Tornu have been retrieved.
This brings to 12 the number of bodies so far retrieved, with hope diminishing for any further find.
Meanwhile, the upkeep of 24 children rescued from the disaster is still a challenge to the community, since some of them lost their parents in the tragedy.
The Assembly Member for the Tornu Electoral Area, Mr Emmanuel Afelete, gave this updates following the disaster last week Monday.
He said the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, had visited the community to console the people who, in turn, discussed problems in the area, particularly the poor road network, with the regional minister.
The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, had also presented a bag of rice and some cooking oil to the victims, he noted.
Mr Afelete also said some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Kpando Central Constituency had visited the people to sympathise with them.
This brings to 12 the number of bodies so far retrieved, with hope diminishing for any further find.
Meanwhile, the upkeep of 24 children rescued from the disaster is still a challenge to the community, since some of them lost their parents in the tragedy.
The Assembly Member for the Tornu Electoral Area, Mr Emmanuel Afelete, gave this updates following the disaster last week Monday.
He said the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, had visited the community to console the people who, in turn, discussed problems in the area, particularly the poor road network, with the regional minister.
The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, had also presented a bag of rice and some cooking oil to the victims, he noted.
Mr Afelete also said some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Kpando Central Constituency had visited the people to sympathise with them.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
VOLTA LAKE DISASTER: TWO MORE BODIES DISCOVERED (BACK PAGE OCT 4)
TWO bodies, a male and a female, suspected to be victims of the recent boat disaster at Wusuta-Tornu in the Kpando District have been washed ashore at Agordeke in the Afram Plains.
According to the Assembly Member of the Tornu Electoral Area, Mr Emmanuel Afelete, the bodies had been deposited in a mortuary under the instruction of the Donkorkrom Police, pending their transfer to Kpando.
He said a search party of local divers was still searching for drowned victims.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Wusuta Traditional Area, Togbe Osei Tutu Brempong III, says his people have been struck with grief and shock over the boat accident, noting that they have suffered a series of boat tragedies from time to time ever since the construction of the Akosombo Dam in 1964.
He said the people, who are mainly farmers, encountered those tragedies when they travelled to markets at Dzemeni and Wusuta Kpebe-Tornu to sell their agricultural produce.
A press release signed by the chief and issued in Ho last Thursday said the tragedies occurred as a result of many factors, including the lack of supervision of boat owners to ensure that good boats, standard machines and accessories were used.
Others were the non-adherence to loading capacity and the absence of life jackets, as recommended by the Justice Gyaesayor Committee of Enquiry into the Abotoase Boat Disaster.
“With modern technology, it is our wish and appeal to the government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to come to our aid by introducing fibre glass boats with safe devices.
“It is also our wish that the tree stumps which obstruct smooth sail on the lake should be removed,” the release stated.
It said with the current population of the traditional area of about 8,000, there was the need to upgrade the health centre accordingly and also provide potable water to protect the people from guinea worm and other water-borne diseases.
The release appealed for the construction and tarring of the road from Vakpo to Wusuta Kpebe and Tornu, adding that communication companies should extend their services to the area.
It expressed profound condolences to the bereaved families.
According to the Assembly Member of the Tornu Electoral Area, Mr Emmanuel Afelete, the bodies had been deposited in a mortuary under the instruction of the Donkorkrom Police, pending their transfer to Kpando.
He said a search party of local divers was still searching for drowned victims.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Wusuta Traditional Area, Togbe Osei Tutu Brempong III, says his people have been struck with grief and shock over the boat accident, noting that they have suffered a series of boat tragedies from time to time ever since the construction of the Akosombo Dam in 1964.
He said the people, who are mainly farmers, encountered those tragedies when they travelled to markets at Dzemeni and Wusuta Kpebe-Tornu to sell their agricultural produce.
A press release signed by the chief and issued in Ho last Thursday said the tragedies occurred as a result of many factors, including the lack of supervision of boat owners to ensure that good boats, standard machines and accessories were used.
Others were the non-adherence to loading capacity and the absence of life jackets, as recommended by the Justice Gyaesayor Committee of Enquiry into the Abotoase Boat Disaster.
“With modern technology, it is our wish and appeal to the government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to come to our aid by introducing fibre glass boats with safe devices.
“It is also our wish that the tree stumps which obstruct smooth sail on the lake should be removed,” the release stated.
It said with the current population of the traditional area of about 8,000, there was the need to upgrade the health centre accordingly and also provide potable water to protect the people from guinea worm and other water-borne diseases.
The release appealed for the construction and tarring of the road from Vakpo to Wusuta Kpebe and Tornu, adding that communication companies should extend their services to the area.
It expressed profound condolences to the bereaved families.
Friday, October 23, 2009
GHANAIANS URGED TO SUSTAIN PREVAILING PEACE (PAGE 21, OCT 23)
THE Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku(retd), has stressed the need for Ghanaians to sustain the prevailing peace and unity in the country to speed up the progress of the nation.
“We should not in our actions or inaction cause resources meant for development to be diverted into conflict resolution and conflict management,” he cautioned, adding, “We must not allow our actions to cause the destruction of
the available infrastructure”.
Col. Necku was addressing a durbar to commemorate the eighth edition of the Oil Palm festival (“DEZA”) by the people of Dzodze Traditional Area at Dzodze in the Ketu-North District last weekend.
He said national growth would be stunted if the nation allowed itself to suffer from negative practices and, therefore, made a clarion call against conflicts, adding, "conflicts had made the Government spent huge sums of money in peacekeeping and conflict resolution at the expense of socio-economic development”.
Col. Necku, therefore, urged the people to use the festive occasion and subsequent ones to forge ahead in togetherness, work in peace, love and unity so as to contribute positively to the development of their communities in particular and the nation as a whole.
He called on the people to be security-conscious to avoid chieftaincy and land disputes, which have already bedeviled many communities and suppressed conscious efforts at development.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu-North, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, announced that a proposal had been approved to extend electricity to 47 communities in the Ketu-North Constituency.
He also said the Government had acquired a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of the Akatsi-Akanu and the Akatsi-Agbozume-Aflao roads.
He underscored the multiple economic values of the oil palm and said he was happy that the people had developed interest in cultivating the crop and thus introduced a festival to that effect.
Mr Avedzi urged them to investigate the viability of an oil palm nursery set-up at Dekpor by the previous government at Dekpor in order to rehabilitate it to provide them with seedlings.
`In a welcoming address, the Chairman of the DEZA Planning Committee, Mr Prince Kluga Ahiadzro, said the festival offered a platform to express profound congratulations to the President John Evans Atta Mills and his vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on their election to the highest offices of the land.“We declare our unflinching support to you and the Government in all spheres of national development,” he stated.
Mr Ahiadzro appealed to the Government to consider the establishment of a senior high//technical institute in the Dzodze Traditional Area to serve the Ketu-North and Ketu-South.
He urged the youth to rise up to the task of supporting the elders in meaningful development, adding that they should shun acts that were socially unacceptable.
The Chairman for the occasion, Mr Justice Amegashi, who is the acting Chief Executive of the Vehicle Examination and Licensing Division (VELD), commended the people for their industry, and said they should uphold the production of “Dzomi”, a highly nutritious residue of palm oil.
“We should not in our actions or inaction cause resources meant for development to be diverted into conflict resolution and conflict management,” he cautioned, adding, “We must not allow our actions to cause the destruction of
the available infrastructure”.
Col. Necku was addressing a durbar to commemorate the eighth edition of the Oil Palm festival (“DEZA”) by the people of Dzodze Traditional Area at Dzodze in the Ketu-North District last weekend.
He said national growth would be stunted if the nation allowed itself to suffer from negative practices and, therefore, made a clarion call against conflicts, adding, "conflicts had made the Government spent huge sums of money in peacekeeping and conflict resolution at the expense of socio-economic development”.
Col. Necku, therefore, urged the people to use the festive occasion and subsequent ones to forge ahead in togetherness, work in peace, love and unity so as to contribute positively to the development of their communities in particular and the nation as a whole.
He called on the people to be security-conscious to avoid chieftaincy and land disputes, which have already bedeviled many communities and suppressed conscious efforts at development.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu-North, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, announced that a proposal had been approved to extend electricity to 47 communities in the Ketu-North Constituency.
He also said the Government had acquired a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of the Akatsi-Akanu and the Akatsi-Agbozume-Aflao roads.
He underscored the multiple economic values of the oil palm and said he was happy that the people had developed interest in cultivating the crop and thus introduced a festival to that effect.
Mr Avedzi urged them to investigate the viability of an oil palm nursery set-up at Dekpor by the previous government at Dekpor in order to rehabilitate it to provide them with seedlings.
`In a welcoming address, the Chairman of the DEZA Planning Committee, Mr Prince Kluga Ahiadzro, said the festival offered a platform to express profound congratulations to the President John Evans Atta Mills and his vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on their election to the highest offices of the land.“We declare our unflinching support to you and the Government in all spheres of national development,” he stated.
Mr Ahiadzro appealed to the Government to consider the establishment of a senior high//technical institute in the Dzodze Traditional Area to serve the Ketu-North and Ketu-South.
He urged the youth to rise up to the task of supporting the elders in meaningful development, adding that they should shun acts that were socially unacceptable.
The Chairman for the occasion, Mr Justice Amegashi, who is the acting Chief Executive of the Vehicle Examination and Licensing Division (VELD), commended the people for their industry, and said they should uphold the production of “Dzomi”, a highly nutritious residue of palm oil.
GHANAIANS URGED TO SUSTAIN PREVAILING PEACE (PAGE 21, OCT 23)
THE Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku(retd), has stressed the need for Ghanaians to sustain the prevailing peace and unity in the country to speed up the progress of the nation.
“We should not in our actions or inaction cause resources meant for development to be diverted into conflict resolution and conflict management,” he cautioned, adding, “We must not allow our actions to cause the destruction of
the available infrastructure”.
Col. Necku was addressing a durbar to commemorate the eighth edition of the Oil Palm festival (“DEZA”) by the people of Dzodze Traditional Area at Dzodze in the Ketu-North District last weekend.
He said national growth would be stunted if the nation allowed itself to suffer from negative practices and, therefore, made a clarion call against conflicts, adding, "conflicts had made the Government spent huge sums of money in peacekeeping and conflict resolution at the expense of socio-economic development”.
Col. Necku, therefore, urged the people to use the festive occasion and subsequent ones to forge ahead in togetherness, work in peace, love and unity so as to contribute positively to the development of their communities in particular and the nation as a whole.
He called on the people to be security-conscious to avoid chieftaincy and land disputes, which have already bedeviled many communities and suppressed conscious efforts at development.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu-North, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, announced that a proposal had been approved to extend electricity to 47 communities in the Ketu-North Constituency.
He also said the Government had acquired a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of the Akatsi-Akanu and the Akatsi-Agbozume-Aflao roads.
He underscored the multiple economic values of the oil palm and said he was happy that the people had developed interest in cultivating the crop and thus introduced a festival to that effect.
Mr Avedzi urged them to investigate the viability of an oil palm nursery set-up at Dekpor by the previous government at Dekpor in order to rehabilitate it to provide them with seedlings.
`In a welcoming address, the Chairman of the DEZA Planning Committee, Mr Prince Kluga Ahiadzro, said the festival offered a platform to express profound congratulations to the President John Evans Atta Mills and his vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on their election to the highest offices of the land.“We declare our unflinching support to you and the Government in all spheres of national development,” he stated.
Mr Ahiadzro appealed to the Government to consider the establishment of a senior high//technical institute in the Dzodze Traditional Area to serve the Ketu-North and Ketu-South.
He urged the youth to rise up to the task of supporting the elders in meaningful development, adding that they should shun acts that were socially unacceptable.
The Chairman for the occasion, Mr Justice Amegashi, who is the acting Chief Executive of the Vehicle Examination and Licensing Division (VELD), commended the people for their industry, and said they should uphold the production of “Dzomi”, a highly nutritious residue of palm oil.
“We should not in our actions or inaction cause resources meant for development to be diverted into conflict resolution and conflict management,” he cautioned, adding, “We must not allow our actions to cause the destruction of
the available infrastructure”.
Col. Necku was addressing a durbar to commemorate the eighth edition of the Oil Palm festival (“DEZA”) by the people of Dzodze Traditional Area at Dzodze in the Ketu-North District last weekend.
He said national growth would be stunted if the nation allowed itself to suffer from negative practices and, therefore, made a clarion call against conflicts, adding, "conflicts had made the Government spent huge sums of money in peacekeeping and conflict resolution at the expense of socio-economic development”.
Col. Necku, therefore, urged the people to use the festive occasion and subsequent ones to forge ahead in togetherness, work in peace, love and unity so as to contribute positively to the development of their communities in particular and the nation as a whole.
He called on the people to be security-conscious to avoid chieftaincy and land disputes, which have already bedeviled many communities and suppressed conscious efforts at development.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu-North, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, announced that a proposal had been approved to extend electricity to 47 communities in the Ketu-North Constituency.
He also said the Government had acquired a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of the Akatsi-Akanu and the Akatsi-Agbozume-Aflao roads.
He underscored the multiple economic values of the oil palm and said he was happy that the people had developed interest in cultivating the crop and thus introduced a festival to that effect.
Mr Avedzi urged them to investigate the viability of an oil palm nursery set-up at Dekpor by the previous government at Dekpor in order to rehabilitate it to provide them with seedlings.
`In a welcoming address, the Chairman of the DEZA Planning Committee, Mr Prince Kluga Ahiadzro, said the festival offered a platform to express profound congratulations to the President John Evans Atta Mills and his vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on their election to the highest offices of the land.“We declare our unflinching support to you and the Government in all spheres of national development,” he stated.
Mr Ahiadzro appealed to the Government to consider the establishment of a senior high//technical institute in the Dzodze Traditional Area to serve the Ketu-North and Ketu-South.
He urged the youth to rise up to the task of supporting the elders in meaningful development, adding that they should shun acts that were socially unacceptable.
The Chairman for the occasion, Mr Justice Amegashi, who is the acting Chief Executive of the Vehicle Examination and Licensing Division (VELD), commended the people for their industry, and said they should uphold the production of “Dzomi”, a highly nutritious residue of palm oil.
VOLTA LAKE DISASTER SOS FROM VICTIMS (PAGE 3, OCT 23)
THE people of Wusuta are in dire need of state intervention to enable them retrieve the bodies of some of their relatives who drowned in the boat accident that occurred on the Volta Lake last Sunday.
That came to light at a durbar last Tuesday, during which the assembly member for the area was confronted to account for contributions made by families for the purchase of premix fuel for local divers to search for the dead bodies.
All the local divers had abandoned the search for dead bodies, while waiting for funds which were not immediately available.
They had intensified their search at Avate-Tornu, Kpando-Torkor and Dzorkpo but could not find any dead body, despite rumours that some of the bodies had been seen floating at Avate-Tornu last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, five families have claimed 18 bodies retrieved from the lake following the disaster. They are Pastor Gudu, who lost six relatives; the Tseyi Family, five; the Vincent Cudjoe Family, two; the Killian Tetteh Family, three, and Dovi Avuwada Family, two.
In another development, the Anfoega Police have arrested a fisherman, Kofi Adzen, the sailor of one of the boats involved in the accident, and they are keeping him in police custody at Kpando.
It would be recalled that two boats carrying some mourners who were returning from the funeral of a school pupil at Wusuta in the Kpando District to the Afram Plains encountered a storm.
As a result, the boats capsized and 20 people got drowned while 17 others were rescued by a teacher, Mr Raphael Nanikuma.
The boat disaster has left the people of Wusuta-Tornu in a state of confusion as relatives are found in a pensive mood awaiting any news of the recovery of dead bodies from the lake.
That came to light at a durbar last Tuesday, during which the assembly member for the area was confronted to account for contributions made by families for the purchase of premix fuel for local divers to search for the dead bodies.
All the local divers had abandoned the search for dead bodies, while waiting for funds which were not immediately available.
They had intensified their search at Avate-Tornu, Kpando-Torkor and Dzorkpo but could not find any dead body, despite rumours that some of the bodies had been seen floating at Avate-Tornu last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, five families have claimed 18 bodies retrieved from the lake following the disaster. They are Pastor Gudu, who lost six relatives; the Tseyi Family, five; the Vincent Cudjoe Family, two; the Killian Tetteh Family, three, and Dovi Avuwada Family, two.
In another development, the Anfoega Police have arrested a fisherman, Kofi Adzen, the sailor of one of the boats involved in the accident, and they are keeping him in police custody at Kpando.
It would be recalled that two boats carrying some mourners who were returning from the funeral of a school pupil at Wusuta in the Kpando District to the Afram Plains encountered a storm.
As a result, the boats capsized and 20 people got drowned while 17 others were rescued by a teacher, Mr Raphael Nanikuma.
The boat disaster has left the people of Wusuta-Tornu in a state of confusion as relatives are found in a pensive mood awaiting any news of the recovery of dead bodies from the lake.
Friday, October 16, 2009
CHRISTIANS URGED TO JOIN FORCES TO FACE CHALLENGES (PAGE 26, OCT 16)
THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church, Right Reverend Francis Amenu, has stressed the need for Ghanaians to join forces to overcome the challenges of the time.
He said what might seem to be impossible could be accomplished through a united front, backed by the blessings of God.
Rt Rev Amenu was delivering a sermon to climax the centenary celebration of the Old Baika branch of the EP Church at Old Baika in the Jasikan District last weekend.
It was on the theme: “Uniting for Development”.
Rt Rev Amenu said there could be disagreements and conflicts in the pursuits of life but with a common goal, determination and as a united community of believers, they had made great achievements and produced many notable persons.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jasikan, Nana Kumessy Bonsi, paid tribute to the forebears of the church for their resilience and fortitude, adding that their activities had impacted positively on the lives of the people.
Nana Kumessy Bonsi urged the church to speak for the common man and tell the truth to all manner of people, including politicians, adding that the church should serve as a check towards good management of institutions and reprimand those who mismanaged affairs.
The Chief of the town, Nana Kwaku Dua III, testified that the 100 years existence of the EP Church in the town had resulted in producing many quality sons and daughters for the town.
He said what might seem to be impossible could be accomplished through a united front, backed by the blessings of God.
Rt Rev Amenu was delivering a sermon to climax the centenary celebration of the Old Baika branch of the EP Church at Old Baika in the Jasikan District last weekend.
It was on the theme: “Uniting for Development”.
Rt Rev Amenu said there could be disagreements and conflicts in the pursuits of life but with a common goal, determination and as a united community of believers, they had made great achievements and produced many notable persons.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jasikan, Nana Kumessy Bonsi, paid tribute to the forebears of the church for their resilience and fortitude, adding that their activities had impacted positively on the lives of the people.
Nana Kumessy Bonsi urged the church to speak for the common man and tell the truth to all manner of people, including politicians, adding that the church should serve as a check towards good management of institutions and reprimand those who mismanaged affairs.
The Chief of the town, Nana Kwaku Dua III, testified that the 100 years existence of the EP Church in the town had resulted in producing many quality sons and daughters for the town.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
OBSERVATIONS FROM THE ASOGLI FESTIVAL (PAGE 35)
ALTHOUGH the extended family system has lost its strength in the Ghanaian society, there are many occasions and festivals that sought to reinforce this great value of the African society.
During festivals, many activities are held to reunite families by sharing food together, tracing old bonds at ancestral homes, making new friends and the revival of cultural values.
Therefore, the celebration of this year’s Asogli yam festival on the theme: “Uniting for development”, was a unique one aimed at espousing the culture and traditions of the people to the outside world hence, the launch of a tourist and business guide at Ho to underscore the celebration.
The celebration of yam festivals by the Ewe tribe was inherited from their ancestral home, Notsie in the Republic of Togo.
The festival is considered as periods of honour to the gods of the land for their guidance during the entire period from planting through harvesting.
The significance of the yam festival to the Asogli people is to foster unity through forgiveness and reconciliation, annual stocktaking event for all occupational endeavours, especially farming, mobilisation of both human and material resources for Asogli State for job creation and to serve as an annual re-affirmation by all chiefs and their subjects in the Asogli State to the Agbogbome stool.
The effect of the Asogli yam festival on national development cannot be underestimated because the patronage and sponsorship entailed in the celebration was always overwhelming.
The festival could be rated as the leading festival of contemporary times in the Volta Region that was why people attached pomp and pageantry to the event.
The input of telecommunication industries such as Vodafone during the festival was marvellous because the company created jobs for young boys and girls in the area during the period of celebration.
A market was created for many products such as food, water, fuel, hotel accommodation, entertainment and transportation.
Visits by many tourists to the Adaklu mountain was also a side attraction of the festival.
According to history, the Asogli people like most Ewe speaking people, traced their origin to a place called Abyssinian which is now known as Ethiopia.
They migrated with other Ewes from Abyssinia to Oyo in Yoruba land in Western Nigeria, from where they moved to Ketu in Dahomey now Benin, before settling at Notsie in present day Republic of Togo in the 12th Century.
During festivals, many activities are held to reunite families by sharing food together, tracing old bonds at ancestral homes, making new friends and the revival of cultural values.
Therefore, the celebration of this year’s Asogli yam festival on the theme: “Uniting for development”, was a unique one aimed at espousing the culture and traditions of the people to the outside world hence, the launch of a tourist and business guide at Ho to underscore the celebration.
The celebration of yam festivals by the Ewe tribe was inherited from their ancestral home, Notsie in the Republic of Togo.
The festival is considered as periods of honour to the gods of the land for their guidance during the entire period from planting through harvesting.
The significance of the yam festival to the Asogli people is to foster unity through forgiveness and reconciliation, annual stocktaking event for all occupational endeavours, especially farming, mobilisation of both human and material resources for Asogli State for job creation and to serve as an annual re-affirmation by all chiefs and their subjects in the Asogli State to the Agbogbome stool.
The effect of the Asogli yam festival on national development cannot be underestimated because the patronage and sponsorship entailed in the celebration was always overwhelming.
The festival could be rated as the leading festival of contemporary times in the Volta Region that was why people attached pomp and pageantry to the event.
The input of telecommunication industries such as Vodafone during the festival was marvellous because the company created jobs for young boys and girls in the area during the period of celebration.
A market was created for many products such as food, water, fuel, hotel accommodation, entertainment and transportation.
Visits by many tourists to the Adaklu mountain was also a side attraction of the festival.
According to history, the Asogli people like most Ewe speaking people, traced their origin to a place called Abyssinian which is now known as Ethiopia.
They migrated with other Ewes from Abyssinia to Oyo in Yoruba land in Western Nigeria, from where they moved to Ketu in Dahomey now Benin, before settling at Notsie in present day Republic of Togo in the 12th Century.
Monday, October 12, 2009
USE LOCAL LANGUAGES DURING FESTIVALS — MP (OCT 9, PAGE 16)
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho-West, Mr Emmanuel Bedzrah, has entreated communities to use local languages during durbars organised as part of their festivals in order to inculcate cultural values in the children and the youth.
He said it was the only way to reinforce and preserve language as part of culture for emerging generations.
Mr Bedzrah said this when he addressed the Tsibu Norvisi Yam festival at Tsibu -Awudome in the Ho Municipality last weekend.
He stressed the need to revisit the culture of the people and refine them with the view to halting indiscipline among the youth, adding that there must be unity of purpose in towns and villages in the traditional area to forge ahead in development.
The MP said the government placed emphasis on vocational and technical education and promised to support efforts by the people to establish one of such institutions at Tsibu.
In an address, the chief of the town, Togbe Adzadi Kpaku III said the people had achieved a remarkable record in self-help efforts including the construction of a feeder road, schools, agricultural projects, clinic, teachers’ quarters, and the extension of electricity.
He said the people were constructing a library through self-help and appealed to the government to come to their aid, adding that the government should assist each community in Awudome Traditional Area to develop one natural resource into a viable commercial venture.
In a welcoming address, the chairman of the Tsibu Awudome Youth Association, Mr Simon Ben Awumey, said the people were determined to keep the good things they inherited from their ancestors and that the festival was expected to unite other towns in Awudome in order to revive the pursuit of lost glories.
He expressed regret that the youth were wasting away in poverty, poor health and indiscipline and called for a holistic effort by parents, teachers and chiefs to cause a change of attitude in the youth for them to adopt ways to improve their lives.
A senior divisional chief of Avenui-Awudome, Togbe Adza Gbeklui, called for the revival of initiation rites for the youth to serve a guidance into adulthood.
He said it was the only way to reinforce and preserve language as part of culture for emerging generations.
Mr Bedzrah said this when he addressed the Tsibu Norvisi Yam festival at Tsibu -Awudome in the Ho Municipality last weekend.
He stressed the need to revisit the culture of the people and refine them with the view to halting indiscipline among the youth, adding that there must be unity of purpose in towns and villages in the traditional area to forge ahead in development.
The MP said the government placed emphasis on vocational and technical education and promised to support efforts by the people to establish one of such institutions at Tsibu.
In an address, the chief of the town, Togbe Adzadi Kpaku III said the people had achieved a remarkable record in self-help efforts including the construction of a feeder road, schools, agricultural projects, clinic, teachers’ quarters, and the extension of electricity.
He said the people were constructing a library through self-help and appealed to the government to come to their aid, adding that the government should assist each community in Awudome Traditional Area to develop one natural resource into a viable commercial venture.
In a welcoming address, the chairman of the Tsibu Awudome Youth Association, Mr Simon Ben Awumey, said the people were determined to keep the good things they inherited from their ancestors and that the festival was expected to unite other towns in Awudome in order to revive the pursuit of lost glories.
He expressed regret that the youth were wasting away in poverty, poor health and indiscipline and called for a holistic effort by parents, teachers and chiefs to cause a change of attitude in the youth for them to adopt ways to improve their lives.
A senior divisional chief of Avenui-Awudome, Togbe Adza Gbeklui, called for the revival of initiation rites for the youth to serve a guidance into adulthood.
HOSPITAL FOR CURED LEPERS AT HO (PAGE 21, OCT 7)
A SOD has been cut for the construction of a hospital, nurses quarters,a kitchen and dinning hall for cured lepers at Ho.
The project which was estimated at GH¢100,000, would start in January next year and take three months to complete.
Work on the project is being undertaken by the Cured Lepers Foundation of Ho and a non-governmental organisation, Madamfo Ghana Foundation.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the Executive Director of Madamfo Ghana Foundation, Ms Bettina Landgrafe said the organisation was committed to showing love to the afflicted in society.
According to her, the foundation had provided water and sanitation facilities, schools, clinics, hospitals and school feeding programmes for some communities in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions.
Ms Landgrafe promised to pay the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) premium for 150 cured lepers in the Ho Municipality.
The Chairperson of the Cured Lepers Foundation, Mrs Joycelyn Akorfa Ochlich-Dotse, said 28 housing units had been constructed for the cured lepers, adding that eight new ones were under construction.
She said cured lepers needed the facility in view of the precarious situation of some of them who had deep ulcers and found it difficult to visit the Ho Polyclinic for medical care.
The queen of Ho-Dome, Mama Atrato II, commended the NGOs for their humanitarian initiatives and urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the facilities in order to win more assistance from donors.
The Principal Leprosy Technical Officer at the Ho Polyclinic, Mr Anthony Adjavor, said the project was unique since it would afford the cured lepers the opportunity to access proper medical care.
The project which was estimated at GH¢100,000, would start in January next year and take three months to complete.
Work on the project is being undertaken by the Cured Lepers Foundation of Ho and a non-governmental organisation, Madamfo Ghana Foundation.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the Executive Director of Madamfo Ghana Foundation, Ms Bettina Landgrafe said the organisation was committed to showing love to the afflicted in society.
According to her, the foundation had provided water and sanitation facilities, schools, clinics, hospitals and school feeding programmes for some communities in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions.
Ms Landgrafe promised to pay the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) premium for 150 cured lepers in the Ho Municipality.
The Chairperson of the Cured Lepers Foundation, Mrs Joycelyn Akorfa Ochlich-Dotse, said 28 housing units had been constructed for the cured lepers, adding that eight new ones were under construction.
She said cured lepers needed the facility in view of the precarious situation of some of them who had deep ulcers and found it difficult to visit the Ho Polyclinic for medical care.
The queen of Ho-Dome, Mama Atrato II, commended the NGOs for their humanitarian initiatives and urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the facilities in order to win more assistance from donors.
The Principal Leprosy Technical Officer at the Ho Polyclinic, Mr Anthony Adjavor, said the project was unique since it would afford the cured lepers the opportunity to access proper medical care.
FINANCIAL LITERACY WEEK ENDS IN VOLTA REGION (OCT 8, PAGE 27)
Various speakers at a seminar to mark this year’s financial literacy week in the Volta Region have urged operators in the informal sector to explore the opportunities available in the prevailing financial market to prop up their businesses in order to facilitate national economic growth.
They said there were many opportunities in the rural banking sector, credit unions, insurance, e-zwich, securities, banking and other financial services through which they could make appropriate investments for capital gains and secure their businesses.
The speakers made the call at a series of lectures organised for a large number of small-scale sector businessmen and women on the theme, “Financial Literacy…Knowledge in Money” in Ho.
In his paper, Mr K. S. Osei-Bonsu from the Bank of Ghana said investment in the e-zwich system offered security against the risk of armed robbery and that transactions were not limited to any particular bank, which made accessibility easier and convenient.
He said although transactions in cash were good the e-zwich system was better because it underscored a cashless system of modern economies.
Talking on insurance, Mr Daniel Donto of the State Insurance Company(SIC) said fire insurance was now compulsory under Act 724 section 184 for all commercial properties.
He stressed the need to train workers properly on the use of fire extinguishers at their workplaces.
He said if equipment was not switched off after use, it generated heat internally and could result in explosion and consequently fire.
A lecturer at the Ho Polytechnic, Mr Seth Dzokoto, who spoke on credit unions, said the unions were conduits for the poor to save and to reap maximum benefits and that the principle of credit unions was that “little drops of water made a mighty ocean”.
Speaking on rural banking, Mr Temple Tsifodze of the Akatsi Rural Bank said shareholding in a rural bank was an avenue for a member to become a joint owner of a company, had the right to vote, and become a director.
He said investment in shares was profitable but should be done at a strategic time devoid of avoidable financial burden on their businesses.
Other speakers were from the Gold Coast Securities, Bank of Ghana and private financial institutions.
They said there were many opportunities in the rural banking sector, credit unions, insurance, e-zwich, securities, banking and other financial services through which they could make appropriate investments for capital gains and secure their businesses.
The speakers made the call at a series of lectures organised for a large number of small-scale sector businessmen and women on the theme, “Financial Literacy…Knowledge in Money” in Ho.
In his paper, Mr K. S. Osei-Bonsu from the Bank of Ghana said investment in the e-zwich system offered security against the risk of armed robbery and that transactions were not limited to any particular bank, which made accessibility easier and convenient.
He said although transactions in cash were good the e-zwich system was better because it underscored a cashless system of modern economies.
Talking on insurance, Mr Daniel Donto of the State Insurance Company(SIC) said fire insurance was now compulsory under Act 724 section 184 for all commercial properties.
He stressed the need to train workers properly on the use of fire extinguishers at their workplaces.
He said if equipment was not switched off after use, it generated heat internally and could result in explosion and consequently fire.
A lecturer at the Ho Polytechnic, Mr Seth Dzokoto, who spoke on credit unions, said the unions were conduits for the poor to save and to reap maximum benefits and that the principle of credit unions was that “little drops of water made a mighty ocean”.
Speaking on rural banking, Mr Temple Tsifodze of the Akatsi Rural Bank said shareholding in a rural bank was an avenue for a member to become a joint owner of a company, had the right to vote, and become a director.
He said investment in shares was profitable but should be done at a strategic time devoid of avoidable financial burden on their businesses.
Other speakers were from the Gold Coast Securities, Bank of Ghana and private financial institutions.
RECOGNISE C'NITIES AS PARTNERS IN DEV — NALAG (PAGE 15, OCT 6)
THE General Secretary of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Alhaji I.M. Sheriff, has advised district assemblies to recognise communities as partners in development.
He said district assemblies must discuss development issues dispassionately with communities in order to accelerate the decentralisation process.
Alhaji Sheriff said this when he addressed the Volta Regional delegates’ conference of NALAG in Ho at the weekend.
He promised that NALAG would sustain its cooperation with the central government so that things that were lacking in the assemblies were provided, adding that facilities that would support the assemblies were likely to delay without the needed cooperation.
Alhaji Sheriff called for research, capacity building and desired linkages between district and municipal assemblies with international sister relations with the view to strengthening international friendship.
In an address, the interim President and the Volta Regional representative on the NALAG council, Mr Isaac Kwasi Kodobisah, said the council had been able to make gains within two months of its existence.
These include the appointment of a General Secretary as the executive administrator and the concrete move towards the procurement of motorbikes for presiding and assembly members to facilitate their movement in their electoral areas.
Others are soliciting of funds for the completion of a five-storey office complex at Okponglo in Accra, asking members to support the idea of further deductions from their common fund to enable them to complete the project on time.
He said district assemblies must discuss development issues dispassionately with communities in order to accelerate the decentralisation process.
Alhaji Sheriff said this when he addressed the Volta Regional delegates’ conference of NALAG in Ho at the weekend.
He promised that NALAG would sustain its cooperation with the central government so that things that were lacking in the assemblies were provided, adding that facilities that would support the assemblies were likely to delay without the needed cooperation.
Alhaji Sheriff called for research, capacity building and desired linkages between district and municipal assemblies with international sister relations with the view to strengthening international friendship.
In an address, the interim President and the Volta Regional representative on the NALAG council, Mr Isaac Kwasi Kodobisah, said the council had been able to make gains within two months of its existence.
These include the appointment of a General Secretary as the executive administrator and the concrete move towards the procurement of motorbikes for presiding and assembly members to facilitate their movement in their electoral areas.
Others are soliciting of funds for the completion of a five-storey office complex at Okponglo in Accra, asking members to support the idea of further deductions from their common fund to enable them to complete the project on time.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
2 FARMERS REMANDED FOR STEALING (PAGE 23, OCT 3, MIRROR)
From Tim Dzamboe, Ho
Two farmers have been remanded into police custody by a Ho Circuit Court for unlawful entry into a private residence and stealing property belonging to the owner.
Wisdom Adekpuitor and Adziraku Asada Kwaku pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded by the court, presided over by Mr Justice Ernest Obimpeh, to re-appear on October 15, 2009.
Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Sampson Kwami Agboada said on September 17, the accused persons broke into the residence of one Samuel Tettey at Dzolo-Gbogame in the Ho Municipality and took away 11 gallons of paint, two high density foam mattresses, one electric iron, one extension cord, hair pomade, a tin each of sardine and milk as well as other household items valued at GH¢636.
He said the complainant, a worker with the Lands Commission in Accra, visited home to detect the theft and reported to the police who after preliminary investigations interrogated the suspects, who admitted committing the offence.
Mr Agboada said some of the items were retrieved from the accused persons.
Mr Obimpeh however, cautioned the police against shielding people who had dishonestly received
some of the stolen items from the suspects and were retrieved from them.
He explained that if those found to have dishonestly received stolen items were legally dealt with they would have no avenue to channel their booty.
Two farmers have been remanded into police custody by a Ho Circuit Court for unlawful entry into a private residence and stealing property belonging to the owner.
Wisdom Adekpuitor and Adziraku Asada Kwaku pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded by the court, presided over by Mr Justice Ernest Obimpeh, to re-appear on October 15, 2009.
Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Sampson Kwami Agboada said on September 17, the accused persons broke into the residence of one Samuel Tettey at Dzolo-Gbogame in the Ho Municipality and took away 11 gallons of paint, two high density foam mattresses, one electric iron, one extension cord, hair pomade, a tin each of sardine and milk as well as other household items valued at GH¢636.
He said the complainant, a worker with the Lands Commission in Accra, visited home to detect the theft and reported to the police who after preliminary investigations interrogated the suspects, who admitted committing the offence.
Mr Agboada said some of the items were retrieved from the accused persons.
Mr Obimpeh however, cautioned the police against shielding people who had dishonestly received
some of the stolen items from the suspects and were retrieved from them.
He explained that if those found to have dishonestly received stolen items were legally dealt with they would have no avenue to channel their booty.
DZODZE HARVESTS RAIN WATER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES (PAGE 23, OCT 1, 2009)
ONE unique feature about Dzodze in the Ketu North District in the Volta Region is the ingenuity of its people to store water for domestic and industrial puposes due to the perennial water shortage.
In almost every household, a tank has been constructed to store harvested rain water for use during hard times.
According to an opinion leader, Mr Prince Ahiadzro, there was only one stream called Kplikpa, from which the people drew water and which usually dried up during the dry season.
He said the situation compelled them to resort to harvesting rain water and that until the Volta Region Water and Sanitation Project provided the community with potable water from mechanised boreholes, water supply was woefully inadequate.
Ahiadzro said the people always needed more water to operate local industries like palm oil production and “akpeteshie” distillation.
Sufficient water was also needed to run hospitals, schools, hotels, offices and other public places.
Mr Ahiadzro said wood ash was used to treat the harvested rain water in order to get rid of impurities.
The Dzodze Traditional Area comprises communities such as Ablorme, Adagbledu, Fiagbedu, Afetefe, Afeyime, Dafornyanu and Afiadenyigba.
Dzodze is the capital of the newly created Ketu-North District.
In almost every household, a tank has been constructed to store harvested rain water for use during hard times.
According to an opinion leader, Mr Prince Ahiadzro, there was only one stream called Kplikpa, from which the people drew water and which usually dried up during the dry season.
He said the situation compelled them to resort to harvesting rain water and that until the Volta Region Water and Sanitation Project provided the community with potable water from mechanised boreholes, water supply was woefully inadequate.
Ahiadzro said the people always needed more water to operate local industries like palm oil production and “akpeteshie” distillation.
Sufficient water was also needed to run hospitals, schools, hotels, offices and other public places.
Mr Ahiadzro said wood ash was used to treat the harvested rain water in order to get rid of impurities.
The Dzodze Traditional Area comprises communities such as Ablorme, Adagbledu, Fiagbedu, Afetefe, Afeyime, Dafornyanu and Afiadenyigba.
Dzodze is the capital of the newly created Ketu-North District.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
NGO ASSISTS 64 CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (SEPT 19, PAGE 22)
A NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO), the Voice of People with Disability in Ghana (VOICE) in partnership with the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) has donated school uniforms and other logistics to 64 children and youth with disabilities in the Volta Region at a ceremony in Ho.
The beneficiaries were drawn from some kindergartens, primary and junior high schools in five districts in the region. They included the Volta School for the Deaf at Hohoe and the Rehabilitation Training Centre at Ho.
The donation was made possible by the YMCA of Glasgow in Scotland which made available a grant of GH¢1,400 to purchase the school uniforms and the other logistics for the people with disabilities in schools and the rehabilitation centres.
The Director of VOICE, Mr Francis Asong, who made the presentation, said the gesture was a forerunner to the government’s future efforts providing uniforms to schoolchildren in the country.
“VOICE would like the government to ensure the equitable distribution of this national cake also benefits children with disabilities in schools and trainees of rehabilitation training centres in the country”, he appealed.
Mr Asong stated that VOICE was working with the Volta Regional Council of the YMCA as well as the YMCA of Glasgow to run a common project to provide literacy skills training for a number of people with disabilities in the region to improve their socio-economic status and quality of life.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Isaac Kotobisah, said there was no justification for society to stigmatise people with disabilities because disasters or accidents were not predictable in life.
He, however, said people with disabilities should present a credible front than a fragmented one to access the provisions made to them under government policies.
Mr Kodobisah added that municipal and district assemblies would only listen to them when they presented credible development plans from their recognised organisations for action.
He assured them that a member of their group would be co-opted into the social services sub-committee of the assembly to help in articulating issues concerning their welfare.
The MCE said the municipal assembly would consider the inclusion of disability friendly factors in the construction of facilities to ensure easy access to public buildings and other public places.
The beneficiaries were drawn from some kindergartens, primary and junior high schools in five districts in the region. They included the Volta School for the Deaf at Hohoe and the Rehabilitation Training Centre at Ho.
The donation was made possible by the YMCA of Glasgow in Scotland which made available a grant of GH¢1,400 to purchase the school uniforms and the other logistics for the people with disabilities in schools and the rehabilitation centres.
The Director of VOICE, Mr Francis Asong, who made the presentation, said the gesture was a forerunner to the government’s future efforts providing uniforms to schoolchildren in the country.
“VOICE would like the government to ensure the equitable distribution of this national cake also benefits children with disabilities in schools and trainees of rehabilitation training centres in the country”, he appealed.
Mr Asong stated that VOICE was working with the Volta Regional Council of the YMCA as well as the YMCA of Glasgow to run a common project to provide literacy skills training for a number of people with disabilities in the region to improve their socio-economic status and quality of life.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Isaac Kotobisah, said there was no justification for society to stigmatise people with disabilities because disasters or accidents were not predictable in life.
He, however, said people with disabilities should present a credible front than a fragmented one to access the provisions made to them under government policies.
Mr Kodobisah added that municipal and district assemblies would only listen to them when they presented credible development plans from their recognised organisations for action.
He assured them that a member of their group would be co-opted into the social services sub-committee of the assembly to help in articulating issues concerning their welfare.
The MCE said the municipal assembly would consider the inclusion of disability friendly factors in the construction of facilities to ensure easy access to public buildings and other public places.
ASOGLI STATE PREPARES FOR YAM FESTIVAL (SEPT 19, PAGE 22)
THIS year’s Ho-Asogli yam festival has sparked off a new dimension of activities aimed at uniting the people of the traditional area and exhibiting the activities of their forebears.
Already, the people have undertaken a pilgrimage to their ancestral home of Notsie in the Republic of Togo.
They have also observed a health education day encompassing free counselling and screening on diabetes, blood pressure and HIV/AIDS and hiking over the Adaklu mountain.
Other activities planned for the festival include “Vovlowo fe Nkeke” (All Souls Day), football matches, purification rites, hailing of new yam, street jams, lawn tennis competition, Miss Asogli pageant, cycling , yam weighing, weight lifting and cooking competition.
The Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV, will sit in state on Friday, September 25, this year to receive greetings from subjects and well-wishers. The festival will be climaxed with a grand state durbar on Saturday, during which a book entitled “Ho tourist and business guide”, will be launched.
Since his coronation the Agbogbomefia has spearheaded the development of the Asogli state to an admirable level in the Volta Region.
The Agbogbomefia is now the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and this comes within a record time of less than two years after being gazetted.
The institution of the Asogli Education Endowment Fund has changed the fortunes of more than 35 beneficiaries in senior high and tertiary educational institutions in less than four years of its establishment and an amount of GH¢ 8,000 has so far been realised.
Another important portfolio that has raised so much hope for redemption is the Volta Region Development Project which has a target of $250 million. This mega project is aimed at transforming the Volta Region under the aegis of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs led by the Agbogbomefia.
These positive developments remind one of when the Ho-Asogli state vibrated with overwhelming joy during the new Agbogbomefia’s installation to succeed the late Togbe Afede Asor II who had passed away.
Enstooled at the age of 46, the business icon known in private life as Mr James Akpo, ascended the throne under the stool name Togbe Afede XIV.
The inauguration was a scenario of pomp and pageantry and indeed a stupendous cultural extravaganza resplendent with rich paraphernalia depicted by the durbar of chiefs.
The ceremony was characterised with a thrilling performance of swearing of oaths of allegiance by members of the Asogli state comprising Akoefe, Kpenoe, Matse, Ziavi, ,Klefe, Sokode, Bankoe, Heve, Dome, Ahoe and Hliha which formed the Asogli traditional council.
In fact, the Asogli state has been re-born with the installation of a dynamic economist of international repute as the paramount chief to occupy the Agbogbome stool, the only black stool believed to have been brought from Notsie in the Republic of Togo.
The jubilation by the crowd could not be controlled when the Agbogbomefia gave his inaugural address, with the pledge that he would adopt a leadership style that would transform the lives of his people.
Togbe Afede lamented that majority of the people continued to wallow in poverty, ignorance, disease and their ambitions were limited by inadequate educational facilities and inadequate job opportunities.
“I do not accept this. Poverty is not an act of God, but a failure of humanity. Expansion of our educational facilities and attracting investment to Ho Asogli will form an important part of my development agenda”, he pledged.
Togbe Afede called for the transformation of the chieftaincy institution by upholding progressive customs and tradition and abandon ing obsolete ones.
According to him, the success of a chief must be measured by the positive impact in the lifestyle of his subjects and not by the size of regalia, adding “we should aim at serving our states rather than to be pampered and carried in palanquins”.
“We should invest our wealth in ventures that benefit our communities instead of in gold trinkets, rings and chains”, he stated.
Truly, the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede, is on course to fulfilling the pledge he made on the day of his coronation because the education endowment fund and the regional development project are modest attestation to this.
He has been an inspiration to the youth and chiefs of Ho-Asogli. In fulfilment of his promise, the chief has not ridden in a palanquin since his installation.
Already, the people have undertaken a pilgrimage to their ancestral home of Notsie in the Republic of Togo.
They have also observed a health education day encompassing free counselling and screening on diabetes, blood pressure and HIV/AIDS and hiking over the Adaklu mountain.
Other activities planned for the festival include “Vovlowo fe Nkeke” (All Souls Day), football matches, purification rites, hailing of new yam, street jams, lawn tennis competition, Miss Asogli pageant, cycling , yam weighing, weight lifting and cooking competition.
The Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV, will sit in state on Friday, September 25, this year to receive greetings from subjects and well-wishers. The festival will be climaxed with a grand state durbar on Saturday, during which a book entitled “Ho tourist and business guide”, will be launched.
Since his coronation the Agbogbomefia has spearheaded the development of the Asogli state to an admirable level in the Volta Region.
The Agbogbomefia is now the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and this comes within a record time of less than two years after being gazetted.
The institution of the Asogli Education Endowment Fund has changed the fortunes of more than 35 beneficiaries in senior high and tertiary educational institutions in less than four years of its establishment and an amount of GH¢ 8,000 has so far been realised.
Another important portfolio that has raised so much hope for redemption is the Volta Region Development Project which has a target of $250 million. This mega project is aimed at transforming the Volta Region under the aegis of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs led by the Agbogbomefia.
These positive developments remind one of when the Ho-Asogli state vibrated with overwhelming joy during the new Agbogbomefia’s installation to succeed the late Togbe Afede Asor II who had passed away.
Enstooled at the age of 46, the business icon known in private life as Mr James Akpo, ascended the throne under the stool name Togbe Afede XIV.
The inauguration was a scenario of pomp and pageantry and indeed a stupendous cultural extravaganza resplendent with rich paraphernalia depicted by the durbar of chiefs.
The ceremony was characterised with a thrilling performance of swearing of oaths of allegiance by members of the Asogli state comprising Akoefe, Kpenoe, Matse, Ziavi, ,Klefe, Sokode, Bankoe, Heve, Dome, Ahoe and Hliha which formed the Asogli traditional council.
In fact, the Asogli state has been re-born with the installation of a dynamic economist of international repute as the paramount chief to occupy the Agbogbome stool, the only black stool believed to have been brought from Notsie in the Republic of Togo.
The jubilation by the crowd could not be controlled when the Agbogbomefia gave his inaugural address, with the pledge that he would adopt a leadership style that would transform the lives of his people.
Togbe Afede lamented that majority of the people continued to wallow in poverty, ignorance, disease and their ambitions were limited by inadequate educational facilities and inadequate job opportunities.
“I do not accept this. Poverty is not an act of God, but a failure of humanity. Expansion of our educational facilities and attracting investment to Ho Asogli will form an important part of my development agenda”, he pledged.
Togbe Afede called for the transformation of the chieftaincy institution by upholding progressive customs and tradition and abandon ing obsolete ones.
According to him, the success of a chief must be measured by the positive impact in the lifestyle of his subjects and not by the size of regalia, adding “we should aim at serving our states rather than to be pampered and carried in palanquins”.
“We should invest our wealth in ventures that benefit our communities instead of in gold trinkets, rings and chains”, he stated.
Truly, the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede, is on course to fulfilling the pledge he made on the day of his coronation because the education endowment fund and the regional development project are modest attestation to this.
He has been an inspiration to the youth and chiefs of Ho-Asogli. In fulfilment of his promise, the chief has not ridden in a palanquin since his installation.
SIC PAYS INSURANCE BENEFIT TO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (SEPT 19, PAGE 22)
THE Ho branch of the State Insurance Company (SIC) has presented a cheque for GH¢31,000 to the Managing Director of DECOSS Construction Company at Ho, Mr Patrick Deku, as an insurance benefit for the damage caused to his Nissan Patrol vehicle.
The company described the vehicle as “a total wreck” after a motor accident.
Mr Deku was said to have been loyal to the company since 1994 in several business portfolios of the SIC comprising motor vehicles, bonds, contractors’ all-risk policy and others.
According to the company, Mr Deku’s transactions had contributed to the upkeep and success of the company in the region.
The company, therefore, took less than a week to process his claims.
The Volta Regional Manager of the SIC, Mr Richard Yao Fenuku-Doamekpor stated this when he presented the cheque to Mr Deku at the premises of the SIC at Ho.
He described Mr Deku as a valuable client, adding “He does not look back at all on his clienteleship with the SIC, that was why the claim did not take a week to process because it was legitimate one”.
According to Mr Fenuku-Doamekpor, the Ho branch office of the SIC had settled claims totalling GH¢300,000 from January, this year to date, adding that the SIC collected premiums to re-invest in human and social development.
He urged the public to consider investing with the SIC as a priority since there were prompt and good benefits to be made from the investment.
The Deputy Branch Manager of the SIC, Mr Gabriel Agbo, advised clients to report cases promptly to ensure early processing in order to avoid delays in settling legitimate claims.
The claimant, Mr Deku, thanked the SIC for helping him to build his company.
“In all these years that I have been a client, the company has been helpful, especially when it has been possible to recover the full cost of a vehicle”, he stated.
Mr Deku advised other people to embrace SIC’s policies, adding “he who feels it knows it”.
The company described the vehicle as “a total wreck” after a motor accident.
Mr Deku was said to have been loyal to the company since 1994 in several business portfolios of the SIC comprising motor vehicles, bonds, contractors’ all-risk policy and others.
According to the company, Mr Deku’s transactions had contributed to the upkeep and success of the company in the region.
The company, therefore, took less than a week to process his claims.
The Volta Regional Manager of the SIC, Mr Richard Yao Fenuku-Doamekpor stated this when he presented the cheque to Mr Deku at the premises of the SIC at Ho.
He described Mr Deku as a valuable client, adding “He does not look back at all on his clienteleship with the SIC, that was why the claim did not take a week to process because it was legitimate one”.
According to Mr Fenuku-Doamekpor, the Ho branch office of the SIC had settled claims totalling GH¢300,000 from January, this year to date, adding that the SIC collected premiums to re-invest in human and social development.
He urged the public to consider investing with the SIC as a priority since there were prompt and good benefits to be made from the investment.
The Deputy Branch Manager of the SIC, Mr Gabriel Agbo, advised clients to report cases promptly to ensure early processing in order to avoid delays in settling legitimate claims.
The claimant, Mr Deku, thanked the SIC for helping him to build his company.
“In all these years that I have been a client, the company has been helpful, especially when it has been possible to recover the full cost of a vehicle”, he stated.
Mr Deku advised other people to embrace SIC’s policies, adding “he who feels it knows it”.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
VIEWING HO AT NIGHT FROM THE SKY PLUS HOTEL (PAGE 23)
THE Volta Region is bracing itself for serious investment in the tourism sector.
It is for this and other reasons that many business executives, event organisers, heads of departments, and entrepreneurs prefer to choose it as a destination for their numerous activities.
The region has been silent on tourism prospects although it is endowed with the largest tapped and untapped tourism attractions in the country.
However, the hospitality industry has been doing very well and has taken the forefront in the tourism industry because of the beautiful and comfortable hotels that are springing up in Ho, the regional capital.
The emergence of such hotels under the aegis of private initiatives, is highly commendable.
This is so because the investment space in the hospitality industry in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other cities is narrowing in view of pressure on land and other environmental challenges.
Many visitors to Ho of lates have observed that the town is neat, thanks to Zoomlion, a private waste management company.
Because of the enviable hospitality offered by the Chances, Paradise, Stevens, Freedom, Taurus, Woezor, Kekeli and of late, the Sky Plus hotels, Ho could now be compared to other cities in the country.
The 11-room Sky Plus Hotel is recommended for a large family rendezvous. It has become the competitive facility in Ho in recent times.
The internal decorations are unique. The hotel has lodging and accommodation facilities, a bar and restaurant and a beautiful scenic view of Ho, especially at night.
The hotel’s balcony provides a vivid aerial view of Ho town and refreshes the visitor or viewer.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Medical Director of Miracle Life Clinic Limited in Ho, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, who is also the Executive Director of the Sky Plus Hotel, said the investment was positioned to meet the challenges in the tourism and hospitality industry.
He said the strategic location of the hotel would remain the attractive factor for guests to the hotel because apart from furnishings, the altitude and weather made it a unique haven for people running away from the hustle and bustle in the cities.
The hotel is located at the Weta Hills near Klefe and overlooks Ho. It is only five minutes’ drive from the centre of Ho.
It is for this and other reasons that many business executives, event organisers, heads of departments, and entrepreneurs prefer to choose it as a destination for their numerous activities.
The region has been silent on tourism prospects although it is endowed with the largest tapped and untapped tourism attractions in the country.
However, the hospitality industry has been doing very well and has taken the forefront in the tourism industry because of the beautiful and comfortable hotels that are springing up in Ho, the regional capital.
The emergence of such hotels under the aegis of private initiatives, is highly commendable.
This is so because the investment space in the hospitality industry in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other cities is narrowing in view of pressure on land and other environmental challenges.
Many visitors to Ho of lates have observed that the town is neat, thanks to Zoomlion, a private waste management company.
Because of the enviable hospitality offered by the Chances, Paradise, Stevens, Freedom, Taurus, Woezor, Kekeli and of late, the Sky Plus hotels, Ho could now be compared to other cities in the country.
The 11-room Sky Plus Hotel is recommended for a large family rendezvous. It has become the competitive facility in Ho in recent times.
The internal decorations are unique. The hotel has lodging and accommodation facilities, a bar and restaurant and a beautiful scenic view of Ho, especially at night.
The hotel’s balcony provides a vivid aerial view of Ho town and refreshes the visitor or viewer.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Medical Director of Miracle Life Clinic Limited in Ho, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, who is also the Executive Director of the Sky Plus Hotel, said the investment was positioned to meet the challenges in the tourism and hospitality industry.
He said the strategic location of the hotel would remain the attractive factor for guests to the hotel because apart from furnishings, the altitude and weather made it a unique haven for people running away from the hustle and bustle in the cities.
The hotel is located at the Weta Hills near Klefe and overlooks Ho. It is only five minutes’ drive from the centre of Ho.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
11 INSTITUTIONS ACCREDITED TO TRAIN MEDICINE COUNTER ASSISTANTS (PAGE 21)
THE Pharmacy Council has accredited 11 institutions for the training of medicine counter assistants (MCAS) to enhance comprehensive pharmaceutical service delivery in the country.
So far, six of the institutions have been accredited in the Greater Accra Region and one each in the Ashanti, Western, Volta, Eastern and Northern regions.
They are Pfago Services Limited, Rapha Development Limited, Avenue Chemist Limited, CS Allot Pharmacy, Sene’s Pharmacy, EMEF Training Centre (all in Accra), G-Health Consult in Kumasi, Zunaida Pharmacy in Somanya, Volta Health Consult Limited in Ho, Chamalt Pharmacy in Tamale and Kraspect Ventures in Takoradi.
The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, Mr Joseph Nyoagbe, announced this at the graduation of 126 newly qualified MCAs from the Volta Health Consult Limited in Ho.
He said so far, a total of 1,642 MCAs had been trained nationwide and had been awarded certificates after passing the Ghana Pharmacy Council Medicine Counter Assistants Examination.
Mr Nyoagbe added that his outfit had joined the sequence of the pharmaceutical service delivery team comprising pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, licensed chemical sellers and MCAs.
He cautioned the MCAs against acting like pharmacists because they were expected to operate only as assistants to the superintendent pharmacists.
The Director of Volta Health Consult Limited, Mr Divine Azameti said it was prudent to train MCAs in view of the need for more professionals to cope with the problem of excess workload due to the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He said it was also in accordance with de-urbanisation of pharmaceutical care delivery in the country and that pharmacists who set up pharmaceutical services were now assured of enough MCAs to work for them in order to reduce the urban movement of the youth.
Mr Azameti appealed to the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to absorb MCAs into hospitals and health delivery facilities in order to provide services on dispensary duties.
So far, six of the institutions have been accredited in the Greater Accra Region and one each in the Ashanti, Western, Volta, Eastern and Northern regions.
They are Pfago Services Limited, Rapha Development Limited, Avenue Chemist Limited, CS Allot Pharmacy, Sene’s Pharmacy, EMEF Training Centre (all in Accra), G-Health Consult in Kumasi, Zunaida Pharmacy in Somanya, Volta Health Consult Limited in Ho, Chamalt Pharmacy in Tamale and Kraspect Ventures in Takoradi.
The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, Mr Joseph Nyoagbe, announced this at the graduation of 126 newly qualified MCAs from the Volta Health Consult Limited in Ho.
He said so far, a total of 1,642 MCAs had been trained nationwide and had been awarded certificates after passing the Ghana Pharmacy Council Medicine Counter Assistants Examination.
Mr Nyoagbe added that his outfit had joined the sequence of the pharmaceutical service delivery team comprising pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, licensed chemical sellers and MCAs.
He cautioned the MCAs against acting like pharmacists because they were expected to operate only as assistants to the superintendent pharmacists.
The Director of Volta Health Consult Limited, Mr Divine Azameti said it was prudent to train MCAs in view of the need for more professionals to cope with the problem of excess workload due to the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He said it was also in accordance with de-urbanisation of pharmaceutical care delivery in the country and that pharmacists who set up pharmaceutical services were now assured of enough MCAs to work for them in order to reduce the urban movement of the youth.
Mr Azameti appealed to the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to absorb MCAs into hospitals and health delivery facilities in order to provide services on dispensary duties.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
STOP DIGGING TRENCHES ON ROADS (PAGE 28, JULY 13)
THE Volta Regional Police Commander, Mr David Ampah-Bennin, has denounced the practice in some communities in the region where the digging of illegal trenches across major roads has become rampant in an attempt to slow down vehicles.
He warned that the police would not countenance the emerging trend because it posed greater danger to lives and vehicles.
He said the trenches had been causing more accidents leading to the deterioration of vehicles, adding that the police would co-operate with the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) and the Department of Urban Roads to stop communities which may embark on such activities.
So far, the road from Juapong through Asikuma and Sokode-Ando to Ho and from Ho through Woadze to Hohoe have been damaged by some communities apparently to deter drivers from speeding.
In his first interview with the Daily Graphic since assuming office, Mr Ampah-Bennin said the command would wage war on criminals who wrongfully intercepted vehicles and robbed market women, cultivators of Indian Hemp and smugglers of goods and prohibited items.
He said the police were for the communities and urged the general public to co-operate with them as allies to reduce crime and create a peaceful environment for steady development.
The regional police commander said the police would supervise the overall vision of the government to ensure that the people of Ghana lived without fear and work to achieve their goals.
Mr Ampah-Bennin also promised to work towards the completion of projects designed for the police in the region to improve on their welfare.
He warned that the police would not countenance the emerging trend because it posed greater danger to lives and vehicles.
He said the trenches had been causing more accidents leading to the deterioration of vehicles, adding that the police would co-operate with the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) and the Department of Urban Roads to stop communities which may embark on such activities.
So far, the road from Juapong through Asikuma and Sokode-Ando to Ho and from Ho through Woadze to Hohoe have been damaged by some communities apparently to deter drivers from speeding.
In his first interview with the Daily Graphic since assuming office, Mr Ampah-Bennin said the command would wage war on criminals who wrongfully intercepted vehicles and robbed market women, cultivators of Indian Hemp and smugglers of goods and prohibited items.
He said the police were for the communities and urged the general public to co-operate with them as allies to reduce crime and create a peaceful environment for steady development.
The regional police commander said the police would supervise the overall vision of the government to ensure that the people of Ghana lived without fear and work to achieve their goals.
Mr Ampah-Bennin also promised to work towards the completion of projects designed for the police in the region to improve on their welfare.
OBAMA URGED TO MAKE CLIMATE CHANGE PRIORITY (PAGE 18. JULY 11)
A civil society group on climate change, the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), has urged the visiting American President, Mr Barack Obama, to work conscientiously for climate change and justice in the world.
“As President Obama makes his first official trip to the sub-Saharan Africa, we urge him to make climate change and justice his highest priority for the next coming months,” the PACJA said in a statement issued to coincide with the US President’s visit to Ghana.
“This is to ensure a fair and effective climate deal when the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meet in Copenhagen in December, this year,” it stated.
The statement said the arrival of President Obama in Ghana after attending a G-8 summit of the most powerful economies was symbolic and positioned the United States better to take the climate change crisis with the greatest enthusiasm to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of all nations.
It said it was mainly the poor who were adversely affected by climate change, which was now threatening efforts at poverty management and erasing the progress made towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), stressing that “the two challenges must be tackled at the same time in order to achieve global justice and sustainable development”.
It said President Obama would appreciate that greening the economy was the way forward to creating prosperity and reducing emissions, adding that the US must make efforts that corresponded to their historic responsibility and economic capacity in order to work together with Africa and to ensure climate justice.
It likened climate injustice to instances of a cattle nomad in his father’s birthplace in Kenya who cannot have enough water for his animals, a rice farmer in Mozambique who has lost his farmlands to floods, a pigmy hunter in Congo who has been forced to leave his habitat, or an old African mother who has prepared her planting grain and waiting at her doorstep wondering when rain will come, to the luxury of an average American who can afford three meals a day.
“As President Obama makes his first official trip to the sub-Saharan Africa, we urge him to make climate change and justice his highest priority for the next coming months,” the PACJA said in a statement issued to coincide with the US President’s visit to Ghana.
“This is to ensure a fair and effective climate deal when the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meet in Copenhagen in December, this year,” it stated.
The statement said the arrival of President Obama in Ghana after attending a G-8 summit of the most powerful economies was symbolic and positioned the United States better to take the climate change crisis with the greatest enthusiasm to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of all nations.
It said it was mainly the poor who were adversely affected by climate change, which was now threatening efforts at poverty management and erasing the progress made towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), stressing that “the two challenges must be tackled at the same time in order to achieve global justice and sustainable development”.
It said President Obama would appreciate that greening the economy was the way forward to creating prosperity and reducing emissions, adding that the US must make efforts that corresponded to their historic responsibility and economic capacity in order to work together with Africa and to ensure climate justice.
It likened climate injustice to instances of a cattle nomad in his father’s birthplace in Kenya who cannot have enough water for his animals, a rice farmer in Mozambique who has lost his farmlands to floods, a pigmy hunter in Congo who has been forced to leave his habitat, or an old African mother who has prepared her planting grain and waiting at her doorstep wondering when rain will come, to the luxury of an average American who can afford three meals a day.
WORKSHOP ON GROWTH OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS HELD AT HO (PAGE 22)
THE Volta Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Nana Pobee Asomaning Darko,has urged proprietors of private educational institutions to update their knowledge on emerging trends in the labour market in order to operate according to laid down regulations.
He said it was important to be guided by relevant laws pertaining to the recruitment of teachers and other staff in order not to infringe on the labour law.
Nana Asomaning-Darko said this when he addressed heads and proprietors of private schools in the Volta Region at a day’s workshop to promote the expansion and growth of private schools in the region at Ho on Thursday.
It was organised by the Volta Regional branch of GNAT with a Ho-based non-governmental organisation, Community Action, as service provider under the sponsorship of the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC).
Nana Asomaning allayed the fears of the participants that the workshop was organised with the aim of coercing them to become members of GNAT or to be unionised.
He added that it was rather to their advantage to gain the exposure to the labour act in order to operate more efficiently.
Nana Asomaning, however, urged the participants to consider becoming members of GNAT or affiliate members since there were several advantages to be derived.
The Executive Director of Community Action, Mr Orisha Afa, said the region had been acknowledged as the cradle of education from which a high calibre of human resource were produced.
He said although private schools were considered as a business entity, it was incumbent upon them to be abreast with laws guiding education as well as government policies on education.
The participants brainstormed on an overview of the Labour Act, and the benefits and disadvantages of unionisation.
He said it was important to be guided by relevant laws pertaining to the recruitment of teachers and other staff in order not to infringe on the labour law.
Nana Asomaning-Darko said this when he addressed heads and proprietors of private schools in the Volta Region at a day’s workshop to promote the expansion and growth of private schools in the region at Ho on Thursday.
It was organised by the Volta Regional branch of GNAT with a Ho-based non-governmental organisation, Community Action, as service provider under the sponsorship of the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC).
Nana Asomaning allayed the fears of the participants that the workshop was organised with the aim of coercing them to become members of GNAT or to be unionised.
He added that it was rather to their advantage to gain the exposure to the labour act in order to operate more efficiently.
Nana Asomaning, however, urged the participants to consider becoming members of GNAT or affiliate members since there were several advantages to be derived.
The Executive Director of Community Action, Mr Orisha Afa, said the region had been acknowledged as the cradle of education from which a high calibre of human resource were produced.
He said although private schools were considered as a business entity, it was incumbent upon them to be abreast with laws guiding education as well as government policies on education.
The participants brainstormed on an overview of the Labour Act, and the benefits and disadvantages of unionisation.
FIAGA OF ZIAVI CALLS ON VR MINISTER (PAGE 23)
THE Fiaga of Ziavi Traditional Area, Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV, has advised the government to initiate projects it could execute rather than starting many projects at the same time and leaving some of them uncompleted.
He said the people in the traditional area appreciated the commitment of the government towards the development of roads and schools in the region.
Togbe Ayim, however, appealed to the regional minister to impress upon the government to help develop the road linking Ziavi to adjoining communities such as Klefe.
Togbe Ayim said this when he led a delegation comprising wing and sub-chiefs as well as queens from the traditional area, to pay a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenewode, at his office.
He appealed to the regional minister to assist the people to complete the construction of a bridge over the Atakpla stream which they initiated several years ago.
According to the Fiaga, the construction of the bridge would open up areas like Tsyome-Afedo, Anfoeta, Hlefi, Saviefe, Etordome and Avatime traditional areas and also facilitate the carting of farm produce to the Ho market.
Togbe Ayim, on behalf of the chiefs in the area, promised to release vast tracts of land, spanning Ziavi, Matse, Tsyome-Afedo and Hlefi areas to the government for large-scale agricultural ventures that would create jobs for the youth in the area.
He suggested the institution of micro-finance loans and tractors to enable the people expand their vegetable, cassava, yam, banana and cocoyam farms.
Togbe Ayim called for assistance in controlling soil erosion that was seriously destroying the streets and the foundation of houses in the area.
Mr Amenowode assured the chiefs that the government would do everything possible to ensure that the Youth in Agriculture programme was extended to the area.
For his part, the Deputy Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku (retd), charged the chiefs and people in the area to revive the Zigi Cultural Troupe of Ziavi to serve as a source of entertainment and tourist attraction in the region.
He said the people in the traditional area appreciated the commitment of the government towards the development of roads and schools in the region.
Togbe Ayim, however, appealed to the regional minister to impress upon the government to help develop the road linking Ziavi to adjoining communities such as Klefe.
Togbe Ayim said this when he led a delegation comprising wing and sub-chiefs as well as queens from the traditional area, to pay a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenewode, at his office.
He appealed to the regional minister to assist the people to complete the construction of a bridge over the Atakpla stream which they initiated several years ago.
According to the Fiaga, the construction of the bridge would open up areas like Tsyome-Afedo, Anfoeta, Hlefi, Saviefe, Etordome and Avatime traditional areas and also facilitate the carting of farm produce to the Ho market.
Togbe Ayim, on behalf of the chiefs in the area, promised to release vast tracts of land, spanning Ziavi, Matse, Tsyome-Afedo and Hlefi areas to the government for large-scale agricultural ventures that would create jobs for the youth in the area.
He suggested the institution of micro-finance loans and tractors to enable the people expand their vegetable, cassava, yam, banana and cocoyam farms.
Togbe Ayim called for assistance in controlling soil erosion that was seriously destroying the streets and the foundation of houses in the area.
Mr Amenowode assured the chiefs that the government would do everything possible to ensure that the Youth in Agriculture programme was extended to the area.
For his part, the Deputy Regional Minister, Colonel Cyril Necku (retd), charged the chiefs and people in the area to revive the Zigi Cultural Troupe of Ziavi to serve as a source of entertainment and tourist attraction in the region.
EVANGELICAL UNIVERSAL CHURCH DONATES TO CURED LEPERS (PAGE 29)
THE women’s wing of the Evangelical Universal Church in Ho has presented assorted items to the cured lepers in Ho as part of the national week celebration of the Christian Women Association of the church.
The items included two bags of rice, a quantity of key soap, toilet rolls, loaves of bread, a quantity of matches and a large quantity of used clothing.
Making the presentation, the National President of the association, Dr Mrs Jane Gadzekpo said the gesture was in response to the plight of the inmates of the leprosarium.
She said the gift was intended to give the inmates hope in accordance with Biblical tenets on the provision of health, food, shelter and clothing for the poor.
Receiving the items, the Principal Technical Officer in charge of Leprosy Control Programme at the Ho Polyclinic, Mr Anthony Adjavon, thanked the group for the gesture.
He called on other organisations to emulate the example of the women to make it possible to feed the inmates three times a day, instead of the current precarious situation where they were fed once a day.
The items included two bags of rice, a quantity of key soap, toilet rolls, loaves of bread, a quantity of matches and a large quantity of used clothing.
Making the presentation, the National President of the association, Dr Mrs Jane Gadzekpo said the gesture was in response to the plight of the inmates of the leprosarium.
She said the gift was intended to give the inmates hope in accordance with Biblical tenets on the provision of health, food, shelter and clothing for the poor.
Receiving the items, the Principal Technical Officer in charge of Leprosy Control Programme at the Ho Polyclinic, Mr Anthony Adjavon, thanked the group for the gesture.
He called on other organisations to emulate the example of the women to make it possible to feed the inmates three times a day, instead of the current precarious situation where they were fed once a day.
Monday, July 13, 2009
POLICE ADMINISTRATION LAUDS CHIEFS, PEOPLE OF VR (PAGE 28)
The Police administration has commended the chiefs and people of the Volta Region for their support in the past years.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr George A. Anko-bil, gave the commendation at the passing out parade of 43 recruits at the inauguration of police cadets of Kadjebi-Asato Senior High School at the police training depot in Ho last Thursday.
He said the new police hierarchy was driven by research-based and scientifically proven strategies of policing to ensure that all menders of the service were directed by performance objectives, community-based law enforcement and citizen-centred order maintenance.
He stressed the need for police personnel to be well equipped with well rehearsed action plan, skills, knowledge and attitudes to enable them to survive the daily demands of the profession in order to adequately protect the citizens.
Mr Anko-bill explained that conflict will always arise but where in the exercise of individual liberty, a person steps on another person’s toes the police should be able to resolve the conflict.
He advised the recruits against the use of force on the public and that the public should also refrain from corrupting the police with money to do what is wrong or to prevent them from performing their duties.
Five recruits were awarded for outstanding performance in drill, musketry, physical agility, academics and the all round best recruit. They are Nannsua Konlan, Samule Sefa, Nurudeen Mubarak, Adolf Kujar and Nurudeen Mubarak respectively.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr George A. Anko-bil, gave the commendation at the passing out parade of 43 recruits at the inauguration of police cadets of Kadjebi-Asato Senior High School at the police training depot in Ho last Thursday.
He said the new police hierarchy was driven by research-based and scientifically proven strategies of policing to ensure that all menders of the service were directed by performance objectives, community-based law enforcement and citizen-centred order maintenance.
He stressed the need for police personnel to be well equipped with well rehearsed action plan, skills, knowledge and attitudes to enable them to survive the daily demands of the profession in order to adequately protect the citizens.
Mr Anko-bill explained that conflict will always arise but where in the exercise of individual liberty, a person steps on another person’s toes the police should be able to resolve the conflict.
He advised the recruits against the use of force on the public and that the public should also refrain from corrupting the police with money to do what is wrong or to prevent them from performing their duties.
Five recruits were awarded for outstanding performance in drill, musketry, physical agility, academics and the all round best recruit. They are Nannsua Konlan, Samule Sefa, Nurudeen Mubarak, Adolf Kujar and Nurudeen Mubarak respectively.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
COURT SENTENCES FARMER TO DEATH (PAGE 3)
THE Ho High Court, presided over by Mr Justice Kofi Essel Mensah, has sentenced Kofi Fiaku, a farmer from Bekpoe near Dabala in the South Tongu District, to death by hanging for murdering his girlfriend.
This was after a seven-member jury had found him guilty on the charge of murder.
The convict had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was assigned Mr Godwin Kpoble, as a legal counsel.
Giving the facts of the case, a senior state attorney, Mr Koku-Mensah Akude, said in December last year, the deceased, Zashie Gbeve, was returning from a funeral and upon reaching a spot between Gonu and Bekpoe she heard a woman calling from somewhere to take cover only to turn to see the convict.
He said the convict confronted the deceased and said “today you and I shall see”, adding that Fiaku pulled out a machete from a sack and chased the deceased and slashed her neck, shoulders and fingers.
Mr Akude said the deceased fell on the ground groaning in a pool of blood and raised an alarm while the accused ran into the bush with the machete.
He said a pick-up later pulled up and Zashie placed in it but she died on the way to hospital.
He said the accused was arrested on December 18, 2008 by one Staff Sergeant J.K. Kpodo of Sogakope Police and when interrogated, he admitted the offence, alleging that the girlfriend owed him GH¢90.
Pronouncing sentence, Justice Essel-Mensah said the convict “will be hanged on the neck and buried at a place to be decided after his death”.
The convict has 90 days to appeal against the sentence.
This was after a seven-member jury had found him guilty on the charge of murder.
The convict had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was assigned Mr Godwin Kpoble, as a legal counsel.
Giving the facts of the case, a senior state attorney, Mr Koku-Mensah Akude, said in December last year, the deceased, Zashie Gbeve, was returning from a funeral and upon reaching a spot between Gonu and Bekpoe she heard a woman calling from somewhere to take cover only to turn to see the convict.
He said the convict confronted the deceased and said “today you and I shall see”, adding that Fiaku pulled out a machete from a sack and chased the deceased and slashed her neck, shoulders and fingers.
Mr Akude said the deceased fell on the ground groaning in a pool of blood and raised an alarm while the accused ran into the bush with the machete.
He said a pick-up later pulled up and Zashie placed in it but she died on the way to hospital.
He said the accused was arrested on December 18, 2008 by one Staff Sergeant J.K. Kpodo of Sogakope Police and when interrogated, he admitted the offence, alleging that the girlfriend owed him GH¢90.
Pronouncing sentence, Justice Essel-Mensah said the convict “will be hanged on the neck and buried at a place to be decided after his death”.
The convict has 90 days to appeal against the sentence.
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