A FIFTEEN-member Town Development Committee (TDC) for Likpe-Kukurantumi in the Hohoe Municipality has been inaugurated to serve as the focal organ for the co-ordination of development programmes of the town.
The chief of the town, Nana Kwaku Agyeman III, who inaugurated the committee, spelt out the challenges ahead and urged them to be devoted to their work so that they could handle their portfolios competently.
He also enjoined the citizens of the town to co-operate with the committee to enable them to execute their task to expectation.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Paul Nyalegbedzi, on behalf of his colleagues, promised to work assiduously to accelerate the progress of the town.
He appealed to the citizens to feel free to contribute ideas and other resources to the committee to enhance the objectives of the town.
The occasion was also used to improve police-public relations.
A Detective Inspector of Police at the Gbi-Bla Police Station, Mr Edmund Agyeman-Badu, gave a public lecture on basic law and the rights of the people.
He spoke against cocoa smuggling, illegal chain saw operations, drug abuse, rape and other criminal activities such as threat of life that could disturb the peace of the people.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
MORTAL REMAINS OF DABO LAID TO REST (PAGE 17)
The mortal remains of a former District Commissioner in the First Republic, Mr Johnson Robert Kwadwo Dabo, have been laid to rest at Kadjebi in the Volta Region.
The late Dabo was the first District Commissioner for the Buem–Krachi area which stretched from Jasikan to Kete-Krachi but now re-demarcated into Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta-North, Nkwanta-South, Krachi-East, Krachi-West and Biakoye districts.
Thousands of people from all walks of life converged at the forecourt of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church at Kadjebi last weekend to pay their last respect to the late Dabo who was described as a “superb organiser, excellent in accounting and a philanthropist”.
In a tribute, the Omanhene of Kadjebi-Akan traditional area, Nana Ogyeabour Akompi Finam II (Order of the Volta), said the late Dabo was a tireless advocate of family unity and togetherness, and that for the district and beyond, his paramount objective was to ensure the sustenance and promotion of the greater interest of the area.
A former minister of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, said the late Dabo was humble, reasonable and affable, and that what was more impressive about him was the selfless resolve to dare to support a cause he believed in irrespective of the odds and whatever the cost to himself.
Another tribute by an Accra-based legal practitioner, Mr S.K. Osei-Nyame, described him as a man of many parts and accomplishments, adding that he was a good man, pure and true.
A former Minister of the Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels, said although they belonged to different political camps they respected each other’s principles and ideologies and even sometimes shared strategies.
The Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, said the death had deprived the people of Kadjebi of a steely and resolute personality, a great man of wisdom and of political distinction.
The General Assembly Council of E.P Church, in a statement described him as a counsellor, a good organiser and a team player.
The late Dabo was the first District Commissioner for the Buem–Krachi area which stretched from Jasikan to Kete-Krachi but now re-demarcated into Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta-North, Nkwanta-South, Krachi-East, Krachi-West and Biakoye districts.
Thousands of people from all walks of life converged at the forecourt of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church at Kadjebi last weekend to pay their last respect to the late Dabo who was described as a “superb organiser, excellent in accounting and a philanthropist”.
In a tribute, the Omanhene of Kadjebi-Akan traditional area, Nana Ogyeabour Akompi Finam II (Order of the Volta), said the late Dabo was a tireless advocate of family unity and togetherness, and that for the district and beyond, his paramount objective was to ensure the sustenance and promotion of the greater interest of the area.
A former minister of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, said the late Dabo was humble, reasonable and affable, and that what was more impressive about him was the selfless resolve to dare to support a cause he believed in irrespective of the odds and whatever the cost to himself.
Another tribute by an Accra-based legal practitioner, Mr S.K. Osei-Nyame, described him as a man of many parts and accomplishments, adding that he was a good man, pure and true.
A former Minister of the Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels, said although they belonged to different political camps they respected each other’s principles and ideologies and even sometimes shared strategies.
The Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, said the death had deprived the people of Kadjebi of a steely and resolute personality, a great man of wisdom and of political distinction.
The General Assembly Council of E.P Church, in a statement described him as a counsellor, a good organiser and a team player.
MATERNITY WARD FOR AKATSI HOSPITAL (BACK PAGE)
A sod-cutting ceremony has been performed for the construction of a maternity ward for the Akatsi District Hospital.
The project is being funded by the Adinkra Foundation, a Dutch non-governmental organisation (NGO), and the Devotees for the Development of Akatsi Hospital.
The country representative of Adinkra Foundation, Mr Felix-Ham Nugor, said GH¢8,000 had been raised to commence the project.
He appealed to chiefs in the district to mobilise financial support and people from the community to support the project with communal labour for its early completion.
Performing the sod-cutting ceremony, the Akatsi District Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Kanyi, stressed the need for the people to rekindle their self-help spirit and advised the chiefs and people to use festive occasions to mobilise funds to support the project.
He also urged the chiefs to release land for development projects to enhance the living standards of the people.
Mr Kanyi commended the Adinkra Foundation for its support to the district, which, he said, included the donation of educational materials to schools and equipment to health facilities.
In an address the acting Director of Health Services, Ms Margaret Dzakpasu, said the project was a positive step towards improving maternal and child health, in line with the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Medical Superintendent of the Akatsi Hospital, Dr Moses Tay Boni, said apart from support from the foundation, the management of the hospital was appreciative of the tremendous assistance from the district assembly, and urged the people to do more to complement the efforts of the two organisations.
The Chairman of Devotees Association, Mr R.K. Dunyo, said the operation of the Adinkra Foundation in the health sector was laudable.
He said there was the need to procure a stand-by generator and upgrade the transformer to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the hospital.
The Dufia of Akatsi, Torgbui Letsa-Korba II, appealed to the government to provide the hospital with the needed facilities to befit its status.
The project is being funded by the Adinkra Foundation, a Dutch non-governmental organisation (NGO), and the Devotees for the Development of Akatsi Hospital.
The country representative of Adinkra Foundation, Mr Felix-Ham Nugor, said GH¢8,000 had been raised to commence the project.
He appealed to chiefs in the district to mobilise financial support and people from the community to support the project with communal labour for its early completion.
Performing the sod-cutting ceremony, the Akatsi District Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Kanyi, stressed the need for the people to rekindle their self-help spirit and advised the chiefs and people to use festive occasions to mobilise funds to support the project.
He also urged the chiefs to release land for development projects to enhance the living standards of the people.
Mr Kanyi commended the Adinkra Foundation for its support to the district, which, he said, included the donation of educational materials to schools and equipment to health facilities.
In an address the acting Director of Health Services, Ms Margaret Dzakpasu, said the project was a positive step towards improving maternal and child health, in line with the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Medical Superintendent of the Akatsi Hospital, Dr Moses Tay Boni, said apart from support from the foundation, the management of the hospital was appreciative of the tremendous assistance from the district assembly, and urged the people to do more to complement the efforts of the two organisations.
The Chairman of Devotees Association, Mr R.K. Dunyo, said the operation of the Adinkra Foundation in the health sector was laudable.
He said there was the need to procure a stand-by generator and upgrade the transformer to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the hospital.
The Dufia of Akatsi, Torgbui Letsa-Korba II, appealed to the government to provide the hospital with the needed facilities to befit its status.
FARMERS CAUTIONED AGAINST INDISCRIMINATE USE OF CHEMICALS (PAGE 35)
THE Volta Regional Director of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services (PPRS) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Mr Atsu Kwebutornye has cautioned farmers against the indiscriminate use of chemicals since they could pose long-term hazard to human health.
He said they should be cautious in handling agro-chemicals and take special note of the classifications on toxicity prescribed on their containers, stressing that they must refrain from washing spraying machines in rivers after any exercise since it could kill the fishes in them.
Mr Kwebutornye gave the advice when he addressed a durbar to commemorate the annual week celebration of the Ghana National Agricultural Technical Class Association (GNATCA) at Akrofu-Agorve in the Ho Municipality.
The celebration was on the theme: “Environmental protection, a prerequisite for sustainable agricultural productivity towards food security and income generation”.
Speaking on the topic: “Safe use of agro-chemicals”, Mr Kwebutornye said they should be circumspect on the use of chemicals on vegetables, adding that empty chemical containers should not be used as water containers for schoolchildren and for storing alcohol or palm wine.
The National President of GNATCA, Mr Emmanuel Kuwornu, said the Akrofu area was noted for the production of vegetables, especially okro, cassava, rice and sugar cane.
He said the selection and application of agro-chemicals must be carefully done and that they should be in the recommended dosage to ensure their effectiveness.
Mr Kuwornu said although agro-chemicals were helpful to farmers, they were harmful to human beings if they were not properly utilised.
He advised the farmers not to be interested in quick profits alone but to also think of the protection of the environment and the health of the community at large.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Ho Municipal Director of the MoFA, Mr Anthony Tabi, urged the farmers not to relent in their efforts but to step up consultations with agricultural extension officers to facilitate the development of their agricultural ventures.
He said the celebration of the event at Akrofu was due to the recognition of the farmers’ hard work and commitment to their chosen profession.
In a welcoming address, the Assembly member for the area, Mr Charles Agbeli, said the area was noted for okro cultivation and the effective organisation of farmers into viable groups.
He called for more investments in agribusiness with the promise that more land was available in the area for the cultivation of rice.
Mr Agbeli also called for the construction of dams, the provision of water pumping machines and irrigation facilities to facilitate all-year-round farming.
Dizengoff, a company that deals in agro-inputs, with the help of plant protection experts, displayed some its products at the function.
In another development, the Ghana National Agricultural Technical Class Association (GNATCA) has donated food items to the Ho Polyclinic for the upkeep of the inmates of its leprosarium.
The items included three bags of rice, loaves of bread, oranges, fruit drinks and cooking oil.
The National President of GNATCA, Mr Emmanuel Kuwornu presented the items to the Medical Assistant of the Ho Polyclinic, Madam Grace Atima.
He said the donation was in response to an appeal by the inmates of the leprosarium for food assistance since they had been suffering in view of the withdrawal of their subsidy by the government.
Madam Atima thanked the association for the gesture and appealed to other benevolent organisations to go to the aid of the cured lepers.
He said they should be cautious in handling agro-chemicals and take special note of the classifications on toxicity prescribed on their containers, stressing that they must refrain from washing spraying machines in rivers after any exercise since it could kill the fishes in them.
Mr Kwebutornye gave the advice when he addressed a durbar to commemorate the annual week celebration of the Ghana National Agricultural Technical Class Association (GNATCA) at Akrofu-Agorve in the Ho Municipality.
The celebration was on the theme: “Environmental protection, a prerequisite for sustainable agricultural productivity towards food security and income generation”.
Speaking on the topic: “Safe use of agro-chemicals”, Mr Kwebutornye said they should be circumspect on the use of chemicals on vegetables, adding that empty chemical containers should not be used as water containers for schoolchildren and for storing alcohol or palm wine.
The National President of GNATCA, Mr Emmanuel Kuwornu, said the Akrofu area was noted for the production of vegetables, especially okro, cassava, rice and sugar cane.
He said the selection and application of agro-chemicals must be carefully done and that they should be in the recommended dosage to ensure their effectiveness.
Mr Kuwornu said although agro-chemicals were helpful to farmers, they were harmful to human beings if they were not properly utilised.
He advised the farmers not to be interested in quick profits alone but to also think of the protection of the environment and the health of the community at large.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Ho Municipal Director of the MoFA, Mr Anthony Tabi, urged the farmers not to relent in their efforts but to step up consultations with agricultural extension officers to facilitate the development of their agricultural ventures.
He said the celebration of the event at Akrofu was due to the recognition of the farmers’ hard work and commitment to their chosen profession.
In a welcoming address, the Assembly member for the area, Mr Charles Agbeli, said the area was noted for okro cultivation and the effective organisation of farmers into viable groups.
He called for more investments in agribusiness with the promise that more land was available in the area for the cultivation of rice.
Mr Agbeli also called for the construction of dams, the provision of water pumping machines and irrigation facilities to facilitate all-year-round farming.
Dizengoff, a company that deals in agro-inputs, with the help of plant protection experts, displayed some its products at the function.
In another development, the Ghana National Agricultural Technical Class Association (GNATCA) has donated food items to the Ho Polyclinic for the upkeep of the inmates of its leprosarium.
The items included three bags of rice, loaves of bread, oranges, fruit drinks and cooking oil.
The National President of GNATCA, Mr Emmanuel Kuwornu presented the items to the Medical Assistant of the Ho Polyclinic, Madam Grace Atima.
He said the donation was in response to an appeal by the inmates of the leprosarium for food assistance since they had been suffering in view of the withdrawal of their subsidy by the government.
Madam Atima thanked the association for the gesture and appealed to other benevolent organisations to go to the aid of the cured lepers.
PROGRAMME TO EMPOWER CHILDREN BEGINS (PAGE 17)
A number of child-related organisations and institutions operating in the country have responded positively to the declaration of the International Year of the Child by the United Nations and the subsequent passage of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
The CRC provides a clear statement prohibiting all forms of violence against children and calls on countries, local authorities, civil society organisations and parents to recognise and strive for the protection of the rights of children. Consequently, some local non-governmental organisations have fashioned out various programmes aimed at promoting the rights of children, as well as enhancing their growth and development.
One institution that has rolled out vital projects aimed at empowering children to enjoy their rights, protection and development is the Afratoun Programme, which has fashioned out a social and financial educational concept embodied in five thematic areas. The programmes are targeted at children from class one to six in selected zones of the world.
The five thematic areas aim at enhancing the understanding of the children, on their rights and responsibilities based on the CRC.
The Women and Development Project (WADEP) of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan and the Netherlands Development Agency have organised a five-day training programme for participants drawn from selected districts in various regions in Ho to support the implementation of the programme.
The participants were representatives from the Ghana Education Service and non-governmental and civil society organisations.
The Afratoun Programme Officer for the Africa Region, Ms Sawsam Youssef, said planning and budgeting would be encouraged among children to develop their enterprising spirit and use of their creative abilities to develop a learning behaviour.
She said those processes would better prepare the children to move onto the next stage of life after primary education.
The Project Co-ordinator of WADEP, Mrs Patricia Formadi-Aniwa, said the training programme was designed to equip participants to work directly with children and to produce trainers capable of conducting lessons based on designed work books in a child-centred participatory and activity-based approach.
She said the workbook encouraged teachers to teach in a more interactive way different from the traditional rote-learning method, which emphasises memorisation and stifled critical thinking, creativity and self-esteem.
She said those were qualities needed to develop children to become positive-change agents in their communities.
The CRC provides a clear statement prohibiting all forms of violence against children and calls on countries, local authorities, civil society organisations and parents to recognise and strive for the protection of the rights of children. Consequently, some local non-governmental organisations have fashioned out various programmes aimed at promoting the rights of children, as well as enhancing their growth and development.
One institution that has rolled out vital projects aimed at empowering children to enjoy their rights, protection and development is the Afratoun Programme, which has fashioned out a social and financial educational concept embodied in five thematic areas. The programmes are targeted at children from class one to six in selected zones of the world.
The five thematic areas aim at enhancing the understanding of the children, on their rights and responsibilities based on the CRC.
The Women and Development Project (WADEP) of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan and the Netherlands Development Agency have organised a five-day training programme for participants drawn from selected districts in various regions in Ho to support the implementation of the programme.
The participants were representatives from the Ghana Education Service and non-governmental and civil society organisations.
The Afratoun Programme Officer for the Africa Region, Ms Sawsam Youssef, said planning and budgeting would be encouraged among children to develop their enterprising spirit and use of their creative abilities to develop a learning behaviour.
She said those processes would better prepare the children to move onto the next stage of life after primary education.
The Project Co-ordinator of WADEP, Mrs Patricia Formadi-Aniwa, said the training programme was designed to equip participants to work directly with children and to produce trainers capable of conducting lessons based on designed work books in a child-centred participatory and activity-based approach.
She said the workbook encouraged teachers to teach in a more interactive way different from the traditional rote-learning method, which emphasises memorisation and stifled critical thinking, creativity and self-esteem.
She said those were qualities needed to develop children to become positive-change agents in their communities.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
PREZ RECEIVES FULL REPORT FROM TRANSITION TEAM (SPREAD)
The Volta Region branch of the Association of Civil Engineers and Building Contractors has pledged to accelerate the development of the region by supporting and monitoring its members in order to execute projects on time.
The Chairman of the branch and Managing Director of Proko Ghana Limited, Mr Prosper Ledi, made the pledge when the regional executive paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, to welcome him to his duty post.
He said as contractors, they were there to assist in the development of the region but expressed regret that they had abandoned many projects in the past.
The Managing Director of Defiat Development Company Limited, Mr Timothy Awuku Fiator, said the association did not enjoy the necessary support in the past, saying that there was little cohesion between them and the regional administration.
He also promised improved relations and effective consultation to facilitate the early completion of projects on the basis of value for money.
For his part, Mr Amenowode said contractors were the executors of the development policies of the government, and that the assurance relating to self- assessment and monitoring was in the right direction.
He said records available indicated that many projects had delayed while no statistics were available to show when others could be completed.
The minister expressed his displeasure at this, and pointed out that the region was at a stage where rapid development was needed and therefore contractors’ failure to work to the expectation of all would be a great disappointment.
Mr Amenowode said contracts would be awarded to only qualified bidders, and without discrimination with priority given to local companies in order to build their capacity.
The Chairman of the branch and Managing Director of Proko Ghana Limited, Mr Prosper Ledi, made the pledge when the regional executive paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode, to welcome him to his duty post.
He said as contractors, they were there to assist in the development of the region but expressed regret that they had abandoned many projects in the past.
The Managing Director of Defiat Development Company Limited, Mr Timothy Awuku Fiator, said the association did not enjoy the necessary support in the past, saying that there was little cohesion between them and the regional administration.
He also promised improved relations and effective consultation to facilitate the early completion of projects on the basis of value for money.
For his part, Mr Amenowode said contractors were the executors of the development policies of the government, and that the assurance relating to self- assessment and monitoring was in the right direction.
He said records available indicated that many projects had delayed while no statistics were available to show when others could be completed.
The minister expressed his displeasure at this, and pointed out that the region was at a stage where rapid development was needed and therefore contractors’ failure to work to the expectation of all would be a great disappointment.
Mr Amenowode said contracts would be awarded to only qualified bidders, and without discrimination with priority given to local companies in order to build their capacity.
MILLS COMMENDED FOR SPIRIT OF ENDURANCE (PAGE 14)
BETHEL Deliverance Mission International, a charismatic church at Tsibu–Bethel in the Volta Region, has commended President John Evans Atta Mills for his spirit of endurance
In a release signed by the General Secretary, Reverend Gershon Kwame Osei, and issued in Ho, the church urged President Mills to take the lead in organising periodic prayer sessions to seek God’s intervention for good governance, development and prosperity.
Congratulating President Mills on ascending to the highest office of the land, the church said, “May God grant President Mills wisdom and grace to deliver”.
The church said despite some problems associated with the elections, it appreciated the manner in which all political heads tolerated one another, particularly the heads of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC), for calming their supporters’ anxieties before, during and after the general election.
The release also expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the religious groups for organising series of prayers prior to the general election.
In another development, Members of the Akrofu ward of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) in the Ho Municipality have extended their warmest congratulations and good wishes to Professor John Evans Atta-Mills for his ascension to the highest office of the land.
They said they were highly elated and overjoyed because of the key role two sons of the town played towards the achievement of his success.
This was contained in a congratulatory message jointly signed by the branch chairman of Akrofu-Xeviwofe, Mr Godwin Otumfuo, and branch chairman of Akrofu-Agove, Mr Santos Dzigbodi Asafo.
The message also expressed heartfelt congratulations to Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, on his election to the second highest office of the land, adding that he deserved the position very earnestly.
It expressed delight that the Vice President, on his last lap of the Volta Region campaign tour, managed his heavy schedule and visited Akrofu, adding that, “we are happy to be part of the success story”.
The message stated that the people believed it was the good Lord that had catapulted them into these high offices, and expressed the hope that the same Lord would guard and guide them to steer the affairs of the nation to the next general election and also crown them with another resounding victory.
In a release signed by the General Secretary, Reverend Gershon Kwame Osei, and issued in Ho, the church urged President Mills to take the lead in organising periodic prayer sessions to seek God’s intervention for good governance, development and prosperity.
Congratulating President Mills on ascending to the highest office of the land, the church said, “May God grant President Mills wisdom and grace to deliver”.
The church said despite some problems associated with the elections, it appreciated the manner in which all political heads tolerated one another, particularly the heads of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and the National Democratic Congress(NDC), for calming their supporters’ anxieties before, during and after the general election.
The release also expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the religious groups for organising series of prayers prior to the general election.
In another development, Members of the Akrofu ward of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) in the Ho Municipality have extended their warmest congratulations and good wishes to Professor John Evans Atta-Mills for his ascension to the highest office of the land.
They said they were highly elated and overjoyed because of the key role two sons of the town played towards the achievement of his success.
This was contained in a congratulatory message jointly signed by the branch chairman of Akrofu-Xeviwofe, Mr Godwin Otumfuo, and branch chairman of Akrofu-Agove, Mr Santos Dzigbodi Asafo.
The message also expressed heartfelt congratulations to Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, on his election to the second highest office of the land, adding that he deserved the position very earnestly.
It expressed delight that the Vice President, on his last lap of the Volta Region campaign tour, managed his heavy schedule and visited Akrofu, adding that, “we are happy to be part of the success story”.
The message stated that the people believed it was the good Lord that had catapulted them into these high offices, and expressed the hope that the same Lord would guard and guide them to steer the affairs of the nation to the next general election and also crown them with another resounding victory.
Friday, March 13, 2009
MINISTER CONDEMNS FUEL SMUGGLING (PAGE 26)
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode has condemned the re-emergence of smuggling of petroleum products from the region to the Republic of Togo due to price differentials of the product between the two countries.
He said the state of the economy of the nation would worsen if unpatriotic citizens engaged in subversive acts, and therefore, urged the people to check this canker.
Mr Amenowode said this when he met a section of media practitioners in the region to introduce himself to them as the new political head of the region.
He said the Dzodze and Segbe areas had been identified by security forces as the places where the product was smuggled to neighbouring Togo.
The regional minister therefore, implored the police, officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to investigate the issue and deal with the culprits.
According to him, some drivers had created false tanks known as “bola” in their vehicles where they fill petrol and diesel for smuggling, adding that others also bought fuel in plastic containers and smuggle it.
The regional minister stressed the need for the media to be vibrant and focus their attention on the development needs of the region.
He said no serious government would want to antagonise the media, neither would it desire to be in bed with the media, adding that what was needed was a professional relationship underpinned with good partnership tailored to the code of ethics of the journalism profession.
Mr Amenowode assured media practitioners that his office would be open up for crosschecking of facts to avoid speculations in their reportage.
He said his mandate was to co-ordinate activities of the region to facilitate development.
Mr Amenowode cautioned them against publishing negative stories that had the potential of scaring away investors.
Touching on the state of affairs in the region, he said it was good, adding that security was calm, education was on track, sanitation not bad, adding “We are not in a very bad state”.
He said the Volta Region was in a unique position for accelerated development, explaining that both the Municipal/District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and almost all the Members of Parliament (MPs) were in the same political leaning, which made understanding of issues on development smooth.
On security, the regional minister said all flash points in the region had been identified for proper management.
Earlier, the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Steve Selormey said the regional minister had met with senior and general staff of the Volta Region Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
He said the state of the economy of the nation would worsen if unpatriotic citizens engaged in subversive acts, and therefore, urged the people to check this canker.
Mr Amenowode said this when he met a section of media practitioners in the region to introduce himself to them as the new political head of the region.
He said the Dzodze and Segbe areas had been identified by security forces as the places where the product was smuggled to neighbouring Togo.
The regional minister therefore, implored the police, officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to investigate the issue and deal with the culprits.
According to him, some drivers had created false tanks known as “bola” in their vehicles where they fill petrol and diesel for smuggling, adding that others also bought fuel in plastic containers and smuggle it.
The regional minister stressed the need for the media to be vibrant and focus their attention on the development needs of the region.
He said no serious government would want to antagonise the media, neither would it desire to be in bed with the media, adding that what was needed was a professional relationship underpinned with good partnership tailored to the code of ethics of the journalism profession.
Mr Amenowode assured media practitioners that his office would be open up for crosschecking of facts to avoid speculations in their reportage.
He said his mandate was to co-ordinate activities of the region to facilitate development.
Mr Amenowode cautioned them against publishing negative stories that had the potential of scaring away investors.
Touching on the state of affairs in the region, he said it was good, adding that security was calm, education was on track, sanitation not bad, adding “We are not in a very bad state”.
He said the Volta Region was in a unique position for accelerated development, explaining that both the Municipal/District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and almost all the Members of Parliament (MPs) were in the same political leaning, which made understanding of issues on development smooth.
On security, the regional minister said all flash points in the region had been identified for proper management.
Earlier, the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Steve Selormey said the regional minister had met with senior and general staff of the Volta Region Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
EMULATE TENACITY OF NKRUMAH — LATSU (PAGE 16)
THE Assembly Member for the Keyime Electoral Area, Mr Daniel Agbesi Latsu, has urged schoolchildren to emulate the tenacity of Dr Kwame Nkrumah to serve as driving forces to success in all their endeavours.
He said they should avoid the blame game at the slightest opportunity because Dr Nkrumah persisted in the independence struggle and liberated the Gold Coast from colonial rule.
“If, after 52 years of independence, we shall sit down and complain, then God save us,” he declared.
Mr Latsu said this at the independence day parade for schoolchildren drawn from Adzonkor, Keyime, Keklebesi, Wudzedeke, Agbalevi and Atsrulume in the Adaklu–Anyigbe District last weekend.
He said if people complained about falling standards in education, yet schoolchildren were not committed to their studies, parents were not committed to the needs of children and teachers were found wanting in their approach to duty, then it was unjustifiable to put the blame on any individual or group.
“We need to identify our potential and resources, look through the problems and see those that we can fight against with our few resources. Then we can use that to lobby the government and non-governmental organisations to come to our aid in fighting those beyond our means,” he said.
Mr Latsu advised the children to tolerate one another and praised them for living in peace, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said they should avoid the blame game at the slightest opportunity because Dr Nkrumah persisted in the independence struggle and liberated the Gold Coast from colonial rule.
“If, after 52 years of independence, we shall sit down and complain, then God save us,” he declared.
Mr Latsu said this at the independence day parade for schoolchildren drawn from Adzonkor, Keyime, Keklebesi, Wudzedeke, Agbalevi and Atsrulume in the Adaklu–Anyigbe District last weekend.
He said if people complained about falling standards in education, yet schoolchildren were not committed to their studies, parents were not committed to the needs of children and teachers were found wanting in their approach to duty, then it was unjustifiable to put the blame on any individual or group.
“We need to identify our potential and resources, look through the problems and see those that we can fight against with our few resources. Then we can use that to lobby the government and non-governmental organisations to come to our aid in fighting those beyond our means,” he said.
Mr Latsu advised the children to tolerate one another and praised them for living in peace, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I HAVE PLAYED MY PART — OKOH (GRAPHIC SHOWBIZ, PAGE 22)
By Tim Dzamboe
SHE may not be a popular face on the local movie scene but Edith Kikachuku Aisahyetu Okoh Chapman of Ho believes she has played her part in the film industry.
Having featured in five local movies produced or currently in production, the 41-year-old professional teacher, is happy that she has been able to achieve one of her ambitions in life.
In a chat with Graphic Showbiz, Okoh said she believes she has made a significant stride in the industry even though she comes on board as a new face.
“I feel good because making movies is not just a matter of entertaining people but also bringing out some of the many ills in the society and inculcating moral values in the viewers,” she stated.
She has played prominent roles in Cross My Heart, a film produced by Simonic Productions and released last year in which she played the wife of Psalm Adjetey(T.T. the Taxi Driver).
“I also played the role of a matron in Deadly Paradise. In addition to that, I have starred in yet-to-be-released movies—Final Passion, Soul, Hostage and Trashes of War.
Apart from acting, Okoh is also a full-time employee of the Ho Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service as a teacher as well as the CEO of Niger Food Base in Ho, a combination she tremendously enjoys and has a timetable which she followed religiously for effective time management.
“ I have been in the teaching service for the past 12 years and my new role as an actress is impacting positively on the school children. As an English language and literature teacher, I have been able to blend the skills to deliver better”, she said.
Okoh whose mother is from the Upper East Region of Ghana and father is from the Niger Delta, Nigeria is the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Community in Ghana, and a member of the Actors Guild.
Miss Okoh appealed to producers in the movie industry to cast their nets wider to embrace up-and-coming and talented actresses and actors in order to change faces and not to rely on old faces for the consuming public.
“ Such a move will enhance the growing environment in arts and entertainment and refine the film and movie industry in the country”, she added.
SHE may not be a popular face on the local movie scene but Edith Kikachuku Aisahyetu Okoh Chapman of Ho believes she has played her part in the film industry.
Having featured in five local movies produced or currently in production, the 41-year-old professional teacher, is happy that she has been able to achieve one of her ambitions in life.
In a chat with Graphic Showbiz, Okoh said she believes she has made a significant stride in the industry even though she comes on board as a new face.
“I feel good because making movies is not just a matter of entertaining people but also bringing out some of the many ills in the society and inculcating moral values in the viewers,” she stated.
She has played prominent roles in Cross My Heart, a film produced by Simonic Productions and released last year in which she played the wife of Psalm Adjetey(T.T. the Taxi Driver).
“I also played the role of a matron in Deadly Paradise. In addition to that, I have starred in yet-to-be-released movies—Final Passion, Soul, Hostage and Trashes of War.
Apart from acting, Okoh is also a full-time employee of the Ho Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service as a teacher as well as the CEO of Niger Food Base in Ho, a combination she tremendously enjoys and has a timetable which she followed religiously for effective time management.
“ I have been in the teaching service for the past 12 years and my new role as an actress is impacting positively on the school children. As an English language and literature teacher, I have been able to blend the skills to deliver better”, she said.
Okoh whose mother is from the Upper East Region of Ghana and father is from the Niger Delta, Nigeria is the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Community in Ghana, and a member of the Actors Guild.
Miss Okoh appealed to producers in the movie industry to cast their nets wider to embrace up-and-coming and talented actresses and actors in order to change faces and not to rely on old faces for the consuming public.
“ Such a move will enhance the growing environment in arts and entertainment and refine the film and movie industry in the country”, she added.
BE ALIVE TO CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES...Bishop Lodonu urges Christian Youth (PAGE 40)
THE Catholic Bishop of the Ho Diocese, Most Reverend Francis A.K. Lodonu has urged Christian youth to be alive to their civic responsibilities.
That, he stressed, was the only way of checking the high incidence of indiscipline, drug abuse, immorality and other criminal activities in the country.
Bishop Lodonu said this at the weekend when he addressed the passing out ceremony of 43 police cadets trained at the Ho Police Training Depot for the Sacred Heart Cathedral of the church.
He said the society always looked up to the police for help in maintaining law and order but as they were inadequate, they could not be everywhere at the same time, adding that the situation had given rise to lawlessness, especially at funerals, where the attendants had been going on the streets and assuming unimaginable authority, irrespective of the risk they faced.
He said the first batch of the cadets was a dream come true to complement the efforts of the regular police personnel to maintain law and order in the communities.
The bishop urged other parishes in the diocese in particular and all religious bodies in general to follow the example of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic youth cadets to help the police in combating crime effectively in order to make communities safe.
In an inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) in charge of the Volta Region, Mrs Rose Bio Atinga said the aim of the cadets corps was to make students to grow up to be responsible citizens through their training and share knowledge with their peers.
She said the cadets would assist the police in crime prevention, adding that they would help in developing the spirit of volunteerism and community service among students.
She said currently there were about 20 police cadets in the country who had helped to develop better understanding between the police personnel and students, as well as the youth in general.
Mrs Atinga advised the cadets to serve as “ears and eyes” of the police in their communities and be able to detect crime.
That, he stressed, was the only way of checking the high incidence of indiscipline, drug abuse, immorality and other criminal activities in the country.
Bishop Lodonu said this at the weekend when he addressed the passing out ceremony of 43 police cadets trained at the Ho Police Training Depot for the Sacred Heart Cathedral of the church.
He said the society always looked up to the police for help in maintaining law and order but as they were inadequate, they could not be everywhere at the same time, adding that the situation had given rise to lawlessness, especially at funerals, where the attendants had been going on the streets and assuming unimaginable authority, irrespective of the risk they faced.
He said the first batch of the cadets was a dream come true to complement the efforts of the regular police personnel to maintain law and order in the communities.
The bishop urged other parishes in the diocese in particular and all religious bodies in general to follow the example of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic youth cadets to help the police in combating crime effectively in order to make communities safe.
In an inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) in charge of the Volta Region, Mrs Rose Bio Atinga said the aim of the cadets corps was to make students to grow up to be responsible citizens through their training and share knowledge with their peers.
She said the cadets would assist the police in crime prevention, adding that they would help in developing the spirit of volunteerism and community service among students.
She said currently there were about 20 police cadets in the country who had helped to develop better understanding between the police personnel and students, as well as the youth in general.
Mrs Atinga advised the cadets to serve as “ears and eyes” of the police in their communities and be able to detect crime.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
AKPAFU CELEBRATES IRON FESTIVAL (PAGE 22)
THE people of the Akpafu Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality have held a grand durbar at Akpafu–Todzi to climax their annual iron festival to give glory for the mining of iron ore in the area discovered some 400 years ago.
The ceremony was graced by the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Hohoe North and Hohoe South constituencies, Mr Joseph Amenowode and Mr Prince Hayibor, respectively.
At the ceremony, Mr Amenowode, who is also the newly appointed Volta Regional Minister, said it was his first public appearance after being confirmed by Parliament on his new portfolio, and thanked the people for the honour done him.
He said President John Evans Atta Mills made a lot of promises during the electioneering and gave the assurance that those promises would take some time to be fulfilled due to the world economic recession which had affected the financial situation of the country.
The regional minister said measures such as improved tax collection and the reduction in the importation of rice and other products had been put in place to mitigate the situation.
He reiterated govern-ment’s determination to continue with the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to offer jobs to the youth, adding that it would be pursued without any political expediency.
Mr Amenowode urged the people to take advantage of the economic improvement that the re-construction of the Tema-Hohoe-Nkwanta-Tamale road would bring to the area in order to improve upon their living conditions.
He promised that educational infrastructure in the country would be rehabilitated to facilitate teaching and learning.
In an address, a sub-chief of Akpafu, Nana Akoto Brempong, expressed concern about lack of adequate educational infrastructure and teachers in the area.
He also lamented the lack of drinking water in the area due to the contamination of their source of water supply by iron ore, which could affect the health of the people.
Nana Akoto appealed to the government to create a separate traditional council for the Akpafu Traditional Area.
The MP for Hohoe-North, Mr Prince Hayibor, appealed to the people to give the President sometime to fulfil his promises as the financial situation of the country inherited by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government posed a great challenge to it.
The ceremony was graced by the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Hohoe North and Hohoe South constituencies, Mr Joseph Amenowode and Mr Prince Hayibor, respectively.
At the ceremony, Mr Amenowode, who is also the newly appointed Volta Regional Minister, said it was his first public appearance after being confirmed by Parliament on his new portfolio, and thanked the people for the honour done him.
He said President John Evans Atta Mills made a lot of promises during the electioneering and gave the assurance that those promises would take some time to be fulfilled due to the world economic recession which had affected the financial situation of the country.
The regional minister said measures such as improved tax collection and the reduction in the importation of rice and other products had been put in place to mitigate the situation.
He reiterated govern-ment’s determination to continue with the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to offer jobs to the youth, adding that it would be pursued without any political expediency.
Mr Amenowode urged the people to take advantage of the economic improvement that the re-construction of the Tema-Hohoe-Nkwanta-Tamale road would bring to the area in order to improve upon their living conditions.
He promised that educational infrastructure in the country would be rehabilitated to facilitate teaching and learning.
In an address, a sub-chief of Akpafu, Nana Akoto Brempong, expressed concern about lack of adequate educational infrastructure and teachers in the area.
He also lamented the lack of drinking water in the area due to the contamination of their source of water supply by iron ore, which could affect the health of the people.
Nana Akoto appealed to the government to create a separate traditional council for the Akpafu Traditional Area.
The MP for Hohoe-North, Mr Prince Hayibor, appealed to the people to give the President sometime to fulfil his promises as the financial situation of the country inherited by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government posed a great challenge to it.
LOGBA MARKET, A NEGLECTED GOLD MINE (PAGE 22)
LOGBA–Alakpeti on the Ho-Hohoe main road, which some people describe as the centre of the Volta Region, is doubtlessly a vibrant marketing centre. It is one of the few towns in the region that have a car park just by the roadside.
On a market day, it is the scene of a magic buoyant market attracting several traders from far and near.
Logba is a junction for three municipalities in the Volta Region, a centre for marketing natural fruits, a gateway to the popular tourist attraction — the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary — and also a gateway to the northern sector of the country through the eastern corridor.
As a junction for three municipalities, namely, Hohoe, Kpando and Ho, Logba has virtually the potential to attract traders from those areas and therefore it has consistently served as a regular market for all kinds of fruits all year round.
As tourists are interested in banana, pear, mangoes, they always converge on Logba, which is one of the communities along the Have-Golokwati route that serves visitors and tourists with those fruits at all times. The production of those fruits in large quantities is always possible because the people preserve their environments by preventing bush fires.
The Logba market, which is in brisk business once in five days, could be described as the engine of growth for the Hohoe Municipal Assembly as far as internally generated revenue was concerned.
Markets are viable avenues for development under the decentralisation process and now that Hohoe has been elevated to the status of a municipality, new strategies must be adopted to improve revenue generation.
Whether the assembly has the strength and power to meet that challenge is a different matter in view of the level of participation of the private sector in accelerating the socio-economic development of the area.
Luckily for the assembly, a non-governmental organisation, the Robert Ndor Memorial Project (RONJECT), has fashioned out a new thinking for maximising the full potential of the Logba market with the help of the Business Advocacy and Challenge (BUSAC) fund.
The Executive Director of RONJECT, Mr Delali Ndor, told a rejuvenated local marketing committee that the importance of markets could not be underplayed in view of their contribution towards the socio-economic development of communities and the nation at large.
He said good organisation was paramount in checking the high rate of revenue leakages and therefore charged the committee to set out rules and regulations to eradicate such behaviours.
Mr Ndor stressed the need for the people to understand the challenges confronting them and be ready to deal with them holistically.
He warned against defecation in the market since that was a primitive and unhygienic act that could affect the health of the people.
A senior revenue superintendent of the municipal assembly, Mr William K. Asamoah, stated that the market was rated second in the area but had declined to the bottom of the ladder because the chiefs and people in the area had shown apathy towards its development.
He assured the people of the assembly’s support to revive the market if the showed the tenacity to succeed, adding that the level of collaboration so far was an indication that the people were prepared to change their status quo.
Mr Asamoah said illegal sheds were prohibited on the market and that they should be actively involved in grassroots participation, adding that they should work in consultation with the local management committee because it was the very tenet of local government.
He promised that the assembly was considering constructing a meat market in the area.
The chairman of the Logba Market Traders Association, Mr Patrick Agbate, recounted his disappointment as a stakeholder when the market began to decline since 1996. He said the inauguration of a local marketing committee was a significant revival of the “gold mine” of the people and pleaded with them to help in achieving the targets.
The project monitor of BUSAC fund and representative of B.T, Consult, Mrs Adeline Alomenu, charged the people to work hard in order to achieve the targets of their proposals, adding that once they were on the BUSAC fund, it was obvious that they could improve on their environments in all spheres because that was the challenge inherent in the BUSAC acronym.
The Secretary of the Local Management Committee, Mr G.M.K. Akotia, expressed concern about the deplorable state of the market.
He, however, stated that with the help of BUSAC and RONJECT, the reviving of the market would be a reality.
On a market day, it is the scene of a magic buoyant market attracting several traders from far and near.
Logba is a junction for three municipalities in the Volta Region, a centre for marketing natural fruits, a gateway to the popular tourist attraction — the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary — and also a gateway to the northern sector of the country through the eastern corridor.
As a junction for three municipalities, namely, Hohoe, Kpando and Ho, Logba has virtually the potential to attract traders from those areas and therefore it has consistently served as a regular market for all kinds of fruits all year round.
As tourists are interested in banana, pear, mangoes, they always converge on Logba, which is one of the communities along the Have-Golokwati route that serves visitors and tourists with those fruits at all times. The production of those fruits in large quantities is always possible because the people preserve their environments by preventing bush fires.
The Logba market, which is in brisk business once in five days, could be described as the engine of growth for the Hohoe Municipal Assembly as far as internally generated revenue was concerned.
Markets are viable avenues for development under the decentralisation process and now that Hohoe has been elevated to the status of a municipality, new strategies must be adopted to improve revenue generation.
Whether the assembly has the strength and power to meet that challenge is a different matter in view of the level of participation of the private sector in accelerating the socio-economic development of the area.
Luckily for the assembly, a non-governmental organisation, the Robert Ndor Memorial Project (RONJECT), has fashioned out a new thinking for maximising the full potential of the Logba market with the help of the Business Advocacy and Challenge (BUSAC) fund.
The Executive Director of RONJECT, Mr Delali Ndor, told a rejuvenated local marketing committee that the importance of markets could not be underplayed in view of their contribution towards the socio-economic development of communities and the nation at large.
He said good organisation was paramount in checking the high rate of revenue leakages and therefore charged the committee to set out rules and regulations to eradicate such behaviours.
Mr Ndor stressed the need for the people to understand the challenges confronting them and be ready to deal with them holistically.
He warned against defecation in the market since that was a primitive and unhygienic act that could affect the health of the people.
A senior revenue superintendent of the municipal assembly, Mr William K. Asamoah, stated that the market was rated second in the area but had declined to the bottom of the ladder because the chiefs and people in the area had shown apathy towards its development.
He assured the people of the assembly’s support to revive the market if the showed the tenacity to succeed, adding that the level of collaboration so far was an indication that the people were prepared to change their status quo.
Mr Asamoah said illegal sheds were prohibited on the market and that they should be actively involved in grassroots participation, adding that they should work in consultation with the local management committee because it was the very tenet of local government.
He promised that the assembly was considering constructing a meat market in the area.
The chairman of the Logba Market Traders Association, Mr Patrick Agbate, recounted his disappointment as a stakeholder when the market began to decline since 1996. He said the inauguration of a local marketing committee was a significant revival of the “gold mine” of the people and pleaded with them to help in achieving the targets.
The project monitor of BUSAC fund and representative of B.T, Consult, Mrs Adeline Alomenu, charged the people to work hard in order to achieve the targets of their proposals, adding that once they were on the BUSAC fund, it was obvious that they could improve on their environments in all spheres because that was the challenge inherent in the BUSAC acronym.
The Secretary of the Local Management Committee, Mr G.M.K. Akotia, expressed concern about the deplorable state of the market.
He, however, stated that with the help of BUSAC and RONJECT, the reviving of the market would be a reality.
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