Thousands of enthusiastic supporters have welcomed the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, to the Eastern Region as he begins a five-day campaign tour of one of the strongholds of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Eastern Region has been one of the most difficult regions for the NDC in recent elections, and Prof. Mills expects to use the final phase of the electioneering to explain his programmes and vision to the people and the need for them to give him their mandate this time.
In the 2004 presidential election, Prof. Mills obtained 38.3 per cent of the 920,672 votes cast in the Eastern Region, as against President Kufuor’s 60.2 per cent
The party also won only six out of the 28 parliamentary seats in the region.
It is, therefore, the expectation of the party that the region will this time fall to the NDC’s message of change for “a better man for a better Ghana” to ensure its eventual success at the upcoming polls.
At Nsawam, the supporters met Prof Mills amid singing, drumming and winding of their hands and fingers to symbolise the party’s message of change.
Addressing the ecstatic crowd which had converged on the Nsawam Lorry Park, Prof. Mills stated that Ghanaians were now yearning for a change and that the people in the Eastern Region could not be left out in what he termed “the blowing wind of change”.
He assured Ghanaians that he would be a president not only for NDC but also for all Ghanaians.
He took the opportunity to introduce the party’s parliamentary candidate for Aburi-Nsawam , Madam Aku Ankrah, to the people and urged them to vote for her.
“If NPP supporters are here, let me assure them that it is because of them that I am here. I will not discriminate when I am given the nod to lead the country. I will also be their president,” he said.
At Adeiso and Nyanoa in the Upper West Akim Constituency where mini rallies were held, people lined up the streets to catch a glimpse of Prof Mills and his entourage. He also introduced the party’s parliamentary candidate, Mr Joseph Amankwanor, to the people.
At Asamankese in the Lower West Akim Constituency, commercial activities virtually came to a halt as traders, drivers and a cross-section of the people abandoned their activities to converge on a park to listen to the message of the NDC presidential candidate.
Not satisfied with the 20 minutes spent at the rally, the supporters ran after Prof Mills’s convoy well beyond the outskirts of the town to listen to the flag bearer at other rallies.
Prof. Mills also addressed a mammoth rally at Boadua in the Akwatia Constituency where he introduced the party’s parliamentary candidate, Mr Baba Jamal, to the people and urged them to vote for him as well.
He assured the youth that the galamsey business would be streamlined if the NDC won the upcoming elections.
At Kade, thousands of supporters defied a heavy downpour and insisted that Prof. Mills address them in the rain.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
VOTE FOR DFP IS BEST LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS (SPREAD)
THE flag bearer of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Mr Emmanuel Ansah-Antwi, has said the best legacy Ghanaians could bequeath to future generations is to vote for the DFP to come to power.
That, he said, had become necessary, since both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which had administered the country two terms each had failed to improve the lot of the people.
He said the unfortunate situation was that both the NDC and the NPP had openly declared their intentions to take punitive measures against the other should either of them win the December 7 elections, a development which he said would be suicidal to the country.
The DFP flag bearer said this when he addressed members and supporters of the party at Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region last Tuesday, during which he introduced Mr Abraham Teye Larkotey as the party’s parliamentary candidate for Lower Manya Krobo.
Mr Ansah-Antwi, who was on the first leg of a tour of the Eastern Region to introduce himself to the executives and members of the party and to thank them for electing him to lead the party to the polls, also called on the traditional authorities at the palace.
He was accompanied by his running mate, Mrs Patience Ameku; the Patron of the party, Dr Obed Yao Asamoah; the National Women Organiser, Hajia Hawau; the National Organiser, Mr Piesie Antoh; the National Education Officer, Alhaji Ismail Bawa, and the Eastern Regional Chairman, Mr Sarfo Kantanka.
Mr Ansah-Antwi asked the electorate to rally behind the DFP to enable it to implement human-centred policies such as subsidy on agricultural inputs, the establishment of agro-processing factories to add value to raw materials and a ready market for both raw materials and locally manufactured goods.
These policies, he said, would create jobs for the people to earn appreciable incomes for their livelihood.
He said although the DFP entered the political arena very late, it had made in-roads throughout the country and gave the assurance that traditional rulers would be roped into its administration, since they were the custodians of the land and knew what projects would be beneficial to the people.
For his part, Dr Asamoah said the DFP was against corruption, insulting political opponents, violence and intimidation and that the party would, within the few days left for the elections, continue with issue-based campaign to drum home its good intentions.
He said the party, which would create a conducive atmosphere for the youth, had also decided to encourage women to take an part in active politics to improve their lot.
Dr Asamoah, who condemned politicians who influenced voters with money or material things, asked Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be influenced by such gestures but to vote for the DFP, which he said was capable of providing the solutions for economic recovery that would enable the people to live decently.
Mr Piesie Antoh said the DFP would spring a surprise and called for peaceful elections, while Alhaji Bawa called on all members and supporters of the party to exercise restraint if provoked on the day of the elections.
Mrs Ameku and Hajia Hawau also addressed the gathering and canvassed for votes for the party.
That, he said, had become necessary, since both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which had administered the country two terms each had failed to improve the lot of the people.
He said the unfortunate situation was that both the NDC and the NPP had openly declared their intentions to take punitive measures against the other should either of them win the December 7 elections, a development which he said would be suicidal to the country.
The DFP flag bearer said this when he addressed members and supporters of the party at Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region last Tuesday, during which he introduced Mr Abraham Teye Larkotey as the party’s parliamentary candidate for Lower Manya Krobo.
Mr Ansah-Antwi, who was on the first leg of a tour of the Eastern Region to introduce himself to the executives and members of the party and to thank them for electing him to lead the party to the polls, also called on the traditional authorities at the palace.
He was accompanied by his running mate, Mrs Patience Ameku; the Patron of the party, Dr Obed Yao Asamoah; the National Women Organiser, Hajia Hawau; the National Organiser, Mr Piesie Antoh; the National Education Officer, Alhaji Ismail Bawa, and the Eastern Regional Chairman, Mr Sarfo Kantanka.
Mr Ansah-Antwi asked the electorate to rally behind the DFP to enable it to implement human-centred policies such as subsidy on agricultural inputs, the establishment of agro-processing factories to add value to raw materials and a ready market for both raw materials and locally manufactured goods.
These policies, he said, would create jobs for the people to earn appreciable incomes for their livelihood.
He said although the DFP entered the political arena very late, it had made in-roads throughout the country and gave the assurance that traditional rulers would be roped into its administration, since they were the custodians of the land and knew what projects would be beneficial to the people.
For his part, Dr Asamoah said the DFP was against corruption, insulting political opponents, violence and intimidation and that the party would, within the few days left for the elections, continue with issue-based campaign to drum home its good intentions.
He said the party, which would create a conducive atmosphere for the youth, had also decided to encourage women to take an part in active politics to improve their lot.
Dr Asamoah, who condemned politicians who influenced voters with money or material things, asked Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be influenced by such gestures but to vote for the DFP, which he said was capable of providing the solutions for economic recovery that would enable the people to live decently.
Mr Piesie Antoh said the DFP would spring a surprise and called for peaceful elections, while Alhaji Bawa called on all members and supporters of the party to exercise restraint if provoked on the day of the elections.
Mrs Ameku and Hajia Hawau also addressed the gathering and canvassed for votes for the party.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
GH¢894,000 PROJECTS FOR 2 MANYA KROBO DISTRICTS (PAGE 25)
CONSTRUCTION work on five social amenities, made up of two modern lorry parks and three kindergarten (KG) school blocks, in the Lower and Upper Manya Krobo districts has begun.
The projects comprise the rehabilitation of the Asesewa lorry park in Upper Manya Krobo, the construction of a new lorry park at Kpong as well as three KG school buildings for the Akuse Roman Catholic, Nuaso Presbyterian and Manya Kpongunor Presbyterian primary schools.
KfW of Germany is providing 90 per cent of the GH¢894,000 being the cost of the projects while the two district assemblies are taking up the remaining 10 per cent of the counterpart funding.
The projects are expected to be completed within nine months.
Briefing journalists before the sod-cutting ceremony at Kpong on Wednesday, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Lower Manya Krobo, Mr David Sackitey Asare, said the lorry parks would be provided with all the necessary modern amenities such as transit sheds and loading pads.
He added that each of the KGs would have a three-unit classroom block, a store, six-seat KVIP public toilets and a urinal.
Mr Asare stated that the project, which formed part of the Town Five initiative for some selected districts, would go a long way to uplift the image of the two districts and also improve the life of the people.
The DCE expressed appreciation to KfW of Germany and the government for supporting the projects.
He expressed the hope that both consultants, Urban Development Consortium and the contracting firm, Koforidua-based Ghana Concrete Engineering Works Limited, would live up to expectation by completing the work on schedule.
The Technical Director of Ghana Concrete Engineering Works, Mr Kwabena Asante, gave the assurance that the company would do its best to complete the project within the stipulated period.
The projects comprise the rehabilitation of the Asesewa lorry park in Upper Manya Krobo, the construction of a new lorry park at Kpong as well as three KG school buildings for the Akuse Roman Catholic, Nuaso Presbyterian and Manya Kpongunor Presbyterian primary schools.
KfW of Germany is providing 90 per cent of the GH¢894,000 being the cost of the projects while the two district assemblies are taking up the remaining 10 per cent of the counterpart funding.
The projects are expected to be completed within nine months.
Briefing journalists before the sod-cutting ceremony at Kpong on Wednesday, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Lower Manya Krobo, Mr David Sackitey Asare, said the lorry parks would be provided with all the necessary modern amenities such as transit sheds and loading pads.
He added that each of the KGs would have a three-unit classroom block, a store, six-seat KVIP public toilets and a urinal.
Mr Asare stated that the project, which formed part of the Town Five initiative for some selected districts, would go a long way to uplift the image of the two districts and also improve the life of the people.
The DCE expressed appreciation to KfW of Germany and the government for supporting the projects.
He expressed the hope that both consultants, Urban Development Consortium and the contracting firm, Koforidua-based Ghana Concrete Engineering Works Limited, would live up to expectation by completing the work on schedule.
The Technical Director of Ghana Concrete Engineering Works, Mr Kwabena Asante, gave the assurance that the company would do its best to complete the project within the stipulated period.
Friday, November 21, 2008
EC LAUDS POLITICIANS IN EASTERN REGION (PAGE 16)
THE DEPUTY Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr David Kanga, has praised politicians in the Eastern Region, especially parliamentary candidates, for the able manner they conducted themselves in the previous general elections.
He said the co-operation and friendly relations among the parliamentary candidates from the 1996 elections had made such events incident-free in the region.
Mr Kanga gave the commendation during an interaction with parliamentary aspirants for the December 7 election in the Eastern Region in Koforidua on Tuesday.
The one-day event during which a mock voting exercise was conducted, brought together prospective MPs such as Samuel Ofosu Ampofo (NDC, Fanteakwa); Emmanuel Agyarko (NPP, Lower Manya Krobo); Bernice Beatrice Boateng (NPP, New Juaben South); Emmanuel Adu Boateng (New Juaben North); Hackman Owusu Agyeman (NPP, New Juaben North); Nana Obuade Boateng (PNC, New Juaben South) as well as many others from the contesting political parties all of whom expressed their sentiments on how to make the elections free and fair.
Mr Kanga stated that if all politicians, especially parliamentary candidates, would conduct themselves like those in the Eastern Region, this year’s elections would be peaceful.
He, therefore, appealed to all politicians to do their best to ensure peaceful elections on December 7.
Earlier in his welcoming address, the Eastern Regional Director of the EC, Mr Paul Boateng, said it was the collective responsibility of all stakeholders such as politicians, security personnel and the media to make the elections peaceful.
All the participants affirmed that they would do their best to make the elections peaceful and appealed to the EC and other stakeholders such as the security personnel and the media to be circumspect in their operations in that respect.
He said the co-operation and friendly relations among the parliamentary candidates from the 1996 elections had made such events incident-free in the region.
Mr Kanga gave the commendation during an interaction with parliamentary aspirants for the December 7 election in the Eastern Region in Koforidua on Tuesday.
The one-day event during which a mock voting exercise was conducted, brought together prospective MPs such as Samuel Ofosu Ampofo (NDC, Fanteakwa); Emmanuel Agyarko (NPP, Lower Manya Krobo); Bernice Beatrice Boateng (NPP, New Juaben South); Emmanuel Adu Boateng (New Juaben North); Hackman Owusu Agyeman (NPP, New Juaben North); Nana Obuade Boateng (PNC, New Juaben South) as well as many others from the contesting political parties all of whom expressed their sentiments on how to make the elections free and fair.
Mr Kanga stated that if all politicians, especially parliamentary candidates, would conduct themselves like those in the Eastern Region, this year’s elections would be peaceful.
He, therefore, appealed to all politicians to do their best to ensure peaceful elections on December 7.
Earlier in his welcoming address, the Eastern Regional Director of the EC, Mr Paul Boateng, said it was the collective responsibility of all stakeholders such as politicians, security personnel and the media to make the elections peaceful.
All the participants affirmed that they would do their best to make the elections peaceful and appealed to the EC and other stakeholders such as the security personnel and the media to be circumspect in their operations in that respect.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
KWAHU PRASO RURAL BANK GIVES OUT MORE LOANS (PAGE 20)
THE Kwahu Praso Rural Bank in the Eastern Region gave out GH¢204,822 as loans and advances to its customers last year as against GH¢162,200 in 2006, showing an increase of GH¢32,922.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr Eric Kwakye, made this known at the 13th annual general meeting of the bank at Kwahu Praso at the weekend.
Mr Kwakye stated that the bank had to increase its loan portfolio to boost the businesses of its customers as a measure of reducing poverty in its catchment areas.
He gave the breakdown of the credit facilities as agriculture: GH¢15,550, food marketing: GH¢25,430, general trading: GH¢52,082, transport: GH¢28,800, education: GH¢53,660 and others GH¢28,822.
To make it possible for the bank to grant more loans, Mr Kwakye appealed to all beneficiaries, especially defaulters, to repay their loans on time.
According to Mr Kwakye, the bank was able to give out more loans due to its credible performance in its overall operations.
He cited for instance that, last year the bank recorded pre-tax profit of GH¢35,237 as against GH¢12,556 in 2006, an increase of 180 per cent while its total deposits also rose from GH¢556,775 to GH¢714,490 within the same period.
The bank’s assets, Mr Kwakye stated, had for the past three years been recording growth, adding that in 2005, it recorded GH¢465,790 which increased to GH¢556,755 in 2006 and GH¢714,490 in 2007.
Mr Kwakye said the bank’s paid-up capital stood at GH¢12,092, which he stated was not encouraging.
He, therefore, appealed to shareholders to buy more shares to boost its capital.
Both Mr Twumasi Ankrah, the Head of Efficiency and Monitoring Unit of the ARB Apex Bank, who represented the Managing Director of the bank, and Mr Kwabena Acheampong, a representative of the Association of Rural Banks, commended the board, management and staff of the bank for their impressive performance.
They, however, urged the board to strengthen the bank’s internal control mechanisms to consolidate its gains.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr Eric Kwakye, made this known at the 13th annual general meeting of the bank at Kwahu Praso at the weekend.
Mr Kwakye stated that the bank had to increase its loan portfolio to boost the businesses of its customers as a measure of reducing poverty in its catchment areas.
He gave the breakdown of the credit facilities as agriculture: GH¢15,550, food marketing: GH¢25,430, general trading: GH¢52,082, transport: GH¢28,800, education: GH¢53,660 and others GH¢28,822.
To make it possible for the bank to grant more loans, Mr Kwakye appealed to all beneficiaries, especially defaulters, to repay their loans on time.
According to Mr Kwakye, the bank was able to give out more loans due to its credible performance in its overall operations.
He cited for instance that, last year the bank recorded pre-tax profit of GH¢35,237 as against GH¢12,556 in 2006, an increase of 180 per cent while its total deposits also rose from GH¢556,775 to GH¢714,490 within the same period.
The bank’s assets, Mr Kwakye stated, had for the past three years been recording growth, adding that in 2005, it recorded GH¢465,790 which increased to GH¢556,755 in 2006 and GH¢714,490 in 2007.
Mr Kwakye said the bank’s paid-up capital stood at GH¢12,092, which he stated was not encouraging.
He, therefore, appealed to shareholders to buy more shares to boost its capital.
Both Mr Twumasi Ankrah, the Head of Efficiency and Monitoring Unit of the ARB Apex Bank, who represented the Managing Director of the bank, and Mr Kwabena Acheampong, a representative of the Association of Rural Banks, commended the board, management and staff of the bank for their impressive performance.
They, however, urged the board to strengthen the bank’s internal control mechanisms to consolidate its gains.
ASSOCIATION ASSISTS RURAL PEOPLE (PAGE 20)
THE Krobo-Danish Association (KROBODAN) at the weekend launched a number of initiatives to improve the lot of people in the rural communities of Yilo Krobo, Upper Manya Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo in the Eastern Region.
The initiatives are a savings and credit scheme for farmers in Yilo Krobo who have no land of their own, training of single mothers in bead-making and free eye screening.
Under the savings and credit scheme, the beneficiaries would be provided with funds to go into poultry keeping, animal husbandry, snail and grass-cutter rearing and piggery.
The facility which would be made available for 300 rural dwellers, would cover the period from 2008 to 2011.
With regard to the training of single mothers for bead-making, the association in collaboration with Bulow Glass, a glass-blowing company in Denmark, would train 60 beneficiaries after which they would be assisted to produce quality beads for the Scandinavian market.
Under the free eye-screening exercise, KROBODAN with support from Synoptik of Denmark, the Koforidua Regional Hospital and the education directorates in the three Krobo districts, namely Yilo, Upper Manya and Lower Manya, conducted an exercise for the general public at Nkurakan, a foodstuff marketing centre in the area.
During the exercise, hundreds of people had their eyes examined and those with defects were given spectacles free of charge.
According to an executive member of the association, Mr N. Joshua Nartey, his outfit which was committed to the improvement of life in rural communities, would continue with such initiatives to enable rural dwellers to lead decent lives.
The initiatives are a savings and credit scheme for farmers in Yilo Krobo who have no land of their own, training of single mothers in bead-making and free eye screening.
Under the savings and credit scheme, the beneficiaries would be provided with funds to go into poultry keeping, animal husbandry, snail and grass-cutter rearing and piggery.
The facility which would be made available for 300 rural dwellers, would cover the period from 2008 to 2011.
With regard to the training of single mothers for bead-making, the association in collaboration with Bulow Glass, a glass-blowing company in Denmark, would train 60 beneficiaries after which they would be assisted to produce quality beads for the Scandinavian market.
Under the free eye-screening exercise, KROBODAN with support from Synoptik of Denmark, the Koforidua Regional Hospital and the education directorates in the three Krobo districts, namely Yilo, Upper Manya and Lower Manya, conducted an exercise for the general public at Nkurakan, a foodstuff marketing centre in the area.
During the exercise, hundreds of people had their eyes examined and those with defects were given spectacles free of charge.
According to an executive member of the association, Mr N. Joshua Nartey, his outfit which was committed to the improvement of life in rural communities, would continue with such initiatives to enable rural dwellers to lead decent lives.
BORMASE WHENYA, THE FORGOTTEN COMMUNITY IN UPPER MANYA (PAGE 20)
LYING on the Akatawia-Sekesua road about 40 kilometres from Asesewa is Bormase Whenya, a scattered community.
The community, together with other adjoining settlements such as Korlewa, Bukunya, Bormase Tenya and Buku Yiti, constitutes one of the populous settlements in the Upper Manya Krobo District with a total population of approximately 3,000.
The people, most of whom have their houses situated on their farmlands, cultivate foodstuffs such as maize, plantain, cocoyam, cassava and almost all the varieties of yam.
They also rear animals such as goats, sheep and fowls primarily for their own consumption and for the market.
The hard-working farmers, who under normal circumstances, should have been able to cultivate such crops on a large scale or keep flocks of such animals, produce very little with very low earnings that can hardly cater for their upkeep due to lack of capital for expansion of such ventures.
Worst of all, the community lacks almost all the basic necessities of life such as good drinking water, clinic or electricity although the power transmission lines pass through the community while the only access road that links it with other parts of the district, the Sekesua-Akatawia road, is full of potholes, making it a death trap.
The only social amenity in the community, the District Assembly (D/A) Primary School which was constructed about half a century ago, is itself a dilapidated structure with some of the walls built with mud, periodically falling off, especially during the rainy season, making it impossible for classes to be conducted during the wet season because the classrooms get flooded.
The most pathetic situation is that the building that used to house the kindergarten, recently collapsed. As a result, the infants study under canopies made with palm leaves.
To compound the situation, the entire infant/pupil population of the school of 140 in seven classrooms depends on only 20 dual desks for classes so the pupils use the desks in turns.
Despite such a horrible spectacle, the pupils have over the years, performed well academically and most of them normally get admission to junior high schools at nearby Sekesua, Asesewa or Odumase Krobo.
In view of the pupils’ outstanding performance, the school won the admiration of both the Manya District Directorate of Education and the district assembly, and was therefore selected to be transformed into a model school (Jubilee School) in 2007 with the provision of modern classrooms, teachers’ bungalows and other amenities.
As expected, the motivation brought relief to the community whose inhabitants readily made available a prepared plot of land for construction to begin on the project.
However, after nearly eight months when nothing had started, some of the inhabitants claimed that a radio station had announced that the project had commenced in earnest so they believed the project had been shifted elsewhere.
“The plan for the project was shown to us on February 2, 2007 by Messrs David Sackitey Asare and Joe Sam, the District Chief Executives for Lower Manya Krobo and Upper Manya Krobo, respectively and the Deputy District Director of Education, Mr D.O. Tetteh, after which we heard from one of the radio stations that constructional work had started which is not true,” the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman, Mr I.T. Quarshie stated.
The school’s Management Committee Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Osom Djeagbo, corroborated Mr Quarshie’s story and said he together with the community’s headman (Dadematse), Mr David Akwetey and the queen, Manye Mamle, followed up to the assembly on many occasions without any positive result, and wondered whether the project would be executed at all.
Both Messrs Sackitey Asare and Joe Sam admitted that the school had been selected to be transformed into a model school in the district, stressing that the project would under no circumstances be diverted to another community.
According to Mr Asare, since the project would involve a lot of money, it would take a little more time to begin, adding that all things being equal, the project would start in March, next year.
Mr Joe Sam, however, indicated that in the interim, a structure would be provided for the kindergarten class within the next two weeks to enable the kids to attend normal classes.
“We are concerned about the plight of the kids and pupils so the assembly will do its best to transform the school to a model one with furniture and all the required facilities that go with it,” Mr Sam stated.
Although the two district assemblies are taking steps to transform the school, it will not be out of place if non-governmental organisations such as Plan Ghana, which had already provided many school buildings in the area go to the rescue on time.
This is necessary because the longer the delay, the more the pupils and kids suffer.
Should that happen, it would have negative impacts on the development of the community whose inhabitants also need micro finance to boost their farming ventures so as to lead decent lives.
The community, together with other adjoining settlements such as Korlewa, Bukunya, Bormase Tenya and Buku Yiti, constitutes one of the populous settlements in the Upper Manya Krobo District with a total population of approximately 3,000.
The people, most of whom have their houses situated on their farmlands, cultivate foodstuffs such as maize, plantain, cocoyam, cassava and almost all the varieties of yam.
They also rear animals such as goats, sheep and fowls primarily for their own consumption and for the market.
The hard-working farmers, who under normal circumstances, should have been able to cultivate such crops on a large scale or keep flocks of such animals, produce very little with very low earnings that can hardly cater for their upkeep due to lack of capital for expansion of such ventures.
Worst of all, the community lacks almost all the basic necessities of life such as good drinking water, clinic or electricity although the power transmission lines pass through the community while the only access road that links it with other parts of the district, the Sekesua-Akatawia road, is full of potholes, making it a death trap.
The only social amenity in the community, the District Assembly (D/A) Primary School which was constructed about half a century ago, is itself a dilapidated structure with some of the walls built with mud, periodically falling off, especially during the rainy season, making it impossible for classes to be conducted during the wet season because the classrooms get flooded.
The most pathetic situation is that the building that used to house the kindergarten, recently collapsed. As a result, the infants study under canopies made with palm leaves.
To compound the situation, the entire infant/pupil population of the school of 140 in seven classrooms depends on only 20 dual desks for classes so the pupils use the desks in turns.
Despite such a horrible spectacle, the pupils have over the years, performed well academically and most of them normally get admission to junior high schools at nearby Sekesua, Asesewa or Odumase Krobo.
In view of the pupils’ outstanding performance, the school won the admiration of both the Manya District Directorate of Education and the district assembly, and was therefore selected to be transformed into a model school (Jubilee School) in 2007 with the provision of modern classrooms, teachers’ bungalows and other amenities.
As expected, the motivation brought relief to the community whose inhabitants readily made available a prepared plot of land for construction to begin on the project.
However, after nearly eight months when nothing had started, some of the inhabitants claimed that a radio station had announced that the project had commenced in earnest so they believed the project had been shifted elsewhere.
“The plan for the project was shown to us on February 2, 2007 by Messrs David Sackitey Asare and Joe Sam, the District Chief Executives for Lower Manya Krobo and Upper Manya Krobo, respectively and the Deputy District Director of Education, Mr D.O. Tetteh, after which we heard from one of the radio stations that constructional work had started which is not true,” the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman, Mr I.T. Quarshie stated.
The school’s Management Committee Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Osom Djeagbo, corroborated Mr Quarshie’s story and said he together with the community’s headman (Dadematse), Mr David Akwetey and the queen, Manye Mamle, followed up to the assembly on many occasions without any positive result, and wondered whether the project would be executed at all.
Both Messrs Sackitey Asare and Joe Sam admitted that the school had been selected to be transformed into a model school in the district, stressing that the project would under no circumstances be diverted to another community.
According to Mr Asare, since the project would involve a lot of money, it would take a little more time to begin, adding that all things being equal, the project would start in March, next year.
Mr Joe Sam, however, indicated that in the interim, a structure would be provided for the kindergarten class within the next two weeks to enable the kids to attend normal classes.
“We are concerned about the plight of the kids and pupils so the assembly will do its best to transform the school to a model one with furniture and all the required facilities that go with it,” Mr Sam stated.
Although the two district assemblies are taking steps to transform the school, it will not be out of place if non-governmental organisations such as Plan Ghana, which had already provided many school buildings in the area go to the rescue on time.
This is necessary because the longer the delay, the more the pupils and kids suffer.
Should that happen, it would have negative impacts on the development of the community whose inhabitants also need micro finance to boost their farming ventures so as to lead decent lives.
MOUNT MARY COLLEGE ADMITS FRESH STUDENTS (PAGE 20)
MOUNT Mary College of Education at Somanya, the first teacher training college with specialisation in the French language to be set up in the country, has held its matriculation for the 2008/09 academic year.
Addressing the impressive ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries and parents, the principal of the college, Mr J.A.M. Kor, said out of the 700 qualified applicants, 300, made up of 166 men and 134 women, were admitted.
He stated that 126 of the new entrants would offer French while the remaining 166 would study the general programme.
Mr Kor said the college had over the years chalked up many successes, adding that at the last professional board meeting held at the University of Cape Coast, the college was singled out as having excelled in the recent semester examinations.
According to him, the college also came first at the recent Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Fun Quiz competition held for Colleges of Education in the Eastern and Greater Accra regions.
He expressed optimism that the college, which was preparing for the national quiz competition scheduled for November 16, this year, would collect the ultimate prize.
Mr Kor attributed the college’s successes to a high standard of discipline and commitment on the part of both students and tutors.
He appealed to parents to offer the necessary financial support to the students to encourage them to study hard.
The principal said the college, now a tertiary institution, was facing many challenges.
Mr Kor mentioned some of them as unsuitable dormitories for both men and women, lack of an assembly hall and lack of administration block.
He expressed the hope that such challenges would be overcome in the near future to enable the college to further improve on its academic achievements.
Addressing the impressive ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries and parents, the principal of the college, Mr J.A.M. Kor, said out of the 700 qualified applicants, 300, made up of 166 men and 134 women, were admitted.
He stated that 126 of the new entrants would offer French while the remaining 166 would study the general programme.
Mr Kor said the college had over the years chalked up many successes, adding that at the last professional board meeting held at the University of Cape Coast, the college was singled out as having excelled in the recent semester examinations.
According to him, the college also came first at the recent Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Fun Quiz competition held for Colleges of Education in the Eastern and Greater Accra regions.
He expressed optimism that the college, which was preparing for the national quiz competition scheduled for November 16, this year, would collect the ultimate prize.
Mr Kor attributed the college’s successes to a high standard of discipline and commitment on the part of both students and tutors.
He appealed to parents to offer the necessary financial support to the students to encourage them to study hard.
The principal said the college, now a tertiary institution, was facing many challenges.
Mr Kor mentioned some of them as unsuitable dormitories for both men and women, lack of an assembly hall and lack of administration block.
He expressed the hope that such challenges would be overcome in the near future to enable the college to further improve on its academic achievements.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
KROBOS MARK KLOYOSIKLEM FESTIVAL (PAGE 31)
A GRAND durbar of chiefs and people of Yilo Krobo to mark their annual Kloyosikplem Festival was held at a place near Somanya at the weekend.
The festival, which was in remembrance of the forceful eviction of the Krobos from the Krobo Mountain by the then British colonialists in 1892 and normally held at Somanya, the traditional capital, was this year organised beneath the mountains, about eight kilometres away from Somanya.
It was attended by a number of dignitaries such as Nene Sasraku, a divisional chief of Manya Krobo, the District Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, Mr Joseph Adu Tawiah, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu and the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, who represented the President, Mr J.A. Kufuor.
In his message, which was delivered by Mr Boafo, President Kufuor said the government had, for the past eight years, provided a number of social amenities such as good roads, schools and poverty alleviation initiatives like the Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme, the Health Insurance Scheme and microfinance credit facilities of which the people in the Yilo Krobo area had also benefited.
To further improve the lot of the people, President Kufuor said GH¢500,000 from the Millennium Challenge Authority Fund had been made available for a number of mango growers in the area, as well as another GH¢70,000 from the same fund to pepper cultivators, to boost production of the two crops.
This, the President said, would make it possible for the farmers to generate more income to improve their lives.
The President further said the government was looking for the possibility of returning the lands in and around the Krobo Mountain, which were taken over by the colonial administration, to the traditional authorities.
The President expressed his appreciation to the people of Yilo Krobo for preserving their culture and indicated that the government was also committed to helping communities preserve their cultures.
He thanked the people for their continued support to the government and called on them to turn out in their numbers to exercise their franchise on December 7.
The Konor of Yilo Krobo, Kpetekple Narh Dawutey Ologo VI, thanked the government for providing a number of social amenities and poverty alleviation initiatives in the area.
The Konor appealed to the government to expedite action on returning the lands in and around the Krobo Mountains to the traditional authority to be developed into a first class tourist facility.
Kpetekple Ologo also asked the government to help address other challenges in the area, which include the rehabilitation of the Somanya-Kpong road, upgrading of the town’s polytechnic to the status of a district hospital, improvement of the infrastructure of the Yilo Krobo Senior High School, as well as enhancing telecommunication facilities in the area.
The festival, which was in remembrance of the forceful eviction of the Krobos from the Krobo Mountain by the then British colonialists in 1892 and normally held at Somanya, the traditional capital, was this year organised beneath the mountains, about eight kilometres away from Somanya.
It was attended by a number of dignitaries such as Nene Sasraku, a divisional chief of Manya Krobo, the District Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, Mr Joseph Adu Tawiah, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu and the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, who represented the President, Mr J.A. Kufuor.
In his message, which was delivered by Mr Boafo, President Kufuor said the government had, for the past eight years, provided a number of social amenities such as good roads, schools and poverty alleviation initiatives like the Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme, the Health Insurance Scheme and microfinance credit facilities of which the people in the Yilo Krobo area had also benefited.
To further improve the lot of the people, President Kufuor said GH¢500,000 from the Millennium Challenge Authority Fund had been made available for a number of mango growers in the area, as well as another GH¢70,000 from the same fund to pepper cultivators, to boost production of the two crops.
This, the President said, would make it possible for the farmers to generate more income to improve their lives.
The President further said the government was looking for the possibility of returning the lands in and around the Krobo Mountain, which were taken over by the colonial administration, to the traditional authorities.
The President expressed his appreciation to the people of Yilo Krobo for preserving their culture and indicated that the government was also committed to helping communities preserve their cultures.
He thanked the people for their continued support to the government and called on them to turn out in their numbers to exercise their franchise on December 7.
The Konor of Yilo Krobo, Kpetekple Narh Dawutey Ologo VI, thanked the government for providing a number of social amenities and poverty alleviation initiatives in the area.
The Konor appealed to the government to expedite action on returning the lands in and around the Krobo Mountains to the traditional authority to be developed into a first class tourist facility.
Kpetekple Ologo also asked the government to help address other challenges in the area, which include the rehabilitation of the Somanya-Kpong road, upgrading of the town’s polytechnic to the status of a district hospital, improvement of the infrastructure of the Yilo Krobo Senior High School, as well as enhancing telecommunication facilities in the area.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN (PAGE 21)
THE Eastern Regional branch of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has intensified its educational campaigns with durbars to make roads in the region safe during the elections as well as during the Yuletide.
One of the events which took place at Anyinam last weekend under the joint sponsorship of the NRSC and the assembly, brought together a large number of drivers and pedestrians who were schooled on road safety by resource persons drawn from the Atiwa District Assembly, the police and the NRSC.
Addressing the participants, the Eastern Regional Manager of the NRSC, Mr Stephen Anokye, said the region ranked second in the whole country as a result of the high rate of motor accidents.
According to him, the situation had compelled the NRSC to intensify its educational campaigns which started some months ago, to properly educate road users, especially motorists, on the prevention of accidents, since 90 per cent of deaths result from human error.
As regards those who qualify to be at the steering wheel, Mr Anokye stated that although anybody above the age of 18 was qualified to drive, only people above 25 years of age could drive commercial vehicles.
He stated that his outfit would collaborate with all the 21 municipal and district assemblies in the region on the issue.
Mr Anokye, however, appealed to drivers to obey traffic regulations, especially at this time when the country would be going to the polls and celebrating the Yuletide, in order to reduce motor accidents to the barest minimum.
The Atiwa District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Eric Hini, who also addressed the participants, said a task force had been formed to ensure sustainability of road safety in the district and appealed to road users, especially drivers, for co-operation.
The Commanding Officer of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, took the participants through the rudiments of road safety.
He advised drivers to regularly maintain their vehicles, avoid drinking while driving, speeding and overloading, adding that they should under no circumstances allow children and pregnant women to sit in the front seats of their vehicles.
Other speakers at the ceremony were the assembly member for Anyinam, Mr John Amponsah Kyei, and Nana Agyeman Sakyi, the Ankobeahene of Anyinam, who chaired the function.
One of the events which took place at Anyinam last weekend under the joint sponsorship of the NRSC and the assembly, brought together a large number of drivers and pedestrians who were schooled on road safety by resource persons drawn from the Atiwa District Assembly, the police and the NRSC.
Addressing the participants, the Eastern Regional Manager of the NRSC, Mr Stephen Anokye, said the region ranked second in the whole country as a result of the high rate of motor accidents.
According to him, the situation had compelled the NRSC to intensify its educational campaigns which started some months ago, to properly educate road users, especially motorists, on the prevention of accidents, since 90 per cent of deaths result from human error.
As regards those who qualify to be at the steering wheel, Mr Anokye stated that although anybody above the age of 18 was qualified to drive, only people above 25 years of age could drive commercial vehicles.
He stated that his outfit would collaborate with all the 21 municipal and district assemblies in the region on the issue.
Mr Anokye, however, appealed to drivers to obey traffic regulations, especially at this time when the country would be going to the polls and celebrating the Yuletide, in order to reduce motor accidents to the barest minimum.
The Atiwa District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Eric Hini, who also addressed the participants, said a task force had been formed to ensure sustainability of road safety in the district and appealed to road users, especially drivers, for co-operation.
The Commanding Officer of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, took the participants through the rudiments of road safety.
He advised drivers to regularly maintain their vehicles, avoid drinking while driving, speeding and overloading, adding that they should under no circumstances allow children and pregnant women to sit in the front seats of their vehicles.
Other speakers at the ceremony were the assembly member for Anyinam, Mr John Amponsah Kyei, and Nana Agyeman Sakyi, the Ankobeahene of Anyinam, who chaired the function.
Monday, November 10, 2008
AKUFO-ADDO GRATEFUL TO PEOPLE OF AKUAPEM (PAGE 16)
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has expressed his appreciation to the people of East Akyem, the Akuapem North and South districts for their continued support for the party over the years.
He said such support from the three districts which made it possible for the party to win the 2000 and 2004 elections to provide social amenities and other poverty alleviation programmes for the people should again be accorded the NPP to win the December 7 elections to enable it to complete its development agenda.
Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his appreciation at two mammoth rallies in Akropong, hometown of his father, and Kyebi, his maternal home.
Nana Akufo-Addo who also visited several towns and villages in the three districts introduced the party’s parliamentary candidates, Messrs Dan Botwe, Okere, William Boafo, Akropong, O. B. Amoah, Aburi-Nsawam and Atta Akyia, Abuakwa South, to the people.
He also paid courtesy calls on the Okuapehene, Oseadeoyo Addo-Dankwa III, Aburihene Otobuor Gyan Kwasi and the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and other traditional leaders.
The NPP flag bearer who was on the last leg of a campaign tour of the Eastern Region was accompanied by Messrs Boakye Agyarko, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Hackman Owusu Agyeman, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu and other executive members of the party.
According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the tremendous support by the people in the three districts had enabled the Kufuor Administration to resuscitate the economy which was almost shattered by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration, and that such support should again be accorded the NPP to win the elections.
Nana Akufo-Addo stated that it would be suicidal for the NDC to come back to power since they could not do anything beneficial for Ghana. He added that it was only the NPP which was capable of improving the lot of the people.
Nana Akufo-Addo who stated that a lot had been achieved in the past eight years and that the oil find would accelerate the economy, added that everything had been done to exploit the bauxite deposits in the Abuakwa area to provide jobs for the youth and also transform Kyebi, the capital of East Akyem.
“You have over the years supported us to win the previous two elections and we are appealing to you again to support us to win this year’s elections so that I take over from President Kufuor to continue with his good works” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
At Kyebi, Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Danquah-Busia tradition, most of who had been laid to rest in the town, and said he decided to be in politics to play his part in fulfilling the dreams of the tradition.
Messrs Osafo-Maafo, Boakye Agyarko and Hackman Owusu Agyeman took turns to canvass for votes for the NPP with Osafo-Maafo giving a vivid explanation of the economy, which according to him had improved tremendously under the NPP.
He said such support from the three districts which made it possible for the party to win the 2000 and 2004 elections to provide social amenities and other poverty alleviation programmes for the people should again be accorded the NPP to win the December 7 elections to enable it to complete its development agenda.
Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his appreciation at two mammoth rallies in Akropong, hometown of his father, and Kyebi, his maternal home.
Nana Akufo-Addo who also visited several towns and villages in the three districts introduced the party’s parliamentary candidates, Messrs Dan Botwe, Okere, William Boafo, Akropong, O. B. Amoah, Aburi-Nsawam and Atta Akyia, Abuakwa South, to the people.
He also paid courtesy calls on the Okuapehene, Oseadeoyo Addo-Dankwa III, Aburihene Otobuor Gyan Kwasi and the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and other traditional leaders.
The NPP flag bearer who was on the last leg of a campaign tour of the Eastern Region was accompanied by Messrs Boakye Agyarko, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Hackman Owusu Agyeman, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu and other executive members of the party.
According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the tremendous support by the people in the three districts had enabled the Kufuor Administration to resuscitate the economy which was almost shattered by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration, and that such support should again be accorded the NPP to win the elections.
Nana Akufo-Addo stated that it would be suicidal for the NDC to come back to power since they could not do anything beneficial for Ghana. He added that it was only the NPP which was capable of improving the lot of the people.
Nana Akufo-Addo who stated that a lot had been achieved in the past eight years and that the oil find would accelerate the economy, added that everything had been done to exploit the bauxite deposits in the Abuakwa area to provide jobs for the youth and also transform Kyebi, the capital of East Akyem.
“You have over the years supported us to win the previous two elections and we are appealing to you again to support us to win this year’s elections so that I take over from President Kufuor to continue with his good works” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
At Kyebi, Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Danquah-Busia tradition, most of who had been laid to rest in the town, and said he decided to be in politics to play his part in fulfilling the dreams of the tradition.
Messrs Osafo-Maafo, Boakye Agyarko and Hackman Owusu Agyeman took turns to canvass for votes for the NPP with Osafo-Maafo giving a vivid explanation of the economy, which according to him had improved tremendously under the NPP.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
OWRAKU AMOFA JOINS NPP (PAGE 17)
A FORMER Deputy Minister of Tourism in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration, Mr Owraku Amofa, has joined the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr Owraku Amofa, a former executive of the EGLE Party, until the year 2000 when he left the party, who was clad in NPP colours, announced his decision at a mammoth rally to welcome the presidential candidate of the NPP at Kyebi on Wednesday.
Mr Amofa, who, until recently was domiciled in the United States of America, said he decided to join hands with the NPP because they had performed creditably in their almost eight-year administration of the country.
He said while in the United States, he had been following with keen interest and admiration the development projects and other poverty alleviation initiatives in the country, which, according to him, was improving the lot of Ghanaians, adding that “the NPP should be supported to win the December elections to continue with its good works”.
“Although I am not in Ghana, I have been following with keen interest the numerous social amenities such as roads, health and educational facilities, as well as poverty alleviation programmes such as the Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme and micro-finance schemes that had been made available by the government to the people and I have therefore decided to come back home to support the NPP to win the elections to continue with such initiatives,” Mr Owuraku Amofa said to thunderous applause.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who described Mr Owraku Amofa as a direct relative, said the NPP believed in numbers and indicated that the party would work with him to secure victory at the December polls.
He appealed to members of the NPP to continue to drum home the government’s achievements to convince more people to vote to secure a resounding victory at the polls.
Mr Owraku Amofa, a former executive of the EGLE Party, until the year 2000 when he left the party, who was clad in NPP colours, announced his decision at a mammoth rally to welcome the presidential candidate of the NPP at Kyebi on Wednesday.
Mr Amofa, who, until recently was domiciled in the United States of America, said he decided to join hands with the NPP because they had performed creditably in their almost eight-year administration of the country.
He said while in the United States, he had been following with keen interest and admiration the development projects and other poverty alleviation initiatives in the country, which, according to him, was improving the lot of Ghanaians, adding that “the NPP should be supported to win the December elections to continue with its good works”.
“Although I am not in Ghana, I have been following with keen interest the numerous social amenities such as roads, health and educational facilities, as well as poverty alleviation programmes such as the Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme and micro-finance schemes that had been made available by the government to the people and I have therefore decided to come back home to support the NPP to win the elections to continue with such initiatives,” Mr Owuraku Amofa said to thunderous applause.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who described Mr Owraku Amofa as a direct relative, said the NPP believed in numbers and indicated that the party would work with him to secure victory at the December polls.
He appealed to members of the NPP to continue to drum home the government’s achievements to convince more people to vote to secure a resounding victory at the polls.
Friday, November 7, 2008
SLAM SCHOOLS FARMERS ON LAND USE (PAGE 39)
SUSTAINABLE Land Administrative Management (SLAM), a body consisting of scientists who have specialised on land management dedicated to the preservation of the ecology, at the weekend, organised a seminar at Koforidua to educate farmers on how best to maintain the ecology of the Eastern Region.
The exercise which forms part of SLAMS’ four-year programme to preserve the ecology, brought together 40 farmers drawn from four districts in the region, namely Atiwa, Upper Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa and Akuapem South.
It was funded jointly by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Addressing the participants, the Co-ordinator of SLAM, Professor Edwin A. Gyasi, said since the ecology was being destroyed at an alarming rate, it had become necessary to educate land users, especially farmers, on modern farming practices for the sustenance of the ecology.
Professor Gyasi who took the participants through the various rudiments of environmental preservation, named several factors such as poverty, lack of land policy, weak institutional capacity and inflexible traditional land tenure system as the factors which destroyed the ecology.
He advised the participants to adhere to good farming practices.
Prof Gyasi stated that although Ghana had not been seriously affected by the global warming that was melting the iceberg in the polar region, most of the vegetation cover in the country as well as water bodies were being destroyed.
He stressed that unless land users, especially farmers adhered to good farming practices, the environment would be destroyed in such a way that it would be difficult for future generations to live.
Professor Gyasi, therefore, urged the participants not only to put to practice what they had learnt at the seminar, but must also teach their colleagues in the various communities the best farming practices.
In her welcome address, the acting Southern Sector Co-ordinator of SLAM, Miss Dina Afua Kobe Appiah stated that studies had shown that 70 per cent of the land in Ghana had been subjected to severe erosion.
She said that had been the leading factor undermining productivity in agriculture, loss of biodiversity through deforestation and land degradation, amounting to four per cent of the GDP.
According to her, that could be mainly attributed to tremendous pressure from human population which had been on the rise yearly.
SLAM, she said, had therefore strived, among others, to heal the degraded lands and improve agricultural production to enhance food security.
The exercise which forms part of SLAMS’ four-year programme to preserve the ecology, brought together 40 farmers drawn from four districts in the region, namely Atiwa, Upper Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa and Akuapem South.
It was funded jointly by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Addressing the participants, the Co-ordinator of SLAM, Professor Edwin A. Gyasi, said since the ecology was being destroyed at an alarming rate, it had become necessary to educate land users, especially farmers, on modern farming practices for the sustenance of the ecology.
Professor Gyasi who took the participants through the various rudiments of environmental preservation, named several factors such as poverty, lack of land policy, weak institutional capacity and inflexible traditional land tenure system as the factors which destroyed the ecology.
He advised the participants to adhere to good farming practices.
Prof Gyasi stated that although Ghana had not been seriously affected by the global warming that was melting the iceberg in the polar region, most of the vegetation cover in the country as well as water bodies were being destroyed.
He stressed that unless land users, especially farmers adhered to good farming practices, the environment would be destroyed in such a way that it would be difficult for future generations to live.
Professor Gyasi, therefore, urged the participants not only to put to practice what they had learnt at the seminar, but must also teach their colleagues in the various communities the best farming practices.
In her welcome address, the acting Southern Sector Co-ordinator of SLAM, Miss Dina Afua Kobe Appiah stated that studies had shown that 70 per cent of the land in Ghana had been subjected to severe erosion.
She said that had been the leading factor undermining productivity in agriculture, loss of biodiversity through deforestation and land degradation, amounting to four per cent of the GDP.
According to her, that could be mainly attributed to tremendous pressure from human population which had been on the rise yearly.
SLAM, she said, had therefore strived, among others, to heal the degraded lands and improve agricultural production to enhance food security.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD SCHOOL CHALKS UP 20 (PAGE 39)
THE Assemblies of God schools complex comprising a crèche, nursery, kindergarten, primary and junior high schools at Koforidua has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The school complex was established in 1988 through the efforts of the late Reverend Jonathan Sarpong Donkor, the then Head Pastor of the Koforidua Central branch of the church who was also the Eastern Regional Superintendent of the church.
Its initial enrolment of 30 at the crèche and nursery levels increased over the years during which the kindergarten, primary and junior high schools were added.
The school complex which currently has a population of more than 400, is now one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality, producing quality students for the best senior high schools (SHS) not only in the municipality, but also in other parts of the country.
Addressing a grand durbar to mark the event on the theme: “Quality Education for Children, the Best Security for Parents,” the Regional Superintendent of the church, the Reverend Alex Ofori Amankwaa, said the church established the school in support of the government’s policy to make education available to every child.
He said initially the school operated on charity, offering full scholarships to about half of the students and pupils relying on the church’s local coffers.
According to Rev Amankwaa, currently, the school charged low fees below what was recommended by the Ghana Education Service to ensure that children of poor parentage could go to school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Christiana Agbetie said due to the disciplinary measures adopted by the school, it had become one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality.
She said the school had produced a number of professionals such as engineers, lawyers, academicians, journalists and businessmen.
The school complex was established in 1988 through the efforts of the late Reverend Jonathan Sarpong Donkor, the then Head Pastor of the Koforidua Central branch of the church who was also the Eastern Regional Superintendent of the church.
Its initial enrolment of 30 at the crèche and nursery levels increased over the years during which the kindergarten, primary and junior high schools were added.
The school complex which currently has a population of more than 400, is now one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality, producing quality students for the best senior high schools (SHS) not only in the municipality, but also in other parts of the country.
Addressing a grand durbar to mark the event on the theme: “Quality Education for Children, the Best Security for Parents,” the Regional Superintendent of the church, the Reverend Alex Ofori Amankwaa, said the church established the school in support of the government’s policy to make education available to every child.
He said initially the school operated on charity, offering full scholarships to about half of the students and pupils relying on the church’s local coffers.
According to Rev Amankwaa, currently, the school charged low fees below what was recommended by the Ghana Education Service to ensure that children of poor parentage could go to school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Christiana Agbetie said due to the disciplinary measures adopted by the school, it had become one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality.
She said the school had produced a number of professionals such as engineers, lawyers, academicians, journalists and businessmen.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
ARMED ROBBERS ATTACK DOCTOR, WOUND WATCHMAN (PAGE 20)
SIX suspected armed robbers in the early hours of last Sunday broke into the official residence of Dr Kafui Setsoafia, the Medical Superintendent of the Atua Government Hospital at Odumase-Krobo, and took away a number of personal belongings and GH¢350.
Dr Setsoafia sustained injuries in one eye while his watchman, Abel Kwao, was also injured on different parts of the body and bled profusely from the nostrils as a result of the severe beatings by the robbers.
They were both treated and discharged at the same hospital.
So far nobody has been arrested in connection with the robbery.
A distraught Dr Setsoafia told the Daily Graphic at his residence shortly after the incident that the robbers, who were armed with guns and machetes, surrounded his premises at exactly 12.50 a.m.
He said he heard Mr Kwao shouting to alert him of the presence of the robbers so he looked through one of the windows where he saw the robbers molesting the watchman.
Dr Setsoafia stated that the robbers after subduing the watchman who was hit on his head with an iron rod and was bleeding profusely from the nostrils, positioned two members of the gang behind the house while the remaining four entered one of the rooms after they had used a cement block to break the main door.
According to the medical doctor, the robbers ordered him to bring out a box in his room which they believed contained dollars and jewels as well as a laptop.
He stated that when he brought out the box but could not immediately find its key, the robbers used the flat side of a machete to hit him on the back after which they punched him in the left eye.
Dr Setsoafia said the robbers stopped molesting him after he had given them the key and that in all, they took away three mobile phones, two wrist watches, a wedding ring and GH¢350 belonging to him and his wife, Theodora, who was hiding in one of the rooms.
He said Theodora was spared the ordeal because he told the robbers that she was not around.
When contacted on the issue, the officer in charge of the Odumase-Krobo Police Station, Chief Inspector Douglas Badjie, confirmed the robbery.
He stated that although he led policemen to the scene immediately he had a phone call, the robbers went away before they arrived there.
He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the robbers.
Dr Setsoafia sustained injuries in one eye while his watchman, Abel Kwao, was also injured on different parts of the body and bled profusely from the nostrils as a result of the severe beatings by the robbers.
They were both treated and discharged at the same hospital.
So far nobody has been arrested in connection with the robbery.
A distraught Dr Setsoafia told the Daily Graphic at his residence shortly after the incident that the robbers, who were armed with guns and machetes, surrounded his premises at exactly 12.50 a.m.
He said he heard Mr Kwao shouting to alert him of the presence of the robbers so he looked through one of the windows where he saw the robbers molesting the watchman.
Dr Setsoafia stated that the robbers after subduing the watchman who was hit on his head with an iron rod and was bleeding profusely from the nostrils, positioned two members of the gang behind the house while the remaining four entered one of the rooms after they had used a cement block to break the main door.
According to the medical doctor, the robbers ordered him to bring out a box in his room which they believed contained dollars and jewels as well as a laptop.
He stated that when he brought out the box but could not immediately find its key, the robbers used the flat side of a machete to hit him on the back after which they punched him in the left eye.
Dr Setsoafia said the robbers stopped molesting him after he had given them the key and that in all, they took away three mobile phones, two wrist watches, a wedding ring and GH¢350 belonging to him and his wife, Theodora, who was hiding in one of the rooms.
He said Theodora was spared the ordeal because he told the robbers that she was not around.
When contacted on the issue, the officer in charge of the Odumase-Krobo Police Station, Chief Inspector Douglas Badjie, confirmed the robbery.
He stated that although he led policemen to the scene immediately he had a phone call, the robbers went away before they arrived there.
He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the robbers.
REPAIR OF EASTERN REGION ROADS IN PROGRESS (PAGE 20)
GOOD road network plays a vital role in the development of any area in the country, especially in the hinterland where foodstuffs have to be conveyed from the farm gate to markets in the urban centres.
It also facilitates the movement of people of all walks of life within the areas concerned as well as linking the districts, regions, the country and the neighbouring countries together.
The Eastern Region is the third most populous region in the country and for that matter should have good road network to facilitate its economic activities.
Eight years ago, only 39 per cent of its trunk roads was in good shape, 39 per cent was fair and 22 per cent was poor although previous governments did the best to improve the trunk roads.
The deplorable road network has not only brought untold hardships to the people and traders who found it extremely difficult to cart their wares from one end to the other, but has also negatively affected the economy of the region.
To avert such a deplorable situation, the government upon assumption of power in 2001, initiated a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme nationwide as a result of which large stretches of trunk roads in the region had been reconditioned.
Some of the rehabilitated trunk roads which were carried out under the supervision of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), included the 16-kilometre Kwabeng-Akyem Akropong road, the Kwahu Tafo-Adawso road, a 20-kilometre stretch linking the Kwahu East District with Kwahu North, the 30-kilometre Aburi-Mamfe road said to be one of the best in West Africa, the 30- kilometre Anyinam-Nkawkaw road and the five-kilometre Medie-Kwafokrom road.
Others are the 14-kilometre Achiase-Akenkansu road and the road linking Ekye Amanfrom with Forifori, one of the main arteries in the newly-created Kwahu North District.
By the end of last year, 40 per cent of the trunk roads constituting 778 kilometres out of the region’s total length of 1,400 was in very good condition, thus bringing a lot of relief to the travelling public.
According to the Regional Director of the GHA, Mr Joseph Kwadwo Agyepong, his outfit was doing its best to rehabilitate the trunk roads.
He said with the support from stakeholders, especially the government, 70 per cent of trunk roads in the region would be in very good condition within the next few years.
Mr Agyepong stated that on the whole, the contracting firms undertaking the various projects, especially AYA Construction, a Koforidua-based construction firm which is reconstructing the Koforidua-Bunso road, the main artery linking the regional capital with the main Accra-Kumasi Highway, had lived up to expectation.
The project which has a contract period of two years, when completed, would totally transform the pot-hole-undulating road that had become a death trap to be one of the best in the region.
Mr Agyepong, who together with Mr Paul Duah, the Regional GHA Maintenance Manager, was on the normal routine visit to the site, commended AYA for the good work done.
The company’s managing director, Mr John Afful, Jnr gave the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule despite the intermittent heavy downpours that had continued to slow down construction works.
One significant aspect of road construction and rehabilitation in the region is that, any stakeholder who does not honour the contractual obligation, is sanctioned..
While contractors who perform poorly are sanctioned, the government which ensures that certificates for work done are honoured within the stipulated time, is also compelled to compensate the contractors for the delay and that had made both parties to be on course at all times, although there used to be some hitches.
Another point worth noting is that, although the rehabilitated trunk roads had the necessary markings and signs which under the normal circumstances should be devoid of vehicular accidents, such accidents do occur, some fatal with loss in life and destruction of property worth thousands of Ghana cedis, especially on the Mamfe-Koforidua road.
The motor accidents, which have been a worry to many people, have been attributed to various reasons. They include the human factor (drunkenness and speeding) and faulty vehicles some of which could be described as death traps.
“Although all the trunk roads are within the required specification of 7.3 metres in width with proper markings and signs to warn users of danger which under normal circumstance can prevent accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, there have been a lot of motor accidents,” Mr Agyepong stated.
He said some of the accidents are fatal on such roads primarily due to speeding by motorists “so we have been compelled to construct ramps to ensure that drivers go by the speed limit,” he added.
Mr Agyepong also stressed the need for a comprehensive educational programme for all road users, especially drivers.
On the whole, the trunk road rehabilitation programme which according to Mr Agyepong had been successful, is beset with challenges.
They include delay in the payment to contracting firms for work done, periodic shortage of construction materials such as chippings, low contractor capacity and inadequate number of technical staff.
For instance, currently only one surveyor is responsible for the entire road network in the region. There is the need for additional surveyors and more technical staff to be on the job otherwise the rehabilitation of the trunk roads would not progress as expected.
It also facilitates the movement of people of all walks of life within the areas concerned as well as linking the districts, regions, the country and the neighbouring countries together.
The Eastern Region is the third most populous region in the country and for that matter should have good road network to facilitate its economic activities.
Eight years ago, only 39 per cent of its trunk roads was in good shape, 39 per cent was fair and 22 per cent was poor although previous governments did the best to improve the trunk roads.
The deplorable road network has not only brought untold hardships to the people and traders who found it extremely difficult to cart their wares from one end to the other, but has also negatively affected the economy of the region.
To avert such a deplorable situation, the government upon assumption of power in 2001, initiated a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme nationwide as a result of which large stretches of trunk roads in the region had been reconditioned.
Some of the rehabilitated trunk roads which were carried out under the supervision of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), included the 16-kilometre Kwabeng-Akyem Akropong road, the Kwahu Tafo-Adawso road, a 20-kilometre stretch linking the Kwahu East District with Kwahu North, the 30-kilometre Aburi-Mamfe road said to be one of the best in West Africa, the 30- kilometre Anyinam-Nkawkaw road and the five-kilometre Medie-Kwafokrom road.
Others are the 14-kilometre Achiase-Akenkansu road and the road linking Ekye Amanfrom with Forifori, one of the main arteries in the newly-created Kwahu North District.
By the end of last year, 40 per cent of the trunk roads constituting 778 kilometres out of the region’s total length of 1,400 was in very good condition, thus bringing a lot of relief to the travelling public.
According to the Regional Director of the GHA, Mr Joseph Kwadwo Agyepong, his outfit was doing its best to rehabilitate the trunk roads.
He said with the support from stakeholders, especially the government, 70 per cent of trunk roads in the region would be in very good condition within the next few years.
Mr Agyepong stated that on the whole, the contracting firms undertaking the various projects, especially AYA Construction, a Koforidua-based construction firm which is reconstructing the Koforidua-Bunso road, the main artery linking the regional capital with the main Accra-Kumasi Highway, had lived up to expectation.
The project which has a contract period of two years, when completed, would totally transform the pot-hole-undulating road that had become a death trap to be one of the best in the region.
Mr Agyepong, who together with Mr Paul Duah, the Regional GHA Maintenance Manager, was on the normal routine visit to the site, commended AYA for the good work done.
The company’s managing director, Mr John Afful, Jnr gave the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule despite the intermittent heavy downpours that had continued to slow down construction works.
One significant aspect of road construction and rehabilitation in the region is that, any stakeholder who does not honour the contractual obligation, is sanctioned..
While contractors who perform poorly are sanctioned, the government which ensures that certificates for work done are honoured within the stipulated time, is also compelled to compensate the contractors for the delay and that had made both parties to be on course at all times, although there used to be some hitches.
Another point worth noting is that, although the rehabilitated trunk roads had the necessary markings and signs which under the normal circumstances should be devoid of vehicular accidents, such accidents do occur, some fatal with loss in life and destruction of property worth thousands of Ghana cedis, especially on the Mamfe-Koforidua road.
The motor accidents, which have been a worry to many people, have been attributed to various reasons. They include the human factor (drunkenness and speeding) and faulty vehicles some of which could be described as death traps.
“Although all the trunk roads are within the required specification of 7.3 metres in width with proper markings and signs to warn users of danger which under normal circumstance can prevent accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, there have been a lot of motor accidents,” Mr Agyepong stated.
He said some of the accidents are fatal on such roads primarily due to speeding by motorists “so we have been compelled to construct ramps to ensure that drivers go by the speed limit,” he added.
Mr Agyepong also stressed the need for a comprehensive educational programme for all road users, especially drivers.
On the whole, the trunk road rehabilitation programme which according to Mr Agyepong had been successful, is beset with challenges.
They include delay in the payment to contracting firms for work done, periodic shortage of construction materials such as chippings, low contractor capacity and inadequate number of technical staff.
For instance, currently only one surveyor is responsible for the entire road network in the region. There is the need for additional surveyors and more technical staff to be on the job otherwise the rehabilitation of the trunk roads would not progress as expected.
Monday, November 3, 2008
TASK FORCE TO ESTABLISH OPERATION CENTRES ON POLLING DAY — ANKO-BIL (PAGE 17)
THE Eastern Regional Police Commander, ACP George Anko-Bil, has said the Regional Elections Task Force will establish operational centres throughout the region to expeditiously deal with any problem that will mar the smooth conduct of the general election, especially on election day, December 7.
The task force, he said, would collaborate with the Ghana Navy in its activities during the elections on islands on the Afram, Volta and Obosum rivers, all in the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains) which can only be reached by canoe or boat.
This, he said, would ensure a smooth and peaceful election and also make it possible for those on the islands and other outlandish places to exercise their franchise.
ACP Anko-Bil, who is also the Chairman of the task force, gave these hints when he briefed members of the Task Force which is represented by the security organisations and the political parties contesting in the elections in Koforidua at the weekend.
Although all the political parties had representation on the task force, only those representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the People’s National Convention were present. Also, present were representatives of the print media in the region.
He said it had been the desire of the task force to ensure a violence-free election in the region and that all efforts were being made to that effect.
“We have now identified 240 flashpoints in the region which are likely to generate problems, so security personnel from the rapid deployment force stationed in such operational centres would be hurriedly sent to such flashpoint in case of any eventuality to deal with the problem,” he stated.
According to ACP Anko-Bil, the task force would also be having regular meetings with all stakeholders of the election, especially parliamentary candidates and others such as the media to educate them on how best to go by their activities during the election in such a way as to make the event peaceful.
He said the task force had instituted such measures because the election had become crucial, especially for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of which had won twice and were therefore hoping to win for the third time.
ACP Anko-Bil therefore appealed to the leaders of all the contesting political parties to properly educate their supporters not to do anything that would bring confusion and chaos.
Mr Alecs Agobo, the NPP representative, gave the assurance that the party was committed to peaceful elections in the region.
He also said a visit organised by the Electoral Commission (EC) for representatives of political parties to its operational headquarters to acquaint themselves with the election processes, where they were conducted round by the Chairman of the commission, Dr Afari Djan, had made them to understand that the EC could not in any way alter the voters’ register or manipulate the results of the elections.
The PNC representative, Mr Godwin Tay, called on those who would mount political platforms to desist from casting insinuations against opponents since such practices generated tension and chaos.
In his contribution, Mr James Taibu, who represented the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) ,advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage.
The task force, he said, would collaborate with the Ghana Navy in its activities during the elections on islands on the Afram, Volta and Obosum rivers, all in the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains) which can only be reached by canoe or boat.
This, he said, would ensure a smooth and peaceful election and also make it possible for those on the islands and other outlandish places to exercise their franchise.
ACP Anko-Bil, who is also the Chairman of the task force, gave these hints when he briefed members of the Task Force which is represented by the security organisations and the political parties contesting in the elections in Koforidua at the weekend.
Although all the political parties had representation on the task force, only those representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the People’s National Convention were present. Also, present were representatives of the print media in the region.
He said it had been the desire of the task force to ensure a violence-free election in the region and that all efforts were being made to that effect.
“We have now identified 240 flashpoints in the region which are likely to generate problems, so security personnel from the rapid deployment force stationed in such operational centres would be hurriedly sent to such flashpoint in case of any eventuality to deal with the problem,” he stated.
According to ACP Anko-Bil, the task force would also be having regular meetings with all stakeholders of the election, especially parliamentary candidates and others such as the media to educate them on how best to go by their activities during the election in such a way as to make the event peaceful.
He said the task force had instituted such measures because the election had become crucial, especially for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of which had won twice and were therefore hoping to win for the third time.
ACP Anko-Bil therefore appealed to the leaders of all the contesting political parties to properly educate their supporters not to do anything that would bring confusion and chaos.
Mr Alecs Agobo, the NPP representative, gave the assurance that the party was committed to peaceful elections in the region.
He also said a visit organised by the Electoral Commission (EC) for representatives of political parties to its operational headquarters to acquaint themselves with the election processes, where they were conducted round by the Chairman of the commission, Dr Afari Djan, had made them to understand that the EC could not in any way alter the voters’ register or manipulate the results of the elections.
The PNC representative, Mr Godwin Tay, called on those who would mount political platforms to desist from casting insinuations against opponents since such practices generated tension and chaos.
In his contribution, Mr James Taibu, who represented the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) ,advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage.
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