BAKERS in the Ashanti Region have adopted the use of sawdust briquette as fuel in the bakery industry.
The technology, which is the brainchild of Energy Pool (EPL) Limited, a company in Kumasi that manufactures superior charcoal and allied carbon products, had been tested by the Forest Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) and found to be of high quality for use in the bakery industry and households.
The technology is expected to reduce the overreliance on wood as the source of fuel in the industry.
The Ashanti Regional Chairperson of the Flour Users Association, Mrs Comfort Akotua, told the Daily Graphic after a meeting last Friday that the technology was good for the industry.
“We have tested it for some time and found it to be good in terms of heating capacity,” she said.
When burning, the sawdust briquette is smokeless. Mrs Akotua believed it was good for the health of its members who, over the years, had had to endure the hazards of inhaling smoke from the use of firewood in their businesses.
She said their fear was the cost of the briquette, but added that with the assurance from the company that the price would continue to be within their reach, the leadership of the association would encourage its members to continue to use the new technology.
In Ghana, forests provide many products on which the local population subsists.
However, these resources are depleting due to a variety of factors, including the overdependence on firewood as fuel for both domestic and commercial uses.
Since 1981, the annual rate of deforestation in Ghana has been two per cent per year or 750 hectares each year.
Mrs Akotua commended the company for the introduction of the briquette, and expressed the hope that it would not increase the cost arbitrarily.
Explaining how the technology emerged, the Managing Director of EPL Limited, Mr E. Osafo Kuffour, said it was the result of research.
He said for a long time, sawdust from the timber companies had been destroyed, creating environmental problems but with the current situation, the waste product had become a commercial product.
Mr Kuffour said the product was being introduced to other parts of the country, adding that as demand for the product increased, the company would expand production to meet demand.
Friday, October 30, 2009
ZOOMLION INAUGURATES ECO-BRIGADE (PAGE 20, OCT 30)
ZOIL Services, a subsidiary of Zoomlion, a waste management company, has inaugurated a 60-member eco-brigade unit at Donkokrom, capital of the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains) to protect the banks of lakes and rivers in the district.
The unit formed part of a 10,000 labour force being engaged by Zoomlion throughout the country to clean beaches of the country’s coastline, lakes and banks of rivers to preserve the ecosystem.
The inauguration of the unit, which coincided with the visit to the district by President John Evans Atta Mills last week, is expected to go a long way in protecting the shoreline of the Afram and Volta Lakes in the district.
President Mills in his address to the gathering said his administration had put in the necessary measures to boost sectors such as agriculture, education, health, transportation and the environment in the area.
The President also gave the assurance that pontoon services, the only means by which all types of vehicles and passengers from other parts of the country could cross the Afram Lake to the area, would be improved with all the safety measures.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, said fodder banks would be established in the district for Fulani herds so that the cattle would no longer destroy foodstuffs.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said his outfit would give the necessary assistance to the district assembly to properly cater for the communities, and therefore, called on the people to cooperate with members of the eco-brigade.
The unit formed part of a 10,000 labour force being engaged by Zoomlion throughout the country to clean beaches of the country’s coastline, lakes and banks of rivers to preserve the ecosystem.
The inauguration of the unit, which coincided with the visit to the district by President John Evans Atta Mills last week, is expected to go a long way in protecting the shoreline of the Afram and Volta Lakes in the district.
President Mills in his address to the gathering said his administration had put in the necessary measures to boost sectors such as agriculture, education, health, transportation and the environment in the area.
The President also gave the assurance that pontoon services, the only means by which all types of vehicles and passengers from other parts of the country could cross the Afram Lake to the area, would be improved with all the safety measures.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, said fodder banks would be established in the district for Fulani herds so that the cattle would no longer destroy foodstuffs.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said his outfit would give the necessary assistance to the district assembly to properly cater for the communities, and therefore, called on the people to cooperate with members of the eco-brigade.
DESIST FROM GIVING OUT LAND FOR GALAMSEY — ASSEMBLY (PAGE 20, OCT 30)
THE West Akyem Municipal Assembly has called on the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat to desist from giving out land to any individual, groups of people or companies for illegal mining (galamsey).
It said it was only the Lands Commission, the Administrator of Stool Lands and the Mineral, Forestry or the Fisheries Commissions that had been mandated to handle land matters in the country.
Addressing a news conference at Asamankese last Tuesday, Mr Seth Otchere, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the release of lands by the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat to individuals and companies for "galamsey" purposes, apart from degrading the environment and polluting sources of drinking water, was also depriving the country, especially the municipality of revenue generation.
The MCE said it had been the objective of the assembly to regularise illegal mining operations in the area with a view to controlling land use and also generating more revenue for development.
Mr Otchere said such a noble objective could, however, not be accomplished because of the activities of the illegal miners, who had been given the lands by either the Okyeman Lands Secretariat or the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat.
He, therefore, called on the two traditional authorities to desist from such acts to help save the environment and also enable the country to generate revenue from regularised mining operations for development.
"In our attempt to regularise illegal mining, it has come to our notice that most of the illegal activities on the lands in the area, including seizure of lands have been perpetrated by the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat, which have been allocating lands to corporate bodies and individuals alike without due recourse to the bodies duly set up by the constitution to handle land matters,” the DCE stated.
Mr Otchere said "As a matter of urgency and in the name of development, we call on the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat to take immediate steps to consult with the Administrator of Stool Lands and the Minerals Commission or the Forestry Commission to enable them to play the proper roles in land administration in the West Akyem Municipality".
It said it was only the Lands Commission, the Administrator of Stool Lands and the Mineral, Forestry or the Fisheries Commissions that had been mandated to handle land matters in the country.
Addressing a news conference at Asamankese last Tuesday, Mr Seth Otchere, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the release of lands by the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat to individuals and companies for "galamsey" purposes, apart from degrading the environment and polluting sources of drinking water, was also depriving the country, especially the municipality of revenue generation.
The MCE said it had been the objective of the assembly to regularise illegal mining operations in the area with a view to controlling land use and also generating more revenue for development.
Mr Otchere said such a noble objective could, however, not be accomplished because of the activities of the illegal miners, who had been given the lands by either the Okyeman Lands Secretariat or the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat.
He, therefore, called on the two traditional authorities to desist from such acts to help save the environment and also enable the country to generate revenue from regularised mining operations for development.
"In our attempt to regularise illegal mining, it has come to our notice that most of the illegal activities on the lands in the area, including seizure of lands have been perpetrated by the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat, which have been allocating lands to corporate bodies and individuals alike without due recourse to the bodies duly set up by the constitution to handle land matters,” the DCE stated.
Mr Otchere said "As a matter of urgency and in the name of development, we call on the Okyeman Lands Secretariat and the Asamankese Stool Lands Secretariat to take immediate steps to consult with the Administrator of Stool Lands and the Minerals Commission or the Forestry Commission to enable them to play the proper roles in land administration in the West Akyem Municipality".
PARTY AFFILIATION NOT BASIS FOR PROVISIONOF AMENITIES (PAGE 16, OCT 30)
THE Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr David Tetteh Assumeng, has stated that the provision of potable water and sanitation facilities for the communities was not based on political party affiliation.
He said it was in that direction that membership of the committee had been drawn from all the political parties in Parliament to ensure that every community or area without water and sanitation facilities would be catered for, irrespective of its party leanings.
Mr Assumeng made the statement at two separate mini durbars at Asiakwa and Akooko, both farming communities in the East Akyem municipality.
That was when he led members of the committee to inspect water and sanitation facilities in the two communities.
They were accompanied by officials of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), led by its Eastern Regional Director, Mr Phillip Amanor.
The CWSA has, through donor funding, provided the two communities with mechanised boreholes which have been handed over to the people to manage.
Mr Assumeng expressed the committee’s satisfaction with the manner in which the boreholes were being managed and called on beneficiaries of such facilities to do likewise.
Two members of the committee, Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah and Mr Abu Bonsra, expressed concern over the pollution of rivers and other water bodies by activities of illegal miners (galamsey) and gave the assurance that the committee would see how best to address the problem.
They also thanked DANIDA and KFW of Germany for their assistance in providing social amenities for the communities.
The chairmen of the board on water for Asiakwa and Akooko, Messrs Atta Boadi and S. B. Kwapong, respectively, rendered account of their stewardship to members of the committee, who commended them for the good job done.
At Akooko, the committee tasked the beneficiaries of a modern place of convenience which had been provided in the town to keep it clean at all times.
The Kontihene of Asiakwa, Nana Okyere Gyau, and the Akookohene, Nana Adedewa Pavitang, expressed their appreciation to the government for providing them with potable water.
Earlier, the East Akyem Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Peter Simon Asirifi, had given the assurance that other communities which had not yet benefited from such facilities would have their turn in due course.
He said it was in that direction that membership of the committee had been drawn from all the political parties in Parliament to ensure that every community or area without water and sanitation facilities would be catered for, irrespective of its party leanings.
Mr Assumeng made the statement at two separate mini durbars at Asiakwa and Akooko, both farming communities in the East Akyem municipality.
That was when he led members of the committee to inspect water and sanitation facilities in the two communities.
They were accompanied by officials of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), led by its Eastern Regional Director, Mr Phillip Amanor.
The CWSA has, through donor funding, provided the two communities with mechanised boreholes which have been handed over to the people to manage.
Mr Assumeng expressed the committee’s satisfaction with the manner in which the boreholes were being managed and called on beneficiaries of such facilities to do likewise.
Two members of the committee, Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah and Mr Abu Bonsra, expressed concern over the pollution of rivers and other water bodies by activities of illegal miners (galamsey) and gave the assurance that the committee would see how best to address the problem.
They also thanked DANIDA and KFW of Germany for their assistance in providing social amenities for the communities.
The chairmen of the board on water for Asiakwa and Akooko, Messrs Atta Boadi and S. B. Kwapong, respectively, rendered account of their stewardship to members of the committee, who commended them for the good job done.
At Akooko, the committee tasked the beneficiaries of a modern place of convenience which had been provided in the town to keep it clean at all times.
The Kontihene of Asiakwa, Nana Okyere Gyau, and the Akookohene, Nana Adedewa Pavitang, expressed their appreciation to the government for providing them with potable water.
Earlier, the East Akyem Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Peter Simon Asirifi, had given the assurance that other communities which had not yet benefited from such facilities would have their turn in due course.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
HYDRO CREDIT UNION GIVES MORE LOANS (PAGE 20, OCT 28)
THE Hydro Employee Co-operative Credit Union of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has given GH¢2,654,750 as loans to its members.
Out of the amount, GH¢1,832.24 has been repaid.
The immediate past chairman of the union, Mr Henry Tetteh Ahorlu, made this known at the ninth annual general meeting of the union at Akosombo last Saturday.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of a GH¢44,900 Toyota Hilux vehicle purchased by the local union to be used for its activities and the election of Mr Ralph Punamane of the Health Services Department of the VRA as the new chairman of the union’s board..
Mr Ahorlu stated that the union was able to give out a significant sum as loans as a result of significant improvement in its fortune.
He cited the instance where the union’s total savings rose from GH¢2,594,545.86 at the beginning of the 2008/09 financial year to GH¢3,220,577.58.
The chairman stated that the union’s total income also hiked by 51 per cent, that is, from GH¢325,902.12 in 2008 to GH¢509,187.17 in 2009, and added that it also registered a net surplus of GH¢171,749.9 at the end of the 2008/2009 financial year.
According to Mr Ahorlu, the union which currently admits non-VRA staff and had a membership of 2,929, had become one of the best credit unions in the country.
He said to ensure the effective management of the union, its staff had on two occasions this year been trained on operational policy and customer care.
The Deputy General Manager of the Credit Union Association (CUA) in charge of Technical Services, Mr B.B. Fidelis, traced the history of credit unions in the country, saying the first one was established in Ghana 54 years ago.
He said the total membership nation-wide stood at 260,000 with total deposits amounting to GH¢120,634,000 out of which GH¢87,000 had been dispensed as loans.
Mr Fidelis asked workers to embrace the credit union concept due to its benefits and congratulated the Hydro Employees Credit Union for its significant achievements.
Out of the amount, GH¢1,832.24 has been repaid.
The immediate past chairman of the union, Mr Henry Tetteh Ahorlu, made this known at the ninth annual general meeting of the union at Akosombo last Saturday.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of a GH¢44,900 Toyota Hilux vehicle purchased by the local union to be used for its activities and the election of Mr Ralph Punamane of the Health Services Department of the VRA as the new chairman of the union’s board..
Mr Ahorlu stated that the union was able to give out a significant sum as loans as a result of significant improvement in its fortune.
He cited the instance where the union’s total savings rose from GH¢2,594,545.86 at the beginning of the 2008/09 financial year to GH¢3,220,577.58.
The chairman stated that the union’s total income also hiked by 51 per cent, that is, from GH¢325,902.12 in 2008 to GH¢509,187.17 in 2009, and added that it also registered a net surplus of GH¢171,749.9 at the end of the 2008/2009 financial year.
According to Mr Ahorlu, the union which currently admits non-VRA staff and had a membership of 2,929, had become one of the best credit unions in the country.
He said to ensure the effective management of the union, its staff had on two occasions this year been trained on operational policy and customer care.
The Deputy General Manager of the Credit Union Association (CUA) in charge of Technical Services, Mr B.B. Fidelis, traced the history of credit unions in the country, saying the first one was established in Ghana 54 years ago.
He said the total membership nation-wide stood at 260,000 with total deposits amounting to GH¢120,634,000 out of which GH¢87,000 had been dispensed as loans.
Mr Fidelis asked workers to embrace the credit union concept due to its benefits and congratulated the Hydro Employees Credit Union for its significant achievements.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
MANYA KROBO RURAL BANK GIVES MORE LOANS (PAGE 35, OCT 26)
IN line with its objective to develop its catchment areas, the Manya Krobo Rural Bank with its headquarters at Odumase-Krobo, last year gave out GH¢3,918,712 as loans, compared with GH¢3,371,657 made available for that purpose in 2007, showing an increase of 16.22 per cent.
An amount of GH¢820,450 out of the figure went to traders and other self-employed persons.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr B.T. Apo, made this known at the annual general meeting of the bank at Odumase over the weekend.
He, however, stated that refusal of many beneficiaries to repay loans, had seriously affected the bank and had therefore, urged the defaulters to pay back, otherwise legal action would be taken against them.
“We gave out the loans to you, but some of you have refused to pay back and we have no option than sending you to court to get the monies back, so that others would also benefit from the facility”, Mr Apo stressed.
Mr Apo said despite the low loan recovery, the bank increased savings through its “susu” programme, adding that the amount mobilised last year totalled GH¢551,083.74.
He said the bank had also made gains in some areas, including total income, which rose from GH¢1,079,110 in 2007 to GH¢1,168,947 in 2008, deposits from GH¢4,306,671 to GH¢4,761,429, total assets from GH¢6,433,216 to GH¢6,916,714, all within the same period.
With regard to the bank’s social responsibility to the communities in its catchment area, Mr Apo stated that it gave out GH¢4,175 in support of social and community projects such as schools, social groupings and religious organisations, while GH¢6,850 was spent on needy students.
Mr Apo said to expand and improve its activities, two branches were opened last year at Madina and Ashiyie, both suburbs of Accra, while all the branches of the bank had been computerised and linked to the head office.
The District Chief Executive for Lower Manya Krobo, Mr Isaac Agbo-Tetteh appealed to the loan defaulters to pay back.
Mrs Elsie Sowah, the brain behind the establishment of the bank, who was also the immediate past Chairman of the board, called on management to make available more loans to the people who had paid back.
An amount of GH¢820,450 out of the figure went to traders and other self-employed persons.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr B.T. Apo, made this known at the annual general meeting of the bank at Odumase over the weekend.
He, however, stated that refusal of many beneficiaries to repay loans, had seriously affected the bank and had therefore, urged the defaulters to pay back, otherwise legal action would be taken against them.
“We gave out the loans to you, but some of you have refused to pay back and we have no option than sending you to court to get the monies back, so that others would also benefit from the facility”, Mr Apo stressed.
Mr Apo said despite the low loan recovery, the bank increased savings through its “susu” programme, adding that the amount mobilised last year totalled GH¢551,083.74.
He said the bank had also made gains in some areas, including total income, which rose from GH¢1,079,110 in 2007 to GH¢1,168,947 in 2008, deposits from GH¢4,306,671 to GH¢4,761,429, total assets from GH¢6,433,216 to GH¢6,916,714, all within the same period.
With regard to the bank’s social responsibility to the communities in its catchment area, Mr Apo stated that it gave out GH¢4,175 in support of social and community projects such as schools, social groupings and religious organisations, while GH¢6,850 was spent on needy students.
Mr Apo said to expand and improve its activities, two branches were opened last year at Madina and Ashiyie, both suburbs of Accra, while all the branches of the bank had been computerised and linked to the head office.
The District Chief Executive for Lower Manya Krobo, Mr Isaac Agbo-Tetteh appealed to the loan defaulters to pay back.
Mrs Elsie Sowah, the brain behind the establishment of the bank, who was also the immediate past Chairman of the board, called on management to make available more loans to the people who had paid back.
GOPDC DONATES VEHICLE TO KWABIBIREM ASSEMBLY (PAGE 23, OCT 24)
THE Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), an oil palm plantation and processing company at Kwae in the Eastern Region, has donated a double-cabin Nissan Pick-Up vehicle valued at GH¢35,000 to the Kwaebibirem District Assembly.
The donation is in line with the company’s social responsibility for the welfare of the people in its catchment area.
Making the presentation at Kwae on Thursday, the Managing Director of GOPDC, Mr J.C.E. Inkumsah, said the donation was in line with the company’s social responsibility initiatives for the welfare of people in its operational areas.
He said the vehicle which was to be used specifically for revenue mobilisation, would go a long way to financially position the assembly to provide more social amenities and services to the people in the communities.
Mr Inkumsah called for a collaboration between his outfit and the assembly for the total development of the area.
The Kwaebibirem District Chief Executive, Mr George Agyemang Duah expressed gratitude to the assembly for the donation, and gave the assurance that the vehicle would be used for its intended purpose.
The donation is in line with the company’s social responsibility for the welfare of the people in its catchment area.
Making the presentation at Kwae on Thursday, the Managing Director of GOPDC, Mr J.C.E. Inkumsah, said the donation was in line with the company’s social responsibility initiatives for the welfare of people in its operational areas.
He said the vehicle which was to be used specifically for revenue mobilisation, would go a long way to financially position the assembly to provide more social amenities and services to the people in the communities.
Mr Inkumsah called for a collaboration between his outfit and the assembly for the total development of the area.
The Kwaebibirem District Chief Executive, Mr George Agyemang Duah expressed gratitude to the assembly for the donation, and gave the assurance that the vehicle would be used for its intended purpose.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
GHANA'S COCOA BEANS THE BEST, says Olam Chief (PAGE 20. OCT 21)
THE Managing Director (MD) of Olam Cocoa Business World-wide, Mr Gerry Manley, has commended cocoa farmers in the country for producing the best cocoa beans for the world market.
He, therefore, asked foreign cocoa processing companies to patronise Ghana’s cocoa beans for the production of high quality cocoa products.
Mr Manley who is based in the United Kingdom, made the remarks at Nkawkaw at the weekend when he addressed a mini durbar of workers of Olam, cocoa farmers and some chiefs whose areas are noted for cocoa production in the Nkawkaw area.
The Olam MD, who was accompanied by Mr Amit Suri, Olam’s Vice President of Cocoa Business World-wide, Mr Amit Agrawal, Country Head of Olam, and Mr Rahul Gopinath Nair, Head of Cocoa Business, Ghana, was on a familiarisation tour of the country to acquaint himself with the activities of the company as well as its cocoa production.
He said although Ghana had lost the first position of cocoa production in the world, its cocoa beans were still the best compared with beans from other cocoa-producing countries, and urged cocoa processing companies both in Ghana and abroad to purchase the beans, which, according to him, were suitable for the production of quality cocoa products.
Mr Manley, who visited some of the depots of the company as well as some cocoa farms, said to produce more of such good quality cocoa beans on the market, Olam would continue to support cocoa farmers in the country in terms of inputs and funding for the farmers to expand their farms.
On a 10-acre pilot farm at the Kwasi Baah/Adansua village, near Nkawkaw, he commended the owner, Mr Samuel K. Peprah, for producing 45 bags of cocoa (2.8 metric tonnes) annually.
The chief of Akoasi, near Nkawkaw, Nana Kwakye Acheampong, expressed gratitude to Olam for assisting farmers in the area, and appealed to the company to provide computers to schools within the vicinity.
Earlier, Olam’s Zonal Head for Nkawkaw, Mr Jonathan Quaynor, who was a beneficiary of an Olam-sponsored training programme, thanked the company for that initiative, which had well-positioned its purchasing clerks to undertake their activities.
A Purchasing Clerk, Mr Joseph Antwi, who was adjudged the best for the Nkawkaw area, and presented with an award, thanked the company and gave the assurance that he would improve on his performance during the next cocoa season.
He, therefore, asked foreign cocoa processing companies to patronise Ghana’s cocoa beans for the production of high quality cocoa products.
Mr Manley who is based in the United Kingdom, made the remarks at Nkawkaw at the weekend when he addressed a mini durbar of workers of Olam, cocoa farmers and some chiefs whose areas are noted for cocoa production in the Nkawkaw area.
The Olam MD, who was accompanied by Mr Amit Suri, Olam’s Vice President of Cocoa Business World-wide, Mr Amit Agrawal, Country Head of Olam, and Mr Rahul Gopinath Nair, Head of Cocoa Business, Ghana, was on a familiarisation tour of the country to acquaint himself with the activities of the company as well as its cocoa production.
He said although Ghana had lost the first position of cocoa production in the world, its cocoa beans were still the best compared with beans from other cocoa-producing countries, and urged cocoa processing companies both in Ghana and abroad to purchase the beans, which, according to him, were suitable for the production of quality cocoa products.
Mr Manley, who visited some of the depots of the company as well as some cocoa farms, said to produce more of such good quality cocoa beans on the market, Olam would continue to support cocoa farmers in the country in terms of inputs and funding for the farmers to expand their farms.
On a 10-acre pilot farm at the Kwasi Baah/Adansua village, near Nkawkaw, he commended the owner, Mr Samuel K. Peprah, for producing 45 bags of cocoa (2.8 metric tonnes) annually.
The chief of Akoasi, near Nkawkaw, Nana Kwakye Acheampong, expressed gratitude to Olam for assisting farmers in the area, and appealed to the company to provide computers to schools within the vicinity.
Earlier, Olam’s Zonal Head for Nkawkaw, Mr Jonathan Quaynor, who was a beneficiary of an Olam-sponsored training programme, thanked the company for that initiative, which had well-positioned its purchasing clerks to undertake their activities.
A Purchasing Clerk, Mr Joseph Antwi, who was adjudged the best for the Nkawkaw area, and presented with an award, thanked the company and gave the assurance that he would improve on his performance during the next cocoa season.
ENSURINGACCIDENT-FREE XMAS...MTTU, Road Safey Commission on warpath (PAGE 20, OCT 21)
EASTERN Region, the third most populous region after Ashanti and Greater Accra, is also one of the 10 political entities with a good road network.
To be precise, 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 kilometres were in good shape.
Such a good road network, although not the same in certain parts of the region, which under normal circumstances, should have fewer motor accidents, had rather been registering some of the fatal accidents and loss of property.
Another worrying aspect of the motor accidents is that it periodically goes up and down with corresponding increases in deaths and destruction of property.
Statistics obtained at the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit of the Ghana Police Service indicate that between January and September, 2008, the region registered 839 motor accidents involving 1,219 vehicles out of which 1,150 persons were injured and 179 killed.
Within the same period this year, 835 motor accidents were recorded, involving 1,133 vehicles with 1,411 injured and claiming the lives of 187 people.
Some of the accident-prone roads are the Nsawam-Bunso-Nkawkaw stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, with the Suhum Roundabout being the most dangerous spot as well as the Mamfe-Koforidua road (with the dangerous curves at Amamprobi and Asuobeto being death spots.
The poorly constructed Asamankese-Suhum road which has developed gaping potholes, is another death trap.
Most of the fatal accidents which normally occur on these roads during festivities such as Easter and Christmas have for a long time been a source of worry to travellers, especially those who travel on December 24, the eve of the Yuletide.
To avoid the possibility of motor accidents occurring during such periods, many people who are desirous of undertaking homeward journeys decide to stay at home and travel at latter date for belated celebrations.
To prevent such ghastly accidents, the regional MTTU, under the command of Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, has instituted a study on the causes of the accidents and has come out with the panacea.
According to Superintendent Sarfo, most of the accidents occurred as a result of human error; drink-driving, driver fatigue, wrongful overtaking, overloading, speeding and wrongful use of headlights when vehicles were approaching others, especially on the Nsawam-Nkawkaw stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway.
Some of the accidents are also caused by unlicensed drivers who have managed to secure fake driving licences. The police arrested one of such drivers, Amos Gyapong last week with a fake driving licence issued on April, 23, 2008 and was being prosecuted.
The wrongful placement of hands on the steering wheel to control a vehicle in motion, which Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said should be at the position of “10 minutes to two or quarter to three” (clockwise), an act of defiance that has been identified as one of the causes of motor accidents.
Other causes include receiving or making mobile phone calls while driving, inability of motorists to regularly service their vehicles some of which are fitted with wrong parts and worn-out tyres.
To ensure that the drivers obey traffic regulations, the MTTU has intensified its checks on the roads with more policemen placed at vantage points to apprehend any motorist who would flout the regulations.
“We have found out the causes of the accidents, most of which are due to irresponsibility of the drivers, and we have put in the necessary measures to discipline the drivers” Superintendent Sarfo Peprah stated.
The measures, he said, included the use to radar guns to check speeding, Alco-censors (devices to check alcohol in one’s body in order to determine the level of alcohol in drivers), while faulty vehicles or those with worn-out tyres would be prevented from operating.
Furthermore, unqualified drivers or those found to be using fake driving licences would be arrested and instantly put before court.
To give meaning to his words, Superintendent Sarfo has directed the prosecution of two heavily drunk drivers of commercial vehicles who were fined GH¢400 and GH¢300. One of them, who could not afford to pay the fine, had to serve prison term.
Drivers of private cars are also not being spared, as 30 of them, who were arrested but managed to escape, were tried in absentia and bench warrants issued for their re-arrest.
“We are going all out and even owners of broken-down vehicles along the roads which also cause accidents are being sought for to tow the vehicles away”, Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said.
The Regional MTTU boss stated that many people who were killed in motor accidents were from knock-downs within towns along the Nsawam-Nkawkaw portion of the Accra-Kumasi highway such as Nkawkaw, Apedwa, Bunso, Osino and Jejeti.
He stated that his outfit had also intensified educational campaigns on the issue at some of the lorry parks.
The regional branch of the National Roads Safety Commission has also put in measures to curb the accidents.
According to the Co-ordinator, Mr Stephen Anokye, his outfit, in collaboration with the Driver, Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), had trained 1,500 drivers on First Aid administration on accident victims before being sent to the hospital.
Apart from that, the commission would soon film dangerous spots on the highways to be shown on television to guide motorists and also support all the measures being implemented by the MTTU to maintain sanity on the roads.
“Together with the DVLA, the commission will soon celebrate its 10th anniversary, during which an elaborate educational campaign on road safety would be organised throughout the region,” Mr Anokye stated.
Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said with those measures in place coupled with support from passengers who must also insist that drivers did the right thing, accidents on the roads in the region, if not totally prevented, would be minimised before, during and after the Christmas festivities and beyond.
In that direction, the police must be prepared to sustain their presence on the roads, a task which Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said could be accomplished, judging from the manner he had for sometime handled the situation.
To be precise, 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 kilometres were in good shape.
Such a good road network, although not the same in certain parts of the region, which under normal circumstances, should have fewer motor accidents, had rather been registering some of the fatal accidents and loss of property.
Another worrying aspect of the motor accidents is that it periodically goes up and down with corresponding increases in deaths and destruction of property.
Statistics obtained at the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit of the Ghana Police Service indicate that between January and September, 2008, the region registered 839 motor accidents involving 1,219 vehicles out of which 1,150 persons were injured and 179 killed.
Within the same period this year, 835 motor accidents were recorded, involving 1,133 vehicles with 1,411 injured and claiming the lives of 187 people.
Some of the accident-prone roads are the Nsawam-Bunso-Nkawkaw stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, with the Suhum Roundabout being the most dangerous spot as well as the Mamfe-Koforidua road (with the dangerous curves at Amamprobi and Asuobeto being death spots.
The poorly constructed Asamankese-Suhum road which has developed gaping potholes, is another death trap.
Most of the fatal accidents which normally occur on these roads during festivities such as Easter and Christmas have for a long time been a source of worry to travellers, especially those who travel on December 24, the eve of the Yuletide.
To avoid the possibility of motor accidents occurring during such periods, many people who are desirous of undertaking homeward journeys decide to stay at home and travel at latter date for belated celebrations.
To prevent such ghastly accidents, the regional MTTU, under the command of Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, has instituted a study on the causes of the accidents and has come out with the panacea.
According to Superintendent Sarfo, most of the accidents occurred as a result of human error; drink-driving, driver fatigue, wrongful overtaking, overloading, speeding and wrongful use of headlights when vehicles were approaching others, especially on the Nsawam-Nkawkaw stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway.
Some of the accidents are also caused by unlicensed drivers who have managed to secure fake driving licences. The police arrested one of such drivers, Amos Gyapong last week with a fake driving licence issued on April, 23, 2008 and was being prosecuted.
The wrongful placement of hands on the steering wheel to control a vehicle in motion, which Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said should be at the position of “10 minutes to two or quarter to three” (clockwise), an act of defiance that has been identified as one of the causes of motor accidents.
Other causes include receiving or making mobile phone calls while driving, inability of motorists to regularly service their vehicles some of which are fitted with wrong parts and worn-out tyres.
To ensure that the drivers obey traffic regulations, the MTTU has intensified its checks on the roads with more policemen placed at vantage points to apprehend any motorist who would flout the regulations.
“We have found out the causes of the accidents, most of which are due to irresponsibility of the drivers, and we have put in the necessary measures to discipline the drivers” Superintendent Sarfo Peprah stated.
The measures, he said, included the use to radar guns to check speeding, Alco-censors (devices to check alcohol in one’s body in order to determine the level of alcohol in drivers), while faulty vehicles or those with worn-out tyres would be prevented from operating.
Furthermore, unqualified drivers or those found to be using fake driving licences would be arrested and instantly put before court.
To give meaning to his words, Superintendent Sarfo has directed the prosecution of two heavily drunk drivers of commercial vehicles who were fined GH¢400 and GH¢300. One of them, who could not afford to pay the fine, had to serve prison term.
Drivers of private cars are also not being spared, as 30 of them, who were arrested but managed to escape, were tried in absentia and bench warrants issued for their re-arrest.
“We are going all out and even owners of broken-down vehicles along the roads which also cause accidents are being sought for to tow the vehicles away”, Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said.
The Regional MTTU boss stated that many people who were killed in motor accidents were from knock-downs within towns along the Nsawam-Nkawkaw portion of the Accra-Kumasi highway such as Nkawkaw, Apedwa, Bunso, Osino and Jejeti.
He stated that his outfit had also intensified educational campaigns on the issue at some of the lorry parks.
The regional branch of the National Roads Safety Commission has also put in measures to curb the accidents.
According to the Co-ordinator, Mr Stephen Anokye, his outfit, in collaboration with the Driver, Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), had trained 1,500 drivers on First Aid administration on accident victims before being sent to the hospital.
Apart from that, the commission would soon film dangerous spots on the highways to be shown on television to guide motorists and also support all the measures being implemented by the MTTU to maintain sanity on the roads.
“Together with the DVLA, the commission will soon celebrate its 10th anniversary, during which an elaborate educational campaign on road safety would be organised throughout the region,” Mr Anokye stated.
Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said with those measures in place coupled with support from passengers who must also insist that drivers did the right thing, accidents on the roads in the region, if not totally prevented, would be minimised before, during and after the Christmas festivities and beyond.
In that direction, the police must be prepared to sustain their presence on the roads, a task which Superintendent Sarfo Peprah said could be accomplished, judging from the manner he had for sometime handled the situation.
PARTAKE IN POLITICS...Ofosu-Ampofo urges Christians (PAGE 16)
THE Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has called on Christians to be actively involved in politics and help advance the country’s socio-economic development.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo made the call when he addressed two separate gatherings to mark the 25th anniversary celebrations of the district branches of the Church of Pentecost at Adukrom and Jumapo at the weekend.
Addressing the Adukrom event which was held on the theme: “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”, the regional minister said many Christians had the notion that politics was not good and had, therefore, decided not to have anything to do with it.
He said if well-meaning Christians with leadership qualities and who under normal circumstances should help formulate good and humane policies decided to shy away from active politics, others with less attributes would take advantage of the vacuum created to make laws that would not be good enough for the country.
The regional minister called on Christians to get involved in active politics to help with the administration of the country.
“For a very long time some Christians have believed that it is sin to be in active politics but this is wrong because Christians have the qualities with which they can lead this nation to prosperity,” Mr Ofosu Ampofo stated.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo, who praised the Church of Pentecost for its immense contribution to nation building, especially in the educational sector, expressed the hope that other religious organisations would emulate such a shining example and help improve the society.
He called on Christians to do away with greed and other negative tendencies that militated against the good of the society.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo also advised parents not to spend lavishly on funerals but rather use their resources for the education of their children to make them to grow up into useful citizens.
The Member of Parliament for Okere, Mr Dan Botwe, who together with Mr Ofosu Ampofo were honoured for their immense contributions the welfare of the society, expressed concern about the low standard of education, particularly in the Akuapem area, and called on parents to provide the educational needs of their children.
The Akuapem North District Chief Executive, Mr Opare Addo, told the gathering that the assembly would soon be closing down drinking and recreational spots which admitted children into their premises, particularly at night so that the children would stay at home to learn.
In a sermon based on Matthew Chapter 6 verse 10, the Witness Director of the church, Apostle M.C. Asiedu, said Christians should be obedient and commit themselves to the development of society.
At Jumapo where the event was marked on the theme: “Great is your faithfulness”, Prophet Appiah Kubi from the branch who delivered the sermon, called on Christians not rush and get rich quickly since that might lead to disaster, adding that God had a plan for everybody.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo made the call when he addressed two separate gatherings to mark the 25th anniversary celebrations of the district branches of the Church of Pentecost at Adukrom and Jumapo at the weekend.
Addressing the Adukrom event which was held on the theme: “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”, the regional minister said many Christians had the notion that politics was not good and had, therefore, decided not to have anything to do with it.
He said if well-meaning Christians with leadership qualities and who under normal circumstances should help formulate good and humane policies decided to shy away from active politics, others with less attributes would take advantage of the vacuum created to make laws that would not be good enough for the country.
The regional minister called on Christians to get involved in active politics to help with the administration of the country.
“For a very long time some Christians have believed that it is sin to be in active politics but this is wrong because Christians have the qualities with which they can lead this nation to prosperity,” Mr Ofosu Ampofo stated.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo, who praised the Church of Pentecost for its immense contribution to nation building, especially in the educational sector, expressed the hope that other religious organisations would emulate such a shining example and help improve the society.
He called on Christians to do away with greed and other negative tendencies that militated against the good of the society.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo also advised parents not to spend lavishly on funerals but rather use their resources for the education of their children to make them to grow up into useful citizens.
The Member of Parliament for Okere, Mr Dan Botwe, who together with Mr Ofosu Ampofo were honoured for their immense contributions the welfare of the society, expressed concern about the low standard of education, particularly in the Akuapem area, and called on parents to provide the educational needs of their children.
The Akuapem North District Chief Executive, Mr Opare Addo, told the gathering that the assembly would soon be closing down drinking and recreational spots which admitted children into their premises, particularly at night so that the children would stay at home to learn.
In a sermon based on Matthew Chapter 6 verse 10, the Witness Director of the church, Apostle M.C. Asiedu, said Christians should be obedient and commit themselves to the development of society.
At Jumapo where the event was marked on the theme: “Great is your faithfulness”, Prophet Appiah Kubi from the branch who delivered the sermon, called on Christians not rush and get rich quickly since that might lead to disaster, adding that God had a plan for everybody.
Monday, October 19, 2009
MILLS URGES GHANAIANS NOT TO BE DISCOURAGED...As govt addresses difficulties (PAGE 16, OCT 17)
PRESIDENT John Evans Atta Mills has asked Ghanaians not to be discouraged by the present economic difficulties facing the country.
This is because an elaborate programme which will address all difficulties is being implemented to put smiles on the faces of all.
President Mills made these remarks when he addressed a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the Eastern Region at Jackson Park, Koforidua, on Saturday to round off his three-day tour of the region.
The tour which took him to Akuapem, Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo, some parts of Akyem Abuakwa and the Kwahu Traditional Area, including the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains), was to thank the chiefs and people in these areas for the support offered him during the 2008 elections.
He was accompanied by Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Asum Ahenkan, Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, his deputy, Baba Jamal, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Antwi Boasiako, as well as some municipal and district chief executives in the region.
Some of the paramount chiefs who attended the durbar were the Okuapehene, Oseadeoyo Addo Dankwa III, and the Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre (Prof) Oti Boaten, who is also the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
According to the President, it had not been easy for most Ghanaians to make a living as a result of the bad governance of the previous government and that the present government had put in the necessary structures to resuscitate the economy which would take a little bit of time and appealed to Ghanaians to be patient with the assurance that good things were yet to come.
“We are aware that people are complaining about economic hardships but we have a competent team which has instituted the necessary measures which will bear fruits in the near future to put smiles on your faces so be a little bit patient”, President Mills told the gathering to a thunderous applause.
The President, who called on Ghanaians to unite, further stated that the NDC had a sacred responsibility to ensure that Ghanaians irrespective of political affiliation or area of origin would have the basic necessities of life to make life meaningful
With regard to probity, accountability and good governance, he said his administration would not deviate from such principles and that anyone entrusted with the country’s resources for the welfare of the people but misused them for his or her selfish gains would not be spared.
He expressed his appreciation to the chiefs and people of the region for their support which enabled him to win the presidency.
The Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, Mr Asum Ahenkan, said although chieftaincy was revered, it had been associated with disputes and appealed to Nananom to address the problem, adding that the government would also do its best.
Daasebre (Prof) Oti Boaten who chaired the function and spoke on behalf of the chiefs called for collaboration between the traditional authorities and the government in solving the problems of the people.
He also suggested that of municipal and district chief executives should be elected instead of being appointed by the government, adding that such an initiative would further improve local government for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, briefed the gathering about steps being taken by the government through the various assemblies to provide social amenities such as roads, schools, potable water and other poverty alleviation initiatives throughout the region.
This is because an elaborate programme which will address all difficulties is being implemented to put smiles on the faces of all.
President Mills made these remarks when he addressed a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the Eastern Region at Jackson Park, Koforidua, on Saturday to round off his three-day tour of the region.
The tour which took him to Akuapem, Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo, some parts of Akyem Abuakwa and the Kwahu Traditional Area, including the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains), was to thank the chiefs and people in these areas for the support offered him during the 2008 elections.
He was accompanied by Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Asum Ahenkan, Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, his deputy, Baba Jamal, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Antwi Boasiako, as well as some municipal and district chief executives in the region.
Some of the paramount chiefs who attended the durbar were the Okuapehene, Oseadeoyo Addo Dankwa III, and the Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre (Prof) Oti Boaten, who is also the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
According to the President, it had not been easy for most Ghanaians to make a living as a result of the bad governance of the previous government and that the present government had put in the necessary structures to resuscitate the economy which would take a little bit of time and appealed to Ghanaians to be patient with the assurance that good things were yet to come.
“We are aware that people are complaining about economic hardships but we have a competent team which has instituted the necessary measures which will bear fruits in the near future to put smiles on your faces so be a little bit patient”, President Mills told the gathering to a thunderous applause.
The President, who called on Ghanaians to unite, further stated that the NDC had a sacred responsibility to ensure that Ghanaians irrespective of political affiliation or area of origin would have the basic necessities of life to make life meaningful
With regard to probity, accountability and good governance, he said his administration would not deviate from such principles and that anyone entrusted with the country’s resources for the welfare of the people but misused them for his or her selfish gains would not be spared.
He expressed his appreciation to the chiefs and people of the region for their support which enabled him to win the presidency.
The Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, Mr Asum Ahenkan, said although chieftaincy was revered, it had been associated with disputes and appealed to Nananom to address the problem, adding that the government would also do its best.
Daasebre (Prof) Oti Boaten who chaired the function and spoke on behalf of the chiefs called for collaboration between the traditional authorities and the government in solving the problems of the people.
He also suggested that of municipal and district chief executives should be elected instead of being appointed by the government, adding that such an initiative would further improve local government for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, briefed the gathering about steps being taken by the government through the various assemblies to provide social amenities such as roads, schools, potable water and other poverty alleviation initiatives throughout the region.
Friday, October 16, 2009
COMMITTEE TO PROBE KWAHU SCHOOL CLOSURE (PAGE 17, OCT 16)
A FOUR-member committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure last Sunday of the Kwahu Ridge Senior High School at Obo in the Eastern Region.
The closure followed the students’ agitations against the Headmistress, Madam Anita Jackson, who they demanded should be removed from the school.
They marched to the office of the Kwahu South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Joseph Omari, who managed to make them rescind their decision after which they went back to the school in buses provided by the DCE, only to continue with the demonstrations.
Sources close to the Eastern Regional Education Directorate at Koforidua said members of the committee were drawn from the Regional Directorate of Education, the Kwahu South District Directorate of Education, the Board of Governors and parent-teacher association of the school and the Kwahu South District Assembly.
The committee would give hearing to both the headmistress and the students and come out with recommendations.
When the Daily Graphic visited the school, the place was quiet and looked deserted with only two watchmen, a handful of tutors and Madam Anita Jackson, the Headmistress, who were at post.
Madam Jackson, however, refused to comment on the issue with the explanation that since a committee had been set up to deal with it, it was improper to give her side of the story.
Investigations gathered from some of the students from the Obo township, however, indicated that the students were demanding the immediate transfer of the headmistress for failing to ensure that their dormitories which leaked would be rehabilitated and the quantity and quality of their meals improved.
According to investigations, when the school re-opened for the academic year, many boarding students were not able to pay anything in respect of fees but the school authorities decided not to send them home but to be fed from the fees paid by others and that affected the size and quality of the meals.
It was also found out that the boys’ dormitory was not safe for habitation and as a result the students had to be housed in other structures, such as the old dining hall, which they were not comfortable with and blamed the headmistress for not doing anything about it.
The investigations further revealed that there had been bad blood between the headmistress and the Chairman of the PTA, Dr K. Obeng, who although had been on the board for nine years currently had no child or ward in the school, so the headmistress wanted him to be removed.
According to the investigations, Dr Obeng also last Saturday October 3 openly requested for the removal of the headmistress during a meeting of stakeholders on the students’ agitations.
Following that, the students ignored all pleas to take their meals and resume classes from dignitaries such as the Obohene, Nana Afari Boadjan, the DCE, and the MP for the area, as well as the District Police Commander.
When contacted on the issue, the DCE, Mr Omari, expressed regret at the stand taken by the students but said efforts were being made to resolve the problem as soon as possible for the students to be recalled.
“We are doing the best to resolve the crisis so that the students would not have to stay any longer at home,” Mr Omari assured.
The closure followed the students’ agitations against the Headmistress, Madam Anita Jackson, who they demanded should be removed from the school.
They marched to the office of the Kwahu South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Joseph Omari, who managed to make them rescind their decision after which they went back to the school in buses provided by the DCE, only to continue with the demonstrations.
Sources close to the Eastern Regional Education Directorate at Koforidua said members of the committee were drawn from the Regional Directorate of Education, the Kwahu South District Directorate of Education, the Board of Governors and parent-teacher association of the school and the Kwahu South District Assembly.
The committee would give hearing to both the headmistress and the students and come out with recommendations.
When the Daily Graphic visited the school, the place was quiet and looked deserted with only two watchmen, a handful of tutors and Madam Anita Jackson, the Headmistress, who were at post.
Madam Jackson, however, refused to comment on the issue with the explanation that since a committee had been set up to deal with it, it was improper to give her side of the story.
Investigations gathered from some of the students from the Obo township, however, indicated that the students were demanding the immediate transfer of the headmistress for failing to ensure that their dormitories which leaked would be rehabilitated and the quantity and quality of their meals improved.
According to investigations, when the school re-opened for the academic year, many boarding students were not able to pay anything in respect of fees but the school authorities decided not to send them home but to be fed from the fees paid by others and that affected the size and quality of the meals.
It was also found out that the boys’ dormitory was not safe for habitation and as a result the students had to be housed in other structures, such as the old dining hall, which they were not comfortable with and blamed the headmistress for not doing anything about it.
The investigations further revealed that there had been bad blood between the headmistress and the Chairman of the PTA, Dr K. Obeng, who although had been on the board for nine years currently had no child or ward in the school, so the headmistress wanted him to be removed.
According to the investigations, Dr Obeng also last Saturday October 3 openly requested for the removal of the headmistress during a meeting of stakeholders on the students’ agitations.
Following that, the students ignored all pleas to take their meals and resume classes from dignitaries such as the Obohene, Nana Afari Boadjan, the DCE, and the MP for the area, as well as the District Police Commander.
When contacted on the issue, the DCE, Mr Omari, expressed regret at the stand taken by the students but said efforts were being made to resolve the problem as soon as possible for the students to be recalled.
“We are doing the best to resolve the crisis so that the students would not have to stay any longer at home,” Mr Omari assured.
CRIMINALS TERRORISING SUHUM RESIDENTS ARRESTED (PAGE 26, OCT 16)
THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church, Right Reverend Francis Amenu, has stressed the need for Ghanaians to join forces to overcome the challenges of the time.
He said what might seem to be impossible could be accomplished through a united front, backed by the blessings of God.
Rt Rev Amenu was delivering a sermon to climax the centenary celebration of the Old Baika branch of the EP Church at Old Baika in the Jasikan District last weekend.
It was on the theme: “Uniting for Development”.
Rt Rev Amenu said there could be disagreements and conflicts in the pursuits of life but with a common goal, determination and as a united community of believers, they had made great achievements and produced many notable persons.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jasikan, Nana Kumessy Bonsi, paid tribute to the forebears of the church for their resilience and fortitude, adding that their activities had impacted positively on the lives of the people.
Nana Kumessy Bonsi urged the church to speak for the common man and tell the truth to all manner of people, including politicians, adding that the church should serve as a check towards good management of institutions and reprimand those who mismanaged affairs.
The Chief of the town, Nana Kwaku Dua III, testified that the 100 years existence of the EP Church in the town had resulted in producing many quality sons and daughters for the town.
He said what might seem to be impossible could be accomplished through a united front, backed by the blessings of God.
Rt Rev Amenu was delivering a sermon to climax the centenary celebration of the Old Baika branch of the EP Church at Old Baika in the Jasikan District last weekend.
It was on the theme: “Uniting for Development”.
Rt Rev Amenu said there could be disagreements and conflicts in the pursuits of life but with a common goal, determination and as a united community of believers, they had made great achievements and produced many notable persons.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jasikan, Nana Kumessy Bonsi, paid tribute to the forebears of the church for their resilience and fortitude, adding that their activities had impacted positively on the lives of the people.
Nana Kumessy Bonsi urged the church to speak for the common man and tell the truth to all manner of people, including politicians, adding that the church should serve as a check towards good management of institutions and reprimand those who mismanaged affairs.
The Chief of the town, Nana Kwaku Dua III, testified that the 100 years existence of the EP Church in the town had resulted in producing many quality sons and daughters for the town.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
NKAWKAW GETS NEW LORRY PARK (PAGE 21, OCT 14)
A NEW lorry park at Nkawkaw whose construction started 12 years ago, has eventually been completed and inaugurated.
The GH¢554,919 facility located on the outskirts of the town along the main Accra-Kumasi highway replacing the old one in the centre of the town, would take care of about 600 vehicles at a time.
The new lorry park will also help decongest the one-and-half kilometre Nkawkaw stretch of the highway which takes at least two hours for motorists to cover, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cutting the sod for its inauguration last Wednesday, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said the provision of the facility would further expand businesses in the town.
He called on the municipal assembly to provide the park with the necessary amenities such as a rest room for drivers, public place of convenience and a urinal.
The regional minister asked the assembly not to discriminate when allocating the parking lots to the various transport unions and warned against the sale of alcoholic beverages at the lorry park.
Mr Ampofo was not happy about the long delay in completing the project leading to huge increase in the cost of construction.
He, therefore, advised municipal and district assemblies to ensure that all projects initiated would be completed on time.
The Kwahu West Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Alex Somua Obeng, said although GH¢554,919 had so far been paid to the contractors, a lot more remained to be paid, adding that such a situation had plunged the assembly into debt and blamed the previous administration for the problem.
He appealed to the various drivers’ unions to use the facility.
The Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, and the Regional Co-ordinator of the Road Safety Commission, Mr Stephen Anokye, took turns to educate motorists and pedestrians on road safety measures to curb the high rate of motor accidents, especially within the Nkawkaw stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway.
The Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw, Mr Seth Adjei Baah, urged fellow politicians in the area to put aside their political affiliation and unite to develop the area.
The Obohene, Nana Afari Yeboa Boagyan, who chaired the function, called for discipline among the drivers to maintain the facility.
The GH¢554,919 facility located on the outskirts of the town along the main Accra-Kumasi highway replacing the old one in the centre of the town, would take care of about 600 vehicles at a time.
The new lorry park will also help decongest the one-and-half kilometre Nkawkaw stretch of the highway which takes at least two hours for motorists to cover, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cutting the sod for its inauguration last Wednesday, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said the provision of the facility would further expand businesses in the town.
He called on the municipal assembly to provide the park with the necessary amenities such as a rest room for drivers, public place of convenience and a urinal.
The regional minister asked the assembly not to discriminate when allocating the parking lots to the various transport unions and warned against the sale of alcoholic beverages at the lorry park.
Mr Ampofo was not happy about the long delay in completing the project leading to huge increase in the cost of construction.
He, therefore, advised municipal and district assemblies to ensure that all projects initiated would be completed on time.
The Kwahu West Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Alex Somua Obeng, said although GH¢554,919 had so far been paid to the contractors, a lot more remained to be paid, adding that such a situation had plunged the assembly into debt and blamed the previous administration for the problem.
He appealed to the various drivers’ unions to use the facility.
The Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, and the Regional Co-ordinator of the Road Safety Commission, Mr Stephen Anokye, took turns to educate motorists and pedestrians on road safety measures to curb the high rate of motor accidents, especially within the Nkawkaw stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway.
The Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw, Mr Seth Adjei Baah, urged fellow politicians in the area to put aside their political affiliation and unite to develop the area.
The Obohene, Nana Afari Yeboa Boagyan, who chaired the function, called for discipline among the drivers to maintain the facility.
EDUCATION DIRECTORS MUST REDOUBLE EFFORTS (PAGE 11, OCT 14)
THE MINISTER of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo has asked directors of education to redouble their efforts to ensure that the much talked about quality education delivery in the country will not be compromised.
This was contained in an address read on his behalf by his deputy, Dr Joseph Annan at the 16th annual Conference of Directors of Education (CODE) at Koforidua.
The conference with the theme “Financing Pre-Tertiary Education-The Role of Stakeholders” which was attended by all the district and regional directors of education was to examine issues affecting education and find solutions to inherent problems.
According to Mr Tettey-Enyo, the government and other stakeholders such as international development partners had invested so much in the country’s educational sector for quality delivery which could be accomplished if directors of education redoubled their efforts in that respect.
The Education Minister called on all stakeholders to mobilise and utilise all available resources to promote education and indicated that such an initiative would empower school children and students with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of the current technological and competitive world.
“The government has invested over GH¢1.7 billion in education and it is also being supported by private schools, parents, not for profit churches, Islamic schools and the international development partners who contribute between nin to 10 per cent of the education budget and you must help to ensure quality delivery to empower our children with the requisite skills that they require to be successful in this technological and competitive economic world order,” Mr Tettey-Enyo told the gathering.
He said since teachers also played a crucial role by ensuring quality education, the government would continue to motivate them to perform their duties effectively.
The education minister who also stated that education was the vehicle for national development was hopeful that its directors would live up to expectation.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo called on the directors to ensure the judicious utilisation of funds and tackle issues such as drunkenness, absenteeism among teachers and also ensure that teachers who benefited from study leave with pay returned to the classroom.
Parents and teachers, he also said must ensure that school children would make good use of the computer.
With regard to the posting of teachers to rural areas, he said the government had put in place incentive packages to that effect to ensure that all classrooms in such areas would have teachers.
In her address, the President of CODE, Mrs Sophia G. Awortwi said the main challenge facing directors of education was indiscipline among teachers and appealed to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to appreciate disciplinary measures instituted against teachers who become recalcitrant.
That, she stated would not only bring discipline into the teaching profession but would ensure that the dignity of directors of education would not be compromised.
Mrs Awortwi who also stated that directors who acted as heads of schools after the retirement of headmasters/headmistresses without being given any remuneration for the extra work done called for the speedy appointment of substantive heads for such schools.
She called for assistance for teachers so that they would be able to perform creditably.
The Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre (Professor) Oti Boaten who chaired the function expressed the hope that the directors would do what was expected to improve education in the country.
This was contained in an address read on his behalf by his deputy, Dr Joseph Annan at the 16th annual Conference of Directors of Education (CODE) at Koforidua.
The conference with the theme “Financing Pre-Tertiary Education-The Role of Stakeholders” which was attended by all the district and regional directors of education was to examine issues affecting education and find solutions to inherent problems.
According to Mr Tettey-Enyo, the government and other stakeholders such as international development partners had invested so much in the country’s educational sector for quality delivery which could be accomplished if directors of education redoubled their efforts in that respect.
The Education Minister called on all stakeholders to mobilise and utilise all available resources to promote education and indicated that such an initiative would empower school children and students with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of the current technological and competitive world.
“The government has invested over GH¢1.7 billion in education and it is also being supported by private schools, parents, not for profit churches, Islamic schools and the international development partners who contribute between nin to 10 per cent of the education budget and you must help to ensure quality delivery to empower our children with the requisite skills that they require to be successful in this technological and competitive economic world order,” Mr Tettey-Enyo told the gathering.
He said since teachers also played a crucial role by ensuring quality education, the government would continue to motivate them to perform their duties effectively.
The education minister who also stated that education was the vehicle for national development was hopeful that its directors would live up to expectation.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo called on the directors to ensure the judicious utilisation of funds and tackle issues such as drunkenness, absenteeism among teachers and also ensure that teachers who benefited from study leave with pay returned to the classroom.
Parents and teachers, he also said must ensure that school children would make good use of the computer.
With regard to the posting of teachers to rural areas, he said the government had put in place incentive packages to that effect to ensure that all classrooms in such areas would have teachers.
In her address, the President of CODE, Mrs Sophia G. Awortwi said the main challenge facing directors of education was indiscipline among teachers and appealed to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to appreciate disciplinary measures instituted against teachers who become recalcitrant.
That, she stated would not only bring discipline into the teaching profession but would ensure that the dignity of directors of education would not be compromised.
Mrs Awortwi who also stated that directors who acted as heads of schools after the retirement of headmasters/headmistresses without being given any remuneration for the extra work done called for the speedy appointment of substantive heads for such schools.
She called for assistance for teachers so that they would be able to perform creditably.
The Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre (Professor) Oti Boaten who chaired the function expressed the hope that the directors would do what was expected to improve education in the country.
Monday, October 12, 2009
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES INAUGURATED (SPREAD, OCT 12)
A NEW tertiary educational institution, the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (UCAES), was inaugurated last Saturday.
The new university, the brainchild of the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, is housed in the old Cocoa College at Bunso in the Eastern Region.
The UCAES, which would offer academic programmes in agriculture and the environment, would start admitting students next year.
The colourful ceremony, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the installation of the Okyenhene, was attended by the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party in the 2008 elections, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo; the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; his deputy, Mr Baba Jamal; the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Amissah-Arthur, and some Members of Parliament.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion with their presence were the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawia; a delegation from the United States led by Rev (Dr) Deforest Soaries, an academician and reverend minister of the Baptist Church in New Jersey, local academicians, prominent chiefs and all the divisional and sub-chiefs of Akyem Abuakwa.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who unveiled a plague to inaugurate the new university, said the rationale behind its establishment was to produce skilled manpower to harness the agricultural potential and at the same time address environmental problems not only in Akyem Abuakwa but the entire country.
He said the decision to set up the university dated as far back to 1937 when the then Okyenhene, Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, founded the Abuakwa State College at Kyebi. The college was intended to be followed by a tertiary institution, which has now come into fruition.
The Okyenhene said Akyem Abuakwa and Ghana as a whole had been blessed with vast arable land which had to be fully put to good use with the guidance of skilled personnel in agriculture and the environment.
“We have the resources, that is arable land to be fully exploited, and environmental degradation to be addressed and this is why the university has been set up to produce the skilled personnel in that respect to do away with poverty and improve the lot of not only Akyems but all Ghanaians,” the Okyenhene stated.
The Okyenhene, who paid glowing tribute to the late Professor Twum Barimah and all those who assisted in making it possible for the university to take off, advised parents to send their children to school, since education is the best legacy they could bequeath to them.
For his part, Mr Ofosu Ampofo said the establishment of the university was in the right direction, since there was no such tertiary institution to properly deal with agricultural and environmental issues.
The Regional Minister, who expressed disgust at the wanton destruction of the environment, especially the pollution of the Birim River by illegal miners (galamsey), warned the miners to immediately put a stop to their activities or “face the consequences any moment from now”.
Addressing the gathering, the Ga Mantse, King Tawiah III, appealed to the government to involve traditional rulers in any initiative that would improve the lot of the people and appealed to chiefs to follow the shining example of the Okyenhene.
The Rector of the UCAES, Professor Kwame Serbeh-Yiadom, told the gathering that thorough preparations had been made for a smooth take-off of the college, adding that “we have the resources for the new university”.
The Rev (Dr) Soaries said Africa, particularly Ghana, was not poor and that it had been exploited by colonialism, and praised the Okyenhene for taking steps that would improve the lot of the people.
The new university, the brainchild of the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, is housed in the old Cocoa College at Bunso in the Eastern Region.
The UCAES, which would offer academic programmes in agriculture and the environment, would start admitting students next year.
The colourful ceremony, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the installation of the Okyenhene, was attended by the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party in the 2008 elections, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo; the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; his deputy, Mr Baba Jamal; the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Amissah-Arthur, and some Members of Parliament.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion with their presence were the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawia; a delegation from the United States led by Rev (Dr) Deforest Soaries, an academician and reverend minister of the Baptist Church in New Jersey, local academicians, prominent chiefs and all the divisional and sub-chiefs of Akyem Abuakwa.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who unveiled a plague to inaugurate the new university, said the rationale behind its establishment was to produce skilled manpower to harness the agricultural potential and at the same time address environmental problems not only in Akyem Abuakwa but the entire country.
He said the decision to set up the university dated as far back to 1937 when the then Okyenhene, Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, founded the Abuakwa State College at Kyebi. The college was intended to be followed by a tertiary institution, which has now come into fruition.
The Okyenhene said Akyem Abuakwa and Ghana as a whole had been blessed with vast arable land which had to be fully put to good use with the guidance of skilled personnel in agriculture and the environment.
“We have the resources, that is arable land to be fully exploited, and environmental degradation to be addressed and this is why the university has been set up to produce the skilled personnel in that respect to do away with poverty and improve the lot of not only Akyems but all Ghanaians,” the Okyenhene stated.
The Okyenhene, who paid glowing tribute to the late Professor Twum Barimah and all those who assisted in making it possible for the university to take off, advised parents to send their children to school, since education is the best legacy they could bequeath to them.
For his part, Mr Ofosu Ampofo said the establishment of the university was in the right direction, since there was no such tertiary institution to properly deal with agricultural and environmental issues.
The Regional Minister, who expressed disgust at the wanton destruction of the environment, especially the pollution of the Birim River by illegal miners (galamsey), warned the miners to immediately put a stop to their activities or “face the consequences any moment from now”.
Addressing the gathering, the Ga Mantse, King Tawiah III, appealed to the government to involve traditional rulers in any initiative that would improve the lot of the people and appealed to chiefs to follow the shining example of the Okyenhene.
The Rector of the UCAES, Professor Kwame Serbeh-Yiadom, told the gathering that thorough preparations had been made for a smooth take-off of the college, adding that “we have the resources for the new university”.
The Rev (Dr) Soaries said Africa, particularly Ghana, was not poor and that it had been exploited by colonialism, and praised the Okyenhene for taking steps that would improve the lot of the people.
COMMITTEE SET UP TO PROBE CLOSURE OF KWAHU RIDGE SHS (PAGE 30, OCT 12)
A FOUR-MEMBER committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure of the Kwahu Ridge Senior High School (SHS) at Obo-Kwahu in the Eastern Region last Sunday.
The closure followed the students’ agitation against the Headmistress, Madam Anita Jackson, who, they demanded should be removed from the school.
The students marched to the office of the Kwahu South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Joseph Omari, who convinced them to rescind their decision after which they went back to the school in buses provided by the DCE only to continue with the demonstration.
Sources close to the Eastern Regional Education Directorate at Koforidua said members of the committee were drawn from the Regional Directorate of Education, the Kwahu South District Directorate of Education, the Board of Governors of the school, the Parent-Teacher Association and the Kwahu South District Assembly.
The committee, which, according to the source, will be inaugurated on Monday, October 12, will give hearing to both the headmistress and the students and come up with recommendations.
When the Daily Graphic visited the school last Thursday, the place was quiet and deserted with only two watchmen, a handful of tutors and Madam Jackson at post.
Madam Jackson, however, refused to comment on the issue with the explanation that since a committee had been set up to deal with it, it was improper to give her side of the story.
However, investigations gathered from some of the students from Obo town indicated that they were demanding the immediate transfer of the headmistress for her failure to ensure that their dormitories which leaked were rehabilitated and the quantity and quality of their meals improved.
According to the investigations, when the school re-opened for the academic year, many boarding students were not able to pay anything in respect of fees but the school authorities decided not to send them home and rather fed them from the fees paid by others and that affected the quantity and quality of the meals.
It was also found out that the boys’ dormitory was not safe for habitation and as a result, the students had to be housed in other structures, such as the old dining hall, where they did not feel comfortable and so blamed the headmistress for not doing anything about their bad conditions.
The investigations further revealed that there had been bad blood between the headmistress and the Chairman of the PTA, one Dr Obeng, who, although had been on the board for nine years, had no child or ward in the school currently and so the headmistress wanted him removed.
According to the investigations, on October 3, this year, Dr Obeng openly requested for the removal of the headmistress during a meeting of stakeholders on the agitation of the students.
Following that, the students ignored all pleas to take their meals and resume classes from dignitaries such as the Obohene, Nana Afari Boadjan, the DCE, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area as well as the District Police Commander.
When contacted on the issue, Mr Omari expressed regret at the stand taken by the students but said efforts were being made to resolve the problem as soon as possible for the students to be recalled.
“We are doing our best to resolve the crisis so that the students would not have to stay any longer at home,” Mr Omari stated.
The closure followed the students’ agitation against the Headmistress, Madam Anita Jackson, who, they demanded should be removed from the school.
The students marched to the office of the Kwahu South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Joseph Omari, who convinced them to rescind their decision after which they went back to the school in buses provided by the DCE only to continue with the demonstration.
Sources close to the Eastern Regional Education Directorate at Koforidua said members of the committee were drawn from the Regional Directorate of Education, the Kwahu South District Directorate of Education, the Board of Governors of the school, the Parent-Teacher Association and the Kwahu South District Assembly.
The committee, which, according to the source, will be inaugurated on Monday, October 12, will give hearing to both the headmistress and the students and come up with recommendations.
When the Daily Graphic visited the school last Thursday, the place was quiet and deserted with only two watchmen, a handful of tutors and Madam Jackson at post.
Madam Jackson, however, refused to comment on the issue with the explanation that since a committee had been set up to deal with it, it was improper to give her side of the story.
However, investigations gathered from some of the students from Obo town indicated that they were demanding the immediate transfer of the headmistress for her failure to ensure that their dormitories which leaked were rehabilitated and the quantity and quality of their meals improved.
According to the investigations, when the school re-opened for the academic year, many boarding students were not able to pay anything in respect of fees but the school authorities decided not to send them home and rather fed them from the fees paid by others and that affected the quantity and quality of the meals.
It was also found out that the boys’ dormitory was not safe for habitation and as a result, the students had to be housed in other structures, such as the old dining hall, where they did not feel comfortable and so blamed the headmistress for not doing anything about their bad conditions.
The investigations further revealed that there had been bad blood between the headmistress and the Chairman of the PTA, one Dr Obeng, who, although had been on the board for nine years, had no child or ward in the school currently and so the headmistress wanted him removed.
According to the investigations, on October 3, this year, Dr Obeng openly requested for the removal of the headmistress during a meeting of stakeholders on the agitation of the students.
Following that, the students ignored all pleas to take their meals and resume classes from dignitaries such as the Obohene, Nana Afari Boadjan, the DCE, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area as well as the District Police Commander.
When contacted on the issue, Mr Omari expressed regret at the stand taken by the students but said efforts were being made to resolve the problem as soon as possible for the students to be recalled.
“We are doing our best to resolve the crisis so that the students would not have to stay any longer at home,” Mr Omari stated.
TEACHER TRANSFERS SHOULD NOT BREAK UP MARRIAGES (PAGE 11, OCT 9)
AN Educationist has appealed to regional and district directors not to effect any transfers of teachers that could break up marriages.
Mr Edward Danso Baah, a tutor at the Kade Senior High Technical School, who made the appeal, also suggested prompt payment of salaries for newly trained teachers, especially females, to prevent them from falling prey to sexual predators.
Mr Baah, who is also a senior official of Education For All, a body set up to educate teachers on HIV/AIDS, made the appeal when he addressed a durbar to mark this year’s Teachers’ Day at Akyem Takyiman in the Kwaebibirem District.
The gathering brought together teachers, pupils of primary and junior high schools in the area, as well as parents. They were schooled on HIV/AIDS contraction, prevention and management, while retired teachers in the district were presented with awards.
According to Mr Baah, most often transfers were made and these affected marriages since the spouses were at different locations which were often far from the other. That brought many problems and led to the break-up of marriages.
He also noted that the long delay in putting newly trained teachers, especially females on the pay roll, compelled them to fall prey to all kinds of sexual predators.
He, therefore, called on the education authorities to find out how best to address such problems to prevent teachers from contracting HIV/AIDS and also save their marriages.
“Some of the transfers are breaking our marriages because a husband will be posted to a community far away from his wife and they will be in that position for years which often results in a break-up of the marriage”.
“Our newly-trained ladies posted to new stations who are not also put on salaries on time fall prey to men and that puts them at the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS”, Mr Baah stated.
Mr Baah, however, called on teachers to live exemplary lives to serve as role models to the children under their care.
The Kwaebibirem District Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr John A. Selby, said since the well-being of society depended on teachers, the government should invest in them as well as the entire educational sector.
For his part, the Kwaebibirem District Secretary of GNAT, Mr George Aboagye, asked his fellow teachers to spend at least five minutes of their lessons on HIV/AIDS education.
The Circuit Supervisor of Education for Takyiman, Mr Alex Owusu Akyem, called on parents, religious and community leaders to help prevent teenage pregnancies.
In an address read on his behalf, the District Chief Executive, Mr George Agyeman Duah, indicated that the assembly was doing its best to improve educational infrastructure in the area.
The Ankobeahene of Akyem Takyiman, Nana Frempong Bosumtwi Siaman who chaired the function, expressed happiness that the town had hosted the event and educated schoolchildren on HIV/AIDS, which he said was rampant in the area.
Mr Edward Danso Baah, a tutor at the Kade Senior High Technical School, who made the appeal, also suggested prompt payment of salaries for newly trained teachers, especially females, to prevent them from falling prey to sexual predators.
Mr Baah, who is also a senior official of Education For All, a body set up to educate teachers on HIV/AIDS, made the appeal when he addressed a durbar to mark this year’s Teachers’ Day at Akyem Takyiman in the Kwaebibirem District.
The gathering brought together teachers, pupils of primary and junior high schools in the area, as well as parents. They were schooled on HIV/AIDS contraction, prevention and management, while retired teachers in the district were presented with awards.
According to Mr Baah, most often transfers were made and these affected marriages since the spouses were at different locations which were often far from the other. That brought many problems and led to the break-up of marriages.
He also noted that the long delay in putting newly trained teachers, especially females on the pay roll, compelled them to fall prey to all kinds of sexual predators.
He, therefore, called on the education authorities to find out how best to address such problems to prevent teachers from contracting HIV/AIDS and also save their marriages.
“Some of the transfers are breaking our marriages because a husband will be posted to a community far away from his wife and they will be in that position for years which often results in a break-up of the marriage”.
“Our newly-trained ladies posted to new stations who are not also put on salaries on time fall prey to men and that puts them at the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS”, Mr Baah stated.
Mr Baah, however, called on teachers to live exemplary lives to serve as role models to the children under their care.
The Kwaebibirem District Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr John A. Selby, said since the well-being of society depended on teachers, the government should invest in them as well as the entire educational sector.
For his part, the Kwaebibirem District Secretary of GNAT, Mr George Aboagye, asked his fellow teachers to spend at least five minutes of their lessons on HIV/AIDS education.
The Circuit Supervisor of Education for Takyiman, Mr Alex Owusu Akyem, called on parents, religious and community leaders to help prevent teenage pregnancies.
In an address read on his behalf, the District Chief Executive, Mr George Agyeman Duah, indicated that the assembly was doing its best to improve educational infrastructure in the area.
The Ankobeahene of Akyem Takyiman, Nana Frempong Bosumtwi Siaman who chaired the function, expressed happiness that the town had hosted the event and educated schoolchildren on HIV/AIDS, which he said was rampant in the area.
IMPROVE COCOA HIGH-TECH ...President charges COCOBOD (OCT 5, PAGE 30)
President John Evans Atta Mills has asked COCOBOD to further improve on the high technology for cocoa production popularly known as the High-Tech as well as the spraying exercise to increase yield per hectare.
Currently the production level of cocoa in the country is 400 kilogrammes per hectare which could be increased to 700 kilograms per hectare if the best farming techniques were to be applied.
These, he said, would enable the country to meet the one million tonnes target for cocoa production in 2012.
The President made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Alfred Tia Sugri, at the Cocoa Producers Alliance (COPAL) Cocoa Day, which was observed at Suhum in the Eastern Region on Wednesday.
The event, on the theme “Consume More Cocoa for Better Health and a Better Ghana”, brought together a number of Ministers of State such as the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, some Members of Parliament, district chief executives, traditional rulers and cocoa farmers, including the 2008 best cocoa farmer, Mr Clement Kumah.
Varieties of cocoa products, modern farming tools and chemicals for cocoa cultivation were also showcased at the gathering.
According to President Atta Mills, the current low farm productivity of less than 500 kilogrammes per hectare was an issue of concern and that if Ghana should achieve the target of one million tonnes of cocoa and beyond by 2012, then there was the need for COCOBOD to review its technical intervention, particularly the High-tech and mass spraying exercise.
That, he said, could be done by identifying and addressing the major problems besetting the two programmes to move farm productivity to an appreciable level.
The government, President Atta Mills stated, was also doing its best in that respect by voting money for the rehabilitation of cocoa farms, while efforts were being made to institute an insurance scheme for cocoa farmers, which, according to him, were all geared towards boosting cocoa production.
The President called on traditional rulers and the various municipal and district assemblies to come up with a comprehensive programme to get the youth involved in cocoa production for them to take over from ageing farmers, adding that the government was also making available more resources to the assemblies to provide basic amenities in cocoa-producing areas to attract the youth to stay in such places.
He also appealed to all stakeholders in the cocoa industry for support in curbing cocoa smuggling.
President Atta Mills further called on Ghanaians to patronise finished goods made from cocoa beans so as to encourage domestic processing of cocoa.
With regard to the welfare of cocoa farmers, President Atta Mills said his government would always strive to put in place the best of measures that would improve their welfare and motivate them to produce more and expressed his appreciation to cocoa farmers whose sweat, toil and sacrifices had contributed to the development of the country.
In a speech which was read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekper, the sector Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, asked licensed buying agencies to use the seed fund that COCOBOD would advance to them to promptly pay cocoa farmers for their produce before the re-opening of the 2009/2010 cocoa season.
He further asked cocoa farmers to insist that all the quantities of cocoa purchased from them were recorded in their passbooks so that they would get the corresponding bonuses.
The Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Mr. Tony Fofie, dwelt on various aspects of the cocoa industry and said cocoa products were good for one’s health and must be patronised.
He, however, stated that the only way to increase local consumption of cocoa products, especially chocolate, was to make their prices affordable so that parents would be able to buy them for their children.
He advised cocoa farmers to use only the approved agro-chemicals to spray their farms.
The Secretary-General of COBAL, Mr Sona Ebai, dwelt on the use of child labour on cocoa farms in some of the cocoa-producing countries and said the US Government had made available $20.8 million for countries identified to eradicate child labour on cocoa farms.
In his welcoming speech, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said although the region took the first position in the initial stages of cocoa production, it had now been overtaken by three regions.
He said since the region had good soil, climate, good roads and a cocoa research institute, it had the comparative advantage over the other regions for which it was prepared to participate in the production of the crop to make it possible for the country to attain its 2012 target.
He also called for the inclusion of cocoa products in the menu of the school feeding programme.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who chaired the function, suggested that more cocoa processing factories must be set up to add value to raw cocoa.
He also expressed concern about the wanton destruction of the environment by illegal chainsaw operators and miners (”galamsey”) and called for the arrest of any chief in Akyem Abuakwa who would give out land to “galamsey operators”.
Currently the production level of cocoa in the country is 400 kilogrammes per hectare which could be increased to 700 kilograms per hectare if the best farming techniques were to be applied.
These, he said, would enable the country to meet the one million tonnes target for cocoa production in 2012.
The President made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Alfred Tia Sugri, at the Cocoa Producers Alliance (COPAL) Cocoa Day, which was observed at Suhum in the Eastern Region on Wednesday.
The event, on the theme “Consume More Cocoa for Better Health and a Better Ghana”, brought together a number of Ministers of State such as the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, some Members of Parliament, district chief executives, traditional rulers and cocoa farmers, including the 2008 best cocoa farmer, Mr Clement Kumah.
Varieties of cocoa products, modern farming tools and chemicals for cocoa cultivation were also showcased at the gathering.
According to President Atta Mills, the current low farm productivity of less than 500 kilogrammes per hectare was an issue of concern and that if Ghana should achieve the target of one million tonnes of cocoa and beyond by 2012, then there was the need for COCOBOD to review its technical intervention, particularly the High-tech and mass spraying exercise.
That, he said, could be done by identifying and addressing the major problems besetting the two programmes to move farm productivity to an appreciable level.
The government, President Atta Mills stated, was also doing its best in that respect by voting money for the rehabilitation of cocoa farms, while efforts were being made to institute an insurance scheme for cocoa farmers, which, according to him, were all geared towards boosting cocoa production.
The President called on traditional rulers and the various municipal and district assemblies to come up with a comprehensive programme to get the youth involved in cocoa production for them to take over from ageing farmers, adding that the government was also making available more resources to the assemblies to provide basic amenities in cocoa-producing areas to attract the youth to stay in such places.
He also appealed to all stakeholders in the cocoa industry for support in curbing cocoa smuggling.
President Atta Mills further called on Ghanaians to patronise finished goods made from cocoa beans so as to encourage domestic processing of cocoa.
With regard to the welfare of cocoa farmers, President Atta Mills said his government would always strive to put in place the best of measures that would improve their welfare and motivate them to produce more and expressed his appreciation to cocoa farmers whose sweat, toil and sacrifices had contributed to the development of the country.
In a speech which was read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekper, the sector Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, asked licensed buying agencies to use the seed fund that COCOBOD would advance to them to promptly pay cocoa farmers for their produce before the re-opening of the 2009/2010 cocoa season.
He further asked cocoa farmers to insist that all the quantities of cocoa purchased from them were recorded in their passbooks so that they would get the corresponding bonuses.
The Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Mr. Tony Fofie, dwelt on various aspects of the cocoa industry and said cocoa products were good for one’s health and must be patronised.
He, however, stated that the only way to increase local consumption of cocoa products, especially chocolate, was to make their prices affordable so that parents would be able to buy them for their children.
He advised cocoa farmers to use only the approved agro-chemicals to spray their farms.
The Secretary-General of COBAL, Mr Sona Ebai, dwelt on the use of child labour on cocoa farms in some of the cocoa-producing countries and said the US Government had made available $20.8 million for countries identified to eradicate child labour on cocoa farms.
In his welcoming speech, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said although the region took the first position in the initial stages of cocoa production, it had now been overtaken by three regions.
He said since the region had good soil, climate, good roads and a cocoa research institute, it had the comparative advantage over the other regions for which it was prepared to participate in the production of the crop to make it possible for the country to attain its 2012 target.
He also called for the inclusion of cocoa products in the menu of the school feeding programme.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who chaired the function, suggested that more cocoa processing factories must be set up to add value to raw cocoa.
He also expressed concern about the wanton destruction of the environment by illegal chainsaw operators and miners (”galamsey”) and called for the arrest of any chief in Akyem Abuakwa who would give out land to “galamsey operators”.
NGO DONATES EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS TO STUDENTS (PAGE 29, OCT 7)
THINK Education Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the welfare of needy students, at the weekend donated educational materials to about 500 students.
The event, which took place at Kade, the capital of the Kwaebibirem District, witnessed the students, drawn from various second-cycle educational institutions in the country, getting their share of the gifts.
The beneficiary students came from St Martins Senior High School (SHS), Nsawam, Kade Senior High/Technical School, New Abirem/Afosu SHS, Suhum Senior High/Technical School, New Juaben SHS in Koforidua and the St Roses SHS at Akwatia.
Making the presentation, the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Frank Asante, said the difficulties parents, especially those in the rural areas, went through in catering for the educational needs of their children in the senior high schools, compelled his outfit to come up with such a package.
He said the organisation, which also sensitises parents to the need to cater for the educational needs of their children, was considering the possibility of paying the fees of students whose parents could not afford, thus compelling such children to stay at home.
The immediate past Kwaebibirem District Director of Education, Mr Charles Lawrence Twumasi, called on philanthropists to assist poor students while the government should improve the salaries of teachers so that they would put up their best in the classroom.
The Kade District Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr George Aboagye, praised the initiative of the NGO and suggested that it should extend its package to teachers, especially those in the remote areas.
In a speech read on his behalf, the District Chief Executive for Kwaebibirem, Mr George Agyemang Duah, said the assembly was also improving the educational infrastructure in the area.
He said with initiatives such as the Capitation Grant, the school feeding programme and the proposed free school uniforms for pupils, children of school age could go to school.
For his part, the Kadehene, Osabarima Agyare Tenadu, urged the NGO to establish a library at Kade for schoolchildren.
The event, which took place at Kade, the capital of the Kwaebibirem District, witnessed the students, drawn from various second-cycle educational institutions in the country, getting their share of the gifts.
The beneficiary students came from St Martins Senior High School (SHS), Nsawam, Kade Senior High/Technical School, New Abirem/Afosu SHS, Suhum Senior High/Technical School, New Juaben SHS in Koforidua and the St Roses SHS at Akwatia.
Making the presentation, the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Frank Asante, said the difficulties parents, especially those in the rural areas, went through in catering for the educational needs of their children in the senior high schools, compelled his outfit to come up with such a package.
He said the organisation, which also sensitises parents to the need to cater for the educational needs of their children, was considering the possibility of paying the fees of students whose parents could not afford, thus compelling such children to stay at home.
The immediate past Kwaebibirem District Director of Education, Mr Charles Lawrence Twumasi, called on philanthropists to assist poor students while the government should improve the salaries of teachers so that they would put up their best in the classroom.
The Kade District Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr George Aboagye, praised the initiative of the NGO and suggested that it should extend its package to teachers, especially those in the remote areas.
In a speech read on his behalf, the District Chief Executive for Kwaebibirem, Mr George Agyemang Duah, said the assembly was also improving the educational infrastructure in the area.
He said with initiatives such as the Capitation Grant, the school feeding programme and the proposed free school uniforms for pupils, children of school age could go to school.
For his part, the Kadehene, Osabarima Agyare Tenadu, urged the NGO to establish a library at Kade for schoolchildren.
EAST AKYEM TOWNS DISAGREE...Over diversion of feeder road (PAGE 20, OCT 7)
FOUR farming communities, namely Bomponso Number One, Bomponso Number two, Obupeko and Boatey often referred to as Larteh, all in the East Akyem Municipality, are noted for the production of cocoa and other food crops such as cassava, maize, plantain and cocoyam.
The people in those communities together with a number of nearby settlements all of which lie within six kilometres from Kukurantumi, also produce palm oil which together with the food crops are transported to various markets such as Koforidua, Nkawkaw and Accra through Kukurantumi.
The inhabitants of the communities which can be described as one of the bread baskets of East Akyem, were before 1997 carrying the foodstuffs and cocoa on the head through a footpath to Kukurantumi for vehicles to take to their final destinations.
Due to the difficulties that process entailed, in 1997, the people appealed to the then National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to construct a road to link three of the villages, namely Bomponso Number One, Obupeko and Larteh, which are in the same location while the inhabitants of the other village, which is about one-and-half kilometres away, had to join the access road leading to Kukurantumi through a footpath.
The road, which has a bailey bridge spanning the Bompon River and extended to Abisim Dawa to join the main Nankese-Adarkwa-Suhum road and served as the only artery for the transportation of goods and the people, especially the sick and women in labour, to the hospitals at Suhum and Koforidua, has been very beneficial to the communities.
However, in 2003, constructional work commenced on a new road from Bomponso Number Two to Kukurantumi, which cut off the three main communities, Bomponso Number One, Obupeko and Larteh, leading to dwellers of the three villages joining the new road through a footpath.
A point worth noting is that a new bridge would have to be constructed over the same river at a different spot on the new road thus rendering the present bailey bridge on the old road a white elephant.
Realising the emerging confusion and attendant difficulties to be faced by the majority of people in the communities involved, attempts were made by some notable persons, including the New Patriotic Party Presidential candidate in the previous elections, Nana Akufo-Addo, to resolve the matter but without success.
To hasten the resolution of the problem, residents of the three communities petitioned the Eastern Regional Minister with copies of the petition letter dated May 20, this year, to the East Akyem Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Simon Peter Asirifi, and the Eastern Regional Roads Engineer.
Part of the letter reads, “We the chiefs and people of the four farming communities, Bomponso Number One, Bomponso Number Two, Obopeko and Larteh, applied for the construction of a feeder road through our area which was approved and the construction started a few years ago.
“The first phase started from Kukurantumi Junction to Bomponso Number One and the second phase was supposed to continue from Bomponso Number One through Bomponso Number Two to join the Nankese-Adarkwa-Suhum road at Adjartey, but instead it started from Adjartey and when it reached Bomponso Number Two, the people there stopped the work because they were not in favour of the road passing through Bomponso Number One.”
The leaders of three of the communities, Bomponso Number One, Obupeko and Larteh, namely Elder Henry Tetteh, an opinion leader, Mr Tettey Anyaanumeh, the assembly member, Nene Narh Kofi and Nene Ofori Lartey Adikrofo, respectively of Obupeko and Bomponso Number One told the Daily Graphic that at this stage they prevailed on their people to maintain the peace.
That, according to them, was when a half-naked woman unexpectedly threw herself in front of a bulldozer working on the road in protest against the new road passing through Bomponso Number One.
“We asked our people not to do anything to disturb the peace when the woman threw herself in front of the bulldozer, which also luckily did not run over her, and called on the MCE as a matter of urgency to see how best to resolve the impasse,” they stated.
Some of the inhabitants of Bomponso Number Two who also spoke to the Daily Graphic stated that the old road had cut them off and would therefore want their own road, adding that the new road had to be constructed at all cost.
But the question is should a new road and a new bridge be constructed to serve only one community in the same area which already has a road network linking most of the communities?
Is it not appropriate to use the resources for the construction of the new road and a new bridge to fully rehabilitate the old road which is currently motorable while a short arterial road would be constructed from Bomponso Number Two to link the old road?
While officials of the Regional Office of the Department of Feeder Roads were not available for comments on the issue, the East Akyem MCE, Mr Simon Asirifi, acknowledged the problem and said he was planning to meet the leaders of all the communities involved to resolve the impasse.
He, however, stated that it was only the Department of Feeder Roads which could determine where the road should pass.
“I am aware there is a problem as to where the road should pass and although I will be meeting them any moment from now to resolve the crisis, it is the Department of Feeder Roads which can determine where the road should pass after which the assembly will source for funds for the rehabilitation of the old road or the construction of the new one,” the MCE stated.
Looking at the situation, the only solution is for the Department of Feeder Roads to come out as soon as possible on the direction of the road and if possible ensure that short arterial roads would be constructed to link the communities.
This would go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the people in the area, which is known to be one of the leading cocoa and food crop producing areas in the municipality.
The people in those communities together with a number of nearby settlements all of which lie within six kilometres from Kukurantumi, also produce palm oil which together with the food crops are transported to various markets such as Koforidua, Nkawkaw and Accra through Kukurantumi.
The inhabitants of the communities which can be described as one of the bread baskets of East Akyem, were before 1997 carrying the foodstuffs and cocoa on the head through a footpath to Kukurantumi for vehicles to take to their final destinations.
Due to the difficulties that process entailed, in 1997, the people appealed to the then National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to construct a road to link three of the villages, namely Bomponso Number One, Obupeko and Larteh, which are in the same location while the inhabitants of the other village, which is about one-and-half kilometres away, had to join the access road leading to Kukurantumi through a footpath.
The road, which has a bailey bridge spanning the Bompon River and extended to Abisim Dawa to join the main Nankese-Adarkwa-Suhum road and served as the only artery for the transportation of goods and the people, especially the sick and women in labour, to the hospitals at Suhum and Koforidua, has been very beneficial to the communities.
However, in 2003, constructional work commenced on a new road from Bomponso Number Two to Kukurantumi, which cut off the three main communities, Bomponso Number One, Obupeko and Larteh, leading to dwellers of the three villages joining the new road through a footpath.
A point worth noting is that a new bridge would have to be constructed over the same river at a different spot on the new road thus rendering the present bailey bridge on the old road a white elephant.
Realising the emerging confusion and attendant difficulties to be faced by the majority of people in the communities involved, attempts were made by some notable persons, including the New Patriotic Party Presidential candidate in the previous elections, Nana Akufo-Addo, to resolve the matter but without success.
To hasten the resolution of the problem, residents of the three communities petitioned the Eastern Regional Minister with copies of the petition letter dated May 20, this year, to the East Akyem Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Simon Peter Asirifi, and the Eastern Regional Roads Engineer.
Part of the letter reads, “We the chiefs and people of the four farming communities, Bomponso Number One, Bomponso Number Two, Obopeko and Larteh, applied for the construction of a feeder road through our area which was approved and the construction started a few years ago.
“The first phase started from Kukurantumi Junction to Bomponso Number One and the second phase was supposed to continue from Bomponso Number One through Bomponso Number Two to join the Nankese-Adarkwa-Suhum road at Adjartey, but instead it started from Adjartey and when it reached Bomponso Number Two, the people there stopped the work because they were not in favour of the road passing through Bomponso Number One.”
The leaders of three of the communities, Bomponso Number One, Obupeko and Larteh, namely Elder Henry Tetteh, an opinion leader, Mr Tettey Anyaanumeh, the assembly member, Nene Narh Kofi and Nene Ofori Lartey Adikrofo, respectively of Obupeko and Bomponso Number One told the Daily Graphic that at this stage they prevailed on their people to maintain the peace.
That, according to them, was when a half-naked woman unexpectedly threw herself in front of a bulldozer working on the road in protest against the new road passing through Bomponso Number One.
“We asked our people not to do anything to disturb the peace when the woman threw herself in front of the bulldozer, which also luckily did not run over her, and called on the MCE as a matter of urgency to see how best to resolve the impasse,” they stated.
Some of the inhabitants of Bomponso Number Two who also spoke to the Daily Graphic stated that the old road had cut them off and would therefore want their own road, adding that the new road had to be constructed at all cost.
But the question is should a new road and a new bridge be constructed to serve only one community in the same area which already has a road network linking most of the communities?
Is it not appropriate to use the resources for the construction of the new road and a new bridge to fully rehabilitate the old road which is currently motorable while a short arterial road would be constructed from Bomponso Number Two to link the old road?
While officials of the Regional Office of the Department of Feeder Roads were not available for comments on the issue, the East Akyem MCE, Mr Simon Asirifi, acknowledged the problem and said he was planning to meet the leaders of all the communities involved to resolve the impasse.
He, however, stated that it was only the Department of Feeder Roads which could determine where the road should pass.
“I am aware there is a problem as to where the road should pass and although I will be meeting them any moment from now to resolve the crisis, it is the Department of Feeder Roads which can determine where the road should pass after which the assembly will source for funds for the rehabilitation of the old road or the construction of the new one,” the MCE stated.
Looking at the situation, the only solution is for the Department of Feeder Roads to come out as soon as possible on the direction of the road and if possible ensure that short arterial roads would be constructed to link the communities.
This would go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the people in the area, which is known to be one of the leading cocoa and food crop producing areas in the municipality.
KOFORIDUA POLYTECHNIC HOLDS 14TH MATRICULATION (PAGE 11, OCT 7)
THE Koforidua Polytechnic has held its 14th matriculation during which 1,679 new students were registered for various programmes.
Addressing the gathering, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said since the majority of the people in the region were in agriculture, the polytechnic should come out with agric-oriented programmes for the full exploitation of the agricultural resources in the area.
He said the government was determined to improve the agricultural sector which could only be hastened if polytechnics would come out with innovative programmes in that respect.
That, he stated would also fully equip people with technical skills in farming and in turn offer employment to others to reduce the number of unemployed in the region.
“Our region is blessed with forests and arable land and most of the people are in agriculture which can be boosted if the polytechnic can come out with agric-oriented programmes”, Mr Ofosu Ampofo stated.
He said the government had recognised the role polytechnics were playing in national development, which was why it had elevated them to the status of technical universities and that such an initiative would bring to an end the situation in which students used polytechnics as stepping stones for university education.
The Regional Minister appealed to the polytechnic to improve the quality of the programmes it offered and appealed to the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) to exhibit fairness and equity to all the institutions under its care in respect of allocation of resources.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr George Afrane said the admission of the students brings to 4,100 the total number of students currently studying at the polytechnic.
He said the polytechnic had also started long vacation modular programmes with the initial batch of 60 students offering courses in accountancy, marketing and purchasing.
Addressing the gathering, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said since the majority of the people in the region were in agriculture, the polytechnic should come out with agric-oriented programmes for the full exploitation of the agricultural resources in the area.
He said the government was determined to improve the agricultural sector which could only be hastened if polytechnics would come out with innovative programmes in that respect.
That, he stated would also fully equip people with technical skills in farming and in turn offer employment to others to reduce the number of unemployed in the region.
“Our region is blessed with forests and arable land and most of the people are in agriculture which can be boosted if the polytechnic can come out with agric-oriented programmes”, Mr Ofosu Ampofo stated.
He said the government had recognised the role polytechnics were playing in national development, which was why it had elevated them to the status of technical universities and that such an initiative would bring to an end the situation in which students used polytechnics as stepping stones for university education.
The Regional Minister appealed to the polytechnic to improve the quality of the programmes it offered and appealed to the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) to exhibit fairness and equity to all the institutions under its care in respect of allocation of resources.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr George Afrane said the admission of the students brings to 4,100 the total number of students currently studying at the polytechnic.
He said the polytechnic had also started long vacation modular programmes with the initial batch of 60 students offering courses in accountancy, marketing and purchasing.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
AKYEM KOTOKU APPEALS TO LANDS AND FORESTRY MINISTER (PAGE 35, OCTOBER 1)
THE chiefs of Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area have made an urgent appeal to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, to allow Newmont, a gold mining company, to mine for the mineral in the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve.
The chiefs also appealed to the minister to hasten the necessary processes to enable Newmont to start operating in the area to prevent illegal gold miners (galamsey) operators from taking over.
Although portions of the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve covering about 74 hectares which contains large deposits of gold, formed part of the operational area of Newmont, a Tarkwa-based non-governmental organisation, Wassa Community Against Mining (WACAM), has been agitating against its exploitation, claiming it would degrade the environment with negative effects on the people.
The chiefs, led by the acting President of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, Obrempong Aforoteng IV, presented a resolution to that effect to Alhaji Collins Dauda when the minister visited the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve last Thursday to acquaint himself with the issue.
The minister was accompanied by the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division, Mr Raphael Yeboah, and other officials from Newmont, the Mineral Commission and the ministry.
The resolution was signed by Obrempong Afroteng, the Queen of Akyem Kotoku, Nana Akua Asantewaa III; Osabarima Owusu Gyamadu, chief of Anyinase and Member of the Council of State; Nana Amo Kyeretwie I, the Abiremhene, and other chiefs from the towns in the operational area, as well as assembly members and farmers.
They stated that Newmont’s overall operation in the area would be beneficial to the people.
According to the chiefs, the 5.80 square kilometre Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve is the only secondary forest in the area with virtually no tree of economic value among nine other forest reserves, with a total area of 211.38 square kilometres.
They stated that if its gold deposits were mined, it would not have any negative effect on the environment, adding that Newmont had already put in place measures such as land reclamation to restore the ecology.
The chiefs said apart from that, Newmont had done all what was expected such as honouring its social responsibility and other interventions to ensure that the company’s operations would not impact negatively on the people.
They, therefore, described WACAM’s agitation against the exploitation of the mineral in the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve as a deliberate attempt to stagnate the area’s development.
“Newmont should be allowed to operate because of the enormous benefits such as providing jobs for the unemployed youth, improving the infrastructure of the area so Mr minister, we wish that you give the green light for mining to begin,” Obrempong Aforoteng told Alhaji Dauda at New Abirem where he addressed the chiefs.
Osabarima Owusu Gyamadu, who also spoke at the function, wondered why WACAM had not campaigned against the wanton destruction of the environment by illegal miners (galamsey) operators but the operations of Newmont, which he said had many good things to offer to the people in the area.
Alhaji Dauda said his visit to the sight had enabled him to acquaint himself with the issue and that he would engage other stakeholders before a decision would be taken, adding that the people’s interest would be taken into consideration in all matters.
The chiefs also appealed to the minister to hasten the necessary processes to enable Newmont to start operating in the area to prevent illegal gold miners (galamsey) operators from taking over.
Although portions of the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve covering about 74 hectares which contains large deposits of gold, formed part of the operational area of Newmont, a Tarkwa-based non-governmental organisation, Wassa Community Against Mining (WACAM), has been agitating against its exploitation, claiming it would degrade the environment with negative effects on the people.
The chiefs, led by the acting President of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council, Obrempong Aforoteng IV, presented a resolution to that effect to Alhaji Collins Dauda when the minister visited the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve last Thursday to acquaint himself with the issue.
The minister was accompanied by the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division, Mr Raphael Yeboah, and other officials from Newmont, the Mineral Commission and the ministry.
The resolution was signed by Obrempong Afroteng, the Queen of Akyem Kotoku, Nana Akua Asantewaa III; Osabarima Owusu Gyamadu, chief of Anyinase and Member of the Council of State; Nana Amo Kyeretwie I, the Abiremhene, and other chiefs from the towns in the operational area, as well as assembly members and farmers.
They stated that Newmont’s overall operation in the area would be beneficial to the people.
According to the chiefs, the 5.80 square kilometre Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve is the only secondary forest in the area with virtually no tree of economic value among nine other forest reserves, with a total area of 211.38 square kilometres.
They stated that if its gold deposits were mined, it would not have any negative effect on the environment, adding that Newmont had already put in place measures such as land reclamation to restore the ecology.
The chiefs said apart from that, Newmont had done all what was expected such as honouring its social responsibility and other interventions to ensure that the company’s operations would not impact negatively on the people.
They, therefore, described WACAM’s agitation against the exploitation of the mineral in the Adjenua Bepo Forest Reserve as a deliberate attempt to stagnate the area’s development.
“Newmont should be allowed to operate because of the enormous benefits such as providing jobs for the unemployed youth, improving the infrastructure of the area so Mr minister, we wish that you give the green light for mining to begin,” Obrempong Aforoteng told Alhaji Dauda at New Abirem where he addressed the chiefs.
Osabarima Owusu Gyamadu, who also spoke at the function, wondered why WACAM had not campaigned against the wanton destruction of the environment by illegal miners (galamsey) operators but the operations of Newmont, which he said had many good things to offer to the people in the area.
Alhaji Dauda said his visit to the sight had enabled him to acquaint himself with the issue and that he would engage other stakeholders before a decision would be taken, adding that the people’s interest would be taken into consideration in all matters.
CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION ADOPTS NEW NAME (PAGE 34, SEPT 29)
THE Civil Servants Association of Ghana has adopted a new name — the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana — in a communiqué issued by the association at the end of a one-day extraordinary delegates’ congress held at the Bunso Cocoa College in the Eastern Region.
The new name, according to the association, had become necessary, since the inclusion of the word “servants” in the old name was a colonial relic that had, over the years, made civil and local government workers servants compelled to obey the instructions of governments.
It also explained that the new name would firmly unite civil and local government workers in a formidable body to effectively bargain with governments on enhanced salaries and conditions of service.
The one-page, five-paragraph communiqué reads, “Civil Servants Association, Ghana, having met at an extraordinary delegates’ congress held at the Cocoa College, Bunso in the Eastern Region of Ghana, having deliberated on a very critical issue regarding the membership of the association, especially in the area of retaining the current membership and also attracting more members, hereby issue this communiqué that the association be named and called Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana this day of September 26, 2009.”
The communiqué, which was read by the National President of the association, Nii Robertson Akwei Allotey, said the new name had taken cognisance of the fact that civil servants who were found in both central and local government structures were one and the same workers and should be considered as such.
It, therefore, directed all civil servants in both central and local authorities to take note and act accordingly.
It also called on all civil and local government workers to re-dedicate themselves to hard work and diligence, respect the codes and ethics, rules and regulations of the service and continue to cultivate the “can-do” attitude in order to increase productivity for national development.
“You are further enjoined to take advantage of the numerous attractive welfare schemes of the association to enhance your livelihoods and empower you to live decent and comparable lives,” the communiqué concluded.
Earlier, the delegates, who were drawn from all parts of the country, had spent nearly two hours deliberating on the issue of change of name, during which all the speakers stressed the need to do away with the word “servants” which, according to them, was adopted by the colonial rulers to make civil and local government workers slaves who were at all times obliged to obey their masters.
The new name, according to the association, had become necessary, since the inclusion of the word “servants” in the old name was a colonial relic that had, over the years, made civil and local government workers servants compelled to obey the instructions of governments.
It also explained that the new name would firmly unite civil and local government workers in a formidable body to effectively bargain with governments on enhanced salaries and conditions of service.
The one-page, five-paragraph communiqué reads, “Civil Servants Association, Ghana, having met at an extraordinary delegates’ congress held at the Cocoa College, Bunso in the Eastern Region of Ghana, having deliberated on a very critical issue regarding the membership of the association, especially in the area of retaining the current membership and also attracting more members, hereby issue this communiqué that the association be named and called Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana this day of September 26, 2009.”
The communiqué, which was read by the National President of the association, Nii Robertson Akwei Allotey, said the new name had taken cognisance of the fact that civil servants who were found in both central and local government structures were one and the same workers and should be considered as such.
It, therefore, directed all civil servants in both central and local authorities to take note and act accordingly.
It also called on all civil and local government workers to re-dedicate themselves to hard work and diligence, respect the codes and ethics, rules and regulations of the service and continue to cultivate the “can-do” attitude in order to increase productivity for national development.
“You are further enjoined to take advantage of the numerous attractive welfare schemes of the association to enhance your livelihoods and empower you to live decent and comparable lives,” the communiqué concluded.
Earlier, the delegates, who were drawn from all parts of the country, had spent nearly two hours deliberating on the issue of change of name, during which all the speakers stressed the need to do away with the word “servants” which, according to them, was adopted by the colonial rulers to make civil and local government workers slaves who were at all times obliged to obey their masters.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
ISD INTENSIFIES EDUCATION ON PREMIX FUEL (SEPT 26, PAGE 23)
THE Eastern Regional Office of the Information Services Department (ISD) has intensified public education on premix fuel within the fishing communities of the region.
The purpose of the exercise was to sensitise the fishermen to the need for changing the colour of the premix fuel from yellow to blue and adopting strategies to prevent diversion of the commodity by unscrupulous persons.
The exercise became necessary due to agitations by the fishermen in the region regarding irregular supply of the commodity to them.
A statement signed by the Regional Information Officer, Mr Akwasi Amankwaa, said the exercise, which started last month, would cover the entire region.
He said fishing communities within four districts, namely Upper Manya Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman, Kwahu East and Kwahu North (Afram Plains) had so far been covered.
The communities were Akateng, Akrusu, Akotue and Akokorma, all in the Upper Manya Krobo District, Kpong and Amedeka in Lower Manya Krobo, Kotoso, Pitiku, Adawso, Asuboni-Odumase and Nketepa in the Kwahu South and Kwahu East Districts, Kudikope, Seldrom and Survey Line, all in the Asuogyaman District.
According to the statement, the fishermen requested the Ministry of Energy to closely monitor supply of the premix fuel to the areas to avoid diversion, smuggling and other malpractices associated with the issue.
They also appealed to the government to supply them with outboard motors and other fishing gears to be paid for on a hire purchase basis.
The purpose of the exercise was to sensitise the fishermen to the need for changing the colour of the premix fuel from yellow to blue and adopting strategies to prevent diversion of the commodity by unscrupulous persons.
The exercise became necessary due to agitations by the fishermen in the region regarding irregular supply of the commodity to them.
A statement signed by the Regional Information Officer, Mr Akwasi Amankwaa, said the exercise, which started last month, would cover the entire region.
He said fishing communities within four districts, namely Upper Manya Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman, Kwahu East and Kwahu North (Afram Plains) had so far been covered.
The communities were Akateng, Akrusu, Akotue and Akokorma, all in the Upper Manya Krobo District, Kpong and Amedeka in Lower Manya Krobo, Kotoso, Pitiku, Adawso, Asuboni-Odumase and Nketepa in the Kwahu South and Kwahu East Districts, Kudikope, Seldrom and Survey Line, all in the Asuogyaman District.
According to the statement, the fishermen requested the Ministry of Energy to closely monitor supply of the premix fuel to the areas to avoid diversion, smuggling and other malpractices associated with the issue.
They also appealed to the government to supply them with outboard motors and other fishing gears to be paid for on a hire purchase basis.
ATIWA BANK GRANTS GH¢2,061,009 AS LOANS TO CUSTOMERS (SEPT 26, PAGE 51)
THE Atiwa Rural Bank last year granted GH¢2,061,009 as loans and overdrafts to its customers as against GH¢1,706,020 given out for the same purposes in 2007.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr Isaac Akomaning Asamoah, made this known when he addressed the annual general meeting of the bank at Kwabeng, the bank’s headquarters.
The bank serves three districts, namely Atiwa, East Akyem and some parts of Fanteakwa, which together, formed a very big area with agriculture as its mainstay.
Giving a breakdown of the loans and the overdrafts, Mr Asamoah stated that micro-finance had GH¢148,086, transport GH¢148,716, construction GH¢41,112, agriculture GH¢47,388, commerce GH¢583,134, and others GH¢1,091,432.
He said the bank had decided to increase its loan and overdraft portfolios to enable customers to also benefit from its successes in its overall performance during the period.
Some of the gains made by the bank, the board chairman stated, were hikes in pre-tax profit from GH¢94,653 in 2007 to GH¢109,653 in 2008, total deposits GH¢3,234,320 to GH¢3,864,351, investments GH¢1,348,731 to GH¢1,601,710, total assets 3,800,517 to GH¢4,537,086 and treasury bills GH¢1,348,731 to GH¢1,601,701, all within the same period.
According to the board chairman, since the bank was growing, its agencies had to be operating from suitable buildings, so a storey building had been purchased at a cost of GH¢400,000 to house the Koforidua branch, while renovation works were on-going on the Begoro agency.
He added that the Begoro project was in line with the requirements for the bank’s participation in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) projects.
The Managing Director of the ARB Apex Bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, commended the board, management, staff and shareholders of the bank for the good showing of the bank, but stressed the need for an effective risk management system for its day-to-day operations to check fraud.
Mr Osei-Bonsu also dwelt on various aspects of rural banking and advised the board and the management of the bank to institute training schemes for the staff to prevent them from joining the big banks.
He also urged them to build a good corporate image to ensure loyalty of customers to patronise the bank’s products.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, Mr Isaac Akomaning Asamoah, made this known when he addressed the annual general meeting of the bank at Kwabeng, the bank’s headquarters.
The bank serves three districts, namely Atiwa, East Akyem and some parts of Fanteakwa, which together, formed a very big area with agriculture as its mainstay.
Giving a breakdown of the loans and the overdrafts, Mr Asamoah stated that micro-finance had GH¢148,086, transport GH¢148,716, construction GH¢41,112, agriculture GH¢47,388, commerce GH¢583,134, and others GH¢1,091,432.
He said the bank had decided to increase its loan and overdraft portfolios to enable customers to also benefit from its successes in its overall performance during the period.
Some of the gains made by the bank, the board chairman stated, were hikes in pre-tax profit from GH¢94,653 in 2007 to GH¢109,653 in 2008, total deposits GH¢3,234,320 to GH¢3,864,351, investments GH¢1,348,731 to GH¢1,601,710, total assets 3,800,517 to GH¢4,537,086 and treasury bills GH¢1,348,731 to GH¢1,601,701, all within the same period.
According to the board chairman, since the bank was growing, its agencies had to be operating from suitable buildings, so a storey building had been purchased at a cost of GH¢400,000 to house the Koforidua branch, while renovation works were on-going on the Begoro agency.
He added that the Begoro project was in line with the requirements for the bank’s participation in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) projects.
The Managing Director of the ARB Apex Bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, commended the board, management, staff and shareholders of the bank for the good showing of the bank, but stressed the need for an effective risk management system for its day-to-day operations to check fraud.
Mr Osei-Bonsu also dwelt on various aspects of rural banking and advised the board and the management of the bank to institute training schemes for the staff to prevent them from joining the big banks.
He also urged them to build a good corporate image to ensure loyalty of customers to patronise the bank’s products.
MTN ASSURES EASTERN REGION OF QUALITY SERVICE (SEPT 23, PAGE 30)
MTN Ghana, one of the leading cellular phone operators, has assured communities in the Eastern Region, especially Tinkong and its surrounding villages, which have problems with the reception of its services that it is working around the clock to resolve the problem.
The company has also indicated that a programme to extend coverage to every community in the region is progressing steadily, adding that even remote villages in Kwahu North (Afram Plains) would be able to access its services.
These assurances were given when some of the senior officials of the company organised Editors’ forum for the heads of the media establishments in the region in Koforidua.
The MTN officials were the acting Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Ms Efua Falconar, the Quality Assurance Manager of the Customer Care Division, Mr Lawrence Akosen, and the Eastern Regional Radio and Transmission Supervisor, Mr Tigyani Muntaka.
The one-day meeting was to brief the media practitioners about the activities of MTN in the region, with a view to addressing inherent problems, especially the technical aspect to ensure that customers enjoyed quality service.
The company also took the opportunity to brief Editors on some of its new products such as DStv mobile phone, village phones and the one for money transfer.
Addressing the participants, Ms Falconar said the company was determined to further improve its services in the region, stressing that areas not yet covered would be considered to boost economic and social activities.
She stated that the extension of MTN services to remote rural areas, especially in the region, had stimulated productivity, created wealth, increased trade and enhanced the welfare of the people.
To ensure that the living condition of the people was improved, Ms Falconar said the company would not relent in its social responsibility initiatives, and that was why it was helping to improve education and health care in the various communities.
For his part, Mr Muntaka gave a vivid explanation of the poor reception of MTN service in the Tinkong area.
He attributed the problem to its location in a valley and said the company was in the process of locating a new cell site in the area to improve on the reception.
Mr Akosen said a new product, “One World Alliance”, of which one could use one’s MTN mobile service worldwide, would be launched in December, this year.
He also stated that the company was on a test-run of mobile television services, adding that at the moment, 11 television stations could be accessed through the mobile service.
The company has also indicated that a programme to extend coverage to every community in the region is progressing steadily, adding that even remote villages in Kwahu North (Afram Plains) would be able to access its services.
These assurances were given when some of the senior officials of the company organised Editors’ forum for the heads of the media establishments in the region in Koforidua.
The MTN officials were the acting Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Ms Efua Falconar, the Quality Assurance Manager of the Customer Care Division, Mr Lawrence Akosen, and the Eastern Regional Radio and Transmission Supervisor, Mr Tigyani Muntaka.
The one-day meeting was to brief the media practitioners about the activities of MTN in the region, with a view to addressing inherent problems, especially the technical aspect to ensure that customers enjoyed quality service.
The company also took the opportunity to brief Editors on some of its new products such as DStv mobile phone, village phones and the one for money transfer.
Addressing the participants, Ms Falconar said the company was determined to further improve its services in the region, stressing that areas not yet covered would be considered to boost economic and social activities.
She stated that the extension of MTN services to remote rural areas, especially in the region, had stimulated productivity, created wealth, increased trade and enhanced the welfare of the people.
To ensure that the living condition of the people was improved, Ms Falconar said the company would not relent in its social responsibility initiatives, and that was why it was helping to improve education and health care in the various communities.
For his part, Mr Muntaka gave a vivid explanation of the poor reception of MTN service in the Tinkong area.
He attributed the problem to its location in a valley and said the company was in the process of locating a new cell site in the area to improve on the reception.
Mr Akosen said a new product, “One World Alliance”, of which one could use one’s MTN mobile service worldwide, would be launched in December, this year.
He also stated that the company was on a test-run of mobile television services, adding that at the moment, 11 television stations could be accessed through the mobile service.
FANTEAKWA TO HARNESS TOURISM POTENTIAL (SEPT 23, PAGE 20)
In 1988, the Fanteakwa District was carved out of the then vast East Akyem District.
The new district shares borders with Kwahu South on the west, Kwahu North (Afram Plains) on the south, Manya and Yilo Krobo on the east and Atiwa on the south-west.
Its fast growing population which was estimated at about 96,000 (according to the 2000 Population and Housing Census), is composed of mainly Akyems, the land owners, with large numbers of Krobos and others from different tribes, especially from the three northern regions.
Since the area is mostly covered by secondary forests, most of the people are engaged in agriculture, cultivating cash crops such as cocoa and other foodstuffs such as cassava, maize, varieties of tubers, and plantain while others also are in petty trading.
Apart from cocoa which is exported, the food crops find their way to big market centres at Ahomanhomanso, Deedeso and Begoro for onward delivery to other big towns in the country. The area is also blessed with various tourist attractions.
They include the beautiful waterfalls at Akrum, Besiboum and Trudu as well as the Abegogro and the Umbrella Rock, believed to have sheltered various species of wild animals in ancient times.
Although the area has been provided with some of the basic amenities such as good drinking water, school buildings, decent public places of convenience and roads by previous governments, some of the communities still lacked such amenities.
It is in this direction that after taking office, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abass Fuseini Sbaabe, has taken steps to make such facilities, especially good roads available to communities which do not have roads.
He has also come out with a plan to improve the tourist facilities to attract tourists, especially foreigners to rake in the necessary revenue to support development projects.
According to Mr Fuseini Sbaabe, the construction and rehabilitation of roads is being given priority since the bad nature of the roads constitutes 60 per cent of the district’s problems.
Some of the roads to be rehabilitated are the seven kilometre Ahumanhumanso-Bomoden road, Dadeso-Akumerso-Amotare roads, the 3.15 kilometre Busoso-Kplade road, the nine-kilometre Asare Kwao-Miaso road and the reconditioning of a two-kilometre road with bitumen surface at Begoro, the district capital where the durbar grounds is also being paved at a cost of GH¢50,000 to befit its status.
A grader has also been procured by the district assembly at a cost of GH¢230 to periodically rehabilitate the feeder roads.
While the rehabilitation of some of the roads are being funded by the assembly, others are being funded by the Government and donor agencies such as the Danish Development Agency (DANIDA) and the Japanese Government.
Apart from the road projects, other social amenities some of whose construction work had already started, would be provided in the various communities. They include boreholes at Asigya, Akumso, acqua-privy public place of convenience at Nsutam near the Bunsu Junction on the main Accra-Kumasi highway to serve the travelling public.
A new market would also be built at Deedeso while the existing ones at Bososu and Ehiamankyene will be renovated.
A radio station being built by the assembly will be in operation by December this year to entertain and educate the people on various issues, including culture and governance.
On education, a GH¢5,000 incentive fund has been set up to support newly-trained teachers who have just been posted to the area.
The beneficiaries will receive between GH¢100 and GH¢150 each, taking into consideration the remoteness of one’s duty post. Those in very deprived communities will get more money.
The assembly is also setting up computer centres on a pilot basis at four schools within Begoro, namely the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic schools.
Addressing the assembly at its inaugural meeting at Begoro, Mr Shaabe said the assembly was committed to the provision of basic amenities for the people, adding that every community in the district would have its fair share of the national cake.
“Apart from these amenities and facilities, the assembly is also sponsoring local students in the colleges of education and the nurses’ training colleges so that they will come back to work in the area after completing their courses.
“The assembly will soon come out with a well laid programme to harness the tourist potential in the district, especially the waterfalls while support will be given to the manufacturers of beads and bicycles produced from bamboo, all at Abompe”, the DCE stated.
Although Mr Shaabe has come out with such a laudable programme to transform the district, much will however depend on the co-operation of the assembly members.
But taking into consideration the DCE’s personal commitment and good relationship with the assembly members, all of whom have the desire to develop their electoral areas and communities, most of the deprived communities at Fanteakwa will in the near future have some of the basic amenities.
The new district shares borders with Kwahu South on the west, Kwahu North (Afram Plains) on the south, Manya and Yilo Krobo on the east and Atiwa on the south-west.
Its fast growing population which was estimated at about 96,000 (according to the 2000 Population and Housing Census), is composed of mainly Akyems, the land owners, with large numbers of Krobos and others from different tribes, especially from the three northern regions.
Since the area is mostly covered by secondary forests, most of the people are engaged in agriculture, cultivating cash crops such as cocoa and other foodstuffs such as cassava, maize, varieties of tubers, and plantain while others also are in petty trading.
Apart from cocoa which is exported, the food crops find their way to big market centres at Ahomanhomanso, Deedeso and Begoro for onward delivery to other big towns in the country. The area is also blessed with various tourist attractions.
They include the beautiful waterfalls at Akrum, Besiboum and Trudu as well as the Abegogro and the Umbrella Rock, believed to have sheltered various species of wild animals in ancient times.
Although the area has been provided with some of the basic amenities such as good drinking water, school buildings, decent public places of convenience and roads by previous governments, some of the communities still lacked such amenities.
It is in this direction that after taking office, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abass Fuseini Sbaabe, has taken steps to make such facilities, especially good roads available to communities which do not have roads.
He has also come out with a plan to improve the tourist facilities to attract tourists, especially foreigners to rake in the necessary revenue to support development projects.
According to Mr Fuseini Sbaabe, the construction and rehabilitation of roads is being given priority since the bad nature of the roads constitutes 60 per cent of the district’s problems.
Some of the roads to be rehabilitated are the seven kilometre Ahumanhumanso-Bomoden road, Dadeso-Akumerso-Amotare roads, the 3.15 kilometre Busoso-Kplade road, the nine-kilometre Asare Kwao-Miaso road and the reconditioning of a two-kilometre road with bitumen surface at Begoro, the district capital where the durbar grounds is also being paved at a cost of GH¢50,000 to befit its status.
A grader has also been procured by the district assembly at a cost of GH¢230 to periodically rehabilitate the feeder roads.
While the rehabilitation of some of the roads are being funded by the assembly, others are being funded by the Government and donor agencies such as the Danish Development Agency (DANIDA) and the Japanese Government.
Apart from the road projects, other social amenities some of whose construction work had already started, would be provided in the various communities. They include boreholes at Asigya, Akumso, acqua-privy public place of convenience at Nsutam near the Bunsu Junction on the main Accra-Kumasi highway to serve the travelling public.
A new market would also be built at Deedeso while the existing ones at Bososu and Ehiamankyene will be renovated.
A radio station being built by the assembly will be in operation by December this year to entertain and educate the people on various issues, including culture and governance.
On education, a GH¢5,000 incentive fund has been set up to support newly-trained teachers who have just been posted to the area.
The beneficiaries will receive between GH¢100 and GH¢150 each, taking into consideration the remoteness of one’s duty post. Those in very deprived communities will get more money.
The assembly is also setting up computer centres on a pilot basis at four schools within Begoro, namely the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic schools.
Addressing the assembly at its inaugural meeting at Begoro, Mr Shaabe said the assembly was committed to the provision of basic amenities for the people, adding that every community in the district would have its fair share of the national cake.
“Apart from these amenities and facilities, the assembly is also sponsoring local students in the colleges of education and the nurses’ training colleges so that they will come back to work in the area after completing their courses.
“The assembly will soon come out with a well laid programme to harness the tourist potential in the district, especially the waterfalls while support will be given to the manufacturers of beads and bicycles produced from bamboo, all at Abompe”, the DCE stated.
Although Mr Shaabe has come out with such a laudable programme to transform the district, much will however depend on the co-operation of the assembly members.
But taking into consideration the DCE’s personal commitment and good relationship with the assembly members, all of whom have the desire to develop their electoral areas and communities, most of the deprived communities at Fanteakwa will in the near future have some of the basic amenities.
APOSTOLIC CHURCH LAUNCHES 75TH ANNIVERSARY (SEPT 22, PAGE 21)
THE 75th anniversary of the Apostolic Church of Ghana has been formally launched.
The colourful ceremony took place at the Lartey Adotey Memorial Temple at Adabraka, Accra, which houses one of the biggest congregations of the church.
In attendance were all the apostles, senior and junior pastors, elders, deacons, deaconesses and members from the various administrative areas of the church in the country.
Activities lined up for the year-long celebrations which would involve all branches in Ghana as well as its missions abroad, include radio talk shows, dinner, clean-up exercises, donations to organisations and disadvantage persons.
A church service at the Independence Square in Accra would climax the celebrations in September, next year.
Within the same period, other spiritual activities geared towards the acceleration of the growth of the church would be organised.
Launching the programme on the theme: “Great is Thy faithfulness”, the President of the church, Apostle John Annan Adotey traced the history of the church which takes its roots from the revivals that occurred between 1904 and 1905 in Wales, United Kingdom
He said the revivals were later in 1935 extended to Ghana by missionaries from Penygroes, a small town in the United Kingdom that has now become the cradle of the church worldwide.
Apostle Adotey who is also the Chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal Council, said from a humble beginning at Asamankese where the first church was planted in 1935 and despite the struggles and breakaways, the church had witnessed both spiritual and physical growth.
He said the church currently had branches throughout the country with other overseas missions in the United States, Canada, Cote d’ Ivoire, Italy and The Netherlands among other nations.
Apostle Adotey said the breakaways rather gave birth to many other Pentecostal churches in the country.
He used the opportunity to preach to the gathering, stressing the need for the members to abide by the tenets of the church and lead upright lives to win more souls for Christ.
The colourful ceremony took place at the Lartey Adotey Memorial Temple at Adabraka, Accra, which houses one of the biggest congregations of the church.
In attendance were all the apostles, senior and junior pastors, elders, deacons, deaconesses and members from the various administrative areas of the church in the country.
Activities lined up for the year-long celebrations which would involve all branches in Ghana as well as its missions abroad, include radio talk shows, dinner, clean-up exercises, donations to organisations and disadvantage persons.
A church service at the Independence Square in Accra would climax the celebrations in September, next year.
Within the same period, other spiritual activities geared towards the acceleration of the growth of the church would be organised.
Launching the programme on the theme: “Great is Thy faithfulness”, the President of the church, Apostle John Annan Adotey traced the history of the church which takes its roots from the revivals that occurred between 1904 and 1905 in Wales, United Kingdom
He said the revivals were later in 1935 extended to Ghana by missionaries from Penygroes, a small town in the United Kingdom that has now become the cradle of the church worldwide.
Apostle Adotey who is also the Chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal Council, said from a humble beginning at Asamankese where the first church was planted in 1935 and despite the struggles and breakaways, the church had witnessed both spiritual and physical growth.
He said the church currently had branches throughout the country with other overseas missions in the United States, Canada, Cote d’ Ivoire, Italy and The Netherlands among other nations.
Apostle Adotey said the breakaways rather gave birth to many other Pentecostal churches in the country.
He used the opportunity to preach to the gathering, stressing the need for the members to abide by the tenets of the church and lead upright lives to win more souls for Christ.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
FAKE JOURNALIST JAILED FOR TWO YEARS (SEPT 17, PAGE 20)
EBENEZER Van Dyke Akoto, a 29-year-old self-styled journalist, who used a press card of Radio Gold to defraud the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asuogyaman of GH¢430, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Akoto, who was arrested when he made a second attempt to dupe the DCE, Mr Johnson Ahiakpor, four months later, of an additional GH¢250, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing fake documents and defrauding by false pretences.
The court, presided over by Mr Asmah Akwasi Asiedu, gave him 24 months for the first count and 18 months for the second count, but the sentences were to run concurrently.
He had already spent two weeks on remand at the Akuse Prisons.
As soon as the judge pronounced sentence, Akoto, who was immaculately dressed in a pair of trousers and a shirt, broke down in tears after which he was immediately whisked away in a waiting vehicle to begin his new life at the Akuse Prisons.
Passing sentence, Mr Akwasi Asiedu said if Van Dyke Akoto could hang a press card around his neck and go to the extent of presenting himself to a DCE to defraud him, then that was serious.
Earlier, Messrs Gad Motey and Stephen Ahor, counsel for the accused, pleaded for mitigation and prayed the court to deal leniently with Van Dyke Akoto, who they said was a young single parent with a six-year-old child, and that his incarceration in prison would adversely affect the child.
They also told the court that Van Dyke Akoto, before committing the crime, had not had any breach of the law, and that his remand at the Akuse Prisons had made him remorseful.
Presenting the facts of the case at the court’s sitting at Odumase Krobo at the weekend, the prosecutor, Inspector R. A. Boahene, said Van Dyke Akoto, who was holding a Radio Gold identity card on April 20 this year, went to Mr Ahiakpor at Atimpoku, the district capital of Asuogyaman, and told the DCE that he had been sent by the Editor of Radio Gold to do a feature story on his vision for the district to be aired on the FM station and demanded GH¢430 to that effect.
Inspector Boahene said after collecting the money, Van Dyke Akoto failed to do such a feature story and went into hiding.
He said on August 12, this year, Van Dyke Akoto again went to Mr Ahiakpor and demanded GH¢250 for another feature story, but unknown to Akoto, the DCE had made enquiries at Radio Gold, which disclaimed the culprit, and he, therefore,caused his arrest.
Akoto, who was arrested when he made a second attempt to dupe the DCE, Mr Johnson Ahiakpor, four months later, of an additional GH¢250, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing fake documents and defrauding by false pretences.
The court, presided over by Mr Asmah Akwasi Asiedu, gave him 24 months for the first count and 18 months for the second count, but the sentences were to run concurrently.
He had already spent two weeks on remand at the Akuse Prisons.
As soon as the judge pronounced sentence, Akoto, who was immaculately dressed in a pair of trousers and a shirt, broke down in tears after which he was immediately whisked away in a waiting vehicle to begin his new life at the Akuse Prisons.
Passing sentence, Mr Akwasi Asiedu said if Van Dyke Akoto could hang a press card around his neck and go to the extent of presenting himself to a DCE to defraud him, then that was serious.
Earlier, Messrs Gad Motey and Stephen Ahor, counsel for the accused, pleaded for mitigation and prayed the court to deal leniently with Van Dyke Akoto, who they said was a young single parent with a six-year-old child, and that his incarceration in prison would adversely affect the child.
They also told the court that Van Dyke Akoto, before committing the crime, had not had any breach of the law, and that his remand at the Akuse Prisons had made him remorseful.
Presenting the facts of the case at the court’s sitting at Odumase Krobo at the weekend, the prosecutor, Inspector R. A. Boahene, said Van Dyke Akoto, who was holding a Radio Gold identity card on April 20 this year, went to Mr Ahiakpor at Atimpoku, the district capital of Asuogyaman, and told the DCE that he had been sent by the Editor of Radio Gold to do a feature story on his vision for the district to be aired on the FM station and demanded GH¢430 to that effect.
Inspector Boahene said after collecting the money, Van Dyke Akoto failed to do such a feature story and went into hiding.
He said on August 12, this year, Van Dyke Akoto again went to Mr Ahiakpor and demanded GH¢250 for another feature story, but unknown to Akoto, the DCE had made enquiries at Radio Gold, which disclaimed the culprit, and he, therefore,caused his arrest.
OLAM ASSURES COCOA FARMERS (SEPT 16, PAGE 20)
OLAM Ghana Limited, one of the leading licensed buying companies in the country has assured cocoa farmers and others cultivating crops such as cashew and shea-nut that it would not relent in its social responsibility programme to better their lot.
It also promised the farmers that the company would continue to supply them farming inputs and offer them loans to enable them to expand their farms to generate more income.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr Amit Agrawal gave the assurance when he addressed a three-day seminar at the Bunso Cocoa College last Sunday.
The seminar attended by about 90 of the company’s managers drawn from all the six regions in which it operated, was to take stock of the previous year’s activities of the company, with the view of improving its performance, taking into consideration the welfare of farmers.
According to Mr Agrawal, Olam Ghana had recognised the role farmers, especially those cultivating cocoa were playing in the economy and had therefore, decided to give them the necessary assistance to encourage them increase production.
He said it was for that reason that the company had since 1994 when it started operating in the country, continued to give loans and bonuses to farmers to expand their farms as well as honouring its social responsibility in terms of healthcare and education in its areas of operation.
Mr Agrawal stated that Olam Ghana purchased 110,000 metric tonnes of cocoa in 2007, expressing the hope that its packages would go a long way to increasing the production of cocoa, for the country to meet its target of a million metric tonnes within three years.
He, therefore, asked the company’s managers to live up to expectation by ensuring that the over 100,000 farmers dealing with the company were well catered for.
The acting Managing Director of the Quality Control Company, Mr Gokeh Sekyim, said in line with Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) programme for the country’s cocoa production to hit the projected one million metric tonnes in 2012, it had decided to come out with a number of packages.
He mentioned some of the packages as making available certified planting materials to farmers, controlling diseases and pests and enhancing extension services to ensure proper farm maintenance practices.
Other initiatives being carried out by the board, he said, were the provision of a 100,000 metric tonnes state-of-the-art ware housing facility at Kejebir in addition to existing ones to improve storage capacity and the acquisition of a number of grade/sorter machines to be installed in each cocoa district to segregate cocoa beans into respective categories before being graded and evacuated.
Mr Sekyim stated that Ghana’s cocoa continued to be the best on the world market, adding that COCOBOD expected each player in the cocoa industry to abide strictly by all regulations to sustain that feat.
He commended Olam Ghana for the role it was playing to support cocoa farmers and the industry as a whole.
The Member of Parliament for Lower West Akyem, Madam Gifty Klenam who also spoke at the function, suggested that Olam Ghana should help add value to the raw cocoa beans by constructing a procession plant in the area, adding that such an initiative would also create jobs for the unemployed youth.
The chief of Akyem Tafo, Osabarima Adusei Peasah on whose land the Cocoa College is situated, announced that the transformation of the college to an agricultural university was in progress and that the Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin would on October 10, this year inaugurate the university.
It also promised the farmers that the company would continue to supply them farming inputs and offer them loans to enable them to expand their farms to generate more income.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr Amit Agrawal gave the assurance when he addressed a three-day seminar at the Bunso Cocoa College last Sunday.
The seminar attended by about 90 of the company’s managers drawn from all the six regions in which it operated, was to take stock of the previous year’s activities of the company, with the view of improving its performance, taking into consideration the welfare of farmers.
According to Mr Agrawal, Olam Ghana had recognised the role farmers, especially those cultivating cocoa were playing in the economy and had therefore, decided to give them the necessary assistance to encourage them increase production.
He said it was for that reason that the company had since 1994 when it started operating in the country, continued to give loans and bonuses to farmers to expand their farms as well as honouring its social responsibility in terms of healthcare and education in its areas of operation.
Mr Agrawal stated that Olam Ghana purchased 110,000 metric tonnes of cocoa in 2007, expressing the hope that its packages would go a long way to increasing the production of cocoa, for the country to meet its target of a million metric tonnes within three years.
He, therefore, asked the company’s managers to live up to expectation by ensuring that the over 100,000 farmers dealing with the company were well catered for.
The acting Managing Director of the Quality Control Company, Mr Gokeh Sekyim, said in line with Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) programme for the country’s cocoa production to hit the projected one million metric tonnes in 2012, it had decided to come out with a number of packages.
He mentioned some of the packages as making available certified planting materials to farmers, controlling diseases and pests and enhancing extension services to ensure proper farm maintenance practices.
Other initiatives being carried out by the board, he said, were the provision of a 100,000 metric tonnes state-of-the-art ware housing facility at Kejebir in addition to existing ones to improve storage capacity and the acquisition of a number of grade/sorter machines to be installed in each cocoa district to segregate cocoa beans into respective categories before being graded and evacuated.
Mr Sekyim stated that Ghana’s cocoa continued to be the best on the world market, adding that COCOBOD expected each player in the cocoa industry to abide strictly by all regulations to sustain that feat.
He commended Olam Ghana for the role it was playing to support cocoa farmers and the industry as a whole.
The Member of Parliament for Lower West Akyem, Madam Gifty Klenam who also spoke at the function, suggested that Olam Ghana should help add value to the raw cocoa beans by constructing a procession plant in the area, adding that such an initiative would also create jobs for the unemployed youth.
The chief of Akyem Tafo, Osabarima Adusei Peasah on whose land the Cocoa College is situated, announced that the transformation of the college to an agricultural university was in progress and that the Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin would on October 10, this year inaugurate the university.
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