The Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) in Kumasi over the weekend began arresting and prosecuting commercial and private car owners who use tinted glasses.
As many as 58 of such drivers were arrested during the exercise out of which 41 were prosecuted and convicted for flouting road traffic regulations.
The convicts, who pleaded guilty to charges of using tinted glasses against road traffic regulations, were convicted on their own pleas and fined between GH¢240 and GH¢300.
A total of GH¢7,590.00 was therefore realised from the fines and the convicts were warned to respect road traffic regulations or receive severer fines in future.
The court issued a bench warrant for the arrest of one of the suspects who failed to appear before it.
The exercise was meant to enforce the law that debars both private and commercial vehicles from using tinted glasses.
The acting Ashanti Regional Police Commander of the MTTU, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abraham Bansah, told the Daily Graphic that 16 of the transport owners who were arrested were however warned and released.
He explained that those who were warned and released were using minor tinted glasses as compared to the 41 convicts.
Explaining why the exercise was carried out, Mr Bansah said police investigations had revealed that the use of tinted glasses had been one of the major causes of fatal road traffic accidents in the country.
He said some of the vehicles had tinted windscreens and windows, which impaired visibility anytime there was a rainfall.
That, he said, created serious danger for the driver and other road users, sometimes leading to fatal accidents and the death of innocent passengers and pedestrians.
Mr Bansah said their investigations had also revealed that vehicles with tinted glasses had been used to commit armed robbery, abduction, and drug-related crimes.
He said some of them were also used to transport stolen and smuggled goods from one point to another.
He said by their nature, it was very difficult to see the occupants of such vehicles when they were committing crimes, and therefore made it easy for them to abscond.
He said under the cover of darkness, some of those vehicles were also used to promote immoral activities, stressing that active sex took place in some of these vehicles, hence the action to weed them out from the system to enhance sanity on the road and the environment.
Mr Bansah warned that since the MTTU would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who used tinted glasses, it was better for owners of such vehicles to remove them before they were arrested.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
NEW BREAST CANCER DEVICE INAUGURATED (PAGE 29)
Authorities of Breast Cancer International (BCI), in collaboration with the Peace and Love Hospital at Oduom in Kumasi, has launched a digital sensing device designed to enhance early detection of breast cancer among women to facilitate their treatment.
The equipment, dubbed ‘SureTouch’, allows doctors to conduct a pain and radiation –free breast examination by scanning the breast tissue, and thereby making it easy for doctors to detect the disease even at its early stages.
Unlike the mammogram, which rigidly compresses the breast and expose it to harmful radiation, ‘SureTouch” is not only painless, but also radiation free, which enables women from 18 years and above to examine their breasts, for the detection of any tumour hidden in the breast tissue.
The device, which also has a document management facility for medical practitioners to print, store and move images around through e-mail, was developed in the United States of America and is the first of its kind to be introduced into the country.
According to medical experts, “SureTouch” “is unique because it can detect lumps through all areas of the outer aspects of the breast”.
The President of BCI, Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, and Dr Ian Finlayson of Australia jointly launched the device.
In her address, Dr Wiafe Addai said the inauguration of the device had enabled her to realise her dream because it would reduce the mortality rate of women who suffer from breast cancer.
She pointed out that she would liaise with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide opportunities for women who had breast cancer related cases to be diagnosed with the device to enhance early detection and treatment.
She said the small size of the device and its easy mobility, “ allows doctors to conduct breast examination in their own offices instead of having to send patients to specialist diagnostic centres”.
She noted that since the device could be used to screen women during outreach programmes in every part of the country, and was very accurate in detecting breast cancer, it would contribute greatly to the collection of data and building of profiles that would describe the characteristics of the lesion, including its estimated size, shape, hardness and location.
This, she said, would also make treatment very easy and affordable.
The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Lallie Zodwa, who graced the function, commended Dr Wiafe Addai for her sense of initiative and commitment to issues concerning the health of women.
She said issues related to breast cancer should be taken seriously because the disease could now affect females in their teens and make their lives miserable.
“ With the easy detection of breast cancer through this device, the life of women would now be enhanced, so I urge women to take advantage of the availability of the device to seek medical care at regular intervals,” she said.
In his remarks, the Kumasi Metropolitan Medical Health Director, Dr Ewusi Yeboah, said the Ghana Health Service was very keen in collaborating with private medical institutions such as the Peace and Love Hospital to provide quality and affordable health care for patients.
He noted that since the government alone could not provide medical care to all Ghanaians, there was the need for the private sector to collaborate effectively with the government in the provision of medical services to enhance productivity and accelerated socio-economic development of the country.
The equipment, dubbed ‘SureTouch’, allows doctors to conduct a pain and radiation –free breast examination by scanning the breast tissue, and thereby making it easy for doctors to detect the disease even at its early stages.
Unlike the mammogram, which rigidly compresses the breast and expose it to harmful radiation, ‘SureTouch” is not only painless, but also radiation free, which enables women from 18 years and above to examine their breasts, for the detection of any tumour hidden in the breast tissue.
The device, which also has a document management facility for medical practitioners to print, store and move images around through e-mail, was developed in the United States of America and is the first of its kind to be introduced into the country.
According to medical experts, “SureTouch” “is unique because it can detect lumps through all areas of the outer aspects of the breast”.
The President of BCI, Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, and Dr Ian Finlayson of Australia jointly launched the device.
In her address, Dr Wiafe Addai said the inauguration of the device had enabled her to realise her dream because it would reduce the mortality rate of women who suffer from breast cancer.
She pointed out that she would liaise with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide opportunities for women who had breast cancer related cases to be diagnosed with the device to enhance early detection and treatment.
She said the small size of the device and its easy mobility, “ allows doctors to conduct breast examination in their own offices instead of having to send patients to specialist diagnostic centres”.
She noted that since the device could be used to screen women during outreach programmes in every part of the country, and was very accurate in detecting breast cancer, it would contribute greatly to the collection of data and building of profiles that would describe the characteristics of the lesion, including its estimated size, shape, hardness and location.
This, she said, would also make treatment very easy and affordable.
The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Lallie Zodwa, who graced the function, commended Dr Wiafe Addai for her sense of initiative and commitment to issues concerning the health of women.
She said issues related to breast cancer should be taken seriously because the disease could now affect females in their teens and make their lives miserable.
“ With the easy detection of breast cancer through this device, the life of women would now be enhanced, so I urge women to take advantage of the availability of the device to seek medical care at regular intervals,” she said.
In his remarks, the Kumasi Metropolitan Medical Health Director, Dr Ewusi Yeboah, said the Ghana Health Service was very keen in collaborating with private medical institutions such as the Peace and Love Hospital to provide quality and affordable health care for patients.
He noted that since the government alone could not provide medical care to all Ghanaians, there was the need for the private sector to collaborate effectively with the government in the provision of medical services to enhance productivity and accelerated socio-economic development of the country.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
KMA ORDERED TO SEAL OFF WASTE AT BAREKESE (MIRROR, PAGE 22)
From Ashanti Region
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to seal off tonnes of solid waste dumped at the catchment area of the Barekese Dam.
It also ordered that the waste dumped at Ohwim and within the catchment area of the dam should be sealed with soil to prevent it from polluting the dam.
According to the EPA, some of the materials that had been dumped contained poisonous chemicals which would be very difficult to treat when they polluted the dam.
The Barekese Dam is the main source of water supply for residents of the Kumasi metropolis and its environs.
The Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs Philomina Boakye Appiah, who gave the order, also directed the KMA to stop dumping any solid waste within the catchment area, threatening that it would institute legal action against the assembly if it flouted the order.
Explaining the action of the EPA in an interview with The Mirror, Mrs Appiah said apart from the danger of polluting the dam, making the cost of treatment very huge at the expense of the state, the solid waste also posed serious health hazards to residents of Ohwim.
She said as the waste decomposed, it was likely to flow into the dam anytime it rained to pollute it, thereby making the cost of treating the water very expensive.
She could not comprehend why the KMA, which had a well engineered and approved landfill site at Dompoase, a Kumasi suburb, could dump refuse at a sensitive place like the catchment area of the dam.
Earlier, an officer at the Communications Department of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr Haruna Asoga, had told newsmen about the problems being created by the KMA.
He said since the EPA had the mandate to stop people from dumping waste at unapproved sites, the GWCL hinted the agency about the waste being disposed there and the danger it posed to the dam, as well as the health hazard likely to be caused.
When newsmen contacted the KMA to explain its action, the Director of Waste Management, Mr Tony Mensah, said, “We were in a desperate situation to dispose of refuse to create a clean environment in Kumasi and since the landfill site at Dompoase was not in good condition to receive waste, we directed our attention to Ohwim to meet the demands of a certain group of people.”
Explaining, he said last year there was a crisis with the disposal of refuse in Kumasi, especially during the CAN 2008 tournament which coincided with the ‘Citywide Solid Waste Collection Scheme’.
He said with residents refusing to pay for the refuse disposed of and the assembly facing serious financial difficulties to pay some of its contractors, there was the need to look for another dumping site to take the excess solid waste being create
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to seal off tonnes of solid waste dumped at the catchment area of the Barekese Dam.
It also ordered that the waste dumped at Ohwim and within the catchment area of the dam should be sealed with soil to prevent it from polluting the dam.
According to the EPA, some of the materials that had been dumped contained poisonous chemicals which would be very difficult to treat when they polluted the dam.
The Barekese Dam is the main source of water supply for residents of the Kumasi metropolis and its environs.
The Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs Philomina Boakye Appiah, who gave the order, also directed the KMA to stop dumping any solid waste within the catchment area, threatening that it would institute legal action against the assembly if it flouted the order.
Explaining the action of the EPA in an interview with The Mirror, Mrs Appiah said apart from the danger of polluting the dam, making the cost of treatment very huge at the expense of the state, the solid waste also posed serious health hazards to residents of Ohwim.
She said as the waste decomposed, it was likely to flow into the dam anytime it rained to pollute it, thereby making the cost of treating the water very expensive.
She could not comprehend why the KMA, which had a well engineered and approved landfill site at Dompoase, a Kumasi suburb, could dump refuse at a sensitive place like the catchment area of the dam.
Earlier, an officer at the Communications Department of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr Haruna Asoga, had told newsmen about the problems being created by the KMA.
He said since the EPA had the mandate to stop people from dumping waste at unapproved sites, the GWCL hinted the agency about the waste being disposed there and the danger it posed to the dam, as well as the health hazard likely to be caused.
When newsmen contacted the KMA to explain its action, the Director of Waste Management, Mr Tony Mensah, said, “We were in a desperate situation to dispose of refuse to create a clean environment in Kumasi and since the landfill site at Dompoase was not in good condition to receive waste, we directed our attention to Ohwim to meet the demands of a certain group of people.”
Explaining, he said last year there was a crisis with the disposal of refuse in Kumasi, especially during the CAN 2008 tournament which coincided with the ‘Citywide Solid Waste Collection Scheme’.
He said with residents refusing to pay for the refuse disposed of and the assembly facing serious financial difficulties to pay some of its contractors, there was the need to look for another dumping site to take the excess solid waste being create
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
NO HOPE FOR 106 CANDIDATES (SPREAD)
The dream of the 106 final-year students of taking part in this years’ BECE finally hit the rocks yesterday.
This was when officials of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) categorically told the Ghana Education Service (GES) that it was “practically impossible for the students to take part in this year’s BECE because, apart from the fact that the students were not registered, the school itself was not recognised”.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Education Mr J. K. Onyinah, told the Daily Graphic when contacted on the fate of the 106 students, that they were told by WAEC that since they did not have the names of the affected students on their computer, it was practically impossible for them to take part in the examinations.
He said in a meeting with WAEC officials, they indicated that they did not have the requisite logistics to allow the affected students to participate in the examination.
He said since the examination had already started, with English and Religious and Moral Education, nothing could be done to allow the affected students to participate in the rest of the examination “because even if they do, their certificate would not be recognised”.
He pointed out that the GES could have intervened if they had been alerted earlier, “but now it is too late to do anything about the situation”.
Mr Onyinah, who expressed concern about the current state of affairs, gave the assurance that his outfit would look for schools that would admit the students to enable them to take part in next year’s examination.
He, therefore, appealed to the students to accept to write the examination next year.
Mr Onyinah further told the Daily Graphic that Christ the King International “had folded up since last year because they do not have students for both JHS 1 and 2, as well as those from the primary level that feeds the school”.
Mr Onyinah said he was, therefore, surprised that the school authorities succeeded in convincing some final-year students and their parents that it was capable of registering final-year JHS students to participate in the BECE.
Commenting on the issue during a tour of some examination centres in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, advised parents and guardians to conduct background checks on schools, especially private ones, before sending their children and wards to such schools.
That, he said, was to ensure that the parents and guardians had some knowledge about the status of the schools in order that they did not send their children and wards to schools with questionable backgrounds, which could jeopardise their future.
The minister gave the advice yesterday when he toured some Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) centres in the Ga East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region.
The five-day examination, which will end on Friday, is being undertaken by final-year junior high school (JHS) students in the country.
About 395,582 candidates from 9,502 JHSs, made up of 214,542 males and 181, 1040 females are expected to write the examination.
Mr Tettey-Enyo gave the advice in reference to a case in Kumasi, where 106 final-year BECE candidates of the Christ the King International School in Kumasi were not registered for this year’s BECE examination.
Mr Tettey-Enyo said the GES had been asked to investigate the background of the Christ the King International School, and that if it was confirmed that it was not registered, it would be closed down.
The minister said private schools that did not regularise their operations with the GES would be closed down.
He said it was an offence, for instance, for a private school not to operate with a licence and within the guidelines of the service, adding that the service would step up its monitoring activities to flush out such schools.
Mr Tettey-Enyo also visited the Ghannata Senior High School centre where 18 schools were writing their examinations and asked them not to harbour any fears in the examination hall.
From Bolgatanga, Alhandu Abdul-Hamid reports that the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Owen Woyongo, visited some of the centres and advised the candidates to eschew all forms of examination malpractices.
Mr Woyongo told the students that their academic career depended on the examination and assured them that if they performed well, they would have the opportunity to continue with their education.
The minister was accompanied by the Upper East Regional Director of Education, Mr Fabien Balieb; the Regional Examination Officer, Mr James Adoganga; the Bongo District Director of Education, Mr Agyaare Francis; and the Upper East Regional Deputy Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Richard Baduwei.
The examination commenced smoothly in the region with 15,765 candidates.
The minister visited the Bolgatanga Senior High School where 1,535 candidates of the Talensi-Nabdam District were taking their exams and the Bolgatanga Girls Junior High School where 947 students were sitting in two centres.
From Tamale, Vincent Amenuveve reports that lack of transport affected the early start of the BECE at some centres in the Tamale Metropolis.
During a visit to some of the examination centres, the Daily Graphic gathered that BECE candidates at the Northern School of Business and the Tamale Senior High School Centre A, started their English Paper 1 at about 10:00a.m. and 9:30 a.m. respectively, instead of the scheduled 9:00 a.m.
A total of 6,498 candidates made up of 3,690 boys and 2,808 girls are taking part in the examinations at the 18 centres in the metropolis.
The Tamale Metropolitan Director of Education, Mr Edward N. Gayuoni, observed that the issue needed to be critically looked at in order to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
According to him, his outfit for instance succeeded in getting only one vehicle from the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly for the examination while one of his subordinates had to use her own vehicle for the exercise.
From Tema, Rose Hayford Darko reports that the BECE started smoothly without any incidents in the Tema Metropolis and Ashaiman Municipality.
All relevant materials had arrived as expected and some centres the Graphic visited indicated that at exactly 9 a.m. the students were ready to start the first paper, which was English Paper 1.
The atmosphere was orderly with the invigilators and supervisors well positioned to observe the students as they started work.
The Tema Metropolitan and Ashaiman Municipal Directorates of the Ghana Education Service presented a total of 13,121 final-year students from 274 public and private junior high schools for the 2009 BECE.
Chris Nunoo reports from Wa that a total of 9,270 candidates are taking part in this year’s BECE in the Upper West Region.
In all 2,311 are writing in the Wa Municipality, 1,487 in the Nadowli District and 1,472 in the Lawra District.
The Jirapa District has 1,216 candidates while the Sissala East and West districts have 834 and 682 candidates respectively.
Four hundred and twenty-four candidates are writing in the Wa East District with the Wa West District having 889 candidates.
The Upper West Branch Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr Alfred Kofi Quarm, said the BECE commenced smoothly in the region.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mahmud Khalid, together with the Regional Director of Education, Mr Cletus Paga, toured some of the examination centres in the Wa Municipality.
From Suhum, A. Kofoya Tetteh reports that three pregnant candidates were among the number of students writing the examinations at the various centres in the area.
The Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District Director of Education, Madam Asiedu Okanta, who could not disclose the number of candidates writing the examinations, however gave the assurance that all pregnant candidates who had reported would be allowed to write the papers.
Nana Konadu Agyeman reports from Koforidua that the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, accompanied by the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Rene Boakye-Boateng, went round the various examination centres in the New Juaben Municipality.
At the Pope John Senior High School centre, 557 candidates reported to write the paper, while three could not make it. At the Ghana Senior High and Technical School, 1,151 candidates were present to take the paper.
Kwamena Apponsah reports from Agona Swedru that four of the candidates who were to write their papers were pregnant.
In all 4,032 candidates are sitting for the exam in the Agona West Municipality and Agona East District Assembly.
The Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Eric Oppong Bediako and the Municipal Director of Education, Mrs Jean Chinuaboah, spent almost three hours visiting the centres.
This was when officials of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) categorically told the Ghana Education Service (GES) that it was “practically impossible for the students to take part in this year’s BECE because, apart from the fact that the students were not registered, the school itself was not recognised”.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Education Mr J. K. Onyinah, told the Daily Graphic when contacted on the fate of the 106 students, that they were told by WAEC that since they did not have the names of the affected students on their computer, it was practically impossible for them to take part in the examinations.
He said in a meeting with WAEC officials, they indicated that they did not have the requisite logistics to allow the affected students to participate in the examination.
He said since the examination had already started, with English and Religious and Moral Education, nothing could be done to allow the affected students to participate in the rest of the examination “because even if they do, their certificate would not be recognised”.
He pointed out that the GES could have intervened if they had been alerted earlier, “but now it is too late to do anything about the situation”.
Mr Onyinah, who expressed concern about the current state of affairs, gave the assurance that his outfit would look for schools that would admit the students to enable them to take part in next year’s examination.
He, therefore, appealed to the students to accept to write the examination next year.
Mr Onyinah further told the Daily Graphic that Christ the King International “had folded up since last year because they do not have students for both JHS 1 and 2, as well as those from the primary level that feeds the school”.
Mr Onyinah said he was, therefore, surprised that the school authorities succeeded in convincing some final-year students and their parents that it was capable of registering final-year JHS students to participate in the BECE.
Commenting on the issue during a tour of some examination centres in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, advised parents and guardians to conduct background checks on schools, especially private ones, before sending their children and wards to such schools.
That, he said, was to ensure that the parents and guardians had some knowledge about the status of the schools in order that they did not send their children and wards to schools with questionable backgrounds, which could jeopardise their future.
The minister gave the advice yesterday when he toured some Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) centres in the Ga East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region.
The five-day examination, which will end on Friday, is being undertaken by final-year junior high school (JHS) students in the country.
About 395,582 candidates from 9,502 JHSs, made up of 214,542 males and 181, 1040 females are expected to write the examination.
Mr Tettey-Enyo gave the advice in reference to a case in Kumasi, where 106 final-year BECE candidates of the Christ the King International School in Kumasi were not registered for this year’s BECE examination.
Mr Tettey-Enyo said the GES had been asked to investigate the background of the Christ the King International School, and that if it was confirmed that it was not registered, it would be closed down.
The minister said private schools that did not regularise their operations with the GES would be closed down.
He said it was an offence, for instance, for a private school not to operate with a licence and within the guidelines of the service, adding that the service would step up its monitoring activities to flush out such schools.
Mr Tettey-Enyo also visited the Ghannata Senior High School centre where 18 schools were writing their examinations and asked them not to harbour any fears in the examination hall.
From Bolgatanga, Alhandu Abdul-Hamid reports that the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Owen Woyongo, visited some of the centres and advised the candidates to eschew all forms of examination malpractices.
Mr Woyongo told the students that their academic career depended on the examination and assured them that if they performed well, they would have the opportunity to continue with their education.
The minister was accompanied by the Upper East Regional Director of Education, Mr Fabien Balieb; the Regional Examination Officer, Mr James Adoganga; the Bongo District Director of Education, Mr Agyaare Francis; and the Upper East Regional Deputy Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Richard Baduwei.
The examination commenced smoothly in the region with 15,765 candidates.
The minister visited the Bolgatanga Senior High School where 1,535 candidates of the Talensi-Nabdam District were taking their exams and the Bolgatanga Girls Junior High School where 947 students were sitting in two centres.
From Tamale, Vincent Amenuveve reports that lack of transport affected the early start of the BECE at some centres in the Tamale Metropolis.
During a visit to some of the examination centres, the Daily Graphic gathered that BECE candidates at the Northern School of Business and the Tamale Senior High School Centre A, started their English Paper 1 at about 10:00a.m. and 9:30 a.m. respectively, instead of the scheduled 9:00 a.m.
A total of 6,498 candidates made up of 3,690 boys and 2,808 girls are taking part in the examinations at the 18 centres in the metropolis.
The Tamale Metropolitan Director of Education, Mr Edward N. Gayuoni, observed that the issue needed to be critically looked at in order to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
According to him, his outfit for instance succeeded in getting only one vehicle from the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly for the examination while one of his subordinates had to use her own vehicle for the exercise.
From Tema, Rose Hayford Darko reports that the BECE started smoothly without any incidents in the Tema Metropolis and Ashaiman Municipality.
All relevant materials had arrived as expected and some centres the Graphic visited indicated that at exactly 9 a.m. the students were ready to start the first paper, which was English Paper 1.
The atmosphere was orderly with the invigilators and supervisors well positioned to observe the students as they started work.
The Tema Metropolitan and Ashaiman Municipal Directorates of the Ghana Education Service presented a total of 13,121 final-year students from 274 public and private junior high schools for the 2009 BECE.
Chris Nunoo reports from Wa that a total of 9,270 candidates are taking part in this year’s BECE in the Upper West Region.
In all 2,311 are writing in the Wa Municipality, 1,487 in the Nadowli District and 1,472 in the Lawra District.
The Jirapa District has 1,216 candidates while the Sissala East and West districts have 834 and 682 candidates respectively.
Four hundred and twenty-four candidates are writing in the Wa East District with the Wa West District having 889 candidates.
The Upper West Branch Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr Alfred Kofi Quarm, said the BECE commenced smoothly in the region.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mahmud Khalid, together with the Regional Director of Education, Mr Cletus Paga, toured some of the examination centres in the Wa Municipality.
From Suhum, A. Kofoya Tetteh reports that three pregnant candidates were among the number of students writing the examinations at the various centres in the area.
The Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District Director of Education, Madam Asiedu Okanta, who could not disclose the number of candidates writing the examinations, however gave the assurance that all pregnant candidates who had reported would be allowed to write the papers.
Nana Konadu Agyeman reports from Koforidua that the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, accompanied by the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Rene Boakye-Boateng, went round the various examination centres in the New Juaben Municipality.
At the Pope John Senior High School centre, 557 candidates reported to write the paper, while three could not make it. At the Ghana Senior High and Technical School, 1,151 candidates were present to take the paper.
Kwamena Apponsah reports from Agona Swedru that four of the candidates who were to write their papers were pregnant.
In all 4,032 candidates are sitting for the exam in the Agona West Municipality and Agona East District Assembly.
The Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Eric Oppong Bediako and the Municipal Director of Education, Mrs Jean Chinuaboah, spent almost three hours visiting the centres.
Monday, April 20, 2009
KMA ORDERED TO SEAL OFF WASTE AT BAREKESE (BACK PAGE)
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to seal off tonnes of solid waste dumped at the catchment area of the Barekese Dam.
It also ordered that the waste dumped at Ohwim and within the catchment area of the dam should be sealed with soil to prevent it from polluting the dam.
According to the EPA, some of the materials that had been dumped contained poisonous chemicals which would be very difficult to treat when they polluted the dam.
The Barekese Dam is the main source of water supply for residents of the Kumasi metropolis and its environs.
The Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs Philomina Boakye Appiah, who gave the order, also directed the KMA to stop dumping any solid waste within the catchment area, threatening that it would institute legal action against the assembly if it flouted the order.
Explaining the action of the EPA in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mrs Appiah said apart from the danger of polluting the dam, making the cost of treatment very huge at the expense of the state, the solid waste also posed serious health hazards to residents of Ohwim.
She said as the waste decomposed, it was likely to flow into the dam anytime it rained to pollute it, thereby making the cost of treating the water very expensive.
She could not comprehend why the KMA, which had a well engineered and approved landfill site at Dompoase, a Kumasi suburb, could dump refuse at a sensitive place like the catchment area of the dam.
Earlier, an officer at the Communications Department of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr Haruna Asoga, had told newsmen about the problems being created by the KMA.
He said since the EPA had the mandate to stop people from dumping waste at unapproved sites, the GWCL hinted the agency about the waste being disposed there and the danger it posed to the dam, as well as the health hazard likely to be caused.
When newsmen contacted the KMA to explain its action, the Director of Waste Management, Mr Tony Mensah, said, “We were in a desperate situation to dispose of refuse to create a clean environment in Kumasi and since the landfill site at Dompoase was not in good condition to receive waste, we directed our attention to Ohwim to meet the demands of a certain group of people.”
Explaining, he said last year there was a crisis with the disposal of refuse in Kumasi, especially during the CAN 2008 tournament which coincided with the ‘Citywide Solid Waste Collection Scheme’.
He said with residents refusing to pay for the refuse disposed of and the assembly facing serious financial difficulties to pay some of its contractors, there was the need to look for another dumping site to take the excess solid waste being created.
It also ordered that the waste dumped at Ohwim and within the catchment area of the dam should be sealed with soil to prevent it from polluting the dam.
According to the EPA, some of the materials that had been dumped contained poisonous chemicals which would be very difficult to treat when they polluted the dam.
The Barekese Dam is the main source of water supply for residents of the Kumasi metropolis and its environs.
The Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Mrs Philomina Boakye Appiah, who gave the order, also directed the KMA to stop dumping any solid waste within the catchment area, threatening that it would institute legal action against the assembly if it flouted the order.
Explaining the action of the EPA in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mrs Appiah said apart from the danger of polluting the dam, making the cost of treatment very huge at the expense of the state, the solid waste also posed serious health hazards to residents of Ohwim.
She said as the waste decomposed, it was likely to flow into the dam anytime it rained to pollute it, thereby making the cost of treating the water very expensive.
She could not comprehend why the KMA, which had a well engineered and approved landfill site at Dompoase, a Kumasi suburb, could dump refuse at a sensitive place like the catchment area of the dam.
Earlier, an officer at the Communications Department of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr Haruna Asoga, had told newsmen about the problems being created by the KMA.
He said since the EPA had the mandate to stop people from dumping waste at unapproved sites, the GWCL hinted the agency about the waste being disposed there and the danger it posed to the dam, as well as the health hazard likely to be caused.
When newsmen contacted the KMA to explain its action, the Director of Waste Management, Mr Tony Mensah, said, “We were in a desperate situation to dispose of refuse to create a clean environment in Kumasi and since the landfill site at Dompoase was not in good condition to receive waste, we directed our attention to Ohwim to meet the demands of a certain group of people.”
Explaining, he said last year there was a crisis with the disposal of refuse in Kumasi, especially during the CAN 2008 tournament which coincided with the ‘Citywide Solid Waste Collection Scheme’.
He said with residents refusing to pay for the refuse disposed of and the assembly facing serious financial difficulties to pay some of its contractors, there was the need to look for another dumping site to take the excess solid waste being created.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
TWO OFFICERS CHARGED WITH FRAUD (MIRROR, PAGE 27)
By George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A Kumasi High Court is hearing a case in which two officers from the Information Services Department and the Department of Agriculture are facing charges of conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretences.
The suspects, Nana Fosu, 57, the Information Officer in the Offinso District, and Philip Attah, alias Boggie, 54, an Agriculture Officer in the Akomadan District of the Ashanti Region, have been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 each with a surety to be justified.
They will be remanded into prison custody if they fail to meet the bail bond.
They have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting, the Ashanti Regional Deputy State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said last year the two suspects approached a female ‘akpeteshie’ distiller at Asuoso, a farming community in the Akomadan District, and posed as officers who were in the position to supply her with 1,500 oil palm trees to facilitate her business.
He said after succeeding in convincing the complainant that the trees would be readily available if she paid GH¢9,600, the complainant paid the money to them.
Mr Otoo-Boison said after collecting the money, the suspects failed to honour their promise, while efforts to retrieve the money also proved futile.
He said the complainant, therefore, reported the conduct of the suspects to the Akomadan Police, who effected their arrest.
After police investigations, they were charged with the offence.
A Kumasi High Court is hearing a case in which two officers from the Information Services Department and the Department of Agriculture are facing charges of conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretences.
The suspects, Nana Fosu, 57, the Information Officer in the Offinso District, and Philip Attah, alias Boggie, 54, an Agriculture Officer in the Akomadan District of the Ashanti Region, have been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 each with a surety to be justified.
They will be remanded into prison custody if they fail to meet the bail bond.
They have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting, the Ashanti Regional Deputy State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said last year the two suspects approached a female ‘akpeteshie’ distiller at Asuoso, a farming community in the Akomadan District, and posed as officers who were in the position to supply her with 1,500 oil palm trees to facilitate her business.
He said after succeeding in convincing the complainant that the trees would be readily available if she paid GH¢9,600, the complainant paid the money to them.
Mr Otoo-Boison said after collecting the money, the suspects failed to honour their promise, while efforts to retrieve the money also proved futile.
He said the complainant, therefore, reported the conduct of the suspects to the Akomadan Police, who effected their arrest.
After police investigations, they were charged with the offence.
BOSOMTWE RURAL BANK SUPPORTS ASANTEHENE'S ANNIVERSARY (PAGE 18)
The Management of the Bosomtwe Rural Bank has supported the organisation of the 10th anniversary celebration of the enthronement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as Asantehene with a cheque for GH¢1000.
The Supervising Manager, Mr Felix Owusu-Achiaw, presented the cheque to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, the Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Serebuo,on behalf of the bank.
Mr Owusu-Achiaw congratulated Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his successful reign since his enstoolment 10 years ago and his initiatives, which had contributed to improve educational standards and academic work among the youth.
He said the Otumfuo’s Education Fund had made a great impact in building the capacity of the youth who had benefited from it.
Mr Owusu-Achiaw gave the assurance that the bank had not only supported the Otumfuo’s initiative since its inception, but had also initiated similar ones in its catchment area to enable needy, brilliant students focus on their academic programmes and develop their potential to the best of their abilities.
Nana Otuo Serebuo thanked the board of directors, and management of the bank for their commitment to the corporate responsibilities and the prudent measures they had taken to enhance efficiency in their operations and urged them to sustain such efforts to enable the bank to continue to chalkup many successes.
The Supervising Manager, Mr Felix Owusu-Achiaw, presented the cheque to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, the Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Serebuo,on behalf of the bank.
Mr Owusu-Achiaw congratulated Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his successful reign since his enstoolment 10 years ago and his initiatives, which had contributed to improve educational standards and academic work among the youth.
He said the Otumfuo’s Education Fund had made a great impact in building the capacity of the youth who had benefited from it.
Mr Owusu-Achiaw gave the assurance that the bank had not only supported the Otumfuo’s initiative since its inception, but had also initiated similar ones in its catchment area to enable needy, brilliant students focus on their academic programmes and develop their potential to the best of their abilities.
Nana Otuo Serebuo thanked the board of directors, and management of the bank for their commitment to the corporate responsibilities and the prudent measures they had taken to enhance efficiency in their operations and urged them to sustain such efforts to enable the bank to continue to chalkup many successes.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
KATH EMERGENCY CENTRE TO BE OPENED BY END OF MONTH (PAGE 43)
The Accident and Emergency Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) that was inaugurated in November last year will become fully operational by the end of this month.
When it becomes fully operational, it would not only provide efficient and effective emergency medical care for accident victims within its catchment area, but would also be a centre of research, as well as training centre for health professionals in the country and the West African sub-region.
The hospital authorities have sourced for medical training equipment estimated at $40,000.00 from St. Francis Hospital in Milan, Italy to build the capacity of medical officers at the KATH to enable them to become more efficient in handling emergency cases at the Accident and Emergency Centre.
The equipment, which would arrive by the end of the month, would facilitate the training of medical professionals in the country and the West African sub-region.
The KATH authorities are also applying for accreditation from the American Heart Association to enable the hospital to become internationally recognised as a centre for the training of health professionals.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare, who announced this during a two-day annual refresher course for selected anaesthesia nurses and medical officers in the country, gave the assurance that he would collaborate effectively with the American Heart Association to speed up the process of accrediting the KATH Accident Emergency Centre as a training centre for health professionals.
The annual refresher course was instituted eight years ago through the collaboration of the Directorate of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care of the KATH and the University of Utah in the United States of America.
Through the collaboration, a number of nurse anaesthetists have built their capacity, making it possible for them to support healthcare delivery in their respective health institutions in the country.
Dr Nsiah Asare explained that it was when the centre was accredited that it would be fully recognised by the international community in terms of building the capacity of health professionals through regular training.
He said the centre would also provide acute life support and National Ambulance Service for the training of emergency teams which would handle emergency cases during accidents.
Dr Nsiah Asare said the vision of the KATH to become a centre of excellence of international repute was fully on course, stressing that nothing would be left to chance for them to realise such dreams to provide quality health care for Ghanaians and those in the West African sub-region.
He said over the years, KATH had managed to move from a level of survival to a level where recognised healthcare institutions worldwide were willing to associate with them.
In his welcoming address, the Head of the Directorate of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Dr Gabriel Boakye, said the refresher course, on the theme “Updates in anaesthesia and cardio pulmonary resuscitation”, is relevant because it “aims at building the capacity of nurse anaesthetists and doctors not only to provide safe anaesthesia to patients, but also train other healthcare providers on basic life support”.
“We live in an era where cardiovascular-related sudden death and emergencies are on the ascendancy. We also live in an era where trauma-related morbidity and mortality are on the ascendancy. We are losing precious lives on our roads and homes and therefore human capacity building on basic life support is crucial in reversing this trend,” he stressed.
Commending the team from the University of Utah, especially their head, Dr Jeff Peter, “for being the pillar behind the organisation of these programmes”, Dr Boakye said the programme had helped to promote the practice of anaesthesia at KATH, and therefore urged the participants to fully concentrate on the refresher course to “enable you to go back to your stations and make positive contributions towards improving safety of surgery and the management of emergency cases and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in your respective health institutions”.
When it becomes fully operational, it would not only provide efficient and effective emergency medical care for accident victims within its catchment area, but would also be a centre of research, as well as training centre for health professionals in the country and the West African sub-region.
The hospital authorities have sourced for medical training equipment estimated at $40,000.00 from St. Francis Hospital in Milan, Italy to build the capacity of medical officers at the KATH to enable them to become more efficient in handling emergency cases at the Accident and Emergency Centre.
The equipment, which would arrive by the end of the month, would facilitate the training of medical professionals in the country and the West African sub-region.
The KATH authorities are also applying for accreditation from the American Heart Association to enable the hospital to become internationally recognised as a centre for the training of health professionals.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare, who announced this during a two-day annual refresher course for selected anaesthesia nurses and medical officers in the country, gave the assurance that he would collaborate effectively with the American Heart Association to speed up the process of accrediting the KATH Accident Emergency Centre as a training centre for health professionals.
The annual refresher course was instituted eight years ago through the collaboration of the Directorate of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care of the KATH and the University of Utah in the United States of America.
Through the collaboration, a number of nurse anaesthetists have built their capacity, making it possible for them to support healthcare delivery in their respective health institutions in the country.
Dr Nsiah Asare explained that it was when the centre was accredited that it would be fully recognised by the international community in terms of building the capacity of health professionals through regular training.
He said the centre would also provide acute life support and National Ambulance Service for the training of emergency teams which would handle emergency cases during accidents.
Dr Nsiah Asare said the vision of the KATH to become a centre of excellence of international repute was fully on course, stressing that nothing would be left to chance for them to realise such dreams to provide quality health care for Ghanaians and those in the West African sub-region.
He said over the years, KATH had managed to move from a level of survival to a level where recognised healthcare institutions worldwide were willing to associate with them.
In his welcoming address, the Head of the Directorate of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Dr Gabriel Boakye, said the refresher course, on the theme “Updates in anaesthesia and cardio pulmonary resuscitation”, is relevant because it “aims at building the capacity of nurse anaesthetists and doctors not only to provide safe anaesthesia to patients, but also train other healthcare providers on basic life support”.
“We live in an era where cardiovascular-related sudden death and emergencies are on the ascendancy. We also live in an era where trauma-related morbidity and mortality are on the ascendancy. We are losing precious lives on our roads and homes and therefore human capacity building on basic life support is crucial in reversing this trend,” he stressed.
Commending the team from the University of Utah, especially their head, Dr Jeff Peter, “for being the pillar behind the organisation of these programmes”, Dr Boakye said the programme had helped to promote the practice of anaesthesia at KATH, and therefore urged the participants to fully concentrate on the refresher course to “enable you to go back to your stations and make positive contributions towards improving safety of surgery and the management of emergency cases and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in your respective health institutions”.
POLICE OFFICER KILLED BY ROBBERS (PAGE 31)
A police officer in Kumasi became the target of a gang of armed robbers at dawn on Monday, when he was subjected to a barrage of gunshots at his private residence, leading to his death.
The officer, who was identified as Chief Inspector Prince Nyame, met his fate when he visited his private residence at Medoma, a Kumasi suburb.
After succeeding in breaking into the house, the robbers demanded money from the policeman, and when he could not meet their demand, they shot him in the thigh, causing him to bleed profusely.
The robbers were said to have returned to the house moments after they had left to shoot the officer on different parts of his body to increase his agony and pain.
This was after the gang had identified his picture hanging in the hall, which he had taken wearing a police outfit, and which identified him as a police officer.
The police could not tell whether the robbers shot him because he was a police officer.
The deceased, who was about 56 years, was stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department of the Central Police Station in Kumasi.
Neighbours could not offer immediate help to convey the injured police officer to hospital on time to save his life, and they only went to his aid hours after they were certain that the robbers had left the scene.
When they went to his rescue, however, he had lost a lot of blood and finally gave up the ghost when he was being rushed to hospital to receive medical help.
A neighbour who was also attacked by the gang, nonetheless, survived the ordeal and is on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Chief Inspector Mohammed Tanko, the officer in charge of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police, said investigations were ongoing to unravel the mystery surrounding the attack.
He noted that the attack came at a time the police in Kumasi were in control of the battle against armed robbers.
He pointed out that the menace of armed robbery, which was on the ascendancy, had been brought under control and said the incident was not only unfortunate but also reinforced the need for civil society to join hands with the police in their battle against armed robbers.
He said of late armed robbery attacks in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs had been concentrated on the outskirts where access roads were very poor.
He said because of the poor nature of roads at such places, it was difficult to provide emergency support to victims of armed robbery and, therefore, called for an improvement of the road networks at such places to make them motorable.
He gave the assurance that the police would initiate the necessary investigations to apprehend the culprits.
The officer, who was identified as Chief Inspector Prince Nyame, met his fate when he visited his private residence at Medoma, a Kumasi suburb.
After succeeding in breaking into the house, the robbers demanded money from the policeman, and when he could not meet their demand, they shot him in the thigh, causing him to bleed profusely.
The robbers were said to have returned to the house moments after they had left to shoot the officer on different parts of his body to increase his agony and pain.
This was after the gang had identified his picture hanging in the hall, which he had taken wearing a police outfit, and which identified him as a police officer.
The police could not tell whether the robbers shot him because he was a police officer.
The deceased, who was about 56 years, was stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department of the Central Police Station in Kumasi.
Neighbours could not offer immediate help to convey the injured police officer to hospital on time to save his life, and they only went to his aid hours after they were certain that the robbers had left the scene.
When they went to his rescue, however, he had lost a lot of blood and finally gave up the ghost when he was being rushed to hospital to receive medical help.
A neighbour who was also attacked by the gang, nonetheless, survived the ordeal and is on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Chief Inspector Mohammed Tanko, the officer in charge of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police, said investigations were ongoing to unravel the mystery surrounding the attack.
He noted that the attack came at a time the police in Kumasi were in control of the battle against armed robbers.
He pointed out that the menace of armed robbery, which was on the ascendancy, had been brought under control and said the incident was not only unfortunate but also reinforced the need for civil society to join hands with the police in their battle against armed robbers.
He said of late armed robbery attacks in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs had been concentrated on the outskirts where access roads were very poor.
He said because of the poor nature of roads at such places, it was difficult to provide emergency support to victims of armed robbery and, therefore, called for an improvement of the road networks at such places to make them motorable.
He gave the assurance that the police would initiate the necessary investigations to apprehend the culprits.
Monday, April 13, 2009
SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS KILLED IN SHOOT-OUT WITH POLICE (BACK [PAGE)
AN exchange of gun fire between a gang of suspected armed robbers and the police in Kumasi last Thursday led to the death of two of the armed robbers.
While one of the suspected robbers who was hit in the head died on the spot, his accomplice who was shot in the chest, died on the way to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Four of their accomplices are, however, on the run.
The bodies of the two suspected armed robbers are yet to be identified and have been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
The police retrieved an axe and a machete from the two suspected robbers who died during the gun battle.
The police told newsmen in Kumasi that earlier last Thursday, a police patrol team had information that a gang of about six armed robbers had attacked a drinking spot at Asokore Mampong, a Kumasi suburb.
The Asawase District Police Commander, DSP Andrews George Kumah, who briefed newsmen, said when the police patrol team got to the spot, the community had already organised themselves and were confronting the armed robbers.
He said during the exchange of gunfire, two of the robbers were hit — one in the head and the other in the chest — and when their accomplices saw that they had been overpowered, they quickly retreated and managed to escape.
DSP Kumah said the robbers who escaped might have received gunshot wounds and were likely to go to some medical facilities in the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs.
He, therefore, urged the public to report suspected characters to the police to assist them in their investigations.
While one of the suspected robbers who was hit in the head died on the spot, his accomplice who was shot in the chest, died on the way to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Four of their accomplices are, however, on the run.
The bodies of the two suspected armed robbers are yet to be identified and have been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
The police retrieved an axe and a machete from the two suspected robbers who died during the gun battle.
The police told newsmen in Kumasi that earlier last Thursday, a police patrol team had information that a gang of about six armed robbers had attacked a drinking spot at Asokore Mampong, a Kumasi suburb.
The Asawase District Police Commander, DSP Andrews George Kumah, who briefed newsmen, said when the police patrol team got to the spot, the community had already organised themselves and were confronting the armed robbers.
He said during the exchange of gunfire, two of the robbers were hit — one in the head and the other in the chest — and when their accomplices saw that they had been overpowered, they quickly retreated and managed to escape.
DSP Kumah said the robbers who escaped might have received gunshot wounds and were likely to go to some medical facilities in the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs.
He, therefore, urged the public to report suspected characters to the police to assist them in their investigations.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
BAAH-WIREDU'S ONE-WEEK FESTIVAL (PAGE 14, GRAPHIC SHOWBIZ)
By George Ernest Asare
The traditional one-week observances for Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the late Finance Minister, at his native town of Agogo last Wednesday, turned out to be more of a festival to celebrate the life of a gallant patriot, rather than a regular one-week observance.
The different makes of vehicles that flooded the Agogo township on that day, the massive crowd of different personalities, including paramount chiefs, religious leaders, academicians, politicians, students, farmers, comedians, musicians and the unemployed, among others, testified to the reality that, Ghana was indeed mourning one of her gallant sons.
As early as 8a.m. sympathisers, friends and dignitaries from neighbouring communities had massed up by the roadside, looking for the most available means of transport to go to Agogo to be part of the grand one-week funeral observation of their idol politician and Member of Parliament who since 1996 had faithfully represented them in Parliament.
From Konongo, the Asante Akim North District capital, through Nyaboo, to Kyekyebiase, Patriensa, Juansa and Hwidiem, -the main communities along the Konongo-Agogo highway - a sea of red and black colours massed up along the highway, waving pathetically to motorists, pleading to be conveyed to Konongo to be part of the ceremony .
It was therefore not surprising to find the Agogo highway, right from its outskirts through the Training College, hospital and main township, market and the forecourt of the Agogo palace, completely blocked by the sea of mourners with many of them weeping uncontrollably and questioning the early departure of Kwadwo Baah- Wiredu.
Describing the deceased variously as a man of the people, a politician par excellence, selfless, affable, sociable and hardworking many of the mourners paid personal tributes. The many brass bands, kete and adowa drums had their own tributes as performers succeeded in mixing traditional mourning with music, drawing many people into their fold to further congest the limited space available to accommodate those yet to arrive at the funeral grounds.
By 10:25a.m., almost all the principal streets in the Agogo township were completely choked with vehicular and human traffic. Those who had no space at the funeral grounds, found solace at the drinking spots where they consumed bottles of alcoholic beverages while others who like soldiers, could not march on empty stomachs, queued up at chop bars to fill their bellies to enable them have the requisite energy to face the task ahead.
Drinking water became an essential commodity and with the intensity of the sun’s rays, coupled with the sweat that flowed freely from the bodies of the mourners, they yearned for water, which was in short supply.
By 2pm, many politicians, including the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sakyi Hughes, the Defence Minister, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, the second Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddy Blay, The Minister for Fisheries, Mrs Gladys Asmah, The NPP National Chairman, Mr Peter Mac Manu, the running mate of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as well as The Minister of State at the Office of the President, Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum and his Vice, Alhaji Saani among other dignitaries in their mournful mood had paid their condolences to the bereaved family.
Nana Akuoko Sarpong, the Paramount Chief of Agogo traditional area, together with his sub chiefs and other chiefs from the surrounding communities gave colour to the celebration as they strolled magnificently to the funeral grounds, amid drumming and dancing .
The Chief Executive of the National Sports Council, Prince Oduro Mensah, the bank roller of King Faisal football club, Alhaji Karim Grunsah, the head coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko football club, Mr Bashir Hayford and his Team Manager, Mr Opoku Afriyie, former Kotoko and Black Stars player, Rev Osei Kofi and his team mate, Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum, together with Abrantee Amakye Dede, the Highlife King who is also a native of Agogo also made their presence felt at the celebration .
Famous kete groups such as Amamereso Kete group from the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi, the Nyame Akwan Kete group from Koforidua, Maame Ode Nnwonkro Adowa group, Bantama and Breman Kete groups, as well as the Nana Akwasi Agyemang Kete group from Dechemso in Kumasi, were among the traditional drummers and dancers who stormed Agogo to add spice to the celebration.
In her mournful mood, the mother of the late Finance Minister told Showbiz that she initially doubted the death of her son “ but the reality has now dawned on me that my son is gone for ever and I will never set eyes on him again”.
When Showbiz caught up with the driver of the late Finance Minister, Akwasi Addae, he was lost for words. Looking very pensive, Addae said he had been associated with the late Finance Minister for a long time before becoming his personal driver in 1996.
“What baffled me most about his death was that he called me from South Africa late on Monday, September 22 2008 and assured me that he had been discharged from the hospital after a minor surgery and that he was doing very well. He gave me a number to call him the day after, and when I called early on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, it was his wife who answered and broke the sad news that my boss was dead”.
When President John Agyekum Kufuor, together with the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr Kwadwo Mpianin, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr E.A Owusu –Ansah and other dignitaries were ushered into the family house at 4:15p.m., the wailings intensified. Nodding his head intermittently as a form of sympathy for the aged mother after he had formerly greeted her, the President could only say “ hye den” ( Be strong).
Before leaving however, the President held a close door meeting with the aged mother for a few minutes and later joined the massive crowd who had been eagerly waiting for his arrival at the funeral grounds.
However, moments after the President arrived at the funeral grounds, the heavens opened, and torrential rains poured out to informally disperse the mourners. Showers of blessing many mourners present called it; blessing to a beloved departed.
The traditional one-week observances for Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the late Finance Minister, at his native town of Agogo last Wednesday, turned out to be more of a festival to celebrate the life of a gallant patriot, rather than a regular one-week observance.
The different makes of vehicles that flooded the Agogo township on that day, the massive crowd of different personalities, including paramount chiefs, religious leaders, academicians, politicians, students, farmers, comedians, musicians and the unemployed, among others, testified to the reality that, Ghana was indeed mourning one of her gallant sons.
As early as 8a.m. sympathisers, friends and dignitaries from neighbouring communities had massed up by the roadside, looking for the most available means of transport to go to Agogo to be part of the grand one-week funeral observation of their idol politician and Member of Parliament who since 1996 had faithfully represented them in Parliament.
From Konongo, the Asante Akim North District capital, through Nyaboo, to Kyekyebiase, Patriensa, Juansa and Hwidiem, -the main communities along the Konongo-Agogo highway - a sea of red and black colours massed up along the highway, waving pathetically to motorists, pleading to be conveyed to Konongo to be part of the ceremony .
It was therefore not surprising to find the Agogo highway, right from its outskirts through the Training College, hospital and main township, market and the forecourt of the Agogo palace, completely blocked by the sea of mourners with many of them weeping uncontrollably and questioning the early departure of Kwadwo Baah- Wiredu.
Describing the deceased variously as a man of the people, a politician par excellence, selfless, affable, sociable and hardworking many of the mourners paid personal tributes. The many brass bands, kete and adowa drums had their own tributes as performers succeeded in mixing traditional mourning with music, drawing many people into their fold to further congest the limited space available to accommodate those yet to arrive at the funeral grounds.
By 10:25a.m., almost all the principal streets in the Agogo township were completely choked with vehicular and human traffic. Those who had no space at the funeral grounds, found solace at the drinking spots where they consumed bottles of alcoholic beverages while others who like soldiers, could not march on empty stomachs, queued up at chop bars to fill their bellies to enable them have the requisite energy to face the task ahead.
Drinking water became an essential commodity and with the intensity of the sun’s rays, coupled with the sweat that flowed freely from the bodies of the mourners, they yearned for water, which was in short supply.
By 2pm, many politicians, including the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sakyi Hughes, the Defence Minister, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, the second Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddy Blay, The Minister for Fisheries, Mrs Gladys Asmah, The NPP National Chairman, Mr Peter Mac Manu, the running mate of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as well as The Minister of State at the Office of the President, Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum and his Vice, Alhaji Saani among other dignitaries in their mournful mood had paid their condolences to the bereaved family.
Nana Akuoko Sarpong, the Paramount Chief of Agogo traditional area, together with his sub chiefs and other chiefs from the surrounding communities gave colour to the celebration as they strolled magnificently to the funeral grounds, amid drumming and dancing .
The Chief Executive of the National Sports Council, Prince Oduro Mensah, the bank roller of King Faisal football club, Alhaji Karim Grunsah, the head coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko football club, Mr Bashir Hayford and his Team Manager, Mr Opoku Afriyie, former Kotoko and Black Stars player, Rev Osei Kofi and his team mate, Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum, together with Abrantee Amakye Dede, the Highlife King who is also a native of Agogo also made their presence felt at the celebration .
Famous kete groups such as Amamereso Kete group from the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi, the Nyame Akwan Kete group from Koforidua, Maame Ode Nnwonkro Adowa group, Bantama and Breman Kete groups, as well as the Nana Akwasi Agyemang Kete group from Dechemso in Kumasi, were among the traditional drummers and dancers who stormed Agogo to add spice to the celebration.
In her mournful mood, the mother of the late Finance Minister told Showbiz that she initially doubted the death of her son “ but the reality has now dawned on me that my son is gone for ever and I will never set eyes on him again”.
When Showbiz caught up with the driver of the late Finance Minister, Akwasi Addae, he was lost for words. Looking very pensive, Addae said he had been associated with the late Finance Minister for a long time before becoming his personal driver in 1996.
“What baffled me most about his death was that he called me from South Africa late on Monday, September 22 2008 and assured me that he had been discharged from the hospital after a minor surgery and that he was doing very well. He gave me a number to call him the day after, and when I called early on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, it was his wife who answered and broke the sad news that my boss was dead”.
When President John Agyekum Kufuor, together with the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr Kwadwo Mpianin, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr E.A Owusu –Ansah and other dignitaries were ushered into the family house at 4:15p.m., the wailings intensified. Nodding his head intermittently as a form of sympathy for the aged mother after he had formerly greeted her, the President could only say “ hye den” ( Be strong).
Before leaving however, the President held a close door meeting with the aged mother for a few minutes and later joined the massive crowd who had been eagerly waiting for his arrival at the funeral grounds.
However, moments after the President arrived at the funeral grounds, the heavens opened, and torrential rains poured out to informally disperse the mourners. Showers of blessing many mourners present called it; blessing to a beloved departed.
DRIVER, OTHERS GANG BANG WOMAN (PAGE 23, MIRROR)
From: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Call it divine intervention, but when a victim of a gang rape left home barely 24 hours after the incident to report to the police, little did she know that she would come face-to-face with the taxi used to transport her to the venue of her ordeal.
The victim, despite the tortuous act, managed to memorise the registration number of the vehicle and so raised an alarm when she saw it, causing sympathisers to arrest the driver.
Moments after the driver was arrested, he also led the police to arrest 22-year-old Ofori Atta who, together with two accomplices, robbed the victim of her money, mobile phone and jewellery at gunpoint before raping her in turns.
Ofori, a taxi driver, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to rob, robbing and rape, when he was arraigned before a Kumasi High Court presided over by Justice R.C. Azumah.
He has been remanded in prison custody to reappear before the court on April 20, 2009.
His accomplices are, however, unknown because Ofori has refused to disclose their identity to the police.
Briefing the court, a Senior State Attorney, Mr Ernest Offei Aye, said at about 9:30 p.m on March 21, 2009, the victim, a Kumasi-based businesswoman, while returning from a funeral, picked Ofori’s KIA Pride taxi and joined a male occupant at the back seat.
He said soon after the taxi had taken off, the driver stopped to pick another male passenger who sat beside the victim at the back seat.
The Senior State Attorney said moments after the other occupant joined them, he forcibly blindfolded the victim at gunpoint after which they took her GH¢12.00, a mobile phone valued at GH¢120.00, a half piece of cloth valued at GH¢60.00 and jewellery valued at GH¢300.00.
Mr Aye said after driving for some time, Ofori stopped the taxi and dragged the victim out and undressed her. They then sexually abused her in turns for some time before dumping her by the roadside.
He said they left her stark naked as they took away her clothes, money, phone, half piece of cloth and jewellery.
He said the victim managed to stagger to a residential area where a sympathiser gave her a dress to wear and GH¢2.00 for transport home.
The State Prosecutor said it was when she was on her way to the police station at Patase to report her ordeal that she spotted the taxi used for the operation and raised an alarm, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Call it divine intervention, but when a victim of a gang rape left home barely 24 hours after the incident to report to the police, little did she know that she would come face-to-face with the taxi used to transport her to the venue of her ordeal.
The victim, despite the tortuous act, managed to memorise the registration number of the vehicle and so raised an alarm when she saw it, causing sympathisers to arrest the driver.
Moments after the driver was arrested, he also led the police to arrest 22-year-old Ofori Atta who, together with two accomplices, robbed the victim of her money, mobile phone and jewellery at gunpoint before raping her in turns.
Ofori, a taxi driver, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to rob, robbing and rape, when he was arraigned before a Kumasi High Court presided over by Justice R.C. Azumah.
He has been remanded in prison custody to reappear before the court on April 20, 2009.
His accomplices are, however, unknown because Ofori has refused to disclose their identity to the police.
Briefing the court, a Senior State Attorney, Mr Ernest Offei Aye, said at about 9:30 p.m on March 21, 2009, the victim, a Kumasi-based businesswoman, while returning from a funeral, picked Ofori’s KIA Pride taxi and joined a male occupant at the back seat.
He said soon after the taxi had taken off, the driver stopped to pick another male passenger who sat beside the victim at the back seat.
The Senior State Attorney said moments after the other occupant joined them, he forcibly blindfolded the victim at gunpoint after which they took her GH¢12.00, a mobile phone valued at GH¢120.00, a half piece of cloth valued at GH¢60.00 and jewellery valued at GH¢300.00.
Mr Aye said after driving for some time, Ofori stopped the taxi and dragged the victim out and undressed her. They then sexually abused her in turns for some time before dumping her by the roadside.
He said they left her stark naked as they took away her clothes, money, phone, half piece of cloth and jewellery.
He said the victim managed to stagger to a residential area where a sympathiser gave her a dress to wear and GH¢2.00 for transport home.
The State Prosecutor said it was when she was on her way to the police station at Patase to report her ordeal that she spotted the taxi used for the operation and raised an alarm, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
MANHYIA POLICE STATION NEEDS FACELIFT (PAGE 29)
Moments after I had been ushered into the room which is supposed to house the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Manhyia Police in Kumasi, I quickly retreated because of the intense heat that welcomed me.
Though I had passed by the office on countless occasions, I had not found any cause to enter either the charge office or the CID office.
However, as a result of a crime story I was writing and the need to seek further clarification from a police source, I was compelled to venture into the Manhyia Police Station for the first time.
When I was directed to the CID office, I was momentarily taken aback.
That was because where I was directed to was a kiosk with a small entrance which had not received any meaningful maintenance for some years.
Because of the intense heat, the three officers I met after I had gathered courage to enter the kiosk for the second time were all sweating.
Since every caller is a potential ally of the police, the officers had provided two wooden benches for would-be callers, but years of use seemed to have affected the stability of the benches to the extent that the least contact causes them to shake uncontrollably.
The numerous files scattered in the office, a few chairs that accommodated the officers who worked there and other logistics that had been provided to facilitate the work of the officers always created congestion in the supposed CID office. Thus every minute spent there was likely to create a health problem.
Fortunately, the officer I wanted to contact was not in the office so I spent less than three minutes there. But because there was no fan or air conditioner to help reduce the heat, the little time I spent there was enough to make me sweat profusely.
I was very relieved when I came out, but I commended the officers who had been working in such an office for years.
The charge office was not different from the CID office, but ironically, both are a few metres from the Manhyia Palace that houses the Golden Stool and is regarded as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Kumasi.
With the climax of the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the Asantehene drawing nearer, it is my prayer that some of the many institutions, companies, firms, philanthropists and individuals who are making contributions to support the committee planning the anniversary would be touched to support the rehabilitation of the Manhyia Police Station to make life a bit more comfortable for the police officers and their potential visitors.
This is because the station is not only part of the Manhyia Palace but also contributes meaningfully towards the provision of security for the numerous local and foreign visitors who troop to the Manhyia Palace every day.
Though I had passed by the office on countless occasions, I had not found any cause to enter either the charge office or the CID office.
However, as a result of a crime story I was writing and the need to seek further clarification from a police source, I was compelled to venture into the Manhyia Police Station for the first time.
When I was directed to the CID office, I was momentarily taken aback.
That was because where I was directed to was a kiosk with a small entrance which had not received any meaningful maintenance for some years.
Because of the intense heat, the three officers I met after I had gathered courage to enter the kiosk for the second time were all sweating.
Since every caller is a potential ally of the police, the officers had provided two wooden benches for would-be callers, but years of use seemed to have affected the stability of the benches to the extent that the least contact causes them to shake uncontrollably.
The numerous files scattered in the office, a few chairs that accommodated the officers who worked there and other logistics that had been provided to facilitate the work of the officers always created congestion in the supposed CID office. Thus every minute spent there was likely to create a health problem.
Fortunately, the officer I wanted to contact was not in the office so I spent less than three minutes there. But because there was no fan or air conditioner to help reduce the heat, the little time I spent there was enough to make me sweat profusely.
I was very relieved when I came out, but I commended the officers who had been working in such an office for years.
The charge office was not different from the CID office, but ironically, both are a few metres from the Manhyia Palace that houses the Golden Stool and is regarded as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Kumasi.
With the climax of the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the Asantehene drawing nearer, it is my prayer that some of the many institutions, companies, firms, philanthropists and individuals who are making contributions to support the committee planning the anniversary would be touched to support the rehabilitation of the Manhyia Police Station to make life a bit more comfortable for the police officers and their potential visitors.
This is because the station is not only part of the Manhyia Palace but also contributes meaningfully towards the provision of security for the numerous local and foreign visitors who troop to the Manhyia Palace every day.
AUDIO-VISUALS ON DRIVING AND ROAD SIGNS DEVELOPED IN AKAN (PAGE 28)
The need to sensitise motorists in the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs to comply with road traffic regulations, and thereby reduce the spate of accidents, received a boost when KEK Insurance Brokers introduced a video on driving and road signs, which has been composed in the Akan language over the weekend.
The video, which was sponsored by KEK Insurers Brokers and produced by Spectral Image,- a Kumasi-based audio-visual production company, attracted a large number of people from the transport industry in the Kumasi Metropolis.
The production of the road traffic regulations and road signs in the Akan language is also to enable leaner drivers to appreciate driving regulations and road signs in a language they understand better.
It is also to enhance their understanding of insurance policies in a better way in order to reduce problems associated with the processing of insurance claims.
In an address , the area representative of KEK Insurance Brokers, Mr Charles Benin, said sponsoring the production of the road traffic regulation in the Akan language was part of their social responsibilities.
He expressed concern about the spate of accidents in the Ashanti Region in particular, and the country in general and their effect on society.
He pointed out that the number of innocent passengers and pedestrians who lost their lives through vehicular accidents was assuming alarming dimensions, and therefore, urged all stakeholders to join hands to sensitise drivers to be circumspect on the road to make travelling more comfortable.
“ We are not only doing this to meet our social responsibilities, but also we have reflected soberly on the high rate of motor accidents on our roads and the precious human resources that are lost in such fatalities, as well as the injuries and the huge financial losses such situations bring to bear on the country’s economy and development,” Mr Benin stressed.
He expressed the hope that, “ the introduction of the audio-visual study material will not be restricted to only learners and unlettered drivers, but everybody who drives or uses a road irrespective of their academic backgrounds, especially school children, pedestrians and passengers”.
In his address, the Regional DVLA Manager, Mr Noah Tetteh Matey, commended the producers of the audio-visual road signs in Akan language for their sense of initiative and commitment.
He said the innovation would go a long way to complement the activities of the DVLA to reduce the carnage on the road.
The video, which was sponsored by KEK Insurers Brokers and produced by Spectral Image,- a Kumasi-based audio-visual production company, attracted a large number of people from the transport industry in the Kumasi Metropolis.
The production of the road traffic regulations and road signs in the Akan language is also to enable leaner drivers to appreciate driving regulations and road signs in a language they understand better.
It is also to enhance their understanding of insurance policies in a better way in order to reduce problems associated with the processing of insurance claims.
In an address , the area representative of KEK Insurance Brokers, Mr Charles Benin, said sponsoring the production of the road traffic regulation in the Akan language was part of their social responsibilities.
He expressed concern about the spate of accidents in the Ashanti Region in particular, and the country in general and their effect on society.
He pointed out that the number of innocent passengers and pedestrians who lost their lives through vehicular accidents was assuming alarming dimensions, and therefore, urged all stakeholders to join hands to sensitise drivers to be circumspect on the road to make travelling more comfortable.
“ We are not only doing this to meet our social responsibilities, but also we have reflected soberly on the high rate of motor accidents on our roads and the precious human resources that are lost in such fatalities, as well as the injuries and the huge financial losses such situations bring to bear on the country’s economy and development,” Mr Benin stressed.
He expressed the hope that, “ the introduction of the audio-visual study material will not be restricted to only learners and unlettered drivers, but everybody who drives or uses a road irrespective of their academic backgrounds, especially school children, pedestrians and passengers”.
In his address, the Regional DVLA Manager, Mr Noah Tetteh Matey, commended the producers of the audio-visual road signs in Akan language for their sense of initiative and commitment.
He said the innovation would go a long way to complement the activities of the DVLA to reduce the carnage on the road.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
REMOVE SOTTIE...Say aggrieved civil servants (SPREAD)
AGGRIEVED civil servants in the Ashanti Region have called for the dismissal of the Controller and Accountant-General, claiming that he is incompetent and inefficient.
At a press conference in Kumasi last Monday, members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Civil Servants Association (CSA) said the inability to pay the salary arrears of Civil Servants since October 2006 was the result of the controller’s incompetence and cautioned that his continued stay in office could trigger a major industrial action in the country.
They further said any attempt by the controller to make any deductions from the salary arrears before payment could present the new government with its first labour unrest.
The members argued that in October 2006, the Controller and Accountant-General decided to phase out the old payroll and introduce a new one and since then there had been disparities in salaries of workers which had adversely affected their standard of living.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the Regional Chairman, Mr Kwame Asamoah-Dwomoh, noted that last year they signed a memorandum of understanding with the government on salary negotiations, which stated that salary increase should effect from January 2008, but its implementation started in July 2008, and the arrears from January to June 2008 be paid in January 2009.
He pointed out that at the end of January 2009, however, the arrears did not reflect on the pay vouchers of members, and when they contacted the Controller and Accountant-General they were made to believe that the arrears were going to be paid by the middle of February, 2009, but they did not reflect in their salary as assured.
Mr Asamoah-Dwomoh said the Controller and Accountant-General used technical grounds as the reason for the failure to pay the salary arrears, and following a meeting arranged between the National Council of the CSA and the Controller and Accountant-General, it was agreed that the arrears should be paid at the end of March, together with the March salary.
He said it was also agreed that a “sample of March salary payslip shall be ready by March 11 2009, but when the sample was ready as agreed, it was realised that major deductions had taken place on almost all the sample payslips given to us”.
He said when the office of the Controller and Accountant-General was contacted for explanation, they were told that “there had been an overpayment previously, hence the deductions”.
He said at a previous meeting with the Controller on March 2, 2009, it was made clear that “all such deductions were completed in October and December 2008” and, therefore, wondered “why the payment of the arrears should be effected with any such deductions”.
Mr Asamoah-Dwomoh said with the present circumstances, the Controller and Accountant-General has proved to be incompetent in handling sensitive issues and, therefore, stressed the need for the government “to order his employee to pay the March salary with the six months arrears without any deductions before it is too late”.
When contacted, the Controller and Accontant- General, Mr Christain Sottie, denied any knowledge of the allegations being made by the civil servants.
At a press conference in Kumasi last Monday, members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Civil Servants Association (CSA) said the inability to pay the salary arrears of Civil Servants since October 2006 was the result of the controller’s incompetence and cautioned that his continued stay in office could trigger a major industrial action in the country.
They further said any attempt by the controller to make any deductions from the salary arrears before payment could present the new government with its first labour unrest.
The members argued that in October 2006, the Controller and Accountant-General decided to phase out the old payroll and introduce a new one and since then there had been disparities in salaries of workers which had adversely affected their standard of living.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the Regional Chairman, Mr Kwame Asamoah-Dwomoh, noted that last year they signed a memorandum of understanding with the government on salary negotiations, which stated that salary increase should effect from January 2008, but its implementation started in July 2008, and the arrears from January to June 2008 be paid in January 2009.
He pointed out that at the end of January 2009, however, the arrears did not reflect on the pay vouchers of members, and when they contacted the Controller and Accountant-General they were made to believe that the arrears were going to be paid by the middle of February, 2009, but they did not reflect in their salary as assured.
Mr Asamoah-Dwomoh said the Controller and Accountant-General used technical grounds as the reason for the failure to pay the salary arrears, and following a meeting arranged between the National Council of the CSA and the Controller and Accountant-General, it was agreed that the arrears should be paid at the end of March, together with the March salary.
He said it was also agreed that a “sample of March salary payslip shall be ready by March 11 2009, but when the sample was ready as agreed, it was realised that major deductions had taken place on almost all the sample payslips given to us”.
He said when the office of the Controller and Accountant-General was contacted for explanation, they were told that “there had been an overpayment previously, hence the deductions”.
He said at a previous meeting with the Controller on March 2, 2009, it was made clear that “all such deductions were completed in October and December 2008” and, therefore, wondered “why the payment of the arrears should be effected with any such deductions”.
Mr Asamoah-Dwomoh said with the present circumstances, the Controller and Accountant-General has proved to be incompetent in handling sensitive issues and, therefore, stressed the need for the government “to order his employee to pay the March salary with the six months arrears without any deductions before it is too late”.
When contacted, the Controller and Accontant- General, Mr Christain Sottie, denied any knowledge of the allegations being made by the civil servants.
Monday, April 6, 2009
3 ARRESTED OVER TAXI DRIVER'S DEATH (PAGE 3)
THE Mampong Police have arrested three suspects for allegedly murdering a 33-year-old taxi driver, Bashiru Mohammed.
They are Daniel Domfe, Albert Attah and Kwadwo Adom, alias Soldier.
The police are looking for two others who are on the run to help in their investigations.
While Domfe was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Bashiru, the others, Attah and Adom, were arrested for allegedly facilitating the spraying of a Hyundai Pony taxi which was hired by the murderers to avoid detection.
The suspects have been remanded in police custody pending further investigations into the case.
Chief Superintendent Oduro Kwarteng, who briefed the Daily Graphic about the incident, said Domfe allegedly approached the deceased, who was in charge of the vehicle, with registration number AS 2725-09, with the intention of hiring it to convey him and others from Mampong to Boanim.
He said between Boanim and Mprim, Domfe and the two others who are on the run seized the taxi from the deceased and tied both his hands and legs with nylon rope before tying him to a tree.
He said to prevent the deceased from making any noise to attract attention, Domfe and his accomplices covered his mouth with Sellotape.
He said they inflicted knife wounds on his ribs and neck, causing the deceased to bleed profusely, but because his mouth was completely sealed he could not shout for help.
Chief Supt. Kwarteng said moments after the act, Domfe and his accomplices drove the vehicle to Suame Magazine in Kumasi, where they contacted Attah and Adom to spray the taxi to prevent any form of detection.
He said Adom was also contracted to remodel the seats to give it a new shape.
However, acting on a tip off, the police arrested the three suspects to help in their investigations, he added.
Chief Supt. Kwarteng said because of the religious belief of the deceased and his family members, the body had already been released for burial, after an autopsy had been conducted.
They are Daniel Domfe, Albert Attah and Kwadwo Adom, alias Soldier.
The police are looking for two others who are on the run to help in their investigations.
While Domfe was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Bashiru, the others, Attah and Adom, were arrested for allegedly facilitating the spraying of a Hyundai Pony taxi which was hired by the murderers to avoid detection.
The suspects have been remanded in police custody pending further investigations into the case.
Chief Superintendent Oduro Kwarteng, who briefed the Daily Graphic about the incident, said Domfe allegedly approached the deceased, who was in charge of the vehicle, with registration number AS 2725-09, with the intention of hiring it to convey him and others from Mampong to Boanim.
He said between Boanim and Mprim, Domfe and the two others who are on the run seized the taxi from the deceased and tied both his hands and legs with nylon rope before tying him to a tree.
He said to prevent the deceased from making any noise to attract attention, Domfe and his accomplices covered his mouth with Sellotape.
He said they inflicted knife wounds on his ribs and neck, causing the deceased to bleed profusely, but because his mouth was completely sealed he could not shout for help.
Chief Supt. Kwarteng said moments after the act, Domfe and his accomplices drove the vehicle to Suame Magazine in Kumasi, where they contacted Attah and Adom to spray the taxi to prevent any form of detection.
He said Adom was also contracted to remodel the seats to give it a new shape.
However, acting on a tip off, the police arrested the three suspects to help in their investigations, he added.
Chief Supt. Kwarteng said because of the religious belief of the deceased and his family members, the body had already been released for burial, after an autopsy had been conducted.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
DEFILEMENT CASES INCREASES IN KUMASI (PAGE 30)
Defilement cases recorded by the Domestic Victims and Violence Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti Regional Police, increased from 60 in 2005 to a total of 710 cases between 2006 and 2008.
Statistics provided by the regional DOVVSU, and made available to the Daily Graphic, indicated that while a total of 188 girls below the age of 16, were defiled in the year 2006, as many as 336 virgins, who were below 16 years of age, were also sexually abused and traumatised.
According to the unit, a total of 186 defilement cases were recorded in the region last year, bringing the total number of defilement cases recorded in the region in the past four years to 770.
The Ashanti regional DOVVSU Police Commandeer, Assistant Superintendent George Appiah- Sakyi, told the Daily Graphic that rape-related cases had also been on the upsurge of late.
He said 11 rape cases were recorded in 2005, but the number increased to 69 in 2006, reduced to 50 in 2007 before jumping to 188 cases last year.
He said other cases that had been on the upsurge were neglect of parental responsibility, unlawful removal of children, assault, abduction, abortion, indecent assault, threat and exposing children to harm.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi said last year for example, as many as 1,152 cases of neglect of parental responsibility were reported and 99 cases involving unlawful removal of children as a result of separation by the parents were also recorded.
The regional DOVVSU police commander said 14 abortion and 258 assault cases were recorded in the region last year.
He said 44 and 13 abduction and indecent assault cases respectively were recorded in 2008, with those of threat and exposing children to harm standing at 79 and 34 respectively.
He said cases such as sodomy, bigamy, incest, compulsion marriage, assault by imprisonment and abandonment of children, were also recorded in the region, but they were not of higher magnitude compared to rape, defilement and neglect of parental responsibility.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi said the police had initiated court action against some of the suspects while investigations were still ongoing into some of the reported cases.
He said a total of 1,223 cases currently under investigations, while 703 had been disposed of and 114 cases were still pending before the courts. Thirty-five of the suspects had already been convicted, with 11 discharged by the courts.
He said 15 of the cases were also pending before Family Tribunals with two others pending before the FIDA.
He called on the public to collaborate with DOVVSU by reporting all rape and defilement cases on time to facilitate police investigations.
He said the earlier such cases were reported the easier it was to prosecute the culprits and convict them.
Statistics provided by the regional DOVVSU, and made available to the Daily Graphic, indicated that while a total of 188 girls below the age of 16, were defiled in the year 2006, as many as 336 virgins, who were below 16 years of age, were also sexually abused and traumatised.
According to the unit, a total of 186 defilement cases were recorded in the region last year, bringing the total number of defilement cases recorded in the region in the past four years to 770.
The Ashanti regional DOVVSU Police Commandeer, Assistant Superintendent George Appiah- Sakyi, told the Daily Graphic that rape-related cases had also been on the upsurge of late.
He said 11 rape cases were recorded in 2005, but the number increased to 69 in 2006, reduced to 50 in 2007 before jumping to 188 cases last year.
He said other cases that had been on the upsurge were neglect of parental responsibility, unlawful removal of children, assault, abduction, abortion, indecent assault, threat and exposing children to harm.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi said last year for example, as many as 1,152 cases of neglect of parental responsibility were reported and 99 cases involving unlawful removal of children as a result of separation by the parents were also recorded.
The regional DOVVSU police commander said 14 abortion and 258 assault cases were recorded in the region last year.
He said 44 and 13 abduction and indecent assault cases respectively were recorded in 2008, with those of threat and exposing children to harm standing at 79 and 34 respectively.
He said cases such as sodomy, bigamy, incest, compulsion marriage, assault by imprisonment and abandonment of children, were also recorded in the region, but they were not of higher magnitude compared to rape, defilement and neglect of parental responsibility.
Mr Appiah-Sakyi said the police had initiated court action against some of the suspects while investigations were still ongoing into some of the reported cases.
He said a total of 1,223 cases currently under investigations, while 703 had been disposed of and 114 cases were still pending before the courts. Thirty-five of the suspects had already been convicted, with 11 discharged by the courts.
He said 15 of the cases were also pending before Family Tribunals with two others pending before the FIDA.
He called on the public to collaborate with DOVVSU by reporting all rape and defilement cases on time to facilitate police investigations.
He said the earlier such cases were reported the easier it was to prosecute the culprits and convict them.
KMA BLAMED FOR POOR SANITATION IN KUMASI (PAGE 29)
AS part of the measures to create a healthy environment in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs, the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ARCC) in collaboration with the Presidential Task Force on Waste Management and Sanitation, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) launched “a City-wide clean-up exercise” about a week ago.
An article on the clean-up exercise, which appeared on page 29 of the Daily Graphic on March 30, 2009, quoted the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, who launched the exercise as saying that the “main objectives of the keep the city clean campaign, would be how to stop littering and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and open spaces to ensure compliance with the KMA by-laws on environmental sanitation”.
Some of the activities lined up to achieve the objectives of the exercise include the placing of 100 public litter bins in the Central Business District in Kumasi and many others in public second cycle institutions in the metropolis.
As indicated in an article published in the Daily Graphic of March 30, 2009, and headlined -Non-enforcement of bylaws, cause of lawlessness- “ the filth that had engulfed the Kumasi Metropolis, creating a state of unhygienic atmosphere and threatening the lives of residents could be attributed to the failure of the KMA to enforce its own bylaws, especially those that borders on sanitation”.
To quote an extract from the article published on page 28 of the Daily Graphic “ on paper, the KMA’s bylaws are among the finest documents ever produced which would have made Kumasi a haven of peace and serenity, but years of failure to enforce the bylaws seems to have resulted in a state of lawlessness in certain parts o the metropolis”.
Section 79 of the Local Government Act. 1993 (Act 462) of the KMA bylaws on sanitation states “ no person shall place, cause or permit to be placed any filth, refuse or rubbish or any offensive or unwholesome matter on any street, yard, premise, enclosure or open space within the metropolis”.
Continuing, the bylaws on sanitation in Kumasi noted “ the occupier of any premises shall clear and keep free from all dirt, under-bush, under-wood, weeds, high grass, rubbish, rags, broken bottles and all offensive matter (filling up holes with stones, gravel, or otherwise materials) the streets or roads at the front, back side, thereof with the drains, gutters and channels thereon”.
It also pointed out that “ where two or more buildings abound on the streets or roads, the occupier or each shall be responsible for keeping clean only that half of the street or road nearest to his premises”.
Stressing, it said “ no person shall cause a nuisance in any public or open space, no occupier of any premise shall by any act, allow the existence of a nuisance in his premises, no person shall deposit , litter refuse or other matter which may cause nuisance or block the passage provided for a gutter or drains”.
It refered to nuisance as “ any pool, ditch, caves-gutter, water course, well, hole, pond, tank-privy, urinal, cesspool, drains, KVIP which is in such a bad state to constitute a health hazard”
It also referred to nuisance as “ any animal so kept as to be injurious to health, any accumulation or deposit of excreta or urine or things which are or are likely to be injurious to health; any premises in such a state of disrepair as to be dangerous to the health of man or livestock, as well as any growth of weeds, pricky pear, long grass or wild bush of any sort or any work, manufacturing, trade or business that is, or likely to be injurious to health of neighbours and any well, pond or tank, the water of which is tainted with impurities as to be injurious to the health of man or livestock”.
On the consequences of those who flout the bylaws, it said “ any person who contravenes any of these bylaws commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a court or community tribunal to a fine not exceeding GH¢5.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months”.
Both the then Presiding Member of the KMA and the Metropolitan Co-ordinating Director signed the bylaws on sanitation on December 28, 1995.
The then Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Director on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government also approved it.
This was 14 good years ago, an indication that if the rules and regulations on sanitation initiated by the KMA had been strictly enforced to the letter, the Ashanti Regional Minister would not have been launching a city-wide clean-up exercise today to reinforce the awareness on the filthy situation in the metropolis and its effect on the health of residents.
Last year, the KMA spent a huge amount of money to organise a clean up exercise in parts of the metropolis and its environs to clear the metropolis of filth.
A few weeks after President John Evans Atta Mills took over the governance of the country, the KMA, in collaboration with the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) also launched a clean-up exercise in the Kumasi metropolis in line with the President’s vision of keeping a clean environment.
In all these exercises and the time used in undertaking them, a lot of money is expended, but nothing had been done over the years to bring those who deliberately flout KMA’s bylaws to book to deter others.
It should be realised by now that the problem of keeping Kumasi clean and healthy lies in the strict enforcement of the KMA bylaws which was put in place more than 14 years ago.
Residents litter the streets with impunity because nothing restrains them from doing so.
How many residents have been arrested and prosecuted over the years for dumping solid and liquid waste into drains, gutters, streets and public places which have been the cause of the numerous communicable diseases that break out in Kumasi?
What about passengers who deliberately litter the streets, and traders who dump urine and other materials into gutters where they ply their trade?.
Through both the print and electronic media, public awareness has been regularly created over the negative attitudes of residents in Kumasi with regard to creating filth and their effects on the public.
Communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid fever among other equally deadly diseases, sometimes break out in Kumasi to take their toll on some unfortunate residents.
The media has always played a useful role by not only creating public awareness on the effects of unsanitary conditions, especially at residential areas, but have also supported public officers who sometimes initiated moves to create healthy environment as was done when the Ashanti Regional Minister launched the city –wide clean up exercise last week
What remains to be done is the political will to enforce the bylaws intended to regulate the action of residents to make them to strictly conform to the existing rules and regulations that governs sanitation.
Anything short of that would be a cosmetic measure to addressing the sanitation problem in Kumasi, not forgetting the huge cost involved in organising such clean-up exercises and the time spent in undertaking them.
An article on the clean-up exercise, which appeared on page 29 of the Daily Graphic on March 30, 2009, quoted the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, who launched the exercise as saying that the “main objectives of the keep the city clean campaign, would be how to stop littering and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and open spaces to ensure compliance with the KMA by-laws on environmental sanitation”.
Some of the activities lined up to achieve the objectives of the exercise include the placing of 100 public litter bins in the Central Business District in Kumasi and many others in public second cycle institutions in the metropolis.
As indicated in an article published in the Daily Graphic of March 30, 2009, and headlined -Non-enforcement of bylaws, cause of lawlessness- “ the filth that had engulfed the Kumasi Metropolis, creating a state of unhygienic atmosphere and threatening the lives of residents could be attributed to the failure of the KMA to enforce its own bylaws, especially those that borders on sanitation”.
To quote an extract from the article published on page 28 of the Daily Graphic “ on paper, the KMA’s bylaws are among the finest documents ever produced which would have made Kumasi a haven of peace and serenity, but years of failure to enforce the bylaws seems to have resulted in a state of lawlessness in certain parts o the metropolis”.
Section 79 of the Local Government Act. 1993 (Act 462) of the KMA bylaws on sanitation states “ no person shall place, cause or permit to be placed any filth, refuse or rubbish or any offensive or unwholesome matter on any street, yard, premise, enclosure or open space within the metropolis”.
Continuing, the bylaws on sanitation in Kumasi noted “ the occupier of any premises shall clear and keep free from all dirt, under-bush, under-wood, weeds, high grass, rubbish, rags, broken bottles and all offensive matter (filling up holes with stones, gravel, or otherwise materials) the streets or roads at the front, back side, thereof with the drains, gutters and channels thereon”.
It also pointed out that “ where two or more buildings abound on the streets or roads, the occupier or each shall be responsible for keeping clean only that half of the street or road nearest to his premises”.
Stressing, it said “ no person shall cause a nuisance in any public or open space, no occupier of any premise shall by any act, allow the existence of a nuisance in his premises, no person shall deposit , litter refuse or other matter which may cause nuisance or block the passage provided for a gutter or drains”.
It refered to nuisance as “ any pool, ditch, caves-gutter, water course, well, hole, pond, tank-privy, urinal, cesspool, drains, KVIP which is in such a bad state to constitute a health hazard”
It also referred to nuisance as “ any animal so kept as to be injurious to health, any accumulation or deposit of excreta or urine or things which are or are likely to be injurious to health; any premises in such a state of disrepair as to be dangerous to the health of man or livestock, as well as any growth of weeds, pricky pear, long grass or wild bush of any sort or any work, manufacturing, trade or business that is, or likely to be injurious to health of neighbours and any well, pond or tank, the water of which is tainted with impurities as to be injurious to the health of man or livestock”.
On the consequences of those who flout the bylaws, it said “ any person who contravenes any of these bylaws commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a court or community tribunal to a fine not exceeding GH¢5.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months”.
Both the then Presiding Member of the KMA and the Metropolitan Co-ordinating Director signed the bylaws on sanitation on December 28, 1995.
The then Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Director on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government also approved it.
This was 14 good years ago, an indication that if the rules and regulations on sanitation initiated by the KMA had been strictly enforced to the letter, the Ashanti Regional Minister would not have been launching a city-wide clean-up exercise today to reinforce the awareness on the filthy situation in the metropolis and its effect on the health of residents.
Last year, the KMA spent a huge amount of money to organise a clean up exercise in parts of the metropolis and its environs to clear the metropolis of filth.
A few weeks after President John Evans Atta Mills took over the governance of the country, the KMA, in collaboration with the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) also launched a clean-up exercise in the Kumasi metropolis in line with the President’s vision of keeping a clean environment.
In all these exercises and the time used in undertaking them, a lot of money is expended, but nothing had been done over the years to bring those who deliberately flout KMA’s bylaws to book to deter others.
It should be realised by now that the problem of keeping Kumasi clean and healthy lies in the strict enforcement of the KMA bylaws which was put in place more than 14 years ago.
Residents litter the streets with impunity because nothing restrains them from doing so.
How many residents have been arrested and prosecuted over the years for dumping solid and liquid waste into drains, gutters, streets and public places which have been the cause of the numerous communicable diseases that break out in Kumasi?
What about passengers who deliberately litter the streets, and traders who dump urine and other materials into gutters where they ply their trade?.
Through both the print and electronic media, public awareness has been regularly created over the negative attitudes of residents in Kumasi with regard to creating filth and their effects on the public.
Communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid fever among other equally deadly diseases, sometimes break out in Kumasi to take their toll on some unfortunate residents.
The media has always played a useful role by not only creating public awareness on the effects of unsanitary conditions, especially at residential areas, but have also supported public officers who sometimes initiated moves to create healthy environment as was done when the Ashanti Regional Minister launched the city –wide clean up exercise last week
What remains to be done is the political will to enforce the bylaws intended to regulate the action of residents to make them to strictly conform to the existing rules and regulations that governs sanitation.
Anything short of that would be a cosmetic measure to addressing the sanitation problem in Kumasi, not forgetting the huge cost involved in organising such clean-up exercises and the time spent in undertaking them.
TEACHERS URGED TO IDENTIFY POTENTIALS OF STUDENTS (PAGE 11)
TEACHERS in second-cycle institutions have been challenged to identify the needs and potentials of their students and actively nurture them to enable the students to achieve their lifetime ambitions.
A Guidance and Counselling Coordinator at the Ashanti Regional Education Office, Mr Joe Kwarteng, who threw the challenge, pointed out that students would feel emotionally secured if they were always equipped with the requisite information that would guide them as they developed their potentials.
He explained that since teachers served as consultants in their respective schools, they stood the chance of easily identifying the special needs of their students and would therefore be in the position to provide useful information that would guide students to address their needs.
Mr Kwarteng was addressing a cross-section of teachers during a workshop organised by the Amansie East Municipal Directorate of Education at Anwiankwanta.
The workshop was intended to build the capacity of the participants to enable them to acquire the requisite skills to plan and develop meaningful guidance and counselling programmes for students in their respective schools.
Mr Kwarteng noted that it was the responsibility of teachers to ensure that the school environment was always safe, healthy and conducive for their students.
This, he said, would be the yardstick to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
He said it was equally important for teachers to develop the appropriate tools and indicators for monitoring and evaluating the impact of guidance and counselling services offered to their students.
This, he said, would be the only yardstick to measure the success or otherwise of the services being provided their students.
He also advised teachers to address problems such as laziness, poor time management, drug abuse and alcoholism among others that undermine the effective and efficient development of their students’ potentials.
The Amansie East Municipal Coordinator of Guidance and Counselling, Rev. Baah Yarney, identified pressure from parents, teachers, peer groups and ignorance among others, as factors that affect students in their quest to build healthy careers.
He advised that in choosing their careers, students needed to critically examine themselves and identify their ability, potentials and aspirations to enable them to make the right choices.
A Guidance and Counselling Coordinator at the Ashanti Regional Education Office, Mr Joe Kwarteng, who threw the challenge, pointed out that students would feel emotionally secured if they were always equipped with the requisite information that would guide them as they developed their potentials.
He explained that since teachers served as consultants in their respective schools, they stood the chance of easily identifying the special needs of their students and would therefore be in the position to provide useful information that would guide students to address their needs.
Mr Kwarteng was addressing a cross-section of teachers during a workshop organised by the Amansie East Municipal Directorate of Education at Anwiankwanta.
The workshop was intended to build the capacity of the participants to enable them to acquire the requisite skills to plan and develop meaningful guidance and counselling programmes for students in their respective schools.
Mr Kwarteng noted that it was the responsibility of teachers to ensure that the school environment was always safe, healthy and conducive for their students.
This, he said, would be the yardstick to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
He said it was equally important for teachers to develop the appropriate tools and indicators for monitoring and evaluating the impact of guidance and counselling services offered to their students.
This, he said, would be the only yardstick to measure the success or otherwise of the services being provided their students.
He also advised teachers to address problems such as laziness, poor time management, drug abuse and alcoholism among others that undermine the effective and efficient development of their students’ potentials.
The Amansie East Municipal Coordinator of Guidance and Counselling, Rev. Baah Yarney, identified pressure from parents, teachers, peer groups and ignorance among others, as factors that affect students in their quest to build healthy careers.
He advised that in choosing their careers, students needed to critically examine themselves and identify their ability, potentials and aspirations to enable them to make the right choices.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
COCA-COLA DONATES TO ASANTEHENE (PAGE 47)
THE management of Coca-Cola Bottling Company has donated a cheque for GH¢20,000 to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in support of the 10th anniversary celebrations of his enstoolment as Asantehene.
The company also donated quantities of its products as its contribution towards the fruitful celebration of the anniversary when its General Manager, Mr Conrad Van Niekirk, together with some members of his management team, paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The visit afforded the general manager the opportunity to introduce himself to Otumfuo Osei Tutu.
Congratulating the Asantehene on his initiatives and drive since his enstoolment 10 years ago, Mr Van Niekirk said the Coca-Cola would continue to support him in his efforts to initiate programmes that would impact positively on the lives of the ordinary Ghanaian.
The Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, who received the items on behalf of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, commended Mr Van Niekirk and his management team for their gesture.
The company also donated quantities of its products as its contribution towards the fruitful celebration of the anniversary when its General Manager, Mr Conrad Van Niekirk, together with some members of his management team, paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The visit afforded the general manager the opportunity to introduce himself to Otumfuo Osei Tutu.
Congratulating the Asantehene on his initiatives and drive since his enstoolment 10 years ago, Mr Van Niekirk said the Coca-Cola would continue to support him in his efforts to initiate programmes that would impact positively on the lives of the ordinary Ghanaian.
The Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, who received the items on behalf of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, commended Mr Van Niekirk and his management team for their gesture.
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