The Headmistress of KNUST Senior High School, Mrs Joyce Owusu- Ansah, has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to collaborate to call a private land developer who had been harassing and threatening the lives of school authorities and construction workers to order.
She explained that the private land developer- a native of Boadi- who claims to be the owner of an area allotted the school by the KNUST for expansion, had not only been “interfering with new projects , but has also been harassing workers at the new site by using notorious machomen to threaten them”.
That, she noted, had not only been undermining their academic programmes, but also been rendering them helpless in providing the requisite infrastructure that would have accelerated the construction of dormitories and other school facilities.
Mrs Owusu- Ansah made the appeal during the school’s second speech and prize-giving day held at the weekend.
The ceremony, which was on the theme “ Human resource development; the role of science, technical and vocational education” saw the school authorities awarding prizes to deserving staff and students.
Commending the former headmaster of the school, Mr J.A. Boamah and the former Board Chairman, Nana Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem, as well as the late Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwesi Andam for the significant roles they played to acquire the new site for the KNUST Senior School, Mrs Owusu- Ansah said their contributions would not yield fruitful results if noting was done to bring the private land developer to order.
“ There is an urgent need for the provision of the required facilities to give the school a boarding status, since land is available for the construction of dormitories, assembly hall dining hall and a kitchen. Staff accommodation is also inadequate and presently, only five out of a total number of 75 teachers are accommodated by the school through the PTA” she lamented
She said the rate of progress of work for the development of classrooms “ is also at a snail pace, and if nothing is done about it, the school cannot accommodate the first year students during the 2010-2011 academic year”.
Mrs Owusu-Ansah however, commended the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa and Dr R.P. Baffour who was a former Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, “for their various assistance ranging from Staff accommodation, access to some learning facilities at the KNUST and the donation of a 52-acre piece of land for expansion”.
She also commended the government for providing the school with a 32-seater bus and some infrastructure, including a new administration block and classrooms.
She was also full of praise for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), regional and metropolitan directors of education, as well as the Board of Governors and old students of the school for their tremendous contributions which she said was impacting positively on their programmes .
In his address, the Minister of Education, M. Alex Tettey-Enyo said the nation had no option to initiate policies and programmes that would accelerate the development of the human resource base for the promotion and growth of the industries in the country.
“Our local industries are key to our national development, hence the need for the promotion of science , technical and vocational education” he noted ,stressing “ with new knowledge and skills through science, technical and vocational education, we can have the required manpower needs like engineers, technicians and artisans from our youth instead of the usual reliance on external expertise”.
Explaining further he said government’s investment in the energy sector , including gas and hydro power generation could be derailed and Ghana would end up selling “ our birth rights to foreigners if we ignore the training of our youth in the skills and knowledge required for the energy sector “
Mr Tettey-Enyo, therefore, urged stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to actively support the government in its effort “ at revamping education delivery in this country and more importantly in providing the needed resources to promote science and Technology”.
He also urged parents to encourage their children “ to pursue science, technical and vocational education programmes at the pre-tertiary level and higher technological courses in the tertiary institutions”.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
DWARFS TEAM APPEAL TO TARKWA GOLDFIELDS (PAGE 14, NSEMPA, NOV 23)
By George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Dwarfs Sports Team has appealed to Tarkwa Goldfields to sponsor the team to enable it participate in local and international competitions.
Commending Goldfields for their financial support to the senior national team that had made it possible for the Black Stars to achieve many laurels for the nation, the Dwarfs’ team, a.k.a, Little Black Stars, said similar financial support to it would enable them develop their potentials to the fullest.
The team’s National Coach, Mr Adu Akyeampong who made the appeal on their behalf when they paid a familiarisation visit to the Graphic Communications Group Limited’s (GCGL) Kumasi offices, said it was time various companies, institutions and firms extended financial support to the Dwarfs’ team which is made up of football stars, athletes and table tennis players.
The visit to the Kumasi office was also in appreciation of the tremendous support the company had been offering them since the team was formed a few years ago.
It also created a platform for their officials to appeal to the GCGL to continue supporting the physically challenged in terms of publicity for society to appreciate their worth.
Mr Akyeampong, who is also the Sports Development Co-ordinator noted, “it takes both the able and the disabled to develop a nation, but in sports, the disabled are always neglected and sidelined, making it impossible for them to nurture and develop their talents to support national development”.
“ We may lack the physical structures, but in terms of skills, know-how, ability, zeal and commitment, we have them in abundance” he added.
Expressing concern about their neglect when it came to sponsorship in sporting programmes in particular and other socio-economic development in general, Mr Akyeampong pointed out that, “when we participated in the Benin games a few months ago, we won trophies in football by beating Benin 9-0 to win the trophy at stake and in table tennis, we won it hands down, a feat that we are eager to further explore to enable us win more laurels for the country in future”.
“Apart from boxing and wrestling, we can participate in any sporting programme because we have the potentials and the ability to excel” adding, “since we are always referred to as the little Stars, we deserve a little of the national cake in the form of sponsorship to enable us participate in both local and international tournaments”.
Lamenting on the lack of sponsorship which he said undermined the development of the team, he said, “we have only one football for the team. Our players also train with different colours because we have no jerseys, boots and other sports kits”.
He said it was due to the problems they had been encountering in terms of sponsorship that “we have now decided to launch ourselves for the public to appreciate our worth. This is because we have been neglected for far too long”.
Mr Akyeampong commended Mr Daniel Arhin, who is the Chief Executive of Friends for the Physically Challenged Foundation and his wife Mrs Elizabeth Arhin for their continuous support for the team.
He said the couple had sponsored their team to participate in major local and international tournaments “but looking at the situation they cannot do it alone, hence our appeal to every Ghanaian to come on board to support us with sponsorship packages”.
The sports co-ordinator said it was equally important for premier clubs in Ghana to adopt them to play curtain raisers during their matches as a way of creating interest for football fans who might be willing to support them.
He pointed out that keeping interest in sports that promoted the Dwarfs’ team and those who were handicapped physically would reduce the stigma associated with such members.
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Dwarfs Sports Team has appealed to Tarkwa Goldfields to sponsor the team to enable it participate in local and international competitions.
Commending Goldfields for their financial support to the senior national team that had made it possible for the Black Stars to achieve many laurels for the nation, the Dwarfs’ team, a.k.a, Little Black Stars, said similar financial support to it would enable them develop their potentials to the fullest.
The team’s National Coach, Mr Adu Akyeampong who made the appeal on their behalf when they paid a familiarisation visit to the Graphic Communications Group Limited’s (GCGL) Kumasi offices, said it was time various companies, institutions and firms extended financial support to the Dwarfs’ team which is made up of football stars, athletes and table tennis players.
The visit to the Kumasi office was also in appreciation of the tremendous support the company had been offering them since the team was formed a few years ago.
It also created a platform for their officials to appeal to the GCGL to continue supporting the physically challenged in terms of publicity for society to appreciate their worth.
Mr Akyeampong, who is also the Sports Development Co-ordinator noted, “it takes both the able and the disabled to develop a nation, but in sports, the disabled are always neglected and sidelined, making it impossible for them to nurture and develop their talents to support national development”.
“ We may lack the physical structures, but in terms of skills, know-how, ability, zeal and commitment, we have them in abundance” he added.
Expressing concern about their neglect when it came to sponsorship in sporting programmes in particular and other socio-economic development in general, Mr Akyeampong pointed out that, “when we participated in the Benin games a few months ago, we won trophies in football by beating Benin 9-0 to win the trophy at stake and in table tennis, we won it hands down, a feat that we are eager to further explore to enable us win more laurels for the country in future”.
“Apart from boxing and wrestling, we can participate in any sporting programme because we have the potentials and the ability to excel” adding, “since we are always referred to as the little Stars, we deserve a little of the national cake in the form of sponsorship to enable us participate in both local and international tournaments”.
Lamenting on the lack of sponsorship which he said undermined the development of the team, he said, “we have only one football for the team. Our players also train with different colours because we have no jerseys, boots and other sports kits”.
He said it was due to the problems they had been encountering in terms of sponsorship that “we have now decided to launch ourselves for the public to appreciate our worth. This is because we have been neglected for far too long”.
Mr Akyeampong commended Mr Daniel Arhin, who is the Chief Executive of Friends for the Physically Challenged Foundation and his wife Mrs Elizabeth Arhin for their continuous support for the team.
He said the couple had sponsored their team to participate in major local and international tournaments “but looking at the situation they cannot do it alone, hence our appeal to every Ghanaian to come on board to support us with sponsorship packages”.
The sports co-ordinator said it was equally important for premier clubs in Ghana to adopt them to play curtain raisers during their matches as a way of creating interest for football fans who might be willing to support them.
He pointed out that keeping interest in sports that promoted the Dwarfs’ team and those who were handicapped physically would reduce the stigma associated with such members.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
SD HONOURS GRAPHIC, OTHER MEDIA HOUSES (PAGE 40, NOV 23)
THE Central Ghana Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, has honoured Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in particular and other media establishments in general, for their contributions towards the socio–economic development of the country.
A citation signed jointly by the Communication Director, Pastor Peter Obeng Manu, and the President, Pastor Emmanuel Denteh of the church said the SDA Church, acknowledged and appreciated the positive contributions the GCGL and other media houses were making towards evangelisation of the church in Ghana.
“We also recognise your contributions in the promotion of health, education, agriculture, social issues and many others, that are crucial to the healthy development of our great nation. We pray for the salvation of your entire staff and the success of your daily operations,” it stressed.
The ceremony took place at a special church service organised in Kumasi at the weekend, dubbed: “Media appreciation day”.
Other media houses which were honoured alongside GCGL were the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, TV3, TV Africa, Metro TV, OTEC FM, ANGEL FM, Garden City Radio, KESBEN FM and HELLO FM. The rest were FOX and Liberty FM stations as well as Ghana News Agency, News Times Corporation and the Pioneer.
In his address, Pastor Denteh of the church said over the years, the media in Ghana had collaborated with various governments to initiate policies and programmes that had promoted national development.
He said the media had also not only kept the public abreast with both local and foreign news, but had also provided civic education that had enabled Ghanaians to live up to their civic rights and responsibilities.
Pastor Denteh challenged the media to continue to play their assigned roles as the watchdogs in the country as a way of promoting “God fearing principles among the youth in particular and society in general”.
On health issues, Pastor Denteh said the media had a crucial role to play to initiate health reform principles among Ghanaians.
He stated that the media had successfully carried out an anti-smoking campaign that had considerably reduced the smoking of cigarettes at public places in the country .
Pastor Denteh, however, said the media was yet to initiate programmes and policies that would ward society off the intake of alcohol and hard drugs which had become the order of the day.
“Both radio and television have been using their media to advertise the potency of different brands of alcoholic beverages on daily basis, creating the impression that they are very good for the body. Such false impressions make society, including the youth patronise alcohol in large quantities, which directly and indirectly affect their health,” he stated.
He, therefore, urged the media to propagate the effects of quaffing quantities of alcohol just as they did for smoking, to enable society to appreciate the need to refrain from patronising alcohol.
Pastor Denteh said it was very important for the media to actively support the campaign of preventive principles to enable Ghanaians to enjoy good health.
He mentioned good environmental conditions, adequate rest, regular exercises and good diet, among others, as some of the measures that should be regularly practised by society to enhance good health among them.
He said the church on its part , has constructed four hospitals, 14 clinics and a Nursing Training College in the Ashanti as their contribution of meeting the heath needs of society.
On education, Pastor Denteh said the SDA Church had established 250 public and private schools at the basic level in the Ashanti Region alone, stressing that it also had set up six Senior High Schools, as well as a private university to complement the government’s efforts in bringing education to the doorsteps of the ordinary Ghanaian.
He urged the media to continue playing its role as watchdogs to enhance accelerated social development, but however, said in doing so, the media needed to check the accuracy of their reportage and should also be selective in the music played on air.
“Be selective in the kind of music presented and discard music which tends to lower morals,” Pastor Denteh said, adding “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the service of the Lord and not to men”.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Nana Yaw Osei, commended the Central Ghana Conference of the SDA Church for recognising the crucial role the media play in accelerated national development.
He said the historic ceremony would not only ginger the media to work harder than before to enhance social stability and rapid economic growth, but would also bring the media closer to the church to promote values that would firmly entrench democratic principles in the country.
A citation signed jointly by the Communication Director, Pastor Peter Obeng Manu, and the President, Pastor Emmanuel Denteh of the church said the SDA Church, acknowledged and appreciated the positive contributions the GCGL and other media houses were making towards evangelisation of the church in Ghana.
“We also recognise your contributions in the promotion of health, education, agriculture, social issues and many others, that are crucial to the healthy development of our great nation. We pray for the salvation of your entire staff and the success of your daily operations,” it stressed.
The ceremony took place at a special church service organised in Kumasi at the weekend, dubbed: “Media appreciation day”.
Other media houses which were honoured alongside GCGL were the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, TV3, TV Africa, Metro TV, OTEC FM, ANGEL FM, Garden City Radio, KESBEN FM and HELLO FM. The rest were FOX and Liberty FM stations as well as Ghana News Agency, News Times Corporation and the Pioneer.
In his address, Pastor Denteh of the church said over the years, the media in Ghana had collaborated with various governments to initiate policies and programmes that had promoted national development.
He said the media had also not only kept the public abreast with both local and foreign news, but had also provided civic education that had enabled Ghanaians to live up to their civic rights and responsibilities.
Pastor Denteh challenged the media to continue to play their assigned roles as the watchdogs in the country as a way of promoting “God fearing principles among the youth in particular and society in general”.
On health issues, Pastor Denteh said the media had a crucial role to play to initiate health reform principles among Ghanaians.
He stated that the media had successfully carried out an anti-smoking campaign that had considerably reduced the smoking of cigarettes at public places in the country .
Pastor Denteh, however, said the media was yet to initiate programmes and policies that would ward society off the intake of alcohol and hard drugs which had become the order of the day.
“Both radio and television have been using their media to advertise the potency of different brands of alcoholic beverages on daily basis, creating the impression that they are very good for the body. Such false impressions make society, including the youth patronise alcohol in large quantities, which directly and indirectly affect their health,” he stated.
He, therefore, urged the media to propagate the effects of quaffing quantities of alcohol just as they did for smoking, to enable society to appreciate the need to refrain from patronising alcohol.
Pastor Denteh said it was very important for the media to actively support the campaign of preventive principles to enable Ghanaians to enjoy good health.
He mentioned good environmental conditions, adequate rest, regular exercises and good diet, among others, as some of the measures that should be regularly practised by society to enhance good health among them.
He said the church on its part , has constructed four hospitals, 14 clinics and a Nursing Training College in the Ashanti as their contribution of meeting the heath needs of society.
On education, Pastor Denteh said the SDA Church had established 250 public and private schools at the basic level in the Ashanti Region alone, stressing that it also had set up six Senior High Schools, as well as a private university to complement the government’s efforts in bringing education to the doorsteps of the ordinary Ghanaian.
He urged the media to continue playing its role as watchdogs to enhance accelerated social development, but however, said in doing so, the media needed to check the accuracy of their reportage and should also be selective in the music played on air.
“Be selective in the kind of music presented and discard music which tends to lower morals,” Pastor Denteh said, adding “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the service of the Lord and not to men”.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Nana Yaw Osei, commended the Central Ghana Conference of the SDA Church for recognising the crucial role the media play in accelerated national development.
He said the historic ceremony would not only ginger the media to work harder than before to enhance social stability and rapid economic growth, but would also bring the media closer to the church to promote values that would firmly entrench democratic principles in the country.
COURT RESTRAINS NPP, ASOKWA CONSTITUENCY (PAGE 13, NOV 21)
A Kumasi High Court has granted an application restraining both the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Asokwa Constituency Executive of the party from holding any election of new executive members for the Asokwa Constituency of the party.
A suit filed by Mr Kwame Owusu Sekyere, on behalf of the applicants who are polling station executives of eight polling stations of the Asokwa Constituency, also sought an order to declare the polling station membership register compiled between September and October 2009 by the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the NPP and the Executive Committee of the Asokwa Constituency of the party null and void.
The plaintiffs are Messrs Gyamfi Marfo of Kaasi, Nana Kwaku Frimpong of F170102, Charles Damptey of Gyinase M/A Primary, Luke Kofi Fofie of SDA Church, Osei Efah Amponsah of F170708, Yaw Boakye of Gyinase , Frank Bosompem Danso of F10109 and Madam Lydia Efa Amponsah of Atonsu S-Line polling station.
Other claims that the court, presided over by Justice Imoru Ziblim, has granted an order compelling the defendants to compile and validate the Polling Station Membership Register of the Asokwa Constituency of the NPP in accordance with the NPP constitution, rules and regulations, and an order restraining the defendants, their agents and assigns from conducting the Asokwa Constituency Executive Elections of the NPP, pending the final determination of the suit and general damages.
In their statement of claim, the plaintiff explained that they were elected in 2005 in their respective polling stations of the Asokwa Constituency as polling station executives, and, therefore, form part of the Electoral College for the selection and election of constituency executives and parliamentary candidates, as well as the selection and election of delegates who select and elect national executive and the presidential candidate for the party.
It said being card-bearing members of the party, they also qualify to stand for any election within the party, including election to select polling station and constituency executives.
It said even though they remained at post as polling station executives, they were sidelined by the constituency executives during the compilation and validation of the polling station register.
The statement further explained that contrary to the party’s constitution, rules and regulations, the Executive Committee of the Asokwa Constituency and the Member of Parliament of the constituency, designed and compiled the membership register without any reference to the plaintiffs who form part of the polling station executives.
The statement also explained that following the action of the Asokwa Executive Committee members and the MP, they (Plaintiffs) petitioned the Regional Executive Committee and the National Secretariat, as well as the Council of Elders of the party, but had not received any response, and in spite of the petition to the party executives at the regional and national levels, the defendants were bent on using the illegal register to elect constituency executives.
It said if the defendants were allowed to use that register for the selection and election of constituency executives, they (Plaintiffs) would be denied their fundamental human rights to belong to the party of their choice and a right to vote and be voted for in any executive position.
A suit filed by Mr Kwame Owusu Sekyere, on behalf of the applicants who are polling station executives of eight polling stations of the Asokwa Constituency, also sought an order to declare the polling station membership register compiled between September and October 2009 by the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the NPP and the Executive Committee of the Asokwa Constituency of the party null and void.
The plaintiffs are Messrs Gyamfi Marfo of Kaasi, Nana Kwaku Frimpong of F170102, Charles Damptey of Gyinase M/A Primary, Luke Kofi Fofie of SDA Church, Osei Efah Amponsah of F170708, Yaw Boakye of Gyinase , Frank Bosompem Danso of F10109 and Madam Lydia Efa Amponsah of Atonsu S-Line polling station.
Other claims that the court, presided over by Justice Imoru Ziblim, has granted an order compelling the defendants to compile and validate the Polling Station Membership Register of the Asokwa Constituency of the NPP in accordance with the NPP constitution, rules and regulations, and an order restraining the defendants, their agents and assigns from conducting the Asokwa Constituency Executive Elections of the NPP, pending the final determination of the suit and general damages.
In their statement of claim, the plaintiff explained that they were elected in 2005 in their respective polling stations of the Asokwa Constituency as polling station executives, and, therefore, form part of the Electoral College for the selection and election of constituency executives and parliamentary candidates, as well as the selection and election of delegates who select and elect national executive and the presidential candidate for the party.
It said being card-bearing members of the party, they also qualify to stand for any election within the party, including election to select polling station and constituency executives.
It said even though they remained at post as polling station executives, they were sidelined by the constituency executives during the compilation and validation of the polling station register.
The statement further explained that contrary to the party’s constitution, rules and regulations, the Executive Committee of the Asokwa Constituency and the Member of Parliament of the constituency, designed and compiled the membership register without any reference to the plaintiffs who form part of the polling station executives.
The statement also explained that following the action of the Asokwa Executive Committee members and the MP, they (Plaintiffs) petitioned the Regional Executive Committee and the National Secretariat, as well as the Council of Elders of the party, but had not received any response, and in spite of the petition to the party executives at the regional and national levels, the defendants were bent on using the illegal register to elect constituency executives.
It said if the defendants were allowed to use that register for the selection and election of constituency executives, they (Plaintiffs) would be denied their fundamental human rights to belong to the party of their choice and a right to vote and be voted for in any executive position.
Friday, November 20, 2009
DWARFS TEAM VISITS GRAPHIC (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 11, NOV 20)
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Dwarfs Sports team has paid a familiarisation visit to the Kumasi office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) with a call on sports enthusiasts to actively support the development of the team to enable them develop their potentials effectively and efficiently.
The visit to the Kumasi office was in appreciation of the tremendous support the GCGL has been offering them since the team was formed a few years ago .
It also created a platform for their officials to appeal to the GCGL to continue supporting the disabled in terms of publicity for society to appreciate their worth.
This, according to their National Coach, Mr Adu Akyeampong, “ will encourage sports philanthropists , organisations, institutions and individuals to sponsor members of the team in diverse ways for them to nurture and develop their potentials”.
The team comprised soccer stars, table tennis players and athletes .
Mr Akyeampong , who is also the Sports Development Coordinator, noted, “ it takes both the able and the disabled to develop a nation, but in sports the disabled are always neglected and sidelined, making it impossible for them to nurture and develop their talents to support national development”
“We may lack the physical stature, but in terms of skills , know-how, ability , zeal and commitment , we have them in abundance,” he noted.
Expressing concern about their neglect when it comes to sponsorship in sporting programmes in particular and other socio-economic development in general, Mr Akyeampong noted, “ when we participated in the Benin games a few months ago, we won trophies in soccer by beating Benin 9-0 to win the trophy at stake , and in table tennis too we won it hands down, a feat that we are eager to further explore to enable us win more laurels for the country in future”.
The visit to the Kumasi office was in appreciation of the tremendous support the GCGL has been offering them since the team was formed a few years ago .
It also created a platform for their officials to appeal to the GCGL to continue supporting the disabled in terms of publicity for society to appreciate their worth.
This, according to their National Coach, Mr Adu Akyeampong, “ will encourage sports philanthropists , organisations, institutions and individuals to sponsor members of the team in diverse ways for them to nurture and develop their potentials”.
The team comprised soccer stars, table tennis players and athletes .
Mr Akyeampong , who is also the Sports Development Coordinator, noted, “ it takes both the able and the disabled to develop a nation, but in sports the disabled are always neglected and sidelined, making it impossible for them to nurture and develop their talents to support national development”
“We may lack the physical stature, but in terms of skills , know-how, ability , zeal and commitment , we have them in abundance,” he noted.
Expressing concern about their neglect when it comes to sponsorship in sporting programmes in particular and other socio-economic development in general, Mr Akyeampong noted, “ when we participated in the Benin games a few months ago, we won trophies in soccer by beating Benin 9-0 to win the trophy at stake , and in table tennis too we won it hands down, a feat that we are eager to further explore to enable us win more laurels for the country in future”.
4 DIE IN ACCIDEENT (PAGE 3, NOV 20)
FOUR persons died on the spot yesterday when a Nissan Urvan bus in which they were travelling from Kumasi to Sankore collided with a Renault timber truck at the outskirts of Mpasatia on the Kumasi-Bibiani trunk road.
The bodies of the deceased, made up of three females and a male, have been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
According to the police, the driver of the bus, with registration number AS 3157 X, escaped unhurt, but 10 passengers who were on board suffered various degrees of injury and were rushed to the Nkawie Government Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The Ashanti Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, Mr Abraham Bansah, told the Daily Graphic that the accident occurred around 6:30 a.m.
He said initial investigations revealed that the driver of the bus was overtaking another vehicle at the outskirts of Mpasatia, in the process of which he entered the lane of the oncoming timber truck, with registration number AS 1877 R.
He said the driver of the timber truck attempted to save the situation by branching off the road when he saw the bus in his lane, but in the process the trailer hit the bus, dragging it into the bush.
Mr Bansah said it took a lot of time for sympathisers who were attracted to the scene to remove both the deceased passengers and the injured from the mangled bus.
The bodies of the deceased, made up of three females and a male, have been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
According to the police, the driver of the bus, with registration number AS 3157 X, escaped unhurt, but 10 passengers who were on board suffered various degrees of injury and were rushed to the Nkawie Government Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The Ashanti Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, Mr Abraham Bansah, told the Daily Graphic that the accident occurred around 6:30 a.m.
He said initial investigations revealed that the driver of the bus was overtaking another vehicle at the outskirts of Mpasatia, in the process of which he entered the lane of the oncoming timber truck, with registration number AS 1877 R.
He said the driver of the timber truck attempted to save the situation by branching off the road when he saw the bus in his lane, but in the process the trailer hit the bus, dragging it into the bush.
Mr Bansah said it took a lot of time for sympathisers who were attracted to the scene to remove both the deceased passengers and the injured from the mangled bus.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
THREATRE STUDENTS PLAY TO KUMASI SCHOOLS (GRAPHIC SHOWBIZ, NOV 19, PAGE 3)
By George Ernest Asare
Students of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana visited the Dwabrem theatre at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi last Saturday where they dished out a mix of traditional music, dance and drama to entertain and educate the youth on the effects of drug abuse, parental irresponsibility and truancy.
The programme, which attracted students from Kumasi Academy Senior High School and a number of second cycle institutions in the metropolis, saw the audience glued to their seats and totally engrossed in the performance as they watched the unfolding of various scenes.
It was a drama which involved a powerful spirit who after being thrown down from heaven, vowed to take revenge on man by putting all his powers into leaves so as to destroy anyone who uses such leaves .
A student, who became frustrated after his father refused to cater for his education, joined a gang of drug addicts, and eventually became addicted himself, destroying his future and getting arrested for various crimes committed.
Intermittent applause during the performance and the spontaneous clamour for more of such performances by both students and a cross section of the public who watched the show, was an indication that Kumasi was hungry for such shows as a way of encouraging the youth to refrain from drugs and bad company which eventually destroys their lives.
Commenting on the programme, Mr T. B. Ofosu who was in charge of the group told Showbiz about the need to use entertainment to educate the youth, especially students on the dangers of drug abuse.
Expressing concern about the problems that drug abuse was creating in the country, Mr Ofosu noted “ we want to reach out to the youth with such performances and inform them about the hazards of drug abuse, hoping that they will accept the message and refrain from such activities”.
He said the School of Performing Arts had put up a number of such shows in Accra “and with the positive response we received, we decided to extend our tentacles to Kumasi before venturing into other parts of the country”.
Mr Ofosu said their main headache was sponsorship saying “ we want to reach out to the youth, especially students in both the second cycle and tertiary institutions throughout the country, but lack of sponsorship is undermining our effort”.
He said it was therefore important for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), firms, Institutions, and individuals to actively support them with funds to enable them start the nationwide tour as soon as possible.
On his part, the Vice President of the Association of School of Performing Arts (ASPA), Mr Richmond Amoako said using theatre as a platform to reach out to the youth was yielding positive results.
Describing their programme as a “soul winning” one to entice the youth to stay away from drugs, Mr Amoako said they would not relent in their efforts to interact with as many students as possible for them to appreciate the dangers of getting closer to any form of drug.
Students of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana visited the Dwabrem theatre at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi last Saturday where they dished out a mix of traditional music, dance and drama to entertain and educate the youth on the effects of drug abuse, parental irresponsibility and truancy.
The programme, which attracted students from Kumasi Academy Senior High School and a number of second cycle institutions in the metropolis, saw the audience glued to their seats and totally engrossed in the performance as they watched the unfolding of various scenes.
It was a drama which involved a powerful spirit who after being thrown down from heaven, vowed to take revenge on man by putting all his powers into leaves so as to destroy anyone who uses such leaves .
A student, who became frustrated after his father refused to cater for his education, joined a gang of drug addicts, and eventually became addicted himself, destroying his future and getting arrested for various crimes committed.
Intermittent applause during the performance and the spontaneous clamour for more of such performances by both students and a cross section of the public who watched the show, was an indication that Kumasi was hungry for such shows as a way of encouraging the youth to refrain from drugs and bad company which eventually destroys their lives.
Commenting on the programme, Mr T. B. Ofosu who was in charge of the group told Showbiz about the need to use entertainment to educate the youth, especially students on the dangers of drug abuse.
Expressing concern about the problems that drug abuse was creating in the country, Mr Ofosu noted “ we want to reach out to the youth with such performances and inform them about the hazards of drug abuse, hoping that they will accept the message and refrain from such activities”.
He said the School of Performing Arts had put up a number of such shows in Accra “and with the positive response we received, we decided to extend our tentacles to Kumasi before venturing into other parts of the country”.
Mr Ofosu said their main headache was sponsorship saying “ we want to reach out to the youth, especially students in both the second cycle and tertiary institutions throughout the country, but lack of sponsorship is undermining our effort”.
He said it was therefore important for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), firms, Institutions, and individuals to actively support them with funds to enable them start the nationwide tour as soon as possible.
On his part, the Vice President of the Association of School of Performing Arts (ASPA), Mr Richmond Amoako said using theatre as a platform to reach out to the youth was yielding positive results.
Describing their programme as a “soul winning” one to entice the youth to stay away from drugs, Mr Amoako said they would not relent in their efforts to interact with as many students as possible for them to appreciate the dangers of getting closer to any form of drug.
KNUST INSTALLS DNA EQUIPMENT (PAGE 6, NOV 19)
THE Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Tchnology (KNUST) has installed equipment capable of conducting DNA tests in the country.
Financed through the university’s internally generated funds, the equipment, and others installed and refurbished under a project called, “The Turnkey Project” were inaugurated at the College of Sciences of the KNUST yesterday.
Estimated at GH¢15 million, the equipment also included those that could conduct glaucoma tests, undertake assorted seed propagation, as well as water and quality food analysis.
The Physics, Chemistry, Optometry and Visual Science as well as the Theoretical and Applied Biology Laboratories of the College of Science benefited from the project.
Also, installed at the laboratory were 132 modern computers and their accessories, as well as 13 SDC projectors and other facilities that enhance research work.
According to the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, the university would soon instal CCTV cameras at all the laboratories to avoid pilfering of any of the laboratory equipment to enable the university to fully benefit from the investments made.
In an address to inaugurate the equipment , Professor Adarkwa said the facilities would not only give the students the requisite exposure, but would also help to bring teaching and learning in the college to international standards.
He said apart from the laboratory equipment, there were other physical works carried out at the laboratories as a way of creating a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
He mentioned fixing of sliding windows and doors, changing of bench tops for the installation of computers, electrical re—wiring for stabiliser installation, as well as installation of split-air conditioners and polishing of terrazzo floors.
The Vice Chancellor stated that other works carried out also included networking of all the laboratories, fitting of audio visual equipment in all the laboratories, painting and re-roofing and tiling of the floors .
Professor Adarkwa expressed hope that the project which was carried out through their internally generated funds would boost the enthusiasm of the staff to conduct a series of research works that would impact positively on the operations of the university.
In his address the Provost of the College of Science Professor Aboagye Menyeh, commended Professor Adarkwa “ for sustaining the momentum to modernise our laboratories”.
He explained that the priority given to the project by the Vice Chancellor facilitated its completion, thereby creating an environment that had made laboratory work interesting .
He advised the students to take advantage of the modern facilities and focus on their academic programmes for their own good and that of the nation, saying “ with these facilities, you have no excuse to grumble”.
Stressing, he said “ you are to use these facilities to enable you to acquire practical and experimental skills as well as better understand the theories you learn in the classrooms”.
“ Your parents, the Government and, indeed, the university are investing heavily in your training We hope your training will pay the nation the best interest to he noted .
Financed through the university’s internally generated funds, the equipment, and others installed and refurbished under a project called, “The Turnkey Project” were inaugurated at the College of Sciences of the KNUST yesterday.
Estimated at GH¢15 million, the equipment also included those that could conduct glaucoma tests, undertake assorted seed propagation, as well as water and quality food analysis.
The Physics, Chemistry, Optometry and Visual Science as well as the Theoretical and Applied Biology Laboratories of the College of Science benefited from the project.
Also, installed at the laboratory were 132 modern computers and their accessories, as well as 13 SDC projectors and other facilities that enhance research work.
According to the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, the university would soon instal CCTV cameras at all the laboratories to avoid pilfering of any of the laboratory equipment to enable the university to fully benefit from the investments made.
In an address to inaugurate the equipment , Professor Adarkwa said the facilities would not only give the students the requisite exposure, but would also help to bring teaching and learning in the college to international standards.
He said apart from the laboratory equipment, there were other physical works carried out at the laboratories as a way of creating a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
He mentioned fixing of sliding windows and doors, changing of bench tops for the installation of computers, electrical re—wiring for stabiliser installation, as well as installation of split-air conditioners and polishing of terrazzo floors.
The Vice Chancellor stated that other works carried out also included networking of all the laboratories, fitting of audio visual equipment in all the laboratories, painting and re-roofing and tiling of the floors .
Professor Adarkwa expressed hope that the project which was carried out through their internally generated funds would boost the enthusiasm of the staff to conduct a series of research works that would impact positively on the operations of the university.
In his address the Provost of the College of Science Professor Aboagye Menyeh, commended Professor Adarkwa “ for sustaining the momentum to modernise our laboratories”.
He explained that the priority given to the project by the Vice Chancellor facilitated its completion, thereby creating an environment that had made laboratory work interesting .
He advised the students to take advantage of the modern facilities and focus on their academic programmes for their own good and that of the nation, saying “ with these facilities, you have no excuse to grumble”.
Stressing, he said “ you are to use these facilities to enable you to acquire practical and experimental skills as well as better understand the theories you learn in the classrooms”.
“ Your parents, the Government and, indeed, the university are investing heavily in your training We hope your training will pay the nation the best interest to he noted .
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
FEMALE TEACHERS CHALLENGED TO RE-ORIENT THEMSELVES (PAGE 32, NOV 19)
THE General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mrs Irene Duncan-Adanusa, has challenged women in the teaching profession to re-orient themselves by regularly upgrading and building their capacities.
That, she noted, would enable them to acquire the requisite status, experience and confidence to be at the forefront of influencing decision-making, policies and programmes at the highest level to contribute to addressing the challenges posed by the world.
She pointed out that since women and children had always borne the brunt of global crises such as economic recession, environmental degradation, political upheaval, energy crisis, food insecurity, among others, it was important for them to forge a united front to enable them to influence policy formulation and implementation at all levels of human endeavour.
Addressing delegates to the second National Women’s GNAT Ladies roundtable conference in Kumasi on Monday, Mrs Duncan-Adanusa noted, “Women are still struggling with the scourge of low education in the 21st century and as such they are by-passed on basic issues that affect their survival.”
The three-day conference will afford participants the opportunity to take stock of their programmes and activities to enable them to set targets before they meet in four years’ time.
It will also afford them the opportunity to pass resolutions on critical issues affecting the progress of women in the union in particular and society in general.
The conference, which is on the theme, “Strengthening female teachers’ participation in union activities in the face of the global crisis”, is also intended to afford members the opportunity to educate Ghanaians on the activities of GNAT-LAS and other women’s groups in the West African sub-region.
About 700 members nation-wide attended the conference, while delegates from The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, as well as representatives from sister unions, such as the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), the Ghana Registered Nurses Association and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), also attended the conference and read solidarity messages.
Mrs Duncan-Adanusa noted that the GNAT-LAS conference was heading towards the goal of becoming an integral part of the quadrennial delegates conference of GNAT.
She pointed out that the struggle for women’s emancipation had never been easy “and we should not be deceived into thinking that any human endeavour could succeed through short-cuts”.
“It is important for us to make use of the skills acquired through workshops and seminars to build our capacities in a way that will make us exude an incomparable level of confidence and sophistication for doors to open for us anytime we make any attempt,” she stressed.
Earlier in her welcome address, the National Co-ordinator for Gender Programmes of GNAT-LAS, Mrs Helene Awurasa, had said the need to entrench organisational rules and policies, inadequate funding of their activities and programmes, lack of proper child-care facilities for babies of female teachers, as well as male chauvinism, the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities borne by many women and the impact of the HIV/AIDS on female teachers, remained their biggest challenges.
She said to address some of the challenges, GNAT-LAS had, since 2006, organised some programmes such as policy development, training and sensitisation, advocacy, research and networking, among others, for its members as a way of improving their skills.
She expressed the hope that the conference would provide the requisite experience in trade union politics and procedures for the members as a way of boosting their confidence to enable them to explore and address issues that affected them.
That, she noted, would enable them to acquire the requisite status, experience and confidence to be at the forefront of influencing decision-making, policies and programmes at the highest level to contribute to addressing the challenges posed by the world.
She pointed out that since women and children had always borne the brunt of global crises such as economic recession, environmental degradation, political upheaval, energy crisis, food insecurity, among others, it was important for them to forge a united front to enable them to influence policy formulation and implementation at all levels of human endeavour.
Addressing delegates to the second National Women’s GNAT Ladies roundtable conference in Kumasi on Monday, Mrs Duncan-Adanusa noted, “Women are still struggling with the scourge of low education in the 21st century and as such they are by-passed on basic issues that affect their survival.”
The three-day conference will afford participants the opportunity to take stock of their programmes and activities to enable them to set targets before they meet in four years’ time.
It will also afford them the opportunity to pass resolutions on critical issues affecting the progress of women in the union in particular and society in general.
The conference, which is on the theme, “Strengthening female teachers’ participation in union activities in the face of the global crisis”, is also intended to afford members the opportunity to educate Ghanaians on the activities of GNAT-LAS and other women’s groups in the West African sub-region.
About 700 members nation-wide attended the conference, while delegates from The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, as well as representatives from sister unions, such as the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), the Ghana Registered Nurses Association and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), also attended the conference and read solidarity messages.
Mrs Duncan-Adanusa noted that the GNAT-LAS conference was heading towards the goal of becoming an integral part of the quadrennial delegates conference of GNAT.
She pointed out that the struggle for women’s emancipation had never been easy “and we should not be deceived into thinking that any human endeavour could succeed through short-cuts”.
“It is important for us to make use of the skills acquired through workshops and seminars to build our capacities in a way that will make us exude an incomparable level of confidence and sophistication for doors to open for us anytime we make any attempt,” she stressed.
Earlier in her welcome address, the National Co-ordinator for Gender Programmes of GNAT-LAS, Mrs Helene Awurasa, had said the need to entrench organisational rules and policies, inadequate funding of their activities and programmes, lack of proper child-care facilities for babies of female teachers, as well as male chauvinism, the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities borne by many women and the impact of the HIV/AIDS on female teachers, remained their biggest challenges.
She said to address some of the challenges, GNAT-LAS had, since 2006, organised some programmes such as policy development, training and sensitisation, advocacy, research and networking, among others, for its members as a way of improving their skills.
She expressed the hope that the conference would provide the requisite experience in trade union politics and procedures for the members as a way of boosting their confidence to enable them to explore and address issues that affected them.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
DEALERS, FARMERS UNDERGO TRAINING IN CHEMICAL APPLICATION (NOV 17, PAGE 34)
FIVE hundred and ninety-four agro chemical dealers and seed producers have undergone training in agro-chemical application and service delivery in Kumasi.
The training workshop was organised by the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Chemical Control and Management Centre, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Each of the 594 agro chemical dealers and seed producers was given a certificate of participation.
The certification ceremony which was co-sponsored by the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agriculture Development (IFDC) and held at Ejisu at the weekend, also provided evidence of authenticity, affirming the competence and recognition of the agro-chemical dealers in the application of their products and efficient service delivery to farmers.
The expectation is that they will not serve farmers with agro-chemicals that pose undue risk to human health and the environment, and also adhere to laid-down regulations on the applications of their products to facilitate increased agricultural production and income generation for farmers.
In his address, the IFDC representative in Ghana, Dr Kofi Debrah, said the capacity building programme for the agro-chemical dealers had facilitated the formation of the Ghana Agro-Input Dealer Association (GAIDA) to differentiate them from those who had not acquired any form of training.
He said to enhance the supply of quality products, the Ghana Agribusiness Associations Business Information Centre (GAABIC) had also been formed as a consortium and a one-stop centre for GAIDA.
Dr Debrah said as part of their efforts to sustain the capacity building for agro-chemical distributors, the IFDC had also received funds from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
The financial support, he said, would also ensure that GAABIC is strengthened to become a unique and home-grown company that would continue to provide valuable services to the agricultural associations in a sustainable manner.
He said in less than a year that the Ghana Agro-Dealers Development (GADD) Project started, it had been influential in getting the Seed and Fertiliser Bill to the stage of being passed.
He said it had also mapped out the locations and sales points of products, thereby enhancing their distribution and accessibility to farmers.
He advised the agro-chemical dealers to use their newly acquired skills to provide quality service to farmers and also collaborate with them to “ smoke out fake agro-dealers from your midst”, stressing that,
“You need to set good examples through your activities as true professionals for others to follow”.
Speaking on the importance of the certification, the Pesticides Registrar of the EPA, Mr John Pwamang, said it provided evidence that the holder “has the necessary facilities and processes in place to deal in quality agro-products and services”.
“It also indicates that the operation of the dealer does not pose undue risks to human health and the environment”, he added and stressed that training should be undertaken on a regular basis and not to be considered as a one-off event.
The training workshop was organised by the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Chemical Control and Management Centre, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Each of the 594 agro chemical dealers and seed producers was given a certificate of participation.
The certification ceremony which was co-sponsored by the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agriculture Development (IFDC) and held at Ejisu at the weekend, also provided evidence of authenticity, affirming the competence and recognition of the agro-chemical dealers in the application of their products and efficient service delivery to farmers.
The expectation is that they will not serve farmers with agro-chemicals that pose undue risk to human health and the environment, and also adhere to laid-down regulations on the applications of their products to facilitate increased agricultural production and income generation for farmers.
In his address, the IFDC representative in Ghana, Dr Kofi Debrah, said the capacity building programme for the agro-chemical dealers had facilitated the formation of the Ghana Agro-Input Dealer Association (GAIDA) to differentiate them from those who had not acquired any form of training.
He said to enhance the supply of quality products, the Ghana Agribusiness Associations Business Information Centre (GAABIC) had also been formed as a consortium and a one-stop centre for GAIDA.
Dr Debrah said as part of their efforts to sustain the capacity building for agro-chemical distributors, the IFDC had also received funds from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
The financial support, he said, would also ensure that GAABIC is strengthened to become a unique and home-grown company that would continue to provide valuable services to the agricultural associations in a sustainable manner.
He said in less than a year that the Ghana Agro-Dealers Development (GADD) Project started, it had been influential in getting the Seed and Fertiliser Bill to the stage of being passed.
He said it had also mapped out the locations and sales points of products, thereby enhancing their distribution and accessibility to farmers.
He advised the agro-chemical dealers to use their newly acquired skills to provide quality service to farmers and also collaborate with them to “ smoke out fake agro-dealers from your midst”, stressing that,
“You need to set good examples through your activities as true professionals for others to follow”.
Speaking on the importance of the certification, the Pesticides Registrar of the EPA, Mr John Pwamang, said it provided evidence that the holder “has the necessary facilities and processes in place to deal in quality agro-products and services”.
“It also indicates that the operation of the dealer does not pose undue risks to human health and the environment”, he added and stressed that training should be undertaken on a regular basis and not to be considered as a one-off event.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
GERMAN MEDICAL TEAM OPERATES ON 54 PATIENTS (PAGE 29, NOV 11)
A Team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses from Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Camp (RPSC) in Rotenburg, Germany, has operated on 54 patients to remove their tumours and correct facial deformities of others.
Thirty-two of the surgical operations which lasted for a week were performed at the Tamale Regional Hospital, while 22 operations were also performed at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The surgeries, which were performed free of charge, were through the initiatives of a German-based Ghanaian anaesthetists, Dr Jacob Fofie Siaw, who was part of the team.
Other members of the team were Dr Christian Schippers, a surgeon, who was the leader of the team, Dr Alexander Rudolf, another surgeon, Dr Michael Paland, and anaesthetist, Dr Casten Schrieber, also an anaesthetist, Ms Baebel Ulbricht, a nurse, Ms Yohanna Schippers, a student and Ms Andrea Martin, a nurse anaesthetist.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview after operating on a-34-year-old woman with a tumour at the KATH, Dr Fofie Siaw said the team had been visiting developing countries to perform special services for children and adults who had facial defects and head tumours.
Dr Fofie Siaw said, "Many of the beneficiaries had lot of swellings on their faces, with others having problems with their jaws, making it impossible for them to open their mouth properly”.
He said “one of the patients had not been able to open her jaws for the past 25 year, because both the upper and the lower bones of the jaws were completely fused together, but now, she can do everything after the surgery".
He said each of the patients would have paid between GH¢400 and GH¢1,500, depending on the their conditions, explaining that some of the tumours were so big that it took them over six hours to remove them.
He said apart from the free surgical operation, they also provided the patients with drugs and offered some medical supplies to the KATH and Tamale hospitals.
Thirty-two of the surgical operations which lasted for a week were performed at the Tamale Regional Hospital, while 22 operations were also performed at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The surgeries, which were performed free of charge, were through the initiatives of a German-based Ghanaian anaesthetists, Dr Jacob Fofie Siaw, who was part of the team.
Other members of the team were Dr Christian Schippers, a surgeon, who was the leader of the team, Dr Alexander Rudolf, another surgeon, Dr Michael Paland, and anaesthetist, Dr Casten Schrieber, also an anaesthetist, Ms Baebel Ulbricht, a nurse, Ms Yohanna Schippers, a student and Ms Andrea Martin, a nurse anaesthetist.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview after operating on a-34-year-old woman with a tumour at the KATH, Dr Fofie Siaw said the team had been visiting developing countries to perform special services for children and adults who had facial defects and head tumours.
Dr Fofie Siaw said, "Many of the beneficiaries had lot of swellings on their faces, with others having problems with their jaws, making it impossible for them to open their mouth properly”.
He said “one of the patients had not been able to open her jaws for the past 25 year, because both the upper and the lower bones of the jaws were completely fused together, but now, she can do everything after the surgery".
He said each of the patients would have paid between GH¢400 and GH¢1,500, depending on the their conditions, explaining that some of the tumours were so big that it took them over six hours to remove them.
He said apart from the free surgical operation, they also provided the patients with drugs and offered some medical supplies to the KATH and Tamale hospitals.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NO RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION (SPREAD, NOV 7)
THE government has given the assurance that it will not leave out members of any religious denomination in its quest to revamp the national economy.
According to President J. E. A. Mills, since no religious denomination could lay absolute claim to wisdom and scholarship, it was incumbent on the government to pool ideas from these backgrounds to breath life into the economy and improve the lot of the people.
President Mills, who made these remarks at a durbar organised by the chiefs and people of Asawase Constituency in Kumasi, pointed out that the various religious denominations had members endowed with some of the finest brains in the country.
The interaction with the chiefs and people of Asawase formed part of the President Mills’s visit to the Ashanti Region where he was expected to thank the people for voting for the National Democratic Congress.
President Mills explained government policies and programmes, as well as learnt at first-hand problems confronting the people.
According to the President, the government would accord equal opportunities of development to the people irrespective of their religious backgrounds, since the nation needed the collective efforts of its citizens to restructure the various sectors.
He said paying equal attention to the expectations of people from diverse religious faiths was the duty of every responsible government which was committed to engaging its citizens in national reconstruction and development.
President Mills said the government would continue to promote religious harmony and tolerance, which were needed to ensure the full participation of the entire citizenry in nation building.
He briefed the people on the state of the national economy the government inherited from the previous administration, describing it as distorted and full of contradictions.
President Mills, however, assured the gathering that the government had taken the necessary measures to arrest the decline of the economy and inject sanity into all critical sectors of society.
He asked the people to exercise restrained whilst the government continued to take the appropriate interventions which would stabilise the economy and provide opportunities of employment for the people, especially the youth.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, expressed confidence in the Mills administration to tackle the various problems plaguing society and restore confidence in the economy.
Alhaji Muntaka also assured the people of the government’s commitment to provide them with facilities which would open up the economy of the area, as well as improve their quality of life.
A representative of the Sarkin of the area thanked the government for the arrangements put in place especially at the Kotoka International Airport to ensure a successful Hajj.
According to President J. E. A. Mills, since no religious denomination could lay absolute claim to wisdom and scholarship, it was incumbent on the government to pool ideas from these backgrounds to breath life into the economy and improve the lot of the people.
President Mills, who made these remarks at a durbar organised by the chiefs and people of Asawase Constituency in Kumasi, pointed out that the various religious denominations had members endowed with some of the finest brains in the country.
The interaction with the chiefs and people of Asawase formed part of the President Mills’s visit to the Ashanti Region where he was expected to thank the people for voting for the National Democratic Congress.
President Mills explained government policies and programmes, as well as learnt at first-hand problems confronting the people.
According to the President, the government would accord equal opportunities of development to the people irrespective of their religious backgrounds, since the nation needed the collective efforts of its citizens to restructure the various sectors.
He said paying equal attention to the expectations of people from diverse religious faiths was the duty of every responsible government which was committed to engaging its citizens in national reconstruction and development.
President Mills said the government would continue to promote religious harmony and tolerance, which were needed to ensure the full participation of the entire citizenry in nation building.
He briefed the people on the state of the national economy the government inherited from the previous administration, describing it as distorted and full of contradictions.
President Mills, however, assured the gathering that the government had taken the necessary measures to arrest the decline of the economy and inject sanity into all critical sectors of society.
He asked the people to exercise restrained whilst the government continued to take the appropriate interventions which would stabilise the economy and provide opportunities of employment for the people, especially the youth.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, expressed confidence in the Mills administration to tackle the various problems plaguing society and restore confidence in the economy.
Alhaji Muntaka also assured the people of the government’s commitment to provide them with facilities which would open up the economy of the area, as well as improve their quality of life.
A representative of the Sarkin of the area thanked the government for the arrangements put in place especially at the Kotoka International Airport to ensure a successful Hajj.
Friday, November 6, 2009
WE'LL ENSURE FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES - Says Prez Mills (SPREAD)
PRESIDENT John Evans Atta Mills yesterday began a four-day working tour of the Ashanti Region with a pledge that the distribution of the nation’s resources would not be influenced by any partisan considerations, saying he would harness both the human and natural resources of the nation for effective and efficient development.
He explained that the country’s resources were a collective contribution of the people, for which his government was duty-bound to ensure its equitable distribution.
President Mills made the remarks during a durbar organised in his honour at the Manhyia Palace.
The visit, which was meant to thank the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in particular and the chiefs and people of Ashanti in general for their support during the 2008 electioneering, was also meant to solicit their support for the President’s four-year term in office.
President Mills, who was full of gratitude for the Asantehene for organising the grand durbar in his honour, noted, “The time has come for all Ghanaians to put their political affiliations aside and unite to ensure the effective and efficient development of the country.”
Expressing concern over the rancour and bitterness associated with a section of the populace, he said such an attitude undermined the peace and tranquillity in the country.
He pointed out that “it is important for people to respect the elderly and those in responsible positions”, stressing that “it is equally important for the present generation to leave a legacy that will be cherished by the next generation”.
He promised to initiate policies and programmes that would accelerate sustainable national development, saying, “I was elected to serve the people and not to lord it over them.”
President Mills told the chiefs and people that he would facilitate the revival of both the Jute and Shoe factories in Kumasi as a way of providing employment for the youth.
That, he said, would please Otumfuo Osei Tutu, whose desire was to support initiatives that would reduce problems associated with unemployment among the youth.
The President urged Ghanaians to be committed to the nation’s development, just as the players of the Black Satellites did in Egypt recently by conquering the world.
He said with the commitment of all Ghanaians, coupled with good governance and stability, the country would soon achieve accelerated development.
He paid tribute to past governments for bringing the country to this level and promised to play his part to facilitate national development.
Commending President Mills for his formal visit to the region, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the people of Ashanti “are not enemies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government”.
He said like other ethnic groups in the country, many Ashantis belonged to all the political parties, including the NDC.
The Asantehene said partisan politics was by choice, adding that with the acceptance of democracy as the only form of governance, there was the need for Ghanaians to accept and respect the choice of Ghanaians in terms of the political parties they joined.
He advised President Mills to be strong and bold in discharging his responsibilities, saying, “You should beware of bootlickers and praise singers who are only interested in pursing their selfish interest at the expense of your government.”
“They did it to Rawlings and Kufuor and they will not spare you if you do not put your feet firmly down,” he noted.
“We only need good governance and policies that will facilitate road construction, the distribution of potable water, energy, educational infrastructure, improvement of agriculture, among others,” he added.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the problems facing President Mills were difficult but not insurmountable and, therefore, charged him to be focused, assuring him that he was solidly behind him.
He explained that the country’s resources were a collective contribution of the people, for which his government was duty-bound to ensure its equitable distribution.
President Mills made the remarks during a durbar organised in his honour at the Manhyia Palace.
The visit, which was meant to thank the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in particular and the chiefs and people of Ashanti in general for their support during the 2008 electioneering, was also meant to solicit their support for the President’s four-year term in office.
President Mills, who was full of gratitude for the Asantehene for organising the grand durbar in his honour, noted, “The time has come for all Ghanaians to put their political affiliations aside and unite to ensure the effective and efficient development of the country.”
Expressing concern over the rancour and bitterness associated with a section of the populace, he said such an attitude undermined the peace and tranquillity in the country.
He pointed out that “it is important for people to respect the elderly and those in responsible positions”, stressing that “it is equally important for the present generation to leave a legacy that will be cherished by the next generation”.
He promised to initiate policies and programmes that would accelerate sustainable national development, saying, “I was elected to serve the people and not to lord it over them.”
President Mills told the chiefs and people that he would facilitate the revival of both the Jute and Shoe factories in Kumasi as a way of providing employment for the youth.
That, he said, would please Otumfuo Osei Tutu, whose desire was to support initiatives that would reduce problems associated with unemployment among the youth.
The President urged Ghanaians to be committed to the nation’s development, just as the players of the Black Satellites did in Egypt recently by conquering the world.
He said with the commitment of all Ghanaians, coupled with good governance and stability, the country would soon achieve accelerated development.
He paid tribute to past governments for bringing the country to this level and promised to play his part to facilitate national development.
Commending President Mills for his formal visit to the region, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the people of Ashanti “are not enemies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government”.
He said like other ethnic groups in the country, many Ashantis belonged to all the political parties, including the NDC.
The Asantehene said partisan politics was by choice, adding that with the acceptance of democracy as the only form of governance, there was the need for Ghanaians to accept and respect the choice of Ghanaians in terms of the political parties they joined.
He advised President Mills to be strong and bold in discharging his responsibilities, saying, “You should beware of bootlickers and praise singers who are only interested in pursing their selfish interest at the expense of your government.”
“They did it to Rawlings and Kufuor and they will not spare you if you do not put your feet firmly down,” he noted.
“We only need good governance and policies that will facilitate road construction, the distribution of potable water, energy, educational infrastructure, improvement of agriculture, among others,” he added.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the problems facing President Mills were difficult but not insurmountable and, therefore, charged him to be focused, assuring him that he was solidly behind him.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
KATH ATTENDS TO 701 BREAST CANCER CASES (PAGE 11, NOV 5)
The Ashanti Regional Women’s branch of the Timber and Wood Workers Union has held a seminar in Kumasi, during which the participants were enlightened on the treatment and cure of breast and cervical cancers.
The Head of the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Baffour Awua, said breast and cervical cancers were the most common cancers among women, which put the lives of patients at risk when they were detected late.
According to him, the department had attended to 701 breast cancer cases since it was established in 2004, adding that about 80 per cent of the cases were reported late, leading to high cost of treatment.
Dr Baffour Awua pointed out that it was important for women to undertake breast examination regularly to enable them to detect any abnormal changes such as lumps in their breasts early to enable them to seek medical care, adding that breast cancer could be cured if patients sought early treatment.
“Many of the patients report only when the disease has reached an advanced state. Such situations put the lives of the patients at high risk. The cost of treatment at the advanced stage is also very high because a single dose of some drugs used for the treatment cost GH¢8,000,” he noted.
He explained that treating breast cancer at the advanced stage was very difficult “because it spreads very fast to other parts of the body, such as the armpit, lungs and brains”.
He said women, especially those above 35 and those with a family history of breast cancer, were at high risk and, therefore, advised them to appreciate the need to consult medical experts at regular intervals.
Dr Baffour Awua explained that “because the disease is not painful at the initial stages, many patients tend to wait until it reaches the advanced stages before seeking medica attentionl, and even at that level they prefer consulting prophets and Mallams”.
He said like breast cancer, cervical cancer was equally dangerous and its treatment was costly, especially when it was reported late, and advised women to undertake regular self-examination and check up at the hospitals since, according to him, prevention was better than cure.
Earlier, the National Vice-Chairman of the Timber and Wood Workers Union, Mr Owusu Bempah, had said the breast was one of the important organs of women and advised the participants to take the knowledge acquired seriously to enable them to take good care of themselves and also help to enlighten other women.
The Head of the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Baffour Awua, said breast and cervical cancers were the most common cancers among women, which put the lives of patients at risk when they were detected late.
According to him, the department had attended to 701 breast cancer cases since it was established in 2004, adding that about 80 per cent of the cases were reported late, leading to high cost of treatment.
Dr Baffour Awua pointed out that it was important for women to undertake breast examination regularly to enable them to detect any abnormal changes such as lumps in their breasts early to enable them to seek medical care, adding that breast cancer could be cured if patients sought early treatment.
“Many of the patients report only when the disease has reached an advanced state. Such situations put the lives of the patients at high risk. The cost of treatment at the advanced stage is also very high because a single dose of some drugs used for the treatment cost GH¢8,000,” he noted.
He explained that treating breast cancer at the advanced stage was very difficult “because it spreads very fast to other parts of the body, such as the armpit, lungs and brains”.
He said women, especially those above 35 and those with a family history of breast cancer, were at high risk and, therefore, advised them to appreciate the need to consult medical experts at regular intervals.
Dr Baffour Awua explained that “because the disease is not painful at the initial stages, many patients tend to wait until it reaches the advanced stages before seeking medica attentionl, and even at that level they prefer consulting prophets and Mallams”.
He said like breast cancer, cervical cancer was equally dangerous and its treatment was costly, especially when it was reported late, and advised women to undertake regular self-examination and check up at the hospitals since, according to him, prevention was better than cure.
Earlier, the National Vice-Chairman of the Timber and Wood Workers Union, Mr Owusu Bempah, had said the breast was one of the important organs of women and advised the participants to take the knowledge acquired seriously to enable them to take good care of themselves and also help to enlighten other women.
KATH ATTENDS TO 701 BREAST CANCER CASES (PAGE 11, NOV 5)
The Ashanti Regional Women’s branch of the Timber and Wood Workers Union has held a seminar in Kumasi, during which the participants were enlightened on the treatment and cure of breast and cervical cancers.
The Head of the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Baffour Awua, said breast and cervical cancers were the most common cancers among women, which put the lives of patients at risk when they were detected late.
According to him, the department had attended to 701 breast cancer cases since it was established in 2004, adding that about 80 per cent of the cases were reported late, leading to high cost of treatment.
Dr Baffour Awua pointed out that it was important for women to undertake breast examination regularly to enable them to detect any abnormal changes such as lumps in their breasts early to enable them to seek medical care, adding that breast cancer could be cured if patients sought early treatment.
“Many of the patients report only when the disease has reached an advanced state. Such situations put the lives of the patients at high risk. The cost of treatment at the advanced stage is also very high because a single dose of some drugs used for the treatment cost GH¢8,000,” he noted.
He explained that treating breast cancer at the advanced stage was very difficult “because it spreads very fast to other parts of the body, such as the armpit, lungs and brains”.
He said women, especially those above 35 and those with a family history of breast cancer, were at high risk and, therefore, advised them to appreciate the need to consult medical experts at regular intervals.
Dr Baffour Awua explained that “because the disease is not painful at the initial stages, many patients tend to wait until it reaches the advanced stages before seeking medica attentionl, and even at that level they prefer consulting prophets and Mallams”.
He said like breast cancer, cervical cancer was equally dangerous and its treatment was costly, especially when it was reported late, and advised women to undertake regular self-examination and check up at the hospitals since, according to him, prevention was better than cure.
Earlier, the National Vice-Chairman of the Timber and Wood Workers Union, Mr Owusu Bempah, had said the breast was one of the important organs of women and advised the participants to take the knowledge acquired seriously to enable them to take good care of themselves and also help to enlighten other women.
The Head of the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Baffour Awua, said breast and cervical cancers were the most common cancers among women, which put the lives of patients at risk when they were detected late.
According to him, the department had attended to 701 breast cancer cases since it was established in 2004, adding that about 80 per cent of the cases were reported late, leading to high cost of treatment.
Dr Baffour Awua pointed out that it was important for women to undertake breast examination regularly to enable them to detect any abnormal changes such as lumps in their breasts early to enable them to seek medical care, adding that breast cancer could be cured if patients sought early treatment.
“Many of the patients report only when the disease has reached an advanced state. Such situations put the lives of the patients at high risk. The cost of treatment at the advanced stage is also very high because a single dose of some drugs used for the treatment cost GH¢8,000,” he noted.
He explained that treating breast cancer at the advanced stage was very difficult “because it spreads very fast to other parts of the body, such as the armpit, lungs and brains”.
He said women, especially those above 35 and those with a family history of breast cancer, were at high risk and, therefore, advised them to appreciate the need to consult medical experts at regular intervals.
Dr Baffour Awua explained that “because the disease is not painful at the initial stages, many patients tend to wait until it reaches the advanced stages before seeking medica attentionl, and even at that level they prefer consulting prophets and Mallams”.
He said like breast cancer, cervical cancer was equally dangerous and its treatment was costly, especially when it was reported late, and advised women to undertake regular self-examination and check up at the hospitals since, according to him, prevention was better than cure.
Earlier, the National Vice-Chairman of the Timber and Wood Workers Union, Mr Owusu Bempah, had said the breast was one of the important organs of women and advised the participants to take the knowledge acquired seriously to enable them to take good care of themselves and also help to enlighten other women.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
GHANA NEEDS SCIENCE-BASED PROFESSIONALS (PAGE 11, NOV 4)
A FORMER Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Emmanuel Addo Obeng, has noted that the recent development in the Ghanian body politic demands an educational system that infuses academic excellence with ethical standards.
"We need medical doctors, engineers, scientists and other science and technologically based professionals, but they must be grounded in ethics and exemplify good morals, "he noted.
Professor Addo Obeng made the remarks during the 34th matriculation ceremony of the Christian Service University College (CSUC) in Kumasi.
In all, 757 freshmen and women were admitted into the school to pursue degree programmes in Communication Studies, Theology, Computer Science and Business Studies. The recent admission has increased the student population of 1,584 to 1,951.
He explained that infusing moral values with science and technology would enable Ghana to produce principled, honest and dedicated graduates ready to support the stability of the country, national unity and sustainable socio-economic development.
"Much emphasis has been placed on science and technology, and rightly so because they are catalysts to development, but no nation can develop effectively if morality is extricated from body politic, or if the ethical standard of a people is ignored," stated.
Explaining, he said, because science and technology had been identified as the catalyst to the socio-economic development of every nation, tertiary institutions in Ghana and the educational system have generally focused on them to the neglect of moral values.
The former Vice Chancellor noted that the purpose of education was the total development of the individual, which includes the mind, hands and heart.
He said the need for the educational system to promote good moral behaviour among students "is much more pressing now than ever before because of recent developments that characterises violence during elections".
Professor Addo Obeng advised that divisive politics that had polarised the populace along two of the major political parties, the rising incidence of armed robbery, perceived corruption, discrimination on ethic and religious lines, as well as moral decadence, call for the inculcation of moral values into the educational system.
"The present situation does not augur well for the growth and stability of the country," he noted.
"What could have been a volatile situation can be averted by a well-educated person whose emotions have undergone modification programme, "he noted, adding, "it involves the inculcation of the principles of righteousness, morality and justice.
It ensures human dignity, freedom, truth, personal responsibility and stewardship."
Explaining, he said, while training the hands of students implied equipping individuals with practical and technological skills that enabled them to make a living in this modern and highly technological world, developing their minds and equip them with the requisite intellectual capabilities that help critical and analytical thinking to enable them take informed decisions to enhance their career.
In his address, the President of CSUC, Professor Emmanuel Frempong, advised the students to refrain from peddling in narcotic drugs, saying “offenders will face a disciplinary panel for appropriate punishment which may include expulsion and police prosecution."
He urged them to hold the core values of the university in high esteem, stressing that they should not only be God fearing, but should also work hard and manage their time efficiently to enhance academic and moral excellence.
He gave the assurance that the university would create the enabling environment which would enable them nurture and develop their potentials to the fullest.
"We need medical doctors, engineers, scientists and other science and technologically based professionals, but they must be grounded in ethics and exemplify good morals, "he noted.
Professor Addo Obeng made the remarks during the 34th matriculation ceremony of the Christian Service University College (CSUC) in Kumasi.
In all, 757 freshmen and women were admitted into the school to pursue degree programmes in Communication Studies, Theology, Computer Science and Business Studies. The recent admission has increased the student population of 1,584 to 1,951.
He explained that infusing moral values with science and technology would enable Ghana to produce principled, honest and dedicated graduates ready to support the stability of the country, national unity and sustainable socio-economic development.
"Much emphasis has been placed on science and technology, and rightly so because they are catalysts to development, but no nation can develop effectively if morality is extricated from body politic, or if the ethical standard of a people is ignored," stated.
Explaining, he said, because science and technology had been identified as the catalyst to the socio-economic development of every nation, tertiary institutions in Ghana and the educational system have generally focused on them to the neglect of moral values.
The former Vice Chancellor noted that the purpose of education was the total development of the individual, which includes the mind, hands and heart.
He said the need for the educational system to promote good moral behaviour among students "is much more pressing now than ever before because of recent developments that characterises violence during elections".
Professor Addo Obeng advised that divisive politics that had polarised the populace along two of the major political parties, the rising incidence of armed robbery, perceived corruption, discrimination on ethic and religious lines, as well as moral decadence, call for the inculcation of moral values into the educational system.
"The present situation does not augur well for the growth and stability of the country," he noted.
"What could have been a volatile situation can be averted by a well-educated person whose emotions have undergone modification programme, "he noted, adding, "it involves the inculcation of the principles of righteousness, morality and justice.
It ensures human dignity, freedom, truth, personal responsibility and stewardship."
Explaining, he said, while training the hands of students implied equipping individuals with practical and technological skills that enabled them to make a living in this modern and highly technological world, developing their minds and equip them with the requisite intellectual capabilities that help critical and analytical thinking to enable them take informed decisions to enhance their career.
In his address, the President of CSUC, Professor Emmanuel Frempong, advised the students to refrain from peddling in narcotic drugs, saying “offenders will face a disciplinary panel for appropriate punishment which may include expulsion and police prosecution."
He urged them to hold the core values of the university in high esteem, stressing that they should not only be God fearing, but should also work hard and manage their time efficiently to enhance academic and moral excellence.
He gave the assurance that the university would create the enabling environment which would enable them nurture and develop their potentials to the fullest.
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