From George Ernest Asare, Asante Mampong
AS part of measures to instil sanity on the road and reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents in the Mampong Municipality and its environs, the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) has embarked on an exercise to arrest and prosecute motorists who have been flouting road traffic regulations.
So far, nine drivers have been arrested, prosecuted and fined to pay various sums of money since the exercise started last week.
Four others were cautioned and discharged when they appeared before the court.
A Mampong Circuit Court, presided over by Miss Joyce Bamfo, fined the nine drivers to pay a total of GH¢1,308 after the court, found them guilty of flouting various road traffic regulations.
The drivers pleaded guilty to using expired road worthy certificates, underweight driving licence, rickety vehicles and worn out tyres among other offences.
Briefing The Mirror about the exercise, the Mampong Municipal MTTU commander, DSP Benjamin Kwadwo Gyasi, said with Christmas festivities the tendency for motorists to disregard road safety measures with the intention of increasing sales was high, hence, the exercise.
He pointed out that the Municipal MTTU had put stringent measures in place to ensure that motorists strictly abided by road traffic regulations before, during and after the Christmas festivities, to reduce the trauma passengers go through anytime a vehicle was involved in an accident.
He gave the names of the convicted drivers as; Frank Kwarteng; Louis Osei Peprah; Kofi Akyeampong and Daniel Boakye.
The others included; Francis Boadi; Abdulai Awudu; Emmanuel Adomako; Peter Owusu and Emmanuel Osei Justice.
DSP Gyasi urged drivers to be law abiding by strictly complying with road traffic regulations to prevent them from being arrested and prosecuted.
He pointed out that the duty of the police was not to harass drivers but to ensure that they operated within the confines of the law to make travelling more comfortable and enjoyable.
DSP Gyasi said it was equally important for executives of the various drivers’ unions to impress on their members to maintain their vehicles regularly and regularise their documents to ensure that they did not fall victims to the exercise being carried out by the police.
Friday, December 31, 2010
BUSINESSMAN IN TROUBLE OVER INHUMAN TREATMENT (MIRROR, DEC 31, 2010, PAGE 19)
From George Ernest Asare, Obuasi
A magistrate Court at Obuasi presided over by Mr Owusu Sekyere has slapped a GH¢6,000 court fine at an Obuasi businessman after he was found guilty on charges of assault and subjecting a 12-year-old boy to inhuman treatment.
John Bonful, aka Santiago, forced the boy to eat his own faeces after assaulting him, a situation that caused a lot of public outcry.
When Bonful appeared before the court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was found guilty after the court had gone through the full trial of the case.
The convict was made to pay GH¢3,000 as court fine to the charges preferred against him, and was also ordered to pay GH¢ 3,000 as compensation to the child he abused.
He was given a week to settle the compensation to the victim after he paid the court fine.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Amissah, told the court that in March, this year parents of the victim reported that Bonful had assaulted the boy for defecating in public.
He said not satisfied with his action, Bonful again forced the boy to eat the faeces as a form of punishment.
He said the action caused the parents of the boy to report the action of Bonful to the police who arrested and charged him for the offence after investigations were completed.
A magistrate Court at Obuasi presided over by Mr Owusu Sekyere has slapped a GH¢6,000 court fine at an Obuasi businessman after he was found guilty on charges of assault and subjecting a 12-year-old boy to inhuman treatment.
John Bonful, aka Santiago, forced the boy to eat his own faeces after assaulting him, a situation that caused a lot of public outcry.
When Bonful appeared before the court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was found guilty after the court had gone through the full trial of the case.
The convict was made to pay GH¢3,000 as court fine to the charges preferred against him, and was also ordered to pay GH¢ 3,000 as compensation to the child he abused.
He was given a week to settle the compensation to the victim after he paid the court fine.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Amissah, told the court that in March, this year parents of the victim reported that Bonful had assaulted the boy for defecating in public.
He said not satisfied with his action, Bonful again forced the boy to eat the faeces as a form of punishment.
He said the action caused the parents of the boy to report the action of Bonful to the police who arrested and charged him for the offence after investigations were completed.
Monday, December 27, 2010
SOROMA CAPITAL TO BUILD APARTMENTS IN KUMASI (PAGE 18, DEC 27, 2010)
THE Akyempemhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, has broken grounds for construction work to begin on a $3.5 million 18 apartments at the Ridge residential area in Kumasi.
The project which is being undertaken by Soroma Capital and expected to be completed by December 2011, aims at reducing accommodation problems among the working class, enhancing the beauty of Kumasi and boosting the tourist attractions in the metropolis.
About 40 people have so far been employed to work on the project and expectations are that many more would be employed as construction works progress.
Addressing a cross-section of the public during a brief ceremony, Oheneba Adusei Poku commended Soroma Capital for initiating the project at one of the high-class residential areas in Kumasi.
He said the project would not only add to the tourist attractions in Kumasi when completed, but would also provide accommodation for the emerging middle-class group who find it difficult to rent apartments in the metropolis.
Oheneba Adusei Poku pointed out that it was therefore, important for the project managers to put premium in the quality of work to entice others to invest in real estate, which he said, had now become the norm in urban centres.
“For the first time, Kumasi is going to have first-class real estate edifice which befits its status as the Garden City, so it is important that you use all the requisite expertise and avoid compromising on quality” he advised.
He gave the assurance that he would consult the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for him to release adequate land for investors who would be interested in investing in real estate, and thereby ease accommodation problems affecting residents in the metropolis.
In his address, the Project Manager of Soroma Capital, Mr Kwabena Addi-Kissiedu, said their desire of initiating the project in Kumasi, especially the Ridge residential area, was to offer the emerging middle-class group the opportunity to be accommodated in high-class residential areas.
That, he said, would not only provide serene atmosphere for them to concentrate on their core businesses, but would also enable them have the peace of mind to focus on how to increase productivity and income generation.
Explaining further, Mr Addi-Kissiedu noted, “Property investors are interested in diversifying their portfolios geographically, and Soroma Capital is blazing the trail with these apartments in Kumasi as our contribution to raise standards in the metropolis”.
The project which is being undertaken by Soroma Capital and expected to be completed by December 2011, aims at reducing accommodation problems among the working class, enhancing the beauty of Kumasi and boosting the tourist attractions in the metropolis.
About 40 people have so far been employed to work on the project and expectations are that many more would be employed as construction works progress.
Addressing a cross-section of the public during a brief ceremony, Oheneba Adusei Poku commended Soroma Capital for initiating the project at one of the high-class residential areas in Kumasi.
He said the project would not only add to the tourist attractions in Kumasi when completed, but would also provide accommodation for the emerging middle-class group who find it difficult to rent apartments in the metropolis.
Oheneba Adusei Poku pointed out that it was therefore, important for the project managers to put premium in the quality of work to entice others to invest in real estate, which he said, had now become the norm in urban centres.
“For the first time, Kumasi is going to have first-class real estate edifice which befits its status as the Garden City, so it is important that you use all the requisite expertise and avoid compromising on quality” he advised.
He gave the assurance that he would consult the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for him to release adequate land for investors who would be interested in investing in real estate, and thereby ease accommodation problems affecting residents in the metropolis.
In his address, the Project Manager of Soroma Capital, Mr Kwabena Addi-Kissiedu, said their desire of initiating the project in Kumasi, especially the Ridge residential area, was to offer the emerging middle-class group the opportunity to be accommodated in high-class residential areas.
That, he said, would not only provide serene atmosphere for them to concentrate on their core businesses, but would also enable them have the peace of mind to focus on how to increase productivity and income generation.
Explaining further, Mr Addi-Kissiedu noted, “Property investors are interested in diversifying their portfolios geographically, and Soroma Capital is blazing the trail with these apartments in Kumasi as our contribution to raise standards in the metropolis”.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
ASHANTI RECORDS 572 FIRE OUTBREAKS (MIRROR, PAGE 34, DEC 24, 2010)
AFrom George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A TOTAL of 572 fire outbreaks, including domestic, industrial, vehicle and bushfires were recorded in the Ashanti Region between January and November this year.
The estimated cost of property totally destroyed by fire in the region during the period were pegged at Gh¢ 2,254,878.80.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Officer, ACFO, Mr P. A. Mensah, who made this known when the acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr Albert Brown-Gaisie, paid a familiarisation visit to Kumasi, said during the same period last year, a total of 602 fire outbreaks were recorded.
He said a total of GH¢2,342,538 properties were also destroyed last year. Mr Mensah pointed out that during the period under review, the various regional fire stations responded positively to rescue exercises, especially during road traffic collisions involving various vehicles.
Explaining, he said, they responded to 63 road traffic collisions, which caused 27 deaths as a result of multiple injuries the victims sustained.
He said in all, 76 passengers who sustained injuries were rushed to hospital, making it possible for them to receive medical care.
He said compared to last year, there had been a decrease in fire outbreaks in the region and attributed the situation to the safety education campaigns being carried out.
He pointed out that the fire safety educational campaigns were gradually creating the needed awareness, saying, “ The public now fully appreciate the socio-economic effects of fire outbreaks”.
Assuring that they would not relent their effort to move the fire safety campaigns to market places, churches, educational institutions, industries and the media among other places.
He pointed out that as part of their educational campaigns, they observed a safety week between December 6 and 10, on the theme “ Fire safety, everybody’s concern”.
He said during the campaign they interacted with many female groups, institutions, radio stations, artisans and market women.
He said notwithstanding the numerous challenges confronting them in their educational campaigns and core duties of responding to emergencies, they lacked the needed equipment that would facilitate their operations.
He said Fire Stations at Kuntanase, Agona, Ejura, New Edubiase, Fomena and Nkenkansu among others do not have fire appliances.
He said those with appliances such as Manhyia, Mamponteng, Komfo Anokye and Bekwai “ have developed weak engines and have therefore been booked out of commission”.
On the numerical strength of their staff, Mr Mensah said out of 541 personnel in the region, “a good number are on terminal leave prior to retirement”
He, therefore, pleaded that authorities place high premium on recruitment and manpower development as a way of beefing up their strength.
In his remarks, Mr Brown-Gaisie commended personnel in the region for their commitment to their core businesses.
He also assured of the measures being taken to provide them with the needed equipment to facilitate their operations.
A TOTAL of 572 fire outbreaks, including domestic, industrial, vehicle and bushfires were recorded in the Ashanti Region between January and November this year.
The estimated cost of property totally destroyed by fire in the region during the period were pegged at Gh¢ 2,254,878.80.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Officer, ACFO, Mr P. A. Mensah, who made this known when the acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr Albert Brown-Gaisie, paid a familiarisation visit to Kumasi, said during the same period last year, a total of 602 fire outbreaks were recorded.
He said a total of GH¢2,342,538 properties were also destroyed last year. Mr Mensah pointed out that during the period under review, the various regional fire stations responded positively to rescue exercises, especially during road traffic collisions involving various vehicles.
Explaining, he said, they responded to 63 road traffic collisions, which caused 27 deaths as a result of multiple injuries the victims sustained.
He said in all, 76 passengers who sustained injuries were rushed to hospital, making it possible for them to receive medical care.
He said compared to last year, there had been a decrease in fire outbreaks in the region and attributed the situation to the safety education campaigns being carried out.
He pointed out that the fire safety educational campaigns were gradually creating the needed awareness, saying, “ The public now fully appreciate the socio-economic effects of fire outbreaks”.
Assuring that they would not relent their effort to move the fire safety campaigns to market places, churches, educational institutions, industries and the media among other places.
He pointed out that as part of their educational campaigns, they observed a safety week between December 6 and 10, on the theme “ Fire safety, everybody’s concern”.
He said during the campaign they interacted with many female groups, institutions, radio stations, artisans and market women.
He said notwithstanding the numerous challenges confronting them in their educational campaigns and core duties of responding to emergencies, they lacked the needed equipment that would facilitate their operations.
He said Fire Stations at Kuntanase, Agona, Ejura, New Edubiase, Fomena and Nkenkansu among others do not have fire appliances.
He said those with appliances such as Manhyia, Mamponteng, Komfo Anokye and Bekwai “ have developed weak engines and have therefore been booked out of commission”.
On the numerical strength of their staff, Mr Mensah said out of 541 personnel in the region, “a good number are on terminal leave prior to retirement”
He, therefore, pleaded that authorities place high premium on recruitment and manpower development as a way of beefing up their strength.
In his remarks, Mr Brown-Gaisie commended personnel in the region for their commitment to their core businesses.
He also assured of the measures being taken to provide them with the needed equipment to facilitate their operations.
Monday, December 20, 2010
KOTOKO WIN 2-1 (BACK PAGE, DEC 20, 2010)
Kumasi Asante Kotoko ended the first round of the Glo Premier League on a bright note by defeating Wa All Stars 2-1 at the Baba Yara Stadium yesterday.
All Stars put up a brilliant display and therefore deserved to win at least a point but failed to convert their chances, especially in the first half.
Kotoko were awarded a penalty in the first half but Daniel Nii Adjei failed to convert the opportunity to the disappointment of the teeming fans.
However, Prince Boateng shot Kotoko into the lead in the 57th minute by beating two defenders before delivering a shot that beat goalkeeper Robert Dabuo.In the 67th minute, Opoku doubled the lead for Kotoko with a 25-metre drive before undaunted All Stars pulled a goal back through Nathaniel Asamoah who outwitted two Kotoko defenders before putting the ball at the blind side of goalkeeper Isaac Amoako.
All Stars put up a brilliant display and therefore deserved to win at least a point but failed to convert their chances, especially in the first half.
Kotoko were awarded a penalty in the first half but Daniel Nii Adjei failed to convert the opportunity to the disappointment of the teeming fans.
However, Prince Boateng shot Kotoko into the lead in the 57th minute by beating two defenders before delivering a shot that beat goalkeeper Robert Dabuo.In the 67th minute, Opoku doubled the lead for Kotoko with a 25-metre drive before undaunted All Stars pulled a goal back through Nathaniel Asamoah who outwitted two Kotoko defenders before putting the ball at the blind side of goalkeeper Isaac Amoako.
KUMASI BANS 99 VEHICLES (PAGE 3, DEC 20, 2010)
NINETY-NINE commercial and private vehicles operating within the Kumasi metropolis have been prohibited from using any road in the country due to the danger they pose to other road users.
A total of 125 commercial and private transport operators in the metropolis and its environs have also been convicted to pay various fines for flouting road traffic regulations.
This was after they had been arrested between November 5 and December 10, 2010 and successfully prosecuted.
The convicts, who pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them, were made to pay GH¢16,640 as fines after they had been found guilty of road traffic offences.
Seventy-six others whose vehicles were prohibited from using the roads have, however, repaired all the defects on their vehicles and been issued with roadworthy certificates.
The arrest and conviction of the drivers followed the operations of a joint task force comprising the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service mandated to enforce road traffic regulations.
The Ashanti Regional Licencing Officer, Mr Noah Tettey Matey, who briefed the Daily Graphic on the operations, said the offences of the convicted drivers ranged from the use of defective brakes, rickety vehicles and underweight licences to expired roadworthy stickers and broken windscreens.
He said the use of worn-out tyres and disconnected rear brakes also came under scrutiny during the operations, causing the task force to arrest and prosecute many offenders.
Mr Matey said the task force scrutinised 1,010 vehicles, including 225 taxis, 117 private cars, 224 mini-buses and 47 motorcycles.
He said they also scrutinised 151 Mercedes Benz 207 buses, 100 light trucks, 73 cargo trucks, 24 tractors and 19 articulated trucks, assuring the public that the exercise would be sustained to bring sanity on the roads.
Mr Matey said at the moment five of the cases were still pending before the court, while two drivers had been cautioned and discharged.
He said the court also issued a bench warrant for the arrest of three drivers who failed to appear before it.
He pointed out that the spate of accidents on the roads could partly be blamed on the rampant break-down of vehicles on major trunk roads, saying the situation could be greatly reduced if drivers regularly maintained their vehicles.
He said the task force would continue to be in operation, even after Christmas, to ensure that drivers complied with road traffic regulations.
A total of 125 commercial and private transport operators in the metropolis and its environs have also been convicted to pay various fines for flouting road traffic regulations.
This was after they had been arrested between November 5 and December 10, 2010 and successfully prosecuted.
The convicts, who pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them, were made to pay GH¢16,640 as fines after they had been found guilty of road traffic offences.
Seventy-six others whose vehicles were prohibited from using the roads have, however, repaired all the defects on their vehicles and been issued with roadworthy certificates.
The arrest and conviction of the drivers followed the operations of a joint task force comprising the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service mandated to enforce road traffic regulations.
The Ashanti Regional Licencing Officer, Mr Noah Tettey Matey, who briefed the Daily Graphic on the operations, said the offences of the convicted drivers ranged from the use of defective brakes, rickety vehicles and underweight licences to expired roadworthy stickers and broken windscreens.
He said the use of worn-out tyres and disconnected rear brakes also came under scrutiny during the operations, causing the task force to arrest and prosecute many offenders.
Mr Matey said the task force scrutinised 1,010 vehicles, including 225 taxis, 117 private cars, 224 mini-buses and 47 motorcycles.
He said they also scrutinised 151 Mercedes Benz 207 buses, 100 light trucks, 73 cargo trucks, 24 tractors and 19 articulated trucks, assuring the public that the exercise would be sustained to bring sanity on the roads.
Mr Matey said at the moment five of the cases were still pending before the court, while two drivers had been cautioned and discharged.
He said the court also issued a bench warrant for the arrest of three drivers who failed to appear before it.
He pointed out that the spate of accidents on the roads could partly be blamed on the rampant break-down of vehicles on major trunk roads, saying the situation could be greatly reduced if drivers regularly maintained their vehicles.
He said the task force would continue to be in operation, even after Christmas, to ensure that drivers complied with road traffic regulations.
Friday, December 17, 2010
MTTU BOSS TO APPEAL AGAINST DRIVERS ACQUITTAL (MIRROR, PAGE 28, DEC 18, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
The Commanding Officer of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Awuni Angwubutoge, has threatened to appeal against a case in which the Motor Court, presided over by Justice Mariam Sulemna Sinera, acquitted and discharged a 21-year-old driver who had pleaded guilty to committing various traffic offences.
Briefing The Mirror about the case, he said the driver, Nurudeen Gaisie, who was in charge of LT cargo truck with registration number GT 387 A, was arrested on December 2, 2010, for driving a commercial vehicle without valid licence.
He said the driver was also using a vehicle with no valid road worthy certificate and worn out tyres.
“The vehicle was also very weak, with a rusty body which had the tendency to create danger to other road users” he explained.
Explaining further, Mr Awuni said officers of the MTTU arrested the driver along the Graphic–Kaneshie road around 1.00 p.m. on December 2, 2010, and when he was asked to produce his licence, he could not do so.
He said he was also 21 years old and driving a commercial vehicle was against traffic regulations.
Mr Awuni said during inspection, the officers found out that all the tyres on the vehicle were completely worn out, exposing the inner threads, and further inspection also revealed that the road worthy certificate had expired for more than a year.
He said after investigations, the driver was charged for using an expired road worthy certificate, driving a commercial vehicle without valid licence and using a vehicle that exposed other road users to danger, among other offences.
He said when Nurudeen appeared before the Motor Court, he pleaded guilty to all the offences, but surprisingly the judge acquitted and discharged him.
Expressing his displeasure against the ruling, Mr Awuni said such actions by the courts undermined the efforts by the police to enforce road traffic regulations.
He pointed out that the MTTU needed to be encouraged to enforce road traffic regulations as a way of reducing the rate of accidents that had been claiming precious lives and destroying property all year round.
Mr Awuni pointed out that as Christmas approached, the tendency for drivers to disregard road safety regulations were high, saying MTTU personnel would be on duty to enforce road traffic regulations, but their efforts would not yield positive results if the courts continue to set drivers free when they plead guilty to offences committed.
The Commanding Officer of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Awuni Angwubutoge, has threatened to appeal against a case in which the Motor Court, presided over by Justice Mariam Sulemna Sinera, acquitted and discharged a 21-year-old driver who had pleaded guilty to committing various traffic offences.
Briefing The Mirror about the case, he said the driver, Nurudeen Gaisie, who was in charge of LT cargo truck with registration number GT 387 A, was arrested on December 2, 2010, for driving a commercial vehicle without valid licence.
He said the driver was also using a vehicle with no valid road worthy certificate and worn out tyres.
“The vehicle was also very weak, with a rusty body which had the tendency to create danger to other road users” he explained.
Explaining further, Mr Awuni said officers of the MTTU arrested the driver along the Graphic–Kaneshie road around 1.00 p.m. on December 2, 2010, and when he was asked to produce his licence, he could not do so.
He said he was also 21 years old and driving a commercial vehicle was against traffic regulations.
Mr Awuni said during inspection, the officers found out that all the tyres on the vehicle were completely worn out, exposing the inner threads, and further inspection also revealed that the road worthy certificate had expired for more than a year.
He said after investigations, the driver was charged for using an expired road worthy certificate, driving a commercial vehicle without valid licence and using a vehicle that exposed other road users to danger, among other offences.
He said when Nurudeen appeared before the Motor Court, he pleaded guilty to all the offences, but surprisingly the judge acquitted and discharged him.
Expressing his displeasure against the ruling, Mr Awuni said such actions by the courts undermined the efforts by the police to enforce road traffic regulations.
He pointed out that the MTTU needed to be encouraged to enforce road traffic regulations as a way of reducing the rate of accidents that had been claiming precious lives and destroying property all year round.
Mr Awuni pointed out that as Christmas approached, the tendency for drivers to disregard road safety regulations were high, saying MTTU personnel would be on duty to enforce road traffic regulations, but their efforts would not yield positive results if the courts continue to set drivers free when they plead guilty to offences committed.
COALITION EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT JATROPHA FARMS (PAGE 51, DEC 17, 2010)
THE Civil Society Coalition on Land (CICOL) has expressed concern over the scramble for large tracts of land across the country by multinational and local companies for the cultivation of jatropha.
According to CICOL, as much as 510,000 hectares of land had already been acquired for the cultivation of jatropha in Agogo in the Ashanti Region, Yeji in the Brong Ahafo Region and other parts of the country, explaining that the activity had already displaced many farmers, thereby affecting food production in the areas without adequate compensation.
The executive committee of CICOL, therefore, appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, intervene, saying displacing farmers for the cultivation of jatropha at the expense of food crops had the tendency of creating food insecurity and shortages in the country.
An executive member of CICOL, Nana Dwomo Sarpong, who briefed the Daily Graphic on the operations of multinational companies in the cultivation of jatropha and its effect on food production, explained that in Agogo, a Norwegian company had acquired 400,000 hectares of land belonging to the people of Agogo for the cultivation of jatropha for bio-diesel production.
Explaining further, he said an Israeli company, Galten Company Limited, had also acquired 100,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of the crop at Yeji, while an Italian company, Agroils Limited, had also acquired 10,000 hectares of land to cultivate the crop.
Nana Sarpong, who is also the President of Friends of Rivers and Water Bodies, an environmental NGO, said so far more than 20 companies from The Netherlands, India, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Israel, Norway, China and Brazil were now in Ghana cultivating lands in the Volta, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern and Northern regions.
On oil exploration in the country, he said the situation would further aggravate the land grabbing situation in Ghana, since vast parcels of land had already been obtained for large-scale gold mining, timber utilisation, as well as rubber and oil plantation.
“These acquisitions have impacted on land rights and livelihood and compensation issues remain a great challenge,” he stated.
“The oil find is on the verge of rendering the rural folks in the Jomoro District poorer, as their lands which were used for the cultivation of cocoa, coconut, oil palm, cassava, maize, groundnut and vegetables are now leased out for other purposes in relation to the oil find,” he explained.
Nana Sarpong reiterated the need for adequate compensation to be paid to displaced farmers, saying, “Farmers have to be compensated fairly when their farmlands are claimed for other purposes.”
According to CICOL, as much as 510,000 hectares of land had already been acquired for the cultivation of jatropha in Agogo in the Ashanti Region, Yeji in the Brong Ahafo Region and other parts of the country, explaining that the activity had already displaced many farmers, thereby affecting food production in the areas without adequate compensation.
The executive committee of CICOL, therefore, appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, intervene, saying displacing farmers for the cultivation of jatropha at the expense of food crops had the tendency of creating food insecurity and shortages in the country.
An executive member of CICOL, Nana Dwomo Sarpong, who briefed the Daily Graphic on the operations of multinational companies in the cultivation of jatropha and its effect on food production, explained that in Agogo, a Norwegian company had acquired 400,000 hectares of land belonging to the people of Agogo for the cultivation of jatropha for bio-diesel production.
Explaining further, he said an Israeli company, Galten Company Limited, had also acquired 100,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of the crop at Yeji, while an Italian company, Agroils Limited, had also acquired 10,000 hectares of land to cultivate the crop.
Nana Sarpong, who is also the President of Friends of Rivers and Water Bodies, an environmental NGO, said so far more than 20 companies from The Netherlands, India, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Israel, Norway, China and Brazil were now in Ghana cultivating lands in the Volta, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern and Northern regions.
On oil exploration in the country, he said the situation would further aggravate the land grabbing situation in Ghana, since vast parcels of land had already been obtained for large-scale gold mining, timber utilisation, as well as rubber and oil plantation.
“These acquisitions have impacted on land rights and livelihood and compensation issues remain a great challenge,” he stated.
“The oil find is on the verge of rendering the rural folks in the Jomoro District poorer, as their lands which were used for the cultivation of cocoa, coconut, oil palm, cassava, maize, groundnut and vegetables are now leased out for other purposes in relation to the oil find,” he explained.
Nana Sarpong reiterated the need for adequate compensation to be paid to displaced farmers, saying, “Farmers have to be compensated fairly when their farmlands are claimed for other purposes.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
GOVT URGED TO SUPPORT PRIVATE TERTIARY STUDENTS (PAGE 11, DEC 15, 2010)
THE Chairman of the Governing Council of Ghana Baptist University College, (GBUC) Professor Edwin Kwame Wiredu, has stressed the need for the government to extend financial support to students pursuing various programmes in private tertiary institutions just like those in the public schools.
Speaking on the theme, “tapping the potential of private universities in Ghana for job creation and national economic development”, during the second graduation ceremony of the Ghana Baptist University College in Kumasi, Professor Wiredu said “ since education is considered more of a right than a privilege, it is important that we consider an all-inclusive system of education that benefits every youth in Ghana”.
In all, 109 students were awarded certificates in Theology , Music Business Administration, Human Resource Management and Management, among other programmes.
Professor Wiredu said apart from parents paying taxes that went to support the educational sector, “ students in both private and public universities offer one year mandatory national service”, hence, the need to support every tertiary student financially .
He assured that the Council would establish an endowment fund that would enhance research work in the university to broaden the horizon of students.
He, therefore, charged the management of the school to establish a research committee that would not only work out modalities of the research programme, but would also source for sponsors to facilitate the establishment of the programme.
He said the Council had also given approval to pay 10 per cent of the fees of all Baptists who qualified to access tertiary education at the university.
Professor Wiredu said as part of the measures being taken to offer opportunity for students to study French as a second language, a multi-media centre was being established at the Citi Campus at Amakom.
Explaining, he said, the centre would “enhance teaching and learning of French and English through audio visual presentations”.
In his address, the President of the GBUC, Rev. Dr Kojo Osei-Wusuh, said from a humble beginning, the University College was now growing steadily.
He said measures had been established to enhance quality teaching and learning, explaining that apart from the increased classroom blocks provided to enhance effective lecturer-student interaction, hostel facilities had also been provided to ease accommodation for prospective students.
Rev. Dr Wusuh said the GBUC had also not only refurbished its library facility to enhance research work but was also upgrading its Internet facilities with the view to introducing e-library to ensure efficient teaching, learning and research for both students and the faculty.
He, therefore, urged students to take advantage of the facility to broaden their horizon.
He announced that the University was in the process of introducing Personnel Development Planning programme to equip students with “personal self-understanding and how to plan their career and life”, and pointed out that the programme was also intended to make students fully prepared and confident in their effort to overcome any challenge they may encounter as they developed their career.
For his part, the Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante, commended private universities for their roles in expanding the enrolment of students at the tertiary level in the country .
He pointed out that “until the establishment of private universities which expanded access to higher education in Ghana, only 25-30 per cent of the total number of candidates who qualified each year for admission into the five public universities actually gained admission”.
He pointed out that evidence clearly pointed to the fact that higher education could produce both public and private benefits for individuals, including the enhancement of academic capacity, better employment prospect, as well as relatively higher salaries and a greater ability to save and invest.
On its benefits to the public, Most Rev. Professor Asante said “tertiary education can help economies develop and promote faster technological catch-up and improve a country’s ability to maximise its economic output”.
Speaking on the theme, “tapping the potential of private universities in Ghana for job creation and national economic development”, during the second graduation ceremony of the Ghana Baptist University College in Kumasi, Professor Wiredu said “ since education is considered more of a right than a privilege, it is important that we consider an all-inclusive system of education that benefits every youth in Ghana”.
In all, 109 students were awarded certificates in Theology , Music Business Administration, Human Resource Management and Management, among other programmes.
Professor Wiredu said apart from parents paying taxes that went to support the educational sector, “ students in both private and public universities offer one year mandatory national service”, hence, the need to support every tertiary student financially .
He assured that the Council would establish an endowment fund that would enhance research work in the university to broaden the horizon of students.
He, therefore, charged the management of the school to establish a research committee that would not only work out modalities of the research programme, but would also source for sponsors to facilitate the establishment of the programme.
He said the Council had also given approval to pay 10 per cent of the fees of all Baptists who qualified to access tertiary education at the university.
Professor Wiredu said as part of the measures being taken to offer opportunity for students to study French as a second language, a multi-media centre was being established at the Citi Campus at Amakom.
Explaining, he said, the centre would “enhance teaching and learning of French and English through audio visual presentations”.
In his address, the President of the GBUC, Rev. Dr Kojo Osei-Wusuh, said from a humble beginning, the University College was now growing steadily.
He said measures had been established to enhance quality teaching and learning, explaining that apart from the increased classroom blocks provided to enhance effective lecturer-student interaction, hostel facilities had also been provided to ease accommodation for prospective students.
Rev. Dr Wusuh said the GBUC had also not only refurbished its library facility to enhance research work but was also upgrading its Internet facilities with the view to introducing e-library to ensure efficient teaching, learning and research for both students and the faculty.
He, therefore, urged students to take advantage of the facility to broaden their horizon.
He announced that the University was in the process of introducing Personnel Development Planning programme to equip students with “personal self-understanding and how to plan their career and life”, and pointed out that the programme was also intended to make students fully prepared and confident in their effort to overcome any challenge they may encounter as they developed their career.
For his part, the Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante, commended private universities for their roles in expanding the enrolment of students at the tertiary level in the country .
He pointed out that “until the establishment of private universities which expanded access to higher education in Ghana, only 25-30 per cent of the total number of candidates who qualified each year for admission into the five public universities actually gained admission”.
He pointed out that evidence clearly pointed to the fact that higher education could produce both public and private benefits for individuals, including the enhancement of academic capacity, better employment prospect, as well as relatively higher salaries and a greater ability to save and invest.
On its benefits to the public, Most Rev. Professor Asante said “tertiary education can help economies develop and promote faster technological catch-up and improve a country’s ability to maximise its economic output”.
NO MANSION COMMENT FROM MANHYIA PALACE (1B, DEC 14, 2010)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
THE Manhyia Palace has declined comment on a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) report quoting the Sunday Times newspaper that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has purchased a $5 million mansion in London.
The Public Affairs Manager at Manhyia, Mr G.B. Osei-Antwi, told the Daily Graphic at the palace yesterday that all he knew was that the Asantehene had not mandated anyone to speak on the matter.
Earlier in the day, the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, had told Accra-based Joy FM that there could not be any truth in the allegation.
Mr Osei-Antwi, however, refused to comment on that statement by the Akyempimhene and emphasised that Manhyia had not made any official statement on the report.
“Let's all take it now that officially nothing has come up with regard to the publication,” he told the Daily Graphic.
The Akyempimhene, in his interview with the radio station, had stated that Asanteman would meet on the issue to take a decision.
Oheneba Adusei Poku, the eldest son of the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and lawyer, emphasised that Otumfuo Osei Tutu believed in the development of his people and nothing would be done to stray from that path.
The property, according to the British report, “sits on a 20-acre estate with creamy marble floors and a cinema room”.
It added that the property had an attractive drawing room with double windows, a decorative fireplace and panelling.
The story sought to strike a contrast between the Asantehene’s modest lifestyle in London, when he was working for a local council before returning home to ascend the throne, to what the BBC now describes as a grand lifestyle which includes playing golf with some of the world’s most important people.
According to The Sunday Times, the estate is situated in the wealthy neighbourhood of Henley-on-Thames.
The BBC’s Celeste Hicks added, “The Ashanti King is the most influential traditional figure of authority in Ghana.
He lives in a palace in Kumasi, the capital of his gold-rich kingdom, but he travels the world often to meet subjects and raise funds for his many charity educational projects.”
“This six-bedroom neo-colonial property bought in November is expected to provide an aside from his work. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and stables.
“It sits on a 20-acre estate with creamy marble floors throughout and a cinema room. However, it is still the drawing room with double windows, a decorative fireplace and panelling that caught the eye of the 60-year old king.
“Before getting to the throne in Ghana, he lived a modest life in London working for a local council, but like his 15 predecessors, he now lives a grand life, holding court with his subjects, playing golf and meeting some of the world’s most important people. That includes the Queen of England who he met on one of his many visits to Britain.
“Ghana, a producer of gold since the 16th century, today has one of the largest and richest reserves of gold in the world.
“The Obuasi gold mine, some 30 minutes’ drive from the kingdom’s capital, Kumasi, is the biggest in the country. So with the mining industry that has been a relative success story, the influence of a king who presides is immense.
“Though without constitutional powers, his approval is sought in many political appointments and decisions. His office is so revered that public criticism is rare, but with this new purchase, many in his kingdom and beyond might just muster the courage to ask questions about the king’s priorities,” he wrote.
THE Manhyia Palace has declined comment on a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) report quoting the Sunday Times newspaper that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has purchased a $5 million mansion in London.
The Public Affairs Manager at Manhyia, Mr G.B. Osei-Antwi, told the Daily Graphic at the palace yesterday that all he knew was that the Asantehene had not mandated anyone to speak on the matter.
Earlier in the day, the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, had told Accra-based Joy FM that there could not be any truth in the allegation.
Mr Osei-Antwi, however, refused to comment on that statement by the Akyempimhene and emphasised that Manhyia had not made any official statement on the report.
“Let's all take it now that officially nothing has come up with regard to the publication,” he told the Daily Graphic.
The Akyempimhene, in his interview with the radio station, had stated that Asanteman would meet on the issue to take a decision.
Oheneba Adusei Poku, the eldest son of the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and lawyer, emphasised that Otumfuo Osei Tutu believed in the development of his people and nothing would be done to stray from that path.
The property, according to the British report, “sits on a 20-acre estate with creamy marble floors and a cinema room”.
It added that the property had an attractive drawing room with double windows, a decorative fireplace and panelling.
The story sought to strike a contrast between the Asantehene’s modest lifestyle in London, when he was working for a local council before returning home to ascend the throne, to what the BBC now describes as a grand lifestyle which includes playing golf with some of the world’s most important people.
According to The Sunday Times, the estate is situated in the wealthy neighbourhood of Henley-on-Thames.
The BBC’s Celeste Hicks added, “The Ashanti King is the most influential traditional figure of authority in Ghana.
He lives in a palace in Kumasi, the capital of his gold-rich kingdom, but he travels the world often to meet subjects and raise funds for his many charity educational projects.”
“This six-bedroom neo-colonial property bought in November is expected to provide an aside from his work. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and stables.
“It sits on a 20-acre estate with creamy marble floors throughout and a cinema room. However, it is still the drawing room with double windows, a decorative fireplace and panelling that caught the eye of the 60-year old king.
“Before getting to the throne in Ghana, he lived a modest life in London working for a local council, but like his 15 predecessors, he now lives a grand life, holding court with his subjects, playing golf and meeting some of the world’s most important people. That includes the Queen of England who he met on one of his many visits to Britain.
“Ghana, a producer of gold since the 16th century, today has one of the largest and richest reserves of gold in the world.
“The Obuasi gold mine, some 30 minutes’ drive from the kingdom’s capital, Kumasi, is the biggest in the country. So with the mining industry that has been a relative success story, the influence of a king who presides is immense.
“Though without constitutional powers, his approval is sought in many political appointments and decisions. His office is so revered that public criticism is rare, but with this new purchase, many in his kingdom and beyond might just muster the courage to ask questions about the king’s priorities,” he wrote.
Friday, December 10, 2010
CABLE STEALING GANG ON REMAND (MIRROR, PAGE 35, DEC 11, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A mobile phone repairer, based at Nsuta, near Mampong, Maxwell Akwasi Tuffour, alias Man, alleged to have conspired with six others to steal quantities of high tension electricity cables and underground telephone cables, belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Vodafone Ghana, has been remanded into prison custody, pending further investigations.
The items, estimated at GH¢1,023,000 were detected to have been stolen in October this year and a tip off led to the arrest of Tuffour and his accomplices.
The suspects are Kwesi Yeboah, alias Sagacious, a drinking bar operator based at Nsuta, near Mampong, Kwadjo Antwi, an electrical engineer, Kwadjo Amponsem, Kwadjo Gyemfi and Yussif Abubakari all electricians and Iklilu Mohammed, a scrap dealer.
While Tuffour and Yeboah were charged with dishonestly receiving and possession of firearms and ammunitions without lawful authority, the others were charged with dishonestly receiving when they appeared before a Kumasi Circuit court, presided over by Mr. Emmanuel Amoo-Yartey.
A search conducted by the police in an uncompleted house belonging to Tuffour on October 29, 2010, led to the retrieval of some of the stolen high-tension and underground telephone cables. Also found in the house were locally manufactured pistol and live cartridges.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the court. They would reappear before the court in two weeks time.
Presenting the facts before the court, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the ECG and Vodafone had in recent times been complaining to the police about theft of their cables within the Asante Mampong-Nsuta Municipality.
He said on October 28, 2010, the police had a tip -off that Tuffour and three others now at large were the culprits, and based on the information, the police arrested Tuffour and conducted a search in his uncompleted house at Nsuta.
Mr Otoo-Boison said when questioned about the items found in the house, Tuffour mentioned Yeboah as the owner of the pistol and cartridges and also mentioned Mohammed as the one who had been buying the stolen cables from him.
He said when the police arrested Mohammed in his uncompleted storey building at Mampong, they found large quantities of the cables cut into pieces and heaped in one of his rooms.
Mr Otoo-Boison said Mohammed in his caution statement to the police, admitted the offence, but mentioned Antwi who is a sub contractor and his three employees, namely Amponsem, Gyemfi and Abubakari as his accomplices.
He explained that the sub contractor and his employees were responsible for replacing high tension cables from Neuter to Kwaman for the ECG and they used the opportunity to allegedly steal the items and sell to the private land developers.
He said when Yeboah was also arrested on November 1, 2010, he claimed ownership of the locally manufactured pistol found with Tuffour but vehemently denied any knowledge about the cartridges.
He said when officials of the ECG and Vodafone were invited to inspect the items retrieved from the suspects, they admitted that they were their property and based on that the suspects were hauled into the court while investigations continued.
A mobile phone repairer, based at Nsuta, near Mampong, Maxwell Akwasi Tuffour, alias Man, alleged to have conspired with six others to steal quantities of high tension electricity cables and underground telephone cables, belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Vodafone Ghana, has been remanded into prison custody, pending further investigations.
The items, estimated at GH¢1,023,000 were detected to have been stolen in October this year and a tip off led to the arrest of Tuffour and his accomplices.
The suspects are Kwesi Yeboah, alias Sagacious, a drinking bar operator based at Nsuta, near Mampong, Kwadjo Antwi, an electrical engineer, Kwadjo Amponsem, Kwadjo Gyemfi and Yussif Abubakari all electricians and Iklilu Mohammed, a scrap dealer.
While Tuffour and Yeboah were charged with dishonestly receiving and possession of firearms and ammunitions without lawful authority, the others were charged with dishonestly receiving when they appeared before a Kumasi Circuit court, presided over by Mr. Emmanuel Amoo-Yartey.
A search conducted by the police in an uncompleted house belonging to Tuffour on October 29, 2010, led to the retrieval of some of the stolen high-tension and underground telephone cables. Also found in the house were locally manufactured pistol and live cartridges.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the court. They would reappear before the court in two weeks time.
Presenting the facts before the court, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the ECG and Vodafone had in recent times been complaining to the police about theft of their cables within the Asante Mampong-Nsuta Municipality.
He said on October 28, 2010, the police had a tip -off that Tuffour and three others now at large were the culprits, and based on the information, the police arrested Tuffour and conducted a search in his uncompleted house at Nsuta.
Mr Otoo-Boison said when questioned about the items found in the house, Tuffour mentioned Yeboah as the owner of the pistol and cartridges and also mentioned Mohammed as the one who had been buying the stolen cables from him.
He said when the police arrested Mohammed in his uncompleted storey building at Mampong, they found large quantities of the cables cut into pieces and heaped in one of his rooms.
Mr Otoo-Boison said Mohammed in his caution statement to the police, admitted the offence, but mentioned Antwi who is a sub contractor and his three employees, namely Amponsem, Gyemfi and Abubakari as his accomplices.
He explained that the sub contractor and his employees were responsible for replacing high tension cables from Neuter to Kwaman for the ECG and they used the opportunity to allegedly steal the items and sell to the private land developers.
He said when Yeboah was also arrested on November 1, 2010, he claimed ownership of the locally manufactured pistol found with Tuffour but vehemently denied any knowledge about the cartridges.
He said when officials of the ECG and Vodafone were invited to inspect the items retrieved from the suspects, they admitted that they were their property and based on that the suspects were hauled into the court while investigations continued.
MP FOR BOSOMTWE SUPPORTS JAPASS (PAGE 12, DEC 10, 2010)
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bosomtwe, Mr Simon Osei Mensah, is supporting the development of educational infrastructure at the Jachie-Pramso Senior High School (Mighty JAPASS) with the construction of a computer laboratory for the school.
Construction work for the project, estimated at GH¢30,000, is expected to begin early next year.
Already, the MP has contracted architects to come out with drawings and designs that would meet the specifications of the computer laboratory, expected to accommodate 50 students at a time.
Mr Osei- Mensah, who announced this during the 40th anniversary celebration of JAPASS, pointed out that with the computer laboratory, students would have the opportunity of being introduced into the basics of computer literacy, which he said had now become the major component of securing job opportunities.
He pointed out that his desire to construct the computer laboratory for the school was born by the fact that without computer literacy, students from the school would be handicapped when sourcing job opportunities.
“ Computer literacy has now become pre-requisite for employment, so this is my widow’s mite to help students of JAPASS become computer literate to enable them to be abreast of modern trends of communication” he explained.
Mr Osei-Mensah commended the Parents Teacher Association of JAPASS for their sense of commitment and initiatives, which he said had made it possible for them to initiate many development projects for the school.
He pointed out that with the pace at which the school was expanding, and the increasing number of students being admitted each academic year, there was the need to protect the land earmarked for the development of the school.
Mr Osei–Mensah, therefore, appealed to the chiefs of Jachie and Pramso to discourage the encroachment of any part of the school land, saying any thing contrary to the protection of the school lands would undermine the expansion of educational infrastructure in future .
He also urged the headmistress of the school to collaborate with the PTA and board of governors of the school to secure the needed documents covering all school land to prevent any form of encroachment.
Mr Osei Mensah paid glowing tribute to the executive members of the old students association for their sense of dynamism, making it possible for them to support the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the school which also coincided with the speech and prize giving day celebrations.
He challenged old students of JAPASS residing in Accra and other parts of the country, to come together to form vibrant regional associations to enable them to support the development initiatives of the school.
This, he said, would adequately motivate the current students for them to focus on their academic programmes and develop their potentials more effectively.
He also appealed to the government to support the development initiative of the school by constructing a three-storey dormitory to address the accommodation problems facing male students in the school.
In his address, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku -Manu, commended the chiefs and people of Jachie and Pramso for their foresight, which he said made it possible for them to establish the school, now the centre of excellence of academic programmes in the Bosomtwe district.
“ The school can now boast of having produced highly placed people, including Professor Ken Agyemang Attefuah who is contributing immensely towards the development initiatives of the country” he noted, stressing “what is worth commending is the fact that the school is not as resourced and endowed as some of the schools in the region, but it has held on to its own principles and standards, and managed to make significant impact in the educational landscape of the country”.
Mr Opoku- Manu said he would donate 100 bags of cement to support the construction of ongoing projects of the school and urged the old boys “ to rally behind the school authorities to ensure that the upgrading of the school become a reality and meaningful”.
He assured that “the government would continue to support the school as a way of propelling it to an enviable height in future.
The District Chief Executive of Bosomtwe, Mr Nti Berko, assured that the assembly would start the construction of a three-unit classroom block immediately to enhance teaching and learning in the school.
He also assured that the assembly would donate 50 bags of cement to the school to support the construction of ongoing projects.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of JAPASS, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyeman III, commended the headmistress of the school for collaborating with the teaching and non-teaching staff to instil high level of discipline among students , making it possible for them to focus on their academic programmes.
Construction work for the project, estimated at GH¢30,000, is expected to begin early next year.
Already, the MP has contracted architects to come out with drawings and designs that would meet the specifications of the computer laboratory, expected to accommodate 50 students at a time.
Mr Osei- Mensah, who announced this during the 40th anniversary celebration of JAPASS, pointed out that with the computer laboratory, students would have the opportunity of being introduced into the basics of computer literacy, which he said had now become the major component of securing job opportunities.
He pointed out that his desire to construct the computer laboratory for the school was born by the fact that without computer literacy, students from the school would be handicapped when sourcing job opportunities.
“ Computer literacy has now become pre-requisite for employment, so this is my widow’s mite to help students of JAPASS become computer literate to enable them to be abreast of modern trends of communication” he explained.
Mr Osei-Mensah commended the Parents Teacher Association of JAPASS for their sense of commitment and initiatives, which he said had made it possible for them to initiate many development projects for the school.
He pointed out that with the pace at which the school was expanding, and the increasing number of students being admitted each academic year, there was the need to protect the land earmarked for the development of the school.
Mr Osei–Mensah, therefore, appealed to the chiefs of Jachie and Pramso to discourage the encroachment of any part of the school land, saying any thing contrary to the protection of the school lands would undermine the expansion of educational infrastructure in future .
He also urged the headmistress of the school to collaborate with the PTA and board of governors of the school to secure the needed documents covering all school land to prevent any form of encroachment.
Mr Osei Mensah paid glowing tribute to the executive members of the old students association for their sense of dynamism, making it possible for them to support the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the school which also coincided with the speech and prize giving day celebrations.
He challenged old students of JAPASS residing in Accra and other parts of the country, to come together to form vibrant regional associations to enable them to support the development initiatives of the school.
This, he said, would adequately motivate the current students for them to focus on their academic programmes and develop their potentials more effectively.
He also appealed to the government to support the development initiative of the school by constructing a three-storey dormitory to address the accommodation problems facing male students in the school.
In his address, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku -Manu, commended the chiefs and people of Jachie and Pramso for their foresight, which he said made it possible for them to establish the school, now the centre of excellence of academic programmes in the Bosomtwe district.
“ The school can now boast of having produced highly placed people, including Professor Ken Agyemang Attefuah who is contributing immensely towards the development initiatives of the country” he noted, stressing “what is worth commending is the fact that the school is not as resourced and endowed as some of the schools in the region, but it has held on to its own principles and standards, and managed to make significant impact in the educational landscape of the country”.
Mr Opoku- Manu said he would donate 100 bags of cement to support the construction of ongoing projects of the school and urged the old boys “ to rally behind the school authorities to ensure that the upgrading of the school become a reality and meaningful”.
He assured that “the government would continue to support the school as a way of propelling it to an enviable height in future.
The District Chief Executive of Bosomtwe, Mr Nti Berko, assured that the assembly would start the construction of a three-unit classroom block immediately to enhance teaching and learning in the school.
He also assured that the assembly would donate 50 bags of cement to the school to support the construction of ongoing projects.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of JAPASS, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyeman III, commended the headmistress of the school for collaborating with the teaching and non-teaching staff to instil high level of discipline among students , making it possible for them to focus on their academic programmes.
MINING COMPANY REPAIRS DAM AT KONONGO (PAGE 35, DEC 9, 2010)
THE Konongo Traditional Council has commended the management of Owere Mines, a gold mining company in the town, for its prompt response to the rehabilitation of the Konongo dam which broke down recently.
The damage affected the free flow of water for domestic use, forcing the residents of Konongo to resort to the use of contaminated streams and rivers for domestic and other uses.
To avert the outbreak of any water-borne disease among residents during the water shortage period, the traditional council appealed to management of Oweri Mines to come to their aid and their response was swift.
According to the management of Owere Mines, the dam, which broke down as a result of the recent heavy downpour in the area was rehabilitated at a cost of GH¢55,000.
It added that the embankment of the dam was also filled with debris and silt, making it impossible for water to flow into the head station.
The chief of Konongo, Nana Batafo Akyeampong Nti, in an interview with Daily Graphic after management had handed over the dam to the Ghana Water Company, said the intervention by the mining company saved the residents from contracting water-borne diseases.
He said the dam was the only source of potable water for Konongo and its environs so when it broke down, residents had no alternative than resorting to the use of streams and wells, most of which were contaminated.
“When we contacted the mining company to help in rehabilitating the damaged dam, it did not hesitate by providing the necessary materials and funds to repair the dam to restore free flow of water so we are grateful for the support,” Nana Nti stated.
He said apart from supporting the community with potable water, the company had also supported the construction of a police station at Odumase to motivate the personnel of the Konongo Municipal Police to be effective in maintaining law and order.
Nana Nti appealed to the management of the company to employ the youth in the area who had employable skills to reduce the unemployment rate in the municipality.
The Project Manager of the company, Mr Roger Bannister, said apart from rehabilitating the dam, the mining company had also repaired the left side of the embankment of the main transmission line.
He explained that their quick response to the water crisis at Konongo was to “prevent its associated risk of contracting water-borne diseases”.
The damage affected the free flow of water for domestic use, forcing the residents of Konongo to resort to the use of contaminated streams and rivers for domestic and other uses.
To avert the outbreak of any water-borne disease among residents during the water shortage period, the traditional council appealed to management of Oweri Mines to come to their aid and their response was swift.
According to the management of Owere Mines, the dam, which broke down as a result of the recent heavy downpour in the area was rehabilitated at a cost of GH¢55,000.
It added that the embankment of the dam was also filled with debris and silt, making it impossible for water to flow into the head station.
The chief of Konongo, Nana Batafo Akyeampong Nti, in an interview with Daily Graphic after management had handed over the dam to the Ghana Water Company, said the intervention by the mining company saved the residents from contracting water-borne diseases.
He said the dam was the only source of potable water for Konongo and its environs so when it broke down, residents had no alternative than resorting to the use of streams and wells, most of which were contaminated.
“When we contacted the mining company to help in rehabilitating the damaged dam, it did not hesitate by providing the necessary materials and funds to repair the dam to restore free flow of water so we are grateful for the support,” Nana Nti stated.
He said apart from supporting the community with potable water, the company had also supported the construction of a police station at Odumase to motivate the personnel of the Konongo Municipal Police to be effective in maintaining law and order.
Nana Nti appealed to the management of the company to employ the youth in the area who had employable skills to reduce the unemployment rate in the municipality.
The Project Manager of the company, Mr Roger Bannister, said apart from rehabilitating the dam, the mining company had also repaired the left side of the embankment of the main transmission line.
He explained that their quick response to the water crisis at Konongo was to “prevent its associated risk of contracting water-borne diseases”.
NAPA WARNS AGAINST ADULTERATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (SPREAD, DEC 7, 2010)
THE National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has charged oil marketing companies (OMCs) in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs to refrain from adulterating their products with the intention of maximising profits.
The Technical Director of the NPA, Mr Isaac C. Tagoe, who gave the directive, warned that companies found to be indulging in activities that adversely affected the quality of their products would not only be sanctioned but also have their licences withdrawn.
He said spot checks conducted recently in Accra by the NPA revealed that some companies did not only adulterate their products, making it impossible for motorists to get the desired quality, but also adjusted their pumps to deny motorists the needed quantity.
Mr Tagoe gave the warning when he introduced the newly appointed NPA Zonal Manager for the northern sector, Mr Samuel Asare Bediako, to managers of OMCs in Kumasi.
Mr Bediako, who is a mechanical engineer with 24 years’ working experience, was working with Total Petroleum Ghana Limited as its Engineering Manager.
With his new appointment, Mr Bediako will be in charge of the day-to-day administration of programmes, inspection, compliance and monitoring of products and programmes in the northern sector.
He will also be in charge of the issuing of licences and permits to enhance their operations.
Mr Tagoe urged the management of the OMCs in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs to collaborate more meaningfully with the new manager in his operations.
Mr Bediako gave the assurance that he would collaborate with the management of the OMCs in all their endeavours.
The Technical Director of the NPA, Mr Isaac C. Tagoe, who gave the directive, warned that companies found to be indulging in activities that adversely affected the quality of their products would not only be sanctioned but also have their licences withdrawn.
He said spot checks conducted recently in Accra by the NPA revealed that some companies did not only adulterate their products, making it impossible for motorists to get the desired quality, but also adjusted their pumps to deny motorists the needed quantity.
Mr Tagoe gave the warning when he introduced the newly appointed NPA Zonal Manager for the northern sector, Mr Samuel Asare Bediako, to managers of OMCs in Kumasi.
Mr Bediako, who is a mechanical engineer with 24 years’ working experience, was working with Total Petroleum Ghana Limited as its Engineering Manager.
With his new appointment, Mr Bediako will be in charge of the day-to-day administration of programmes, inspection, compliance and monitoring of products and programmes in the northern sector.
He will also be in charge of the issuing of licences and permits to enhance their operations.
Mr Tagoe urged the management of the OMCs in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs to collaborate more meaningfully with the new manager in his operations.
Mr Bediako gave the assurance that he would collaborate with the management of the OMCs in all their endeavours.
Monday, December 6, 2010
AMANDA OPPONG EYES ASAFO ASSEMBLY SLOT (NSEMPA, DEC 6, 2010, PAGE 4)
By George Ernest Asare
An aspiring assemblywoman of Asafo Electoral Area, Ms Amanda Oppong, has interacted with members of the Asafo Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission as part of her door-to-door campaign.
The door-to-door campaign is intended to whip up massive support for her campaign from the electorate at the Asafo Electoral Area. Ms Oppong has been using every opportunity she gets to interact with the youth, opinion leaders and religious bodies to solicit their support to enable her become the first woman to be elected to represent the community at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
The visit to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission was the second since Ms Oppong declared her intention to contest the district level elections.
During the Ramadan, she visited them and donated quantities of food items to the Ahmadis as a gesture to encourage and strengthen them to focus on the fasting.
During last Friday’s visit, she again donated some drinks, water and mats to formally introduce herself to them as one of the five candidates contesting the district level election in the community.
In a short address, she pleaded with the Ahmadis to pray for God’s guidance, good heath, the spirit of perseverance and commitment to enable her overcome all obstacles that would come her way during her campaign.
This, she said, would enable her succeed in her effort to win the Asafo Electoral Area district elections for her to initiate policies and programmes that would impact positively on their lives.
She also asked them to pray for peace and unity of purpose to prevail in the country to enable the citizenry focus on their economic ventures to accelerate socio-economic development.
She pointed out that her visit marked the beginning of a steady relationship between them and assured them that it would further strengthen their relationship to their mutual benefit, when she won the elections.
A Member of the mission, Jamil Ibrahim Boadu, thanked the aspiring assemblywoman for her gesture and encouraged her to focus on the campaign irrespective of the hurdles that will come her way.
This, he said would enable her win the confidence of the electorate for them to offer her their mandate.
He also assured her of their continuous support and prayers to enable her focus on her campaign.
An aspiring assemblywoman of Asafo Electoral Area, Ms Amanda Oppong, has interacted with members of the Asafo Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission as part of her door-to-door campaign.
The door-to-door campaign is intended to whip up massive support for her campaign from the electorate at the Asafo Electoral Area. Ms Oppong has been using every opportunity she gets to interact with the youth, opinion leaders and religious bodies to solicit their support to enable her become the first woman to be elected to represent the community at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
The visit to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission was the second since Ms Oppong declared her intention to contest the district level elections.
During the Ramadan, she visited them and donated quantities of food items to the Ahmadis as a gesture to encourage and strengthen them to focus on the fasting.
During last Friday’s visit, she again donated some drinks, water and mats to formally introduce herself to them as one of the five candidates contesting the district level election in the community.
In a short address, she pleaded with the Ahmadis to pray for God’s guidance, good heath, the spirit of perseverance and commitment to enable her overcome all obstacles that would come her way during her campaign.
This, she said, would enable her succeed in her effort to win the Asafo Electoral Area district elections for her to initiate policies and programmes that would impact positively on their lives.
She also asked them to pray for peace and unity of purpose to prevail in the country to enable the citizenry focus on their economic ventures to accelerate socio-economic development.
She pointed out that her visit marked the beginning of a steady relationship between them and assured them that it would further strengthen their relationship to their mutual benefit, when she won the elections.
A Member of the mission, Jamil Ibrahim Boadu, thanked the aspiring assemblywoman for her gesture and encouraged her to focus on the campaign irrespective of the hurdles that will come her way.
This, he said would enable her win the confidence of the electorate for them to offer her their mandate.
He also assured her of their continuous support and prayers to enable her focus on her campaign.
FAKE SERVICE PERSON FINED OVER FAKE DRIVER'S LICENSE (MIRROR, DEC 4, 2010, PAGE 27)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A 35-year-old man, Yaw Boama, who claimed to have been attached to the Driver Vehicle and Licence Authority (DVLA) as a National Service Person last year, has been convicted to pay a fine of GH¢1,200 or serve eight months jail term in default.
Yaw Boama was convicted by a motor traffic court after he was found guilty of forging a licence belonging to a lady in Koforidua for use by a trotro driver.
The court, presided over by Mrs Miriam S. Sinare, also convicted the driver, Victor Kwame Aduful, who was using the fake driving licence to a fine of GH¢600 or serve four months jail term in default.
While the court convicted Boama on charges of impersonation and forging driving licence, Aduful, who is a 29-year-old driver, was convicted on charges of unauthorised parking, road obstruction, soliciting and picking passengers elsewhere, and forging driving licence.
Aduful, who was first arrested by personnel of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service for unauthorised parking of vehicle, was found to be using a fake driving licence, and during investigation, he led the police to arrest Boama as the one who provided him with the fake licence.
Giving the facts of the case, the Prosecutor, Chief Inspector V.K. Ahiabor, said as part of their routine checks, personnel from the MTTU arrested Aduful for unauthorised parking of his vehicle, and when they demanded to see his driving license, he produced one which the police detected to be fake.
He said as part of their investigations, the MTTU personnel sent a letter to the DVLA for the verification of the licence produced by Aduful, and a feedback indicated that the said licence was issued to Mrs Mary Ananoo by the Koforidua office of the DVLA on January 14, 2005.
He said when Aduful was confronted with the facts, he started panicking and mentioned Boama as the one who forged the licence for him for a fee of GH¢160.
Chief Inspector Ahiabor said with the assistance of Aduful, the police succeeded in arresting Boama.
A 35-year-old man, Yaw Boama, who claimed to have been attached to the Driver Vehicle and Licence Authority (DVLA) as a National Service Person last year, has been convicted to pay a fine of GH¢1,200 or serve eight months jail term in default.
Yaw Boama was convicted by a motor traffic court after he was found guilty of forging a licence belonging to a lady in Koforidua for use by a trotro driver.
The court, presided over by Mrs Miriam S. Sinare, also convicted the driver, Victor Kwame Aduful, who was using the fake driving licence to a fine of GH¢600 or serve four months jail term in default.
While the court convicted Boama on charges of impersonation and forging driving licence, Aduful, who is a 29-year-old driver, was convicted on charges of unauthorised parking, road obstruction, soliciting and picking passengers elsewhere, and forging driving licence.
Aduful, who was first arrested by personnel of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service for unauthorised parking of vehicle, was found to be using a fake driving licence, and during investigation, he led the police to arrest Boama as the one who provided him with the fake licence.
Giving the facts of the case, the Prosecutor, Chief Inspector V.K. Ahiabor, said as part of their routine checks, personnel from the MTTU arrested Aduful for unauthorised parking of his vehicle, and when they demanded to see his driving license, he produced one which the police detected to be fake.
He said as part of their investigations, the MTTU personnel sent a letter to the DVLA for the verification of the licence produced by Aduful, and a feedback indicated that the said licence was issued to Mrs Mary Ananoo by the Koforidua office of the DVLA on January 14, 2005.
He said when Aduful was confronted with the facts, he started panicking and mentioned Boama as the one who forged the licence for him for a fee of GH¢160.
Chief Inspector Ahiabor said with the assistance of Aduful, the police succeeded in arresting Boama.
USED CLOTHES SELLERS WANT BAN LIFTED (PAGE 36, DEC 6, 2010)
MEMBERS of the Kumasi Used Clothes Sellers Association have called for the lifting of the ban on undergarments since there is no empirical evidence to prove that the use of such products have health hazards for users.
They contended that undergarments imported are treated with the best of hygienic care before being shipped into the country, and indicated that they have no health implications for users of the products.
At a forum in Kumasi to educate members of the association on a Legislative Instrument introduced in 1994 prohibiting the importation and clearance of used undergarments, the acting Director of the Inspectorate Division of the Ghana Standards Board, Mr F. Kofi Nagetey, noted that the law would be strictly enforced by February 1, 2011.
“The Ghana Standards Board now intends to enforce this legislation to prevent the importation, distribution and sale of these used undergarments”, he noted and stressed “ all consignments of used clothing would be inspected by the Ghana Standards Board before release at the various ports and entry points by the first quarter of 2011”.
He pointed out that notwithstanding the ban on the importation of undergarments “ the prohibited goods are hidden among other used clothing like shirts , jackets and trousers in bales, making it difficult to detect them at the ports.
Explaining why the products were banned , Mr Nagetey said, undergarments “ are good source of micro-organisms that can cause skin infection.”
He pointed out that fungal candidiasis and flora infections are common among those who use undergarment clothes and this had compelled the government to ban their importation into the country.
According to Mr Nagetey, the forum was part of the public education for the public to appreciate the dangers of wearing used undergarments.
He said similar fora had taken place in Accra and Sekondi and warned that after the public education and the February 1, 2011 deadline “the Ghana Standards Board will intensify, market surveillance and with the support of the security swoop on traders to get rid of used undergarments on the markets.”
He said consignments of used goods “found to contain any used undergarments would be confiscated and destroyed”.
It was during question time that members of the used clothes association expressed concern about the law prohibiting the importation, distribution and sale of the used undergarments and called for the lifting of the ban.
They further contended that the ban was politically motivated to cripple their business and questioned why the Legislative Instrument that introduced the law in 1994 was not enforced until February 1, 2011.
Others, however, called for the extension of the February 1, 2011 deadline and suggested that since they were yet to inform their partners, the deadline should be extended to May or June next year.
They contended that undergarments imported are treated with the best of hygienic care before being shipped into the country, and indicated that they have no health implications for users of the products.
At a forum in Kumasi to educate members of the association on a Legislative Instrument introduced in 1994 prohibiting the importation and clearance of used undergarments, the acting Director of the Inspectorate Division of the Ghana Standards Board, Mr F. Kofi Nagetey, noted that the law would be strictly enforced by February 1, 2011.
“The Ghana Standards Board now intends to enforce this legislation to prevent the importation, distribution and sale of these used undergarments”, he noted and stressed “ all consignments of used clothing would be inspected by the Ghana Standards Board before release at the various ports and entry points by the first quarter of 2011”.
He pointed out that notwithstanding the ban on the importation of undergarments “ the prohibited goods are hidden among other used clothing like shirts , jackets and trousers in bales, making it difficult to detect them at the ports.
Explaining why the products were banned , Mr Nagetey said, undergarments “ are good source of micro-organisms that can cause skin infection.”
He pointed out that fungal candidiasis and flora infections are common among those who use undergarment clothes and this had compelled the government to ban their importation into the country.
According to Mr Nagetey, the forum was part of the public education for the public to appreciate the dangers of wearing used undergarments.
He said similar fora had taken place in Accra and Sekondi and warned that after the public education and the February 1, 2011 deadline “the Ghana Standards Board will intensify, market surveillance and with the support of the security swoop on traders to get rid of used undergarments on the markets.”
He said consignments of used goods “found to contain any used undergarments would be confiscated and destroyed”.
It was during question time that members of the used clothes association expressed concern about the law prohibiting the importation, distribution and sale of the used undergarments and called for the lifting of the ban.
They further contended that the ban was politically motivated to cripple their business and questioned why the Legislative Instrument that introduced the law in 1994 was not enforced until February 1, 2011.
Others, however, called for the extension of the February 1, 2011 deadline and suggested that since they were yet to inform their partners, the deadline should be extended to May or June next year.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
WORK BEGINS ON SICKLE CELL CLINIC AT KATH (BACK PAGE NOV 26, 2010)
THE sod was cut yesterday for work to begin on the construction of a clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for the treatment of sickle cell patients.
When completed, the three-storey edifice, which is expected to cost GH¢13.6 million, will serve as a centre for the management of sickle cell patients in the West African sub-region.
The project, dubbed ‘Kumasi Blood and Sickle Cell Centre’, will comprise a blood transfusion unit, an out-patient sickle cell clinic and a centre for research.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, who performed the sod-cutting ceremony in Kumasi, also launched the national new-born screening programme for sickle cell and other diseases.
He also inaugurated a 12-member New-born Screening Committee to draft new-born screening policy for the Ministry of Health.
The members of the committee are Dr Sylvester Anemana, Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, Dr (Mrs) Jemima Dennis Antwi, Mrs Mary Lamptey, Mr Edward J.N. Tettey and Dr Alexander Osei Akoto.
The rest are Mr Benedict Sackey, Dr Jennifer Welbeck, Dr Solomon Ofori-Acquah, Dr William Bosu, Professor Francis Nkrumah and Mrs Mabel Kissiwa Safe.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Kunbuor charged the committee to start work immediately and submit drafts of the national new-born screening policy and the technical plan and budget for the implementation of the national screening programme by March 1, 2011”.
He said the goals of the national new-born screening programme were to offer every baby born in Ghana screening test for sickle cell diseases.
He said by screening new-borns for sickle cell disease, it would be possible “to diagnose the disease early before symptoms and complications develop”.
He commended President John Evan Atta Mills for making the project a top priority by lobbying the former Brazilian President, Mr Lula da Silva, to take personal interest and support in the construction of the project.
He also commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his continued support, giving the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule to enable sickle cell patients to receive quality health care.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, said the project would provide greater impetus to enhance quality of life of sufferers, “through the provision of facilities for optimum provision of quality service centre for patients.
He commended the Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana for facilitating the construction of the project.
When completed, the three-storey edifice, which is expected to cost GH¢13.6 million, will serve as a centre for the management of sickle cell patients in the West African sub-region.
The project, dubbed ‘Kumasi Blood and Sickle Cell Centre’, will comprise a blood transfusion unit, an out-patient sickle cell clinic and a centre for research.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, who performed the sod-cutting ceremony in Kumasi, also launched the national new-born screening programme for sickle cell and other diseases.
He also inaugurated a 12-member New-born Screening Committee to draft new-born screening policy for the Ministry of Health.
The members of the committee are Dr Sylvester Anemana, Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, Dr (Mrs) Jemima Dennis Antwi, Mrs Mary Lamptey, Mr Edward J.N. Tettey and Dr Alexander Osei Akoto.
The rest are Mr Benedict Sackey, Dr Jennifer Welbeck, Dr Solomon Ofori-Acquah, Dr William Bosu, Professor Francis Nkrumah and Mrs Mabel Kissiwa Safe.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Kunbuor charged the committee to start work immediately and submit drafts of the national new-born screening policy and the technical plan and budget for the implementation of the national screening programme by March 1, 2011”.
He said the goals of the national new-born screening programme were to offer every baby born in Ghana screening test for sickle cell diseases.
He said by screening new-borns for sickle cell disease, it would be possible “to diagnose the disease early before symptoms and complications develop”.
He commended President John Evan Atta Mills for making the project a top priority by lobbying the former Brazilian President, Mr Lula da Silva, to take personal interest and support in the construction of the project.
He also commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his continued support, giving the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule to enable sickle cell patients to receive quality health care.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, said the project would provide greater impetus to enhance quality of life of sufferers, “through the provision of facilities for optimum provision of quality service centre for patients.
He commended the Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana for facilitating the construction of the project.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
FACES OF FEMALE ASPIRANTS...In assembly elections (PAGE 11, NOV 25, 2010)
A 30-year-old businesswoman, Ms Amanda Oppong, has started vigorous house-to-house campaign at Asafo in Kumasi with the hope of mobilising the people to vote for her as their assembly woman for the Asafo Electoral Area.
Ms Oppong, who visited the Kumasi Office of the Daily Graphic as part of her campaign, said it was time women in particular and the youth in general, got involved in the district level election as a way of encouraging them to support development initiatives at the community level.
Ms Oppong is the youngest among the four candidates, including two other women, who are keenly contesting the election in the electoral area.
Giving reasons for her decision to contest the elections, she said she had something special to offer the Asafo community, and therefore appealed to the youth to actively support her campaign to enable her to win massively.
She said she was born and bred at Asafo and was therefore, conversant with the challenges facing the community. She said she would collaborate with the opinion leaders and leadership of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to address those challenges .
She mentioned sanitation as her priority, and that with only one dump site that serves the entire Asafo community, sanitation was not the best in the area. She said she had started negotiating with the KMA and other organisations to provide litter bins at vantage points at Asafo as a way of improving sanitation in the community, stressing that with hygienic environment, the health of residents would improve.
Ms Oppong said when elected, she would encourage parents to invest in their children’s education and also gave the assurance to collaborate with the KMA to support the education of brilliant needy students, saying “ many of them have the potentials to excel but their parents do not have the means to sponsor their education”.
She explained that the assembly had a special scholarship scheme to support them so she would take advantage of the scheme.
She said as a young woman, she would also liaise with the various sports personnel to nurture the potentials of the youth who have the desire to develop their talents in sports.
“ I will seek support for them, so that those who have special interest in football volley, tennis, hockey and basketball would be actively assisted”.
On her chances, she said, “my chances are very bright. I will continue with the house-to- house campaign and also mount a platform when the need arises to let the public appreciate the need to vote massively for me when the time comes”.
“Over the years, the people of North Suntreso have known me as the people’s mother due to the tremendous support I have offered the youth, children and the needy. That is why I am appealing to them to vote massively for me during the forthcoming district assembly elections so I can represent them at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)”.
These were the words of Madam Rosemary Adjei, aka, Nana Anima, a 45-year-old mother of four, who is contesting the elections in the North Suntreso Electoral Area with five others, including three men.
She said voting for her as the assembly woman would enable her collaborate with opinion leaders at the assembly and others at the highest level to lobby for support, and initiate programmes and policies to nurture potentials of the youth to enable them acquire employable skills.
She said she appreciated all the challenges that confront the community, stressing that it is time women in the community assumed leadership position, so that they will become initiators of policies and programmes that are people centred, to accelerate socio-economic development.
“ Since the inception of the district assembly concept, women in this community have supported the men to get into the assembly, and I think this is the time to give the same opportunity to women for them to be at the helm of affairs, considering the role they play in developmet” she said.
Nana Anima gave the assurance that she would not disappoint the people, if given the nod, stressing that the deplorable road network at North Suntreso, coupled with poor sanitation and drainage, as well as inadequate security that results in robbery and theft even at day time, will make her solicit the support from all sectors to make life more meaningful for the people.
She noted that because of the poor nature of the roads in the community, trotro and taxi drivers were reluctant to ply routes in the area, and gave the indication that she would lobby the department of urban roads to maintain roads in the community.
She said public places of convenience and public bath-houses in the community were in deplorable state, creating inconveniences for the community.
She said she would collaborate with the opinion leaders to form community watchdog committees, with the active involvement of the youth, to improve security in the area.
She also gave assurance to support the building of a fence wall at the Akosa D/A basic school to reduce intrusion and enhance teaching and learning.
Nana Anima said if given the nod, she would collaborate with relevant agencies to open employment avenues for the youth who have the requisite qualification.
“ You know I can do it, that is why you should offer me all the support and vote massively for me, and with your votes, I will assume leadership position to lobby for support that would bring meaningful development to the North Suntreso Electoral Area” she said.
Madam Esther Mensah, an incumbent Assembly woman of the Kensere Electoral Area in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region, is optimistic to retain the seat in the forthcoming district assembly elections. This is because she has endeared herself to the electorate over the last four years.
“Since I was elected as the assembly woman four years ago, I have made much impact by not only supporting communities in my electoral area to have projects such as electric power, but I am also helping to improve sanitation” she said.
She explained that she started with a programme to provide communities in her electoral area with electric power when she was elected as assembly woman, a situation, which she said was enhancing income generation activities, especially among the youth.
“It is for this reason that I have confidence in the electorate that they will give me all the necessary support to retain the seat and continue initiating development projects at the grassroots” she said.
According to Madam Mensah, a male candidate is also contesting her seat but said, “he would be no match for me because I have firmly gained grounds”.
She said before she was elected in 2006, she worked with a non-governmental organisation (NGO), providing primary health care to the various communities in her electoral area.
She said through that programme, she saw that health care was very challenging, so she devoted of her time to it, providing quality healthcare to many people, “ so they approached me to stand for the district level election and voted massively for me”.
Madam Mensah said, notwithstanding her initiatives “much needed to be done, especially in the field of education. “That is why they are encouraging me to contest again to support the youth to focus on their academic programmes”
She said inadequate educational infrastructure and facilities were undermining quality teaching and learning, and pointed out that results of the last BECE were bad and that posed problems to parents.
She gave the assurance that she would support the construction of a library facility to inculcate the culture of reading among the youth.
This, she said, would enable the youth improve on their academic performance, get better grades, and gain admission in to second cycle and tertiary institutions.
She said she was also in the process of lobbying the Amansie West District Assembly to improve the drainage system and sanitation in the area to reduce erosion, which was affecting the various communities.
She said she was keen to procure a cassava processing machine for farmers to enable them process their cassava and increase their earnings from farming.
She called on the electorate at the Amansie West District to support the election of more women to enable them to initiate projects that would impact positively on their lives, explaining “with more women at the helm of affairs, we would be able to initiate projects that would impact positively on your lives to reduce poverty which affects most rural communities”.
Ms Oppong, who visited the Kumasi Office of the Daily Graphic as part of her campaign, said it was time women in particular and the youth in general, got involved in the district level election as a way of encouraging them to support development initiatives at the community level.
Ms Oppong is the youngest among the four candidates, including two other women, who are keenly contesting the election in the electoral area.
Giving reasons for her decision to contest the elections, she said she had something special to offer the Asafo community, and therefore appealed to the youth to actively support her campaign to enable her to win massively.
She said she was born and bred at Asafo and was therefore, conversant with the challenges facing the community. She said she would collaborate with the opinion leaders and leadership of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to address those challenges .
She mentioned sanitation as her priority, and that with only one dump site that serves the entire Asafo community, sanitation was not the best in the area. She said she had started negotiating with the KMA and other organisations to provide litter bins at vantage points at Asafo as a way of improving sanitation in the community, stressing that with hygienic environment, the health of residents would improve.
Ms Oppong said when elected, she would encourage parents to invest in their children’s education and also gave the assurance to collaborate with the KMA to support the education of brilliant needy students, saying “ many of them have the potentials to excel but their parents do not have the means to sponsor their education”.
She explained that the assembly had a special scholarship scheme to support them so she would take advantage of the scheme.
She said as a young woman, she would also liaise with the various sports personnel to nurture the potentials of the youth who have the desire to develop their talents in sports.
“ I will seek support for them, so that those who have special interest in football volley, tennis, hockey and basketball would be actively assisted”.
On her chances, she said, “my chances are very bright. I will continue with the house-to- house campaign and also mount a platform when the need arises to let the public appreciate the need to vote massively for me when the time comes”.
“Over the years, the people of North Suntreso have known me as the people’s mother due to the tremendous support I have offered the youth, children and the needy. That is why I am appealing to them to vote massively for me during the forthcoming district assembly elections so I can represent them at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)”.
These were the words of Madam Rosemary Adjei, aka, Nana Anima, a 45-year-old mother of four, who is contesting the elections in the North Suntreso Electoral Area with five others, including three men.
She said voting for her as the assembly woman would enable her collaborate with opinion leaders at the assembly and others at the highest level to lobby for support, and initiate programmes and policies to nurture potentials of the youth to enable them acquire employable skills.
She said she appreciated all the challenges that confront the community, stressing that it is time women in the community assumed leadership position, so that they will become initiators of policies and programmes that are people centred, to accelerate socio-economic development.
“ Since the inception of the district assembly concept, women in this community have supported the men to get into the assembly, and I think this is the time to give the same opportunity to women for them to be at the helm of affairs, considering the role they play in developmet” she said.
Nana Anima gave the assurance that she would not disappoint the people, if given the nod, stressing that the deplorable road network at North Suntreso, coupled with poor sanitation and drainage, as well as inadequate security that results in robbery and theft even at day time, will make her solicit the support from all sectors to make life more meaningful for the people.
She noted that because of the poor nature of the roads in the community, trotro and taxi drivers were reluctant to ply routes in the area, and gave the indication that she would lobby the department of urban roads to maintain roads in the community.
She said public places of convenience and public bath-houses in the community were in deplorable state, creating inconveniences for the community.
She said she would collaborate with the opinion leaders to form community watchdog committees, with the active involvement of the youth, to improve security in the area.
She also gave assurance to support the building of a fence wall at the Akosa D/A basic school to reduce intrusion and enhance teaching and learning.
Nana Anima said if given the nod, she would collaborate with relevant agencies to open employment avenues for the youth who have the requisite qualification.
“ You know I can do it, that is why you should offer me all the support and vote massively for me, and with your votes, I will assume leadership position to lobby for support that would bring meaningful development to the North Suntreso Electoral Area” she said.
Madam Esther Mensah, an incumbent Assembly woman of the Kensere Electoral Area in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region, is optimistic to retain the seat in the forthcoming district assembly elections. This is because she has endeared herself to the electorate over the last four years.
“Since I was elected as the assembly woman four years ago, I have made much impact by not only supporting communities in my electoral area to have projects such as electric power, but I am also helping to improve sanitation” she said.
She explained that she started with a programme to provide communities in her electoral area with electric power when she was elected as assembly woman, a situation, which she said was enhancing income generation activities, especially among the youth.
“It is for this reason that I have confidence in the electorate that they will give me all the necessary support to retain the seat and continue initiating development projects at the grassroots” she said.
According to Madam Mensah, a male candidate is also contesting her seat but said, “he would be no match for me because I have firmly gained grounds”.
She said before she was elected in 2006, she worked with a non-governmental organisation (NGO), providing primary health care to the various communities in her electoral area.
She said through that programme, she saw that health care was very challenging, so she devoted of her time to it, providing quality healthcare to many people, “ so they approached me to stand for the district level election and voted massively for me”.
Madam Mensah said, notwithstanding her initiatives “much needed to be done, especially in the field of education. “That is why they are encouraging me to contest again to support the youth to focus on their academic programmes”
She said inadequate educational infrastructure and facilities were undermining quality teaching and learning, and pointed out that results of the last BECE were bad and that posed problems to parents.
She gave the assurance that she would support the construction of a library facility to inculcate the culture of reading among the youth.
This, she said, would enable the youth improve on their academic performance, get better grades, and gain admission in to second cycle and tertiary institutions.
She said she was also in the process of lobbying the Amansie West District Assembly to improve the drainage system and sanitation in the area to reduce erosion, which was affecting the various communities.
She said she was keen to procure a cassava processing machine for farmers to enable them process their cassava and increase their earnings from farming.
She called on the electorate at the Amansie West District to support the election of more women to enable them to initiate projects that would impact positively on their lives, explaining “with more women at the helm of affairs, we would be able to initiate projects that would impact positively on your lives to reduce poverty which affects most rural communities”.
POLICEMAN SHOT DEAD BY SUSPECTED ROBBERS (BACK PAGE, NOV 24, 2010)
A Detective Sergeant of the Ashanti Regional Police Command was found murdered by suspected armed robbers on the Wonoo–Kumawu road in the early hours of yesterday.
The deceased, Sergeant R. Akakpo, was said to have been attacked by a gang of armed robbers while travelling in his private saloon car.
Sources indicated that Sgt Akakpo, who died on the spot, following gunshot wounds he sustained, was attached to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department as a photographer.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
The Regional Police Command has started investigations into the incident.
The Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Yusif Tanko, confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway to unravel the mystery behind the attack.
He also confirmed that the Sergeant was not in uniform when he was attacked.
At the time of going to press, the Regional Police Commander, Mr Patrick Timbilla, together with some other police personnel, were on their way to the spot where the incident occurred on a fact-finding mission as part of police investigations.
Three of the robbers were alleged to be in masks, and moments after they had gunned down the policeman, they escaped in a taxi they hijacked from a driver.
The robbers later abandoned the Opel Vectra with registration number GW 4303 S.
At a media briefing in Kumasi, Chief Inspector Tanko said the robbers blocked the road with logs and succeeded in attacking a couple who were on their way to hospital, robbing them of their mobile phone and cash.
He said Sgt Akakpo, who was by then travelling to Kumawu from Kumasi, chanced upon the couple lying on the road with the road blocked, so he attempted running over the logs, but the vehicle developed a fault, causing it to stop abruptly.
He said the robbers then ordered him to alight from the vehicle, and before he could alight, they shot him at close range.
Chief Inspector Tanko appealed to the public to volunteer information that would facilitate the arrest of the robbers.
The death of Sgt Akakpo is the third to be associated with robbers in the Ashanti Region in recent times.
Just before the 2008 elections, one Chief Inspector Joseph Nyame was gunned down by robbers, and on Sunday, September 19, 2010, Constable Frank William Blankson, who was on guard at Sweet Pub drinking spot at Danyame in Kumasi, was also shot dead by a gang of robbers.
The police reacted swiftly by arresting one of the suspects, identified as Hafix Malik, who had by then disguised himself by dressing like a woman.
Malik was arrested at Allah Bar when he had put on a headgear and a muffler with a baby girl strapped to his back to evade police arrest.
The police also arrested Maria Fuseini, 26, the sister of Malik, alleged to have aided her brother to disguise himself in an attempt to elude the police and travel to Tamale.
The deceased, Sergeant R. Akakpo, was said to have been attacked by a gang of armed robbers while travelling in his private saloon car.
Sources indicated that Sgt Akakpo, who died on the spot, following gunshot wounds he sustained, was attached to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department as a photographer.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
The Regional Police Command has started investigations into the incident.
The Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Yusif Tanko, confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway to unravel the mystery behind the attack.
He also confirmed that the Sergeant was not in uniform when he was attacked.
At the time of going to press, the Regional Police Commander, Mr Patrick Timbilla, together with some other police personnel, were on their way to the spot where the incident occurred on a fact-finding mission as part of police investigations.
Three of the robbers were alleged to be in masks, and moments after they had gunned down the policeman, they escaped in a taxi they hijacked from a driver.
The robbers later abandoned the Opel Vectra with registration number GW 4303 S.
At a media briefing in Kumasi, Chief Inspector Tanko said the robbers blocked the road with logs and succeeded in attacking a couple who were on their way to hospital, robbing them of their mobile phone and cash.
He said Sgt Akakpo, who was by then travelling to Kumawu from Kumasi, chanced upon the couple lying on the road with the road blocked, so he attempted running over the logs, but the vehicle developed a fault, causing it to stop abruptly.
He said the robbers then ordered him to alight from the vehicle, and before he could alight, they shot him at close range.
Chief Inspector Tanko appealed to the public to volunteer information that would facilitate the arrest of the robbers.
The death of Sgt Akakpo is the third to be associated with robbers in the Ashanti Region in recent times.
Just before the 2008 elections, one Chief Inspector Joseph Nyame was gunned down by robbers, and on Sunday, September 19, 2010, Constable Frank William Blankson, who was on guard at Sweet Pub drinking spot at Danyame in Kumasi, was also shot dead by a gang of robbers.
The police reacted swiftly by arresting one of the suspects, identified as Hafix Malik, who had by then disguised himself by dressing like a woman.
Malik was arrested at Allah Bar when he had put on a headgear and a muffler with a baby girl strapped to his back to evade police arrest.
The police also arrested Maria Fuseini, 26, the sister of Malik, alleged to have aided her brother to disguise himself in an attempt to elude the police and travel to Tamale.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
COMPUTER LITERACY...Now pre-requisite for employment (NSEMPA, BACK PAGE, NOV 15, 2010)
By George Ernest Asare, Jachie-Pramso.
“Computer literacy has now become a pre-requisite for employment, so this is my widow’s mite to help students of JAPASS become computer literate to enable them be abreast of modern trends in communication”
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bosomtwe, Mr Simon Osei Mensah, who is supporting the development of educational infrastructure at Jachie-Pramso Senior High School (Mighty JAPASS) with the construction of a Computer laboratory for the school, said this during the 40th anniversary celebration of JAPASS.
Desire
He pointed out that his desire to construct the computer laboratory for the school, was borne out of the fact that without computer literacy, students from the school would be handicapped when applying for jobs and pointed out that with the computer laboratory, students would have the opportunity of being introduced into the basics of computer literacy, which he said, had now become the major component of securing job opportunities.
Constructional work for the project, estimated at GH¢30,000 is expected to begin early next year. Already, the MP has contracted architects to come out with drawings and designs that would meet the specifications of the computer laboratory, expected to accommodate 50 students.
Commendation
Mr Osei-Mensah commended the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) of JAPASS for their sense of commitment and initiatives, which he said, had made it possible for them to initiate many development projects for the school.
He pointed out that with the pace at which the school was expanding, and the increasing number of students being admitted each academic year, there was the need to protect the land earmarked for the development of the school.
Mr Osei –Mensah therefore, appealed to the Chiefs of Jachie and Pramso to discourage the encroachment on any part of the school land, saying, any thing contrary to the protection of the school lands would undermine the expansion of educational infrastructure in future.
Collaboration
He also urged the head mistress of the school to collaborate with the PTA and the Board of Governors of the school to secure the needed documents covering all school land to prevent any form of encroachment.
Mr Osei Mensah paid glowing tribute to the executive members of the Old Students association for their sense of dynamism, in making it possible for them to support the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the school, which also coincided with the speech and prize giving day celebrations.
He challenged old students of JAPASS residing in Accra and other parts of the country, to come together to form a vibrant regional associations to enable them support the development initiatives of the school.
This, he said, would adequately motivate the current students for them to focus on their academic programmes and develop their potentials more effectively to enable JAPASS produce students with the requisite employable skills capable of supporting sustainable socio-economic development in the country.
Appeal
He also appealed to the government to support the development initiative of the school by constructing a three-storey building dormitory to address the accommodation problems facing male students in the school.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of JAPASS, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyeman III, commended the head mistress of the school for collaborating with the teaching and non-teaching staff to instill a high level of discipline among students, making it possible for them to focus on their academic programmes.
He said with all hands on deck in the form of maintaining discipline, improving academic performance and the provision of educational infrastructure on campus, the school would realise its objective of becoming one of the best, not only in the region, but the country as whole.
In his address, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku -Manu, commended the Chiefs and people of Jachie and Pramso for their foresight, which he said, made it possible for them to establish the school which was now becoming the centre of excellence of academic programmes in the Bosomtwe district.
Past students
“ The school can now boast of having produced highly placed people, including Professor Ken Agyemang Attefuah who is contributing immensely towards the development initiatives of the country” he noted, stressing “ what is worth commending is the fact that the school is not as resourced and endowed as some of the schools in the region, but it has held its own principles and standards, and managed to make significant impact in the educational landscape of the country”.
Mr Opoku-Manu promised to donate 100 bags of cement to support the construction of on-going projects in the school and urged the old boys “ to rally behind the school authorities to ensure that the up-grading of the school became reality and meaningful.
He assured all that “government would continue to support the school as a way of propelling it to an enviable height in future”.
The District Chief Executive of Bosomtwe, Mr Nti Berko, also promised that that the Assembly would start the construction of a three-unit classroom block immediately to enhance teaching and learning in the school.
He also assured the school that the assembly would donate 50 bags of cement to the school to support on-gong projects.
“Computer literacy has now become a pre-requisite for employment, so this is my widow’s mite to help students of JAPASS become computer literate to enable them be abreast of modern trends in communication”
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bosomtwe, Mr Simon Osei Mensah, who is supporting the development of educational infrastructure at Jachie-Pramso Senior High School (Mighty JAPASS) with the construction of a Computer laboratory for the school, said this during the 40th anniversary celebration of JAPASS.
Desire
He pointed out that his desire to construct the computer laboratory for the school, was borne out of the fact that without computer literacy, students from the school would be handicapped when applying for jobs and pointed out that with the computer laboratory, students would have the opportunity of being introduced into the basics of computer literacy, which he said, had now become the major component of securing job opportunities.
Constructional work for the project, estimated at GH¢30,000 is expected to begin early next year. Already, the MP has contracted architects to come out with drawings and designs that would meet the specifications of the computer laboratory, expected to accommodate 50 students.
Commendation
Mr Osei-Mensah commended the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) of JAPASS for their sense of commitment and initiatives, which he said, had made it possible for them to initiate many development projects for the school.
He pointed out that with the pace at which the school was expanding, and the increasing number of students being admitted each academic year, there was the need to protect the land earmarked for the development of the school.
Mr Osei –Mensah therefore, appealed to the Chiefs of Jachie and Pramso to discourage the encroachment on any part of the school land, saying, any thing contrary to the protection of the school lands would undermine the expansion of educational infrastructure in future.
Collaboration
He also urged the head mistress of the school to collaborate with the PTA and the Board of Governors of the school to secure the needed documents covering all school land to prevent any form of encroachment.
Mr Osei Mensah paid glowing tribute to the executive members of the Old Students association for their sense of dynamism, in making it possible for them to support the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the school, which also coincided with the speech and prize giving day celebrations.
He challenged old students of JAPASS residing in Accra and other parts of the country, to come together to form a vibrant regional associations to enable them support the development initiatives of the school.
This, he said, would adequately motivate the current students for them to focus on their academic programmes and develop their potentials more effectively to enable JAPASS produce students with the requisite employable skills capable of supporting sustainable socio-economic development in the country.
Appeal
He also appealed to the government to support the development initiative of the school by constructing a three-storey building dormitory to address the accommodation problems facing male students in the school.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of JAPASS, Nana Nsuase Poku Agyeman III, commended the head mistress of the school for collaborating with the teaching and non-teaching staff to instill a high level of discipline among students, making it possible for them to focus on their academic programmes.
He said with all hands on deck in the form of maintaining discipline, improving academic performance and the provision of educational infrastructure on campus, the school would realise its objective of becoming one of the best, not only in the region, but the country as whole.
In his address, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku -Manu, commended the Chiefs and people of Jachie and Pramso for their foresight, which he said, made it possible for them to establish the school which was now becoming the centre of excellence of academic programmes in the Bosomtwe district.
Past students
“ The school can now boast of having produced highly placed people, including Professor Ken Agyemang Attefuah who is contributing immensely towards the development initiatives of the country” he noted, stressing “ what is worth commending is the fact that the school is not as resourced and endowed as some of the schools in the region, but it has held its own principles and standards, and managed to make significant impact in the educational landscape of the country”.
Mr Opoku-Manu promised to donate 100 bags of cement to support the construction of on-going projects in the school and urged the old boys “ to rally behind the school authorities to ensure that the up-grading of the school became reality and meaningful.
He assured all that “government would continue to support the school as a way of propelling it to an enviable height in future”.
The District Chief Executive of Bosomtwe, Mr Nti Berko, also promised that that the Assembly would start the construction of a three-unit classroom block immediately to enhance teaching and learning in the school.
He also assured the school that the assembly would donate 50 bags of cement to the school to support on-gong projects.
ARCHBISHOP MENSAH DECRIES FREQUENT CHANGES IN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM (PAGE 19, NOV 13, 2010)
THE Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Thomas Kwaku Mensah, has expressed concern about the frequent changes in the educational system in the country, saying, “over the years, educational reforms have not been allowed to work for a reasonable period of time for effective evaluation of such reforms to take place.”
He pointed that the hasty changes tended to deprive the country of the capacity to make informed decisions on the future of our educational system.
Addressing a cross-section of the public during the 10th anniversary celebration of Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School in Kumasi, Most Rev. Thomas Mensah stated “while the church follows laid-down principles of education of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to achieve academic excellence, it, at the same time, teaches children that God has put us in this world for a purpose to prepare to return to Him after death”.
He said man had a dual responsibility of not only utilising the natural and human resources at his disposal for the good of the present and future generations, but should also support sustainable national development.
Archbishop Mensah said the church sought to do this by inculcating in students the need for them to respect and protect one another, as well as seek to live in harmony with one another and in peace with their neighbours.
He said the Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School, established 10 years ago by the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, was meant to contribute to the human capital development of the nation, explaining that “ the greatest asset and holistic education is the means by which this capital is developed”.
Archbishop Mensah said their main objective was to “develop in the youth the spiritual, physical, intellectual and moral aspects for them to be committed to sustainable national development”.
He gave the assurance that they would not relent in their effort to partner the government to nurture the potential of the youth holistically, including helping them to acquire moral principles needed to enhance accelerated national development.
Archbishop Mensah also advised teachers to be disciplined in all their endeavours, saying, “ we need teachers with disciplined minds and character to prepare our children for them to be dedicated and committed to support the development of our country”.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. J. K. Onyinah, said Catholic principles were synonymous with quality education with emphasis on moral and spiritual training.
He commended the church for establishing schools noted with academic excellence in the country, including that of the Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School, saying students produced from such schools had excelled in many areas of national endeavour.
He pointed that the hasty changes tended to deprive the country of the capacity to make informed decisions on the future of our educational system.
Addressing a cross-section of the public during the 10th anniversary celebration of Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School in Kumasi, Most Rev. Thomas Mensah stated “while the church follows laid-down principles of education of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to achieve academic excellence, it, at the same time, teaches children that God has put us in this world for a purpose to prepare to return to Him after death”.
He said man had a dual responsibility of not only utilising the natural and human resources at his disposal for the good of the present and future generations, but should also support sustainable national development.
Archbishop Mensah said the church sought to do this by inculcating in students the need for them to respect and protect one another, as well as seek to live in harmony with one another and in peace with their neighbours.
He said the Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School, established 10 years ago by the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, was meant to contribute to the human capital development of the nation, explaining that “ the greatest asset and holistic education is the means by which this capital is developed”.
Archbishop Mensah said their main objective was to “develop in the youth the spiritual, physical, intellectual and moral aspects for them to be committed to sustainable national development”.
He gave the assurance that they would not relent in their effort to partner the government to nurture the potential of the youth holistically, including helping them to acquire moral principles needed to enhance accelerated national development.
Archbishop Mensah also advised teachers to be disciplined in all their endeavours, saying, “ we need teachers with disciplined minds and character to prepare our children for them to be dedicated and committed to support the development of our country”.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. J. K. Onyinah, said Catholic principles were synonymous with quality education with emphasis on moral and spiritual training.
He commended the church for establishing schools noted with academic excellence in the country, including that of the Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School, saying students produced from such schools had excelled in many areas of national endeavour.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
BOSOMTWE RURAL BANK SUPPORTS KUNTANASE POLICE (PAGE 46, NOV 18, 2010)
The Bosomtwe Rural Bank has donated GH¢1,000 to the Kuntanase District Police Command to enable it to repair its broken-down vehicle.
The donation is to facilitate the movement of the police towards the maintenance of adequate security to enable law-abiding citizens concentrate on their core businesses.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank, Mr Philip Bondah, who presented the money on behalf of the bank, gave the assurance that the bank would continue to support the police in diverse ways for them to effectively police the Bosomtwe District and its environs.
He said it was only when the public actively supported the police in diverse ways that the latter would be adequately motivated to discharge their responsibilities more meaningfully.
Mr Bondah said during the joint 40th anniversary and Speech and Prize-giving Day of the Jachie-Pramso Senior High School, the Bosomtwe Rural Bank supported the school with 50 bags of cement to enable it to complete the boys’ dormitory which is under construction.
He gave the assurance that the bank would continue to support development initiatives of organisations, groups and individuals to accelerate the pace of development of the district.
The District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Edward Osei, who received the money on behalf of the police, commended the board and management of the Bosomtwe Rural Bank for the quick response to the needs of the police.
He said the support would enable the police to respond to distress calls to maintain law and order.
He appealed for public support, especially in respect of accommodation, explaining that because of inadequate accommodation, many of the policemen were compelled to stay far from their duty points.
He gave the assurance that the police would continue to maintain law and order in the district to bring about peace and security for law-abiding citizens to concentrate on their businesses.
The donation is to facilitate the movement of the police towards the maintenance of adequate security to enable law-abiding citizens concentrate on their core businesses.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank, Mr Philip Bondah, who presented the money on behalf of the bank, gave the assurance that the bank would continue to support the police in diverse ways for them to effectively police the Bosomtwe District and its environs.
He said it was only when the public actively supported the police in diverse ways that the latter would be adequately motivated to discharge their responsibilities more meaningfully.
Mr Bondah said during the joint 40th anniversary and Speech and Prize-giving Day of the Jachie-Pramso Senior High School, the Bosomtwe Rural Bank supported the school with 50 bags of cement to enable it to complete the boys’ dormitory which is under construction.
He gave the assurance that the bank would continue to support development initiatives of organisations, groups and individuals to accelerate the pace of development of the district.
The District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Edward Osei, who received the money on behalf of the police, commended the board and management of the Bosomtwe Rural Bank for the quick response to the needs of the police.
He said the support would enable the police to respond to distress calls to maintain law and order.
He appealed for public support, especially in respect of accommodation, explaining that because of inadequate accommodation, many of the policemen were compelled to stay far from their duty points.
He gave the assurance that the police would continue to maintain law and order in the district to bring about peace and security for law-abiding citizens to concentrate on their businesses.
POLICE FOR HUNT FOR SUSPECT ...The illegal water connection (PAGE 23, NOV 18 2010)
THE Suame District Police Command is searching for a man suspected to have illegally connected water to his premises at Abrepo Junction in Kumasi, since 2007.
Officers of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) who chanced on the illegal connection have on several occasions disconnected the pipe lines, but the suspect has, on each occasion, reconnected without recourse to paying any reconnection fee or water bills.
So far, the suspect, identified as Isaac Osei who, according to the GWCL officials, described himself as a Security man operating at a sensitive part in Kumasi, has accumulated Gh¢2,200 in bills and efforts to retrieve the money from him have proved futile.
Last Friday, the GWCL officials went to his house once again to disconnect the pipeline he had connected illegally and Police officials who accompanied them to effect his arrest were disappointed because the suspect once again eluded them.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of GWCL, Mr Boakye Frimpong, who briefed the media after the disconnection exercise, expressed concern about the attitude of the suspect, saying the company extended an olive branch to the suspect to “come forward for free regularisation of their service but he refused.”
“We were hoping that people will seize the opportunity, but we still have offenders who do not want to pay for water used,” he complained.
Mr Frimpong explained that the activities of the suspect came to public domain in 2007, when one of their meter readers “discovered that he had illegally connected our water to his premises at Abrepo Junction and disconnected him and left a message for him to report at our North District Office.”
He said the suspect did not only fail to respond “but instead reconnected the line without approval.”
He explained that the situation continued for five times “and anytime we disconnected the line, he reconnects. This happened in June 2007, October 2007, April 2008, August 2009 and November 2009.”
According to Mr Frimpong, it was such attitude displayed by the suspect that compelled the District Office to report his action to the Loss Control team who “went to disconnect the pipelines and served him a letter to come to the Regional Office, but this time too, he refused and again reconnected the line.”
He said it was after all efforts to get the suspect to use the appropriate channels had failed that they resorted to effect his arrest to retrieve the money owed the company.
Officers of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) who chanced on the illegal connection have on several occasions disconnected the pipe lines, but the suspect has, on each occasion, reconnected without recourse to paying any reconnection fee or water bills.
So far, the suspect, identified as Isaac Osei who, according to the GWCL officials, described himself as a Security man operating at a sensitive part in Kumasi, has accumulated Gh¢2,200 in bills and efforts to retrieve the money from him have proved futile.
Last Friday, the GWCL officials went to his house once again to disconnect the pipeline he had connected illegally and Police officials who accompanied them to effect his arrest were disappointed because the suspect once again eluded them.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of GWCL, Mr Boakye Frimpong, who briefed the media after the disconnection exercise, expressed concern about the attitude of the suspect, saying the company extended an olive branch to the suspect to “come forward for free regularisation of their service but he refused.”
“We were hoping that people will seize the opportunity, but we still have offenders who do not want to pay for water used,” he complained.
Mr Frimpong explained that the activities of the suspect came to public domain in 2007, when one of their meter readers “discovered that he had illegally connected our water to his premises at Abrepo Junction and disconnected him and left a message for him to report at our North District Office.”
He said the suspect did not only fail to respond “but instead reconnected the line without approval.”
He explained that the situation continued for five times “and anytime we disconnected the line, he reconnects. This happened in June 2007, October 2007, April 2008, August 2009 and November 2009.”
According to Mr Frimpong, it was such attitude displayed by the suspect that compelled the District Office to report his action to the Loss Control team who “went to disconnect the pipelines and served him a letter to come to the Regional Office, but this time too, he refused and again reconnected the line.”
He said it was after all efforts to get the suspect to use the appropriate channels had failed that they resorted to effect his arrest to retrieve the money owed the company.
DON'T USE POLITICIANS FOR RADIO TALK SHOWS (PAGE 13, NOV 18, 2010)
A LECTURER at the Department of Publishing Studies of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, has called on radio stations to stop the use of politicians as panel members for morning show discussions.
He said politicians discuss issues based on party affiliations, denying the people objective analysis of matters affecting national development.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Opoku-Amankwa stressed the need for panel discussions not only to be composed of technocrats with deep knowledge of issues at stake, but also people who would discuss such issues dispassionately to accelerate sustainable national development.
He also expressed concern about the over-reliance on newspapers in discussing radio morning show programmes in the country.
The lecturer noted that the situation had been the main cause of political intolerance, resulting in the use of insults and foul language on radio.
He pointed out that the over-reliance on newspapers for morning show programmes proved that the radio stations did not have their own programmes to be discussed each morning.
“This tell us that on their own, they do not have planned programmes for their listeners. This is not good enough, because discussions which have politicians as the main panel members give the politicians the leeway to do things the way they want, instead of putting them on the carpet to address issues of national concern,” he stated.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa, therefore, challenged proprietors of radio stations to impress upon their producers to change the format of over-dependence on newspapers for their morning show programmes.
He said radio stations should rather devise formats that would reflect the promotion of health, education, agriculture and environmental issues among others, and stressed that such issues were key to sustainable national development.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa pointed out that the over-concentration of newspapers and use of foul language on radio undermined the primary objectives of journalists being the watchdogs of society, explaining that radio stations fail to explore areas that would put politicians on the carpet for them to respond to issues they had failed to address over the years.
“It is not good to discuss headlines of newspapers from morning to midday, based on partisan lines because such discussions do not help to properly address issues that promote accelerated and sustainable national development,” he said.
He pointed out that by designing well-defined formats and communication plans for such morning show programmes, as well as inviting technocrats with deep-seated knowledge as panel members instead of those affiliated with particular political parties, the radio stations would be able to explore the problems that had undermined the effective and efficient development of education, health, sanitation and agriculture, among others, which he said had become major problems in the country over the years.
“Our first year students are still not in the classrooms because there are no facilities to accommodate them for them to start their academic programmes. Teachers are not attending to them, and from the look of things, it is not likely that they would undertake any serious academic programme before the terms ends. These are the issues that should be taken up by the radio stations, because the students are supposed to complete their programme in three years, so efforts should be made to ensure that they do not suffer unduly,” he bemoaned.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa also pointed out that the issue of armed robbers harassing the citizenry, which the police had described as being over-blown by the media, are other concerns that should be properly investigated by the media to calm the nerves of the public.
He pointed out that so far, our politicians have proved that they are not capable of addressing the problems of educational reforms, so the media should also take up the challenges affecting education reforms in the country from pre-school level to tertiary and explore means by which the citizenry can take to address the challenges.
He said politicians discuss issues based on party affiliations, denying the people objective analysis of matters affecting national development.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Opoku-Amankwa stressed the need for panel discussions not only to be composed of technocrats with deep knowledge of issues at stake, but also people who would discuss such issues dispassionately to accelerate sustainable national development.
He also expressed concern about the over-reliance on newspapers in discussing radio morning show programmes in the country.
The lecturer noted that the situation had been the main cause of political intolerance, resulting in the use of insults and foul language on radio.
He pointed out that the over-reliance on newspapers for morning show programmes proved that the radio stations did not have their own programmes to be discussed each morning.
“This tell us that on their own, they do not have planned programmes for their listeners. This is not good enough, because discussions which have politicians as the main panel members give the politicians the leeway to do things the way they want, instead of putting them on the carpet to address issues of national concern,” he stated.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa, therefore, challenged proprietors of radio stations to impress upon their producers to change the format of over-dependence on newspapers for their morning show programmes.
He said radio stations should rather devise formats that would reflect the promotion of health, education, agriculture and environmental issues among others, and stressed that such issues were key to sustainable national development.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa pointed out that the over-concentration of newspapers and use of foul language on radio undermined the primary objectives of journalists being the watchdogs of society, explaining that radio stations fail to explore areas that would put politicians on the carpet for them to respond to issues they had failed to address over the years.
“It is not good to discuss headlines of newspapers from morning to midday, based on partisan lines because such discussions do not help to properly address issues that promote accelerated and sustainable national development,” he said.
He pointed out that by designing well-defined formats and communication plans for such morning show programmes, as well as inviting technocrats with deep-seated knowledge as panel members instead of those affiliated with particular political parties, the radio stations would be able to explore the problems that had undermined the effective and efficient development of education, health, sanitation and agriculture, among others, which he said had become major problems in the country over the years.
“Our first year students are still not in the classrooms because there are no facilities to accommodate them for them to start their academic programmes. Teachers are not attending to them, and from the look of things, it is not likely that they would undertake any serious academic programme before the terms ends. These are the issues that should be taken up by the radio stations, because the students are supposed to complete their programme in three years, so efforts should be made to ensure that they do not suffer unduly,” he bemoaned.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa also pointed out that the issue of armed robbers harassing the citizenry, which the police had described as being over-blown by the media, are other concerns that should be properly investigated by the media to calm the nerves of the public.
He pointed out that so far, our politicians have proved that they are not capable of addressing the problems of educational reforms, so the media should also take up the challenges affecting education reforms in the country from pre-school level to tertiary and explore means by which the citizenry can take to address the challenges.
KAATH SIGNS MOU TO COLLABORATE WITH CHINESE INSTITUTIONS (SPREAD, NOV 18, 2010)
Authorities of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two leading Chinese medical institutions as part of a strategic drive to enhance the provision of tertiary healthcare services, training and research.
The two medical institutions are the Nanjing Medical University (NMU) and the Wenzhou Medical College (WMC), and WMC’s affiliated teaching hospital is the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College (FAHWMC).
The Chief Executive of KATH, Prof Ohene Adjei, signed the MoU for KATH, when he led a three-member delegation on a one-week visit to China.
Dr Di Chen, the President of NMU, signed for his university, while Prof Chen Xiaoming, the Vice President of WMC and President of FAHWMC, signed for his institutions.
The NMU, founded in 1934, is a top medical university with 1,400 strong faculty located in the Jiangsu Province. It has 18 affiliated hospitals and 30 other teaching hospitals.
Built in 1958, the WMC has close to 22,000 students, including Ghanaians, pursuing various medical programmes and related courses up to the Ph.D level, while the FAHWMC, established in 1919, currently has 1,600-bed facility at its old site and a new satellite facility with 2,500 beds equipped with modern medical equipment.
A third collaborative framework in the area of research and training is also being explored between KATH and the Centre for Infectious Diseases of the Beijing You’an Hospital.
Briefing journalists in Kumasi at the weekend, Prof. Ohene Adjei said although KATH had decades of rich experience in international partnership, this was the first time the hospital was entering into a relationship with Chinese institutions.
He said the hospital’s decision to seek special partnership with the prestigious Chinese institutions was in line with the growing relationship between the governments of the two countries and China’s
emergence as a global giant.
“We were overwhelmed by the level of innovation and standard of medical practice and facilities in the medical institutions and the affiliated teaching hospitals that we visited. We, therefore, have no doubt that the collaboration will help KATH to consolidate its position as a leading provider of specialist heathcare services, training and research in West Africa in line with our new Strategic Plan,” he said.
The Medical Director of KATH, Dr Baffour Awuah, and the Head of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Unit of the hospital, Mr Fred Mensah-Acheampong, were the other two members of the delegation.
The two medical institutions are the Nanjing Medical University (NMU) and the Wenzhou Medical College (WMC), and WMC’s affiliated teaching hospital is the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College (FAHWMC).
The Chief Executive of KATH, Prof Ohene Adjei, signed the MoU for KATH, when he led a three-member delegation on a one-week visit to China.
Dr Di Chen, the President of NMU, signed for his university, while Prof Chen Xiaoming, the Vice President of WMC and President of FAHWMC, signed for his institutions.
The NMU, founded in 1934, is a top medical university with 1,400 strong faculty located in the Jiangsu Province. It has 18 affiliated hospitals and 30 other teaching hospitals.
Built in 1958, the WMC has close to 22,000 students, including Ghanaians, pursuing various medical programmes and related courses up to the Ph.D level, while the FAHWMC, established in 1919, currently has 1,600-bed facility at its old site and a new satellite facility with 2,500 beds equipped with modern medical equipment.
A third collaborative framework in the area of research and training is also being explored between KATH and the Centre for Infectious Diseases of the Beijing You’an Hospital.
Briefing journalists in Kumasi at the weekend, Prof. Ohene Adjei said although KATH had decades of rich experience in international partnership, this was the first time the hospital was entering into a relationship with Chinese institutions.
He said the hospital’s decision to seek special partnership with the prestigious Chinese institutions was in line with the growing relationship between the governments of the two countries and China’s
emergence as a global giant.
“We were overwhelmed by the level of innovation and standard of medical practice and facilities in the medical institutions and the affiliated teaching hospitals that we visited. We, therefore, have no doubt that the collaboration will help KATH to consolidate its position as a leading provider of specialist heathcare services, training and research in West Africa in line with our new Strategic Plan,” he said.
The Medical Director of KATH, Dr Baffour Awuah, and the Head of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Unit of the hospital, Mr Fred Mensah-Acheampong, were the other two members of the delegation.
MS OPOKU TO CONTEST EFFIDUASE EAST ASSEMBLY (PAGE 13, NOV 18, 2010)
A 39 year old revenue collector, Ms Agartha Opoku, has expressed her desire to contest three men who are contesting the Effiduase East Electoral Area district level election.
Speaking in an interview on her chances of winning the election, Ms Opoku who graduated from Senior High School in 1996 said her commitment to support development makes her a better candidate than her opponents.
“ Everybody in the electoral area calls me people’s mother. This is because I have not only been supporting needy children, but have also actively involved myself in many developments initiatives, especially in the area of sanitation where I helped to repair the only public toilet in the area”.
She said “ when the only public toilet in the area broke down, I single-handedly mobilised support from key personalities to rehabilitate it and now residents, including my opponents have no problem visiting the toilet at any time.”
“ With these initiatives, I am certain that given the opportunity, even my opponents would vote for me” she stated.
She said even though she planned to rehabilitate the only public toilet, she was determined to support the construction of an additional one to reduce the inconvenience of queueing which had become the order of the day.
Ms Opoku also expressed concern about the problem of water for domestic and other uses and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to construct a borehole for the community.
She said, the Effiduase East Electoral area had only one borehole that served them, a situation, which she said, made it impossible for residents to get sufficient water supply.
She said since she identified the problem, she had made the needed efforts to construct an additional one, and therefore appealed to the electorate to support her candidature to enable her implement programmes to ease the acute water problem affecting the area.
“ I will also organise the youth to undertake communal labour to support the development projects in the electoral area to accelerate socio-economic development she assured saying “as the people’s mother, I have endeared myself to the people so much that, mobilising the youth to actively support development projects would not be a difficult task”.
Expressing concern about the problem of school dropouts among the youth, she said, she was determined to collaborate with opinion leaders in the community to support brilliant and needy school children who had dropped out from school to get back into the classrooms.
“ I want them back into the classroom for them to build their capacity because they may have something to offer the community in particular and the country in general if they nurture their talents more meaningfully, She noted.
She said when elected, she would also liase with teachers in the community to encourage students to focus on their academic programmes.
This, she said, would enable the students to get better grades to enter tertiary institutions to build their capacity and acquire employable skills to support sustainable socio-economic developments .
Speaking in an interview on her chances of winning the election, Ms Opoku who graduated from Senior High School in 1996 said her commitment to support development makes her a better candidate than her opponents.
“ Everybody in the electoral area calls me people’s mother. This is because I have not only been supporting needy children, but have also actively involved myself in many developments initiatives, especially in the area of sanitation where I helped to repair the only public toilet in the area”.
She said “ when the only public toilet in the area broke down, I single-handedly mobilised support from key personalities to rehabilitate it and now residents, including my opponents have no problem visiting the toilet at any time.”
“ With these initiatives, I am certain that given the opportunity, even my opponents would vote for me” she stated.
She said even though she planned to rehabilitate the only public toilet, she was determined to support the construction of an additional one to reduce the inconvenience of queueing which had become the order of the day.
Ms Opoku also expressed concern about the problem of water for domestic and other uses and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to construct a borehole for the community.
She said, the Effiduase East Electoral area had only one borehole that served them, a situation, which she said, made it impossible for residents to get sufficient water supply.
She said since she identified the problem, she had made the needed efforts to construct an additional one, and therefore appealed to the electorate to support her candidature to enable her implement programmes to ease the acute water problem affecting the area.
“ I will also organise the youth to undertake communal labour to support the development projects in the electoral area to accelerate socio-economic development she assured saying “as the people’s mother, I have endeared myself to the people so much that, mobilising the youth to actively support development projects would not be a difficult task”.
Expressing concern about the problem of school dropouts among the youth, she said, she was determined to collaborate with opinion leaders in the community to support brilliant and needy school children who had dropped out from school to get back into the classrooms.
“ I want them back into the classroom for them to build their capacity because they may have something to offer the community in particular and the country in general if they nurture their talents more meaningfully, She noted.
She said when elected, she would also liase with teachers in the community to encourage students to focus on their academic programmes.
This, she said, would enable the students to get better grades to enter tertiary institutions to build their capacity and acquire employable skills to support sustainable socio-economic developments .
ASPIRING FEMALE ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ...Promise good leadership (PAGE 11, NOV 18, 2010)
MARGARET Amo Opoku aka Ebenezer who is contesting the Ayeduase Electoral Area seat in the Kumasi metropolis in the upcoming District Level Elections hopes to work assiduously towards changing the face of development of the area for the better.
She said the area lacked some basic amenities needed to make life comfortable for the people and promised to put things right when voted as an assembly member.
She mentioned some of the projects she would tackle as water,education and toilet facilities, among others, and also promised to provide facilities to make markets in the area vibrant to promote businesses.
“Even though there is a market in the electoral area it is not enough and I will work at getting another one built,” she told the Daily Graphic.
Ms Amo Opoku, 60, is a businesswoman and is a graduate of the Sunyani Girls Vocational Institute. She made reference to the essence of education to the progress of society, and said efforts would be made to tackle the challenges of education in the area if given the nod. She further said she would institute measures to assist school dropouts acquire skills training.
Ms Amo Opoku said because of the large student population in the area
as a result of the numerous hostels, there was the need to improve security.
The aspirant says he had lived in the metropolis for 16 years and knew the problems of the area very well. “I am, therefore, well-positioned to lead the people in the assembly.”
She emphasised that the people of the area loved her and this would be translated into hard work when she gets to the assembly.
A 39-year-old Revenue Collector, Ms Agartha Opoku, has expressed her desire to contest the district level elections in the Effiduase East Electoral Area with three men.
Speaking to Daily Graphic on her chances of winning the election, Ms Opoku, who graduated with a senior high school certificate in 1996, said her commitment to support development initiatives in the area over the years makes her a better candidate than her fellow contestants.
“ Everybody in the electoral area calls me “people’s mother”. This is because I have not only been supporting needy children but has also actively involved myself in many development initiatives, especially in the area of sanitation where I helped to repair the only public toilet in the area”.
Stressing, she said, “ when the only public toilet in the area broke down, I singlehandedly mobilised support from key personalities to rehabilitate it, and now, residents, including my opponents, have no problem visiting the toilet at any time”
“With these initiatives, I am certain that given the opportunity, even my opponents would vote for me” she teased.
She said apart from her efforts to rehabilitate the only public toilet, she was determined to support the construction of an additional one to reduce the inconvenience of queuing which has become the order of the day.
Ms Opoku also expressed concern about the problem of water for domestic and other uses, and assured to collaborate with stakeholders to construct a borehole for the community.
Explaining, she said, the Effiduase East Electoral Area has only one borehole that serves them, a situation, which she said, made it impossible for residents to get sufficient water supply.
She said since she identified the problem, she has made the needed efforts to construct an additional one, and, therefore, appealed to the electorate to support her to enable her to implement her programmes to ease the acute water problem affecting them.
“ I will also organise the youth for us to undertake communal labour to support the development of projects in the electoral area to accelerate socio-economic development, she assured, stressing, “as the people’s mother, I have endeared myself to the people so much that mobilising the youth to actively support development projects would not be a difficult task”.
Expressing concern about the problem of school dropouts among the youth, she said, she was determined to collaborate with opinion leaders in the community to support brilliant needy school children who had dropped out from school to get back into the classrooms.
“ I want them back in the classroom for them to build their capacity because they may have something to offer the community in particular and the country in general if they nurture their talents more meaningfully”, she said.
She said when elected, she would also liaise with teachers in the community to encourage students to focus on their academic programmes.
This, she said, would make the students get better grades to enter tertiary institutions to acquire employable skills.
A 50-year-old woman contesting the district assembly election in the Nyankyenease-Apatrapa Electoral Area against four male candidates has indicated her resolve to win the election to enable her collaborate with the opinion leaders in the community to initiate projects that will impact positively on the lives of residents.
“I moved into the area barely two years ago, but I have already made an impact by initiating projects that have endeared me to the residents” declared Madam Akua Afriyie Amanfo.
Stressing, she said “I was born into leadership position and as a gender advocate, I have the edge over my contestants, so they should offer me their unflinching support”.
She expressed concern about the bad state of roads, as well as the deplorable sanitation conditions and inadequate security and lighting system in the area, and pointed out that the poor road network in the area was preventing commercial vehicles from transporting passengers to and from the Central Business District in Kumasi.
This, she said, was undermining the effective operation of their businesses and gave the assurance to collaborate with the Department of Urban Roads of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to rehabilitate the road network.
She also expressed concern about the absence of lamp posts along the major streets in the area, saying “ it undermines security.”
Madam Amanfo said as part of the measures for checking the activities of criminals in the area, she had already organised the youth in the community to form voluntary gangs to enhance security.
She also said she would make malaria control part of her agenda, adding that “the assembly need to develop the drainage system in Kumasi very well to enhance sanitation and reduce the breeding of mosquitoes.”
“ I am very sure of winning the election. Notwithstanding the fact that I am a woman, I am the strongest among all the candidates, in terms of mobilising the youth to undertake development programmes and also lobbying for facilities that would enhance development, so I stand a better chance of winning hands down to support the development of the electoral area”.
She said the area lacked some basic amenities needed to make life comfortable for the people and promised to put things right when voted as an assembly member.
She mentioned some of the projects she would tackle as water,education and toilet facilities, among others, and also promised to provide facilities to make markets in the area vibrant to promote businesses.
“Even though there is a market in the electoral area it is not enough and I will work at getting another one built,” she told the Daily Graphic.
Ms Amo Opoku, 60, is a businesswoman and is a graduate of the Sunyani Girls Vocational Institute. She made reference to the essence of education to the progress of society, and said efforts would be made to tackle the challenges of education in the area if given the nod. She further said she would institute measures to assist school dropouts acquire skills training.
Ms Amo Opoku said because of the large student population in the area
as a result of the numerous hostels, there was the need to improve security.
The aspirant says he had lived in the metropolis for 16 years and knew the problems of the area very well. “I am, therefore, well-positioned to lead the people in the assembly.”
She emphasised that the people of the area loved her and this would be translated into hard work when she gets to the assembly.
A 39-year-old Revenue Collector, Ms Agartha Opoku, has expressed her desire to contest the district level elections in the Effiduase East Electoral Area with three men.
Speaking to Daily Graphic on her chances of winning the election, Ms Opoku, who graduated with a senior high school certificate in 1996, said her commitment to support development initiatives in the area over the years makes her a better candidate than her fellow contestants.
“ Everybody in the electoral area calls me “people’s mother”. This is because I have not only been supporting needy children but has also actively involved myself in many development initiatives, especially in the area of sanitation where I helped to repair the only public toilet in the area”.
Stressing, she said, “ when the only public toilet in the area broke down, I singlehandedly mobilised support from key personalities to rehabilitate it, and now, residents, including my opponents, have no problem visiting the toilet at any time”
“With these initiatives, I am certain that given the opportunity, even my opponents would vote for me” she teased.
She said apart from her efforts to rehabilitate the only public toilet, she was determined to support the construction of an additional one to reduce the inconvenience of queuing which has become the order of the day.
Ms Opoku also expressed concern about the problem of water for domestic and other uses, and assured to collaborate with stakeholders to construct a borehole for the community.
Explaining, she said, the Effiduase East Electoral Area has only one borehole that serves them, a situation, which she said, made it impossible for residents to get sufficient water supply.
She said since she identified the problem, she has made the needed efforts to construct an additional one, and, therefore, appealed to the electorate to support her to enable her to implement her programmes to ease the acute water problem affecting them.
“ I will also organise the youth for us to undertake communal labour to support the development of projects in the electoral area to accelerate socio-economic development, she assured, stressing, “as the people’s mother, I have endeared myself to the people so much that mobilising the youth to actively support development projects would not be a difficult task”.
Expressing concern about the problem of school dropouts among the youth, she said, she was determined to collaborate with opinion leaders in the community to support brilliant needy school children who had dropped out from school to get back into the classrooms.
“ I want them back in the classroom for them to build their capacity because they may have something to offer the community in particular and the country in general if they nurture their talents more meaningfully”, she said.
She said when elected, she would also liaise with teachers in the community to encourage students to focus on their academic programmes.
This, she said, would make the students get better grades to enter tertiary institutions to acquire employable skills.
A 50-year-old woman contesting the district assembly election in the Nyankyenease-Apatrapa Electoral Area against four male candidates has indicated her resolve to win the election to enable her collaborate with the opinion leaders in the community to initiate projects that will impact positively on the lives of residents.
“I moved into the area barely two years ago, but I have already made an impact by initiating projects that have endeared me to the residents” declared Madam Akua Afriyie Amanfo.
Stressing, she said “I was born into leadership position and as a gender advocate, I have the edge over my contestants, so they should offer me their unflinching support”.
She expressed concern about the bad state of roads, as well as the deplorable sanitation conditions and inadequate security and lighting system in the area, and pointed out that the poor road network in the area was preventing commercial vehicles from transporting passengers to and from the Central Business District in Kumasi.
This, she said, was undermining the effective operation of their businesses and gave the assurance to collaborate with the Department of Urban Roads of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to rehabilitate the road network.
She also expressed concern about the absence of lamp posts along the major streets in the area, saying “ it undermines security.”
Madam Amanfo said as part of the measures for checking the activities of criminals in the area, she had already organised the youth in the community to form voluntary gangs to enhance security.
She also said she would make malaria control part of her agenda, adding that “the assembly need to develop the drainage system in Kumasi very well to enhance sanitation and reduce the breeding of mosquitoes.”
“ I am very sure of winning the election. Notwithstanding the fact that I am a woman, I am the strongest among all the candidates, in terms of mobilising the youth to undertake development programmes and also lobbying for facilities that would enhance development, so I stand a better chance of winning hands down to support the development of the electoral area”.
GENDER, WATER AND SANITATION WORKSHOP ENDS AT DROBO (PAGE 11, NOV 18, 2010)
Environment of Hope (EoHOPE), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based at Kato near Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region, has organised a day’s workshop at Drobo in the Jaman South District for about 30 queens, 200 basic school children and some women’s groups.
The workshop, held on the theme “Gender, water and sanitation; building the case for sustainable use through transparent and accountable mechanism” was organised to sensitise the participants to the need to protect the environment, especially water bodies, since they are the primary sources of water in the society.
Formally known as QueenCare International, EoHOPE also organised the workshop to educate the participants on good hygiene, environmental practices and the judicious use of water.
The sponsors of the workshop were the World Bank Civil Society Fund and the Centre for Development Partner (CDP).
Welcoming the participants, Nana Afia Siraa Ababio III, Executive Director of EoHOPE, stressed the need for women, often regarded as the managers of homes in the country, to use water judiciously and observe personal hygiene in order to avoid contracting waterborne diseases since that constituted about 90 per cent of diseases found in the area.
She urged the queens to exert their traditional authority and impress on their people, the need to desist from farming along river banks and also keep their surroundings clean to avoid contracting waterborne diseases.
She further stressed the need for parents to make the education of their children their priority and urged the queens, who are the repository of the country’s rich cultural heritage, to help inculcate the good cultural and traditional practices, which were dying slowly, in the youth.
Nana Ababio, who is also the Queen of Kato, near Berekum, said the region lagged behind in girls education in the country and, therefore, called on stakeholders, especially queens, to lead the crusade to promote the education of girls and also abolish cultural practices that were a barrier to their education.
Mr Isaac Osei, the Brong Ahafo Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who presented a paper on “Gender and Environment”, noted that since time immemorial women had been the major users and managers of the country’s natural resources.
In this regard, he said any attention paid to the education and capacity building of women would invariably lead to a major positive transformation of the environment.
Mr Osei said women were also engaged in dry season vegetable farming which involved the use of various agrochemicals that could end up polluting water bodies hence any education drive targeting them would certainly help reduce the pollution of rivers and streams.
The Jaman South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Julius Atta Bediako, thanked the organisers of the workshop and said it was aimed at creating awareness of the need to improve water and sanitation.
The workshop, held on the theme “Gender, water and sanitation; building the case for sustainable use through transparent and accountable mechanism” was organised to sensitise the participants to the need to protect the environment, especially water bodies, since they are the primary sources of water in the society.
Formally known as QueenCare International, EoHOPE also organised the workshop to educate the participants on good hygiene, environmental practices and the judicious use of water.
The sponsors of the workshop were the World Bank Civil Society Fund and the Centre for Development Partner (CDP).
Welcoming the participants, Nana Afia Siraa Ababio III, Executive Director of EoHOPE, stressed the need for women, often regarded as the managers of homes in the country, to use water judiciously and observe personal hygiene in order to avoid contracting waterborne diseases since that constituted about 90 per cent of diseases found in the area.
She urged the queens to exert their traditional authority and impress on their people, the need to desist from farming along river banks and also keep their surroundings clean to avoid contracting waterborne diseases.
She further stressed the need for parents to make the education of their children their priority and urged the queens, who are the repository of the country’s rich cultural heritage, to help inculcate the good cultural and traditional practices, which were dying slowly, in the youth.
Nana Ababio, who is also the Queen of Kato, near Berekum, said the region lagged behind in girls education in the country and, therefore, called on stakeholders, especially queens, to lead the crusade to promote the education of girls and also abolish cultural practices that were a barrier to their education.
Mr Isaac Osei, the Brong Ahafo Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who presented a paper on “Gender and Environment”, noted that since time immemorial women had been the major users and managers of the country’s natural resources.
In this regard, he said any attention paid to the education and capacity building of women would invariably lead to a major positive transformation of the environment.
Mr Osei said women were also engaged in dry season vegetable farming which involved the use of various agrochemicals that could end up polluting water bodies hence any education drive targeting them would certainly help reduce the pollution of rivers and streams.
The Jaman South District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Julius Atta Bediako, thanked the organisers of the workshop and said it was aimed at creating awareness of the need to improve water and sanitation.
KNUST STUDENTS CHALLENGE KOTOKO...To broaden recruitment net (PAGE 63, NOV 17, 2010)
A group of students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) who describe themselves as concerned supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko have urged the technical team of Kotoko to broaden its scope of recruitment to tertiary institutions.
They noted that such institutions abound with talents who can fullfil the expectations of the club.
He noted that with talents who can fulfil the expectations of the club.
In a press statement signed by 36 students and circulated to the media in Kumasi, they contended that “ the Porcupine fraternity is a big one and every effort must be made to poach the best into the fraternity”.
They said it was important for the technical team of Kotoko to broaden the scope of recruiting players into the team so that the club would be blessed with budding talents “that we lose season after season to our competitors”.
They cited Uriah Asante as a typical example, saying “we all saw him play in the match with our arch rivals. This is a chap who was poached by our arch rivals from the University of Ghana football team”.
They pointed out that “some players who played in the Ghana university team ahead of Uriah Asante in the West African University Games, as well as the World University Games, are still actively playing in the university team at the KNUST”.
Such players, they said, “have gathered considerable experience that would make it possible for them to excel in the premiership.”
They said by broadening the scope of targeting talented players in tertiary institutions, the technical team of Kotoko would not find it difficult to blend them with the old guards to make Kotoko a formidable team.
“We are of the opinion that it will do our club a world of good if we can give these super talents an opportunity to prove their worth through trials, justifiers or any other means the technical team deems fit,” they noted.
“We believe everyone who gets the privilege to don the jersey of the Porcupine Warriors family must do so on merit and nothing else”.
They noted that such institutions abound with talents who can fullfil the expectations of the club.
He noted that with talents who can fulfil the expectations of the club.
In a press statement signed by 36 students and circulated to the media in Kumasi, they contended that “ the Porcupine fraternity is a big one and every effort must be made to poach the best into the fraternity”.
They said it was important for the technical team of Kotoko to broaden the scope of recruiting players into the team so that the club would be blessed with budding talents “that we lose season after season to our competitors”.
They cited Uriah Asante as a typical example, saying “we all saw him play in the match with our arch rivals. This is a chap who was poached by our arch rivals from the University of Ghana football team”.
They pointed out that “some players who played in the Ghana university team ahead of Uriah Asante in the West African University Games, as well as the World University Games, are still actively playing in the university team at the KNUST”.
Such players, they said, “have gathered considerable experience that would make it possible for them to excel in the premiership.”
They said by broadening the scope of targeting talented players in tertiary institutions, the technical team of Kotoko would not find it difficult to blend them with the old guards to make Kotoko a formidable team.
“We are of the opinion that it will do our club a world of good if we can give these super talents an opportunity to prove their worth through trials, justifiers or any other means the technical team deems fit,” they noted.
“We believe everyone who gets the privilege to don the jersey of the Porcupine Warriors family must do so on merit and nothing else”.
KOKODE CRIES FOR WATER (PAGE 18, NOV 16, 2010)
FOR the past five years, residents of Kokode, a suburb of Kumasi, have not had access to potable water, compelling them to depend on water tanker services for the supply of water at a huge cost.
Residents have, therefore, appealed to the Ghana Water Company to repair damaged pipelines in the community to enable them have access to potable water for improved sanitation and hygiene.
Making the appeal when a section of the residents visited the Kumasi Office of Graphic Communications Group Limited, their spokeswoman, Ms Victoria Adoma, said the community had been neglected for far too long in terms of water supply and sanitation.
The absence of sanitary sites in the community, with the failure of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to address the problem of sanitation, is also creating problems in the community as residents found it difficult to dispose of refuse generated in their homes.
For more than five years now “not a drop of water has passed through our taps,” she stated and explained that the situation has compelled them to buy water from operators of water tankers.
She further explained that residents who could not afford to buy water from tanker operators relied on streams.
Ms Adoma expressed concern about the inability of the GWCL to address the problem and urged it to respond quickly to the appeal of members of the community.
On sanitation, Ms Adoma stated that the absence of sanitary sites and public places of convenience in the community were some of the major challenges confronting residents as they were unable to dispose off their waste properly.
She explained that few years ago, litter bins were supplied to individual homes in the community for a fee, a situation which she said reduced the incidence of littering “but surprisingly, the bins have disappeared.“
She said it was important for authorities of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to address the problem of waste disposal at Kokode to avoid the outbreak of any disease in the community.
She explained that because Kokode is a traditional community, many homes did not have access to toilet facilities, a situation which impacted negatively on sanitation and hygiene as the youth, especially, defecated in nearby bushes.
The KMA, she stated, had provided places of convenience for neighbouring suburbs like Asuoyeboa, Kwadaso and Edwinase, among others, and must, therefore, not deny the people of Kokode of the same facility.
Residents have, therefore, appealed to the Ghana Water Company to repair damaged pipelines in the community to enable them have access to potable water for improved sanitation and hygiene.
Making the appeal when a section of the residents visited the Kumasi Office of Graphic Communications Group Limited, their spokeswoman, Ms Victoria Adoma, said the community had been neglected for far too long in terms of water supply and sanitation.
The absence of sanitary sites in the community, with the failure of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to address the problem of sanitation, is also creating problems in the community as residents found it difficult to dispose of refuse generated in their homes.
For more than five years now “not a drop of water has passed through our taps,” she stated and explained that the situation has compelled them to buy water from operators of water tankers.
She further explained that residents who could not afford to buy water from tanker operators relied on streams.
Ms Adoma expressed concern about the inability of the GWCL to address the problem and urged it to respond quickly to the appeal of members of the community.
On sanitation, Ms Adoma stated that the absence of sanitary sites and public places of convenience in the community were some of the major challenges confronting residents as they were unable to dispose off their waste properly.
She explained that few years ago, litter bins were supplied to individual homes in the community for a fee, a situation which she said reduced the incidence of littering “but surprisingly, the bins have disappeared.“
She said it was important for authorities of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to address the problem of waste disposal at Kokode to avoid the outbreak of any disease in the community.
She explained that because Kokode is a traditional community, many homes did not have access to toilet facilities, a situation which impacted negatively on sanitation and hygiene as the youth, especially, defecated in nearby bushes.
The KMA, she stated, had provided places of convenience for neighbouring suburbs like Asuoyeboa, Kwadaso and Edwinase, among others, and must, therefore, not deny the people of Kokode of the same facility.
SUAME POLICE HUNTS FOR ROBBERS (PAGE 18, NOV 16, 2010)
THE Suame District Police Command is searching for a security man alleged to have recruited a gang of robbers who attacked the Afrancho branch of Unity Oil fuel station and made away with an amount of GH¢2,684 00.
The suspect, identified as Kwadwo Antwi, and his gang also made away with a Barclays Bank cheque with face value of GH¢371.70 when they attacked the fuel station around 7.00a.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2010.
So far, the Suame District Police has arrested two of the suspects who were identified as Frederick Annor and Daniel Donyina.
The two were remanded into prison custody by a Kumasi High Court, presided over by Justice Batu, when they appeared before him on Friday, November 12, 2010.
The suspects, who pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to rob and robbery, would reappear before the court on November 29, 2010.
Briefing the court on the facts of the case, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the complainant is a cashier at the Afrancho branch of Unity Oil where the security man, now at large, also works.
He said around 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2010, Frederick Annor and Daniel Donyina hired a taxi that took them to the Afrancho branch of Unity Oil and when they arrived, they entered the office of the complainant, brought out a locally manufactured pistol and ordered the complainant to surrender all the money in her possession.
He said investigations proved that it was the security man, now at large, who allegedly recruited Donyina and Annor to attack the fuel station and monitored their movement until they arrived at the station.
Explaining, Mr Otoo-Boison said during the attack, the suspects succeeded in taking an amount of GH¢2,684.00 and a Barclays Bank cheque with face value of Gh¢371.70 and just afterwards, rushed out with the money and boarded the taxi parked around the station and ordered the driver to move.
According to the prosecutor, just as the driver was about to move, he heard the complainant shouting, “thieves,” pointing to the suspects who had joined the taxi.
He said the driver became suspicious and was therefore reluctant to move the taxi and at that point, the suspects fished out the pistols they were wielding and pointed it at the driver, ordering him to move quickly.
He said the driver drove to the Afrancho township, turned off the ignition key and jumped off the taxi, shouting for help, which attracted the youth in the community to come to his rescue.
He said the youth succeeded in overpowering the two suspected robbers, arrested them and informed the Suame District police who arrived to take them into their custody for them to assist in their investigations.
He said during investigations, the suspects mentioned Kwadwo Antwi as the one who allegedly recruited them to rob the fuel station.
The suspect, identified as Kwadwo Antwi, and his gang also made away with a Barclays Bank cheque with face value of GH¢371.70 when they attacked the fuel station around 7.00a.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2010.
So far, the Suame District Police has arrested two of the suspects who were identified as Frederick Annor and Daniel Donyina.
The two were remanded into prison custody by a Kumasi High Court, presided over by Justice Batu, when they appeared before him on Friday, November 12, 2010.
The suspects, who pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to rob and robbery, would reappear before the court on November 29, 2010.
Briefing the court on the facts of the case, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence Otoo-Boison, said the complainant is a cashier at the Afrancho branch of Unity Oil where the security man, now at large, also works.
He said around 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2010, Frederick Annor and Daniel Donyina hired a taxi that took them to the Afrancho branch of Unity Oil and when they arrived, they entered the office of the complainant, brought out a locally manufactured pistol and ordered the complainant to surrender all the money in her possession.
He said investigations proved that it was the security man, now at large, who allegedly recruited Donyina and Annor to attack the fuel station and monitored their movement until they arrived at the station.
Explaining, Mr Otoo-Boison said during the attack, the suspects succeeded in taking an amount of GH¢2,684.00 and a Barclays Bank cheque with face value of Gh¢371.70 and just afterwards, rushed out with the money and boarded the taxi parked around the station and ordered the driver to move.
According to the prosecutor, just as the driver was about to move, he heard the complainant shouting, “thieves,” pointing to the suspects who had joined the taxi.
He said the driver became suspicious and was therefore reluctant to move the taxi and at that point, the suspects fished out the pistols they were wielding and pointed it at the driver, ordering him to move quickly.
He said the driver drove to the Afrancho township, turned off the ignition key and jumped off the taxi, shouting for help, which attracted the youth in the community to come to his rescue.
He said the youth succeeded in overpowering the two suspected robbers, arrested them and informed the Suame District police who arrived to take them into their custody for them to assist in their investigations.
He said during investigations, the suspects mentioned Kwadwo Antwi as the one who allegedly recruited them to rob the fuel station.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
REGULATE LABORATORY PRACTICE (PAGE 19, NOV 12, 2010)
Executive members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (GABMLS) have appealed to the government to expedite action on a Legislative Instrument (LI) to regulate laboratory practice in the country.
They explained that while medical doctors, pharmacists and nurses in the country continued to maintain high professional standards in their practices and enjoyed good public image, the same could not be said of those who undertook laboratory testing, thus lowering their self-esteem among the public.
Making the appeal during a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace as part of the Awukudae celebration, the GABMLS noted, “ in spite of the critical importance of laboratory services to the provision of quality health care, there is no law and regulatory body to regulate the practice of laboratory services in the country”
“Fake laboratories all over the place should be of great concern, not only to the leaders of our association, but to all Ghanaians, because the situation has very serious consequences on healthcare delivery in Ghana,” they said.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GABMLS, Mr Thomas Gyampomah, who made the appeal on behalf of his executive, pointed out that given the concern of Otumfuo Osei Tutu to support better health care delivery for Ghanaians, and his “enviable stature in the affairs of the country, we have absolute confidence and trust that once you make an input, the government would expedite action to pass a Legislative Instrument to enact a law that would regulate the practice of laboratory testing in the country”.
Mr Gyampomah said “the association is very much committed to making a national effort to promote the use of best practices in laboratory medicine, but the absence of regulatory body is a huge limitation, which must be rectified immediately to save Ghanaians from quack practitioners and substandard laboratory services”.
He said the association also considered the enactment of a legislative instrument and subsequent establishment of a regulatory body as its number one priority, noting that ,“ as a professional group, we have used all avenues available to us to call on the government to pass a legislative instrument to regulate our practices, but to no avail”.
The courtesy call was to enable the executive members to introduce themselves to the Asantehene and to commend him for his support for quality health care delivery.
Among the executive members who were at the Manhyia Palace were the Vice-Chairman, Mr Abass Alhassan; Mr Awuah Nyantakyi, Secretary; Mr Michael Owusu, Organiser; and Mr David Ofosu Ntiamoah, Financial Secretary.
Expressing concern about the proliferation of laboratory testing in the country, Mr Gyampomah said evidence was clear in newspaper publications when the HIV status of a patient tested at two different laboratories at Bantama “gave different results“.
“A few weeks later in Accra, the Hepatitis B status of another patient in two different laboratories was also reported differently,” he added.
Mr Gyampomah said the number of people who had either died, been maimed, or traumatised through the activities of fake practitioners could not be quantified,” stressing ,“ these occurrences are enough signals to cause the government to hasten to come up with the appropriate legislation that will regulate laboratory services to enhance quality health care delivery”.
They explained that while medical doctors, pharmacists and nurses in the country continued to maintain high professional standards in their practices and enjoyed good public image, the same could not be said of those who undertook laboratory testing, thus lowering their self-esteem among the public.
Making the appeal during a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace as part of the Awukudae celebration, the GABMLS noted, “ in spite of the critical importance of laboratory services to the provision of quality health care, there is no law and regulatory body to regulate the practice of laboratory services in the country”
“Fake laboratories all over the place should be of great concern, not only to the leaders of our association, but to all Ghanaians, because the situation has very serious consequences on healthcare delivery in Ghana,” they said.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GABMLS, Mr Thomas Gyampomah, who made the appeal on behalf of his executive, pointed out that given the concern of Otumfuo Osei Tutu to support better health care delivery for Ghanaians, and his “enviable stature in the affairs of the country, we have absolute confidence and trust that once you make an input, the government would expedite action to pass a Legislative Instrument to enact a law that would regulate the practice of laboratory testing in the country”.
Mr Gyampomah said “the association is very much committed to making a national effort to promote the use of best practices in laboratory medicine, but the absence of regulatory body is a huge limitation, which must be rectified immediately to save Ghanaians from quack practitioners and substandard laboratory services”.
He said the association also considered the enactment of a legislative instrument and subsequent establishment of a regulatory body as its number one priority, noting that ,“ as a professional group, we have used all avenues available to us to call on the government to pass a legislative instrument to regulate our practices, but to no avail”.
The courtesy call was to enable the executive members to introduce themselves to the Asantehene and to commend him for his support for quality health care delivery.
Among the executive members who were at the Manhyia Palace were the Vice-Chairman, Mr Abass Alhassan; Mr Awuah Nyantakyi, Secretary; Mr Michael Owusu, Organiser; and Mr David Ofosu Ntiamoah, Financial Secretary.
Expressing concern about the proliferation of laboratory testing in the country, Mr Gyampomah said evidence was clear in newspaper publications when the HIV status of a patient tested at two different laboratories at Bantama “gave different results“.
“A few weeks later in Accra, the Hepatitis B status of another patient in two different laboratories was also reported differently,” he added.
Mr Gyampomah said the number of people who had either died, been maimed, or traumatised through the activities of fake practitioners could not be quantified,” stressing ,“ these occurrences are enough signals to cause the government to hasten to come up with the appropriate legislation that will regulate laboratory services to enhance quality health care delivery”.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)