Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
The Bantama Sub-metro Mutual Health Insurance Scheme in Kumasi (MHIS) generated a total of GH¢821, 246.08 as premium from its clients between 2005 and 2007.
In January this year, the scheme collected a total of GH ¢60,605 as premium.
The scheme, however, paid as much as GH¢2,339,555.84 as claims for the health care provided its clients by health care service providers during the same period.
In January this year, as much as GH¢1,411,089.74 had already been paid as service claims.
As many as 198,388 clients have so far been registered by the scheme in the past two years to enable them to receive quality heath care service. Out of that number 134,942 have already received their identity (ID) cards.
The Scheme Manager, Mr Stephen P. Jalulah, told the Daily Graphic that between 2005 and 2006, the scheme registered a total of 102,028 clients and generated GH¢320,091.70 as premium.
Last year, the scheme also collected GH¢440,546.38 from its clients as premium and that the management was devising the requisite strategies that would encourage as many people as possible from the Bantama Sub-metro to join the scheme.
Mr Jalulah expressed concern about the undue delay in releasing subsidies for the payment of claims and said the delay usually brought them on collision course with the health care providers, something that did not augur well for quality health care delivery.
He suggested that the National Health Insurance Council should release the subsidies to the scheme managers ahead of every quarter to enable them to pay their claims on schedule.
According to Mr Jalulah, the Bantama Sub-metro Mutual Health Insurance Scheme paid average monthly claims to the tune of GH¢80,000.00 to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) alone for the services it provided its clients. He said because the KATH was very close to Bantama and was the only referral hospital in the Ashanti Region and its environs, clients from the northern sector always sought quality health care there, compelling the hospital authorities to send all their bills to the sub-metro for payment before their sister schemes later reimbursed it.
He said the scheme’s operations were mostly affected by the huge claims it paid monthly for its clients and clients from sister schemes in the northern sector who sought medical care from the KATH, and the undue delay in getting reimbursed.
He appealed for prompt reimbursement to enable the schemes to respond to the needs of their service providers as quickly as possible.
Mr Jalulah also expressed concern about the multiple hospital attendance by clients instead of focusing on a particular healthcare facility in the metropolis.
He said the multiple hospital attendance did not only undermine its operations due to the number of cards used for the and the increased cost of treatment for the clients, but also affected the treatment of the clients due to the multiple drugs provided for the treatment of the same disease.
He appealed to the clients to stick to a particular healthcare provider to enable the medical officers to appreciate the history of their illness and offer the right prescription and treatment that would enhance their speedy recovery.
He said information reaching his outfit also indicated that some medical officers were abusing the system by using the ID cards of some clients to prescribe drugs for close friends and relatives.
He said they were adopting a mechanism to track down such unpatriotic citizens, arrest and prosecute them and advised such people to put an end to their negative practices before they were arrested and prosecuted.
Mr Jalulah said the Bantama Sub-metro scheme had employed 15 permanent workers, who attended to their numerous clients and said the number was woefully inadequate.
He suggested that the strength of permanent staff be increased to 30 to enable the scheme to attend to its clients in a more effective and efficient way.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
PORTER REMANDED FOR DEFILEMENT (PAGE 30)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Justice Ernest Yao Obimpeh, has remanded a 25-year-old porter in police custody for two weeks to facilitate investigations into a case in which the suspect is alleged to have defiled a six-year-old girl at a secluded area of the Kumasi Central Market last week.
The suspect, Charles Akwasi Annor, who is a native of Begoro, but resides in Kumasi, was alleged to have lured the six year old girl into the secluded area at the market, and after sexually abusing her , warned her not to disclosed what happened to anybody or risk being killed.
A few hours after her ordeal, the girl started experiencing severe pains in her vagina while some whitish fluid also started flowing from her vagina and this alarmed her grandmother.
When her grandmother questioned her, the girl mentioned the name of the suspect as the one who sexually abused her, so the grandmother reported the incident to the police.
A medical form was issued to the victim to attend hospital and the report proved that she had been sexually abused. The police then arrested the suspect and after investigations charged him with defiling the six-year-old girl.
The plea of Charles Akwasi Annor was not taken when he appeared before the Circuit Court, and the court remanded him in police custody for two weeks to enable the police to continue their investigations into the case.
Chief Inspector Owusu Manu, who prosecuted the case told the court that, the mother of the victim was a porter at the Central Market, where the suspect also worked as a porter.
He said on December 14, 2007, the victim was left in the care of her grandmother when her mother went out to transact business, and in the course of the day, the suspect was seen playing with the girl.
He added that the suspect took advantage of his interaction with the little girl and later lured her into a secluded area in the market where he was alleged to have sexually abused her.
Chief Inspector Owusu Manu said immediately after the act, the suspect sternly warned the victim never to disclose what had happened to anyone because she would surely die if she did.
He said around 7p.m. the same day, while the grandmother was bathing the victim, she detected that the little girl was in severe pains and some whitish fluid was flowing from her vagina. When she questioned the victim she mentioned the name of the suspect as the one who sexually abused her.
He said armed with this information, the grandmother reported the case to the police who issued her with a form for medical examination.
Mr Manu said when the medical report confirmed that the little girl had been sexually molested, the police arrested the suspect and after investigations, he was charged with the offence.
A Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Justice Ernest Yao Obimpeh, has remanded a 25-year-old porter in police custody for two weeks to facilitate investigations into a case in which the suspect is alleged to have defiled a six-year-old girl at a secluded area of the Kumasi Central Market last week.
The suspect, Charles Akwasi Annor, who is a native of Begoro, but resides in Kumasi, was alleged to have lured the six year old girl into the secluded area at the market, and after sexually abusing her , warned her not to disclosed what happened to anybody or risk being killed.
A few hours after her ordeal, the girl started experiencing severe pains in her vagina while some whitish fluid also started flowing from her vagina and this alarmed her grandmother.
When her grandmother questioned her, the girl mentioned the name of the suspect as the one who sexually abused her, so the grandmother reported the incident to the police.
A medical form was issued to the victim to attend hospital and the report proved that she had been sexually abused. The police then arrested the suspect and after investigations charged him with defiling the six-year-old girl.
The plea of Charles Akwasi Annor was not taken when he appeared before the Circuit Court, and the court remanded him in police custody for two weeks to enable the police to continue their investigations into the case.
Chief Inspector Owusu Manu, who prosecuted the case told the court that, the mother of the victim was a porter at the Central Market, where the suspect also worked as a porter.
He said on December 14, 2007, the victim was left in the care of her grandmother when her mother went out to transact business, and in the course of the day, the suspect was seen playing with the girl.
He added that the suspect took advantage of his interaction with the little girl and later lured her into a secluded area in the market where he was alleged to have sexually abused her.
Chief Inspector Owusu Manu said immediately after the act, the suspect sternly warned the victim never to disclose what had happened to anyone because she would surely die if she did.
He said around 7p.m. the same day, while the grandmother was bathing the victim, she detected that the little girl was in severe pains and some whitish fluid was flowing from her vagina. When she questioned the victim she mentioned the name of the suspect as the one who sexually abused her.
He said armed with this information, the grandmother reported the case to the police who issued her with a form for medical examination.
Mr Manu said when the medical report confirmed that the little girl had been sexually molested, the police arrested the suspect and after investigations, he was charged with the offence.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
EGYPT BOOK SEMI-FINAL SLOT
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
In the other quarter-final match played yesterday, George Ernest Asare, reports that Angola’s dream of having a semi-final berth in the ongoing Ghana 2008 tournament ended at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi when they succumbed 1-2 to the might of Egypt giving the Egyptians a ticket to the semi-finals and keeping their dreams of defending the trophy they won two years ago on course.
Angola who had a massive support at the Kumasi Stadium equalised a few minutes through Manucho after Egypt had opened the scores through a spot kick by Hosny Abd Rabou.
They gave the Egyptians a cheap goal through a defensive blunder in the 38th minute when Carlos Alonso’s attempt to clear a ball hit Egypt’s Amr Zaki and bounced into the net with goalkeeper Luis Joao stranded.
Egypt could have registered a cricket scoreline, especially in the second half, where they created a lot of chances but brilliant goalkeeping by Luis Joao ensured that Angola went home as gallant losers.
Inexperience cost the Angolans rather than the might of Egypt as they took the game to their opponents and created chances but squandered them to the surprise of the partisan Kumasi soccer fans who were urging them on.
While Egypt relied on long balls with swift inter positional changes and fast runs to outwit their opponents, Angola massed up in defence where Airosa Marco, Alonso Carlos, Joao Yamba and Amado Flavio formed a barrier to prevent the hungry Egyptian attackers from scoring an early goal.
In one of their movements in the 10th minute, Mohamed Abdel Nabi Ibrahim succeeded in outwitting the unyielding Egyptian defence and entered the box, but with the keeper at his mercy he found his touch sweep past the area.
Egypt took charge of the midfield where Abdrabou Abdel Moteleb, Mohamed Shawky Aly Salam and Mohamed Mohamed Abou Trika operated, pushing their attackers forward, and succeeded in earning a spot kick after Moteleb’s shot hit the hand of an opponent. Moteleb converted the kick to give Egypt the lead. But the referee ignored a similar offence when a hard pressed Egyptian defender also handled the ball in his area.
Undaunted,the Angolans started mounting attack and their efforts yielded dividend in the 28th minute Mateus Alberto sent an intelligent volley which hit the back of the net before skipper Kamal Tawfik El Hadary in post for Egypt could react.
Mateus Alberto picked the ball midway in the area of Egypt, beat two defenders before sending a 25-metre volley to bring the scores at par to give Kumasi fans something to jubilate about.
Angola continued the attack, hoping to increase the score line but always fumbled in the area of Egypt and sometimes gave faulty passes.
The Egyptians who relied on counter attacks increased the tally in the 38th minute when Carlos Alonso saw his clearance in the area hit Amr Hasan Zakry Mansour for the second goal for Egypt.
Just after resumption, Alberto Mateus of Angola had an opportunity to bring Angola on level terms but his touch missed the post by inches to the relief of the Egyptians.
As the game progressed Angola gained confidence and initiated series of attacks in an attempt to equalize but they always fumbled or allowed the Egyptian defenders to clear the ball to safety, making it impossible for them to realise their dreams of having a semi final berth.
Egypt
1.Kamal Tawfik El Hadary, 5. Mohamed Abdel Fattah Ragad, 6. Mohamed Said Gad, 7. Fathy Abdel Meneim Ibrahim, 8. Abdrabou Abdel Moteleb, 10. Mohamed Abdel Nabi Ibrahim, 11. Mohamed Shawky Aly Salam, 14. Said Moawad Abdel/2. Fathalla Abdou Ibrahim Wahed, 19. Amr Hasan Zakry Mansour/17. Hasan Kamel, 20. Wael Gomaa Kamel Elhawty, 22. Mohamed Mohamed Abou Trika.
Angola
1. Joao Luis, 2. Airosa Marco, 5. Alonso Carlos, 6. Joao Yamba, 8. Macanga Andre, 10. Mulenessa Norberto 9. Mateus Costa, 11. Amaral Felisberto, 15. Marques Rui, 16. Amado Flavio/Antonio Mendonca, 17. Baptista Nsimba, 23. Alberto Mateus
In the other quarter-final match played yesterday, George Ernest Asare, reports that Angola’s dream of having a semi-final berth in the ongoing Ghana 2008 tournament ended at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi when they succumbed 1-2 to the might of Egypt giving the Egyptians a ticket to the semi-finals and keeping their dreams of defending the trophy they won two years ago on course.
Angola who had a massive support at the Kumasi Stadium equalised a few minutes through Manucho after Egypt had opened the scores through a spot kick by Hosny Abd Rabou.
They gave the Egyptians a cheap goal through a defensive blunder in the 38th minute when Carlos Alonso’s attempt to clear a ball hit Egypt’s Amr Zaki and bounced into the net with goalkeeper Luis Joao stranded.
Egypt could have registered a cricket scoreline, especially in the second half, where they created a lot of chances but brilliant goalkeeping by Luis Joao ensured that Angola went home as gallant losers.
Inexperience cost the Angolans rather than the might of Egypt as they took the game to their opponents and created chances but squandered them to the surprise of the partisan Kumasi soccer fans who were urging them on.
While Egypt relied on long balls with swift inter positional changes and fast runs to outwit their opponents, Angola massed up in defence where Airosa Marco, Alonso Carlos, Joao Yamba and Amado Flavio formed a barrier to prevent the hungry Egyptian attackers from scoring an early goal.
In one of their movements in the 10th minute, Mohamed Abdel Nabi Ibrahim succeeded in outwitting the unyielding Egyptian defence and entered the box, but with the keeper at his mercy he found his touch sweep past the area.
Egypt took charge of the midfield where Abdrabou Abdel Moteleb, Mohamed Shawky Aly Salam and Mohamed Mohamed Abou Trika operated, pushing their attackers forward, and succeeded in earning a spot kick after Moteleb’s shot hit the hand of an opponent. Moteleb converted the kick to give Egypt the lead. But the referee ignored a similar offence when a hard pressed Egyptian defender also handled the ball in his area.
Undaunted,the Angolans started mounting attack and their efforts yielded dividend in the 28th minute Mateus Alberto sent an intelligent volley which hit the back of the net before skipper Kamal Tawfik El Hadary in post for Egypt could react.
Mateus Alberto picked the ball midway in the area of Egypt, beat two defenders before sending a 25-metre volley to bring the scores at par to give Kumasi fans something to jubilate about.
Angola continued the attack, hoping to increase the score line but always fumbled in the area of Egypt and sometimes gave faulty passes.
The Egyptians who relied on counter attacks increased the tally in the 38th minute when Carlos Alonso saw his clearance in the area hit Amr Hasan Zakry Mansour for the second goal for Egypt.
Just after resumption, Alberto Mateus of Angola had an opportunity to bring Angola on level terms but his touch missed the post by inches to the relief of the Egyptians.
As the game progressed Angola gained confidence and initiated series of attacks in an attempt to equalize but they always fumbled or allowed the Egyptian defenders to clear the ball to safety, making it impossible for them to realise their dreams of having a semi final berth.
Egypt
1.Kamal Tawfik El Hadary, 5. Mohamed Abdel Fattah Ragad, 6. Mohamed Said Gad, 7. Fathy Abdel Meneim Ibrahim, 8. Abdrabou Abdel Moteleb, 10. Mohamed Abdel Nabi Ibrahim, 11. Mohamed Shawky Aly Salam, 14. Said Moawad Abdel/2. Fathalla Abdou Ibrahim Wahed, 19. Amr Hasan Zakry Mansour/17. Hasan Kamel, 20. Wael Gomaa Kamel Elhawty, 22. Mohamed Mohamed Abou Trika.
Angola
1. Joao Luis, 2. Airosa Marco, 5. Alonso Carlos, 6. Joao Yamba, 8. Macanga Andre, 10. Mulenessa Norberto 9. Mateus Costa, 11. Amaral Felisberto, 15. Marques Rui, 16. Amado Flavio/Antonio Mendonca, 17. Baptista Nsimba, 23. Alberto Mateus
Sunday, February 3, 2008
BANTAMA MARKET BURNT DOWN ...Page 29)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
On Sunday, January 13, 2008, a section of the business community at Bantama in the Kumasi metropolis was hit by another fire disaster when the Bantama main market was gutted down and as many as 460 stalls filled with assorted products were totally destroyed.
In addition to the large number of property that were totally consumed by the fire which left behind significant economic losses, and the cost refurbishing the market, the fire also claimed the life of a pregnant woman.
The deceased, who was identified as Cynthia Ayamga, and her male partner, Isor Ayamga, were alleged to be sleeping in one of the stalls when the fire started, and while the male partner managed to escape, the deceased was trapped in the stall that had been converted into a bedroom and burnt beyond recognition.
Isor Ayamga also sustained severe burns and is currently on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital where he is receiving treatment.
Fire outbreaks in the Kumasi metropolis, especially at satellite markets, including the Asafo Market and the main Kumasi Central Market, regarded as the biggest in the West African sub-region, seem to have become an annual ritual as each year a market in the metropolis is gutted by fire for reasons very difficult to comprehend.
Daily Graphic investigations have revealed that the markets have become residential apartments for residents who have no permanent abode and in the night, the residents do not only prepare their meals on coal pots and other gadgets to keep body and soul together, but also use candles as sources of lights in the stalls which they use as makeshift accommodation facilities.
The investigations further revealed that the Bantama market fire outbreak was the result of a candle used by the deceased and her partner as their main source of light during the night, which caught fire in their makeshift bedroom and consumed them before spreading quickly to other parts of the market completely destroying products worth millions of Ghana cedis.
Apart from the Bantama Market fire outbreak this year, part of the Kumasi Central Market also caught fire a few days ago, destroying quantities of property belonging to a section of the business community in the metropolis.
Information made available to the Daily Graphic by the Ghana National Fire Service indicated that in 2006 for example, a total of 570 fire outbreaks occurred in the Kumasi metropolis and other parts of the Ashanti Region. According to the source, property estimated at GH¢1.632,150 was totally destroyed during the fire outbreaks. Last year, as many as 778 fire outbreaks were recorded in Kumasi and other parts of the region.
The source said the economic loss from the fire outbreaks to the victims in Kumasi and its environs was enormous because property estimated at GH¢39,379,232 were totally destroyed.
Ironically, fire outbreaks in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs over the years mostly occurred at the beginning of the year.
In January 2006, as many as 60 fire outbreaks were recorded and the figure increased to 156 in January last year. While property estimated at GH¢1,232,978 was destroyed through fire outbreaks in January 2006 alone, and as much as GH¢4,433,179 worth of property was lost through fire outbreaks in January 2007.
Apart from the satellite markets in the metropolis where fire outbreaks have become predominant, domestic fire outbreaks that have occurred in the Kumasi metropolis are also overwhelming, as in 2006 alone 310 domestic fire outbreaks were recorded in Kumasi and its environs, and this increased to 396 in 2007.
The pains, mental agony and economic impact that victims of the fire outbreaks went through were very devastating, because while some of the victims were so traumatised and never recovered from the financial loss, others died from the shock of seeing their life-long property consumed by fire within a short period of time.
The Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO), Mr Obeng D. Dwamena, told the Daily Graphic that it was important for residents to take precautionary measures to reduce the incidence of fire outbreaks and avoid the loss of lives and property.
Mr Dwamena, who is the Ashanti Regional Fire Officer, noted with concern the rate at which fire outbreaks were undermining effective and efficient socio-economic development of the metropolis and called on residents to take preventive measures against outbreak of fire in marketplaces, residential areas, industries and institutions, among others.
He said apart from the economic effect of fire outbreaks, they also caused the death of people. In 2006 for example a total of 85 people died from fire outbreaks and last year fire outbreaks claimed the lives of 41 people.
He said the rampant fire outbreaks in marketplaces within the metropolis for example could be attributed to the lackadaisical manner that a section of the business community in particular and those who used the markets as places of abode used items that could easily spark off fire.
He said some of the women cooked in the market without ensuring that members in their coal pots were completely put out.
He said those who used the stalls as residential apartments also resorted to the use of candles as sources of lights without creating fire belts and the candles sometimes caught fire when they were asleep and with the aid of any slight wind, it spread to other areas destroying lives and property.
Mr Dwamena said notwithstanding the numerous campaigns carried out by personnel of the Fire Service on the negative impact that fire outbreaks created in society, the outbreaks had intensified.
That, he said, was undermining sustainable socio-economic development because of the economic loss they brought.
He also expressed concern about the number of false calls that a section of the public made to the personnel of the service.
He said last year for example as many as 26 false calls were made and in 2006, the service recorded 48 false calls.
That, he said, did not only affect their operations but also diverted attention, and therefore urged those involved in making false calls to put an end to it or face prosecution when they were traced and arrested.
He said that the Fire Service had acquired the necessary gadgets to trace such people and would soon put up mechanisms to trace and prosecute them if they continued to indulge in such negative practices.
On Sunday, January 13, 2008, a section of the business community at Bantama in the Kumasi metropolis was hit by another fire disaster when the Bantama main market was gutted down and as many as 460 stalls filled with assorted products were totally destroyed.
In addition to the large number of property that were totally consumed by the fire which left behind significant economic losses, and the cost refurbishing the market, the fire also claimed the life of a pregnant woman.
The deceased, who was identified as Cynthia Ayamga, and her male partner, Isor Ayamga, were alleged to be sleeping in one of the stalls when the fire started, and while the male partner managed to escape, the deceased was trapped in the stall that had been converted into a bedroom and burnt beyond recognition.
Isor Ayamga also sustained severe burns and is currently on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital where he is receiving treatment.
Fire outbreaks in the Kumasi metropolis, especially at satellite markets, including the Asafo Market and the main Kumasi Central Market, regarded as the biggest in the West African sub-region, seem to have become an annual ritual as each year a market in the metropolis is gutted by fire for reasons very difficult to comprehend.
Daily Graphic investigations have revealed that the markets have become residential apartments for residents who have no permanent abode and in the night, the residents do not only prepare their meals on coal pots and other gadgets to keep body and soul together, but also use candles as sources of lights in the stalls which they use as makeshift accommodation facilities.
The investigations further revealed that the Bantama market fire outbreak was the result of a candle used by the deceased and her partner as their main source of light during the night, which caught fire in their makeshift bedroom and consumed them before spreading quickly to other parts of the market completely destroying products worth millions of Ghana cedis.
Apart from the Bantama Market fire outbreak this year, part of the Kumasi Central Market also caught fire a few days ago, destroying quantities of property belonging to a section of the business community in the metropolis.
Information made available to the Daily Graphic by the Ghana National Fire Service indicated that in 2006 for example, a total of 570 fire outbreaks occurred in the Kumasi metropolis and other parts of the Ashanti Region. According to the source, property estimated at GH¢1.632,150 was totally destroyed during the fire outbreaks. Last year, as many as 778 fire outbreaks were recorded in Kumasi and other parts of the region.
The source said the economic loss from the fire outbreaks to the victims in Kumasi and its environs was enormous because property estimated at GH¢39,379,232 were totally destroyed.
Ironically, fire outbreaks in the Kumasi metropolis and its environs over the years mostly occurred at the beginning of the year.
In January 2006, as many as 60 fire outbreaks were recorded and the figure increased to 156 in January last year. While property estimated at GH¢1,232,978 was destroyed through fire outbreaks in January 2006 alone, and as much as GH¢4,433,179 worth of property was lost through fire outbreaks in January 2007.
Apart from the satellite markets in the metropolis where fire outbreaks have become predominant, domestic fire outbreaks that have occurred in the Kumasi metropolis are also overwhelming, as in 2006 alone 310 domestic fire outbreaks were recorded in Kumasi and its environs, and this increased to 396 in 2007.
The pains, mental agony and economic impact that victims of the fire outbreaks went through were very devastating, because while some of the victims were so traumatised and never recovered from the financial loss, others died from the shock of seeing their life-long property consumed by fire within a short period of time.
The Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO), Mr Obeng D. Dwamena, told the Daily Graphic that it was important for residents to take precautionary measures to reduce the incidence of fire outbreaks and avoid the loss of lives and property.
Mr Dwamena, who is the Ashanti Regional Fire Officer, noted with concern the rate at which fire outbreaks were undermining effective and efficient socio-economic development of the metropolis and called on residents to take preventive measures against outbreak of fire in marketplaces, residential areas, industries and institutions, among others.
He said apart from the economic effect of fire outbreaks, they also caused the death of people. In 2006 for example a total of 85 people died from fire outbreaks and last year fire outbreaks claimed the lives of 41 people.
He said the rampant fire outbreaks in marketplaces within the metropolis for example could be attributed to the lackadaisical manner that a section of the business community in particular and those who used the markets as places of abode used items that could easily spark off fire.
He said some of the women cooked in the market without ensuring that members in their coal pots were completely put out.
He said those who used the stalls as residential apartments also resorted to the use of candles as sources of lights without creating fire belts and the candles sometimes caught fire when they were asleep and with the aid of any slight wind, it spread to other areas destroying lives and property.
Mr Dwamena said notwithstanding the numerous campaigns carried out by personnel of the Fire Service on the negative impact that fire outbreaks created in society, the outbreaks had intensified.
That, he said, was undermining sustainable socio-economic development because of the economic loss they brought.
He also expressed concern about the number of false calls that a section of the public made to the personnel of the service.
He said last year for example as many as 26 false calls were made and in 2006, the service recorded 48 false calls.
That, he said, did not only affect their operations but also diverted attention, and therefore urged those involved in making false calls to put an end to it or face prosecution when they were traced and arrested.
He said that the Fire Service had acquired the necessary gadgets to trace such people and would soon put up mechanisms to trace and prosecute them if they continued to indulge in such negative practices.
Friday, February 1, 2008
ZAMBIA EXPOSE EGYPT (G/S Page 5)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Zambia bowed out of the Ghana 2008 tournament last Wednesday with pride after exposing the Pharaohs defence at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi and collecting a point in their last group match.
After defeating the whipping boys in group C, The Sudan, 3-0 in their opening match and succumbing 1-5 to the might of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in the second match, the Zambians stormed the Baba Yara Stadium last Wednesday more refreshed than ever and put up a splendid performance against the P haraohs of Egypt to win the hearts of Kumasi soccer fans who rooted for them throughout. In the end, the two teams shared the points at stake with a 1-1 draw forcing Zambia to pack out with four points.
The Chipolopolo displayed abundant skills, fighting spirit and stamina throughout the game to prove that the Pharaohs need more than determination to successfully defend the trophy.
In midfield where Felix Katongo, Clive Hachilenga and skipper Christopher Katongo operated, the Chipolopolos were a delight to watch as they won almost all the 50-50 balls, carried the game to their opponents and punctured holes in their defence to lay intelligent passes for Jacob Mulenga and Lan Bakala to score, but the two attackers looked jittery and squandered all the chances that came their way.
Like the Sudanese who failed to utilise all the chances created after exposing the Pharaohs defence in their second group match, the Zambians also exposed the Egyptian defence to prove that any team with potent attackers can destroy the Pharaohs.
It was, therefore, not surprising when Coach Patrick Phiri in a post-match press conference, expressed disappointment at his attackers for their failure to score as many goals as possible from the numerous chances created.
“In our game against the Lions of Cameroun, we won the game for them because our defence was not the best. They gave the Lions the leeway to score cheap goals, but against the Pharaohs, we proved equal to the task and did not only expose their defence as being ordinary, but also created numerous chances which should have been converted to win us the game to enable us to qualify to the next stage of the competition. However, the attackers failed miserably to utilise the chances, and now we are going home with only four points”, he bemoaned.
Skipper Christopher Katongo, who won the MTN man of the match award, also expressed similar sentiments over Zambia’s inability to carry the day, stressing that they played as individuals instead of a team and assured that “we are going home to work on all our mistakes and make sure that we qualify for the next tournament, especially the World Cup in South Africa to prove to the world that Zambia has come of age in terms of quality display of artistic soccer”.
In a lame defence for their poor performance against the Chipolopolos, an official of Egypt told the media that their intention was to avoid injuries in their last game and also ensure that they topped the group.
The man who represented coach Hassan Shehata at the post-match press conference pointed out that with Egypt topping their group as planned with all their players in good physical condition, Egypt was poised to defend the trophy won on home soil two years ago and, therefore, warned all opposing teams to prepare adequately before meeting his team.
He could, however, not explain why the Pharaohs’ performance was also not the best against The Sudan. In that match, Egypt could have been down by not less than three goals in the first 20 minutes, and a different story would have been told with regard to the team which was supposed to top Group C.
Zambia bowed out of the Ghana 2008 tournament last Wednesday with pride after exposing the Pharaohs defence at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi and collecting a point in their last group match.
After defeating the whipping boys in group C, The Sudan, 3-0 in their opening match and succumbing 1-5 to the might of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in the second match, the Zambians stormed the Baba Yara Stadium last Wednesday more refreshed than ever and put up a splendid performance against the P haraohs of Egypt to win the hearts of Kumasi soccer fans who rooted for them throughout. In the end, the two teams shared the points at stake with a 1-1 draw forcing Zambia to pack out with four points.
The Chipolopolo displayed abundant skills, fighting spirit and stamina throughout the game to prove that the Pharaohs need more than determination to successfully defend the trophy.
In midfield where Felix Katongo, Clive Hachilenga and skipper Christopher Katongo operated, the Chipolopolos were a delight to watch as they won almost all the 50-50 balls, carried the game to their opponents and punctured holes in their defence to lay intelligent passes for Jacob Mulenga and Lan Bakala to score, but the two attackers looked jittery and squandered all the chances that came their way.
Like the Sudanese who failed to utilise all the chances created after exposing the Pharaohs defence in their second group match, the Zambians also exposed the Egyptian defence to prove that any team with potent attackers can destroy the Pharaohs.
It was, therefore, not surprising when Coach Patrick Phiri in a post-match press conference, expressed disappointment at his attackers for their failure to score as many goals as possible from the numerous chances created.
“In our game against the Lions of Cameroun, we won the game for them because our defence was not the best. They gave the Lions the leeway to score cheap goals, but against the Pharaohs, we proved equal to the task and did not only expose their defence as being ordinary, but also created numerous chances which should have been converted to win us the game to enable us to qualify to the next stage of the competition. However, the attackers failed miserably to utilise the chances, and now we are going home with only four points”, he bemoaned.
Skipper Christopher Katongo, who won the MTN man of the match award, also expressed similar sentiments over Zambia’s inability to carry the day, stressing that they played as individuals instead of a team and assured that “we are going home to work on all our mistakes and make sure that we qualify for the next tournament, especially the World Cup in South Africa to prove to the world that Zambia has come of age in terms of quality display of artistic soccer”.
In a lame defence for their poor performance against the Chipolopolos, an official of Egypt told the media that their intention was to avoid injuries in their last game and also ensure that they topped the group.
The man who represented coach Hassan Shehata at the post-match press conference pointed out that with Egypt topping their group as planned with all their players in good physical condition, Egypt was poised to defend the trophy won on home soil two years ago and, therefore, warned all opposing teams to prepare adequately before meeting his team.
He could, however, not explain why the Pharaohs’ performance was also not the best against The Sudan. In that match, Egypt could have been down by not less than three goals in the first 20 minutes, and a different story would have been told with regard to the team which was supposed to top Group C.
DRIVERS RUN AWAY FROM COURT (Page 30)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Drama unfolded at the Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Mr Justice Ernest Yao Obimpeh on Monday, January 28, 2008, when seven taxi and ‘trotro’ drivers arrested by the police and charged with obstruction of traffic took to their heels moments after the court had convicted five of their colleagues who had appeared before the court.
Minutes after the court had convicted their colleagues to a fine of GH¢300 each for similar offences, the seven suspects took to their heels before the court could hear their cases.
The court has issued a warrant for the arrest of the seven suspects including Thomas Agyemang, Yaw Effah, Joseph Mensah and Kwabena Gyimah.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded their vehicles for them to assist in investigations.
The Ashanti Regional MTTU Police Commander, Mr James Sarfo Peprah, told the Daily Graphic that following a tip-off that a section of trotro and taxi drivers had deliberately obstructed a road at the Unicorn House area of the Central Business District (CBD) of Adum in Kumasi, some policemen from the MTTU were dispatched to restore sanity and allow for the free flow of traffic.
He said since the Ghana 2008 tournament started, the police had always been alert to ensure that motorists respected traffic regulations and avoid any incidents that could create vehicular congestion.
Mr Peprah said in the course of investigations, the police detected that 12 taxi and trotro drivers had obstructed the road with their vehicles and their action did not only impede the free flow of vehicles but also created a chaotic situation.
He said the police arrested the drivers and after investigations, they were arraigned and charged with obstruction.
Mr Peprah further said since the dock in the court could not take all the 12 suspects, they appeared in batches and the first five were convicted and fined GH¢300.00 each.
He said moments after the first batch had been convicted the others vanished. When the court became convinced that they had escaped, it issued a warrant for their arrest.
Drama unfolded at the Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Mr Justice Ernest Yao Obimpeh on Monday, January 28, 2008, when seven taxi and ‘trotro’ drivers arrested by the police and charged with obstruction of traffic took to their heels moments after the court had convicted five of their colleagues who had appeared before the court.
Minutes after the court had convicted their colleagues to a fine of GH¢300 each for similar offences, the seven suspects took to their heels before the court could hear their cases.
The court has issued a warrant for the arrest of the seven suspects including Thomas Agyemang, Yaw Effah, Joseph Mensah and Kwabena Gyimah.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded their vehicles for them to assist in investigations.
The Ashanti Regional MTTU Police Commander, Mr James Sarfo Peprah, told the Daily Graphic that following a tip-off that a section of trotro and taxi drivers had deliberately obstructed a road at the Unicorn House area of the Central Business District (CBD) of Adum in Kumasi, some policemen from the MTTU were dispatched to restore sanity and allow for the free flow of traffic.
He said since the Ghana 2008 tournament started, the police had always been alert to ensure that motorists respected traffic regulations and avoid any incidents that could create vehicular congestion.
Mr Peprah said in the course of investigations, the police detected that 12 taxi and trotro drivers had obstructed the road with their vehicles and their action did not only impede the free flow of vehicles but also created a chaotic situation.
He said the police arrested the drivers and after investigations, they were arraigned and charged with obstruction.
Mr Peprah further said since the dock in the court could not take all the 12 suspects, they appeared in batches and the first five were convicted and fined GH¢300.00 each.
He said moments after the first batch had been convicted the others vanished. When the court became convinced that they had escaped, it issued a warrant for their arrest.
SENEGAL, SOUTH AFRICA CRASH OUT (Back Page)
Story: George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
The host of the 2010 World Cup, South Africa, and El Hadji Diouf’s Terranga Lions of Senegal crashed out of the Ghana 2008 tournament when they settled for 1-1 draw in their last group match played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday.
Both teams settled for only two points apiece out of the three matches played in Group D, and subsequently ceded the qualification slots to group winners, Tunisia, and runners-up, Angola.
South Africa scored early, but surrendered the lead before the break as Senegal staged a brave comeback.
Determined to score an early goal to unsettle their opponents, South Africa took control of the game by capturing the midfield where Siphwe Tshabalala, El Rio Heerden Van and Teko Modise operated.
Their efforts yielded dividend when in the 15th minute Teko Modise collected a ball at the left flank, disposed of two markers and sent an intelligent volley for Zuma to connect beautifully with a low grounder into the far corner of the net to give South Africa the lead.
Skipper Diatta Lamine, Abdoulaye Faye, Diayara Souleymane and Faye Ibrahima in defence for Senegal formed a barrier to prevent more goals from their opponents, while Niang Mamadou H, Sall Moustapha Bayal and Pape Bouba Diop, in midfield for Senegal, also neutralised the South Africans dominance, and enabled the attackers to make incursions into the vital area of South Africa.
As the game progressed to the half hour mark, the South Africans gained more confidence and their defenders of Masilela Tsepo, Aaron Mokoena, Nasief Morris and Kagisho Dikgacoi formed a barrier to ward off the Senegal attackers .
Senegal mixed physical play with counter attacks and succeeded in getting the equalizer in the 36th minute when Henri Camara capitalized on a defensive blunder and swept the ball past goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs.
Both teams resumed the second half full of vigour with their attackers pouring into each other’s territory, hoping to increase their tally, but it was Senegal who became more businesslike as they besieged the territory of the Bafana Bafana, pinning their defence to the wall, while the South Africans relied on their speed for operational counter attacks.
But the ding-dong affair that followed remained wasteful as the drab game wore on to a close with the other pair sweepng through from the group to the quarter-finals.
Senegal
5. Diawara Souleymane, 6. Faye Ibrahima, 7. Camara Henri, 8. Niang Mamadou H, 12. Sall Moustapha Bayal, 13. Diatta Lamine (captain), 15. Diomansy Kamara, 19. Pape Bouba Diop, 20. Diagne Abdoulaye Diagne, 22. Malick Papa Ba, 23. Bouna Coundoul (GK).
South Africa
3.Tsepo Masilela, 4. Aaron Mokoena, 5. Nasief Morris, 8. Siphwe Tshabalala, 9. Surprise Moriri, 11. El Rio Heerden Van, 12. Teko Modise, 15. Sibusiso Zuma, 16. Moneeb Josephs, 19, Bryce Moon, 22. Kagisho Dikgacoi,
The host of the 2010 World Cup, South Africa, and El Hadji Diouf’s Terranga Lions of Senegal crashed out of the Ghana 2008 tournament when they settled for 1-1 draw in their last group match played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday.
Both teams settled for only two points apiece out of the three matches played in Group D, and subsequently ceded the qualification slots to group winners, Tunisia, and runners-up, Angola.
South Africa scored early, but surrendered the lead before the break as Senegal staged a brave comeback.
Determined to score an early goal to unsettle their opponents, South Africa took control of the game by capturing the midfield where Siphwe Tshabalala, El Rio Heerden Van and Teko Modise operated.
Their efforts yielded dividend when in the 15th minute Teko Modise collected a ball at the left flank, disposed of two markers and sent an intelligent volley for Zuma to connect beautifully with a low grounder into the far corner of the net to give South Africa the lead.
Skipper Diatta Lamine, Abdoulaye Faye, Diayara Souleymane and Faye Ibrahima in defence for Senegal formed a barrier to prevent more goals from their opponents, while Niang Mamadou H, Sall Moustapha Bayal and Pape Bouba Diop, in midfield for Senegal, also neutralised the South Africans dominance, and enabled the attackers to make incursions into the vital area of South Africa.
As the game progressed to the half hour mark, the South Africans gained more confidence and their defenders of Masilela Tsepo, Aaron Mokoena, Nasief Morris and Kagisho Dikgacoi formed a barrier to ward off the Senegal attackers .
Senegal mixed physical play with counter attacks and succeeded in getting the equalizer in the 36th minute when Henri Camara capitalized on a defensive blunder and swept the ball past goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs.
Both teams resumed the second half full of vigour with their attackers pouring into each other’s territory, hoping to increase their tally, but it was Senegal who became more businesslike as they besieged the territory of the Bafana Bafana, pinning their defence to the wall, while the South Africans relied on their speed for operational counter attacks.
But the ding-dong affair that followed remained wasteful as the drab game wore on to a close with the other pair sweepng through from the group to the quarter-finals.
Senegal
5. Diawara Souleymane, 6. Faye Ibrahima, 7. Camara Henri, 8. Niang Mamadou H, 12. Sall Moustapha Bayal, 13. Diatta Lamine (captain), 15. Diomansy Kamara, 19. Pape Bouba Diop, 20. Diagne Abdoulaye Diagne, 22. Malick Papa Ba, 23. Bouna Coundoul (GK).
South Africa
3.Tsepo Masilela, 4. Aaron Mokoena, 5. Nasief Morris, 8. Siphwe Tshabalala, 9. Surprise Moriri, 11. El Rio Heerden Van, 12. Teko Modise, 15. Sibusiso Zuma, 16. Moneeb Josephs, 19, Bryce Moon, 22. Kagisho Dikgacoi,
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