Patrons Throng Volta Barracks, Describe 2019 Open Day an Experience

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March 8, 2019

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Scores of people including pupils from basic schools and students from senior high schools (SHSs) from different parts of the Volta Region as well as the general public have gathered at the 66 Artillery Regiment in the capital, Ho for an Open Day celebration.

The event which started very early in the morning, attracted schools, especially SHSs from far and near who kept busing in student groups, mostly cadet corps till late in the afternoon for the annual experience.

A school cadet corps being conducted around

The Armed Forces Open Day celebration which is held on March 7 every year, forms part of activities to mark Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations. The Day is essentially organised to display military equipment to the children, pupils, students and the general public to foster civil-military relations.

Patrons of Thursday’s event were conducted around the Regiment to see what was on display. There were also briefings on the history and evolution of the Regiment, military dressing and ranks among others.

The visitors to the barracks after receiving education on some weapons on display, had the opportunity to have a feel of them while volunteers from each group (crowd was conducted around in groups to manage the number and stress on the officers) fired from the 25-pounder.

Some patrons who spoke to Voltaonlinegh.com, expressed their excitement about the day and described it as a great experience they would love to have again with others referring to themselves as “one-day soldier”.

A patron displaying her “one-day soldier” skill.

A teacher, Vivian Kokofi-Setor said until her experience at this year’s Open Day, she thought soldiers were the all too-serious people and the unfriedly ones among the other workers in the country.

“There are just like us the civilians. I interacted with some of them and they are so friendly. I believe because we only see them in their uniforms and we don’t interact with them often and that’s why we consider them strange.”

A student of EP University College, Agape Alorvor said her expectations for visiting the barracks were met.

“When I was coming, I was expecting to see the military and their weapons. When we came, they showed us their weapons and we learnt about them in terms of how to use them and we even had the chance to try one. Again, we learnt about how they dress for battle. Coming here has been a good thing for us because we learnt a lot.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Togolese in Ghana Commend Prez Akufo-Addo for Togo’s Peace

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Volta Online

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March 7, 2019

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AYTG press conference — President of AYTG, Mr. Kansu with the mic

By: Rita Kafui Nedjoh | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Association of Togolese Youth Living in Ghana (AYTG) has commended President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for helping to restore peace and political stability in Togo.

President of the Association, Mr. Koblavi Kansu speaking at a press conference organised in Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, noted that the swift intervention of the President and the people of Ghana, their closest neighbours contributed to the peace currently being enjoyed in Togo.

According to Mr. Kansu, political crises in Togo in the past few months hindered development in their country.

“Since August 19, 2017, the Republic of Togo has known political crises that lasted for so many months. This has shaken the socio-economic life of the country.”

“We believe that when there is peace in Togo there will be peace in Ghana and when there is peace in Ghana there will be peace in Togo,” he added.

The Association also commended the Togolese Head of State, His Excellency Faure Gnassingbe for “allowing for peaceful, transparent and credible elections in Togo, evidence of progressive and democratic development.”

It said the government of Togo was working to maintain an atmosphere of peace and security in the country for the citizens and to attract investors to invest and reside in Togo.

AYTG also commended ECOWAS and the international community for their united support towards restoring democracy and peace in Togo.

The Association however expressed its dislike for acts not in national interest stating that “we do not support the selfish decisions taken by leaders to satisfy their own selfish gains while abandoning policies that will bring development to the people”

It concluded by calling on all opposition parties, Togolese resident in Togo and the diaspora to cooperate with the government of Togo to promote development, peace and political stability.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta Commemorates Ghana’s 62nd Independence Anniversary

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Volta Online

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March 7, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The people of Volta Region have joined the rest of Ghanaians to mark the country’s 62nd Independence Anniversary with colourful parades at the Golden Jubilee Park in Ho and the various district capitals across the region.

The event which was massively attended had dignitaries including the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Deputy Volta Regional Minister designate, Mr. Johnson Avuletey in attendance.

Also, regional security chiefs, heads of department, traditional leaders and regional executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) were also present for the celebration themed, “Celebrating Peace and Unity”.

Students and pupils as well as cadet corps and 8 contingents of security services took part in the parade. In an addition were other identifiable groups including who performed march past to commemorate the day.

In a solidarity message to the people read by the Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, President Nana Akuffo-Addo challenged Ghanaians to prove their citizenship by being responsible and not just be holders of “a birth certificate or a certain passport.”

“Fellow Ghanaians, let me remind all of us, again, that being a Ghanaian puts an obligation on each one of us to work at establishing a progressive and happy nation, and calling yourself a Ghanaian must mean we look out for each other. It means also that we must look after the land, the trees, the rivers, the mountains, the animals, all of God’s creatures, that represent this nation of Ghana,” the President demanded.

He expressed hope of a prosperous future saying, “we should be fortified in the knowledge that, despite our challenges and difficulties, we are on course to reaching our goal of a Ghana Beyond Aid, that is realising the vision of the free, fair, democratic, self-reliant, prosperous Ghana” and asked that the citizenry “remain steadfast and united” as “the goal is within reach.”

Independence Parade in Agotime-Ziope District

Pupils and students from 13 primary schools, 11 junior high schools (JHS) and the only senior high school in the Agotime-Ziope District converged at the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) Academy, Kpetoe for the parade in commemoration of the day.

Though the parade delayed till after 10am, the schoolchildren with some of their teachers marched with enthusiasm to the admiration of the gathering.

The parade also saw march past from Red Cross Society, GRA Cadet Corps, Staff of Zoomlion, Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association motorcycle riders with Kekeli Brass Band providing inspirational music.

The march past was preceded by a spectacular performance by pupils of Kpetoe Methodist Basic School who choreographed to selected local music attracting cheers from the crowd.

The pupils treating the gathering to some dance steps

District Chief Executive for the area, D.D. Dzorkpe welcomed everyone to the celebration and thanked all through whose support the 62^nd Parade in the district was possible.

He spoke on the theme for this year’s celebration and called for peace and unity among his people for progress.

DCE, Mr. Dzorkpe sandwiched by Police Commander, DSP Ansah and Education Director, Madam Tsifokor

Inheritance International School, Kpetoe won the march past competitions at both the primary and JHS levels and were presented with awards. Awards were also presented to schools that came second and third at both levels while every participating school received certificate of participation.

Also present at the function were district security heads, religious leaders, heads of departments, and traditional leaders including Konor of Agotime, Nene Nuer Keteku III and the Warlord, Nene Akoto Sah VII.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho Kpodzi Girls Reach Finals in Volta Cricket League after Beating Housing

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Volta Online

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March 5, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Ho Kpodzi Basic School Girls Cricket team have qualified to play in the finals of the ongoing U-12 Schools’ Cricket League at the Ho Sports Stadium after a 100% winning record in Group A.

The determined girls climaxed their last group encounter against Housing MA with a steady victory on Saturday, March 2, 2019 to maintain their position on top of the table with 8 points. Housing MA, having won two straight matches in the group suffered their first defeat after choosing to bat first upon winning toss.

Housing scored 95 runs, for 2 wickets with Belinda Bliboo scoring 42 runs off 38 balls not out. Ho Kpodzi’s Jackline Hotorwokua took 2 wickets, gave away 19 runs in 3 overs in the bowling figures, and became the Man of the Match as she scored 33 runs off 41 balls, not out in her team’s total score of 97 runs, for a wicket in 14.3 overs, thereby winning by 9 wickets.

Ho Kpodzi Girls are likely to meet Group B table leaders, United MA or runners up, Heve Basic who will both be playing their final matches next week for the finals of the league.

Fiave E.P on a rather sad note could not turn up for their last matches against Methodist, which had lifted the latter to 4th on the table pushing the former to 5th on the girl’s table.

Methodist, 3rd on the boy’s table are having an upper hand to qualify to play the final, with 2 more matches to play whereas Ho Kpodzi and Fiave E.P completed their number of matches in the group on Saturday.

Ho Kpodzi boys however, lost their final group game against Housing, who had their first victory in 3 matches. Housing had to bat first after Ho Kpodzi won the toss and elected to field. They scored 117 runs for 3 wickets with Alex Agbana scoring half a century, off 36 balls. Housing won the match by 54 runs as Ho Kpodzi could only manage 63 runs for 4 wickets.

Anglican boys still top the group with 4 points with 1 more match while Fiave E.P, & Housing follow with 4 points. Housing despite their win lie bottom with 2 points, with Ho Kpodzi 1 step above the former with 2 points as well.

The 15-over league bounces back on Saturday, March 16 with Group B, Match 4 fixtures. Heve Basic will be locking horns with Bankoe RC while United MA battle Dome RC.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

One District One Warehouse, Work Progresses in Nkwanta South

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Volta Online

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March 5, 2019

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By: Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

As part of government’s intervention aimed at reducing post-harvest losses among small holder farmers and which falls under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), construction of a 1,000-metric tonne warehouse is progressing steadily in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region.

The Ministry of Special Development Initiative is constructing 50 of such facilities throughout the country with funding from the $1 million per constituency allocation.

Visiting the site to inspect progress of work, the Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Thassun hinted that the 1,000-metric tonne warehouse would reduce post harvest losses in the area when completed.

The MCE advised farmers especially the youth to take advantage of government’s Planting for Food and Jobs programme as the current administration was putting in place measures to have a ready market for their farm produce.

Project Manager for Youth Employment Agency in Nkwanta South, Felix Owusu Gyimah, who was excited at the progress of work, was optimistic that the project after completion would create employment opportunities for the youth in the area.

Speaking to Voltaonlinegh.com, the Engineer at the site, Richard Justice Annan assured that the project would be completed in the next three months for business operations.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Stars of Asha Beats Sonrise on Volta Handball Resumption as US Misses out

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Volta Online

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March 5, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Ho-based community handball club, Stars of Asha (SOA) male team have enjoyed victory on resumption of the Volta Regional Handball League against Sonrise Christian High School on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

The week 5 fixture which became the only game to be played on the day was the defending champions’ second game of the second season after defeating South Tongu Talents on November 10 at the Ho Sports Stadium.

SOA who also won last season’s gala, took the game slowly and steadily in a way not to underrate their opponents, Sonrise who were playing their third match in their maiden season.

Sonrise, who had improved tremendously after the long recess exhibited character and style on the court getting the first two goals but lost to a determined and experienced SOA 42-25.

The Executive Committee of the Volta Regional Handball Association will meet on Wednesday, March 6 to decide the outcome of the matches between Sonrise and Unique Stars (US) female, and Ho Technical University (HTU) and Unique Stars male, which were supposed to be played in week 5 but could not come off due to the unavailability of Unique Stars and inappropriate permission to the Organizing Committee.

With few matches done, SOA and US share 4 points each in the male category, with Sonrise, South Tongu and HTU having 2 points each.

The Organizing Committee has given a directive to all clubs to submit the final list of players by Friday, March 8, 2019 as week 6 matches comes off on the 9th.

The Volta Regional Handball League, the second regionally organised league after the Greater Accra Handball League begs for sponsorship to improve on the league.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Energy Minister Commits to the Development of Hohoe Zongo

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Volta Online

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March 5, 2019

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Amewu with Hohoe Zongo Leaders — Mr. Amewu in a pose with the Zongo leaders

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Minister of Energy, Mr. John Peter Amewu has expressed his commitment towards the development of the zongo community in the Hohoe municipality of the Volta region.

Mr. Amewu in a Facebook post after a meeting with elders of Hohoe Zongo in his office in Accra, Monday evening pledged to follow the example of President Akufo-Addo in setting up the Ministry of Zongo and Inner Cities Development by contributing his quota to ensure that development reaches the Hohoe Zongo community at a faster pace.

He also pledged his support towards the renovation of the Hohoe central mosque, adding that, as a son of Hohoe, “Hohoe has given me so much to make me who I am today. I therefore believe that, whatever I can do to help the people living in the Hohoe Constituency, I should, and I would.”

Below is the full Facebook post

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Minister Hosts Young School Girls from Todome-Kpalime

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Volta Online

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March 5, 2019

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Letsa with School Girls (1) — Regional Minister, Dr. Letsa flanked by Members of the Girls Empowerment Club and their teachers

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Members of the Girls Empowerment club of the Todome-Kpalime D/A Junior High School have embarked on an educational tour to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), where they were hosted by the Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa on Monday.

The about 40 teenage girls who were led by their headmistress, Madam Rose Ocansey had a good time with the minister at the Residency in Ho, as they interacted and discussed issues of mutual concerns.

The young girls in an interactive session with the Regional Minister

Briefing the minister on the purpose of their visit, the headmistress explained that the visit was to give the young girls some positive exposures that would build their confidence level and empower them to aspire for greater heights in life.

According to her, incidences of teenage pregnancy was a rampant occurrence among school girls in the past, a situation which necessitated the formation of the Girls Empowerment club under the auspices of the civil society group, Women in Law and Development Africa (WILDAF-Ghana), to help curb the menace through effective social interactions and education.

Madam Ocansey indicated that, ‘School dropout was high among the girls as a result of teenage pregnancy and this also affected academic performance in the school. This club was therefore formed to teach the female pupils how to take good care of themselves, and also discuss issues relating to defilement and rape as well as domestic violence.’

On his part, the Regional minister expressed excitement about the visit and encouraged the young girls to remain focus on their education in order to become useful citizens to their communities and the country at large.

‘See yourselves as very fortunate to have been in school, so take advantage of being in school to become very useful citizens, because education is a powerful tool which could take one out of poverty,’ Dr. Letsa told the young girls as he shared life experiences with them.

The girls who were later taken on a guided tour of the Residency and VRCC offices, extended tons of gratitude to the minister and his staff for the warm reception given them.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

[Article] News Editors Pledge to Refocus Lens on PWD Issues in Ghana

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Volta Online

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March 2, 2019

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By: Jemima Achivors |

A significant section of the population in Ghana who are mostly persons with disabilities (PWDs) are excluded from accessing government interventions and benefiting from public goods and services. This is a cross cutting issue in all sectors for such persons. The media has not adequately provided the platform for the voices of vulnerable and excluded groups to be heard on policy formulation and implementation.

The Persons with Disability Act does not say anything about how the media should relate to the PWDs or the nature of reportage on issues of disability in Ghana. Section 7.5 of the National Media Policy is not explicit in its mandate to the media “to take cognisance of the vulnerability of children and promote the dignity of women as well as persons with disability in various ways”.

Studies also indicate that most media houses do not provide adequate coverage for disability issues and hardly engage PWDs beyond discussing their disabilities as opposed to engaging them to express their opinion on trending national issues. It is also a well-known fact that the that majority of the media personnel are stuck in the ‘Charity Model’ of reporting since they would present PWDs as people who need assistance. This offers both an opportunity as well as a challenge. An opportunity to engage PWDs beyond their disability and delve into their expertise thereby providing diversity in news production and a challenge on how to overcome the charity model of coverage to a “rights-based approach” of reporting PWD issues.

For this reason, Penplusbytes with support from STAR-Ghana convened 10 news editors from leading media houses across the southern sector of the country (Greater Accra, Western, Eastern Central and Volta regions) from 15^th to 16^th February to deliberate on how to set the agenda for persons with disabilities issues in Ghana and have their voices added to the governance processes while ensuring no one is left behind.

Speaking at the event, the officer in charge of partnerships and resource mobilisation at the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Beatrice Mahmoud made a strong case regarding why disability issues should make headlines.

She said, “we have been left behind when there is the need to discuss topical issues but we are approached when someone makes a derogatory comment and the media needs our reaction. This shouldn’t be the case.”

Madam Mahmoud added that PWDs are making strides in other fields and these should not be described as “superhuman or beyond ordinary” as PWDs have the ability just as persons with no disability.

She further highlighted the need for the use of the right terminologies in addressing persons with disabilities, adding, “if you don’t know how to address a PWD, politely ask the person.”

Director of Programmes at Penplusbytes, Jerry Sam urged the editors to give space to such pertinent social issues even though most media houses do not see them as having commercial value.

“Penplusbytes through this project seeks to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and we cannot achieve this without the media. You (editors) are the gate keepers and we believe this engagement will be a great start to achieving true impact,” He said.

The meeting aimed to keep the editors abreast with issues affecting vulnerable groups and help to reinforce the need to assign airtime and space in their various media for such content. It was also a means to ensure that alumni from Penplusbyte’s previous under this same project are given the necessary support in their newsrooms to undertake in-depth and investigative pieces on the area to inform and educate stakeholders including policy makers.

Under the STAR-Ghana funded “Deliver! – Quality Media Amplifying Vulnerable Citizens’ Voices” project, Penplusbytes seeks to contribute significantly to addressing challenges that PWDs face with regards to access to health, education and economic opportunities and consequently increase the awareness of issues that negatively impact PWDs and other vulnerable groups.

A key outcome of the meeting was the development of a draft manual to guide media persons in reporting persons with disability issues in Ghana.

NB: Writer is a Media Practitioner

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Amb. Yeboah as Regional Minister Designate for Oti a Good Choice- NPP Reg. Sec

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Volta Online

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March 1, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional Secretary for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Joseph Homenya has described the nomination of Ghana’s Ambassador to Togo, Kwasi Owusu Yeboah as Regional Minister Designate for Oti as a good choice.

Mr. Homenya said Amb. Yeboah has got rich experiences needed to administer the newly created region for a smooth take off to accelerate the establishment of the new region for the desired growth.

The Regional Secretary was speaking on West FM’s morning show, West Breakfast Drive on Friday morning following the nomination on Thursday.

President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo in a statement signed by the Director Of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, has nominated the former Volta Regional Minister under the Kuffour administration as Minister designate for Oti Region.

The statement which saw the nomination of regional Ministers and deputies designate to the new regions and some ministerial changes to other four existing regions across the country also has the current Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Maxwell Kofi Blagodzi being moved to Oti Region to deputize for Amb. Yeboah.

Meanwhile, Dr. Archibald Letsa remains the Minister for Volta Region while the current Volta Regional premix fuel Coordinator, Johnson Avuletey has been named as Deputy Volta Regional Minister.

Mr. Homenya on his thoughts about the nomination of Mr. Avuletey said he was hopeful the experienced politician popular known as Man of the Grassroots is capable of assisting Dr. Letsa to serve the good people of the Volta Region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com