One District One Warehouse, Work Progresses in Nkwanta South

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March 5, 2019

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

Volta Handball Returns with Week 5 Fixtures

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Volta Online

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March 1, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

After a long Christmas break, the Volta Regional Handball League returns this Saturday, March 2, 2019 with week 5 fixtures at the Ho Sports Stadium.

The School cum community club leagues which has overstayed its recess was due to the late resumption of some schools, writing of mock exams, as well as the unavailability of referees who were officiating national games.

One other core factor which kept the league on recess as some players were hungry for action was the non-payment of affiliation fees from clubs which had hindered the Organising Committee from releasing fixtures.

Although some clubs have still not paid, fixtures for week 5 of the second edition of the league will see Sonrise lock horns with Unique Stars in the women encounter at 11:30am.

Sonrise who after their participation in the gala to usher in the league had played 2 matches in their first appearance and won against Mawuli in week 2, will be facing a side that is also making their debut.

The matches continue with Sonrise men against Stars of Asha at 1:00pm.

Unique Stars will then bounce back to the court at 3:00pm, to be tested by Ho Technical University whose first match against Mawuko on December 1, postponed due to poor visibility.

Meanwhile, the Volta Handball Referees Association has named referees for the upcoming matches on Saturday.

With Chairman, Theophilus Quarmyne as the match delegate, Samuel Husunukpoe, Isaac Ahashie, Elizabeth Sam, Gabriel Amewornuble, Sanni Bayor Evans Afezuke and Alfred Agrah are all to report at the stadium for a briefing at 10am before the matches begin.

With the resumption of the league, the Organising Committee together with the executives of the Volta Regional Handball Association (VRHA) is hopeful of getting sponsors on board.

The maiden edition which saw a single round robin matches had Stars of Asha men and TERESCO women winning the league.

It is the belief of the VRHA that more community clubs will be formed as players leave the various second cycle and tertiary institutions to enable the league run effectively without many breaks.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Agotime Water Crisis Is my Headache, I’m Working on it-DCE Assures

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Volta Online

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February 28, 2019

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By: Abdul-Iddrisu Faisel | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Agotime-Ziope District, D. D. Dzorkpe has identified potable water for his people as the biggest challenge to his administration saying, he has had sleepless nights over the issue.

“The water crisis in Kpetoe is real, it’s very real because the community is growing, and the little pumping system that we have is also weak. It’s weak and rusted and we are just managing it. The iron removal machine that is to help us with clean water is also not functioning. These are the systems I’ve come to meet,” he lamented.

Mr. Dzorkpe stated that the Assembly has since 2016, been working on a number of sources to find a lasting solution to the problem including appealing to “government to help us get little fund to rehabilitate the whole Kpetoe system assuring that, “we gave them our submission and they’re working at it very fast.”

The DCE who was speaking to journalists in his office on Tuesday, said government for the meantime, has provided the water for the people of Akpokorpe and some other communities, and expressed hope that a significant step would be taken in bringing a lasting solution to the water crisis in the area.

“What is left now is the Kpetoe Township which is growing very fast. So the main objective of getting the water system rehabilitated is to improve the water distribution to the people of Agotime Kpetoe and all the satellite communities.”

He said that he made several appeals to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which he expected would soon be yielding some good results.

“We have made several appeals and there is one NGO that has taken Agotime Adedome and even added a CHIPS compound. As for Akpokorfe and Afegame, it’s through collaboration with the Spain Water Project.”

Some residents fetching water from River Tordze

An earlier visit by this reporter to Kpetoe on Monday, revealed residents drawing water from the Tordze River (which the DCE described as unhealthy for use) while some, especially the men were also seen fetching the water into yellow gallons to be sold at Ghc1.00 or Ghc1.50 per gallon.

A resident, Kordzo Agbe in an interview said the water situation has remained one thing that is making life very difficult for them.

“The water issue is making life very difficult for us. We wish government can do something quick about it for us. The situation gets very serious in October to early January, in particular.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Group Condemns Politician’s Attack on Persons with Albinism

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Volta Online

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February 28, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism has condemned, “reckless comments” on defeated National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential aspirant, Prof. Joshua Alabi by a leading member of the party, Stephen Atugiba, describing his comments as “senseless, disgraceful and undemocratic.”

The Association in a press statement signed by its National President, Abdul Wahid Ishaq said “it is very unfortunate that the NDC as a political party hoping for power in 2020 is allowing some political clowns like Stephen Atugiba to use their platform to demonstrate their moral flaws, ignorance and uncivilised manners to the public.”

The statement followed media reports last week in which the ardent supporter of former president John Dramani Mahama, has impressed upon delegates not to vote for Prof. Alabi in Saturday’s Presidential primaries of the party because of his (Prof. Alabi) albinism.

Mr. Atugiba was reported to have campaigned against the former Vice Chancellor of UPSA saying it would not be in the interest of the party and Ghana as a whole.

“If you vote for Professor Joshua Alabi as NDC candidate and he becomes President of Ghana, he can’t go to Tanzania to negotiate, he will be used for rituals there because he is an albino.”

“Albinos are an endangered group of people in Tanzania and that should Professor Alabi be elected NDC flag bearer and eventually wins the general elections, Ghana will have to cut ties with that country because the President cannot go there,” he added.

But the Association educated the “confused and desperate politician” that there are persons with albinism in Tanzania and elsewhere occupying places of importance and contributing to their countries’ development and that his comments could not be anything to go by.

“Persons with albinism in Africa and in Tanzania are occupying sensitive political positions. Notable among them include Dr. Abdallah Possi, a lawyer and a Tanzanian Ambassador, Madam Namasonto Mazibuko who is a Commissioner for Gender Equality in South Africa, Dr. Isaac Mwarura, a Senator in Kenyan Parliament among others.”

The Association therefore called on Mr. Atugiba for retraction of his comments and to “render an unqualified apology to the albinism community and also “refrain from such uncivilized and undemocratic way of speaking” in the future.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta Volleyball Selects Players from 4th Gala Competition

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Volta Online

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February 25, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional Volleyball Association has selected players from a gala organised on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Nfodjo Park in Ho.

The 4th edition of the competition which was to select players for the forthcoming Southern Sector Volleyball Championship to be hosted by Volta Region was also to prepare clubs for the 2nd edition of the regional league.

The one-day event which brought together 8 male teams and 4 female teams began with preliminary 3 set knockout matches for the male category but a single round robin 3 set for the female category, with beautiful receptions, accurate settings, powerful spikes, organized blocks & cover ups and well driven services.

Volta Star Spikers female team successfully won the day with a 100 per cent winning record, after a 2-0 results each against Ho Warriors, Blekusu Super Eagles, and Battor All Spikers.

In the other matches, Battor All Spikers beat Ho Warriors, 2-1 in a tight game after they saw off Blekusu 2-0 to finish second with 5 points. Ho Warriors managed 3rd position with 4 points as they beat Blekusu Super Eagles 2-0, while the latter finished 4th and last with no point.

The male matches which saw 4 teams progress to straight semi-finals had Sogakope Holy Hands losing 0-2 to Battor All Spikers, while Blekusu shocked Aflao All Spikers to a 2-0 win. A rivalry match between Ho Warriors and Ho Volta Star Spikers saw the former progressing with a 2-1 victory to set up a meeting against Mafi Dove Super Spikers, who skillfully demolished Dzodze St Anthony Hospital Spikers 2-0.

Battor admirably defeated Blekusu 2-0 in the first semi-final, while Ho Warriors brushed aside Mafi in the other game but both could not meet in the finals to determine the ultimate winner due to time factor.

Other matches played between the knockout losers who were finding a place from positions 5th to 8th had Volta Star Spikers seeing off Dzodze 2-0 while Aflao defeated Sogakope 2-1. Two more matches; 5th & 6th place match between Ho Volta Star and Aflao and a 7th & 8th place game between Dzodze and Sogakope could not be played.

The Regional Chairman of the Association, Johnson Ablordeh was however, elated about the turn out in participation and believed players selected will lift the image of the region.

The event also saw in attendance, the Regional Sports Director, Kwame Amponfi Jnr, Chairman, Eastern Regional Volleyball Association, Sam Adu, former volleyball player, Rev Bernard Adzageli, Director of National Communications, Ho, David Dartey and Gideon Amevor, National Communications.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com