Central Tongu Hand over 1,000-Acre Land to Investors

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January 31, 2019

By: Christopher Pappoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Gbɔta clan of Mafi (Avakpedome and Tsetsekpo) in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region has handed over a-1,000 acre of land to INDO-Ghana Agro Ltd, an Indian farming firm for the production of vegetables.

The handing over took place on Tuesday, January 29 amidst dancing and drumming with the hope this would encourage their youth to venture into agriculture as they work hand in hand with the Indian farmers.

In a speech read by Mama Amewuame III, Queen mother of Avakpedome, she said the construction of the Akosombo and Kpong dams had left the Tongu communities in abject poverty as they were predominantly fishermen and oyster pickers and urged the investors to inculcate the habit of farming in their youth.

The Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Siddharth Mohindroo explained the firm has 2 goals, setting up a model farm and second, creating employment and other opportunities for growth and development for the Central Tongu youth.

“We seek to establish a model farm with our highly experienced Indian farmers and through operational efficiency.”

“We also want to involve the local people of Adidome and Central Tongu in the growth story by having them work with us grow this organisation,” he added.

The District Chief Executive for the area, Thomas Moore Zonyrah who led the farmers to the place asked for a good working relationship between the locals and the farmers and urged the youth to learn whatever farming techniques they could from them.

He warned that the project “is not a party project” but a project for the youth of Central Tongu and that no party member should be seen intimidating people they think do not belong to the NPP but working on the farm.

Mafi Avakpedome and Mafi Tsetsekpo are situated along the lower Volta basin between the sacred forest of Koleve, Dzodzeve and Avakpe.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nominations Open for Maiden Volta Sports Awards

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Volta Online

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January 29, 2019

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By: Abdul-Iddrisu Faisel | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Volta Regional Sports Authority in collaboration with the Aborigines Sports Promotions, organisers of the maiden edition of the Volta Sports Awards has officially opened nominations for the event scheduled to award various sports men and women in the region.

The nominations which opened on Saturday, January 26, 2019, will end on Friday, February 1, 2019.

Chairman of the Volta Regional Boxing Federation, Mr. Foster Enam Dagadu who is the coordinator for the event has called on all individuals and stakeholders to join and make the event a success.

“It has become necessary to open online nominations in order to reach the sports fraternity within the region and perhaps beyond. We hope to build up from this edition and make it an annual event,” he disclosed.

“I’m also calling on sports men and women to take advantage of this event to showcase themselves and the region to the entire world,” he added.

He further called on corporate bodies both within and outside the region to come on board and support the event towards the recognition of sports personalities in the region.

The main event for the awards slated for March 9, will be hosted at the Aborigines Resort Hotel in Keta.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta Cricket League Records Mixed Results in Week 2

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Volta Online

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January 28, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

It was one of excitement and passion as the second edition and well organized Volta Regional Schools’ Cricket League recorded mixed results on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Ho Sports Stadium.

The week ties which promised to be a cracker saw four schools go home with 2 points each, for either boys or girls division with one taking the points for both divisions while another failed to go home with any point.

The ever enterprising Heve Basic won the girls match against St Cecilia by 40 runs after the latter failed to catch up with a 99 runs, for 2 wickets in 15 overs by managing 59 runs for 8 wickets with Heve, winning toss and opting to bat.

Dome-based St Cecilia Catholic Basic School then made sure they clinched 2 points in the boys division against Heve, a sweet revenge for their girls. The promising stars of Dome won toss and opted to field first, allowing Heve to score 42 runs for 6 wickets in the first innings. St Cecilia then won the game by 8 wickets and 60 balls remaining with a score of 43 runs for 2 wickets in 6 overs.

Mawuli Basic failed in their quest to win the girls game against United MA after winning toss and opting to field first. United scored 106 runs for 1 wicket and limited Mawuli to score 79 runs, for 6 wickets in 15 overs. United MA basic, won the game by 27 runs.

United boys however, failed to replicate their girls’ achievement as they won toss this time around and chose to bat. They managed to score 25 runs, for 7 wickets in 15 overs whereas Mawuli needed just 26 runs, in 6 overs, thereby winning by 10 wickets.

Anglican Basic are so far the only school to have won both boys and girls matches, while Fiave EP are yet to taste victory after losing to the latter in the first week.

The trainers, in an interaction with TalksenseSports (Davis Clottey), admitted their weaknesses and promised to work on it for the rest of the matches.

The league continues on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Ho Sports Stadium at 8am.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

First Lady Launches “Free to Shine” Campaign to Eliminate Mother to Child HIV Transmission

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January 26, 2019

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By: Voltaonlinegh.com |

The First Lady of the Republic, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has launched the Free to Shine Campaign to speed up the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV.

This campaign is a continental initiative of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV and AIDS, the African Union and the UNAIDS.

The Free to Shine Campaign, according to the First Lady, will deepen efforts and make it possible to end HIV and AIDS in children in Ghana within the next two years.

Collaborating with the Ghana Aids Commission, the campaign was launched under the theme, “Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission: The Key to an HIV-Free Generation and Keeping Mothers Alive.”

“In line with this theme, the Campaign seeks to achieve zero HIV infection in children by 2020, end AIDS in children by 2030 and keep infected mothers alive and healthy,” she disclosed.

She indicated due to the increased demand for services that will come with the campaign, “it is therefore very critical that we remove all bottlenecks associated with the supply side, to meet the expected increase in demand.”

“As a mother myself, I am pretty confident that any mother will do whatever it takes, to ensure that they have healthy children, who can live life to the fullest. This can be achieved quite simply. Test, know your status and treat.”

She continued that, several years ago, HIV was a death sentence – treatment was not available. At the time, it was a fearful and futile exercise to test and know your status. Even when you knew, you kept quiet about your status because of stigma.

“If you test positive, know that you are not alone because there are nearly 40 million people living with HIV globally. The most important thing is to adhere to antiretroviral treatment. Adhering to treatment will also ensure that you give birth to an HIV-free baby who will live and grow free of HIV.”

She also called on the leadership of the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana and the Association of Private Health Providers, religious and traditional leaders, development partners and the private sector to support the Campaign and encouraged men to support their pregnant wives to test for HIV.

Source: www.presidency.gov.gh

United to Battle Mawuli in Week 2 of Volta Cricket League

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January 26, 2019

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

United MA Basic School is battle ready to face Mawuli Basic for week 2 of the Volta Cricket League in Ho.

The U-12 league which began last week, sees its match day 2 on Saturday, January 26 at the Ho Sports Stadium at 8am.

United MA, with lots of experience having started playing Cricket since 2017 with their ever enthusiastic trainer, Gilbert Aguadze is poised for their first 2 points in each division, aiming for the trophy at the end of the league.

Mawuli, a side which mostly fed the regional team with U-13 players in the past, have a legacy to preserve and cannot afford to lose the match, with their new trainer, Kwashie Ramson optimistic of victories.

Another tie to take place on the same day will be between Heve Basic and Dome St Cecilia.

These two sides also possess the quality to clinch victories with their experienced coaches. Level 1 female Coach, Angela Morkeh will prove her tenacity against a resilient Eric Kokutse.

The day will see matches in both boys and girls teams with winners clinching 2 points each.

Anglican on week 1 defeated Fiave EP in both boys and girls division while Methodist and Kpodzi had mixed results.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ghana Police Interacts with Volta GJA, Calls for Collaborative Work for National Security

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Volta Online

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January 25, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Director General of Public Affairs and Communications, Ghana Police Service, ACP David Eklu has called for better collaboration between the media and the police to effectively fight crime and ensure national security.

ACP Eklu said both the media and police basically have a common goal of safeguarding the peace and security of the country though they approach their duties differently.

According to him, “it is the duty of the police to prevent crimes, protect lives and properties and when we are unable to prevent crimes, we investigate to identify the perpetrators to face the law” adding, “and the media as you know also serve similar interest.”

He mentioned that “there’s a symbiotic relationship between the police and the media” and so the need to work together to identify a national cause, stressing, “the police need the media same way as the media need the police.”

ACP Eklu said this while interacting with Volta Region journalists on Thursday in Ho. The interaction was aimed at having an insight into the relationship between the media and the police in the region and to deliberate on ways to foster closer relationship between them.

The interaction also sought the views of the journalists on a number of issues including their (the journalists) relationship with the police in the region, how the media operate in the region, and whether the police had been helpful to the citizens.

ACP David Eklu encouraged the media to continue keeping duty bearers including the police, on their toes as is their mandate as the fourth estate of the realm.

He however cautioned them to be circumspect in their reportage adding that though the “media is an effective tool for effective policing, poor handling of reportage” can have grave consequences for the security of this country” just as will be the case if police officers do not handle their weapons properly and act professionally.

He underscored the need for the media to win the trust of the people, citing the recent incident where the outgone Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP F.E Doku was recorded and aired when he trusted the word of the media that the particular conversation was “off record.”

ACP Eklu said this act could result in mistrust in the media and though it might not be the entire police administration, individual officers might be unwilling to engage the media for fear of being caught unawares, thus, affecting the level of education the citizens must receive from the police through the media.

Chairman for Volta Region Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr A.B. Kafui Kanyi expressed gratitude to ACP Eklu for his visit to the region and disclosed that the journalists in the region have for many years, had cordial relationship with the police.

He described as unfortunate the recent incident where DCOP Doku’s off record conversation with journalists was aired, saying it was unintentional.

“What happened the last time was unfortunate. It was also because where the first report came from, that individual wasn’t around when the off record signal was given. So, having heard later that the issue had been flagged to be off record, he quickly approached the GJA that we should lead him to the Police Command for him to apologise, which we did.

“At that level, the Command welcomed us and we ironed out the differences and moved on,” he added.

Mr Kanyi explained that further airing of the voice did not come from reporters from the region but media houses in the national capital.

“It’s rather unfortunate that some radio stations in Accra kept using it and GJA had to call the national to prevent further airing of the voice.”

He promised that the media in the region will “put the pieces back” to prevent recurrence of that incident and work together with the police as before to ensure national development.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Vice President Bawumia Attends 2019 World Economic Forum

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Volta Online

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January 23, 2019

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By: Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Vice President of the Republic, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, left Accra, Ghana on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 for Davos, Switzerland to attend the 2019 World Economic Forum Annual Meetings.

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting brings together leaders of global society including the heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1,000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations, the most prominent cultural, societal and thought leaders, and the disruptive voices of the Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Technology Pioneers.

While in Davos, Vice President Bawumia will participate in a series of discussions and also meet with a number of world and business leaders to deliberate on ways to accelerate Ghana and Africa’s socio-economic development while meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Vice President Bawumia returns to Accra on Friday, January 25, 2019.

Source: www.presidency.gov.gh

Prez Akufo-Addo Reopens Obuasi Gold Mine in Fulfillment of Campaign Pledge

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Volta Online

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January 23, 2019

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By: Voltaonlinegh.com

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has re-opened the Anglogold Ashanti gold mine in Obuasi, which had been effectively closed since 2014, in fulfilment of a campaign pledge he made to the people of Obuasi on July 15, 2016, in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.

Addressing the chiefs and people of Obuasi, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, President Akufo-Addo noted that upon his assumption of office, a series of discussions and negotiations took place, the end-result being the re-development project of the Obuasi mine.

“In order to help Anglogold Ashanti secure the needed investment for this project, government had to provide a number of fiscal incentives, and guarantee the stability of the project against changes in the legal environment, especially in the early years of the mine’s operations,” he said.

The President continued, “It is expected that all the agreements reached, including the vigorous implementation of domestic content policy, will be scrupulously honoured and performed. The initial investment in the redevelopment project is $881 million, with a total investment of $1.6 billion projected for the entire 22-year life of the mine. The whole investment package has been approved by Parliament.”

With an estimated 2,500 jobs to be created, he was confident that Obuasi, a once vibrant town, will be brought back to life again, with an improvement in the living circumstances of its residents.

Additionally, President Akufo-Addo noted that government is expected to rake in some US$2.16 billion in revenue over the next 22 years in royalties and corporate and withholding taxes.

“I assure management and staff of the mine that the sequence of events that led to the closure of the mine will not recur under the watch of this government. The days of forceful encroachment on the concession of the company, as witnessed between 2010 and 2016, are over,” he added.

Develop Obuasi

Touching on the “distressed state” of Obuasi, the President indicated that the time has come for Obuasi to reflect the fact that it hosts the richest gold mine in the country, and one of the richest in the world.

Whilst acknowledging that mining companies have over the last few years, complemented some of the works of government, he was expectant that Anglogold Ashanti will do more this time to help transform Obuasi, and bring it to par with well-developed mining communities in other parts of the world.

“When government and mining companies collaborate in an intelligent and sustainable manner, more can be done to transform mining communities. I have no doubt that Anglogold, under its current management will be a constructive partner in this journey.”

On the lifting of the ban on small-scale mining, he indicated that with a considerable degree of success, government had been able to streamline and regulate the small-scale mining sector.

“We are determined to ensure responsible mining, and I appeal to you, Nananom, to help government in securing for future generations a landscape and vegetation on which they can also survive and thrive. I am happy to say that, today, people are fishing again in one of the famous rivers of our country, the Ankobra.”

As captured in the 2019 budget, Nana Akufo-Addo told the chiefs and residents that the contract for the construction of the Obuasi-Anhwia-Nkwanta road had been awarded to Joshob Construction Limited, who was already on site working.

“Again, government will soon accept the Assets Relinquishment Plan of Anglogold Ashanti, which will pave the way for the start of the proposed Obuasi Campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,” he added.

Source: www.presidency.gov.gh

Volta Police Commander, Staff Officer Transferred with Immediate Effect

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Volta Online

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January 21, 2019

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Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Doku — DCOP Francis Doku, Outgone Volta Regional Police Commander,

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Inspector General of Police, David Asante-Appietu, has with immediate effect transferred the Volta Regional Commander, DCOP Francis Ebenezer Doku and the staff officer at the Regional command, DSP Maister Klay out of the region.

A memo from the IGP dated 21^st January 2019, reassigned DCOP Doku to the Police Headquarters as the Director in charge of Special Duties, while, DSP Klay, has been transferred to Gamabaga Police command in the Northern region as the district commander.

Though, no reason was assigned for the transfers, the deputy Regional Police commander, ACP Peter Gyimah, is expected to take charge of the of the region until a substantive Regional commander is appointed in the coming days or weeks.

The removal of these senior officers from the region however comes on the back of recent developments, which have caused some public disaffection for the Police service in the region.

DCOP Doku who assumed command of the region October 2018, after serving as deputy regional commander, has in the past few days been on a collision course with residents of Alavanyo, following the killing of three indigenes during an operation, which the police said resulted a cross fire between an agitated crowd and a security detachment in the area.

While the commander insisted his men were in the area to retrieved stashed arms and ammunition, before they were attacked by aggrieved youth, the residents including their queenmother, Mamaga Ametor II on the other hand, accused the police of coming to extort money from alleged Indian hemp (wee) farmers, a transaction which denigrated into clashes after the security operatives set the farms on fire.

This has compelled the Regional minister and chairman of the Regional Security Council, Dr. Archibald Letsa to institute an independent probe into the matter. The committee, which membership includes the chairman and Executive Secretary of the Regional Peace council is yet to conclude its work and submit its report.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

HTU Council Appoints Prof. Honyenuga as New Vice Chancellor

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January 21, 2019

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Prof. Honyenuga — Prof. Ben Honyenuga, [Photo credit: Bonecstasy]

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Governing Council of the Ho Technical University, (HTU) has appointed Professor Ben Quarshie Honyenuga, as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the university, voltaonlinegh.com has gathered.

Prof. Honyenuga who was the first faculty member to attain a professorial rank in the university, was acting Vice Chancellor from October 2018, following the expiration of the 4-year tenure of the former VC, Prof. Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi.

Information available to voltaonlinegh.com, revealed Prof. Honyenuga’s appointment was confirmed last week by the governing council at a meeting presided over by the chairman, Prof. James Flolu, upon the recommendations of a search committee, which scouted for suitable candidate for the position.

Being the first to have risen from within to the highest office in university, Prof. Honyenuga, prior to his appointment, also served as the first Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university following the conversion of the then Ho polytechnic to a Technical University.

As senior lecturer of department of Management Sciences of the HTU Business School, Prof. Honyenuga has served in various capacities in the university, including the dean of students and board chairman of the campus based radio station, Volta Premier FM.

Profile

Prof. Honyenuga who is a native of Nyagbo-Gagbefe in the Afadjato South district, joined the then Ho polytechnic in 1997 as an instructor and rose through the ranks to an associate professor in July 2017.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Sciences from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Masters in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School; and Master of Philosophy from the Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands.

Prof. Honyenuga who obtained a PhD degree in Management from the Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen inJuly 2015), also holds a Certificate in Management of Higher Education Institutions from Galilee International Management Institute, Israel.

He has a rich experience, spanning two decades of teaching management related courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com