Alavanyo Killings: C’ttee Begins Probe; Military Reinforcement Deployed

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January 16, 2019

Alavanyo shooting (2) — The Bodies of the deceased persons conveyed from the scene in a Pickup vehicle, 15 hours after the incident

By: KALD & Rita Nedjoh | Voltaonllinegh.com|

The Volta Regional Minister has launched an independent probe into recent disturbances in the Alavanyo area, which has resulted in the killing of some three persons in last few days.

The investigations, being done by an independent committee, according to Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, who is also the Chairman of Regional Security Council, would unravel immediate and remote causes of last Sunday and Monday shooting incidents which claimed three lives and injured six others.

Two persons were shot and killed with six others sustaining injuries last Sunday at Alavanyo-Dzogbedze on Sunday in what the police described as a cross fire between an agitated crowd and a security detachment in the area, when the latter went to meet the community chief to negotiate the release of an AK47 rifle, which was seized from a policeman during an earlier operation in the area.

Barely 24 hours after this incident, there was sporadic shooting at Alavanyo-Kpeme, where a soldier was said to have sustained gunshot wounds on the leg and a 70-year old man later found dead.

These situations have heightened tension in the area, with the residents, including the paramount queen mother, Mama Ametor II demanding an independent probe into the incidents.

The Regional minister speaking on the issue in radio interview on Tuesday said the independent probe was crucial in restoring the confidence of the people of Alanvanyo in the security agencies.

“We need to do something to prove to the community that, it was the fault of the police or if it was the fault of anybody else, nobody is above the law,” he told Accra Based JoyFM and added that, the Chairman and Secretary of the Regional Peace Council are providing their expertise on the committee, whose membership he fell short of mentioning.

He said the committee would submit its report by close of week and appealed to the aggrieved residents to exercise restraint.

Military Reinforcement

Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Doku

Meanwhile, a military reinforcement from the 66 Artillery regiment in Ho has been deployed to protect lives and properties in the volatile Alavanyo area.

The Volta Regional Police commander, DCOP Francis Doku who disclosed this at a media briefing on Tuesday, said the contingent would augment the security arrangement in the area, as the police retreated to forestall any reprisal attack.

While, calling for calm in the area, the police chief said the situation could have been avoided as the attack on police was unprovoked.

Explaining the circumstances that led to the killing of the three persons, DCOP Doku said that the police went to the area upon intelligence to retrieve illegal arms and ammunitions that were stashed and in the process arrested 3 persons.

During the operation, he said some aggrieved youth attacked the two police men who were guarding the police vehicle and snatched an AK-47 rifle from the officer while, the 3 persons arrested also escaped their handcuffs.

As a result, the police team retreated from the area and lodged a complaint at the Kpando divisional command, where another police team later returned with military detachment in the area to the chief’s palace to negotiate the release of the AK 47 riffle of the police.

According to Police commander, the youth got incensed upon seeing the joint security team and as such disconnected the electricity supply in the community and started shooting. This got them to return fire resulting in cross fire in which the two people were killed and six other injured.

DCOP Doku also disclosed that, the tyres of the police Armor vehicle were shot and military vehicles damaged during the during the second shooting incident at Kpeme, which claimed the life of the 70 year old man and injured a soldier, who was currently receiving treatment at 7MRS at the 66 Artillery in Ho.

He however emphasized that, the recent incidents has no connection with the protracted age old land disputes between the Alavanyos and Nkonyas, which has caused the imposition of prolong curfew on the two towns.

Meanwhile, the deceased bodies have since been deposited in the Margaret Marquart Catholic hospital morgue at Kpando, where the injured are also receiving treatment.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Dan Botwe, Akoto Afriyie, Others Rated Outstanding Gov’t Appointees for 2018

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Volta Online

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January 15, 2019

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Mr. Dan Botwe, Minister for Regional Reorganization & Development

By: Voltaonlinegh.com|

A group calling itself, the Association of Aides to Regional Chairmen of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has listed some ten government functionaries and appointees as ‘Outstanding Performers’ in the Akufo-Addo led administration for the year 2018.

The list made up of ministers, deputies and Chief Executives of some government agencies and institutions, the group noted, was centered on the efficient leadership style, accessibility and effective cooperation the various appointees had with the grassroots in the past year.

A press release signed by association’s Coordinator Andy Owusu and Research/Publicity officer, Elikem Sewordor stated that, the rating was based on a survey conducted to seek the opinions of the grassroots on which Minister has done exceptionally well and need to be recognized.

Dr Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, Minister for Agriculture

Among the top three outstanding ministers for 2018, according to the group, was the minister for food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister for Regional Reorganization, Mr. Dan Botwe and Mr. Joe Ghartey, minister for Railways Development.

Joe Ghartey, Minister for Railways Development

Information Minister, Mr. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah was also named the most visible minister in the year under review.

In the deputy ministers’ category, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, deputy minister for Education, Mr. Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah deputy minister of Regional Reorganization as well as Mr. George Oduro, Deputy Minister for food and Agriculture, were named by the group as most outstanding deputy ministers.

Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officers category has the Managing Director of ECG Ing. Boakye Appiah, Managing Director of the registrar, scholarship secretariat Mr. Kingsley Agyemang and the Managing Director of buffer stock Mr. Hanan Abdul Wahab as the most outstanding MD’s and CEO’s in 2018.

Dr.Yaw Osei-Adutwum, Deputy Minister for Education

The statement from the group however emphasized that, ‘all others ministers, deputies and CEOs equally performed creditably well and it was a hectic task distinguishing these outstanding performers.’

Below is the Full Statement from the Group

Press Release

12th January, 2019

OUTSTANDING MINISTERS, DEPUTIES AND CEOs IN 2018

The Association of Aides to Regional Chairmen of the New Patriotic Party rates these Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Managing Directors/CEO of the Akufo Addo led government as the most outstanding performers in 2018.

Our fair and objective rating is primarily based on their performance in the year under review, their efficient leadership style, accessibility of these Ministers and the effective cooperation they offered to the grassroots.

We also wish to emphasize that all others ministers, deputies and CEOs equally performed creditably well and it was a hectic task distinguishing these outstanding performers. Just to mention a few the Education Minister, Roads and Highways, the Works and housing were all exceptional ministers in 2018

But, we per our stands as Aides who pick information at the grassroots we single out these top performers in this order.

HON AFRIYIE AKOTO

(Minister of Agriculture)

His tremendous achievements on the planting for food and jobs programme set him apart from the others. Under his leadership at the Agric ministry, Ghana has enough food in our local market and for the first time in many years, the country export food like plantain, maize etc to our neighbouring countries, even in the midst of Army Worm, he fought it and made a great stride. Through his visionary leadership, he organised focus group discussions with farmers from time to time to unearth their challenges. This has been the backbone to his success at the Ministry. We congratulate Dr. Akoto for this remarkable success and we hope for more in 2019.

HON. DAN BOTWE

(Minister of Regional Reorganization)

This man has always been referred to as a workaholic. We believe as a group that the President only needed a person like him to oversee the hectic task of creating new regions. His style of Regional reorganisation was perfect and out of that we had a peaceful referendum and the creation of new regions. This enviable success can never be overlooked. We congratulate him for his leadership in the creation of the new regions.

HON. JOE GHARTEY

(Minister of Railway Development)

Every Ghanaian could attests to the great infrastructure development underway at the railway ministry. Under the watch of Hon. Ghartey, the railway sector has seen a massive uplift and his achievements were quite clear in 2018. We have to appreciate and congratulate him for such an outstanding leadership.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTIVE DEPUTY MINISTERS

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum

(Deputy Minister of Education)

His works as a deputy minister was exceptional and exemplary. Dr. Adutwum in this category performed remarkably well with his in-depth explanation of the free SHS policy and the double track system. He assisted his boss really well and we have a firm believe that ‘Napo’, the Minister of Education is fortunate to have gotten an assistant like such. Congratulations Dr. Adutwum for your efficiently role as a deputy minister of education

HON George Oduro

(Deputy Minister for Agric.)

The whole country saw his good works in 2018. He supported his boss Dr. Akoto efficiently. He was seen always assisting and facilitating the planting for food and jobs programme and it is not surprising that the Agric ministry made a lot of strides in 2018. We appreciate your efforts, Hon. Oduro.

HON. Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah

(Deputy Minister, Regional Reorganization)

Mr. Korsah’s role in the creation of the new regions cannot be underestimated. He played a great role and efficiently assisted his boss in the reorganization process. We thank you and congratulate you for your good works.

Most Visible Minister

Hon. Kwadjo Oppong Nkrumah

(Minister of Information)

He is undoubtedly the most visible and outstanding ministers. His communications style, his values and his leadership qualities make him an outstanding performer. We congratulate him and appreciate his good works.

M.D/CEO OF THE YEAR

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ECG

(Ing. Boakye Appiah)

We rate him higher because he took charge when electricity supply was a problem in Ghana companies were running down as a result of the power crisis during the NDC’s regrettable era. He took charge from the regrettable era of ‘Dumsor’ and under his leadership; ‘Dumsor’ is now a thing of the past. We cannot overlook his achievements.

MANAGING DIRECTOR, BUFFER STOCK

(Mr. Hanan Abdul Wahab)

He is a contributing factor to the success of the free SHS programme. Due to his efficient leadership, food supply to SHS nationwide has been timely and that is remarkable. We appreciate your efforts Sir.

REGISTRAR, SCHOLARSHIP SECRETARIAT

(Mr. Kingsley Agyeman)

The decentralization of the scholarship scheme made scholarship acquisition accessible to all even those at the district levels. This made him one of the best and also an outstanding performer as an M.D in 2018.

Signed

Andy Owusu

Coordinator

0242118568

Elikem Sewordor

Research / Publicity

0245219055

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Alavanyo Residents Demand Independent Probe Into Killing of Two Persons During Security Operation

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Volta Online

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January 14, 2019

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Alavanyo shooting (1) — The Agitated Residents on the streets

By: | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Residents of Alavanyo-Dzogbedze in the Hohoe municipality are demanding an independent probe into circumstances which led to the killing of two indigenes by a joint police-military task force in the area last Sunday.

There was an uneasy calm in the area after the joint security task reportedly clashed with some agitating youth and in the process shot and killed the two persons and injured at least six others during an operation in the area.

Report from the area suggested that, the Police had sought the assistance of the Chief of Alavanyo Dzogbedze to help retrieve handcuffs that had gone missing during an arrest operation early in the day.

According to the Queen Mother of Alavanyo, Mama Ametor II, Alavanyo-Dzogbedze which is the first town from Kpando had some Indian Hemp (wee) farm. Although there was a Joint Police and Military camp at Alavanyo-Kpeme overseeing the area, a Police patrol team went to the farm without their knowledge to undertake a wee operation at about midday.

She alleged that the Officers who went to the farm and requested for money, but the owner refused, making the officers burn the farm. They then arrested the owner and two other guys, which infuriated the youth of the town. They then assisted the three guys who were handcuffed to escape arrest.

The Police left the town only to return at about 6:00pm that same day to talk to the Commander of the Military Team at Alavanyo to assist them retrieve their handcuffs. They met the Alavanyo Dzogbedze Chief who assured them of getting their handcuffs back.

Unfortunately, when they were returning, the crowd gathered in the town hooted at them. Few moments later gunshots were heard, leading to the death of two men and injury of six others.

Contradictions

This account however contradicts that of the Police, as the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis E. Doku told the media on Monday morning that the six officers that went there on Sunday Afternoon, included officers from the SWAT unit to intercept illegal arms and not Indian Hemp.

He said residents attacked his officers leaving one unconscious. They freed their suspects and took an Ak47 Rifle and three handcuffs.

The team reported the incident at Kpando Divisional Police command where another team went in the evening to retrieve the gun and the handcuffs. On returning the team was shot at by unknown assailants from the bush and the Police returned fire leading to the two deaths and injuries.

Although the Regional Police Commander claimed in his interaction with the media hours before midday that his men had visited the scene and conveyed the body to the morgue, it emerged that his men were not on the ground as at then.

This portal can authoritatively report that the corpses were conveyed at 1:30pm Monday in the presence of the Hohoe MCE and the Queen mother of Alavanyo

Checks in the area revealed the bodies of the deceased persons remained at the scene for several hours before they were finally conveyed to the morgue later on Monday.

Information gathered indicated that, police officers assigned to go and assess the two corpses and convey same to the morgue did not go, for fear of their lives.

The Officers feared that the youth in Alavanyo, particularly Dzodgedze where the incident happened will stage a reprisal attack to revenge the death of their kinsmen.

After a lot of back and forth, the bodies were finally conveyed by the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Teddy Ofori, the Queen Mother of Alavanyo Traditional Area, Mama Ametor II, a National Security and BNI official at about 1;30pm on Monday; over 15 hours after the young men died.

The Queen mother, who was not happy about the situation, wondered why the Police will allow the bodies of the same men they shot to lie down by the road side for such long.

REGSEC Meet as Alavanyo Fumes

As at the time this report was filed, the Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC) was in a crunch meeting at Kpando with the Police and other key stakeholders.

Meanwhile, residents in Alavanyo have expressed disgust at the action of the Police and are calling on the IGP, National Security Coordinator, Interior Minister and the President to order an investigation into events leading to the cause of death of their relatives.

Mama Ametor II was not happy with the accounts of the Police describing it as half-truth as there are many inconsistencies in the accounts.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

[Article] Human Rights and Issues of Vulnerable Groups

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Volta Online

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January 11, 2019

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By: Patience Sewurah | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Human Right is a right that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political affiliation, nationality, social status among others.

The question is, does everyone or every citizen enjoy this fundamental human rights?

We live in a society, Ghana for example, where women and children are not allowed to do certain things based on some cultural and traditional norms that people still hold on to. Also, persons living with disabilities get discriminated for no fault of theirs but for their disability.

Despite all the human rights provisions in the 1992 that every Ghanaian citizen is entitled to vulnerable groups including women and children, persons with disabilities, lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersexual (LGBTIs) and albinos continue to have their rights abused in our various communities.

Although the Constitution guarantees rights to freedom of expression and of assembly to Ghanaian citizens, these fundamental rights of LGBTI people are actively denied them making them targets of physical and violent attacks.

There had been some media reports of such discriminatory acts such as kicking out young gay people from their homes among others.

Government of Ghana has a responsibility especially after it has committed itself at the international stage to promote the rights of every citizen (including LGBTIs) to strengthen institutions in charge of human rights issues such as Commission on Human

Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Social welfare, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), etc to get to the defense of such vulnerable groups as well as carry out a thorough public education on the rights of every citizen in the society.

As a Journalist and a Human Rights Defender, I say let us all come together to protect the vulnerable and the less privileged in our society for a prosperous future.

NB: Writer is a Broadcast Journalist

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta United Holds RTU to 2-2 Draw in Friendly Encounter

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Volta Online

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January 11, 2019

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com

Newly promoted Division Two side, Nkwanta United has managed a 2-2 draw with former Premier League side, Real Tamale United (RTU) in a friendly match at the late Joe Tetteh Coffei stadium in Nkwanta in the Volta Region.

The home side, Nkwanta United, took the lead 5 minutes into the game through a blunder committed by RTU goalkeeper, Mubarak Somed.

He got punished by Eviem Edem who made no mistake in scoring his first goal for his club.

Nkwanta United doubled the lead when Alhassan Atakora Borjan scored a corner kick from Mensah Godson on the 16th minute.
But experienced RTU came back strongly with tactical passes to level the score-line through Maulaya and Taufig Alolo in the 36th and 43rd minutes of the first half.

The former Asante Kotoko, Kessben FC and AC Horsen of Denmark player, Taufiq Alhassan Alolo who captained RTU side converted a rebound to cancel the second goal.

After the break, Eviem Edem missed a chance to put revitalised Nkwanta United side ahead when he blasted the ball off the post.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko of RTU commended his boys for equalising the two goals scored in the early minutes of the game.

Mr Tanko was optimistic his formidable side will soon bounce back strongly into the Ghana Premier League.

He advised Nkwanta United players to be disciplined and strictly stick to instructions from their coach to better their career.

Nkwanta United coach, Daniel Kwame Tweneboah was content with the performance of his boys and expressed gratitude to the people of Nkwanta for the immense support shown throughout the game.

He added that Nkwanta United looks forward to playing with two clubs from the region, Elite FC of Hohoe in their next game on January 20, 2018 at Joe Tetteh Coffie Park before taking on the Borborlogi-Boys of Kpando Heart of Lions.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Court Remands Metro Mass Driver and Conductor for Two Weeks

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Volta Online

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January 10, 2019

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

A driver and a conductor of a Metro Mass Transit (MMT) bus intercepted with a submachine gun (SMG) and live ammunitions on Sunday at Nkwanta in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Volta Region have been remanded into police custody for two weeks.

The two, driver, Tony Kwaku Ann Baidoo and his mate, Samuel Larbi were on Tuesday, arraigned before the Nkwanta District Court on charges of conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms.

The Prosecutor, Detective Victor Gadese, pleaded for more time to gather evidence in prosecuting the two suspects.

The court presided over by Baba Issahaku Iddi remanded the suspects into custody for two weeks to allow the prosecutor time to continue his investigations.

The suspects who are currently in the Nkwanta Police station cells failed to produce owners of ammunitions concealed under seats and boots onboard the MMT bus they were operating.

A team of police personnel during a random search on the bus on Sunday at the Nkwanta Police barrier retrieved one SMG riffle plus 3 packets of metal cache consisting of 2,100 rounds of ammunitions.

The case had been adjourned to January 22, 2019.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Togbe Afede Hosts Aged & Children of Asogli to End-of-Year Banquet

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Volta Online

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January 9, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com|

Agbogbomefia of Asogli and President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV has organised his annual banquet for hundreds of aged people and about 2,300 children from the Asogli State at his residence in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.

The event which was in celebration of the yuletide had the children taking their turn on Boxing Day, Wednesday December 26, 2018 before the elderly, who had their turn last Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Last Sunday’s feast attracted the aged, opinion leaders, elders and chiefs from the traditional area who were treated to sumptuous meals including “akple” and “fetridetsi”, a staple food of the people, and good music.

In a similar fashion, the children, mostly basic school pupils, enjoyed good food and music spiced with storytelling sessions, thus, making the day one of fun for them.

A section of the children at Wednesday’s event

However, unlike the event for the aged yet in a very humbling way, the children had the opportunity to be served by chiefs of Asogli State including Togbe Afede who led the team of his chiefs to ensure every child that showed up on the day had something to eat and drink.

Togbe Afede XIV serving children at the event

Speaking on behalf of Togbe Afede on Sunday, Chief of Ahoe, Togbe Kasa III, called on the senior citizens to train their children and grandchildren into good leaders, setting them on the right path to build the nation in future.

According to him, there would be no bright future if the youth who will be the future leaders tomorrow lack the right upbringing and through the use of drugs and improper dressing among others, waste their youthfulness.

Togbe Kasa therefore charged the aged to put their feet down and ensure they correct the young ones and discipline them into responsible people capable of taking up the challenge to build the nation in the future.

The aged at the party at Togbe Afede’s resisidence

Mama Agblatsu III, Afetor-nyornufia of Bankoe on behalf of Shepherd’s Centre of Ageing, a group of aged Christians with branches in various parts of the region, who were also in attendance at Sunday’s event, commended the Agbogbomefia for his initiative to annually host the aged to a dinner table and in effect, uniting to create a joyful old age for every aged person.

Mama Agblatsu also touched on the admonishing by Togbe Kasa to parents and decried the challenges of modern parenting, saying the younger generation nowadays, with the help of technology, find ways of doing things at the blind side of their parents making the issue of discipline and character building problematic.

She nonetheless added her voice by tasking parents to among other things ensure their children go to the bed before them and asked that parents desist from forcing their children to look for means to fend for the family.

In the ealier event for the children, Togbe Afede XIV urged the children to be obedient, respect their parents and persevere in their academic studies to become important people in future so as to play useful roles in the society.

Togbe Afede addressing the children. To the left is Togbe Kasa III

He called on them to learn at the feet of accomplished personalities in the Asogli State and beyond and aspire to be like them and even more in future, plegding the Asogli State’s readiness to support needy but brilliant pupils and students to attain every height in their academic pursuits.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta Police Impounds Metro Mass Bus With Stockpile of Ammunitions

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Volta Online

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January 7, 2019

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Metro Mass ammunitions (2) — The impounded bus

By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Police at Nkwanta in the newly created Oti Region has intercepted ammunitions onboard an Accra-Kpassa bound Metro Mass Transit (MMT) bus, with registration number GR 4417-12 on Sunday evening.

The weapons which were concealed under the passenger seats of the bus and in the booth, were intercepted at police barrier in the late hours of Sunday during a random search by a team of police personnel including the Municipal Commander, ASP William Ayensu, Inspector Linus Akpatsa, Lance Corporal Michael Appiah and Corporal Benjamin Andoh and others.

The items retrieved included one SMG riffle plus 3 packets of metal cache consisting of 2,100 rounds of ammunitions.

ASP William Ayensu who disclosed this to Voltaonlinegh.com commended his team for retrieving such weapons from the bus.

He also cautioned drivers and the general public to be extra careful when someone gives them parcels to be delivered from one point to the other.

Meanwhile, the driver of the MMT bus, Tony Kwaku Ann Bedu and the conductor, Samuel Larbi, have since been kept at the Nkwanta Police Station to assist the police with investigations.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ghana Taekwando Federation Appoints New PRO and Dep Secretary

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Volta Online

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January 5, 2019

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By: Yaw Skef | Voltaonlinegh.com

The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) at its first board meeting for the year 2019 has appointed Mr Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey as their Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Mr Adnan Odartey Lamptey as their Deputy Secretary General.

The appointment, finalised at the meeting on January 3, 2019, became necessary as Mr Lamptey (5th dan Taekwondo practitioner) has been loaded with administrative duties of the Federation, thus, the confirmation by the board.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Mr Clottey to replace Mr Adnan’s previous portfolio (PRO) was by dent of hard work and commitment towards the promotion and development of Ghana Taekwondo.

Adnan Odartey Lamptey, Deputy Secretary General for GTF.

Mr Clottey, who reports for Voltaonlinegh.com served on the Publicity and Media Sub Committee during the 1st Ghana Open last year and also the recently formed part of the Local Organising Committee for the 10th Korea Cup Taekwondo Championships.

By this new appointment, he was being tasked to do more as the GTF prepares to begin a busy 2019.

The Board had (with the backing of Article 14.7 of the Constitution) among major decisions at their meeting, dissolved all Committees. However, it opened up for registered interested persons to apply to be members of the 9 committees.

The Ghana Taekwondo Federation begins a busy year with a visit by 4 from the World Taekwondo Peace Corps, Headquartered in the Republic of Korea in January.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Minister Apologises Over Media ‘Curfew’ During Oti Referendum

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Volta Online

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January 4, 2019

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By: KALD & Rita Nedjoh| Voltaonlionegh.com |

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa has rendered an apology to the Ghana Journalists Association in the Volta region for the unintended consequences of a security alert, restricting movement of reporters during the just ended referendum for the proposed Oti region.

Journalists in the course of Thursday, 27^th December 2018 referendum for the creation of a new region in the northern part the Volta region, were asked by the Regional Police commander, DCOP Francis Doku to restrict their movement to the media centre at Bueman SHS in Jasikan, following security intelligence which pointed to plans by some indigenes to attack unfamiliar faces in the area including reporters.

This did not go down well with the GJA-Volta, which in a statement signed by the Regional Chairman, Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi, described the development as “unfortunate in view of Ghana being an icon of democratic growth and development, following the referendum that ushered in the Fourth Republic.”

However, speaking at a press soiree organized by the Volta Regional Police command on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, where the issue took centre stage, Dr. Letsa who is also the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (RegSec) said the caution to journalists to restrict their movement during the referendum was not intended to prevent them from performing their duties but rather to safeguard their safety and security in the area.

He thus apologized to the media fraternity and said “the security alert which was communicated by the commander was from regional security council and it was in no way done to stop you from doing your work, so as the chairman of RegSec, I want to apologise to you if such a decision didn’t go down well with you.”

“We all know this referendum was a novel process in our democracy and stakes were quite high so as a security council we were just being proactive to ensure everything goes on peacefully and if in that process you felt offended, I apologise and let’s continue to work together,” the Minister added.

That notwithstanding, Dr. Letsa commended the cordial relationship between the police administration and the media in the region, and urged the two institution to continue to work collaboratively to ensure absolute peace and tranquility prevail in the society.

The Soiree

The soiree which took place at the Regional Police headquarters in Ho on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 brought together media practitioners, regional security heads, officers and personnel of the Police services to wine and dine, while taking stock of the previous year performances.

In attendance also was the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr. Maxwell blagodzi.

The Regional Police Commander DCOP Francis Doku on his part commended the support of the media to the service over the years, stating that “the relationship between the Police and the Press has been cordial and constructive.”

He noted that, the region in the just ended 2018 witnessed less crime as compared to the preceding year, a feat he attributed to the effectiveness of the security agencies in the region.

“I dare say that the Volta Regional Police has not been sleeping on its job at all and this is succinctly proven by the crime statistics of the year 2017 as against 2018,” DCOP Doku stated and called for more public cooperation to help bring down the incidences of crime to the barest minimum.

New District Command

The Regional Police chief also announced plans to open new district police commands at Juapong and Adaklu in the North Tongu and Adaklu districts respectively by the middle of 2019, as he appealed to the Regional Coordinating council to help provide vehicles for the new commands when they become operational.

GJA

The Regional chairman of GJA-Volta, Mr. Kafui Kanyi on his part applauded the police command for recognizing the support of the media and hosting them to such an occasion.

He indicated that, the media-police relationship was very symbiotic for which both institutions must continue to support each other in the discharge of their constitutionally mandated duties without any hindrance.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com