Awoamefia Did Not Err in Honouring Asantehene’s Invitation–Special Aide

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December 19, 2018

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Special Aide to the Awoamefia of Anlo, in the Volta Region, Agbotadua Boni has defended Awoamefia’s visit to Asanteman in the Ashanti Region over the weekend for the Akwasidae celebration, saying, he did no wrong by accepting the invitation.

Agbotadua Boni in an interview with Voltaonlinegh.com said Awoamefia’s decision was not to ignore the concerns of the youth but it was in respect to the centuries of relationship between Anlo and Asanteman.

Awoamefia Torgbui Sri III honoured the invitation of Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II to be at the Akwasidae celebration on Sunday, December 16 as the Guest of Honour against the wish of the youth.

The invitation to Awoamefia was announced in a release signed by the Personal Assistant to Otumfour’s Chief of Staff, Kwame Aboagye Mensah on December 5 in Kumasi. It said Awoamefia’s visit “would mark the celebration of the longstanding friendship between the Asanteman and the Anlo State as part of Otumfour’s efforts to promote national cohesion and inter-ethnic harmony.”

However, a youth group, Anlo Youth Council (AYC) expressed concern over the invitation and Awoamefia’s decision to honour it describing it as “ill-timed.”

A release dated December 14 and signed by the President of AYC, Mayor Agbleze, said though the Group admitted the “cordial relationship between the Anlo and Asanteman in times past and now,” it warned the Awoamefia and his retinue of chiefs not to attend.

It said there was a more important issue that should interest the rulers of Anloland rather than participating in Akwasidae. “The Referendum to destroy the unity and peace of the Volta Region is slated for December 27, 2018 and that fateful date alone. Whatever the outcome, there will be many Akwasidae festivals to be celebrated in the future.”

“The Chiefs and AYC have since pledged our preparedness to assist our kith and kin in the northern Volta in readiness before, during and after the December 27 Referendum. We cannot be doing or be led to do anything else, particularly, participating in the pomp and pageantry of Asanteman,” it added.

But Agbotadua Boni said Awoamefia’s visit to Asanteman had nothing to do with politics or the impending referendum but borne out of the respect for the age-long relationship between the Anlos and Asantes.

He allayed fears of some youth who sought to say that Asantehene’s invite to Awoamefia had some intended motives including a subtle way to attempt exerting hegemony over Anlo, saying, “that cannot be possible. Actually, there existed an old friendship and relationship between Anlo and Asanteman.”

He disclosed that “Asantehene even opted to visit Hogbetsotsoza of the Anlos some time ago just to demonstrate that relationship but due to some circumstances, it could not happen.”

He therefore assured the people of Anlo and Ewes that, Awoamefia’s acceptance and subsequent visit to Asanteman was to build on an old relationship and not to hurt their (Anlo/Ewes) respect and dignity as there was no hidden agenda behind Asantehene’s invitation.

Akwasidae is an ornate ceremony celebrated by chiefs and people of Asante and its allied groups including Denkyira, Akuapim, Akyem, Kwahu once every six weeks to honour their ancestors. In Ashanti Region, it is to honour the Asantehene and commemorate the date that the Asante Golden Stool was magically brought down from heaven.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Anlo & Asanteman to Deepen Peaceful Co-existence as Otumfuor Attends Next Hogbetsotso

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Volta Online

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December 19, 2018

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Awoamefia at Menhyia (3) — Otumfuor and Awoamefia exchanging pleasantries at Akwasidae

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com|

Rulers of two ancient traditional states in Ghana, Torgbui Sri III of Anlo and Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene has pledged their commitments towards deepening the already cordial relationship between the people of two areas to foster national cohesion and development.

The Awoamefia who was the Special Guest of the Asantehene at the celebration of the final Akwasidae of the year last Sunday at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, according to a Graphic Online publication, was full admiration for his host, the Asantehene and the people of Asante for the way and manner they had lived in peace with Anlos in the Ashanti Region and the rest of the world.

Accompanied by a retinue 170 people comprising chiefs, queenmothers and prominent people from Anlo, Torgbui Sri pledged to sustain the historic tie as he opening invited the Asantehene to the 2019 Hogbetsotso festival.

Otumfuo in accepting Awoamefia’s invitation recounted how Asanteman and Anlo had lived as brothers and sisters at all times in different locations without any difficulty.

He however bemoaned the negative effects of partisan politics, which he noted was building mistrust between the two peoples in recent times and called for it not to fester further.

“We have had to contend lately with the negative effects of discordant politics which seeks to sow mistrust and set brother against brother,” he said, but added: “Happily, today, we have the opportunity to slam the door firmly to the purveyors of doom and discord.”

He mentioned the allocation of suburbs in Kumasi to Anlos, as well as the allocation of some positions in the Asante Kingdom to Anlos, to attest to the fact that the Anlos and Asantes had no conflict between them.

The Asantehene also recalled how proud his uncle, Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, was at the time to draw a great deal inspiration from the Awoamefia’s great uncle, Torgbui Sri I, and from some of the eminent sons of the Anlo State, including renowned lawyer B.E.A. Tamakloe, who was his uncle’s personal lawyer, who later became the legal counsel for Asanteman during the very difficult years before independence.

“Ghana is a unique blend of a people with a common heritage but also with diverse characteristics. Like most African countries, managing diversities has been prone to negative influences, but we have demonstrated in our time that it is the mix of diversities which is, indeed, our greatest strength,”Otumfuor added and urged Ghanaians to make the attainment of peace and unity an utmost priority.

The Akwasidae Festival, which is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks by Asantes, is used to honour the ancestors of the communities.

One unique feature about last Sunday’s Akwasidae was the blend of the rich diverse cultural heritage of the Anlo and Asanteman.

Also in attendance were the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Samira Bawumia; and a host of government functionaries, dignitaries and ordinary people who paid homage to the Asantehene as he sat in state.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com/additional file from Graphic Online

Photos from Menhyia Palace Facebook page

KETABUSCO Gather for Fun at Posillipo Beach on Saturday

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Volta Online

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December 19, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The National Executives of Keta Business College (KETABUSCO) Old Students Association (KEBSOSA) have given details of this year’s “December to Remember” (D2R) event, announcing, it will be held on Saturday 22 at Posillipo Beach Resort, Sakumono near Buena Vista Estates from 12:00-6:00pm.

The D2R is one of the major annual events on KEBSOSA calendar which brings the old students, also known as Coronats together for purposes of fun and socialization.

D2R just as the name suggests, comes off every December after another major event, Coronats’ Thanksgiving Service which happens in November whereby the Association decide on a church and fellowship together to appreciate God for the life of members and put their plans for KETABUSCO before Him.

Speaking to the President of the Association, Dr Seth Kwami Anani, he said this year’s event will be “fun-filled” as usual and more, calling on his fellow old students to show up for the event.

“Just like the disciples of Christ in the Bible, we’re gathering to have food and drinks. The day will be full of fun. More to eat and drink and of course, all kinds of games will be available to entertain every Coronat that will be coming. We’ve had a good year. We recently held our Transformational Speech and Prize Giving Day as well as our Thanksgiving Service. Just before those big events, our own, Nicholas Gborse won the Best Teacher Prize. So, we need to come together and celebrate.”

“I’m urging old students to come out in their numbers because this weekend’s event is a very special one. We’re launching an Endowment Fund known as ‘Game Changer’ in April next year which is expected to totally transform the school and we need as much heads as possible for discussions on that,” the President added.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

SOGASCO Old Students Support Alma Mater

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Volta Online

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December 19, 2018

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By: Tabitha Kugbonu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The 2004 Year Group of Sogakope Senior High School (SOGASCO) Old Students Association (SOSA) have presented some books to their alma mater to enhance teaching and learning in the school.

The donation which was primarily to retool the depleted library of the school comprised 90 text and supplementary books in varied disciplines to aid the students in their academic performance.

The donation on campus coincided with the Group’s annual general meeting which saw them elect new executives that would run the affairs of the Group.

The newly elected executives were Mr Kingsley Marnye, President, Mr Famous Agamor, Vice president, Mr Selorm Aboetaka, Secretary and Mr Vistus Agbemabiese, Deputy Secretary. The others were Madam Allen Akpesese, Organiser, and the Deputy, Mr Edem Atiena, Mr Mensah Kornu Financial Secretary, and Madam Vincentia Doe, Treasurer.

In an interview with Edwin Elorm Norviedzor, the outgoing President of the Group, he said they had information from the school’s Management Committee about the depleting stock of the school’s library that needed some urgent attention.

Mr Norviedzor said they felt the need to come together and support their school to create an enabling environment for their juniors to learn and achieve their goals.
He expressed hope that the students would make good use of the books to ginger them (the Group) to provide more learning materials to improve on the academic performance of students in the school.

Mr Norviedzor during the presentation explained that the help project of the year group was in two phases, library retooling and provision of furniture to the school’s ICT Lab. He also pledged the Group’s readiness to respond to pressing needs of the school.

Assistant Headmistress in charge of Academics, Madam Peace Gokah who received the donation on behalf of the school, expressed gratitude to the Group for the gesture.
She pledged that the books would be put to good use by both students and staff and asked for more support from the past students and other individuals.

Sogakofe Senior High School in the South Tongu District was established in 1961 as one of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah Trust Schools. The school, the first in the district is noted for producing prominent citizens of the land and beyond.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NHIS Subscribers to Enjoy Convenience; As Mobile Renewal Service Launches

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Volta Online

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December 18, 2018

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By: KALD & Rita Nedjoh|Voltaonlinegh.com|

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is set to roll out an innovative service which would bring much convenience to the renewal of membership on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the country.

The service which is part of the NHIS Mobile Membership Renewal and Authentication Project being implemented in partnership with the ILO Impact Insurance Programme funded by the French agency, AfD, provides a simple but unique solution by which NHIS subscribers can electronically renew their membership using mobile phones.

President Akufo-Addo is expected to outdoor the service on Wednesday following a successful piloting in the Asuogyaman and West Mamprusi districts of the Eastern and Upper West regions respectively, where over 21,500 subscribers renewed their membership electronically.

Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah addressing Journalists at the forum

Speaking at a sensitization forum for Journalists in the Volta Region ahead of the roll out, Mr. Osward Essuah-Mensah, the Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs at NHIA, explained the mobile renewal service is accessible via a dedicated mobile short code of *929# available on Vodafone, MTN, and AirtelTigo networks.

He indicated that, the system will among other things enable NHIS subscribers to also check their validity status on the scheme and also receive advance notification on the expiration of their membership for them to promptly do the renewal in the comfort of their homes with the prescribed premium deducted from their mobile money accounts.

This, Mr. Essuah-Mensah noted would lessen the stress NHIS clients go through to renew their membership at the district offices, while relieving their staff of the huge numbers they have to attend to on daily basis.

He told journalists at the forum held at NHIA Regional office in Ho that;

“About 70 per cent of our clients who visit our offices go there for renewal, so with the introduction of this innovative service, these people will no longer have to travel to our offices but just with the help of their phones enjoy the same service in the comfort of their homes without any hustle.”

“What this means is that, we are also cutting down our operational cost, because the frequency at which we have to replace our printers, tonners and other consumables will drastically reduce.”

The operationalization of this service, according to the Corporate Affairs Executive would also inure to the benefit of health care providers, as they can promptly authenticate the validity of clients NHIS membership; while it helps the authority to reduce operational cost, increase scheme penetration and revenue.

“For us to be efficient and reduce leakages, we have to move from the manual system to the electronic system where registration and payment are done electronically and claims are also managed electronically” he added.

With an overall objective of attaining a 100 per cent universal healthcare coverage in the country by 2030, where everyone in Ghana should have access to healthcare through the scheme, the NHIA envisaged a 20 per cent increase in renewal/enrollment within the first year of this mobile renewal system.

The Deputy Director in charge of Membership and Regional Operations at NHIA, Mr. Raymond Avinu on his part tasked media practitioners to use their platforms to educate the public on the service and how to access the mobile renewal system without any hitches.

Official of NHIA at the media interaction. Seated from Right, is Mr. Homenya, Regional Director of NHIA

Mr. Joseph Homenya, Volta Regional Director of NHIA expressed the readiness of his staff and the health care providers for the roll out of the system, as he assured of a sustained public education to ensure smooth utilization of the system.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

New Regional Executives of GhIS Inducted into Office

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Volta Online

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December 18, 2018

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By: Albert Kuzor | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Region chapter of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) has inducted five new executives into office to run the affairs of the professional body in the region.

The executive body under the chairmanship of Maxwell Lukutor, has Emmanuel Atitsogbui as Secretary, Mark Gudu as Treasurer, Shadrack Deafemekpor, Organizer and Dr. Richard Akplotsi representing the Academia.

Mr Kwadzo Hohoabu, National President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) performed the induction ceremony at the Regional office of the Lands Commission in Ho, and charged them to deliver their duties with competence.

He noted that the transfer of some former executives out of the region in the course of their work necessitated the reconstitution of the executive board, and expressed optimism that the new leadership will live up to expectation.

On his part, the newly elected Regional Chairman, Maxwell Lukutor pledged to lead the Association together with his other executives to meet the aspirations of its members.

He bemoaned the unprofessional conduct on the part of some surveyors resulting in litigation between them and land owners; and promised to bring sanity to sector in the region.

Mr. Lukutor also noted that, there were many surveyors in the system without the requisite license and entreated all professional surveyors to as a matter of urgency identify with GhIS before they begin a crackdown on unlicensed and unprofessional practitioners in the region.

The Institution at its Regional annual conference last September called for new survey mapping for the country, as the current one, prepared some 40 years ago contained outdated information which are no longer useful now.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Luxury In the Clouds; A Taste of Ho’s Coolest Locations

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Volta Online

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December 18, 2018

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By: AKN | Voltaonlinegh.com|

Ever thought of a hospitality experience in the clouds as the lush greenery rolls over the mountains? Then you are only a few seconds away from making that discovery in Ghana.

It has perhaps not grabbed much attention but it is at the heart of the Volta’s hospitality industry.

It is the Weta Mountains or the Kabakaba Hills located uphill of the Volta Regional capital, Ho.

The mountains which stretch from the northeastern part of the capital to the northwestern part, and kissing the heavens, provides a soothing environment worth experiencing.

A look at the mountains over one’s head captures a pleasing view of magnificent buildings with the terraced structures.

It is no wonder, that there is a mad rush for lands at that part of the city.

Investors, who acquired these lands, mostly invest in the hospitality industry.

Chains of Hotels are springing up on the hills where irresistible treats await guests.

Some of the prestigious Hotels in the Volta Region are up there in the clouds. Volta Serene, Skyplus, African Hill Resort and Fred’s Kitchen and Wellness among others are all soaring in the clouds.

Weta hills is indeed an exciting space in Ghana to enjoy good times and it presents a perfect setting to explore nature. The topography of the area provides a thrilling environment for hiking and camping.

At one side are the lush view of the Ho Township and the panoramic view of Adaklu Mountains which is on the hips of the City.

From the other end, one could have a serene view of Klefe and its spouting waterfalls.

Less than 30 minutes’ drive from the hill could land you in Amedzorfe; the highest points of human settlements in Ghana. The town with its temperate weather has another thrilling experience that would be told another day.

On the Weta (Kabakaba hills), one feels closer to the heavens. And it could be a reason churches pitch camp in the forest to meditate.

But as the development sprout in the greenbelt, there are concerns over its threats on the ecological system.

Obviously, there is a need to merge the development and deforestation through policies that could satisfy all competing interests.

It behoves on city authorities to show the way.

I’m particularly enthused by the luxury I see in the clouds on the Weta Hills and I see this as a gold mine in tourism in the Volta Region yet to be fully harnessed.

As Ho gradually becomes a city of choice for persons who need time away from the buzz of Accra, I recommend the clouds for the next guest.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Tem-Kotokolis Hold Prayers to Ask for God’s Blessings for Oti to Happen

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Volta Online

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December 18, 2018

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Wura Brinai II, Overlord of Tem Kotokoli (right)

By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The people of Tem-Kotokoli in the Nkwanta South District of the Volta Region have held special prayers to ask for the blessings of Almighty God (Allah) in the referendum scheduled to take place in the northern part of the region on December 17.

They sought God’s blessing for a resounding ‘YES’ votes to enable the demand of the people in the area to have a new region, Oti carved out of the existing Volta Region, come to pass.

The Overlord of Tem–Kotokoli, Wuro Dawood Chedere Brinai II in an address to his people during the special prayers on Friday at Kue, a suburb of Nkwanta, said there must be divine intervention to ensure the proposed Oti Region happens because the people of Volta north have been making the demand for the past 40 years.

Wuro Dawood Chedere Brinai indicated that the people living in that area have been deprived of social amenities for long, thus, the need for the new region demand to bring the needed development to the area.

He therefore called on all indigenes of Kotokoli to come out in their numbers and vote massively in favour of the new region in the December 27 referendum.

Earlier, other traditional areas including Adele, Konkomba, Guan-Agyode, Challah had embarked on various forms of campaign activities urging residents of the area to vote Yes in the referendum.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Paramount Chief of Battor Calls on his Subjects to Avoid Land Disputes for Development

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Volta Online

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December 18, 2018

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By: Prince Zao | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The Paramount Chief of Battor Traditional Area in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, Togbega Patamia Dzekle VII has called on his people especially the youth who are the future of the area to avoid litigations over land to allow for development projects to come to the area.

Togbega said there was the need for the youth to desist from land grabbing and unnecessary land litigation because that would keep investors away from the area, thus, depriving it from the needed development projects.

He made the call in his welcome address during the grand durbar of chiefs and people of Battor Traditional Area on Saturday to climax this year’s Hogbeza, the annual festival of the people.

He was grateful to the government for introducing its flagship programme, the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy but was quick to advise the government to help solve the numerous challenges facing it.

He also urged citizens of Battor to take advantage of the programme and get themselves educated to ensure a bright future for themselves and the area.

Togbega Patamia Dzekle decried the poor roads in the North Tongu District which he said was affecting a lot of businesses.
He mentioned the Sege-Aveyime and Asutsuare-Aveyime roads as some of the bad roads which impact negatively on the socio-economic activities of the people.

District Chief Executive for the area, Collins Arku in a speech, added his voice to that of the Paramount Chief and called on the people to stop land litigation which he identified to be one of the contributory factors retarding development in the district.

Member of Parliament for the area, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah called for unity among the chiefs so that the area could attract a lot of investors to bring jobs to the teeming youth in the area.

He disclosed that plans were underway towards the establishment of a Polytechnic at Battor in 2019 to provide residents and those from other part of the region and the country with tertiary education.

Hon. Ablakwah donated 10 street lights to the Battor Senior High, GH¢3,000.00 towards the education endowment fund and pledged 150 bags of cement towards the building of a community centre at Battor.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Data Link Institute Holds 9th Congregation

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Volta Online

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December 17, 2018

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Data link (1) — Section of the Graduating Students

By: KALD|Voltaonlinegh.com|

Data Link Institute, a private university college in the Tema Metropolis has held its ninth congregation for some 356 students who successfully completed various academic programmes of study for the 2017/18 academic year.

Graduands at the ceremony which took place at the WAEC hall in Tema were awarded degree certificates in Business administration and other disciplines.

President of the Institute, Professor Jacob J. Nortey in his address said the students have received the quality training requisite for the world of work.

He entreated the graduating students to use the knowledge and skills acquired to find innovative solutions to societal problems; and also be worthy ambassadors of the institute by exhibiting high level of integrity and honesty in all their dealings.

The institute, which is affiliated to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the president noted has also rolled out additional academic programmes in affiliation with other local and foreign reputable universities as well as professional institutions to attract more prospective students.

In addition, Prof. Nortey said the institute in its quest to become a world class tertiary institution was working to engaged more experienced full and partime faculty members; while they take steps to develop the institute’s central campus at Tema.

Founder and Executive Chairman of the Institute, Mr Ernest Ansah on his part urged the graduates to make a difference in their communities and also not to turn their backs towards their alma mater, as it required their support to develop.

Mr. Ansah also appealed for government’s intervention in terms of infrastructure through the Getfund for all private tertiary institutions in the country to enable to create more access for beneficiaries of the free SHS policy.

Mr. Ernest Ansah, founder of Data Link Institute

The Overall Best graduating Student, Ms Deborah Sagoe Gunnel who also emerged as the best female student in Marketing, challenged her colleagues to take on opportunities in the country to contribute towards national development instead of seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com