By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The Volta Cricket Association has expressed appreciation to the International Cricket Council- Africa with a picture frame during a 360 review meeting with stakeholders in Ho.
The picture in the frame displays a 10-year boy whose older brother, Tuttor Deladem was among selected U-13 players for a Cricket Clinic in 2016, batting.
The boy developed interest in the game and before the officials could realise, he won gloves and pads waiting for his turn. His technique in batting was well demonstrated and a surprise to all present, as he was only watching from a distance initially.
The ICC-Africa, as part of their 360 review in Ghana, paid a visit to Ho on Wednesday, November 28, where they met with selected schools which play Cricket and those who do not, head teachers of those schools, and some parents at Sky Plus Hotel.
The meeting was attended by the Regional Director of Ghana Education Service, Miss Enyonam Afi Amafuga, Regional Director, National Sports Authority, Kwame Amponfi Jnr, B.B Dotse and Walter Kokroko, Regional and Municipal P.E Coordinators respectively among others.
The leader of the delegation from ICC-Africa, Patricia Kambarami, Development Manager, received the nicely designed frame and thanked the officials of the Association.
Leader of the ICC-Africa team, Mad Kambarani receiving the picture frame
The meeting saw fruitful deliberations from the stakeholders who raised concerns about the sports and suggested ways to improve on the development of the game in the region.
ICC-Africa appreciated the concerns raised during the deliberations and promised to consider the suggestions to ensure the growth of the sport in Volta Region and Ghana at large.
The Volta Association, having won the most active Region accolade in 2016, have had 2 separate training of the trainers courses, umpiring and scoring course, inter school competitions, 2 separate CAP courses, and an impending U-14 League.
The Region can also boast of a formidable U-15 team and 7 competent level 1 coaches.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |
Sonrise Christian School has failed to live up to expectation in their week 4 fixture against South Tongu Talents (STT) in the.
The debutants lost both categories in their second match of the League on Saturday at the Ho Sports Stadium.
In the men game which began the trail of matches, Sonrise frustrated STT in the first half with a 10-8 scoreline. STT in the second half found their rhythm and stretched their lead to wrap up the beautifully serious tussle game, 36-23.
Sonrise, a bit frightened, started the game with nice passes and steady attacks which ended up being saved by Mawulawoe Wegbe. They consequently had 7 meter advantages but wasted all while STT made use of the fast breaks with Adobia Emelia and Obeng Hannah scoring most of the goals. The 20-3 half time score was not enough for STT as Mercy Alphones forced 5 more goals for Sonrise, who lost 8-32.
Team Sonrise Christian High School
The day ended with hot exchanges between STT men and Ho Technical University (HTU). The game of equals started with lots of energy, pace, fast breaks, and inter-positional passes as both sides push for the maximum 2 points, having lost their first matches in the league. The game went to recess 15-16 for HTU with both sides seeing lots of punishments for bad tackles and STT goalkeeper Jonas Segbedzi ‘Talent’, having quite a good day.
HTU’s Benjamin Aryee received red card in the dying minutes of the game having served 2 minutes for the 3rd time. His dismissal rather gingered his team to go on to win 36-33.
Due to poor visibility, the Women game between HTU and Mawuko was postponed to next Saturday. It was really a bad day for the referees as clubs were not happy about officiating.
On the Women table, STT lead with 4 points, followed by Sonrise with 2 points. Unique Stars top the Men table with 4 points, while Stars of Asha, STT, HTU and Sonrise all have 2 points each.
The excitement of the league continues on Saturday, December 8, 2018 with intriguing pairings.
The National Accreditation Board (NAB) has commended Volta Region’s premiere university, Evangelical Presbyterian University College (EPUC) in Ho, for the important role it played and continues to play in making university education accessible to citizens of the region and the country.
Mr Lawrence Kwarteng-Ashia, Head of Public Relations on behalf of Acting Executive Secretary, NAB in a statement over the weekend at the 10th anniversary celebration of the University, said there was the need for the Institution to celebrate but also make strategic plans for the future.
“Ten years in the life of any institution is very significant and need to be celebrated but, it presents a good opportunity to reflect on how far the institution has come and strategise into the future to address the challenges ahead while positioning itself to take advantage of future opportunities.”
He said “NAB acknowledges that private tertiary institutions face a number of challenges” including funding thus, high dependence on school fees for running the institutions.
He said the Board had therefore instituted a policy where private institutions sign up with a financial or insurance company to serve as buffer to fall on for smooth running of the institutions.
The Acting President of EPUC, Dr Kenneth Nyalemegbe in presenting a report at the programme, disclosed that student enrollment had decreased from 1,500 in 2012 to 1,008 at present, citing competitions from “both public and private universities and inadequate infrastructure” as the causes.
He outlined measures including outreach programmes that the Institution had initiated to make it visible to attract potential students.
To augment income generation, Dr Nyalemegbe mentioned ventures EPUC had entered into under its Farm Project including a 6-acre land under yam cultivation at Wumenu and plans for cultivating cassava. Also, plans of piggery, rehabilitation of the Fisheries Training School at Todome and developing the Akoefe and VeKoloenu lands into research facilities.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to God and the leadership of the EP Church and its members for their support.
Cross-section of the graduating students at the programme
Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev E.A.K. Amey who represented the Moderator said the Church is happy to be associated with the problems and achievements of the University, which he referred to as the “Game-changer” in the region and the country as a whole.
He refuted the assumption people hold that EPUC is financially sound due to its existence for a decade, saying, the University “is the lowest-charging private University in Ghana” as its mandate was not to make huge profits off people.
Rev Amey therefore appealed to NAB to create a level ground for all universities to operate. According to him, private universities especially the mission-funded ones cannot stand on their own if accreditation fees as well as mentoring fees are not reduced.
Nonetheless, he pledged the continuous support of the EP Church to the University, hinting, projects were being rolled out to see that it “grows from strength to strength.”
Prof John Gatsi from the mentoring university, University of Cape Coast called on the Church to do more for the Institution and stay away from its day to day administration so as not to stifle initiatives.
Meanwhile, he advised the University administration not to take for granted, the immense contribution of the church.
The celebration which coincided with the 10th graduation and 12th matriculation programme of the University under the theme, “Celebrating 10 years of Quality Education”, saw degrees conferred on 257 duly qualified students including Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, Geoffrey Kini. Also, 235 new students were matriculated.
Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Maxwell Blagodzi on behalf of the Regional Minister, congratulated EPUC for its role in bringing university education to the doorstep of people in the region and asked that it consolidates this feat by establishing a graduate school.
Mr Blagodzi also congratulated the students on their graduation asking them to serve as ambassadors for the Institution while urging the new students to get serious with their studies to complete their programmes successfully.
Mr Amenu receiving his award
The Overall Best Student, Loverage Kofi Amenu in a valedictory speech, recounted their journey from admission to lectures to the ultimate and asked his colleagues to take on challenges and ensure they derive the best out of every situation.
Special awards were presented to Walter Komla Blege, Rev Dr Cyril Kwao Fayose and Mr Samuel Walter Kofi Buami for their immense contributions and meritorious services towards the growth of the University.
The Acting Director General, Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) and a co-chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Kyeremeh Atuahene has emphasised that traditional and spiritual remedy for the cure of HIV and AIDS is not a 100 per cent cure for the epidemic.
According to him, claims that traditional and spiritual remedy offer a cure for the HIV epidemic is the cause of the drop in the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) advising that, “you can take herbal medicine and pray it works but never stop taking antiretroviral treatment because it helps to suppress and stop the spread of the disease.”
He was speaking at the National Durbar of the 30th World AIDS Day celebration on Saturday in Ho held on theme, “Know Your Status” with the national theme being “Test, Treat to Suppress and Stop New Infections”.
Mr Atuahene described the theme as apt, saying, “52 per cent of women and 72 per cent of men in Ghana have not tested for HIV. Not knowing your HIV status robs you of the ability to take control of your life.”
He disclosed that GAC in collaboration with stakeholders in health had begun processes to have relevant policies for the introduction of self-testing in conformity with international best practices and standards to enable the Commission meet the first UNAIDS 90 target by 2020.
He lamented the increasing trends in new infections among the youth as revealed by the 2017 National HIV and AIDS Report which suggested, “of 19,101 new HIV infections that occurred in Ghana, 29.1 per cent occurred among young people aged 12 to 24 years. More than two third of these newly infected youth were women.”
Mr Atuahene therefore called on the general public to work together to reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.
UNAIDS Country Director, Angela Trenton-Mbonde in her speech cited stigma and discrimination which prevented people from accessing HIV prevention and treatment services resulting in millions of AIDS-related deaths, as the greatest challenge to efforts to end the epidemic in Ghana.
She assured that as an organisation committed to achieving vision zero new infections, zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths, UNAIDS “will continue to provide high impact technical support to government institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.”
She added that UNAIDS will further collaborate with other key stakeholders to “develop and implement a robust advocacy and communications programme” geared towards achieving 90-90-90 target of testing, treatment and suppressing rival load of HIV infections.
Charge D’Affaires at the US Embassy, Christopher J. Lamora in a short interview, said HIV epidemic currently has no cure and the best way to go is to get tested, be on antiretroviral treatment to suppress the viral load.
He assured that the Embassy through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will continue to commit fund to address high levels of stigma and discrimination which impede testing and achievement of the epidemic control in Ghana.
The durbar chaired by President of Volta House of Chiefs, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, was also attended by dignitaries including Cecilia Dapaah, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resource and having Executive Oversight of GAC, Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Mensah, Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa and Heart-to-Heart Ambassadors who all added their voices to the way forward to eliminating the epidemic.
World AIDS Day is marked every December 1 to raise awareness and to remember those who died as a result of the AIDS pandemic.
President of Guan-Akyode Traditional Council, Nana Obombo Sewura Lupuwura II and chiefs in the Nkwanta South District of the Volta Region have called on the Christian Council within the Oti enclave to end all church programmes by December 24 to enable residents prepare for the referendum.
He said the creation of the Oti Region is for all persons, tribes, the young and old who live within the Oti enclave and so, Christmas conventions must be cut short because long duration of such conventions could derail their efforts to get the Oti region.
The President of Guan-Akyode Traditional Council made the call at the second council meeting of the chiefs on Friday.
Cross-section of chiefs at the council meeting
According to the Traditional Council, majority of the population in the area are Christians hence the need for the Christian Council to woo eligible voters to participate in the referendum slated for December 27 for a resounding “YES” vote to pave way for the creation of the Oti Region to enhance socio-economic development.
Nana Lupuwura II hinted that the Council of Chiefs will engage pastors and church leaders in the area to reschedule their conventions either before or after the referendum.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our quest to have the Oti Region for development. For that matter, the churches should end their programmes by the said date since such functions cannot take place simultaneously with the referendum to get people to vote “YES” to get the much awaited region,” he explained.
The creation of the regions, according to provisions in chapter two of the 1992 Constitution, requires a referendum with at least 80 per cent of residents in the affected region(s) approving of the split after 50 per cent of eligible voters had come out to vote.
Six new regions are expected to be carved of four regions which include Northern, Western, Brong-Ahafo and Volta regions.
Nana Lupuwura maintained that the demand for Oti Region was motivated only by the desire to have development projects extended to the north of the Volta Region and had nothing to do with tribalism, saying, they will continue with education on the referendum to meet the constitutional requirement.
Earlier, Adele Traditional Council had also held a press conference and called out to residents of the area to go out in their numbers to vote for the new region.
Nana Kumah Anasa Ntrado V (middle)
Nana Kumah Anasa Ntrado V, who read the speech on behalf of the Paramount Chief, Nana Opoku Anto during the press conference said, the struggle for a new region out of the Volta Region, is over five decades.
Nana Kumah Anasa had therefore urged residents (both home and abroad) to come and support their own to get the new region.
The 2018 edition of the Volta Journalists Awards organized by the regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA Volta) came off last Saturday night with some eleven media practitioners receiving laurels in various categories.
Among the awardees was Miss Ewoenam Kpodo, the acting Editor of voltaonlinegh.com, who was adjudged the Most Promising Young Journalist of the Year at the ceremony held at the Skyplus hotel in Ho under the chairmanship of Torgbui Binah Lawluvi VI, Paramount Chief of Ziope Traditional area and a former member of the Council of state.
The award, which was her first major honour in the inky fraternity, came as a big surprise to Ms. Kpodo, who was awestricken when she was called up for the special recognition ostensibly for her constant and accurate reportage on various sectors of the region.
“This was really unexpected, more so when I didn’t put in any entry for this year’s awards,” she told voltaonlinegh.com, and added that, the award would be a big boost for her journalism career into the future.
Ewoenam Kpodo, Volta GJA Most Promising Young Journalist, 2018
Also, three others; Tabitha Kugbonu, of Radio Tongu, Tilda Acorlor, of GBC Volta Star Radio and Jemima Achivors of Kuul FM, were respectively adjudged best reporters in Education, Sports; Tourism and Disability.
Whereas, this was Ms. Acorlor’s second award in the sports category after a similar feat at maiden edition of the GJA Awards last year; Ms. Achivors was the only recipient this year to pick up awards in two separate categories i.e. tourism and disability.
Watch the Awards Ceremony Here
Other award winners include Sumaiya Salifu Saeed and Samuel Akumatey of Ghana News Agency (GNA) for Local Governance; Metro TV’s Christian Ahordie, Health; Harrison Belley, Lake News Paper – Agriculture; Kekeli Radio’s Kingsley Attitsogbui, Sanitation; Mary Anane-Amponsah, Daily Graphic – Business & Economics.
The best Morning show programme in English and Akan respectively went to GBC-Volta Star Radio, while that of Ho 92.5FM was crowned the Ewe Morning show of the Year.
Special awards were also presented to Public Relation Officers of some institutions, including Fred Baimbill Johnson, formerly of ECG-Volta, Foster Honu of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), George Tasiame of Ho Municipal NHIA, Isaac Meyir of Ho Technical University, Senam Bruce of Ho Municipal GES, the PR team at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) among others.
Two distinguished personalities, Mama Atrato II, Queen mother of Ho Dome and Mr. Dela Gadzanku, Eastern/Volta Zonal President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) were also granted honourary memberships of the GJA Volta.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Esther Offei-Aboagye, deputy Chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Media-Key Partner in Local Governance” and called for closer collaboration between the two institutions to deepen the decentralization process in the region.
She underscored the need for both the media and the assemblies share a common goal of promoting active citizens participation in the local governance system, champion social accountability to ensure even distribution of development in the various communities.
Dr. Offei-Aboagye further urged the media to help promote the investment potentials in the various local areas in order to attract the needed investments to propel the ‘Ghana beyond aid’ agenda of the government.
Dr. Esther Offei-Aboagye
The Regional Chairman for GJA-Volta, Mr. Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi said the media was prepared to work with the assemblies for a common good and entreated them to always be receptive to journalists as partners in development.
He said it was however unfortunate for some people to question the contribution of the media to national development, stating that as the fourth estate of the realm, the media continues to play outstanding role in shaping public opinion and strengthening society.
“We protect the public interest against malpractices and create awareness on government policies, programmes and projects, while providing feedback to both government and the people,” he added.
Mr. Edmund Attah Kudjo, District Chief Executive for North Dayi and Dean of Volta MDCEs, expressed the readiness of his colleagues to work hand-in-hand with the media to the benefit of the citizenry, as he commended the award winners.
A Deputy Information minister, Mr. Enam Hadzide who represented the substantive minister, hinted of the ministry’s plan to commence a programme dubbed ‘Time with DCE’, through which the president’s representatives in the various assemblies would have radio engagements with the citizenry to respond to their concerns.
Mr. Hadzide who also launched the GJA Welfare fund with seed money of GHS5000, once assured of government’s commitment towards the passage of the Right to Information law in due course.
The Volta Regional minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa also pledged the continuous support of the VRCC for the activities of the GJA in the region.
Several dignitaries graced this year’s awards ceremony, including the national GJA President, Mr. Affail Morny, the Press Attache of the American Embassy in Ghana, politicians from the two main parties, MMDCEs, MPs, traditional and religious leaders.
Golda Asante, US Embassy in Ghana HIV. AIDS Consultant
By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com|
A Consultant on HIV and AIDS issues at USAIDS, Golda Asante has described the media as key partners in eradicating HIV and AIDS.
She called on journalists and other media personnel to use their media to campaign for behavioural change that will achieve the ultimate target of ending AIDS by 2030.
She further urged the media to lead the campaign against stigmatization which invariably poses a huge challenge to people getting tested to know their status and accepting to be on treatment in order to suppress the viral load by 2020 and consequently, ending new HIV infections, the essence of UNAIDS 90-90-90 Fast Track Strategy.
She said the media is a key stakeholder in achieving the target and journalists all over the world must make conscious efforts to take on the sensitisation of people by dedicating some few minutes to talk on the subject on their shows, and write stories about it as well.
Ms Asante made the call at a training workshop organised on Wednesday for Health Journalists on HIV and AIDS reporting and interventions in Ho.
Golda Asante speaking at the workshop
The two-day workshop organised by African Centre for Development Reporting (ACEDEV) with sponsorship from US President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), brought journalists together for engagement on issues relevant to ending the AIDS epidemic on the first day while the second day saw facilitators of the workshop meeting reporters and editors at their workplaces for discussions on how to facilitate reporting on AIDS and HIV issues.
A Resource Person, Kingsly Obeng Kyere, who spoke on how to tell compelling stories on HIV and AIDS, charged participants to do away with subjectivity and be guided with “value-free judgement.”
Facilitator, Kumah Drah also took participants through pitching of stories and refining story ideas in a bid to help in achieving the agenda 90-90-90.
The journalists resolute to practise what they have been tasked to do, (sensitising people on the need to get tested) willingly offered themselves to be tested at the close of the training.
Regarding the National Durbar of World AIDS Day (WAD) to be held on Saturday at Jubilee Park, Ho, teams from PEPFAR, Ghana AIDS Commission and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, had outlined programmes including taking the campaign to Ho Central Market on Thursday to test people for the virus, WAD Islamic Service at Ho Central Mosque, Ho Zongo and WAD Public Lecture at University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Main Auditorium, Trafalga on Friday. There will also be WAD Christian Service on Sunday at EP Church, Elorm Parish, Ho Bankoe.
The Word AIDS Day is marked on December 1 every year and it is dedicated to raising awareness of AIDS caused by HIV infection and remembering those who had lost their lives through the AIDS pandemic.
The global theme for 2018 WAD is “Know your Status” with the national theme being “Test, Treat to Suppress and Stop New Infections”
Ms Golda Asante, HIV and AIDS Consultant has charged politicians especially government to lead the way in waging endless campaign against the high HIV infection prevalence in the country.
She was of the firm belief that Ghana AIDS Commission is situated at the seat of the presidency for a reason; to give priority to the AIDS epidemic.
“Imagine the impact it will make when a member of parliament in your area talks to people in his constituency about HIV prevention or stigmatisation. The prevalence would have reduced more than we’re seeing today,” she observed.
Ms Asante made the call during a workshop for journalists on HIV and AIDS reporting on Wednesday in Ho, organised by African Centre for Development Reporting (ACEDEV) with sponsorship from US President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The workshop offered the participants opportunity to imbibe new terminologies and how to pitch stories with emphasis on the ambitious agenda 90-90-90 which aims to get 90 per cent of people tested for the virus with 90 per cent of those diagnosed placed on treatment and to achieve 90 per cent viral load suppression by 2020.
Ms Asante expressed hope of making progress with the agenda, saying, “with the emergency services of the 90-90-90 strategy, it’s our firm hope and belief that by the year 2020, 90 per cent of projected annual figure of people living with HIV will know their status. The second 90 is a target to ensure 90 per cent of those infected are put on treatment as soon as possible and must be sustained while the last 90 is aimed at suppression of the viral load to the barest minimum so the risk of transfer from person to person is low.”
“As part of this 90-90-90 fast track strategy, we take advantage of every gathering and ensure testing is offered to participants in every programme so we ensure we achieve the target by 2020,” she added.
PEPFAR is celebrating its 15 years of dedicated service to championing the course of educating and sensitising people to get tested and receive treatment in order to save lives, under the theme: “15 Years of Saving Lives through American Generosity and Partnerships” as the world marks World AIDS Day this Saturday in the Volta Regional Capital of Ho.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |
Sonrise Christian High School has thrown a huge challenge to South Tongu Talents (STT) ahead of their week 4 clash in the Volta Regional Handball League on Saturday at the Ho Sports Stadium.
The debutants who beat Mawuli in their first league game in both categories seek to deepen the woes of the community team, who will also be playing their second game this season.
Though the first meeting for both sides in the league is expected to be competitive, Head Coach of Sonrise, Constant Dzigbordi Akoto assured victory for his side in Saturday’s game.
“We are happy to play South Tongu Talents and we know the game will be tight and tough. I believe that no opponent is weak and so we have the objective to win this game. We are highly motivated from our first win to keep on winning. It is going to be interesting and I hope the referees give us a good game. I pray for injury-free game and reasonable level of self-control from all players.”
Experienced as STT may be, It is not going to be a walk over for either side as anything can happen in the game at the end of 60 minutes/ 50 minutes.
The first game starts at 11:30am and it will be between Sonrise and STT men after which their ladies will battle for supremacy at 1pm.
The last game for the week will see STT host Ho Technical University (HTU) at 3pm. This is going to be another cracker as both sides have not recorded victories. HTU in their first match for the season lost to Unique Stars and are bent on taking the 2 points back to their campus.
The National Ozone Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sensitized 1400 students from 21 senior high schools from Koforidua, Kumasi and Takoradi on Ozone depletion, its causes, effects and the need to protect the Ozone Layer.
The EPA in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised the sensitisation programme in Takoradi as part of activities to climax the 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme: “Keep Cool and Carry on”
Taking the students through the Science of Ozone Layer Depletion Phenomenon and Its Effects on Humankind, Mr Emmanuel Osae-Quansah, National Coordinator of the Montreal Protocol Implementation Programme (National Ozone Office) at the EPA emphasised that the event was in line with efforts being made under the Montreal Protocol, which is an international treaty to protect the Ozone Layer.
Cross section of students at the event
The protocol, which Ghana has ratified, aims to phase out the production and consumption of Ozone-depleting substance (ODS) including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used as refrigerants in refrigerators and air-conditioners, as well as halons used in fire extinguishers.
Mr. Osae-Quansah called on the students to sensitise their parents and others on the need to always check and ensure that technicians use ozone-friendly refrigerants such as hydrocarbon refrigerants, for instance R600, R600a, and R290 which are natural refrigerants and internationally accepted, cautioning the students to avoid excessive sun exposure to protect themselves.
“Ozone Depleting Substances like HCFCs and CFCs used in appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners cause damage to the Ozone Layer & expose us to ultraviolet radiations from the sun. This is harmful for the environment and for our health since it can cause diseases like skin cancer and blindness, hence the need to phase them out to help the Ozone Layer recover.”
Emmanuel Osae-Quansah addressing cross section of the students
Similarly, in a presentation on the linkages between climate change and ozone depletion, Mr. Joseph Baffoe, Senior Programme Officer at EPA underscored the need for behavioural changes to reduce emissions of excessive greenhouse gases.
These behavioural changes, he said must involve the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with florescent ones, old refrigerators with new efficient ones with energy star label, switching off lights and appliances not being used, and keeping air-conditioner filters clean regularly.
The presentations also took the students through proper handling and use of refrigerators.
The sensitization fell under two projects namely hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) for Ghana and Institutional Strengthening on ODS being implemented by EPA and UNDP to phase out the use of ozone depleting chemicals in Ghana.
The HPMP project has so far established 3 Centres of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at the Accra Technical Training Centre, Takoradi Technical Institute and the Kumasi Technical Institute where refrigeration technicians are being trained on best practices in refrigeration using acceptable hydrocarbon refrigerants.
The projects have also built the capacity of customs officials at the ports and borders to identify and isolate unacceptable imported refrigerants.
