First Sky CEO, others Honoured at Volta Heroes Awards

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November 27, 2018

Mr. Dogbegah presenting an award to Mr. Eric Kutortse

By: Ewoenam Kpodo| Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Heroes Foundation (VHF), a non-profit organisation has honoured and celebrated some 5 persons, including a couple who had excelled in various endeavours for the region, at a ceremony held in Ho, the regional capital.

The awards scheme, a brainchild of Mr Rockson Dogbegah, was instituted five years ago to honour distinguished people who have made sacrifices towards the socio economic development of the region.

The Heroes for this year were business mogul and philanthropist, Mr Eric Seddy Kutortse, owner of First Sky Group (i.e. Volta Serene Hotel, First Sky Construction, etc) for his immense contribution to job creation and good humanitarian and philanthropic works; heroic son of the land, Major-General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, a gallant leader of the Ghana Army.

Major-General Henry Kwami Anyidoho (R) receiving his award

The rest were Health practitioner and researcher, Dr Koku Awoonor, a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) programme pioneer at the Nkwanta District between 1996-2008 and philanthropists, Pastor Issah Anabi and Mrs Comfort Anabi, owners and operators of the Ve Deme Orphanage in the Afadzato South District since 1986.

Mr Rockson Dogbegah, Chairman, Organising Committee, VHF, in a welcome address, congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue inspiring others to also work selflessly to impact positively on humanity.

He said the awards scheme was not for just recognising indigenes of the Region but men and women who have worked towards the growth and promotion of the Region.

He called on investors to come to the Region which abounds with both human and natural resources, for investment, pledging the Foundation’s support of working closely with stakeholders to ensure the Region becomes the “envy of all.”

Some Awardees in a shot with the Regional Minister (middle)

Council Member of Volta Heroes Foundation and Paramount Chief of Likpe Traditional Area, Otekple Nana Soglo Alloh IV commended the Committee for the awards geared towards motivating people to do their bit to promote and develop the region.

Otekple Nana Soglo Alloh IV, who is also President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs called on all well-meaning individuals and corporate entities to support the “noble project” of the Foundation, saying, the Foundation had been hit by “donation drought” making it difficult for the scheme to be continued.

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, who was present at the awards ceremony pledged to help the Foundation award heroes and heroines of the Region through the Coordinating Council.

He also called on citizens of the region to support policies of government and to take advantage of its social intervention policies to serve the purpose for which they were being rolled out.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

I still Owe Allegiance to Awoamefia- Prez, Afife Traditional Council

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Volta Online

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November 26, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Torgbuiga Adzrakpanya VI, President of Afife Traditional Council in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region has pledged his “unalloyed and unflinching commitment and allegiance” to the Awoamefia of Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III.

He said the new status as a council was not “an attempt to extricate the Afife Traditional Council from the Anlo State,” saying, he and his people are and will continue to be Anlos because their “umbilical cord” remains in Anlo State.

The President of the newly inaugurated council assured of his readiness to respond to the call of the Awoamefia anytime and hoped that the Awoamefia will be good to him and his people in times of need.

“I want to assure you that whenever you call me, rain or shine, I am ever ready to respond to your call and honour your invitation, Torgbui. I hope and pray that whenever I am also in any difficulty or need, you will not hesitate to extend a hand of assistance to me.

Torgbuiga Adrakpanya VI made the pledge during the inauguration of Afife Traditional Council on Wednesday. His traditional council was among 5 new traditional councils inaugurated in the region.

President of Logba Traditional Council giving his maiden address with the Queen mother (left)

The 3-day inauguration exercise in the Volta Region formed part of series of programmes by government to end chieftaincy disputes in the region and other parts of the country.

The first day saw the inauguration of councils at Afife and Adaklu, which were formerly under Anlo and Asogli respectively. On Thursday, Ziavi and Logba formerly under Asogli and Akpini respectively and on Friday, Wusuta, formerly under Akpini Traditional Council were inaugurated.

Mr Dzamesi cutting the tape to the Wusuta Traditional Council

Torgbui Sri III who chaired the inauguration at Afife, in his opening remark, emphasised on the need for unity among Anlos and Ewes, adding that they speak one language and have a lot of things in common which could be harnessed to bring development to their people.

Torgbui Sri also hinted of formation of Anlo Dukor Council which will bring all traditional councils in Anloland under one fold to for a united front.

Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in inaugurating the councils, said the newly created traditional councils were a demonstration of the prominence government attached to the chieftaincy institution.

He urged the new councils to use the new status for cohesion to ensure development in their areas, saying, “the traditional council should integrate the people of the traditional area for development, not disintegration.”

Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Maxwell Blagodzi who represented the Regional Minister congratulated the new traditional councils and wished them well in the task ahead of them which is to ensure bringing development to their various traditional areas.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

‘Peace Council must Resolve Conflict of Ideas on Oti Region’

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Volta Online

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November 26, 2018

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By: Voltaonlinegh.com |

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister has asked the reconstituted Volta Regional Peace Council to take keen interest in the “conflict of ideas” that had greeted the creation of Oti Region and help resolve the issues.

He asked the Council to create a platform for “aggrieved individuals to reconcile their divergent ideas within acceptable societal norms and rules.”

Dr Letsa said this at the inauguration of a 13-member reconstituted Peace Council in Ho, under the Chairmanship of Reverend Seth Kwesi Mawutor, who represents the Christian Council.

Members of the Council include Most Rev. Gabriel Ababio Mante, Catholic Bishops Conference, Rev. Joseph Senyo Pongo, Ghana Pentecostal Council, Lady Rev. Charity Agbley, National Council for Christian and Charismatic Churches, and Mr Muftau Raji Ibrahim, Ahamadiyya Muslim Mission.

Others are Mr Ismael Masoud, Al-sunnah Muslim Group, Alhaji Saeed Anass Dawuda, Tijaani Muslim Group, Osofo Akotey Agbofa Atsyo, Practitioners of African Traditional Religion.

The rest are Major Edward Sarpong Appiah and Mrs Helen Dzide, both representing the Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Clemence Gyato and Mrs Ayaakor Dela Enuameh-Agbolosoo, from identifiable groups and Togbe Gbogbolulu V, from the Regional House of Chiefs.

Dr Letsa said the Regional Coordinating Council and the Regional Security were open for advice from the Council and counting on it for conflict prevention, management, resolution and the building of sustainable peace in the Region.

Osofo Kofi Atabuatsi, a Board Member of the National Peace Council, said the need for peace in the country had never been more apparent than now when the socio-political systems appeared not to respond effectively to emerging conflicts.

“Our youths are becoming increasingly agitated over limited opportunities, with impunity eating into the very fabric of our society and the threat of extremism looming large over our sub-region,” he noted.

He called on the Council to buckle up ahead of the task for peace and sustainable development.

Osofo Atabuatsi commended the media for their role in peace building and urged them to continue to be circumspect and sensitive in reporting actual or potential conflict situations because information played vital roles in conflict management and peace building.

Mr David Normanyo, the Regional Executive Secretary, Peace Council, said the old Council helped to contain many conflicts in the Region and called for support from stakeholders for the new Council to ensure sustainable peace and development.

Rev. Mawutor pledged the readiness of the Council to discharge its work with commitment, honesty and sincerity and appealed for training on trauma healing and alternative dispute resolution.

Source: www.ghananewsagency.org

Debutants, Sonrise Beat Mawuli in Week 3 of Volta Handball League

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Volta Online

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November 26, 2018

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Sonrise Christian Senior High School (SHS) made a double victory on Mawuli School in the week 2 postponed ties of the ongoing Volta Regional Handball League at the Ho Sports Stadium.

Played on Saturday, November 24, the debutants who suffered losses in both Men and Women categories to Ho Technical University (HTU), Stars of Asha, Unique Stars and Mawuko Girls SHS in the gala on October 20, saw off Mawuli in both categories.

With the men game ahead of the women, Sonrise took a 3-0 lead and was leading 10-2 after 13 minutes played. Mawuli came back strongly and reduced their deficit after a time out and a pep talk with their coach. The game went into recess at 12-10 in favour of Sonrise. In the second half, both teams took their chances as Sonrise aimed at widening the gap again. Sonrise then scored 12 more goals to win 24-18, with smiles and jubilation awaiting the outcome of the women game which followed.

Mawuli who had wanted to take revenge for the defeat of their men started pretty well, getting the first goal by the leading attacker Priscilla. Sonrise replied immediately and the game was now balanced with scores at 3 all with 10 minutes played. A charged Sonrise side then put themselves ahead to lead 5-3 until the game became level again at 8 all with Mawuli scoring the 8th goal first in the 21st minute. Sonrise took their lead back and headed for half time, 9-8 on the score board.

Fatigue got Mawuli, who were poor in defense, allowing Sonrise to lead 16-13, 10 minutes into the second half. More goals came for Sonrise, who finished up the game superbly, beating Mawuli by 21-16.

Sonrise women were joint toppers with South Tongu Talents (2 points) while Mawuli and Mawuko had no points.

In the week 3 fixture, HTU finally succumbed to newly formed team, Unique Stars (US) after the former drew first blood in 3 minutes of the 23-37 full time result.

HTU, who had just finished their faculty games this week, had few arsenals for the cagey encounter but couldn’t be a better excuse for their loss to US. It was tight in the first 15 minutes with US leading 11-8. Both goalkeepers performed well with brilliant saves which maintained the intriguing nature of the game with scores standing at 15-12 for US.

Unique Stars were now on a scoring spree, leading 23-15 with 40 minutes of time played as HTU got a goal at a time. 10 minutes later, it was 31-20 with HTU trying to minimize the gap as Adamu Sulley scored 17 goals on the day. HTU did all they could but eventually lost 23-37 to Unique Stars.

Unique Stars are top of the men table with 4 points. Stars of Asha and Sonrise are the other teams with 2 points, while South Tongu Talents, Mawuli and HTU have no point.

The league continues this week at the Ho Sports Stadium with a caution on all managers to pay their affiliation fees.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta South Assembly Closes down Shops over Tax Defaults

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Volta Online

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November 24, 2018

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The assembly's task force putting a shop under lock

By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly in the Volta Region has closed down over 50 businesses and shops for defaulting to pay their business operating permits to the assembly as established under section 79 of the Local Government Act.

The closing down of the shops on Thursday was as a result of a comprehensive tax campaign embarked upon by the assembly to clamp down on tax defaulters and also to encourage residents to honour their tax obligations to increase the assembly’s domestic revenue targets.

Some business and shop owners who refused to speak with the media were seen fighting with revenue collectors during the exercise.

The Municipal Director of the assembly, Alhaji Yussif Ibrahim indicated that the objective was to clamp down on more business owners that had defaulted in the payment of their taxes in the coming days.

According to him, the move by the assembly management and the revenue mobilisation units formed part of efforts to improve upon tax compliance in the country.

He further urged business operators to contribute their quota by paying their tax to the assembly to increase social intervention policies and accelerate development in the area.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

South Tongu District Assembly Hands over 6-unit Classroom Block to GES at Tordzinu

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Volta Online

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November 24, 2018

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The 6-unit classroom block for Tordzinu D/A Primary School

By: Tabitha Kugbonu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The South Tongu District Assembly in the Volta Region has handed over a 6-unit classroom block with ancillary facility to Ghana Education Service (GES) on Wednesday to be used by Tordzinu D/A Primary School in the district.

The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) funded-project commenced on October 20, 2015 and was awarded to Dekpey Company Limited from Akatsi at an estimated cost of Gh₵347,887.10.

The new building provides relief and serene atmosphere to enhance teaching and learning. The facility consists of 6-unit classroom block, office, store, library and 2-Seater KVIP institutional latrine.

District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Emmanuel Louis Agama in commissioning the building, stated that the assembly was handing over the building to the school to serve as an inheritance to the school and the community at large.

DCE, Mr Agama commissioning the classroom block at Tordzinu

Mr Agamah therefore urged pupils to learn very hard promising that the best pupil of the school to score from grade 6 to 15 in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) shall receive Gh₵500.00 from him (the DCE) as a reward for his/her hard work.

He pledged the assembly’s continued support to the school in various dimensions in order for the school to have access to quality education.

Headmaster of the school, Mr Fredmond Agbeli expressed his satisfaction about the school building and other developmental projects the assembly was undertaking in their area.

He gave a brief history of the school, saying, it was established in 1962 in someone’s house but the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) together with other stakeholders played a vital role for the school to reach its current state with an enrolment of the school being 261 and teachers, 14.

Mr Agbeli appealed to the assembly to provide the school with potable water, desks and classroom block for the junior high school and also, enough latrines for the school.

An official from South Tongu GES office, Mr Mark-Peter Dumatonu noted that “education is the key to success” urging the pupils to learn hard and become great men some day.

Chief of Tordzinu, Togbe Tsifodze Dzamesi pleaded with the assembly to avail themselves whenever they bring their concerns to them.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Chonke Paramount Chief Appeals for District Hospital

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Volta Online

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November 24, 2018

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Daasebre Atamafuwiese and Queen mother of Chonke

By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Daasebre Atamafowiese Bonja II, the Paramount Chief of Chonke Traditional Area in the Krachi-Nchumuru District of the Volta Region has appealed to the government to as matter of urgency, provide the area with a district hospital to cater for the health needs of the people.

This, he said was necessary because the only health facility, situated at Borae No.2, serving the area lacks infrastructure and the needed logistics hence, unable to meet critical health needs of residents.

He made this call during the annual Chonke Yam Festival at Borae No.2.

He appealed to the government to upgrade the Borae Clinic to enable the facility attend to critical health issues of residents as the next hospital is over 50 miles away.

He also lamented that Krachi-Nchumuru District has no hospital to serve the people making access to health delivery in the area very difficult.

He therefore appealed to government to build a befitting hospital to serve the people of the area.

Some residents who spoke to Voltaonlinegh.com added their voices to that of the Paramount Chief, lamenting about the situation and called on the government to construct a hospital in the area to meet the health needs of the people.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nefahene of Guan Akyode Curses Saboteurs of Oti Region

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Volta Online

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November 23, 2018

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Nefahene of Guan-Kyode Traditional Area in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Volta Region has laid curses on people who are opposing the creation of the proposed Oti Region, wishing the opposing factions be struck down by the gods of the area.

Nana Sey Mireku laid the curse while pouring libation at his palace at Nkwanta. He called on the gods of the area to intervene as their demand for the Oti Region had been over 40 years.

He added that people living in the Oti enclave had been deprived of social amenities for long, thus, the need for a new region to be carved out from the current Volta Region to enhance socio-economic development in the area.

He warned chiefs from the south to stop claiming ownership of lands in the northern part of the Volta Region.

The Paramount Chief of Challah, Nana Addo Chedri Kenawu II also cautioned the southern chiefs, indicating, residents of the Oti area owe no allegiance to Ewes neither are they slaves to the south.

He rather advised the detractors of the proposed region to remain calm and prepare for peaceful referendum.

Regarding the upcoming referendum, Nkwanta South Youth for Oti had already taken it upon themselves by flying ‘Yes for Oti’ flags to raise awareness for residents to vote massively for the Oti Region to come to fruition.

The proposed Oti Region is among six new regions that are expected to be created across the country.

A referendum to determine the creation of the new regions is scheduled to take place on December 27, 2018.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will on November 28 determine a case brought before it challenging holding the referendum in only the affected areas instead of entire regions to be divided.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Keep Faith with Gov’t for Fulfillment of Promises – DCE

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Volta Online

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November 23, 2018

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By: Fred Duhoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The District Chief executive (DCE) for Central Tongu, Thomas Moore Zonyrah has urged all within the district to keep hopes alive as the Nana Addo government works assiduously to fulfill all promises made to the people of Ghana prior to his election as president.

The DCE in addressing a town hall meeting on Wednesday said government was on course as some of the promises made including Planting for food and Jobs, 1District-1 Factory (1D1F) and 1 million dollars per constituency have so far been delivered.

“We have had our fair share of government policies and projects so far. We have received our 1 million dollar per constituency as promised by the president, planting for food and jobs is ongoing with over 5000 farmers registered so far.”

Mr Zonyrah revealed the 1D1F had already materialised in his district with a company currently into greenhouse vegetables production and had so far, employed 65 workers from the district.

He also mentioned that some 200 graduates had been posted to the district under the NABCO programme recently launched.

The town hall meeting afforded the citizens the opportunity to ascertain some facts from government representatives to enhance policy formation and decision making.

The Ministry of Information in collaboration with the Information Services Department (ISD) had engaged almost all the 25 assemblies in the Volta Region.

Volta Regional Director of ISD, Mr Stephen Adzah expatiated on achievements of government so far and was of the firm belief that government was on course and all must support the various initiatives to the benefit of the ordinary Ghanaians.

“Government has so far rolled out a number of social policies such as the free Senior High School which almost everyone is benefiting from directly or indirectly. NABCO has so far recruited some 100,000 youths who hitherto would have been home by now but through the great leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo, these young graduates will be working in different sectors and start receiving some Gh₵700 for upkeep.”

Central Tongu District is the second to last district in the region to have engaged citizens as stakeholders in development.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Central Tongu MP Touts his Achievements to Constituents

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Volta Online

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November 22, 2018

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By: Fred Duhoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu Constituency, Hon Alexander Gabby Hotordze has touted his achievement since becoming the MP listing among other things, a number of schools, health facilities and other social projects he had undertaken in his service to the people.

The MP mentioned this to the citizens of the area at a town hall meeting at Mafi Kumase.

Giving an account of his expenditure from the MPs Common Fund, he disclosed some of the projects he had had undertaken and hinted of those in the pipeline.

“I have given close to 500 street lights to be fixed at vantage points within the district to enhance visibility at night. All junior high schools in the district will benefit from free exercise books while I’ve made efforts to resource the circuit supervisors at Ghana Education Service (GES).”

He added “support has been given to the health sector and the police service in the district and this I hope to continue to progressively see our district develop.”

The town hall meeting offered Mr Hotordze the opportunity to brief his people on happenings and recent laws that had been passed in parliament.

“We have so far as minority approved two significant laws and the third one being the Right to Information (RTI) Bill will soon be passed. As for the loans, we keep approving it for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government even though that’s not what they promised us.”

Town hall meetings, an initiative of the Ministry of Information (MoI) in collaboration with the Information Services Department (ISD) aim at interacting with the various segments of the society and explaining to the general public government and assemblies’ programmes and policies.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com