Creation of New Region will Get the Needed Policing- Volta Region Police Command

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November 14, 2018

By: Collins Anku | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Ebenezer Doku has assured the public that the upcoming referendum to create a new region out of the Volta Region will be given the needed policing.

He assured that his men are prepared to provide undiluted security service for the referendum and that it will pass without recording even a single incident.

The creation of a new region out of the Volta Region had sparked protests from a section of the citizens including eminent traditional rulers expressing dissatisfaction about the conduct of the processes with others suggesting that the process could disturb the peace the region currently enjoys.

DCOP Doku gave the assurance when the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery and his delegation paid a visited the Regional Police Headquarters as part of his 3-day tour of the region.

DCOP Francis Ebenezer Doku disclosed that the incident of crime was on the low side in the region due to their collaborative work with sister security agencies adding that the Command was working towards achieving a crime-free region in the near future.

He detailed how attacks and snatching of mobile phones in parts of the capital and carnages on the roads for example, had been reduced to the barest minimum due to police visibility at strategic locations.

He commended the government for the various interventions aimed at giving a facelift to the Service and was quick to add that more needed to be done.

The Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery in responding to the issues raised said an amount of Gh₵300 million had been approved to procure more equipment for the police and are expected to be in the country before the year ends.

He described the police-population ratio of 1:1400 in the Volta Region as disastrous and hinted that over 4,000 police officers will be recruited to bridge the gap.

Mr. Ambrose Dery admonished officers to exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties and warned that any officer who misbehaves will be dealt with appropriately.

“No one will be allowed to take the law into his/her own hands and hold Ghana to ransom, we will not allow that,” he stressed.

The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon Henry Kotey, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, and a host of other dignitaries.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta South Mp Advises Teachers to Stop Sleeping with School Girls

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Volta Online

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November 14, 2018

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South Constituency in the Volta Region, Geoffrey Kini has advised teachers in the area to stop sleeping with their female students.

According to him, it is sad to know that teachers, who parents have trusted so much, are rather sleeping with school girls adding that “girls are not sent to school to be engaged in relationship.”

He gave this advice in a short speech while donating 100 dual desks to the Kabiti M /A Basic School.

Photo of the the dual desks presented by the MP

Interacting with teachers and pupils of the school, the MP promised to support the school with teaching and learning materials to propel academic performance in the school.

He called on parents to provide the basic needs for their children to help improve on quality education in the municipality.

The Nkwanta South Deputy Director of Education, Madam Christiana Ndebiwa who received the furniture on behalf of the school, thanked the MP for his support and stated that the kind gesture will help reduce furniture inadequacy within the municipality.

Mr Kini and Mad Ndebiwa sitting in one of the desks

She however, appealed for more furniture in order to provide for other schools faced with the challenge of inadequate furniture.

Head teacher of the school, Mr Clement also commended the MP for the support and appealed for the construction of a staff office to enhance teaching and learning in the school.

Some pupils of the school spoke with Voltaonlinegh.com, were grateful for the support and pleaded for an ICT lab and other teaching and learning materials.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Persons with Disabilities Demand Increase in their Share of Common Fund

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Volta Online

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November 13, 2018

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

President of the Federation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Volta Region, Emmanuel Mensah has pleaded with the government to fulfill its promise of increasing the 3 per cent allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to 5 per cent.

This he said would help them meet their needs considering the current hard economic conditions in the country.

According to him, the 3 per cent share of the DACF allocated to PWDs is not enough as their numbers keep increasing daily.

He made this known when they received items procured by the 3 per cent Disability Common Fund in the Krachi Nchumuru District.

A total of over 100 PWDs received items ranging from deep freezers, corn mill, disability mobility tricycles, cash, sewing machines, hair dryers among others to empower them improve on their livelihood.

He assured that the items would be put to good use to benefit the society and advised members to involve in activities which would sustain them without having to beg for alms.

He however, criticised the mode of disbursement explaining that lateness was affecting operations.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Augustine Appiah said a monitoring and evaluation team would be put in place to closely monitor the usage of both the cash and items and that anyone who would misappropriate his or her fund would be sanctioned accordingly.

DCE, Mr Appiah (in a cap) and MP, Mr Majisey

Hon John Majisey, Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi Nchumuru commended the DCE for the programme and advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the items to ensure that they last longer.

Speaking in an interview with Voltaonlinegh.com, beneficiaries expressed appreciation to government and the Assembly for the support saying it would help improve their living conditions.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NDC Goes to Congress to Elect National Executives on Nov 17

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Volta Online

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November 13, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will hold its National Executive Congress to elect leaders to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.

The congress which is expected to take place on November 17, 2018 at the Trade Fair Centre in the Greater Accra Region will attract about 9,350 delegates from the 275 constituencies across the country.

About 66 people are contesting for available positions including National Chairman (or chairperson), Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, National Organizer, National Deputy Organizer, Communications Officer, Deputy Communications Officer, NEC and Zongo Caucus.

Earlier, the party on October 27, 2018, elected its National Youth Organiser and deputies as well as Women Organiser and the deputies.

The voting, held at Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Feteh in the Central Region, saw former Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Hanna Bissiw elected the National Women’s Organiser with two others, Maame Efua and Abigail Elorm elected as deputies.

Also, the former Municipal Chief Executive of Akuapem North, George Opare Addo, got the nod as the National Youth Organizer of the party. And for the deputies, Edem Agbana and Ruth Dela were elected.

Founder of the party, former President Jerry John Rawlings had earlier cautioned delegates against choosing their leaders based on financial inducement and urged them to elect committed executives who will serve the interest of the party going into the future.

Meanwhile, the NDC is expected to set December 7, 2018 for the election of its flagbearer for the 2020 general elections in line with the party’s constitutional requirement to choose a flagbearer, 24 months before the next elections.

Below is the full list of NDC National executive position aspirants:

National Chairman

1. Betty Mould Iddrisu

2. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo

3. Alhaji Huudu Yahaya

4. Danny Annang

5. Dan Abodakpi

National Vice Chairman

1. Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho

2. Said Sinare

3. Lawyer Adu- Yeboah

4. Sherry Ayittey

5. Yaw Owusu Obimpeh

6. Alhaji Sumaila Mahama

7. Dr Kwame Ampofo

8. Awudu S. Asorka

9. Seth Ofosu-Ohene

General Secretary

1. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah

2. Samuel Koku Sitsofe Anyidoho

Deputy General Secretary

1. Alhaji Nuru Hamidan

2. Barbara Serwaa Asamoah

3. Peter Boamah Otokonor

4. David Kwaku Worwui-Brown

5. Kojo Adu Asare

6. George Lawson

7. Abdullah Ishaq Farrakhan

8. Nii Dodoo Dodoo

9. Kale Cezar

10. Ephram Nii Tan Sackey

11. Evans Amoo

National Organiser

1. Mahdi Gibrill

2. Akamba Joshua Hamidu

3. Jemima Anita De- Sosoo

4. Yaw Boateng Gyan

5. Baba Jamal Ahmed

6. Enoch Amoako- Nsiah

7. Solomon Yaw Nkansah

National Deputy Organizer

1. Dr Alhassan Hanifa

2. Kombor Michael Ziecheree

3. Kobby Barlon

4. Vivian Abla Kpeglo

5. Mohammed Mamudu

6. Agbesi Nutsu

7. Chief Hamilton Biney Nixon

8. Alfred Kojo Triddles

9. Ebenezer Asare Sackitey

10. Ahmed Gedel

Communications Officer

1. Fred Agbenyo

2. Sammy Gyamfi

Deputy Communications Officer

1. Godwin Ako Gunn

2. Mahama Seidu Samuel

3. Kwaku Boahen

4. Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru Seidu

5. Adongo Atule Jacob

6. Muhammed Nurullah Iddrisu

NEC

1. Mohammed Mashood Alhaji

2. Hon. Alhaji Babanlame Abu Sadat

3. Sheriff Abudul Nasiru

4. Ebenezer Effah Hackman

5. Eliyasu Amadu

6. Alhaji Adramani Haribu

7. William Wilson Agbleke

8. Evelyn Enyonam Mensah

Zongo Caucus

1. Ismail Bawa

2. Alhaji Mamah Mohammed

3. Sadiku Sulley

4. Baba Ibrahim Mohammed

5. Abdul-Aziz Mohammmed

6. Abass Fuseini Sbaabe

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Vilcabamba Finishes 4th , 11th at Stanbic Bank Table Tennis League

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Volta Online

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November 13, 2018

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

After 9 and 17 matches played at the Stanbic Bank National Table Tennis League in Accra, Vilcabamba Table Tennis Club (VTTC) finished at the 4th and 11th position for the female and male categories respectively as the league wrapped up on Saturday, November 10, 2018.

The four singles and a double format (best of 5) league which was supposed to have ended on the 3rd of November was postponed a week later due to the Judo tournament that took place at the Accra Sports Stadium Hall on the 3rd.

Volta’s only representative, Vilcabamba achieved their final place on the league table for both categories after mixed results on the final day of the 8 weeks league which begun on September 8.

Two matches for the ladies had a 3-1 loss to Eastern and a 3-1 win to Western which kept them 4th with 19 points, 8 less than winners Immigration. The ladies managed a total of 5 wins and 4 losses in the league that saw 10 female teams participating, having Army and Police place 2nd and 3rd with 25 and 23 points respectively. Jemilatu Mensah had to join the likes of Valeria Yayra, Millicent Selorm Ankude, Eyram Attipoe, Matilda Fodu and Malwine Akator to finish the league on a good note.

The men won 2 out of their final 3 scheduled matches; 3-1 game win against Ashaiman, a 3-0 victory against Tiger Sharks and a 1-3 loss to 3rd placed Police. Out of 18 clubs and 17 matches played in the single round robin league, Vilcabamba male team won 7 matches, lost 10 and maintained their 11th spot from the previous week but with 31 points.

Immigration (knockout champions), again won the male category with a 100 per cent winning record, amassing 51 points. They were followed by Ashanti Otumfuo Stars and Police, who were pegged at 47 points apiece. Army, Asoba Foundation, Fire Service, King’s Royal Academy, GRA, Eastern Loopers and Prisons followed in that order to the 10th position.

Bright Dzotsiafe, Frank Sedewonu, Selassie Setorwofia and Head Coach & player David Senyo Ahiaba fought in the male category for Vilcabamba.

In an interview with TalksenseSports, Mr. Ahiaba commended the performance of the ladies.

“My players especially the ladies did so well and l am elated with their performance. My target was to get to first 3 but that didn’t happen. However 4th place for the ladies is no mean achievement considering the fact that they didn’t take part in last year’s league. I think there is more room for improvement for both the men and women.”

He thanked the VTTC Chairman and others who helped the team adding that the team would have done better with more support.

“But for the support of Jude Curtis, equipment would have been another challenge. I wish to seize the opportunity to thank him. I think that if VTTC gets good funding in the next league, our position will be better.”

The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has set Saturday, the 8th of December to Award winners of the league at the Sports Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium.

Meanwhile, the VTTC will be wrapping up the calendar year with their annual Table Tennis Championship in December.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Assembly to Clamp Down On ‘Noisy’ Churches and Joints

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Volta Online

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November 12, 2018

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By: KALD|Voltaonlinegh.com|

The Ho Municipal Assembly (HMA) has served notice it will soon crack the whip on churches and drinking spots that are fond of excessive noise making in the municipality.

The phenomenon has become a source of grave concern to many residents who are deprived of a peaceful sleep, especially at night as some these religious and entertainment centres situated in residential suburbs continued to blast their sound systems beyond the acceptable noise levels.

Mr. Nelson Akorli, the Municipal Chief Executive announcing the assembly’s intended action to curtail the growing menace at a Town hall Meeting last Wednesday, sounded a last warning to those recalcitrant entities to conduct their activities within the stipulated noise limits or risk being sanctioned.

Related Story: Give Government Time to Deliver on its Promises-Deputy Minister

“As we approach the festive season, I want to caution churches and drinking spots that continue to generate loud sound to tone down before the assembly strike on them. It is unacceptable to deny others of their sleep at night with your activities,” he stated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, pegged the acceptable noise level in residential areas during the day at 55 decibles (db), while that of the night is 48db. In densely commercial areas, the guidelines permit 65db and 60db of noise level during the day and night respectively.

This, the MCE noted would be enforced in addition to other assembly bylaws, as part of an agenda to position the municipality as a preferred tourist destination devoid of excessive noise, insanitary conditions and haphazard siting of structures.

He thus, called for the cooperation of all stakeholders as the assembly carry out the agenda to rebrand Ho as the ‘Oxygen City of Ghana.’

Source: Voltaonlinegh.com

South Tongu Talents Bows to Unique and SOA in Volta Handball League

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Volta Online

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November 12, 2018

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By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

It was mixed feelings for Coach Edwin Tsogbey as his male team, South Tongu Talents (STT) suffered from two losses but female team won their match at the beginning of the Volta Regional Handball League at the Ho Sports Stadium.

Played on Saturday, November 10, the debutants started well against the gala champions, Unique Stars in a give and take affair with the latter taking the lead 17-15 at half time.

The much talked about starter of the second edition of the Volta Regional League lived up to its expectation as the tension kept rising as the match progressed. Unique, also debutants showed class with pace, while Talents exhibited skills and energy in the game which got fans of both sides sitting on tentacles.

Goalkeeper of Unique Stars, Denu Kennedy made the difference and was arguably the Man of the Match as his wonderful saves which denied STT some glorious opportunities, became the talk about for the day in the match that ended 32-35 for Unique Stars.

As if the defeat to Unique Stars was not enough, STT lost in another fierce encounter against Stars of Asha (SOA). Talents started slowly and carefully in a way to study their opponents, but that didn’t really work for them as SOA came all out and started banging in the goals. Talents then opened up and tried to make use of every attack but the defense of SOA with some brilliant saves from their goalkeeper kept the scores 12-18 for SOA at half time.

Fatigue caught up with STT who didn’t give up till the last whistle of the game at 27-36 in favor of Stars of Asha.

In between the two matches, STT female side whipped Mawuko Girls by 35-13. The female side of Talents exerted all their might on Mawuko, who were struggling to find their rhythm. 17-5, a result at recess which got their Coach furious as the girls weren’t playing according to instructions.

Speaking to TalksenseSports after their first taste of the regional league, Edwin Tsogbey said they will bounce back better.

“It was good for me because my boys are learning and so far they have displayed the sense of handball. Their first time playing the regional league, I think the results was good. I knew my girls will beat Mawuko, so no surprises there. But we will bounce back strongly after correcting our mistakes.”

Matches continue on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Ho Sports Stadium. The Organizing Committee of the league is however continuously reminding all managers of clubs as a matter of urgency to pay their affiliation fees GH₵150.00.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Some Ghanaians Willing to Risk their Lives to Show Dislike for LGBTIs- ACILA Report

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Volta Online

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November 11, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Findings from a recent survey by an independent and non-profit organisation, Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA) has revealed that 44 per cent of Ghanaians will prefer to risk their lives than receiving emergency medical treatment from identified lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersexual persons (LGBTIs).

The survey, titled Popular Attitudes towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexual People (LGBTI) in Ghana, also revealed that out of 10 issues including armed robbery, rape/defilement, LGBTI issues, corruption, youth unemployment, high cost of living, poor infrastructure (e.g. road), illegal mining (galamsey), health care and education, LGBTI issues was ranked the second most worrying concern after corruption.

The survey was conducted to gauge the attitude of Ghanaians towards LGBTI issues and to provide comprehensive scientific public opinion data to engender discussion on the subject.

For the methodology, based on the 2010 National Population Census, a representative sample of 1200 adults (18 and above) was randomly selected from 5 regions, (Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Volta and Northern regions) located in 107 enumeration areas (from the Ghana Statistical Service) spread across 72 urban and 35 peri-urban/rural areas with fieldwork from 4^th-20^th June, 2018.

The Lead Researcher for ACILA, Mr. Kojo Impraim disclosed the findings to journalists drawn from Eastern and Volta regions for a two-day capacity building workshop on human rights from November 9^th-10^th at Koforidua organised by ACILA in collaboration with Human Rights Defenders Ghana, a subsidiary organisation of ACILA.

A section of participants at the workshop

He said the tolerance level of Ghanaians to LGBTIs were surprising to the extent that some were willing to risk their lives.

“Majority of Ghanaians (80 per cent) are very uncomfortable or uncomfortable associating themselves with LGBTIs. However, 67 per cent will receive emergency medical treatment from a nurse or doctor they perceive as LGBTI. Thirty per cent of Christians; 40 per cent of Moslems; and 50 per cent of Traditionalists will not receive emergency medical treatment from a nurse or medical doctor who is perceived as LGBTI.”

The report indicated that 44 per cent of “Ghanaians who are 51-61 years will not receive emergency medical treatment from a nurse or medical doctor who is perceived as LGBTI.”

Various speakers took the journalists through Ghana’s obligations under the chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution and the International Human Rights Law to protect the fundamental human rights of all persons including the vulnerable in society to which (LGBTIs) belong.

A Human Rights Lawyer and Lecturer at Ghana Institute of Journalism, Mr Zakaria Tanko Musah in his presentation, simplified human rights to mean fairness, respect, humanity and dignity that should be accorded all manner of persons including people with sexual preferences considered to be a variation from the accepted one.

The Executive Director of ACILA, Mr. William Nyarko said there was the need for journalists to understand the provisions of the law on LGBTI issues to really inform their audience.

He debunked claims that there were conscious efforts from the developed countries to get Ghana to legalise activities of LGBTIs, saying there was no way Ghana would legalise the practice.

He explained that what ACILA sought to do was not to defend the act but rather to educate people not to perpetrate violence against LGBTIs because that will mean a violation of their fundamental human rights which they are by law, entitled to.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

GRA Blocks 3 Companies, Interdicts some Officers over Diversion of Goods

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Volta Online

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November 11, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Some officers of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have been interdicted following their alleged involvement in diversion of re- exportation goods at the Akanu border post in the Volta Region.

The interdiction of the officers whose names are yet to be disclosed was to allow for investigations into their alleged collusion with some three companies to divert the goods.

The companies had been identified as Hendrick Shipping Company Ltd, Springfield Shipping Company Ltd and Christerl Shipping Ltd.

A statement issued on Friday, November 9 by the Commissioner-General of GRA, Mr Emmanuel Kofi Nti said the companies “diverted goods supposed to be re-exported through Akanu to Togo back to Ghana with the collusion of some GRA officers. The diversion led to a revenue loss of USD$3,551,559.68.”

Following the loss of revenue, the three companies have been blocked from transacting business on the Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS); handed over to EOCO for further investigations while serious efforts are been made to retrieve the revenue,” it added.

The statement also assured that the Authority would take the necessary disciplinary measures against the officers after investigations are completed.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NPA Allays Fears, Says Cylinder Re-circulation Model will Benefit the Citizenry

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Volta Online

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November 10, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has allayed public fears of the proposed implementation of Cylinder Re-circulation Model which is expected to take effect from early next year.

There were fears of high cost of purchasing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), strike actions from stakeholders in the industry, job losses, chaos, scammers among others when the policy directive comes into force.

But at a sensitization workshop for the media on petroleum products safety and Cylinder Re-circulation Model of LPG on Thursday in Ho, officials from the NPA assured that various forms of consultation with stakeholders had gone on to ensure such fears of the public were dealt with even before the start of the model.

A representative of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NPA who led the delegation, Mr. Samuel Asare-Bediako in response to concerns raised from the participants said the model would rather offer more benefits to the citizenry.

Mr. Asare-Bediako speaking at the workshop

Mr. Asare-Bediako mentioned among others, safety of the public whereby incidents of defective gas cylinders leading to explosion and consequently loss of human lives and properties will be drastically reduced if not eliminated.

Although he admitted there will be a raise in the price, he stressed that it will not be high to discourage people from using LPG because one of the motives for implementing the model was to encourage its use to reduce the dependency on firewood to help protect the environment.

He further said though there will be 400 direct job losses, there will be an estimated 4,500 new jobs created as a result of the new policy.

Mr. Asare-Bediako disclosed that progress has been made to ensure a smooth roll-out of the policy. He mentioned plans for bottling plant that will receive empty cylinders for refilling and re-circulation.

For the explanation of how the new model will work, the LPG Bulk Distribution Company (LBDC) will either import or buy the LPG from local refineries or/and gas processing plant, such as Tema Oil Refinery and Ghana National Gas Company, and store the LPG in its Bulk Storage facility.

The LBDC will then sell the LPG in bulk to either the Bottling Plant for the sole purpose of filling the empty cylinders or to the LPG Marketing Companies (LMCs) for bulk sale to industrial end-users – factories, restaurant, and mini-power plants and also to auto gas users.

The LPG Bottling Plant Company will be responsible for filling the empty cylinders for onward distribution to LPG Marketing Companies (LMCs) who in turn, will be procuring, branding, and maintaining the cylinders.

The President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo on the advice of Cabinet on October 12, 2017 directed that the Cylinder Re-circulation Model of LPG distribution be implemented. This directive was informed by the Flood and Fire Disaster on June 3 that claimed over 150 lives in Accra coupled with the infamous Atomic Junction Gas Explosion which claimed at least 7 lives, leaving about 134 persons with various degrees of injuries.

Aide to the CEO and Head of Research, Mrs. Sheila Abiemo said when the model takes effect, consumers desiring to purchase LPG will produce their empty cylinders at retail stations or exchange points in exchange for filled ones.

She adding that those who may be first time users of LPG may go there and depending on the marketing strategy of a particular LMC, be made to deposit a sum amount as deposit for the cylinder bottle to take home a filled one.

She clarified that there will be a transition period where both distribution models will be implemented side by side, till the time the old model is phased out suggesting cylinders will no longer be owned by consumers making it easy for defective cylinders to be identified early for maintenance hence lowering the risk of gas explosions.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com