Work Resumes on Ho-Sokode Road, Eastern Corridor to Follow

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October 24, 2018

By: Collins Anku | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Users of the Ho-Accra road can now take a deep breath after the contractor working on the dualisation of the Ho-Sokode road has hit the ground running almost two years after works on the road stalled.

The 10.5-kilometer stretch road was started during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration but work was stalled when they lost the 2016 general elections.

The road when completed will connect Sokode Gbogame to Civic Centre, Ho and is expected to cost an estimated amount of 126 million Ghana cedis.

The project is being executed by China Railway No. 5 Engineering Ghana Limited and it is expected to last for 18 months.

During an official ceremony by the sector minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa West, Kwasi Amoako-Atta for the resumption of works on the road, he noted that reasonable amount of money had been paid to the contractor to come back to site.

The Minister said once work resumes on the road, he will leave no stone unturned to see to its completion.

Hon. Amoako-Atta said the president had come to meet a very bad state of roads across the length and breadth of the country and promised to his ensure that things are put in their right perspective.

The Minister warned that President Akufo-Addo will not tolerate any shoddy work under his watch and called on the contractor to deliver nothing but quality work to the people of Ghana.

He added that it is the passion and will of the president to fix all roads in the country and called on all and sundry to support the government in delivering on his mandate to the people.

Payment

He said the company has raised a certificate of 27 million Ghana cedis of which payment was effected after they received the certificate.

The Minister disclosed that an advance payment of 10 million Ghana cedis was made last year September, and an additional 11.5 million Ghana cedis for some other jobs including pavement construction by the same contractor.

He revealed that 5 million Ghana cedis had also been approved on October 22, 2018 to be added to the initial amount paid the contractor.

The Minister said government had paid 15 million cedis of an 18.5 million Ghana cedi work done by the contractor and that the additional 13 million Ghana cedis will be paid to ensure that the contractor delivers quality work to the people of the country.

He assured the contractor that funds will always be made available to them to help them complete the work within the stipulated period.

Mr Amoako-Atta urged the Regional Minister, Dr Letsa to supervise the construction to ensure quality work is done supervision and called on the contractor to speed up works but not to sacrifice quality and assured of adequate arrangements to compensate owners of properties that will be affected on time.

He again assured that work on the abandoned Eastern Corridor road will also resume in the shortest possible time to link the north to the south.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

South Tongu Gets Banana Farm under 1D1F

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Volta Online

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October 24, 2018

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By: Christopher Pappoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

There was a sod cutting ceremony on Tuesday for the commencement of a 5,000-acre banana farm at Kpotame in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

Speaking at the ceremony, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Louis Emmanuel Agama disclosed that the project which is under the flagship 1 District-1 Factory (1D1F) initiative, will see over 600 locals employed for the first phase which will be mainly for export purposes.

The DCE added that the district will soon get a banana processing plant which will process the farm produce for export.

He therefore advised citizens of South Tongu, Central Tongu and Ada East districts, the catchment areas of the project to take advantage and get jobs on the farm.

Thomas Moore Zonyrah, District Chief Executive for Central Tongu urged the investors to engage more locals than expatriates since the youth of the district need jobs.

He also asked for a peaceful coexistence between the locals and the investors in order to attract more investors to the area.

Togbega Nakakpo Dugbaza VIII, President of Tongu Council of Chiefs urged the investors to treat the locals with respect and not look down upon them since that could spark riot.

He also promised on behalf of the Tongu Traditional Council to release land to any investor who would want to invest in the area.

A resident, Kofi Sam who is the youth leader of Tefle Kpotame said he was happy about the project since it would create jobs for the youth of his area.

The company, RADIKAL India earlier visited the district on August 18, 2018 to familiarize with the elders and chiefs of Tongu Traditional Area with the promise to come back for investment. It said the banana processing plant will process the banana from the farm into chewing gum among others for export and local consumption.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NPP Youth Group in Krachi Nchumuru Calls for Head of DCE after several Accusations

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October 23, 2018

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The youth with placards asking for DCE's dismissal

By: Kingsley Mamore | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Krachi Nchumuru, Augustine Akwesi Appiah has incurred the wrath of a group of party supporters who are calling for his immediate dismissal.

The group, Alliance of Concerned NPP Polling Station Executives who staged a demonstration last week, are accusing the DCE of budgeting and paying for non-existing projects.

The group accused the DCE of engaging in a loot and share venture with the common fund. “It is surprising to mention that the recently approved district assembly supplementary budget captured non-existing projects as either completed or ongoing with huge monies in some instances already paid for,” it alleged.

The group mentioned a supposed construction of waste dumping site in the district with a budget estimate of GH₵320,000.00 and about GH₵160,000.00 already paid for.

The group also mentioned that the District Finance Officer, Charles Obri, the District Coordinating Director, Eric Agbo and one Engineer, Michael Daccoo connived and awarded to themselves, an over-bloated contract sum to renovate a CHIPS compound at the hometown of the DCE called Bejamse.

Spokesperson for the group reading the petition before presentation

Nana Yaw who spoke on behalf of the demonstrators said, “the District Chief Executive since assuming office on several occasions had totally ignored the wise guidance of party leadership aimed at solidifying the electoral gains of the party in the constituency.”

To him, the DCE had been disregarding and undermining party structures in the constituency adding that the party had on several occasions appealed to him to involve them in assembly programmes but to no avail.

“Our pleas fell on death ears. The party is currently distant from the activities of the district assembly and as a result, unable to take proper credit for work done by the government.”

He further stated that Mr. Augustine Akwesi Appiah had refused to participate and attend some major events including funerals in the constituency involving the New Patriotic Party (NPP) members.

Attempts by the reporter to contact the DCE for his reactions on the allegations however, proved unsuccessful.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Agotimes Climax 2018 Agbamevorza in Grandeur

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Volta Online

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October 23, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The chiefs and people Agotime Traditional Area in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region have climaxed the 2018 Agbamevorza (Kente Festival) on Saturday at Kpetoe in grand style.

The day had the paramount Chief of Agotime, Nene Nuer Keteku III sit in state to receive homage and welcome visitors to the festival. The dress code for the day was kente and this was displayed in any form and shape whereby tradition was seamlessly fused with fashion and modernity.

A section of dignitaries at the grand durbar

The festival which attracted ministers, members of parliament, municipal and district chief executives and both local and foreign tourists was held on the theme, “Attitudinal Change: the Panacea for our Future Development”.

There were various activities which preceded the grand durbar. On Friday morning, the people observed the Heroes and Heroines Day, an ancient traditional practice of the people to commemorate their forefathers who fought in great wars and rendered selfless service to the community. The day saw the people wear red and black war-like attires to perform musketry ritual amid drumming, singing and dancing.

Later in the day, there was the Kente (kete in Ewe) Weaving Competition, one of the main activities of the Agbamevorza which brought together, master weavers to exhibit speed, wisdom, craft, creativity and ingenuity in weaving.

A junior high school pupil, Bless Dogbey who came out with the best design in this year’s competition, was grateful to the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Charles Agbeve for sponsoring the competition which will benefit the people, the youth especially. He disclosed that the GH₵5,000 cash prize he received will be used to sponsor his education.

Hon. Charles Agbeve (left) handing out the the cash amount to the Festival Planning Committee Chaiman, Mr. Eddie Akotey

Previous activities which marked the festival included Godigbe (The Landing Day) which saw the people reenact the largest single landing of the Agotimes at the bank of River Tordzi at Afegame in their hand-dugout canoe with kente treasures.

It was followed by Maidens Water Fetching which had women dressed in beautiful kente clothing visit the riverside to fetch water in demonstration of hospitality to welcome visitors to the festival. The beauty of this was portrayed when they returned from the riverside in single file carrying water in clay pots well balanced on their head with the support of palm leave pads to be poured in a bigger pot at the forecourt of the palace.

There was also the Women and Children’s Day which was in recognition of the role women and children play in the entire kente business, from puberty through marriage, delivery, naming ceremony and mourning when women are dressed to tell the story of kente throughout the stages of life.

Speaking at the durbar, Nene Nuer Keteku III called on the President to consider Agotime-Ziope District in regard to Kente in its flagship 1 District- 1 Factory project to benefit the area.

According to him, the area had initiated a Kente Village at Kpetoe to be the one-stop shop aimed at boosting the kente industry and believed the project will create jobs for the youth and prevent them from migrating to urban area in search of non-existing jobs.

He also appealed to government for a district hospital to be constructed to care for the health needs of his people adding, land had been procured for the hospital, 14 years ago.

Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu who represented President Nana Akufo-Addo assured the chiefs and people of government’s readiness to support the kente industry as it held a key potential to the economy.

He admitted the bad nature of roads in the region especially the Sokode-Ho road and the famous Eastern Corridor road that is expected to link the north to the south and announced that work will begin on these roads before the year ends.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta North School Feeding Caterers Adopt Financial Strategy to Support Party Executives

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Volta Online

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October 22, 2018

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Caterers in charge of the School Feeding Programme in the Nkwanta North Constituency of the Volta Region have come to an agreement to use their allowances to finance activities of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the area to claim the parliamentary seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to the Constituency Women’s Organiser, Faustina Donkor, who is also one of the caterers, the NPP in Nkwanta North lost the seat twice to NDC as a result of lack of financial support during campaigns.

She added that they must win the parliamentary seat for the party in the 2020 elections hence their decision.

“We the caterers are initiating this internal arrangement to help solve the financial problems and win back the seat for NPP come 2020.”

The District Chief Executive for the area, Jackson Kwame Jackayi lauded the decision by the caterers and emphasised that it would strengthen the party financially to run the affairs in the constituency towards recapturing the Nkwanta North parliamentary seat in 2020.

He added that the NPP lost the parliamentary seat twice to NDC after the former Member of Parliament and Deputy Volta Regional Minister during the Kuffour administration, Joseph Kwaku Nayan due to lack of finance and logistics.

Mr Jackson Kwame Jackayi believed that this would also help party executives in the constituency to go about their activities efficiently.

He therefore, called on others to emulate and adopt the move by the caterers to support the party’s affairs.

Madam Nkumfo who spoke on behalf of the caterers stressed the move was to secure their position as caterers since they would lose their jobs when the party is voted out of power.

She appealed to caterers in other orphaned constituencies to emulate their example so that the party will be financially resourced at the constituency level.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Elikplim Agbemava Lobbies for Vote to Lead NDC with a Promise to Woo the Youth to Party’s Side

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Volta Online

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October 21, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

A legal practitioner and one of the contenders for the flagbearership position of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elikplim Agbemava expressed hope that he will get the nod of the party in the upcoming national delegates conference to lead the party to victory in the 2020 elections.

Mr Agbemava touted reasons why he remains the best option for the NDC in the 2020 elections saying, he would lead with integrity which is one of the many qualities the electorates look out for in choosing who becomes the country’s president.

He said, as a youth himself, he will work to galvanise the support of the youth who constitute a majority in the country, thus, making the chances of the party winning the elections, high.

Elikplim Agbemava hinted that he will focus on the youth who all along had been reduced to just leading popular expressions and not properly equipped to give off their best for the development of the country and assured, he will rather turn these youth into leaders.

“They are not to be called upon to lead demonstrations. They are there to build nations, they are there to build our country and we must equip them with the necessary skills and financial support to be able to participate in the development of the nation.”

He expressed the view that the current administration is not running and all-inclusive government which is needed to get policies that will cater for all manner of persons, young or old, rich or poor for a better Ghana.

The 41-year old also observed that Ghana’s resources had been going waste for a while and felt it was the new generation took the mantle of leadership from the old to determine their destiny and that of the future generations.

The NDC Aspirant was among the delegation of Ewe chiefs and Anlo youth who called on Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli at his palace on Saturday in Ho.

Speaking in an interview with Voltaonlinegh.com, Mr Agbemava who hails from Srogboe in the Keta Municipality said the agitations for other parts of the Volta Region to be included in the referendum to create the proposed Oti Region are constitutional.

He said he will support through legal means to ensure that the Constitution is complied with in the creation of the new region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

We Want the Law to be Respected, Commission of Enquiry Did Shoddy Work -Togbe Afede

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October 21, 2018

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV has disclosed that the insistence of people in the Volta Region to be included in the referendum for dividing the region into two is only to uphold the 1992 Constitution.

Togbe Afede said the people of Asogli, brothers and sisters from Southern Volta and other peace-loving Voltarians are raising red flags because of the unconstitutional approach that had characterised the process in the attempt to create the proposed Oti Region and called on the authorities to do the right thing.

“The framers of our Constitution have done a good job. They have given us a clear roadmap for the creation of new regions and the alteration of boundaries of regions. We must, as I have advised before, not bastardise it, but respect it in the interest of peace and unity.”

Togbe Afede was addressing ‘Ewefiawo fe Haborbor’ (Association of Ewe Chiefs) led by the President, Togbe Dzogbede V and representatives of Anlo Youth led by the leader, Mayor Agbleze on Saturday, October 20. Their mission was to pay a courtesy call on Togbe and to raise some concerns including the partitioning of the region.

He said the Commission of Enquiry set up to investigate the substantial demand for new regions in the country did a shoddy work citing disregard for petitions to extend its public hearings to other parts of the regions affected, suppression of petitions opposing the creation of new regions or inclusion in new regions, and withholding the final report from the public.

Togbe Afede said the creation of Oti Region and other new regions involves the alteration of existing boundaries and so, asked that the Authorities ensure the referendum covers other parts of the affected regions.

He described as “disingenuous” and “dangerous” examples cited by President Nana Akufo-Addo of Scotland, Eritrea, South Sudan and Trans-Volta Togoland to support the referendum to be held only in areas calling for the new regions.

“The use of these examples is creating a dangerous precedent, with implications for the survival of our country. Will Ghana allow any part of the country to vote alone to decide their independence as was done in Scotland, Eritrea, South Sudan, Trans-Volta Togoland, etc?”

President Akufo-Addo few days ago while addressing the chiefs and leaders of the Ketu South Traditional Council at the Jubilee House, described as unfounded and needless, the agitations generated over who should vote and should not vote in the Volta Region in the referendum to be held later in December to create the proposed Oti Region.

He said it had always been those with the demands, giving among other instances, the referendum of the Trans-Volta Togoland.

“Here in our own country, Trans-Volta Togoland people in Keta did not vote because they were part of the Gold Coast Colony. It was the people in Western Togo, northern part of Ghana who voted in that referendum. The people in Kyebi where I come from did not vote in that referendum because it was not about them.”

Togbe Afede XIV emphasised that the people are not against the creation of new regions but want due process. He called on all Ghanaians to study the Chapter 2 of the 1992 Constitution which spells out the processes in creating new regions.

He expressed hope that the courts will do their best to uphold the truth in the matter to protect the sanctity of the law as the issue is not about Volta but the future of Ghana.

Togbe Afede in a pose with the delegation at Asogli palace, Ho

It will be recalled that the intended division of Volta Region sparked protests from various groups in the region latest being, One Volta Group, a development and advocacy organisation with membership in the USA, Canada, UK and Ghana.

The Group debated that the reasons for the demand for Oti Region “are porous, weak and unsustainable by any logic or reason.”

The group in a release felt the decision was political insisting that such decision on a region of more than 2.5 million inhabitants could not be decided by petitioners “who constitute less than 3 per cent.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Support Government for Development-Nkwanta South GES Dir Tells Parents

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Volta Online

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October 21, 2018

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By: Obrempongba Kwame Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Municipal Director of Education for Nkwanta South in the Volta Region, Stephen Kwame Tsuatorfe has entreated parents to support government policies for development.

According to him, development will only come when citizens support government initiatives and policies through communal labour.

He was speaking during the commissioning of a classroom block for the Deeper of Jonah Basic School at Bonakye in the Municipality.

He also appealed to parents to provide the basic needs for their wards in school to augment quality education delivery in the country.

The Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Thasun called on parents to take proper care of government properties and also support their children in their academic journey.

He also urged them to support the implementation of government’s free senior high school program.

Nana Besenyene II, Chief of Bonakye (right)

Nana Akonsi Kwame Besenyene II, Chief of Bonakye thanked the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly for their efforts in improving access to education in the area and pleaded with government to ensure the area gets enough infrastructural development.

The head teacher of Deeper Jonah Basic Mr Nayo Jonathan also thanked the assembly and government for the support and appealed to government to provide the school with furniture, textbooks, toilet facility and other teaching and learning materials to enhance quality education in the school.

Meanwhile, some students who spoke with Voltaonlinegh.com expressed gratitude for the new classroom but pleaded for teaching and learning materials.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Parents at Hohoe Nima Heed to Calls to Send their Children for MR Vaccination

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Volta Online

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October 19, 2018

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By: Kris Delali Asare | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The ongoing Measles and Rubella (MR) mass vaccination across the country from October 17 to 22 has received massive patronage at Hohoe Nima at the first day of the exercise.

A visit by Voltaonlinegh.com to a vaccination centre opposite Volta Cinema Hall at Hohoe Nima as at 10:55am on Thursday revealed parents were bringing out their wards to be vaccinated. The visit also met the team of vaccinators led by Mary Dzimadzor, diligently discharging their duties, thus, making parents to spend less time at the centre.

Speaking in an interview, Mary Dzimadzor disclosed the team’s readiness to move to the interior parts of the community in subsequent days if the level of turnout did not meet their expectation of four hundred children between the ages of 9 months to 5 years.

She mentioned that there were two processes, Measles and Rubella vaccine and vitamin A supplement for clear vision, immunity and also protection of children from other viruses.

Parents who brought their wards for vaccination were comfortable with the process, despite the initial pain the kids had to go through.

The vaccination exercise which is ongoing at designated areas in Hohoe Municipality and in various communities across the country had its regional launch last week in Ho on the theme: “Measles and Rubella Kill, Vaccinate Your Child Now for Good Health” targeting about 400, 000 children between 9 and 59 months for the MR vaccine and Vitamin A supplement.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Motorcycle Auctions at Hohoe District Police Station attract High Turnout, High Bidding

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Volta Online

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October 19, 2018

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By: Kris Delali Asare | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The auctioning of motorbikes at the Hohoe District Police Station has recorded a high turn-out as people trooped in as early as 6:00am in pursuit of a motorcycles to buy.

The auction sales later started some minutes after 11:00am after the necessary documentation and procedure had been finalised by a licensed auctioneer. Aside the expected high turnout, the level of bidding was extraordinarily high which was quite unexpected.

In all, nine motor bicycles were purchased at a minimum of GH₵450.00 to GH₵800.00. Though there were still countable number of motor bicycle still sitting at the station, information gathered by Voltaonlinegh.com showed they were serving as evidence to pending court cases hence could not be auctioned.

Criminal procedure and other offences Act (30) of 1960 section 150, in accordance with section 35 of the Police Service Act 1970 Act (350) with the Police Service Regulations 2012 (C.I. 76) mandate the police to undertake auction sales after two months of property possession.

Under these laws, properties in police possession will be auctioned if owners cannot be found, owners fail to take proper steps under the law to claim such properties and when a court under the law makes orders to dispose of such properties.

With regard to the proceeds of sales, the Police Service Regulation 2012 Act (149) states that after deducting any expense incurred by the police station in connection with the custody of the property and the sale of the property, the balance of the proceeds shall be paid into an account determined by the Minister of Finance.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com