Rich Culture as Agotimes Reenact Arrival at present Settlement

By

-

October 19, 2018

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The chiefs and people of Agotime in the the Volta Region have converged at Afegame, (where they first arrived) to reenact the migration of their forebears from their ancestral home in Ile Ife, Republic of Nigeria to their present location in Agotime-Ziope District.

The ceremony known as crossing of River Tordzi formed part of activities to herald the grand durbar of the 2018 Agbamevorza, also known as Kente (Kete in Ewe) Festival themed, “Attitudinal Change: the Panacea for our Future Development”.

The reenactment saw a family who sailed on the river using a canoe with paddles and arrived at the banks of the river at dawn in silence. After coming out from the canoe with their belongings tied in cloths, the head of the family poured libation to offer special prayers for their safe arrival.

Chairman of Thursday’s ceremony, Nene Akoto Sah VII underscored the need for documenting their history for the younger and unborn generations. He also called for unity among the chiefs and people of Agotime for development.

The day later saw another colorful event of women drawing water from the river at Kpetoe into the traditional pot at the forecourt of the paramonut chief to welcome visitors.

This observance dubbed “Asialetorme” had women going to the riverside to fetch water and returning in a single file with rounded palm leaves between their heads and the small pots, clad in different kente fabrics amid singing.

One major activity, kente weaving competition will hold on Friday at Kpetoe to see the weaver who will come out first with quality work. The weaving competition will be preceded by musketry ritual at Wodome in the morning and followed by other interesting and entertaining ones in the day.

The Agbamevorza had been instituted over two decades to help project and market Agotime as the cradle of kete. The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa AKuffo-Addo is expected to grace the grand durbar on Saturday, October 20.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Fix Porous Spots on Abandoned Eastern Corridor Road-Motorists Cry out

By

Volta Online

-

October 18, 2018

0

Porous Spots on Easrern Corridor road (1) — A porous spot on the abandoned Eastern Corridor road, where vehicles got stuck often

By: KALD|Voltaonlinegh.com|

Motorists plying the Hohoe-Jasikan stretch of the now ‘infamous’ Eastern Corridor Road have cried out to the Ghana Highways Authority and the sector ministry to carry out emergency repair works on sections of the stalled road project to make it a bit motorable, while they await its full construction.

According to the worried motorists, extremely porous spots of the road between Sankrokofi and Akpafu needed to be fixed urgently with crushed rocks in order to make it passable for vehicles.

Recent downpours have worsen the state of the abandoned road as portions of it just before Akpafu-Odomi have become muddy, which virtually swallow up vehicles travelling to and fro the northern part of the Volta region.

Stranded vehicles on the porous sections of the road

The situation has rendered movement on the all-important trunk road a nightmare for many motorists and commuters, some of whom are left stranded as their vehicles, including trucks carting food stuff got stuck in the mud for hours and in some cases days.

Some farmers who spoke to voltaonlinegh.com at Akpafu-Odomi said situation has adversely affected their livelihood as they could not transport their produce to the market centre at Hohoe.

Drivers on the road also narrated that, they were with no other option than to drop off passengers at the deteriorated spot for them to find their way through the heavy mud to their communities.

According one of them “we don’t ply the road after 2pm, because when your car got stuck on the way, you won’t get any help to move it. So those traders from Odomi and beyond who come to the market at Hohoe are compelled to leave by 2 O’clock.”

They were therefore hopeful an urgent remedial works on those porous portions of the road would alleviate the transportation plights of residents in the interim, while government source funding to continue construction works on the entire road, which has stalled for over a year now.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Partnership from all Sectors Key for Achieving SDGs -UNDP

By

Volta Online

-

October 18, 2018

0

By: Shallom Lumor | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Assistant Country Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ghana, Mr. Louis Kuukpen has observed that increased partnership from all stakeholders will drive maximum support for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He made the remark on Wednesday during the Ghana Finance Summit 2018 held on the theme, “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Innovative Financing”.

Mr. Kuukpen underscored the need for greater commitment across all sectors and industries to strengthen and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development as emphasised by the SDG 17.

He said, “the level of funding needed for the implementation of the SDGs surpasses government capacity given the volumes of resources required. There is thus, the need for increased partnership and for all sectors to get involved.”

Citing statistics from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, he stated that an annual investment of between $5-7 trillion is required globally for the achievement of the SDGs by 2030, hence the need to mobilise funds through innovative ways.

“As the SDGs emphasise localised implementation, there is the obvious need to engineer partnerships with the private sector and philanthropy locally. We need at this moment to explore all innovative instruments being domestic or foreign such as blended finance, development impact bonds, green bonds, trust bonds, challenge funds, guarantees, impact investment and many more.”

The UNDP Assistant Country Director also advised on judicious use of Ghana’s natural resources, ensuring that the cedi counts trough accountability, transparency and equitable allocation of resources so that no one is left behind in the achievement of the SDGs.

The Head of the SDG Advisory Unit of the Office of the President, Dr. Eugene Owusu also called on all stakeholders to join hands with the government to push the SDGs. He urged the youth who “represent both today and the future” to come up with creative and innovative ideas to facilitate the implementation of the global goals.

The Ghana Finance Summit brought together financial and business leaders to share ideas, discuss the latest market developments and financial trends in Ghana. It was organised by Precise Communications in collaboration with Financial Inclusion Forum Africa, ARK Events Ghana, GEN Ghana and with support from other partners including UNDP.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Akpafu Odomi Rice Farmers Benefit from Enhanced Rice Production

By

Volta Online

-

October 17, 2018

0

By: Kris Delali Asare | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Some 300 women in rice farming at Akpafu Odomi in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region have received support from some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enhance their rice production.

This was disclosed during a durbar at the E.P Park in Akpafu Domi to celebrate 2018 World Rural Women Day. The day which falls on October 15 every year recognises the immense contributions and multiple roles of rural women to the development of communities across the world.

This year’s celebration, the first of its kind at Akpafu Odomi organised by the Development Action Association (DAA) with support from the German Association of Rural Women, targeted rural women in rice farming with the theme, “Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Agriculture for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Rural Women in Key Decision Making”.

A durbar to mark the Day at Akpafu Odomi

The ceremony started with a float on the principal streets of Hohoe with placards having inscriptions such as: “Women rice farmers are suffering, Rural farmers are nation builders, Rural women’s voice matter” among others.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Grace Quaye, the National President of DAA outlined some challenges rural women farmers face in rice farming and underscored the need to encourage them to do more.

She said her outfit had been liaising with NGOs and various communities or associations in the country to support such women.

A beneficiary of this support, Mrs. Janet Adade who is the President of Madomise Women Farmers Association, Akpafu-based farming group of 300 members appreciated the advocacy programme and the introduction of a new milling process which had reduced the level of stone contents in local rice.

She urged Ghanaians to continue to patronise local rice and explained the dependence on human labour due to lack of machines accounts for the high price of the product.

The Hohoe Municipal Agric Officer, Mr. George Asare speaking on issues of a change in fertilizer subsidy, blamed it on non-payment by beneficiaries which had caused enough debt for the assembly and the government.

Present at the event were Mr. Leonard Heh, the representative of the Municipal Chief Executive, Teddy Ofori, traditional leaders from surrounding areas, assembly members among others.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

VRBF Rallies behind Polopala on his First Title Bout

By

Volta Online

-

October 17, 2018

0

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional Boxing Federation (VRBF) has thrown their huge support behind Anama Dotse ‘Polopala’ on his quest to grab his first title bout in Senegal.

The 27-year old boxer with 17-1, 15KO will be challenging Senegalese Abderrazak Houya (10-1) for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Lightweight title on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Canal Olympia, in Dakar, Senegal.

With his earlier bout against Oto Joseph for a vacant African title in Nigeria canceled due to fear and panic, the hard hitting Ho native boxer aims at climbing the boxing ladder as another opportunity presented itself.

A statement released by the Federation Chairman, Enam Foster Dagadu expressed optimism in the chances of the Accra-based boxer.

“I am very happy to have known that Polopala will be going for his first title bout this weekend in Senegal. On behalf of the Regional Boxing Federation and the people of the region, especially Ho, we wish our boxer all the best. We can only rally behind him and wait for his return with the title. A rousing welcome awaits Polo as I know he will definitely bring the title home. Good luck Polopala.”

Meanwhile Polopala, who is known for knocking out opponents in early rounds believes, Saturday’s bout will be a huge stepping stone in his career.

“I thank God for this opportunity as it is going to push me to where I want to be. I have proven to people that I am capable of a title bout and I want to promise the people of Volta, that I won’t fail them. This is a dream come true and I want to make good use of it to prove to the whole world. I will do what I am known for (knockout) with the belief that the people of Volta are behind me, although I’ll be far away”

Polopala, with his team, including the coach, manager and others will leave the Kotoka International Airport at 8am with the hope of returning with the title belt.

Anama Dotse’s recent fight was a non-title round 2-knockout against Ugandan Sani Yidana Kublie in Ho during Joseph ‘King Kong’ Agbeko’s WBO African Bantamweight title defense against Ekow Wilson.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

We Will Clamp Down on Open Defecation – Keta MCE Assures

By

Volta Online

-

October 17, 2018

0

Open defecation along beaches — File photo

By Fred Duhoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta, Seth Yormewu has warned against open defecation along the beaches in the municipality disclosing that the assembly will put in place measures to clamp down on such activities.

The MCE said the assembly is committed to ensuring they maintain the beautiful beaches in the municipality to continue to attract tourists to the area and would do everything possible to achieve that goal.

“We will compose a team of task force and station them at the shores with frequent cases of open defecation and that will deter people from such acts.”

“We are on a mission to educate the public to put a stop to open defecation along the beaches,” he stressed.

Mr. Yormewu who was speaking in an interview with Fred Duhoe, a freelance journalist opined that with education, good result was assured.

“Intensive public education has yielded the needed result so far compared to the trend I came to meet in office. Our revenue target so far for the year is almost sixty per cent achieved and we hope to exceed that target before the year ends. We will adopt same measure in stopping the menace.”

Assessing the community especially the sea shores by the journalist for the past two weeks, it was evident that the open defecation menace was not ending any time soon in the municipality.

In reaction, Mr. Yormewu said he was not surprised since “there are bad nuts in every human society” but his office was working in collaboration with UNICEF to address the menace to make sure the beaches were continually monitored.

Tourist sites are springing up along the coasts in the Keta Municipality and this the MCE said, “are income generating avenues for the assembly” hence, the measures to eradicate open defecation.

Residents of most communities along the coast in the municipality including Dzita, Akplortorkor, Dakordzi and Atorkor resort to beaches as their place of convenience where they comfortably ease themselves no matter the hour of the day. The MCE however, was optismistic that the situation would soon be over.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

2018 Agotime Agbamevorza Calls

By

Volta Online

-

October 16, 2018

0

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.Com |

The chiefs and people of Agotime Traditional Area in the Volta Region have called on all to partake in their annual festival, Agbamevorza also known as Kente Festival which will be climaxed by a grand durbar on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Kpetoe.

Activities for the annual festival which promotes the Agotime tradition of weaving Ewe kente (kete) had begun with church services in selected towns in the area on Sunday 14 and traditional prayers on Monday 15.

The Warlord of Agotime Traditional Area, Nene Akoto Sah VII in an interview with Voltaonlinegh.com promised tourists and visitors to the 2018 Agbamevorza an interesting experience.

“Agotime will be alive with colourful activities from Thursday through to Saturday. On Friday, there will be kente weaving competition which is usually an exhibition of dexterity and alacrity of the local weavers to come out with quality work and new designs. When you talk of quality and unique kente, it is Ewe kente and Agotime is home to that.”

Nene Akoto Sah added that “there will also be musical concerts, a Miss Kente beauty contest, drawing of water from River Tordzi, musketry ritual, war-like display, and on the day of the durbar, thousands of kente designs to feed your eyes on.”

The Warlord who took his time to give a little bit of history of the festival said the people of Agotime revived the purification of the weaving loom and accessories into a traditional festival known as Agbamevorza over 20 years ago to market the woven cloth which started with the Ewes and importantly, Agotime Kpetoe.

He explained that the first settlers in the Agotime area were Dangmes but were later joined by Ewe groups, adding, the Dangmes along with the Ewes learned to spin cotton several years ago and turned these into woven loom-cloth before they arrived at where they are today.

He said their forebears used to cultivate cotton, harvest, turn it into yarns, dye them and then use them to weave the cloth. To him, the story of kente coming from the Asantes as it had come to be known was not factual and that the Ewe weavers took the art of kente weaving to them.

Nene therefore called on all to visit Kpetoe on the special event of the 2018 Agbamevorza for quality and variety of kente woven using more cotton combined with silken thread, making it stronger, thicker and sturdier on the wearer.”

Kete as it is called in Ewe, is the method of producing the cloth in the loom (agbatsi) by opening (ke) with the foot-pedal and then using one hand to pull the thread tight (te). And so, the cloth (avor) produced from the loom is called “agbatsimevor” shortened to “agbamevor” making the festival (aza) the people of Agotime Kpetoe celebrate, Agbamevorza.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta NPP Apologises over Party Activists’ Misconduct

By

Volta Online

-

October 15, 2018

0

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Volta Region has rendered an unreserved apology to the staff and management of Ho-based Kekeli Radio over the waywardness of some of its activists.

The party in a release signed by its Regional Communication Director, Enoch Amegbletor condemned the misbehavior of the activists and noted that it had taken steps to resolve the issue.

The NPP activists led by one Charles Seayor popularly known as “Kofi Original” on Friday, October 12 forcibly entered the studios of Kekeli Radio and attempted to assault panelists on the morning show being hosted by Israel Abotsivia and so, disrupted the show for about an hour.

This provoked a release from the Volta Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Sunday which condemned the invasion of the studio describing it as ”uncivilized, act of lawlessness, lack of responsibility and attack on freedom of speech” and called on the police to investigate the incident.

But Mr Amegbletor assured citizens of the region and media practitioners that the “party is committed to freedom of speech and resolution of issues through due process.”

Meanwhile, the Volta GJA in a new release signed by its Chairman, A.B. Kafui Kanyi commended the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the region for the swift manner in which it responded to the misconduct of some of its activists.

The release added that the Association “remains committed to work with all stakeholders including political parties and demand that the media practitioners are treated as professionals at all times.

It further reiterated the call for all media houses, radio stations especially to tighten security at their premises and studios.

Although the GJA referred to another report of attempted attack on some two journalists on Saturday at Keta by the Regional Chairman of the NPP and the Keta Municipal Engineer in Sunday’s release, the new release and that of the NPP were silent on the Keta incident.

In reaction, Mr. Kanyi said the Association’s new release was in respect to how the first issue was quickly addressed.

“The two parties resolved concerns on the first issue and apologies were rendered so the Association is only recognising that effort while working to address the last issue.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Anama Dotse Set to Challenge for Vacant ABU Super Lightweight Title

By

Volta Online

-

October 15, 2018

0

By: Eric Eli Adzie | Voltaonlinegh.com

Ghanaian Boxer Anama ‘Polo Pala’ Dotse (17-1, 15KOs) is set to challenge for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Lightweight title against Senegalese opponent Abderrazak Houya (10-1, 0KOs) on Saturday, 20th October, 2018 at Canal Olympia, Dakar, Senegal.

This will be Dotse’s first title bout as his proposed fight against Nigerian boxer Oto ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph scheduled for Sunday, October 14 for the African Boxing Union (ABU) Lightweight title was cancelled days to the fight.

The knockout specialist in an interaction with Voltaonlinegh.com said he was happy to have been presented another opportunity to battle for another title.

“I was supposed to fight Oto ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph for his ABU Lightweight title but he’s scared of putting the title on the line so we cancelled the deal. But I thank God I have another opportunity to fight for the vacant ABU super Lightweight title in Senegal. I know this bout will be very difficult because it’s a vacant Belt. Am coming in strongly, he is coming in strongly as well but I know a knockout is assured.”

Like the African Legendary boxer Azumah Nelson, Dotse hoped to exhibit the self judgement in the ring before the 3 judges.

“I’m going to Senegal and Houya is fighting in front of his fans and country. All I know is I’m going to judge him first before the judges do so.”

On the day will be an International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Super Lightweight title between Mohammed Mimoune and Franck Petitjean.

Also scheduled for the night is African Boxing Union Heavyweight title bout between Tshibuabua Kalonga and Osborne Machimana.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta Table Tennis Resumes League with Victories

By

Volta Online

-

October 15, 2018

0

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Vilcabamba Table Tennis Club, Volta’s representative at the Stanbic Bank National Table Tennis League enjoyed victories on Saturday, October 13, at the Accra Sports Stadium Hall.

As the league resumed with week 5 fixtures after a week break, Vilcabamba female defeated GRA 3-2 in a fierce encounter while the male lost to Prisons and won against Faith Club.

Malwine Akator lost the first single 11-8, 11-4, 11-13, 11-9 to Oforiwaa but Matilda Fodu restored parity with a 9-11, 8-11, 13-11, 3-11 results to Lawrencia. The doubles were tight as GRA took the lead again with Diana and Oforiwaa beating Millicent Ankude and Matilda Fodu in 3 straight sets, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10. It was the turn of Millicent, who ensured the team was in contention for the 2 points by beating Lawrencia 3-2 (8-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7, 9-11). Malwine sealed the victory with a 3-1 win in the last single, 3-11, 13-15, 11-8, 4-11 against Diana.

Prisons beat Vilcabamba 3 straight in the male division with David Senyo losing 3-1 to Michael Darbah, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 8-11 in the first single. Sellasie Setorwofia then lost the second single, 3 straight sets to Oscar Forson, 9-11, 5-11, 7-11. Prisons were undone as Jacob and Oscar finished it off 3-1 against Frank and Sellasie.

Vilcabamba male got back strongly as they beat Accra based Faith Club 3-1, with David Senyo seeing off Richard Laryea 3-1 (11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-4). Sellasie continued the fine form with another 3-1 (11, 14-12, 6-11, 11-8) win against James Aryee. Having weaknesses in the doubles, Faith Club got a consolation with a 3 straight sets win, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9; Ladan and James doing the battle against Frank and Sellasie. David Senyo bounced back to beat Ladan in 3 straight sets, 11-6, 13-11, 11-7.

Head Coach, David Senyo Ahiaba expressed lots of joy particularly in the ladies emphatic win, believing, it kept their target alive.

“I wish to congratulate team VTTC especially the ladies on their victory this weekend because gradually they are helping VTTC achieve its ultimate aim of getting into the top 3. On the side of the men, l think we lost the first match because we couldn’t field all our best 3 players. Our 3rd and 4th seeds had other engagements so they were not available for the matches. However, their win in the second match was equally good and that is a feather in our cup.”

The Regional Table Tennis Coach also appealed for support from corporate bodies to help achieve their targets in the league.

Vilcabamba female are now 4th with 11 points, 4 adrift leaders Army and Immigration and 2 short of 3rd place Police. The male have also moved 1 place up, 11th now with 18 points, 12 less than Immigration at the top and 12 more than 18th place Cape Coast Loopers.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com