Volta Regional Minister Tours Project Sites

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July 29, 2018

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa has embarked on a day’s tour to some project sites in the region to inspect ongoing works.

The delegation started off the tour with a visit to Shia in the Ho municipality where he (the Minister) inspected an ongoing community water project which is being sponsored by the government of Spain expected to provide residents with more than 5 pipe stands at various points in the community.

The project (which is currently 35 per cent completed) will supply the community with 6600 gallons of water per day upon completion.

The Regional Minister also visited the only second cycle institution in the town, Shia Senior High Technical School where he interacted with the chiefs and authorities of the school on the infrastructural deficit the school is currently facing.

Dr. Letsa noted that several appeals have been made to the Ministry of Education to support the school and expressed hope that sod will be cut soon for an E-block and girls dormitory for the school.

He mentioned that as part of the free senior high school (SHS) programme, the school will also receive more than 250 beneficiaries this September.

Torgbe Dadzawa III, Paramount chief of Shia used the occasion to appeal for construction of a new school complex on a 25-hectare land donated by the community.

The Minister and his entourage proceeded to Awudome SHS in the Ho West District. He met with the school’s authorities and deliberated on means of addressing infrastructure challenges in the school.

RM being briefed by Awudome School authorities

Dr. Letsa after touring the campus to see some stalled projects and deplorable facilities in the school, reiterated his government’s commitment to second circle education in the country.

He assured that his office will liaise with the central government as well as the district assembly to ensure problems of infrastructure are addressed in the school before the end of his tenure as Minister.

The Minister’s entourage on the day included the Regional and Ho Municipal Education directors, municipal Chief executives, NADMO officials and executives of the ruling NPP.

By: Albert Kuzor/voltaonlinegh.com

Agric Dir. Advises Youth of Nkwanta South to Engage in Cashew Cultivation

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Volta Online

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July 29, 2018

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Director for Agriculture in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Volta Region, Mr. Cephas Akai has asked youth in the area to engage in cashew cultivation to enhance their livelihood.

According to him, the prospects of cashew cultivation surpass those of cocoa saying, cashew has a potential to accelerate the country’s economic growth.

This he said informed government’s decision to invest into cashew to increase production since cashew is identified as the ‘savanna cocoa’ which would contribute to increased foreign exchange for the country.

Mr. Akai made this known during the distribution of cashew seedlings to 600 farmers who applied and met the requirements in the Municipality.

Government under its Planting for Export and Rural Development is distributing cashew seedlings to interested farmers across the country.

Mr. Akai added that farmers who have received the seedlings would be enlightened on how to maintain the farm for good yields and assured of constant monitoring by technical officers to ensure success of the project.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Thasun, noted that the initiative by the government would create job opportunities and encouraged Ghanaians to venture into the agriculture sector.

He called on all to embrace the cashew programme to make available enough raw materials to propel government’s industrialization objective being implemented through the one district- one factory (1D1F) programme.

A farmer, Amenyo Batholomio thanked government for the free seedlings and appealed for farming equipment for the success of the project.

Madam Diana Kpolah, also a farmer encouraged colleague females to take advantage of the project to support their families and take care of their children’s education.

By: Obrempongba K. Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com

Cross-Border Traders Petition Government over Extortion

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Volta Online

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July 28, 2018

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A trader group, Volta Region Cross-Border Traders’ Association has called for investigations into the activities of a leader for an extortionist group, Maxwell Lugudor “who claims he operates under the instructions and supervision of the National Security Coordinator.”

According to the group, the activities of Maxwell Lugudor and his group have the tendency to deprive government of the needed revenue to undertake development projects in the country because some people have already resorted to taking unapproved routes to avoid being extorted.

At a media briefing to submit their petition to the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa on Friday, July 27 in Ho, Chairman of the group, Mr. Prosper Tagborlo accused Mr. Lugudor of using threats to extort huge sums of money from the members.

“Although our members pay more than 90% duties on their goods, the said Maxwell Lugudor has been extorting money from them under the threat of arresting them and confiscating their goods if they fail to pay him. He takes various sums of money, sometimes, Gh¢4,000.00 at other times, Gh¢10, 000.00, etc.”

The group is therefore calling on government to stop these activities else they will have no option than to join the others in passing the various unapproved roads which consequently will deny government of revenue.

The Regional Minister upon receiving the petition expressed disgust at the alleged activities of the said Maxwell Lugudor and promised to investigate for appropriate steps to be taken.

Meanwhile, he advised members of the group to alert the police any time such extortionists come their way.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Pencils of Promise Builds Modern Classroom Block for Hohoe Bethel Methodist School

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Volta Online

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July 26, 2018

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Pencils of Promise, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has commissioned a 6-unit classroom block with sanitation facilities to replace a wooden structure at Bethel Methodist Primary School, Gboxome in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Wdnesday, July 25, 2018, Mr. Anthony Kwashiga, a representative of the Director of Pencils of Promise said the main objective of the NGO is to create access to education.

He said the donation to the Methodist School is the 9th project completed by Pencils of Promise with 23 more ongoing in the municipality.

Mr. Kwashiga was grateful to the Municipal Assembly and the beneficiary communities for supporting their module of operation with the 20 per cent role they played in the building projects.

The Headmistress of the School, Madam Ruby Agbenu, called it “a dream come true” to have such an edifice on the school’s compound and revealed that the poor nature of the school has been the reason for low student population since the school’s establishment in 1995.

Madam Agbenu also asked for the implementation of School Feeding Programme in the school to motivate pupils from poor homes to stay in school.

Speaking on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Kwadzo Mawugbe hinted that the Assembly has taken some measures to improve on education in the municipality.

Chief of Gboxome, Togbe Gboxo I who graced the occasion commended the teachers of the school for their commitment to duty despite the poor infrastructure at the school.

He admonished the municipal assembly for lack of efforts in fixing a footbridge frequently patronised by the pupils and waiting for disaster to happen before attending to it.

Bethel Methodist School which currently has a student population of 253 was established in 1995 as a missionary school with 6 boys and 20 girls to help increase membership of the church.

Though it was absorbed by government as a public school in 2001, it continued to operate in the wooden structure it started with without any support from government.

By: Kris Delali Asare/voltaonlinegh.com

Hohoe NASPA Supports Maths Education at Gbi-Kpeota Basic School

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Volta Online

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July 26, 2018

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The Hohoe chapter of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has donated a draft board to the teachers and pupils of Gbi-Kpeota Basic School at Gi-Kpoeta in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta region.

Tuesday’s donation formed part of the 35th NASPA Week Celebration on the theme “Developing the Possibility”.

The donation was influenced by Organizer of Hohoe NASPA, Emmanuel Gligah who happens to teach in the school as a National Service person and realized the need for a draft board to enhance effective teaching and learning hence, such donation.

Addressing a cross section of the students, President of Hohoe NASPA, Azeez Adeshina Oscar advised the pupils to consider their books as a friend and focus on the need to strive to succeed in life through constant reading and learning.

Meanwhile, in receiving the item, a Mathematics teacher of the school, Mr. Mawuli Akpalu said the donation was timely and would go a long way to improve on mathematics education which would naturally raise the knowledge base of the pupils.

Abigail Abrah, Girl’s Prefect of the school expressed gratitude on behalf of the students

Headmistress of the school, Madam Teresa Kessah used the opportunity to call on the Municipal Chief Executive of Hohoe and other benevolent organizations or persons to come to the aid of the school so as to improve on its second best position in the Municipality after Presby Basic School at Ahado.

Gbi-Kpeota Basic School which has a population of about 453 from kindergarten to junior high, has some challenges.

Lack of funds has stalled the completion of a single unit class room block extension for over a year now while a 3-unit classroom block financed by school’s PTA lacks plastering and painting though it remains an essential infrastructure in the school.

Also, government’s intervention programme, the School Feeding Programme is not being implemented in the school with most of the pupils from extremely poor backgrounds, living with guardians and usually come to school on empty stomachs.

Report by: Kris Delali Asare/voltaonlinegh.com

Avance Media Awards Female Students in Nkwanta South Municipality

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Volta Online

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July 25, 2018

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Avance Media (1) — One of the Awardees receiving her prize

A non-governmental organization (NGO), Avance Media, has presented awards to 169 deserving female students in three second cycle schools in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Volta Region.

The students who were drawn from the Nkwanta Community Senior High Technical School, Nkwanta Senior High School and Kyabobo Girls Senior High School received award plaques with inscription “Be A Girl”.

The initiative is aimed at motivating young girls in underprivileged schools to take their lessons serious and work hard towards achieving academic excellence.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Managing Director of Avance Media, Prince Akpah, asserted that the educational gap between rural and urban Ghana contributes to the mass failure of candidates in examination in rural areas.

He added this informed a decision by his outfit to institutionalize an award scheme to recognize, motivate and mentor female students in rural areas.

Mr Akpah explained the awards would be categorized in leadership, sports and academic performances while awardees would be made mentors to guide and counsel their fellow female students.

He added that the award scheme would also curb school dropouts as academic underperformance of female students is one of the major contributing factors in the high number of female school dropouts countrywide.

“Most female students get demotivated when they realize they don’t perform well in their academics. The often give up on education and drop out, thinking education is not their field. We want to use this scheme to also tackle school dropouts by encouraging young girls to stay committed to their studies and learn for better results.”

The Headmaster for Nkwanta Senior High School, Paul Nyarko, expressed gratitude to Avance Media for the award scheme adding that it would propel academic performance in the school as well as improve on the standard of education in the Nkwanta South Municipality.

The Headmistress for Kyabobo Girls Senior High, Ms Venya Rebecca congratulated the award winners and advised them not to relent in their studies.

She hoped the success of the awardees would inspire other students to attain similar heights and be awarded as well.

The awardees expressed their profound gratitude to Avance Media and promised to improve on their academic performance.

By: Obrempongba K. Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta South: MP extends Mobile Network Coverage to remote Community

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Volta Online

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July 24, 2018

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Nana Owusu Kwame Philip II, Regent of Keri in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Volta Region has expressed gratitude to Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mr Geoffrey Kini for his tireless efforts in ensuring remote communities have strong telecommunications coverage.

The Regent showed his appreciation when the MP in partnership with MTN has provided a telecommunications mast to enhance telephony services in Keri, a remote community in the municipality.

According to him, provision of the mast would end the difficulty in making calls in Keri and its surrounding communities.

“We are very grateful to the MP for helping us get network coverage in our area, the era of walking away from our homes to make calls is now over. We can sit in our homes, bedrooms and make calls at any given time.”

Also Read: Telecommunication Gap in Nkwanta South Affecting Food Marketing

He expressed optimism that the initiative would positively impact on the livelihood of residents.

Speaking at a commissioning ceremony, the MP disclosed that a strong collaboration with MTN led to the provision of stronger network coverage to over 40 communities in Nkwanta South, “which would contribute to socio-economic growth in the affected areas by creating job opportunities.”

He mentioned that provision of the mast was in fulfillment of his promise to ensure his constituency achieves universal mobile telephone service coverage which would save residents from walking long distances just to access mobile network.

He therefore advised the youth in the area to make “proper use of the hi-speed internet connection to add value to their lives.”

An opinion leader, Mr. Gesaloge Albert seized the opportunity to appeal to the MP to assist the community complete an abandoned two-unit classroom block which is at the roofing stage, and also construct bungalows for staff of the Community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) compound in the community.

By: Obrempongba K. Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com

Hohoe Police Hold Maiden WASSA Festival

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Volta Online

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July 23, 2018

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The Hohoe Police Command last Friday held its maiden edition of the West Africa Security Services Association (WASSA) Festival at the forecourt of the Hohoe Divisional Police Headquarters in a glamorous style.

The celebration saw the Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, Togbega Gabusu VI who chaired the occasion, among other dignitaries and personnel from the immigration, fire service and the military in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Hohoe Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Stephen Boadu relished the vast decrease in crime rate in the Municipality under his tenure of office from 2016 till date.

He revealed that, the crime rate recorded in 2016 was 705, which reduced drastically to 446 in 2017 with a further reduction this year, 2018 to 350 from January till now.

The Municipal Commander promised the chiefs and people present to tackle crime issues in the Municipality with a sense of emergency to ensure Hohoe becomes a crime-free Municipality in the Volta Region.

He therefore asked for the continuous support of the public to enable the police tackle crime “since the members of the public are our major source of information,” he mentioned.

Togbega Gabusu VI in his speech as the Chairman, applauded the Municipal Commander for his immense effort and leadership in reducing crime in the Municipality.

He also acknowledged the unity and quick response to issues by the police command as one of a kind in the Volta Region.

WASSA is celebrated every year among security personnel to pave way for security personnel to engage in a social activity which promote police – public relations and also help the personnel to release stress per the demanding nature of their work.

By: Kris Delali Asare/voltaonline.gh.com

Hohoe NPP Debunks Claims of Removing NDC Flags in the Constituency

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Volta Online

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July 23, 2018

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Hohoe Constituency of the Volta Region has debunked claims that it removed flags belonging to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Members of NDC on Friday, July 13, 2018 accused NPP supporters of removing their flags prior to the visit of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to Hohoe as part of his 3-Day tour of the Volta Region.

At a press conference held on Friday, July 20, the NPP denied all allegations raised by the NDC saying, it is out of sheer envy and jealousy of the good work the government of NPP has done within just 18 months in office.

Delivering the press statement at the NPP office at Hohoe, the Constituency Chairman, Anthony Kondobrey said the allegation by the NDC that NPP supporters are responsible for the removal of their flags are all lies and for that matter, the executives and sympathizers of the NDC in Hohoe Constituency are behaving like “a jealous second wife who cannot stand the praises of her rival.”

He made it clear that anytime the NDC provoke them, they will remind them of their painful downfall in the 2016 general elections with more than a thousand difference vote which he said has been “the bitter truth for the NDC to bear.”

The statement advised the NDC to put away their hypocritical behaviour and pave way for good governance by the NPP to raise the flag of Ghana High.

It explained that the NPP government is making efforts to ensure Ghanaians feel very comfortable in their own nation through the implementation of the free education, introduction of the NABCO programme, reduction of utility tariffs among others.

The statement also assured the people of Hohoe and the Volta Region as whole of government’s commitment to completing the Eastern Corridor road before the close of the year 2020.

By: Kris Delali Asare / Voltaonline.gh.com

NDC Executive Promises to Work towards Party’s Victory in 2020

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Volta Online

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July 22, 2018

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Joseph Kwame Antwi-NDC — Joseph Kwame Antwi

The newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Officer for the Nkwanta South Constituency in the Volta Region, Joseph Kwame Antwi, has promised to make his party more vibrant in the constituency.
According to him, the activities of NDC in Nkwanta South has been dormant, hence the need to revive and reposition the party to meet the aspiration of its admirers.
He said this during the inaugural ceremony for the newly elected constituency executives in Nkwanta.
He however, seized the opportunity to thank branch executives for electing him and promised to work up to expectations.
The Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, Dr. Geoffrey Kini, called on party supporters to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity for election 2020 as the NDC is preparing to recapture power from “the most incompetent Nana Addo, Bawumia and their New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.”
He added that the Akufo-Addo led government has already failed Ghanaians and therefore, gives the opposition NDC an upper hand to win the 2020 elections, with a united front.
He added that NPP had failed to deliver on its 2016 campaign promises to Ghanaians.
“The NPP in 2016 promised Ghanaians 1 district one factory, 1 villagge 1 dam, I million for each constituency, but are yet to deliver all these to Ghanaians”
He indicated that it is disheartening to learn the NPP National Chairman, Freddie Blay, places priority in purchasing 275 buses for his party at the time when the country lacks enough ambulances.
He therefore, encouraged Ghanaians to repose their trust in the NDC and vote it back to power in 2020 for a better Ghana.
By: Obrempongba K. Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com