We Shall not Allow You to Destroy Our Democracy- Group Warns Nana Addo

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July 13, 2018

A group calling itself Youth for Development (YfD) has warned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to desist from attempts aimed at disenfranchising majority of Ghanaians particularly, those from the Volta Region.

Members of the group who are mainly from the Volta Region are convinced that government’s directive to stop issuance of birth certificates in the region is a ploy to exclude Voltarians from registering for Ghana cards in the ongoing National Identification Authority’s exercise.

At a press conference dubbed Evaglo (Enough is enough) organised by the group on Thursday, July 12, 2018 in Ho, the Group said it could not be mere coincidence that Volta Regional Head of Births and Deaths Registry, Mr. Richard Wemegah and his Deputy, Mad. Peace Agbenyo were asked to handover and notice for cessation of issuing birth certificates given.

The Regional Head and his Deputy each received a letter signed for the Minister of Local Government Local Government and Rural Development by C. K. Dondieu of the Ministry directing them to handover to the Volta Regional Coordinating Director and report to the Ministry in Accra for reposting by June 19, 2018.

Both letters ordered that the issuance of birth certificates in the Volta Regional office of the Registry should cease with immediate effect.

YfD considers the removal of these two persons a demonstration of hatred for the people in the Volta region.

“As though these were not enough, the National Head of the Registry in the person of Mr. John Agbeko was also served with a letter to handover to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. Interestingly, all the three affected persons are natives of the Volta Region. Clueless President Akufo Addo should take caution and watch his dubious actions targeted at

Voltarians if he wants to keep the peace he inherited from former President John Dramani Mahama.”

The Group believes the happenings are part of a grand scheme to alienate majority of Voltarians to support claims of Vice President Dr. Bawumia when they were in opposition and to prevent them from acquiring birth certificates and by extension, the Ghana card.

“Not only is the directive to stop issuing birth certificates to applicants in the Volta Region unthinkable, it is also a pure exhibition of hatred to the people of Volta Region by President Akufo Addo and his government and part of a grand plan to deny them the opportunity to register for Ghana Card which will become the basic requirement for registering as voters under this vindictive and clueless government. This path is dangerous and disgraceful to our growing democracy, and also to the peace and stability of our country.”

The Group is therefore demanding from Nana Addo the immediate resumption of issuance of birth certificates to applicants in the region and also acceptance of Voter’s card as requirement for Ghana Card registration to ensure majority of Ghanaians are not left out.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/Voltaonlinegh.com

Football Administrator Harry Atutornu Passes on

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Volta Online

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July 12, 2018

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Member of Ghana Football Association (GFA) Referees Appointment Committee, Mr. Harry Atutornu has passed on at 63.

A source close to the family confirmed the news to voltaonlinegh.com that the experienced football administrator gave up his spirit in the morning of Thursday, July 12, 2018 after a prolonged illness.

According to the source, the late Atutornu passed on after prolonged illness which took him in and out of hospital.

Mr Atutornu was renowned for his immense contribution towards football development both in the Volta region and beyond.

Before his death, he held several key positions in football administration: He was a member of the GFA Referees Appointment committee, two-time Vice Chairman of Regional Football Association (RFA) Volta, former Chairman, RAG-Volta, former member, National Juvenile Committee, former Chairman, Regional Juvenile Committee-Volta, former Chairman, Regional Match Commissioners Association –Volta and CEO of Volta Academy and Selion FC.

By: Eric Eli Adzie/voltaonlinegh.comem

JCC Commends Nana Addo for the Creation of Oti Region

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Volta Online

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July 12, 2018

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Chairman for Joint Consultative Committee and also the Paramount Chief for Krachi Traditional Council in the Volta Region, Nana Mprah Besemuna II, on Wednesday July 2018 on behalf of the people of Oti enclave has commended President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for their acceptance of the creation of the proposed Oti Region after several petitions were submitted to previous governments.

According to him the creation of the new Oti Region will deepen decentralization with all the related benefits in terms of injection of more resources into the area for accelerated development, creation of jobs, the coordination of development programs and also reduce travel time to current regional capital, Ho.

The Krachiwura disclosed this during the president’s visit to Dambai of the Krachi East District on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 as part of his three-day tour of the Volta Region which began on Monday, July 9.

Nana Besemuna II noted that Nana Addo’s government is just 18 months old but have already set some enviable records of achievement including the introduction of the Free SHS and One District-One Factory industrialization scheme which is attracting investors, both local and international.

He argued that the proposed Oti area was and is still contributing immensely to the economy of Ghana through the production food crops, cocoa, coffee, timber products but notwithstanding, the area has not benefited much in terms of development from the Ghana that they all created together.

He decried the bad road network in the area resulting in avoidable deaths and destruction of property. He also spoke of inadequate hospitals in the area which also lack basic and necessary equipment, qualified medical doctors and other health professionals while mentioning that access to potable water is a nightmare to most of the communities in the area.

The Krachiwura said development in the area could only be realised when the Oti Region is created and therefore, assured of a 100 per cent ‘yes’ at the referendum.

“We want to assure you that our people, regardless of party colours, religious affiliation and tribal background, we are prepared and stand ready to work with the government, the electoral commission and all other relevant institutions to ensure a successful referendum to return a resounding Yes vote.”

President Akuffo-Addo in response, said he remains committed to the realisation of the long awaited Oti Region and encouraged citizens there to unite and work together to achieve that dream.

By: Obrempongba K. Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com

Police Partners ECG to Recover Debts in Volta

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Volta Online

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July 12, 2018

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The Volta Regional Police Command has pledged its support to the Management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as the power distributor rolls out an intensive revenue mobilization programme.

The Deputy Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Ebenezer Doku, sitting in for the Regional Commander, enumerated the excellent working relations that currently exists between the Command and the ECG and promised to support ECG in the exercise to recover its debts.

“All district commanders will be duly informed to provide maximum support to officers of the Company, throughout the period of this intensive exercise.”

DCOP Doku gave the assurance when Management of ECG, Volta, called on the Command to request police support in the exercise.

According to ECG Regional General Manager, Ing. Delali Oklu, staff of the company would visit communities and possibly cut services to defaulters who would fail to pay.

“As part of the programme, ECG staff will visit all houses to assess the integrity of their electricity connections. Staff will also be available in communities to receive payments from defaulting customers, and where there is failure to settle debts; we will be forced to curtail services to them.”

The nationwide revenue mobilization programme which began on July 2, 2018 is intended to help the ECG attain its revenue collection targets for the year.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Nana Addo Urges Every Ghanaian to Acquire NIA Card

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Volta Online

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July 11, 2018

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has called on chiefs in the Volta Region to impress on their people to partake in the ongoing registration for National Identification Authority (NIA) card to provide a national database to help in the planning and organisation of the country.

He made the call on Monday, July 9, when he visited the region on a three-day tour to commission completed projects and inspect ongoing ones in the region.

Nana Akufo-Addo said people should disregard minority in parliament’s attempt to suggest that the purpose of NIA insisting on passports and birth certificates for the card is to disenfranchise some Ghanaians, particularly those from the Volta Region.

Section of Ghanaians especially National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators are opposed to the restriction requirements to the two documents saying, it is likely to disenfranchise over 20 million Ghanaians.

A group, Strategic Thinkers Network-Africa has also sued the NIA over Voter ID exclusion in the ongoing Ghana card registration exercise. Its concern is that majority of citizens will be prevented from obtaining the card and be deprived of benefits that may come with acquiring the card.

According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the law requiring birth certificates and passports to be registered for the NIA card was passed in parliament “on a bi-partisan basis, there was no dissent” and therefore, no justification for allegations that it is targeted at some particular Ghanaians.

He assured that no Ghanaian will be excluded from the exercise because the law also provides that those without birth certificates and passports can produce a Ghanaian to vouch for them in order to get the NIA card.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Creation of Oti Region not to Spite the South-Nana Addo

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Volta Online

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July 11, 2018

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to chiefs from the southern belt of the Volta Region to lend support for the creation of a new region, Oti Region out of the Volta Region.

According to him, the move is to ensure amenities reach the northern part of the region to bring about development to that part of the region.

The president who said this while addressing chiefs from Anlo, Keta, Ketu North and South, Akatsi North and South, Central, South and North Tongu, Adaklu and Agotime Ziope constituencies on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality to round up his activities of day one his visit to the region.

Nana Akuffo-Addo arrived in the region on Monday, July 9 for a three-day working visit as part of his ongoing nationwide tour which has seen him visit Brong Ahafo and Western Regions.

He said the people of southern Volta should see the new region as a way of extending development to those of the north and by extension, every part of the region and not consider it as spite for the south.

“This new region that may well be created in the Oti Region is not being created as a matter of spite, dislike of hostility to all the people of the south.”

“It is very important for all of us to understand that the creation of regions in Ghana is not a new phenomenon,” he said.

He therefore hopes that the new region rather cements a stronger relationship between the people of south and north Volta, adding that there was never a time in the history of Ghana that problems erupted with the creation of new regions.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

I’m Committed to Completing All Projects Started by My Predecessor- Prez

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Volta Online

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July 11, 2018

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President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to complete projects that began under the erstwhile Mahama administration to make good his promise during the 2016 elections to Ghanaians.

He said the completion of a GH₵ 2.5 million Shopping Centre at Anloga in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region which comprises 26 shops, two banking halls, a cafeteria and other ancillary facilities is a demonstration of his commitment to complete all projects started before his tenure.

The President made this known on Monday, July 9 in an address to commission the Anloga Shopping Centre on the first day of his three-day tour of the region.

Prez Nana Akufo-Addo commissioning the Shopping Centre flanked by Torgbui Sri III (right), V/R Min. Dr. Letsa (left)

Nana Akufo-Addo’s three-day working visit of the Volta Region forms part of his ongoing nationwide tour which has seen him visit the Brong Ahafo and Western Regions.

He explained that phase one of the project was done by the previous government while his government completed the phase, stating, “I am not stealing NDC policies, I am completing Ghanaian projects.”

Nana Akufo-Addo disclosed that government began negotiations to pay contractors so as to get them back on site to complete the Keta Sea Defense project.

He further noted that government will soon cut sod for the commencement of the Keta Harbour project in line with government’s “pledge to develop several harbours along the coast.”

The president later commissioned the ‘Courage Quarshigah’ Memorial hostel estimated to cost over GH₵500,000 for the Keta Nursing and Midwifery Training College. The facility is expected to accommodate about 100 students of the college.

Earlier, the president announced his presence in the region by making a brief stopover at the palace of Torgbui Sri III, Awomefia of the Anlo State, Anloga where a closed-door meeting was held.

He ended day one of his tour with a meeting of chiefs from Anlo, Keta, Ketu North and South, Akatsi North and South, Central, South and North Tongu, Adaklu and Agotime Ziope at Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Volta NPP Vote For SAMMI AWUKU

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Volta Online

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July 4, 2018

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Executives of the 26 Constituencies of the Volta Region have declared their support and endorsed Sammi Awuku as the next National Organiser of the NPP prior to Friday’s delegates conference to be held in Koforidua to elect new executives for the various positions in the party.

According to them, his tremendous contributions as a National Youth Organiser in leading the party’s youth to victory in the 2016 general elections is more than enough proof that giving him the nod National Organiser is the best decision for the party.

They declared their support in Hohoe during a press conference held by the regional executives with support from the constituency executives last Tuesday, July 03, 2018.

In a statement read by the Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanyah with support from the Secretary, Vice Chairman, Organiser, and other executives, he stressed that “Sammi Awuku has proven to us that he has the tenacity, integrity, the vision, and the will to be the next National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party – and we want to help him achieve that goal”.

The Regional Organiser, Emmanuel Bodjah also described Sammi Awuku as a strong advocate of proper training who was instrumental in resourcing the party’s youth, hence elevating him as the National Organiser will mean better mobilisation and resourcing of the rank and file of the party.

He recounted how Sammi played a key role in strengthening the youth wing of the party which ensured a well-coordinated advocacy for the party and policing of ballots during the 2016 elections.

He said “Since he was first elected as National Youth Organiser of the party and throughout his career as a national officer and communicator for our party Sammi Awuku has been an energetic and consistent advocate of grassroots-led initiatives to help our party’s core membership base expand, serving each and every member with respect and integrity. At the same time, Sammi has been sensitive to the constant calls we make to him while on the job and the need to consolidate the gains of the party towards election 2020”

For him the Sacrifices and Efforts of Sammi must be rewarded with a massive vote for him this weekend. “We remember his sacrifices and efforts. We’re going to be with him every step of the way,” he recounted.

Having gone around the region and with the blessings of the other organizers and the broader constituency executives, he asserted that “We acknowledge that, through his experience and performance over his several years in service to our party, he has proven beyond every possible doubt that he is the best candidate for the National Organiser position for the party.”

By: Collins Anku/voltaonlinegh.com

Volta NPP Endorse Freddie Blay

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Volta Online

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July 4, 2018

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Volta NPP Chiarman(Middle) with Other Executives — Volta NPP Charmian (Middle) with Other Executives

Volta regional executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have endorsed the candidature of acting National Chairman, Freddie Blay as the next National Chairman of the party.

The executives made the endorsement in a press conference held in Hohoe last Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

The statement which was read by the Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanyah stressed that “…we are convinced that it is about time we brought records to bare as the impending National Delegates Conference is days away, and more so to let all discerning patriots understand the fact that Mr. Freddie Blay has the support of the Volta Region NPP.”

The endorsement which follows similar ones done by other regions (Central, Western, Northern, Upper-East and Upper West) comes ahead of the party’s Delegates Conference, slated for July 6 and July 7, 2018 during which delegates across the country, will elect national executives to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.

Citing reasons for their decision, the statement revealed that Freddie Blay as acting Chairman facilitated a successful execution of the National Delegates Conference held in Sunyani and later brought about considerable reforms that stabilized and united the party resulting in the party’s victory in the 2016 elections.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the first assignment Freddie Blay effectively executed was our successful Delegates Conference in Sunyani, coupled with successive reforms that stabilized and made the then opposition New Patriotic Party a united force ready for action.”

The statement further acknowledged in particular the support Mr. Blay has given the region since he took office, saying, “Freddie Blay’s personal support to the development of the Volta Region and for that matter NPP in general is unmatched as we have been witnesses to significant changes that had projected the NPP victory ahead of the general elections”.

They also mentioned how his tenure ensure prompt and adequate supply of funds and resources, including a personal donation of two pick-up vehicles to ensure a successful execution of party activities that led to the massive drop of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) votes in Volta Region (its Stronghold) during the 2016 elections.

It is against this backdrop that the regional executives declared their unflinching support for the acting chairman.

Mr. Woanyah who was flanked by his other executives and some constituency executives further urged all delegates in the region to vote massively for Mr. Blay saying “We again by this same measure of support wish to call on all executives of the twenty-six constituencies to do same by voting massively for Freddie Blay come 6^th-7^th July.”

By: Eyram Anaglate/voltaonlinegh.com

Afadzato South Fetes Senior Citizens on Republic Day

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Volta Online

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July 3, 2018

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afadzato South in the Volta Region, Lawyer Wisdom Semanu Seneadza has honoured some aged people from across the district as part of the 58th Republic Day celebration.

More than hundred pensioners drawn from communities in the area, including Kpeve, Golokuati, Ve, Anfoe and other areas, benefited from this year’s Republic Day, otherwise known as Senior Citizens Day on Sunday, July 1 held in the district.

The senior citizens were awarded in various sectors like health, education, agriculture among others as a way of showing appreciation for their contribution towards national development.

DCE presenting an award to a senior citizen

The beneficiaries, most of whom are in their 70s and 80s also had pleasant time with the DCE, made merry, shared their working experiences as well as history of the country and some difficulties they currently face awhile they deliberated on ways to address them.

They were also screened for blood pressure, blood sugar level, hypertension, diabetes, Hepatitis B, malaria among others, and given tips on healthy living.

Lawyer Semanu assured them of his resolve to help them benefit from government’s intervention programme, Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) to enable them enjoy their old age.

Participants undergoing health screening

He also advised them to recommend the government’s flagship programme, the Free Senior High School policy to their grandchildren and asked that they have faith in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

On road network, the DCE disclosed that President Akuffo-Addo has not abandoned the Eastern Corridor road but will soon pay contractors to resume work which will not only help the party to retain power but also help to bring development to Afadzato South which lies along the Eastern Corridor road.

A participant, Mr. Gotthold Yao Agra, a retired mining engineer just like the others, was excited about Sunday’s event saying, “after working all these years and the president invites you, you will feel so elated, you will realise that the efforts you have also put in is recognized.”

Similar events were held across the region including Ho West, Ho Municipality, Akatsi South to mark this year’s Republic Day.

By: Albert Kuzor/voltaonlinegh.com