Volta among Under-Performing Regions in BECE

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June 29, 2018

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa has decried the poor performance of school children in their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results in the region, saying it must not be allowed to continue.

According to him, although the region has recorded enrollment growth at all levels of pre-tertiary education due to some key social intervention programmes including the free senior high school, free uniform, free laptop, capitation grant, among others, “however, the bad news is that, the regional pass rate for BECE has still not hit the 50 per cent or above as targeted.”

“It has however improved over the worst case scenario of 27 per cent which was experienced in 2012. In 2016, the average Pass Rate increased to 32.5 per cent,” he added.

The Regional Minister said this in his presentation during the first meeting of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) on Thursday, June 28, 2018 held in Ho.

He expressed hope in some measures being taken by the Regional Education Directorate together with other key stakeholders which include writing of common mock examination by BECE, intensifying monitoring and supervision in schools and introducing extra classes for final year students as a sure way of reversing trend of non-performance.

Dr. Letsa also touched on other issues such as security, water supply and road network situations in the region and disclosed plans by the Council to address them.

Speaking on promoting investment opportunities, the Minister said VRCC has been in talks with the largest agriculture equipment manufacturer in China, CAMACO for massive investment in the agriculture sector for the good of people in the region.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

NSMQ 2018: Mawuli School Books Place in Semi-Final

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Volta Online

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June 29, 2018

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Mawuli School, Ho in the Volta Region has qualified to the semi-final stage in the ongoing National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) competition after beating two other contesting schools, Opoku Ware School and New Juabeng School.

At the end of the contest, Mawuli School had 47 points with a close contest from Opoku Ware School, 44 points and New Juabeng School, 24 points.

Opoku Ware School, two-time NSMQ champions, who were earlier beaten by debutants, Volta-based Sonrise School in the 13^th preliminary stage of the contest, lost the opportunity to progress into the next stage of the competition after placing second to Mawuli School on Friday, June 29.

The Volta Region side drew with the Opoku Ware School at the end of the last round and took over the lead after providing the correct answer to a decider question (with a failed attempt from Opoku Ware) to the admiration of colleague students who had come to cheer the team to victory.

By: voltaonlinegh.com

Oti Region, Others Receive Greenlight

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Volta Online

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June 28, 2018

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President Akuffo-Addo in handshake with Chairman of the Commission

The Justice Allan Brobbey Commission of Inquiry for the Creation of New Regions has submitted its report to the President, recommending the creation of Oti Region from the Volta Region as well as five other regions proposed by the chiefs and people of Brong Ahafo, Northern and Western regions.

The other regions to be created include; Bono and East Ahafo regions from the Brong Ahafo Region, Savannah and North-Eastern regions from the Northern Region and Western-North Region from the Western Region.

The Commission was last year tasked to look into petitions for the creation of the new regions, make recommendations to the president based on its findings and specify the issues to be determined through a referendum and places where the referendum would be held.

According to the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Allan Brobbey, the Commission settled on a recommendation of the creation of the regions after having consultations with the National House of Chiefs, 4 interactions with the Regional House of Chiefs, 6 in-camera meetings, 41 public hearings, 28 other consultations and interactions with members of parliament from the affected regions.

He added that “the Commission also provided the opportunity for all who were so minded to make oral and written submission to the commission through several media.” Additionally, it was widely advertised that the secretariat of the commission was opened for all and sundry to submit any form of memoranda or communication for the consideration of the commission.”

To this end, a referendum is expected to take place in the affected regions as required by the constitution in order for the regions to be created, after the Electoral Commission’s consideration of the report.

By: Eyram Anaglate/voltaonlinegh.com

Two in Police Grips Ten Years after Murder

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Volta Online

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June 25, 2018

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Police in Golokwati of the Hohoe Police Division in the Volta Region have apprehended two suspects, Josephine Keteku and Korsi Tsorgbe for their alleged involvement in the murder of Harmony Adoboe.

The Police around 9:00 in the morning of Thursday, June 21, 2018, had information that led to the arrest of the suspects in the case that has been pending for a decade.

Hohoe Police Commander, Supt Steven Boadu who confirmed the story said police, acting upon intelligence arrested the suspects Josephine Keteku and Korsi Tsorgbe who were implicated in a missing person’s case that was reported in 2008 by Amos Adoboe at seperate locations, Kolenu and Hohoe respectively.

Speaking to voltaonlinegh.com, Supt Boadu narrated that the deceased became pregnant just after junior high school. Though her parents warned her against terminating the pregnancy, she approached Josephine (her aunt) who then sent her to suspect Korsi to help her have an abortion.

In the process of terminating the pregnancy, the victim died. The suspects then carried the body and buried it in a bush at night.

The parents suspected Josephine because someone informed them they saw her and the victim boarding a vehicle the very day the victim got missing.

The parents reported their missing child to the Golokwati Police which led to suspect’s arrest but she denied any involvement and was later set free.

Supt Boadu further said on the day of her arrest however, Josephine had a quarrel with another person in their community and the issue of the missing child came up.

The police had information of the exchanges and went in to get her arrested and upon interrogation, she broke down and confessed her involvement and led police to arrest Korsi who also admitted to the offence and led the police to where the victim was buried.

The two are currently in police custody assisting in investigations.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Kofi Adams Calls for Unity among NDC Members in Nkwanta South

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Volta Online

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June 24, 2018

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Mr. Kofi Adams, National Organiser of the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on party supporters in Nkwanta South Constituency of the Volta Region to avoid factionalism and other negative actions that have the tendency to thwart efforts at bringing the party back to power.

He made the call on Saturday, June 23 when he joined supporters of the party in the constituency to ensure a peaceful delegates’ elections.

The NDC held elections in 259 Constituencies across the country to elect executives. However, the polls in the outstanding 16 constituencies will be held later due to various petitions challenging the process.

Mr. Adams urged the supporters to go into the elections with love for the party to appoint executives who will lead the party to recapture power in 2020.

“Let’s put the party first and elect leaders who can ensure we win the 2020 elections and make Ghana great again.

According to him, President Nana Akuffo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government have already failed Ghanaians and so, there is the need for NDC supporters to bury their differences after the elections and forge ahead in unity.

“NPP’s promises of 1 million dollars per constituency, 1 District 1 factory, 1 village 1 dam are all failed promises. The marginal depreciation of the cedi and cost of electricity are signs that the NPP has failed. It is a sign that the NDC is a better choice.”

Touching on the deplorable Eastern Corridor road, Mr. Adams mentioned that the NDC administration has put in place mesures in funding roads in the country, blaming the current government of not taking things seriously when it comes to roads in the country.

By: Benjamin Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com

Ntoso Lobbies for Kete-Krachi as Capital for Proposed Oti Region

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Volta Online

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June 23, 2018

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Ms Helen Adwoa Ntoso, former Volta Regional Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi West has appealed to government eschew politics and site the proposed Oti Region capital at Kete-Krachi, citing Krachi West District being the oldest as reason.

According to her, Krachi East, Karachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North and South were all carved out of Kete-Krachi which had Krachi West as capital making it a pale shadow of itself. She added that the choice for the new regional capital should be Jasikan or Kadjebi if Krachi West stands disadvantaged but not Krachi East or Nkwanta North and South.

She made this appeal during the 2nd mammoth rally organised by the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) to raise awareness on Oti Movement, charging citizens to vote ‘yes’ in the event of a referendum for the proposed Oti Region.

The MP also called on citizens in the Oti enclaves not play partisan politics with the creation of the new region since the northern Volta has been deprived of infrastructural development for long. She therefore urged the JCC to sensitise the citizens on how to vote in the referendum.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Krachi West, Mr. Douglas Nti, pledged his continued support and entreated people in the area to come out in their numbers and vote massive ‘yes’ come the referendum.

The Paramount Chief of Kete-Krachi and Chairman for the JCC, Nana Mprah Besemuna II thanked the Committee and the people in the Oti enclaves for the continued support, saying that the desire for Oti Region has united them more than ever.

According to the Krachiwura, the struggle has no political colours, ethnic orientation, religious affiliation, self-interest, or any gender bias as those opposed to the creation of the new region have tried to portray.

Nana Mprah therefore urged them to remain committed devoid of political colours, ethnic composition and religious background to meet the last requirements needed for the creation of regions, which is the referendum as a proof to Ghana and the rest of the world that the hardworking people of Oti are determined more than ever to get the long awaited Oti Region.

Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed for the late Dr Kwaku Addeah, Secretary for JCC who passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Addeah, when he was alive, played leading roles in the campaign to create Oti Region from the Volta Region with the conviction that development projects would be extended to the northern part of the region.

By: Benjamin Owusu/voltaonlinegh.com

Morkordze Classroom Block; a Disaster in Waiting

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Volta Online

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June 23, 2018

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The abandoned building which has developed cracks

An abandoned 3-unit classroom block at Morkordze D/A Primary School in the Anawusukope Electoral Area of South Tongu District in the Volta Region is a disaster waiting to strike with pupils and teachers of the school to bear the brunt.

Part of the building which has developed deep cracks requires little storm which comes along with heavy rainfalls lately, to come crashing down and put lives of a number of pupils in danger.

The school which is in need of classroom infrastructure and other teaching and learning materials, has two different building projects (3-unit classroom with an office and store-room each) stalled for a long time leaving pupils and teachers at the mercy of the weather.

One of the projects which was started in 2011 and is being funded by the District Assembly’s Common Fund (DACF), is on lintel level and has already developed deep cracks, an indication that the contractor responsible for that project did no good job.

The uncompleted building being used for classroom

The other, a GETFUND project which began in 2013 and currently serves as classrooms for the school is also not completed. Though it has been roofed, the building has no doors and windows.

The situation compels the school to close anytime it threatens to rain, thus, disrupting contact hours that pupils have to stay in class and learn.

Some managers of the school voltaonlinegh.com contacted preferred to remain tight-lipped on the matter.

Assemblyman of the area, Mr. George Kwesi Asafo in his reaction said he has on several occasions tabled the infrastructural challenges at Morkordze D/A Primary School before the Assembly for redress but no assistance has come to the school.

Until the Assembly and government finally comes to the rescue, it will only take the benevolence of philanthropists and citizens of Sokpoe Traditional Area to save the situation so as to secure the future of the children in the community and the other surrounding communities the school serves.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Volta Handball Wraps up League on Saturday

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Volta Online

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June 23, 2018

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The Executives of Volta Regional Handball Association have set Saturday, June 23, 2018 for the final games of the ongoing Handball League to wrap up their maiden season.

The date was arrived at after consultations from the teams involved to have the two matches of the league, which ends the first round and the entire season league, played at the Ho Sports Stadium.

Stars of Asha female are expected to lock horns with Mawuli Senior High School (SHS) at 1:00pm. Mawuli will want to finish the league with at least a point as they languish at the bottom of the table, while Stars of Asha will love to keep a winning momentum, to finish the truncated league on a good note.

At 2:30pm, Stars of Asha male engages their neighbors, St. Prosper’s Senior High School (PROSCO) in what will be termed as a clash of the titans. It is going to be a game of glory and honour. A win for Stars of Asha sees them lifting the trophy. PROSCO will however not be pushed overs as a score margin could also win the trophy for them.

The Association, who are still working on making the league a better one next season, intend to begin early enough to avoid this season’s mishaps. The league which is made up of only one community team (Stars of Asha) is however hopeful of more teams.

With the wonderful sponsorship of former Black Hands goalkeeper, Patrick Norvor, the Association will be able to present trophies to deserving winners at a yet to be set date.

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/voltaonlinegh.com

Morkordze Residents Worry over Safety of High Tension Cables in the Community

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Volta Online

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June 22, 2018

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Residents of Morkordze, in the Anawusukope Electoral Area of South Tongu District in the Volta Region have expressed fears over the safety of some high tension cables in the area.

Their concern has to do with a high tension pole which runs from Gladisco passing through Morkordze to Agave which is at risk from a baobab tree, very close by with its branches spread just above the pole.

Speaking to voltaonlinegh.com during a visit to the community on Thursday, June 21, the residents expressed fear that there is the possibility of a disaster should the branches fall onto the cables causing them to tear.

Their fears follow the electrocution of three persons, a woman named Yaa Gayi said to be in her 50s and her two grandchildren aged 9 and 7 after heavy downpours in the community on Monday, June 18, 2018.

The incident happened when roofing sheets that got ripped off by rainstorm, peeled off the coat from an electric wire causing it to be electrified. Unfortunately, the victims in an attempt to seek refuge from the rains in another room, got electrocuted by the live wire.

The community has since been left in total blackout as the district power distributor cut power to the area to avert more disasters following Monday’s electrocution.

The building that got its roofing ripped off

Assemblyman for the area, George Kwesi Asafo in an interview with voltaonlinegh.com appealed to Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ada Operation District (under which the area falls) to visit the community and prune the branches of the baobab tree to forestall any danger.

According to him, he had earlier written to Ada ECG to inform them of the situation but it is taking them forever to heed to the call.

Meanwhile, Headman of the community, Mr James Azilaku, has been speaking with the engineer responsible from Ada ECG to reconnect power to the community.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Aggrieved Teachers Debunk Govt’s claim of Clearing All Salary Arrears

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Volta Online

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June 20, 2018

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Education Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh

A group calling itself, Victims of Salary Arrears, (VOSA), has expressed disgust at the news making rounds that government has paid off all outstanding arrears owed teachers.

In a press release dated June 18, 2018, VOSA said claims that government has paid all arrears of teachers cannot be true, as there are more than 30,000 teachers whose salary arrears are locked up, with no hope that they will pe paid.

We want to state emphatically without mincing words that the government has not paid all the arrears as it had been reported in the media.”

“This unfair treatment of innocent Ghanaian teachers creates more apathy and lack of commitment which mostly reflect in the falling standards of education,” the release stated

The release comes on the heels of President Nana Akuffo-Addos statement on Saturday, June 16 at the 170th anniversary celebration of the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong in the Eastern Region.

The president said government has cleared all arrears accrued between 2013 and 2016, owed teachers with respect to travel allowances, transfer grants and overtime allowances.

He added that government is no longer accruing arrears in addition to this years 11 per cent increase in basic salary for teachers.

VOSA said it holds no grudge with the president because he might have been ill informed on the situation to have come out publicly with that information.

“We think this posture of the president is misleading and a palpable betrayal of trust. Either he has been ill informed by GES or MOE or misled into making statements that do not reflect the realities on the ground. We may not blame our president too much because he is not in touch with whatever happens on the ground.”

It is however, disappointed in Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ministry of Education (MOE) for creating the impression that all is well instead of fighting the cause of teachers and by extension, ensuring high standards of education in the country.

VOSA therefore wants the media to disregard the information while calling on the government to pay all outstanding salary arrears with immediate effect to prevent the group from hitting the street and boycotting classes in protest.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com