Over 200 Newly trained Teachers graduate from Franco

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June 11, 2018

The St. Francis College of Education at Hohoe has awarded Diploma in Basic Education Certificate to over 200 newly trained teachers.

The certificates were presented to the new teachers made up of 73 females and 182 males during the College’s 11th Congregation held on the School’s premises.

Mr. Raphael Kodzo Kwashie, the College’s Principal, commended the graduates for their academic performance and advised them to be self-disciplined in their field of work.

“My graduates, I don’t have many things to tell you but what I want to say briefly is that the world is a very big but place, be nice to people be humble, stand for the truth at all times, and above all don’t forget your God” he said.

He said the College, since its establishment over hundred years ago had provided sound academic and morale training to its trainees, who are serving in various sectors of the country.

“The College continues to turn out students with fantastic results, in the maiden Diploma in Basic Education Examination results in 2007, Franco top all the 38 public college of education then by placing first, with the introduction of excellent award by University of Cape Coast (UCC) the list is never complete without the names of Franco students”

Mr. Kwashie stressed that despite the success, the College over the years have been battling with inadequate infrastructures, unavailability of school bus and poor road network within the campus.

He however appealed to government agencies to come to the aid of the School in providing these needs, mostly the GetFund Authority to complete some stalled facilities to house more students.

A High Court Judge, Justin Kofi Dorgu, who represented the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo as the guest speaker, advised the new teachers to exhibit the knowledge acquired to raise responsible future leaders, saying “you should be role model of everybody, the letter writer, the interpreter, the mediator and a linguist to the chief” he said.

He also called on them to serve as a mouthpiece of security to help reduce criminal and conflict relates issues in the various educational institutions they would be posted.

The Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, Andrew Teddy Ofori assured that, the challenges at College would be forwarded to the appropriate quarters for redress.

Five of the graduands were also honoured for their sterling performances, they include Best Behaved Student (Class of 2017) Donkor Ernest, Most Innovative Student, Agbador Larry Kofi, Best Student in General Studies Programme, Vita Samuel, Best Student in Science/Maths Programme and the 2017 Best Graduating Student goes to Seddoh Onorion Raul.

By: Albert Kuzor/ Voltaonlinegh.com

Petroleum C’ssion Court Stakeholders’ Backing for Keta Basin Exploration

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Volta Online

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June 10, 2018

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EPA Engagement (3) — Relationship Manager at Petroleum Commission, Judith Blay

The Relationship Manager at the Petroleum Commission, Madam Judith Blay has appealed to the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) to support the oil exploration in the Keta Delta Block.

According to her, when oil and gas is discovered and eventually production commences in commercial quantities in the area, the various regulatory bodies especially the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Petroleum Commission will monitor to ensure the oil firm, Swiss African Company which has been awarded the block, complies with regulations to benefit the community members and the country.

Madam Blay was speaking to the media, CSOs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the final day of the five-day public hearing organized by the EPA from Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8 to illicit concerns and expectations from the citizens in the four districts that make up the Keta Delta Block.

The Public Hearing which was in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Regulations 1991, LI 1652 (Regulation 17) has become necessary after government in 2016 awarded the Block stretching from Ketu South, Keta, South Tongu and Ada East to the oil firm to explore for oil.

Read: Residents Express Apprehension over Keta Basin Exploration

Chiefs and people of the area had earlier expressed apprehension on the proposed onshore and offshore exploration of oil in the Keta Delta Block saying, it would affect the environment and invariably, impact on their livelihood.

The citizens also feared that they might not profit from the proceeds of the oil when production starts with others citing the construction of Akosombo Dam decades ago with its attendant harms to Lower Volta without compensations.

Madam Blay however allayed such fears, stating that Ghana has learnt her lessons and the issues of Niger Delta will not happen in Keta Delta Block or any part of the country.

She also assured that the regulatory bodies will ensure there are employment avenues, local content and major development projects in the host community so that the company does not take advantage of them.

She therefore, urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the regulatory bodies and support the exploration to be successful and be watchdogs when the production begins so that the oil will be a blessing and not a curse to the host community and Ghana.

Mr. Kodzo Agbenor-Efunam, Deputy Director, Oil and Gas at EPA clarified that no company has been given permit to produce oil in the area but to search for oil (exploration) which will be regulated so that it does not cause any damage to the environment.

He emphasized that should the oil be found (which he prayed for because of the benefits to the communities), the Agency will continue to engage the public to illicit their concerns before giving the permit for any production activities.

Chairman of the Independent Panel on the Keta Delta Block, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, and Department of Earth Science at the University of Ghana thanked everyone who participated in the Public Hearing. He assured that all genuine concerns including environment and livelihood will be compiled and presented to the appropriate quarters for redress and then brought back to the communities for further deliberations.

The weeklong stakeholders engagement was given extensive online coverage by PenPlusBytes, an NGO which has done extensive media training in oil and gas, with support from Voltaonlinegh.com via their social media handles @penplusbytes @oilgasghana @voltaonlinegh

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Handball: Volta Handball League to End at First Round

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Volta Online

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June 9, 2018

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The Volta Regional Handball Association has decided to end the first edition of their league in the first round due to the unavailability of players from the various teams.

At a meeting with Stakeholders in Ho on Wednesday, June 6, all agreed that the league ends just with the first round, so that proper preparations will be made for the start of the second edition to avoid repeating this seasons mishaps.

The league which mainly has Senior High School (SHS) teams have seen most of the players completing school, leaving the Coaches/Managers with no option to continue league matches as they are yet to groom new players.

With the consensus of all present at the meeting yesterday, the last matches for both male and female categories will be played at a yet to be set date, conducive for all.

Stars of Asha male play Prosco, while Stars of Asha female battle for a second spot in a match against Mawuli School.

Saint Teresa’s College of Education, (Teresco) by virtue of the decision will be declared winners of the female category as they lead with 6 points. Stars of Asha (SOA) male will however have upper hand over Ho Technical University (HTU) should they win their match against Prosco, who are with 2 points behind SOA and HTU.

The Association who received trophies from former Black hands goalkeeper, Patrick Norvor will then set another date to present the trophies to the winners of the league. With the interest of other schools to participate in the league, the Association intends to prepare to start another season in October 2018 and end before the Academic year ends.

The VRHA have however set July 24 to select players for the upcoming Sports Festival in Cape Coast. Volta Handball hopes to do better than last year’s achievement, winning bronze in both categories in Kumasi.

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/Voltaonlinegh.com

Freddie Blay rounds up NPP Chairmanship Campaign in Volta

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Volta Online

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June 9, 2018

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The Acting National chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, Mr. Freddie Blay has embarked on a two-day campaign tour in the Volta region ahead of the party’s national executives elections.

Mr. Blay who is vying for the substantive chairmanship position, with his entourage began the tour at Sogakope, in the South Tongu constituency, where he met and interacted with more than 200 party delegates from seven constituencies within the southern part of the region, such as Central and North Tongu Constituencies, Keta, Ketu South, Akatsi North and among others.

Campaign Message

Speaking at a conference with the constituency executives after the campaign team was given a rousing welcome on the streets of Sogakope, Mr. Sylvester Tetteh, the campaign manager said, Freddie Blay is the only outstanding aspirant who can lead the NPP government to remain in power when voted to man the affairs of the party.

He explained saying, Mr. Blay after his political career with the CPP joined the NPP when it was in opposition, adding that, his boss have worked so hard over the years for the party and that has resulted in the party’s victory in the 2016 general elections, and advised the gathering to vote for Freddie Blay for the forward march of the party.

Mr. Blay, adding to his campaign manager indicated that, the government is committed to revamping collapsed textiles companies across the country, therefore when voted to maintain the chairmanship, he would create opportunities in the textile industries for the party faithful mostly women to trade the textile products.

The team later moved to Ho, where he had an interaction with Media Practitioners after a closed-door meeting with more than five constituencies Central zone of the region, and among are Ho, North Dayi, Afadzato South, Ho West and South Dayi.

Mr. Blay, disclosed to the Media that, the promised one buss per one constituency, making 275 buses will soon arrive at the Tema port and will be entrusted to a well-established Transport company to manage.

He explained that, the buses upon given to the Transport Company will work to generate revenues for the party at constituency level, which will help the party at such levels to ease financial difficulties, he added that, reason to procure the buses is to make NPP a self-financing political party.

Volta North

The acting chairman and his team, went on the campaign trail to the Volta North on the second day, starting at Borae in Krachi East, He was warmly welcomed by the delegates and other party members with a call for pickups and motorbikes to ease poor transportation in the their constituencies.

Some executives from Krachi East, Dambai and Nchumuru, appealed to the chairman to lobby motorbikes for the party officers and at least one pickup for the offices to enable smooth operations in their communities most of which are hinterlands.

They however, praised Mr. Blay for what they described as his tremendous efforts which has led the party to victory and pledged to vote for him massively.

Mr.Blay in a response, promised to procure the three pickups, the motorbikes and in addition with the one bus per constituency initiation, explaining that his efforts has made available 6,000 motorbikes and 300 pickups during the campaign period for the 2016 elections and when given the nod to continue leading the party, he would procure more motorbikes and vehicles out of which their demands will be met.

At Kadjebi, the team met some constituencies executives who were enthusiastic about the chairman, they also appealed for well resourcing of the party at grassroots and job opportunities when their votes declare him to maintain the chairmanship.

Also at Hohoe, the chairman promised to establish a pro NPP radio Station to preach messages of the party and also to serve as a source of revenues.

This came to light when party communicators lamented about poor communication systems in the area, they lamented that most of the radio within the area are owned and manage by the opposition NDC party, thus has given them less propagating.

Freddie Blay, who showed concern about the complaints, said he would establish the station before 2020 campaigns begins to battle their opponents. He added that the NPP party needs strong advocates and when elected into office, he will ensure it happens to enable the government to remain in power for more terms.

The election

The ruling party [NPP], last month opened nominations for interested aspirants to contest for the party’s national positions, for which five persons are contesting the chairmanship position, they include acting chairman of the NPP, Freddie Worsemawu Blay, Alhaji Abubakar Abdul-Rahman, Stephen Ayensu Ntim, Dr Richard Amoako Baah and David Kankam Boadu, along the way Alhaji Abubakar Abdul-Rahman popularly known as Alhaji Short has withdrawn himself from the race. The election is scheduled to be held on July 7 and 8.

The tour

The campaign trail in the region was graced by the Regional Party Organizer, Emmanuel Kosi Bodja, 1st Vice Chairman, Adjei Ntim, Women Organizer and other party faithful, and was figured out that, the party’s delegates in all the constituencies are in support of the acting chairman and at the various gathering Freddie Blay was assured of massive votes.

By: Albert Kuzor/Voltaonlinegh.com

ARS Church backs Parliament’s Stance against Homosexuality

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Volta Online

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June 8, 2018

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ARS Leader — High Priest and Chairman of ARS, Nyeenyame Etsey Wovenu I

The Apostles Revelation Society (ARS) Church, with headquarters at Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality in the Volta Region, has lauded the stance of Parliament against the legalisation of gay marriages in the country.

According to the church, a recent bipartisan pronouncement by parliamentarians against the practice is a step in the right direction to send a strong signal to lobbyists that the country will not condone an act that is alien to the Ghanaian culture.

High Priest

The High Priest and Chairman of the Executive Governing Body, Nyeenyame Etsey Wovenu I, expressed excitement about Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament’s disposition on the issue.

“We are very excited that the Speaker clearly came out against same sex marriages. He really confirmed God’s commandments and is acting accordingly,” the high priest said.

He added that such acts, among other incidences of violence and unrest springing up in today’s society, were as a result of mankind’s resolve to create wealth through unjust means.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Society’s General Conference at its headquarters at Tadzewu last Saturday, Nyeenyame Wovenu I advised members and the general public to work towards attracting God’s blessings and stay away from “evil covenants” and their train of misfortunes.

He said the society practised unadulterated faith in the “true God” and had a vision of going global in the near future.

He, therefore, entreated members all over the world to join them for the centenary celebration.

Touching on the church’s mission, the high priest indicated that the ARS prioritised community development as a social responsibility and called on government to support its efforts at providing basic facilities in deprived areas.

Economic activities

He said the economic activities of the local communities saw significant growth during the society’s conferences and fellowship activities and that its expansion affected their growth.

Top on the agenda was the centenary celebration which wil be held on December 25, 2018 to highlight the achievements of the society and its Founder, Prophet Charles Kwabla Nutornti Wovenu.

The Vice Chairman of the Governing Body, Togbui Awii IV, said the 60th anniversary celebration of the Women Council, which comes off this year, would be held at branch levels to pave the way for the centenary celebration.

Meanwhile, Six new members of the Church’s nine-member board of Trustees were elected and sworn into office, to replace deceased members, and were reminded of their duty to ensure the prevention of encroachments on church lands and the misappropriation of its assets.

They include, the High Priest, Rev. Nyeenyami Etsey Wovenu, Elder Samuel Aheto, Torgbi Awui III, Mr. Charles Dziedzorm Agboloso, Elder Habel Dufe and Rev. Kplorla Nyamadi Gbetodeme.

The conference have also scheduled a “Revelation Service” to be celebrated by the church from July 20th to 22 this year.

Credit: Graphic.com.gh/with additional file from Voltaonlinegh

Update: Two Victims of Savietula Accident died

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Volta Online

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June 8, 2018

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Srogbe Accident — The accident car being pulled out of the lagoon. [Credit; Jemima Achivors]

Information reaching the news desk of Voltaonlinegh.com indicates that, two of the five occupants of the Toyota Camry car, which plunged into the Lagoon at Srogbe in the Keta municipality on Thursday have died.

The two persons died at the Keta Government hospital, where they were rushed together with the three others for treatment, after they were rescued from submerged mangled car by local rescuers.

Read: Five injured after Vehicle plunged into Lagoon at Savietula

Voltaonlinegh.com understands, the victims were travelling to Tegbi for a funeral planning meeting of a deceased family member, when their car with registration number, GR-940-13, skidded off a bridge just before Savietula, a popular surburb along the Srogbe-Anloga road and landed into the lagoon, due to an apparent brake failure.

It took the swift response of residents to rescue the victims to the hospital, before personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service arrived at the scene to evacuate the car from the lagoon.

By: Voltaonlinegh.com

Afe Lotto Supports Volta Beach Soccer Team

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Volta Online

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June 7, 2018

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Philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ‘From Home’ Company Limited, Mr Joe Ayivor has extended his benevolence to the Volta Region Beach Soccer Team after they paid a courtesy call on him on this week[Thursday].

The Volta Beach Soccer team who presented the trophy they won at the just ended Second Edition of Beach Soccer Unity Cup at the Laboma Beach Arena in Accra on Friday, May 25, received a pleasing reception from Joe Ayivor.

The second edition of the Unity Cup which marked the return of the Beach Soccer Super League, saw Ashanti and Eastern Regions participating for the first time. In the First Edition Team Volta, emerged the 1st Runner Up, after defeating Greater Accra by 4-3 in a penalty shootout to settle a barren draw.

The Operator of the popular Afe Lotto Raffles who is known for supporting the development of sports in the region donated an undisclosed amount of money to Team Volta. The Sport Enthusiast popularly known as Afeloto also owns Home-Stars; a division 2 football team in Ho.

In an interview with Voltaonlinegh.com, Joe Ayivor said he extended this gesture to the Beach Soccer team because he also hails from the coastline.

“They paid me a visit and moreover, they are from my land, you know, I am from the South. So once they are here, I have to extend my support to them, just to promote Volta Region. My mother is from Keta-Dzelokope and my Dad also from Denu, all along the coast, so promoting Beach Soccer is like promoting my hometown.”

Team Manager of Volta Beach Soccer Team, Selorm Kpogli in expressing his excitement on the support promised to work hard to sustain or improve their gains.

“We feel very happy because he is the only person who we have approached and he has given us such a huge amount of money. We are so grateful to him for such a surprise. He promised us of his continuous support and we also promised to do our best to keep winning at every competition and showcase his support to us.”

Beach Soccer which emerged some years ago in Ghana as a Sport, organized four (4) league seasons of which Sunsets Sports, Keta won thrice. The South of Volta also has Havedzi Mighty Warriors and Tegbi Youth teams which participated in the Beach Soccer league.

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/Voltaonlinegh.com

Five injured after Vehicle plunged into Lagoon at Savietula

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Volta Online

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June 7, 2018

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Five occupants of a Toyota Camry car traveling to Tegbi, have sustained various degrees of injury after their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into the Lagoon at Srogbe in the Keta Municipality, Thursday morning.

Information reaching voltaonlinegh.com suggest that, the vehicle with registration number GR-940-13, was approaching the bridge just before Savietula, a popular suburb along the Srogbe-Anloga road, when it somersaulted off the highway and landed into the lagoon, as a result of an apparent brake failure.

The occupants, two of whom were said to be in critical conditions have since been rescued from the submerged car and rushed to the Keta Government hospital, through the efforts of residents in the community.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service who later arrived at the scene, with the support of locals managed to evacuate the car from the lagoon after several attempts; while the Police launch investigation into the accident.

Video shows how the Car was finally pulled out of the Lagoon. [Credit: Jemima Achivors]

By: Voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta: Suspected Serial Robber Busted

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Volta Online

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June 7, 2018

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Police have arrested a man suspected to be involved in series of robbery activities at Brewaniase in the Nkwanta District of the Volta Region.

The suspect, Abdul Razak who had been identified by residents to be breaking into their homes to engage in robbery activities had in his possession items including mobile phones and chain saw machine at the time of his arrest.

Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Tuffour who confirmed this to voltaonlinegh.com said about 7:00pm on Sunday, June 6, 2018, Police at Brewaniase had information that Abdul Razak suspected to be breaking into people’s rooms to steal their valuables was in town.

Police moved in to effect his arrest. Items found on him included a filled cylinder, a rice cooker, chain saw machine, 16 assorted phones, a pair of trousers, a pair of shoes, screw driver and a hammer.

DCOP Tuffour said there a brawl ensued between youth of the town and the police after the suspected was arrested.

According to him, the youth followed up to the station and demanded that the suspect be released to them to be lynched which the police objected to.

This youth who got incensed by the police refusal, pelted the police with stones and any objects they could lay hands on.

In the process, two community police assistants (CPAs) and one police officer got injured. However, the police managed to bring the situation under control and restored peace to the area.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

#KetaOil: Residents Express Apprehension over Keta Basin Exploration

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Volta Online

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June 7, 2018

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Chiefs and people of South Tongu district in the Volta Region have expressed apprehension on the proposed onshore and offshore exploration of oil in the Keta Delta Block. According to them, if production eventually begins in the Keta Delta Block, it would affect the environment and invariably, impact on their livelihood.

They made these concerns known during an open forum at the Public Hearing on the Keta Delta Block on Wednesday, June 7.

Aside the dangers to their environment, there was the fear that they might not profit from the proceeds of the oil when production starts for which reason they wished government revoked the license given to an oil firm, Swiss African Oil Company for exploration.

Mama Ku-Agbi III, Queen mother of Fieve Agorkpo in her submission said it is likely that in case the production starts and issues arrive, solutions may take forever to come.

According to her, Lower Volta (Tonguland) had a precedent where during the construction of the Akosombo Dam decades ago, people lost their homes among other impacts yet promises made to her people then still remained unfulfilled.

Assurances

Mr. Kodzo Agbenor-Efunam, Deputy Director, Oil and Gas at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in his response iintimated that the EPA is on the side of the people and will not condone any bad practices when production eventually commences. He said the Agency has regulations structured to conserve the environment and the lives of people and so will monitor strictly to enforce compliance by the Company.

He explained that EPA’s presence in the area for the Public Hearing was to take community members through processes involved in the oil and gas exploration and drilling and to listen to their concerns for consideration.

He disclosed that the hearing was to precede Swiss Oil Company’s seismic survey to assess if oil can be found for commercial production. He said, it is likely that after exploration, oil will not be found for production to begin in the first place, and assured that the public will be engaged at every stage of the process to ensure their concerns are resolved before any production.

Chairman of the independent panel on the Keta Delta Block, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Department of Earth Science at the University of Ghana reassured that aside the monitoring body, EPA, there are other institutions and organisations that will focus their attention on the Keta Delta Block to ensure strict monitoring of activities there.

Earlier, Public Hearing was held at Ketu South and Keta municipalities where representatives from EPA, Ghana Petroleum Commission and the Forestry Commission took their turns to make presentations.

The 5-day Public Hearing continues at Ada-Foah, Ada East District on Thursday and ends at Keta ICT Centre next day with a meeting with the media, NGOs, civil society organisations, etc.

The Public Hearing which is in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Regulations 1991, LI 1652 (Regulation 17) to elicit concerns and expectations from citizens has become necessary after government in 2016 gave license to the oil firm to explore for oil in the Keta Delta Block.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com