Sogakofe-based Bebeto FC were drawn against giant Accra Hearts of Oak in the round 32 of the MTN FA Cup draw held on Tuesday, June 5 at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra.
Bebeto FC made it to this round after edging pass regional brothers Kpando Hearts of Lions on penalties after a 0-0 scoreline at the Agbozume Somey Park.
Accra Hearts of Oak looks favorite going into the fixture away in Somey but must be mindful of their opponents’ quest to make history.
Meanwhile, Akatsi All Stars will also play host to division one outfit Tema Youth at the Akatsi College of Education (AKATSICO) Park.
The regional participation will be concluded when the WAFA Academy Boys play host to Kotoku Royals at the Red Bull Arena in Sogakofe.
The round of 32 matches will be honoured between 10th and 11th June 2018.
A 28-year old commercial motor rider (okada operator), Dotsey Agbanu has been murdered at Akatsi in the Akatsi South District of the Volta Region in the early hours of Tuesday, June 5, 2018.
The body of the deceased from Agbanukope was found in a pool of blood around Akatsi Anta Estate with a deep cut at the back of his neck ostensibly inflicted by his attacker(s).
The Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Tuffour who confirmed the incident to voltaonlinegh.com said the Police had a report from one David Adra from Agbanukope that an okada operator had been found dead in a pool of blood.
He said Police rushed to the scene and upon inspection, a deep cut was seen at the back of his neck.
The Police also discovered that the deceased’s motorbike was taken away by the attacker(s).
The Regional Police Commander said the body has since been deposited at the Saint Paul’s Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy while an investigation has been launched to bring the perpetrator(s) of the murder to book.
A National Chairman aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay has promised to procure 275 buses for all constituencies of the party across the country.
The buses will be operated on behalf of the constituencies by a competent company and the proceeds from the venture will be reinvested to ensure a rippling effect.
This move, according to the National Acting Chairman of the party, Mr. Blay is to empower each of the 275 constituencies to generate revenue to finance the party’s operations
He made this known during his encounter with the media in Ho on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 as part of a two-day campaign tour of the region.
Mr. Blay who chaired the NPP to a resounding victory in the 2016 general elections had together with his team, addressed delegates from 8 constituencies at the South Tongu District capital, Sogakofe as well as 6 constituencies in the catchment area of Ho, the regional capital.
He urged delegates to vote massively for him in order for the party to retain power for long enough to turn the fortunes of the country around to benefit the citizenry.
According to him, for a party to work and retain power, it must be well resourced, the reason why talks are ongoing with financial institutions to procure the buses for every constituency. The buses which will be delivered ahead of the party’s National Delegates Congress in Koforidua next month, will be run commercially to finance the party operations at the constituency levels.
The campaign team also promised a special arrangement for women organisers at the various constituencies to benefit from a maximum of 100, 000 cedis worth of credit depending on their capacities, to trade in the local Ghanaian textiles (which the current government is bent on reviving) in a bid to guarantee a resourced grassroot.
Freddie Blay, a lawyer and a Member of Parliament in Ghana who served as the First Deputy Speaker in the Fourth Parliament of Ghana had been described by his spokesperson, Richard Nyamah as the right man for the chairmanship position.
According to him, Mr. Blay helped the party to defeat the incumbent government and when given the nod, he will successfully execute the job and retain the party in power.
Mr. Freddie Blay from Ho in the company of his campaign team, will continue with the tour to the northern part of the region on Wednesday.
The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) has partnered Ho Node Hub, a digital innovation hub to empower 84 Small and Growing Business (SGB) owners in the Volta Region as part of its nationwide Business Support Program.
The program which was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Business Development sought to train a number of Small and Growing Business owners who have applied for business start-up capital from the NEIP on how to write fundable business plans before a final selection is made for consideration for a support package.
The 3-week training programme which ended on Saturday, June 2, 2018 took entrepreneurs through topics such including customer discovery, business model, business plan development and financial planning for Small Growing Businesses.
Some participants at the training
The Participants expressed their appreciation and suggested how the training has exposed them to new methods that would help them improve their business operations.
“I wish I were exposed to this information when I started my business five years ago. I would have made less mistakes,” a participant admitted.
Speaking to voltaonlinegh.com, Co-Founder of Ho Node Hub and the Facilitator of the programe, Mr. Brian Dzansi said NEIP would be selecting some of the participants next week to benefit from funding to help in growing their businesses.
The training program attracted entrepreneurs from all over the Volta Region including Keta, Aflao, Dambai among others.
It was an exciting week for Volta players over the weekend. Player performances have been outstandingly in the domestic league. There was however some level of inactivity from the Division one players. One debut was marked for a new club while others chalked new triumph. As a Writer/Sports Journalist from the region, I seek to Follow, Monitor and Expose their exploits to the world. This week, our featured players are Edward kpodo, David Ayi Akwetey and Nii Armah Okai.
Edward Kpodo was born 14th January 1990 and is a Ghanaian football defender who plays for FC Banants in Armenia. In February 2013, Kpodo moved to FC Khimki on loan from Berekum Chelsea. He however signed permanently for fellow Russian Football League side FC Shinnik Yaroslavl on a one-year contract in July 2013. A year later, he moved to the Armenian Premier League with Ulisses FC. Lasted a year with Ulisses, he returned to Berekum Chelsea in June 2015 but did not feature for the club as they failed to receive his International Transfer Certificate from Ulisses until December 2015. In February 2016, Kpodo moved back to Armenia, signing a one-year contract with Gandzasar Kapan. After a year stint, Shirak Gyumri snapped the signature of the stalwart defender to help their quest within the season. His ability to marshal the defense was so much visible and it wasn’t surprising when top ranked team Banants approached. He was part of Berekum Chelsea CAF Champions League squad that made it to the group stages in the continental tourney. He was also a winner of the Ghana premier league with Berekum Chelsea. He also played for the national.
David Ayi Akwetey
David Ayi Akwetey is a midfielder who currently plays for Amidaus Professionals in the national division one league. David began his playing carrier from Aflao with Diamond Babies. He later joined WAFA in 2016 before opting for Amidaus Professionals. The attacking midfielder had developed to become a fine player over the period and has managed 6 appearances for his team providing 2 assists. His ability to move forward and complement the role of a striker are among the qualities he brings to his team. He is young and will do more in coming years.
Nii Armah Okai is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Unity FC in the national division one. The 18-year old began his playing career with Nadm SC in Hohoe before joining Unity FC. His agility and alertness in the goal post cannot be underestimated as he has managed to compete for the first spot after joining his new club. He has made 3 league appearances this season with 2 in the MTN FA cup.
Division One League
Striker Richard Dzikoe started the game for Kotoku Royals in their 1-0 lost away to Amaidaus Professionals in Tema. The striker was however substituted due to injuries he sustained. The sensational lad has 9 goals to his credit this season. Meanwhile, attacking winger Stephen Kofi Nargy was not part of the team as he serves a match ban for accumulation of yellow cards. Selorm Klutse did not also make the Kotoku Match day squad due to injuries.
David Ayi Akwetey was unused substitute in Amidaus Professionals’ 1-0 win over Kotoku Royals.
Michael Agbekpornu Aquah and Sylvester Smith Adjetey continued their form for new club Danbort FC in the National Division one league. Both players lasted the entire 90 minutes as they drew 1-1 away to Agbozume Weavers. They joined from former Division One side Ho Dynamo FC in an undisclosed fee. Meanwhile, Massawudu Inusah kept the post and played full interval.
Kpando Heart of Lions climbed to the summit of the table as they inflicted a convincing 2-0 win over Uncle T in Prampam. Goalkeeper Gabriel Nudakpa, Musah Amevor, Charles Quarcoo, Abednego Sarfo, Gordon Akaminko, Eric Esso all started for Lions and played pivotal roles. Gordon Akaminko started the scoring on the 24th minute before Jones Owusu concluded the victory with a 54th minute sublime goal. Meanwhile, youth graduate Samuel Agbenyega did not make the squad. Dickson Sakabutu was also not part of the match day squad as he nurses an injury he picked from Great Olympics.
Nii Armah Okai
There was no action for Uncle T Striker Wisdom Attamah as he missed the game through a toe injury.
Goalkeeper Bright Hadzo was absent as Wa Suntaa Sporting Club vandalised Techiman City 4-1. The goalie is yet to concede a goal in this season’s league after 6 appearances. He is expected to feature in their next game.
Julius Brempong Ankamah was not named in Accra Young Wise starting team. He missed out as Young Wise lost 1-0 away to Mighty Jet at the MATS Park.
Richard Amoah, Fia Patrick and Benedict Wobenu were all starters for Accra Lions in their home win against Okyeman Planners. Another Voltarian, Patrick Osei who was captured in the second transfer window netted the only goal of the game on the 81st minute to hand the home team all maximum points. Patrick was signed from Unity Stars FC.
Ali Idrissu missed Agbozume Weavers 1-1 draw game against visiting team Danbort FC. Striker Wisdom Kporvi started and got the much-needed equalizer for Weavers. Prince Kpodo Adedia also lasted the entire game. Weavers are bottom of zone 3 and must back up if survival is to smile on them.
The Amahia Park witnessed a clash of two foes. Vision FC’s dependable captain and defender Wisdom Ameded featured and lasted the entire duration of the game as they were held by premier league returnees’ Tema Youth to a 0-0 drawn game. There was no action for goalkeeper Melike Dzado as he nurses a shoulder injury.
Julius Anani was in the starting 11 for Proud United in their 5-1 lost to Nzema Kotoko. The midfielder played full game. Asare Saviour however was a substitute and played a bit of time for the losers. Both are Former Ho Hunters FC players.
Perry Teh Agbo made a return from injury and was a second half substitute as Nania FC drew 0-0 with Sporting Mirren. Perry however missed a penalty in the game. Daniel Aklamanu kept the post for Nania FC and lasted the entire game. The former Kpeve Lake Warriors keeper has been so impressive this season keeping nine (9) consecutive clean sheets. The longest run from the keepers from the region I’m tracking.
Goalkeeper Nii Armah Okai kept the post for Unity FC in their 2-0 loss to Techiman City. Ericson Adjogah was also a starter in that game. Both players joined Unity FC from Hohoe Nadm SC.
Jacob Esso was named in the starting lineup for Sporting Mirren and lasted the entire duration in their 0-0 drawn game away to Nania FC at the Legon Park. Meanwhile, Festus Nutakor was unused substitute for the Mirren.
Ghana Premier League
Richard Senanu started for Kumasi Asante Kotoko in their slim 2-1 win over rivals Aduana Stars in the week 15 fixture of the Zylofon Cash Premier League. The defensive midfielder joined Kotoko from Uncle T in the second transfer window and has played all 3 matches for the Porcupine Warriors wining the MPV in their MTN FA Cup fixture. He lasted full 90 minutes. Richard hails from Aflao and had previously played for Aflao Diamond Babies, Ketu United and Kpando Heart of Lions.
Solomon Okudzeto was a starter for Ebusua Dwarfs in their 1-1 away draw to Dreams FC. He was however substituted later in the game owing to an injury. His famous display against Bechem United in their 1-1 draw in week 5 of the premier league earned him the Nasco Most Valuable Player of the match.
Prosper Dayegbe Ahiabu was named in the starting lineup for West Africa Football Academy as they recorded a 2-1 loss at Bechem United. Prosper however played full throttle of the game.
Prosper Atsu Avor started for Liberty Professionals as they held Elmina Sharks 1-1 at Elmina. The right back lasted 90 minutes and had played all 15 matches this season. He joined Liberty from Kpando Hearts of Lions 3 seasons ago.
Goalkeeper Richard Attah watched from the substitute bench for Elmina Sharks.
Ivan Kpeglo was not part of Inter Allies travelling team that lost 2-1 away to Karela FC.
Striker Joseph Esso was named in a strong Accra Hearts of Oak starting lineup against Medeama SC. He lasted 90 minutes of the game. Bakai Bless Selase however was on the bench and introduced on the 72nd minute as Hearts drew 1-1. Sewornu James was also unused substitute for Hearts.
Prosper Gbeku didn’t make the Wa All Stars squad that beat Techiman Eleven Wonders.
Agbesimah Kofi was named in the starting 11 and played full match for Bechem United. Abotsi Yao was also a substitute for Bechem United in their win against WAFA.
James Akaminko started for Ash Gold and played full duration in their 1-0 loss to Berekum Chelsea.
Wahab Ahadzi was in full flight for Berekum Chelsea in their narrow 1-0 home win against Ash Gold. Wahab played 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Asiwome Joy Fumador was also named on the bench.
These are the players I kept my eyes on; help me discover other guys from the region making it big in football.
Sonrise Christian High School in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region has commissioned Ray and Cam Boatright Health Center during the 10th Graduation Ceremony of the school on May 12, 2018.
The Boatright Health Center which is a 16-bed clinic will take care of the basic health needs of the students. It has two consulting rooms, male and female wards, a laboratory, a pharmacy, records room, out patients’ department, bathroom facilities, etc.
The inside of a ward
The Director of the school, Mr. Joseph Dzamesi was hopeful that the Center will serve both the school and surrounding communities when operational. “We are currently waiting to complete the accreditation process for the clinic to become operational. When fully operational, it will serve the growing community around Sonrise Christian High School. Eventually, we hope to add a dental clinic.”
He expressed gratitude to philanthropists, Ray and Cam Boatright after who the clinic is named for their commitment and support over the years and wished that by commissioning the clinic in their honour, posterity will always remember their efforts.
“About 15 years ago, I placed a call to Ray and Cam Boatright and spoke about the need to build a Christian High School in Ho. They had been in Ghana many times and understood the challenges we had in Ghana. They had helped raise funds for Sonrise Basic School and therefore knew the challenges of fundraising and what a tough process it was going to be to raise funds for a new high school. I still remember Ray’s words, [We will try to help, so long as you are willing to go back and help get it started.]”
Sonrise is one of the leading schools in the Ho municipality and the region and outperforming 86% of high schools in Ghana. It continues to touch many lives not only academically, but also spiritually where 100s of students have come to know Christ through baptism.
According to the Mr. Dzamesi, the success of the school has become possible because of the efforts of Ray and Cam Boatright and prayed to God to grant them longevity.
Present at the commissioning were the Municipal Health Director, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Dzokoto, Board Chairperson and the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Ho Technical University among others.
The Volta Regional Netball Association has set Sunday, June 10, 2018 to begin their Sports Festival team selection with a Justifier at Adidome.
The single sex game which is among the many disciplines to be competed for, at this year’s event in Cape Coast will have their Southern zone justifier at Adidome SHS (ADISEC) Netball Court at 11am. School teams as well as Community teams from Adidome, Anloga, Akatsi, Sogakope, Battor, Mefe, Mafi, Tefle and its vicinities are all invited to justify their inclusion for the trip to Cape Coast in July as the Association hopes to raise a strong team which is capable of a medal.
Similar exercise is expected to be done in the northern part of the region, at a yet to be named venue and date, which will expect to have players from Hohoe, Kpando, Jasikan, Nkwanta, Dambia among others showcasing their skills and tenacity. The central zone, Ho and its environs will be the last venue to be visited to finalize on the selection process.
Speaking to TalksenseSports, the Regional Coordinator, Selorm Dusu, said they are sure of bringing back glory should their players cooperate and listen to instruction.
“The way I have seen the SHS games and the College games, I believe when we get the players and train them and they also commit themselves, we will be able to go and win something and come back.”
Information on the Justification has been sent to all Physical Education teachers of the various schools and colleges in the region awaiting positive response and turn out at all venues.
Netball which wasn’t fully included in last year’s event at Kumasi leading to low number of regions participating, has got a full nod for this year’s festival slated for July 29 to August 9.
Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Netball Association with interim executives inaugurated last month, are keen on working assiduously to raise the standard of the game in the region.
The excitements, pleasure and sorrow in the National Division One Zone 3 continued unabated across all league centers over the weekend as the quest for premiership status continues.
A total of 8 goals were recorded across all league centers with 4 home wins,1 away win and 3 draws.
At Tema, Accra Lions came back to winning ways as new signing Patrick Osei netted the only goal of the game. The 81st minute sublime strike was all they needed to deepen the relegation woes of Okyeman Planners. The win takes Accra Lions to 5th on the league log with 19 points while Okyeman Planners retain their second from bottom status with 10 points.
Kporvi Wisdom has managed to save the sinking image of home team Agbozume Weavers when they faced off visiting Danbort FC at the Agbozume Somey Park. Danbort under coach Laryea Kingston took the lead before Weavers drew parity. Danbort has won two previous matches putting them 11th on the log sheet with 15 points while Agbozume Weavers are currently bottom with 9 points from 13 league matches. The game ended 1-1.
In Akosombo, it was another sweet victory for league debutants Krystal Palace as they pimp Accra Great Olympics 2-0 to brighten their chances of survival. This was the second victory on a roll for Palace after edging past planners 2-1 in their previous fixture. For Great Olympics, this result goes a long way to suppressing their chances of making a premier league quick return. Oly have failed to win 7 of their previous matches and now places inside the relegation zone with 12 points at 14th position. Meanwhile Palace are placed 8th with 18 points.
Amidaus Professionals continue a fine home form with a gunge 1-0 win over 4th place Kotoku Royals. The result at the Tema Sports Stadium cancelled the 3-match consecutive win for the Oda lads as striker Richard Dzikoe was kept silent throughout the game. The victory for the home team takes them 12th on the log table with 14 points while Kotoku still maintain their 4th place with 23 points.
The MATS Park became a fortress for Mighty Jets in their latest attempt to fall Accra Young Wise. The Jets put a goal pass their visitors as they tried to wrestle their season back to good ways. The result means they are 4 points away from the drop zone and will seek to escape with more wining feats. Meanwhile, Accra Young Wise places 5th with 19 points on the table.
The Legon Park witnessed a barren game between home team Nania FC and regional brothers Sporting Mirren. Nania are just a point away from the relegation zone and are now in dire need of points if there are to survive the league. They place 13th with 13 points while sporting Mirren comes 7th with 18 points.
The Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence saw a top of the table clash between Uncle T FC and visiting Kpando Hearts of Lions. Lions needing a win to climb to the top of the table and did everything there is to be done to record a 2-0 away win. Gordon Akaminko scored the opener in the 24th minute before Jones Owusu rounded it up. Lions now have 29 points at the summit of the table whiles Uncle T has 27 at the second spot.
Amahia Park saw Vision FC unable to pick the 3 maximum points away from premier league returnees Tema Youth. The game not devoid of fun and controversy ended 0-0 between both sides. Vision FC maintains 3rd spot with 24 points while Tema Youth places 6th with 19 points.
Matches continue this midweek (Wednesday) at various league centers:
Some 36,081 candidates are writing this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across in the Volta region.
The candidates comprising, 19,154 boys and 16,922 girls from 1,312 public and private basic schools in the region are sitting the West African Examination Council’s (WAEC) organized examination in 128 exams centres.
Voltaonlinegh.com checks at some of the centres across the region on Monday indicated that, the weeklong examination took off smoothly with minimal hitches.
There were reports of absenteeism in some centres, including those in the Krachi Nuchumuru district, where ten candidates out of a little over one thousand were absent as of the start of the exams. Some of the candidates were also said to have traveled on boats to participate in the nationwide exams.
One of the absentees was said to be among the casualties of last week’s boat accident on the Volta Lake around Krachi.
Also at the Mawuli School centres in Ho, four candidates, made up of two boys and two girls were absent out of a total of 745 candidates.
Exams officials at the centre, explained that, one the absentees dropped out of school long before the commencement of the exams, whereas, e another was said to have travelled to Nigeria.
Two visually impaired students are also sitting the exams at the Mawuli and Kabore school centres respectively.
Dr. Letsa at one of the centres
Meanwhile, Dr. Archibald Letsa the Volta Regional Minister, have admonished the candidates against cheating during the exams.
During a tour of some centres with official of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Letsa told the candidates to write the papers with confidence and excel in order to enjoy the free senior High school programme of the government.
“You’re going to be the second batch of the free SHS policy and I want to you to write these exams in confidence, because you don’t have to worry about fees when you pass and qualify for SHS,” he stated.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold Public Hearing beginning Monday, June 4 to Friday, 8th June, 2018 in four municipal and district assemblies in the Keta Delta Block.
The 5-day Public Hearing which is in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Regulations 1991, LI 1652 (Regulation 17) will elicit concerns and expectations from citizens of Ketu South, Keta, South Tongu, all in the Volta Region, and Ada East District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region on the proposed onshore oil exploration.
The Hearing will be held at the respective district assembly halls except for Ada East (at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Ada-Foah) from 9:00am each day. A final session will be organised for civil society organisations, media, society groups, NGOs and the general public at Keta ICT Centre.
The basin stretching five constituencies was awarded to an oil firm, Swiss African Oil Company in 2016, to carry out onshore exploration for the hydrocarbon, which is believed to be in large deposit in the area.
The Keta Basin
But even before the company commences exploration, there had been concerns from a section of the Ghanaian public warning that such a venture could endanger the environment and lives of the inhabitants as the exploration would be done on land unlike the offshore.
Recently, a group, Keta Municipal Vegetable Farmers and Marketers Association took to the streets of Anloga in the Municipality to oppose the use of the 3,000-square- kilometer-basin for the planned onshore exploration activities which they feared would be unfavourable to them.
With inscriptions such as ‘Keta Basin was designed by God for Shrimp farming,’ ‘Oil Exploration will destroy our fragile ecosystem,’ No Niger Delta Militancy in Anloland,’ among others, they sought to relate the yet-to-happen Keta Delta to Nigeria’s Niger Delta situation where crude oil exploration and drilling activities by Shell company adversely affected the inhabitants.
Meanwhile, PenPlusBytes, an NGO that has done extensive media training in oil and gas in collaboration with voltaonlinegh.com will provide digital coverage of the hearing. The general public are encouraged to follow Facebook and twitter handles @penplusbytes @oilgasghana @voltaonlinegh with the hashtag, #ketaoil to contribute to the discussions.
