Bishop Fianu Launches Jubilee Year with a Call to Unity & Family Values

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December 29, 2024

BY: Daniel Orlando | VoltaOnline

Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu S.V.D., Catholic Bishop of Ho Diocese and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishop’s Conference, has officially launched the Jubilee Year-2025 in the diocese, marking a moment of renewal, mercy, and solidarity within the Church.

In a solemn celebration at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Ho Bankoe, on Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Bishop symbolically opened the Holy Door to the cathedral, where the faithful gathered to reflect on the theme of hope and its transformative power in Christian life. This was guided by Pope Francis’ proclamation that “Hope does not disappoint.”

The Jubilee Year, celebrated every 25 years by the universal church, serves as a sacred time for reflection, renewal, and solidarity. The theme of the 2025 Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” calls Christians to embrace hope as a guiding light in their spiritual journey.

Delivering the homily, Bishop Fianu drew inspiration from the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. He highlighted the Gospel account of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). The narrative offers profound lessons on family life, responsibility, and the divine purpose inherent in every family.

Bishop Fianu noted that the story of Jesus in the Temple underscores the unity of the Holy Family. This serves as a model for Christian families. Despite Jesus’ divine origin and wisdom, which amazed the teachers of the law, He remained obedient to His earthly parents. This act of submission underscores the unity of the Holy Family.

He emphasized the sacred responsibility of parents as custodians of the children entrusted to them by God. Parents are called to protect their children, nurture their faith, and guide them towards a life rooted in the knowledge and service of God. Likewise, children are reminded of their duty to honor and obey their parents, as this is pleasing to the Lord and leads to blessings in life.

“As we reflect on the theme of the Jubilee Year, I invite all families to emulate the virtues of the Holy Family. Foster harmony, love, and mutual respect, and be witnesses to the values of Christian family life in the example of the Holy Family,” Bishop Fianu said.

The Bishop further stated that as the Diocese embarks on this Jubilee Year, it is a time to renew faith, strengthen family bonds, and deepen collective hope in Christ, the door of salvation. He called on all Christians to participate actively in the Jubilee celebrations, uniting in prayer, acts of mercy, and a renewed commitment to the Church’s mission of proclaiming Christ as “our hope” to the world.

During the Jubilee Year, Catholics are encouraged to meditate on God’s love, mercy, and kindness, extending these virtues to strangers, widows, orphans, the sick, and the oppressed. The year-long celebration will culminate with the closing of the Holy Door on January 6, 2026, symbolizing the Church’s mission to carry the fruits of this spiritual encounter into the world for the next 25 years.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

MTN Ghana Foundation Presents Hampers to Christmas Day Babies in Volta

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Volta Online

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December 27, 2024

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

The MTN Ghana Foundation has on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024 presented hampers to newly born babies, delivered on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, in the Volta Region.

The package included baby oil, diapers, wipes, soap, towels, wrappers, toys, and baby clothing.

The donation took place in five hospitals in the region, including the Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho Municipal Hospital, Ho Polyclinic, Royal Hospital, and Adidome Government Hospital in the Central Tongu District.

According to hospital records, the Ho Teaching Hospital recorded four new babies (one male, three females), while the Ho Municipal Hospital recorded eight (three males, five females). The Ho Polyclinic had two births ( a male and a female) and Royal Hospital also recorded three births (a male and two females).

Fifteen hampers were also presented to new mothers the Adidome Government Hospital, including those gave birth before Christmas.

Speaking to the media, Volta Regional Lead-MTN Ghana, Mr. Mawuli Katahena, reiterated the importance of showing love during festive seasons, especially to babies and their mothers. He stated that giving a warm welcome to babies and their mothers provides hope, inspiration, and a sense of love.

“As a corporate organization, MTN Ghana Foundation is interested in the joy of babies and their mothers. We set aside funds annually for this project, which we’ve been doing since 2011. We believe that putting smiles on the faces of babies and their mothers is essential,” Mr. Katahena explained.

He added that the donation was done across the other 15 regions in Ghana, targeting 600 mothers nationwide.

Mr. Katahena also mentioned the upcoming expansion of the Accident & Emergency Unit of the Ho Teaching Hospital, which aims to reduce congestion and improve healthcare delivery with modern technologies.

The mothers who received the donations expressed joy and gratitude, while the management of the beneficiary hospitals thanked MTN Ghana Foundation for the show of love.

Source: Kingsley Attitsogbui

Former MP for Hohoe Dead

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Volta Online

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December 25, 2024

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

A former Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Dr. Bernice Adiku-Heloo, has reportedly passed away on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

According to information gathered by VoltaOnline, the former legislator passed away at the Police Hospital in Accra after a brief illness.

Born on September 24, 1954, she served as MP from January 7, 2013, to January 6, 2021. She also served as Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology from 2013 to 2017, under the John Mahama-led NDC Administration.

The late Dr. Adiku-Heloo was a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, and founded Prolink, an NGO focused on promoting rural development and women’s rights.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Heavy Traffic Hits Ho Central Market on Christmas Eve

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Volta Online

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December 24, 2024

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BY: Lambert Coffie|VoltaOnline

The Christmas Eve market day in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital, saw a surge in vehicular and human traffic around Central Market as last-minute shoppers flooded the area.

With Christmas festivities less than 24hrs away, throngs of people descended upon the market to complete their holiday shopping.

A tour of the market by VoltaOnline on Tuesday, December 24, revealed a bustling atmosphere, with traders and patrons engaging in brisk business. While some traders reported booming sales, others expressed concerns about the challenging economic climate.

“There are a lot of people trooping the market, but not everyone is buying,” a food stuff vendor lamented, highlighting the difficulties faced by traders despite the crowds.

Despite the economic difficulties, shops selling children’s clothing, drinks, frozen foods, and other essentials attracted large crowds.

The increased foot traffic and vehicle movement led to congestion, causing slow-moving traffic in the area.

At the main lorry station, vehicles moved in and out of the park, while passengers waited in queues to board vehicles to their destinations. Some of them who spoke with BB VoltaOnline were hopeful of getting to their destinations by close of day.

The scene at the station and market reflected the excitement and urgency of the holiday season.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

MP-Elect for Ho Central Holds Thanksgiving Service

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Volta Online

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December 22, 2024

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

Mr. Richmond Edem Kpotosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament-Elect for Ho Central, held a thanksgiving Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sokode-Gborgame on Sunday.

The service, attended by party supporters and executives led by Constituency Vice Chairman Mr. Mawunyo Agbe and former MP Capt. (Rtd) George Nfodjo, was an opportunity for Mr. Kpotosu to express gratitude to God for his mercies and protection during the election period.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Akpalu, the Parish Priest, praised Kpotosu’s faith and hard work, encouraging him to uphold his Catholic values in his work as MP. He emphasized the importance of putting the people first and being open to diverse opinions and advice.

Fr. Akpalu also proclaimed blessings on the MP-elect and called for support from all for his leadership.

On his part, Mr. Kpotosu assured constituents that he would work tirelessly with President-elect John Mahama to deliver on his promises and provide inclusive leadership. He noted that the incoming NDC government would cater to the needs of all Ghanaians, not just a select few.

The MP-elect also sought prayers and support from his constituents for the new government to pursue its agenda to “reset the country for the benefit of all.”

Mr. Kpotosu, an educationist, is succeeding incumbent MP Mr. Benjamin Kpodo, who is ending his third term on January 6, 2025.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho Teaching Hospital Expands Services with New Facilities

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Volta Online

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December 19, 2024

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

The Ho Teaching Hospital has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing healthcare delivery in the Volta Region, with the inauguration of five new facilities.

The new facilities, which include a Family Health Centre, CT Scan, two additional consulting rooms for psychological unit, a pharmacy complex, and a 20-bed hospital annex, are poised to address the ever-increasing healthcare needs of the region.

According to Dr. John Tampuori, CEO of the Ho Teaching Hospital, the new facilities are a testament to the hospital’s growth trajectory since its conversion from a regional to a teaching hospital. Dr. Tampuori highlighted the introduction of key services aimed at catering to the growing clientele, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to providing innovative tertiary healthcare, medical education, and research.

He added that, the onboarding of the new facilities would propel the Ho Teaching Hospital advance its critical role in training future healthcare professionals, conducting research, and providing specialized care to patients.

The new 20-bed annex, located along the Ho-Kpetoe road, features an intensive care unit, male and female wards, pharmacy, theatre, decontamination and recovery units, triage, and X-ray department.

Dr. Sodoke Amuzu, a member of the Hospital board, outlined the interventions made to position the hospital competitively alongside older hospitals, noting that, the expansion would significantly enhance service delivery and quality.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, emphasized the significance of the new facilities, noting that they would not only address regional healthcare challenges but also attract international patients seeking specialized care.

The event held on December 4, 2024 was chaired by Togbe Kasa III, Chief of Ho Ahoe and graced by key stakeholders including the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta Residents Back Call for Removal of Immigration Checkpoints on Accra Road

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Volta Online

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December 17, 2024

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BY: Daniel Orlando| VoltaOnline

Some residents of the Volta Region have expressed their support for the Volta Region House of Chiefs’ (VRHC) call to remove inland immigration checkpoints on the Accra road.

The checkpoints, located at Asikuma, Sogakope, and a police barrier at Juapong, have been accused of harassing and humiliating travelers.

Residents have complained of tribal profiling and discrimination by immigration officers, citing instances where they were ordered to disembark buses and walk to designated points or held hostage until they proved their Ghanaian identity, often by being asked to speak Twi.

However speaking on the issue during a recent meeting of the House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the VRHC, said that the checkpoints serve no meaningful purpose and should be dismantled, emphasizing that immigration checkpoints should only be located at the country’s entry and exit points, not inland.

He noted that concerns about secessionist activities, which initially justified the posts, are no longer valid since such activities have ceased.

Three members of the VRHC– Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui, Togbe Nakakpo Dugbaza VII, and Togbe Drake Tsigbe IV – are reported to have personally experienced harassment at these posts and raised their grievances with the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs earlier in 2024.

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV is therefore urging the government to remove the checkpoints immediately to allow for unhindered travel within the Volta Region. Residents, who are fed up with the harassment, are hopeful that the government will heed the call and remove the checkpoints.

Asogli State Council Congratulates John Mahama on Decisive Election Victory

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Volta Online

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December 16, 2024

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BY: Daniel Orlando | VoltaOnline

The Asogli State Council has extended warm congratulations to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his remarkable victory in the just-concluded national elections.

The Council described the margin of his win as a clear reflection of the trust and confidence Ghanaians have in his leadership and vision for the country.

In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Stephen Tetteh, the Asogli State Council acknowledged the significant responsibility placed on President-elect John Mahama by the electorate.

“The people of Ghana have spoken resoundingly against dishonesty, lawlessness, injustice, divisiveness, arrogance, corruption, economic mismanagement, joblessness, and the destruction of our lands and rivers.”

The statement further noted that Ghanaians have entrusted him with the mandate to lead a united nation toward prosperity. The Council expressed optimism in Mahama’s ability to lead with integrity and to prioritize the interests of all citizens, regardless of political, ethnic, or regional affiliations.

The Asogli State advised John Mahama to ensure that his policies, conduct, and decisions will be guided by the principles of inclusivity, equity, and justice. “Being a leader of all does not preclude holding people accountable, nor does it exclude recovering stolen state assets and funds.”

The Council emphasized the importance of addressing the pressing needs of the people, including equitable economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. It pledged its support for initiatives that promote peace and development and bring renewed hope to the citizenry.

“As you prepare to assume your new responsibilities, we pledge our support and partnership in all initiatives that promote peace and development. May your tenure be marked by wisdom, humility, honesty, and the courage to take bold decisions that will leave a lasting legacy for our nation.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Bishop Fianu Condemns Post-Election Violence & Attack on Indian Priests at Nkwanta

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Volta Online

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December 15, 2024

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BY: Lambert Coffie| VoltaOnline

Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, the Catholic Bishop of Ho and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, has strongly condemned the recent assault of three Indian Catholic Missionaries at Nkwanta.

The three were wrongly accused of stealing a government road construction machine, which they had duly hired for a project in the area.

Speaking at the diocese’s 2024 End-of-Year Grotto pilgrimage at Kpando-Agbenorxoe on Sunday, December 15, Bishop Fianu described the incident as unfortunate and called on law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Bishop, who is also a member of the National Peace Council, further expressed concern over post-election disturbances in parts of the country. He urged citizens to denounce violence and work towards creating a culture of tolerance and respect.

Although the electioneering process was generally peaceful, Bishop Fianu noted that the subsequent disturbances were a cause for concern.

He called on stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organizations, and security agencies, to collaborate in addressing the underlying issues driving the violence.

Meanwhile, the Bishop has congratulated the winners of the election, especially those of the Catholic faith, encouraging them to uphold the church’s values in their leadership roles, including promoting justice, compassion, and service to others.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nkwanta: Catholic Missionaries Brutally Assaulted Over Suspicion of Stolen ‘DRIP’ Equipment

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Volta Online

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December 12, 2024

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

A disturbing incident of assault has hit the community of Nkwanta in the Oti Region, where three Indian Catholic priests were brutally assaulted by some residents on Wednesday, December 11.

The attack, according to information gathered by VoltaOnline, occurred while the priests were escorting a ‘DRIP’ equipment they had hired from the Nkwanta Municipal Assembly for a project.

Reports suggest the attackers, suspected to be supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), carried out the assault on suspicion that the equipment was being stolen. ‘The missionaries were beaten mercilessly without being given a chance to explain,’ a resident told VoltaOnline.

However, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kofi Nsiah, Vicar-General of the Jasikan Catholic Diocese, in whose jurisdiction the missionaries operate, confirmed in a circular that the equipment was duly hired for GHc9,700.00. ‘The priests were being accompanied by the Nkwanta South Municipal Engineer and Municipal Town Planning Officer, who were also beaten by the thugs.’

He however noted that the victims were currently receiving treatment at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Nkwanta, while the police investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the Youth Council of the Jasikan Catholic Diocese has strongly condemned the incident, calling for swift action from authorities to bring the perpetrators to book. The council has urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that justice is served.

This incident follows reports of ‘vigilante’ actions by NDC supporters, following the party’s recent election victory, to protect state assets from alleged theft by outgoing NPP officials.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com