Woanyah embarks on 5-day Thank You Tour

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April 28, 2018

Newly elected Volta Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Makafui Kofi Woanyah, has embarked on a five-day thank you tour to the twenty-six constituencies in the region.

His visit is to show appreciation to the delegates in the various constituencies following his landslide victory in the Regional Delegates Conference of the party held on Saturday, April 21, at Hohoe.

Mr. Woanyah has reiterated his pledge and readiness to work for the growth of NPP in the region through the provision of constituency offices and modes of transport in all 26 constituencies to facilitate party work.

“My administration would embark on building of offices in the first year and equip it with brand new pick-up to be able to link communities across the constituencies to enable maximum output.”

He made the pledge on his first day of the tour of the region. The tour which began on Thursday, April 26, had already been to Afadjato South through to Kpando, Biakoye, Krachi West and Nchumuru constituencies.

Mr. Woanyah, also the former Regional Organizer of the party, said he and his team will work to bridge the gap between the party and the government and called on all to put the last Saturday’s election behind them, forge ahead in unity in order for the party to retain power in the 2020 general elections

“Forgive me if I have wronged you in the heat of the campaign, it’s all over and we are one family. Hesitate not to call me with your suggestions and directions. I am going to be chairman for all NPP members.”

“The agenda 3/30 percent votes is on course. We shall do all we can together to increase the number of seat from one to three while ensuring that we increase our votes threshold to 30 percent,” he assured.

Krachi East Constituency Chairman, Christopher Yaw Ahenkorah (Castro) commended the Regional Chairman for the tour of the constituencies after the conference saying, it is a sign of good leadership.

“This visit is a proof of the cordial relations between your office and the constituencies. I am optimistic that you will soar higher in leadership considering the way you have begun.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman who is touring the region in the company of his campaign team, led by David Nkabonam (Regional Youth Organizer), Elikem Sewordor (Director of Operations), Innocent Papa Gobah (Media and Public Relations Officer), Prince Adjorlolo, in charge of logistics and Emmanuel Quarshie (Special Aide), is expected to end the visit on Sunday in Keta and Anlo Constituencies, his home base.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Teacher Trainees involved in Accident on Eastern Corridor Road

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Volta Online

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April 27, 2018

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TTAG AGM Amedzofe — File Photo: TTAG Volta delegates at one of their conference

Teacher Trainees from the Volta Sector of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG Volta) has been involved in a gory accident on the Eastern Corridor road.

The Accident occurred at about 8:00pm on Wednesday, April 25,2018 around Nkwanta in the Volta Region when the trainees were travelling to Pusiga in the Upper East Region to attend the 23rd Annual General Assembly of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) hosted by the Gbewaa College Of Education.

The Trainees were coming from the Amedzope E. P College of Education where they had their Sector General Assembly.

Information gathered indicated that, some six students sustained various degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

In a related development, the SRC President of Gbewaa College of Education, met his untimely death through a motor accident few weeks to the General Assembly being hosted by his College.

Credit: EducationGhana.net

Seven Injured In Accident Ho

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Volta Online

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April 27, 2018

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Some seven persons have sustained various degrees of injury in an accident that occurred on Wednesday, April 25 around Chances Hotel, Ho.

The accident happened when a taxi collided with a Kia truck fully loaded with iron rods at a crossroad on Sokode-Ho main road.

Three passengers with the driver on board the taxi with registration number: GR 370 T got severely injured. Also, the driver and two other passengers on board the truck with registration number: GR 4047-16 sustained serious injuries, particularly the driver.

voltaonlinegh.com has gathered from the scene that the truck loaded with the rod which was travelling from Wiliago Ventures, Sogakope to around Chances Hotel, Ho, had a failed break while descending from the Heavy Duty lane, some miles away from reaching its destination.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the truck reportedly gave signal, honked to the other cars trying to cross at the junction but the taxi driver (involved in the accident) ignored the truck driver.

The truck driver then lost control and veered off the road into an uncompleted gutter after colliding with the taxi.

Speaking to voltaonlinegh.com some drivers and road users who witnessed the accident were not satisfied with the response of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), complaining, the personnel were not swift at rescuing the victims.

“Even though they came, they didn’t come along with the necessary equipment to work with, that’s why they are still facing the challenges in rescuing the victims,” Emmanuel Dego lamented.

“The person’s leg is there for one hour now, if the towing car were to pull this car (the truck) his leg can be removed from there,” another driver sympathised.

“They called them, they bring their cutter e no dey work,” another eyewitness also said.

Attempts to get a reaction from GNFS on the issues proved unsuccessful, but the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident.

BY:Albert Kuzor/voltaonlinegh.com

Ghana Stands Bye after Cameroon Victory

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Volta Online

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April 27, 2018

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Ghana’s senior national men’s Cricket team stands bye on Thursday, April 26 after beating Cameroon via a Duckworth Lewis method on Wednesday at the ongoing ACA Africa T20 qualifiers in Nigeria.

Playing the 5th match of the single round robin tourney, Cameroon were all out for 54 in 15.2 overs after winning the toss. A slow downpour suspended play, resulting in the use of the DL method in determining the outcome of the match.

Ghana then scored 31runs, for no wicket in 4 overs. Kofi Bagabena and James Vifah scored 14 runs (off 17 balls), and 4 runs, (off 7 balls) respectively. Ghana therefore won by 26 runs in the first match of the day.

Ghana’s Kofi Bagabena was adjudged Man of the Match. He was superb in the bowling figures as he took 4 wickets, for 14 runs in 4 overs in addition to his batting performance.

Kofi Bagabena being adjudged Man of the Match

Mark Bawa took 3 wickets, for 29 runs in 4 overs followed by Michael Aboagye who took 2 wickets, for 3 runs, in 1.2 overs to wrap up the first innings.

The 2nd match of the day, between Gambia and Sierra Leone saw reduced overs, due to the bad weather condition. Sierra Leone, having triumphed over the Gambians, recently scored 102 runs, for 1 wicket in 10 overs and restricted the latter to 63 runs, for 7 wickets in 10 overs.

Sierra Leone won the match by 39 runs and will face Ghana on Friday, at the Tafawa Balewa Square at 1:50pm (12:50pm Ghana time).

Ghana, who just won ICC T20 qualifier A, still lead the table of the ACA Africa T20 with 6 points. They are followed by Sierra Leone, Gambia and Nigeria, who are all with 2 points each.

Thursday’s fixtures will however, see Sierra Leone against Cameroon at 9:30am, with Gambia facing host Nigeria at 1:50pm.

Ghana’s consistency in Africa calls for continuous support from the government, as Cooperate bodies like Africa World Airlines and Bethel Logistics exhibit their support for the team.

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/voltaonlinegh.com

Man Caged for Stealing Electricity Cables

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Volta Online

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April 25, 2018

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The Keta Circuit Court has sentenced one Bessa Achikpoh to six years in prison for damaging and stealing public property and issued a bench warrant for the arrest of another, Daniel Ashie.

The two have been accused of conspiring to cause unlawful damage and stealing property belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The Presiding Judge, Kwame Polley, in his judgment on February 28, 2018, sentenced Bessa Achikpoh (1st accused) to six years in prison with hard labour and issued a bench warrant for the immediate arrest of Daniel Ashie (2nd Accused) who absconded during arrest.

The 1st accused was found guilty on all three counts of conspiracy, stealing, and damage of public property and was given a six-year jail term while a bench warrant had been issued for the areest of the seconnd, now at large.

According to the prosecutor, the accused on December 24, 2014 at Tegbi in the Volta Region, stole and damaged low voltage copper conductors belonging to the ECG and went to Anloga with three pelicans stuffed with pieces of cut cables to sell.

The Official Court Records indicated that a team of personnel from the Ghana Police Service were notified by ECG at Keta that items stolen were being offered on sale to a scrap dealer at Anloga.

The Police then laid ambush and effected the arrest as the two accused arrived at the scrap dealer’s shop to weigh and sell the stolen cables. Unfortunately, the second accused got away.

The first accused initially pleaded not guilty insisting that he was only present at the dealer’s shop on the invitation of his friend, Daniel to accompany him to Anloga. He claimed no knowledge of the mission or intent of the visit, saying, when he inquired from the second accused, he was told he would get to know when at the shop

The 1st accused prior to sentencing by the court, pleaded for mitigation saying, his wife had just delivered a baby, thus, he had a responsibility towards the innocent child. He also notified the court that he was a first time offender and pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

By: Collins Anku/voltaonlinegh.com

Ankrah Honoured in Ghana’s Win Against Nigeria

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Volta Online

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April 25, 2018

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David Nii Ashong Ankrah has been honoured with a Man of the Match Accolade after his fantastic performance immensely contributed to Ghana’s win against Nigeria on Tuesday, April 24 at the Tafawa Balewa Square at the ongoing ACA T20 Africa Cup, North West Africa qualifiers.

Ankrah scored 51 runs, off 29 balls, not out and took 4 wickets for 10 runs in 3 overs in the second innings, as Ghana for the third time in a row beat Nigeria by 15 runs in the Match 4, played in the afternoon.

The host won toss and chose to field. Ghana’s innings which had a scare from the beginning had a good fight back for runs, with good partnership between James Vifah and 3rd Batsman, Simon Ateak, after Rexford Bakum got out courtesy a Golden duck for Fateogu Chibuike.

Simon, after scoring 27 runs, off 38 balls, was bowled by I. Opke on the 10.6 overs. David Ankrah, came on at number 4, creating a wonderful 67 runs partnership with James Vifah, Isaac Aboagye and finally Julius Mensah to give Ghana 151 runs, for 4 wickets.

Ghana began the second innings well, taking 2 wickets in the first 3 overs. Good bowling from Vincent Ateak, David Ankrah, James Vifah and Michael Aboagye restricted the Nigerians, with more dot balls.

However, the host became better and scored some fantastic boundaries, 4’s & 6’s to close up the runs in the last 3 overs. Their efforts brought them to a score of 131 runs, for 7 wickets.

Simon Ateak was presented with a Man of the Match accolade for Ghana’s game against Gambia on Monday.

The ACA T20 Africa table has Ghana on top with 4 points, Gambia with 2 points, and Nigeria also with 2 points. Gambia earlier in the day had an upper hand over Cameroon, winning by 75 runs. Gambia scored 140 runs for 9 wickets and restricted Cameroon to 65 runs, all out in 16.4 overs.

Ghana, with support from Africa World Airlines and Bethel Logistics seeks to continue their fine form and also to keep their dominance in Africa.

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/voltaonlinegh.com

Why Ho Should be Ghana’s MICE destination.

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Volta Online

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April 25, 2018

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The Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) industry generated $752 billion in revenue in 2016 and is projected to reach $1,245 billion by 2023[i]. Many cities across the world are strategically positioned as the MICE destination in their regions, attracting millions of business visitors each year. Seoul, South Korea, for instance, hosted 526 meetings in 2016, up from 494 in 2015 (up 4.97%) ranking number 3 MICE city in the world according to International Meetings Statistics Report released by the Union of International Associations (UIA)[ii]. Sadly, only about 2% of the global $7 trillion value of MICE industry is captured by African cities[iii]. Cape Town, Nairobi, Rabat, Cairo, Kigali are the most preferred destinations MICE in Africa.

MICE are big business and play an important role in supporting other businesses in the host city. MICE promote investment, trade, communications, and technology. It brings education and professional development to a city and creates several jobs. According to data from the Rwanda Development Board, hosting the 27th African Union Summit pumped an estimated $4.2 million into the Rwandan economy while some $2.4 million was received from the World Economic Forum[iv]. The MICE industry when developed can create the jobs much needed to deal with the growing unemployment in the country.

Accra is the host of most MICE events in Ghana. However, due to limited capacities of the major venues in Accra such as the International Conference Center; traffic congestion, high crime rate and other reasons, Accra is becoming less attractive to Global MICE events. This presents an opportunity for the country to develop other cities as alternatives to take advantage of the value of the MICE industry. Ghana can learn from South Korea that has developed ten (10) other MICE cities that offer tailored events to business travelers aside its capital, Seoul. Daejeon for instance hosts technology related MICE events while Jeju opens its doors to cultural and nature-related MICE events.

Ho, the regional capital of the Volta Region has a huge tourism and MICE potential waiting to be tapped. Nested in between Mount Adaklu and Mount Galenukui or Togo Atakora Range, bustling with cool hostels and natural destinations, Ho can best be described as the green city of Ghana. Ho offers a unique blend of business, convenience, hospitality, and leisure, suitable for a MICE destination. Here are reasons why Ho ticks every box when it comes to MICE destination in Ghana and should be developed.

A welcoming city

“Woezor” means welcome in Ewe, the local dialect in Ho. The city has everything one will need to have a productive, comfortable and awesome MICE experience. Ho has an excellent record in public safety and security. Business travelers can walk around freely at night without worrying about their safety. The quality of life is also high with a clean environment, green landscapes, unpolluted air, state-of-the health facilities and many more. Ho can boost of two four-star hotels (sky plus and Volta Serene hotel) and 8 other decent hotels that can accommodate hundreds of business travelers in the city. With a booming student population as a result of the establishment of a Health and Allied Science University in the city, several Hostel facilities are springing up that can offer additional rooms for low budget MICE events at specific times. The above notwithstanding, there are unique locations available for development into various categories of hotels to accommodate the increased inflows when Ho becomes the MICE destination in Ghana. Most importantly the people are welcoming and offer great services that can make MICE events memorable.

A convenient transport system

Ho is one of the closest regional capitals to Accra. It is just about two hours drive from the Accra Airport. With the completion of the Ho aerodrome, it will even become faster to connect to Accra.

Getting stacked in traffic and finding it difficult to find your way around a city makes it less ideal for a great MICE destination. It is very easy to move around in Ho since there is no traffic. Clean and affordable Taxis with flat rates dominate the public transport system. The internal road network is well paved while most eateries and busy areas are within walking distance.

Nature and Cultural Incentive Programs

Need to take your business team outdoors to build camaraderie? Ho offers many options. There are several open parks that can host camps, aerobic and open games. For hiking lovers, the 600m Adaklu Mountain and Kabaka hills offer an adrenalin-filled climbing experience. Also, the Amedzofe Mountain, which is only 25 minutes drive from Ho, offers another thrilling hiking experience for mountain lovers. Photography and wildlife enthusiast would find the Adaklu Mountain breathtaking at dawn and at night. Nightlife in Ho bustles with several activities in clubs, pubs and food joints. Water and boat experiences, Sogakope is only about 35 minutes drive from Ho. It offers several water-based games and fun activities including a spa on the Volta River. There is also the Volta Regional Museum in the center of Ho, which displays the rich history and culture of the people of the Volta Region.

Way Forward

Although Ho is strategically placed to become Ghana’ preferred MICE destination, deliberate efforts must be made on the part of government through the Ministry of Tourism and the local authorizes to invest and market the city. The first step is to recognize the MICE opportunity in Ho and then craft a clear strategy to exploit its potential. The Korean Government in 2009 officially identified the MICE Industry as one of the 17 New Growth Engine Industries of their economy in a bid to transition from its past of a manufacturing led growth[v]. Last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government allocated a KRW 10 billion to an aggressive “see-you-in-Seoul” plan to elevate the city’s MICE industry, which it identifies as a future core industry[vi]. The above and the remarkable story of MICE industry in Rwanda are examples of how priority and strategy at all levels is required to reap the benefits of MICE industry.

Awesome event spaces make a MICE event unforgettable. Ho has two main event spaces; the GNAT teacher’s hall and the Afeti Multipurpose Auditorium that can take about 3000 people. The limited capacity notwithstanding, Ho has vast lands available in the city for the constructions of mega multipurpose conventions and auditoriums that can host all type of global MICE events.

Ho is ready to welcome the world.

Brian Dzansi

Co-Founder of Node Hub, A digital Innovation Hub that provides inclusive innovation space, business incubation, digital skills training and co-working space for entrepreneurs in Ho

Don’t Be Scared of Science, Maths-North Dayi DCE to Pupils

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Volta Online

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April 24, 2018

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North Dayi DCE doing some inspection — North Dayi DCE Inspecting some science inventions

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of North Dayi, Edmund Atta Kudjoh who is also the Dean of DCEs in the Volta Region, has encouraged basic school pupils in his area to resist the fear for Science and Maths.

According to him, should they take their studies seriously, they will be able to compete with other pupils from privileged schools and communities.

According to him, pupils from North Dayi area “will be writing the same subjects with pupils from privileged schools from across the country and the only way they can excel is when they learn.”

DCE, Edmund Atta Kudjoh Speaking to Students

Mr. Attah said this at a Science Practical Lesson Summit held in the North Dayi District Assembly on Friday, April 20, 2018. The Summit which was organized by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in education, Pedagogy Empire Limited and sponsored by the Assembly was geared towards eradicating the phobia school children especially, girls, have towards Mathematics and Science subjects.

The summit was also to help students have practical feel of processes used in marking their examination papers in order to have the confidence to approach the examination and come out with good results.

The DCE who was the guest of honour at the event, said it was fulfilling for him to be part of the agenda to improve on the education of school children in the area.

He reiterated government’s commitment to promoting quality education in the country, citing, the introduction of the Free Senior High (SHS) policy in the 2018/2019 academic year.

He admonished the pupils to be self-disciplined and respect authority in order to come out with good grades in their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results so as to progress to SHS to benefit from the government’s flagship programme.

Mr. Attah Kudjoh also congratulated teachers for their efforts in educating their children and thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Pedagogy Empire Limited, Mr. Cephas Denutsui and the facilitators for the project.

By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com

Ghana Seals First Victory in ACA T20 Cup Qualifier

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Volta Online

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April 23, 2018

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IMG-20180423-WA0028 — Ghana Cricket Team

Ghana’s senior national male cricket team continued their winning momentum in Nigeria as they beat Gambia in the first match of the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) Africa T20 Cup North West Africa Regional qualifiers at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Monday, April 23.

Their win against Gambia becomes the third time in 10 days, as they beat the latter twice in the just ended ICC World T20 Africa qualifier A at the same venue.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa T20 champions won toss and chose to bat. A partnership between the first two batsmen, Rexford Bakum and Simon Ateak produced 125 runs, out of the total score of 163 runs for 5 wickets. Rexford scored 60 runs, off 49 balls, while Simon scored 65 runs, off 53 balls.

The Gambians broke the partnership when Rexford smashed a ball bowled by B Jaye, but was caught by M. Dumbuya on the 14.2 over. Simon stayed a little longer till the 19.4 over when he was caught behind the wicket by P. Campbull.

In the second winnings, Ghana restricted Gambia to 83 runs, all out in 18 overs. Ghana won by 80 runs. Mark Bawa took 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs; Samson Awe Awiah took 2 wickets for 9 runs in 3 overs while David Mario Periera took 2 wickets for 18 runs in 4 overs.

Meanwhile, Nigeria later in the day defeated Sierra Leone by 59 runs. The host, in the first innings scored 148 runs for 4 wickets, whereas Sierra Leone managed 89 runs, all out in 18.1 overs.

Ghana will meet Nigeria for the 3rd time but for the first time in this tournament Tuesday, April 24 at 1pm (Nigerian Time) after Gambia and Cameroon begins the day’s matches at 9am.

Ghana plays 2 more matches, against Cameroon on Wednesday and then Sierra Leone on Friday, in the single round robin tourney. Top 4 teams will qualify to the semifinals on Saturday and then winners will play the finals on Sunday.

Ghana Cricket, who have had support from Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Bethel Logistics, needs the continuous support from government in their consistent dominance in Africa.

By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/voltaonlinegh

Volta North Gets Stable Power After Months of Low Current

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Volta Online

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April 23, 2018

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Customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), in Northern Volta now have a relief from power shortages after the installation of 20MVA auto transformer at Jasikan Switching station.

The Consumers who are in more than three districts in Volta North had complained of consistent low electricity voltage which for several months affected their daily life activities and business, particularly frozen food business.

According to the ECG, the challenge arose because power supply to the Northern belt of the region is sourced from Kpando Bulk Supply Point (BSP), however the voltage of the power vastly reduces after travelling such a long distance to reach Dambai, Nkwanta, Krachi, Kpasa and Jasikan territories.

As an interim solution to boosting quality service delivery to clients up north, the company on April 10, 2018 installed the 20MVA transformer to boost the voltage levels of power supplied to the Northern area.

A press release from ECG and copied to voltaonlinegh.com said “the capacity of the installed Auto Transformer is triple the current peak electricity demand of communities in the Northern belt. Since the installation, customers in Northern Volta have enjoyed improved voltage levels and are able to power their machinery, even during peak hours.”

Some group of concern customers who made complaints on challenge has lauded the intervention after the installation and asked for regular maintenance of the Transformer to extend its working capacity.

The Volta Region General Manager of the ECG, Ing. Delali Oklu said the solution is just a temporal measure which will enable the consumers to at least overcome their complaints but promised to ensure a permanent solution to the power shortages up there.

He said, in partnership with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), an ultra-modern BSP at Kadjebi is in the process of being completed for enough power to reach the northern zone (Jasikan, Nkwanta, Dambai and beyond) permanently.

“The location of the new BSP under construction reduces the distance to the beneficiary areas and thus, also reduces some risk that affect the smooth supply of power on the network from Kpando BSP” he said.

By: Albert Kuzor /voltaonlinegh.com