Zoomlion equips Volta MMDAs

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March 30, 2016

The new fleets

Zoomlion Volta, a subsidiary of indigenous waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd has presented new fleet of trucks and equipment to 20 Municipal and district assemblies in the region.

The equipment consisting of 20 trucks, 104 motor tricycles and 90 communal waste containers, is augment the ones already being used by the assemblies to effectively manage waste in their jurisdictions.

Speaking after a brief handing over ceremony in Ho last Wednesday , Mr. Evans Ewudzie Arthur, General manager of Zoomlion Volta said the retooling is part of an existing waste management arrangement between the company and the assemblies. He said though, each of the 25 assemblies in the region presently has 2 trucks and 11 communal containers in addition to tricycles, some of the equipment are aging, hence the new ones.

Motor tricycle

“We already have an arrangement with all the assemblies when it comes to management of waste their areas. Based on that, we provide them with equipment and other waste management services. But we have realized that, the trucks and other equipment in use now have reach their 5 years life span and there is the need to replace them,” he stated.

Mr. Arthur also noted that, the remaining five district assemblies will receive their equipment from a consignment that the company is expected to take delivery of.

Mr. Ganyaglo inspecting the equipment

The Deputy Volta regional minister, Mr. Francis Ganyaglo who received the equipment on behalf of the beneficiary districts, lauded Zoomlion for its support towards good environmental sanitation management in the region. He called for the sustenance of the government’s national sanitation day initiative in order rid the country of sanitation related diseases.

The deputy minister also urged the assemblies to put in place a comprehensive plan to maintain the equipment.

Source: voltaonlinegh/LA

Torrential rain causes flooding in Ho (Photos)

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 29, 2016

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A flooded home at Poly

A heavy downpour in the Ho, Monday afternoon has left parts of the regional capital flooded, with dozens of shops and homes inundated with flood waters.

The rain which started at about 5:00 PM and lasted for almost an hour, left major storm drains and culverts overflowing with running waters.

This, also resulted in the flooding of sections of some roads within the capital, such as the Dome-Barracks, YMCA-Civic Centre-Asanyame, OLA-Market and Poly roads among others.

Shops and homes along these stretches at Bankoe, Anlokordzi, Poly, Dome and other places also had their fair share of the flood.

Barracks road

A visit to some of the suburbs after the downpour, saw affected residents scooping water and sand debris out of their shops and homes.

“These flood is more than what we experienced last year,” an affected hairdresser on the Poly road, exclaimed.

A lot of debris have also piled up at mouth of some culverts, with some scattered on the street at the time of this report. No casualty was however reported.

debris inside the Civic centre bridge

Asogli State palace road

over flooded culvert on the Poly road

Source: Voltaonlinegh/LA

High court orders arrest of Water Resources Minister (Details)

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 28, 2016

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Dr. Agyemang-Mensah

The Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr. Kweku Agyemang-Mesah has found himself on the wrong side of the law, as the High court in Ho has issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The court issued the warrant after the minister failed to appear before it on several occasions to answer to contempt charges brought against him and two other directors of ministry over destructions caused to some communities in the Keta municipality as a result of the Ada sea defense project.

Two persons, Marshall Koblah Fenu and Zikpuitor Benjamin Atsu Fenu in early 2015, filed a writ in court seeking an interlocutory injunction on the Ada sea defense project being undertaken by Dredging International Company from Netherlands, due to its adverse impact on the Gamenu, Fuveme and Kporkopor-Kedzi communities along the estuary.

They also asked the court to order the ministry and the contractor to take immediate remedial steps to safeguard the communities. An order the court presided over by his Lordship Patrick Bayerh granted, giving the ministry 40 days to carry out the remedy. This was however not heeded to by the ministry, prompting the plaintiffs to return to court with contempt charges against the minister, the chief director and the director of hydrological service.

However, since the start of the contempt hearing in December 2015, the minister Dr. Agyemang-Mensah has never appeared in court, though the chief director, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu and director of hydrological services, Mr Owusu Ansah were present on most occasions.

The conduct of the minister, according to court sources infuriated the presiding judge during the last two hearings, hence the decision to issue a bench warrant for the minister’s arrest at the last adjourn date of Wednesday, March 23, 2016. The judge accordingly directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest and bring before the court, the Water resources, works and housing minister on April 15, 2016, when the court is likely to rule on the contempt case.

In an exclusive interview with Volta online, one of the plaintiffs who is also the counsel on the case, Marshall Fenu said, they resorted to the court after the ministry and the Attorney General failed to act to several correspondents sent to them about the devastative effect of the project on the other communities in the Keta municipality.

He said for almost 9 months after the court gave the initial order to the ministry to take remedial action to safeguard the affected communities, no one from the ministry visited the areas to assess the situation.

The communities have been on the receiving end of the devastating tidal attacks in recent time, which has caused damage to homes, schools and farmlands.

Source: Voltaonlinegh/Lambert A. Coffie

Exclusive Audio: President Mahama’s 2016 Easter Message

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 27, 2016

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President Mahama exchanging pleasantries with chiefs at the durbar

President John Mahama has urged Ghanaians not to only dwell on the failures of the country Ghana but also celebrate her successes.

According to him, Ghana has chalked a lot of successes ahead of her peers in the West African sub region since independence, which we most often take for granted.

Delivering his 2016 Easter message at Sokpoe in the South Tongu district of the Volta on Saturday, President Mahama said just as the lessons of Easter remind us of adversity and opportunity, so is the story of Ghana.

“Easter teaches us life is not one long smooth journey of opportunity alone. As a nation, 59 years of independence, we have gone through adversity but we have also had our moment of opportunity. And so what makes the difference between success and failure is that we don’t lament on our moments of adversity but we recognize our moment of opportunity and take advantage of it,” President Mahama stated at the 32nd annual Tortsogbe (River crossing) festival celebrations by the Chiefs and people of Sokpoe, a community along the western bank of the Volta river.

He further noted that “we all want to go to heaven, but we cannot walk straight into heaven like this. You have to die first before you resurrect in heaven. So you must necessarily go through adversity in order to that you can have opportunity.”

He therefore believe, it is only when citizens appreciate and boast of the country’s successes that, others will be motivated to work hard to make Ghana a better place. Play attach audio and listen to full message.

Source: Voltaonlinegh/LA

President Mahama toured eastern corridor road project

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 25, 2016

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President Mahama receiving briefing on the progress of work

President John Mahama on Thursday , inspected progress of work on the eastern corridor road project in the volta region.

The road which starts from the Asikuma junction, through Peki, Have, Hohoe to Nkwanta in the region, was started under the President Mills in 2012, with work moving at a snail pace due to lack of funds.

However, work is currently progressing steadily on the Asikuma junction towards Kpeve, following the release of funds by government. The contractor, Green House developers International has already asphalted 20km of the stretch between Asikuma junction to Peki-Agbate.

Addressing separate durbars at Todome and Ve-aGolokwati in the South Dayi and Afadjato south districts respectively, President Mahama reiterated his government’s commitment towards the completion of the project, which he said holds a lot of economic prospects for citizens along the corridor.

Section of the road under construction

He said Rolider construction Ltd has begun work on Hohoe-Pepesu section of the road, which is being funded under the Cocoa roads projects, while GS International has take Have-Hohoe section. The president also noted that, work has been completed on the Pepesu-Nkwanta section as well, as work on the northern and Upper East regions sections have also been awarded.

“A lot of food stuff comes through this corridor to our cities and towns, so we know how important this road is and I want to assure your that, we will ensure its speedy completion.”

President Mahama also described as false, claims by some people that, his government has neglected the region, which the political world bank of the governing NDC. According to him, his government has deliver substantial number of projects in the region across the various sectors.

The President seated with Todome chiefs

“When somebody comes and tells you that government has abandoned Volta region, it’s an absolute falsehood.This is one region I have visited more than any other region in this country. And when I come, I come to inspect projects, cut sod and commission projects. And so a lot of development is taking place in this region. I can assure you that the NDC government will never take your support for granted. We appreciate that this is our World Bank, it is our IMF and we will never take your support for granted,” the President stated.

Community durbar at Todome

The President who was accompanied by the Ministers of communication, Interior, roads and highways as well the volta regional minister, Helen Ntoso, her Deputy Francis Ganyaglo and top party functionaries, received a rousing welcome from the some residents and party supporters in the communities visited.

President Mahama receiving cheers from school pupils

Fidelity bank held 5th draw of ‘Save for gold’ Promo in Ho

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 24, 2016

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Fidelity MD presenting a gold coin to Togbe Howusu

Seventeen customers of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited have won gold coins in the latest draw of the bank’s ongoing ‘Save for gold’ promotion held at the Volta Serene hotel in Ho.

The draw which is the fifth in the series, saw the first fifteen winners taking a gold coin each, with the 16th and 17th winners taking home two and three gold coins respectively. A gold coin is valued at about GHc 2000.

Two customers with the Ho post branch, Togbe Howusu, chief of Ho Dome and one Divine Jacobs also won a gold coin each in a special draw held for patrons at the event on Wednesday night. Madam Magaret Nutsugah, was also honored with a gold coin as the most loyal customer of the Ho branch.

Speaking to Volta Online, Managing director of Fidelity Bank, Alex Dodoo said the promo is aimed at encouraging the culture of saving amount Ghanaians whiles appreciating the bank’s loyal customers in the last ten years. According to him, it is only through individual savings and investments that, funds can be made available for development.

He said, the bank has so far given out 80 gold coins in the promotion and three gold bars in addition to the coins will be given during the final draw of the promotion.

hon. Ganyaglo presenting a prize to another winner

The event was attended by customers of the bank and dignitaries including the Deputy volta regional minister, Francis Ganyaglo, regional police commander, DCOP Peterkin Yentumi-Gyinae as well as Chiefs from Asogli among others.

Madam Nutsugah (R) honoured as most loyal customer

Source: Voltaonlinegh/LA

Dozens displaced by Rainstorm in Krachi-East

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 23, 2016

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One of the ripped of buildings

A rainstorm which hit Dormabin, a community in the Krachi East district has ripped off at least 20 houses, on Tuesday night. The storm is said to have also broke an electricity transmission pole in the area.

The disaster, according to the Assemblyman for the area, Cornelius Kofi Ampeh has rendered over one hundred person homeless, with properties worth thousands of cedis destroyed.

He said “ most of the people have their buildings and other belongings destroyed. As we speak now, even food for them to eat is a problem, not to talk of where they will lay their heads.”

The victims, the assemblyman noted are putting up with other relatives, as they await relief items from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).

Some residents re-roofing their houses

the broken Electric pole

Source: Voltaonlinegh/LA

William Seddoh confirmed new DCE for Biakoye district

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 23, 2016

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Mr, Seddoh (R) taking his oath

The Biakoye district Assembly has finally gotten a new Chief Executive, 10 months after the demised of the former DCE Nana Louis Akattah.

Assembly members at an emergency meeting on Tuesday confirmed Mr. William Seddoh, a 47 year old staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) as the new District Chief Executive for the area.

President Mahama earlier this month in accordance with article 243(1) of the 1992 constitution and section 20(1) of the Local Government Act, Act 46, Mr. Seddoh for the position after an earlier nominee, Casmir Rockson Addo-Mensah failed to get the nod of assembly members three months ago.

The new DCE however secured 36 out of 43 votes to get the nod from the assembly members to replace late Nana Louis Akattah who died in May 2015 after a short illness.

In an interview with VoltaOnline after his confirmation , Mr. Seddoh pledged his commitment towards restoring absolute peace between the people of Nkonya and Alavanyo, to ensure rapid development of the district.

“My first assignment is to unite the people of Biakoye and with regards to the Nkonya-Alavanyo conflict, so far the two areas are relatively calm and the people are no longer fighting. Just last week, the road between Nkonya and Alavanyo was opened and citizens of both towns have been visiting one another. We need to sustain this effort and ensure regular sensitization and interactions, so that we completely bring this conflict to an end.”

Deputy Regional minister (R) congratulating the new DCE

The deputy Volta regional Minister, Francis Ganyaglo who was present at the meeting called for maximum cooperation between the new DCE and various stakeholders to speed up development in the area. He also tasked the assembly management to fast track processes of constructing an office complex for the assembly.

The paramount chief of Nkonya Wurapom, Nanai Attieku urged the new DCE to run an open door policy and consult all stakeholders in the discharge of his duties. He also pledged the support of Chiefs in the area towards the developmental agenda of the assembly.

Source: Voltaonligh/LA

Rolider hands over Ho-Fume road

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 18, 2016

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Dzolokpuita section of Ho-Fume road

Contractors of the Ho-Fume road, Rolider Ltd has handed over the 17.4km highway to government after almost 5 years of construction.

The road which starts from the foot of the Galenkui mountain near Ho, traverses through the Weto hills and the Avatime mountain to Fume. This connects the regional capital, Ho to Hohoe and Kpando through, Taviefe, Dzolokpuita, Avatime-Vane and Fume.

Briefing the deputy Volta regional minister, Francis Ganyaglo and officials of the Ghana Highways Authority at a short handing over ceremony on Thursday, Mr Anthony Lansana, Project Manager of Rolider Limited attributed the 3 years delay in the completion of the road to changes in the original design resulting from the mountainous nature of the area as well as delays in mobilization.

He explained the estimated GHc 45million project was divided into two lots, with lot one being the 10.4km Ho-Teviefe section and 7 km Vane- Fume section for effective and easy execution.

Mr. Lansana also noted that, the road has opened up the Ho West district and the Avatime area in particular, for commercial and Eco-tourism activities.

Mr Charles Baah, resident Engineer at the Ghana Highways Authority said enough road safety furniture, such as New Jersey Barriers, Road Signs and Markings as well as speed calming measures have put in place to enhance the safety of motorists on the road.

The project Manager of Rolider conducting the Deputy minister on the road

He therefore advised motorists to adhere to warnings and instructions as they maneuvre through the sharp curves and bends on the road.

The Deputy Volta Regional Minister Mr Francis Komla Ganyaglo on his part, commended Rolider constructions Ltd for job well done. He however tasked the Highways Authority to put in place a maintenance plan to ensure longevity of the road.

Mr. Ganyaglo also urged and communities along the stretch to take advantage of the road to enhance their livelihood, as the area is now a major transit point to the upper part of the region through the Hohoe-Jasikan-Kadjebi section of the Eastern Corridor roads.

Meanwhile, President Mahama is expected to officially commission the road later in the year, as the contractor, Rolider Limited begins work on the Jasikan to Pepesu section of the famous eastern corridor road.
Source: Voltaonlinegh/LA

Teenager in court for killing 19yr old Apprentice

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Kwadwo Duodu

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March 17, 2016

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The deceased

A Junior High school student has been arraigned before a Ho magistrate court in the Volta region for allegedly stabbing to death one Wisdom Amu, a 19 years old tailor-apprentice on Sunday, March 6, 2016.

The suspect (name withheld) who is in his teen ages was among three other friends who engaged the deceased in a fight around the Ho sports stadium, when he (the deceased) was returning home from the 59th Independence Day celebrations at Jubilee park in Ho.

During the scuffle however, the suspect reportedly pulled a knife and stabbed Amu on his left breast and was later pronounced dead at the regional hospital.

Confirming the incident to Voltaonline, the Ho municipal Police crime officer, ASP Adobo Apeatu said the suspect who was arrested on Monday March 7, confessed to stabbing the deceased with a nail cutter during interrogation. He was subsequently remanded into police custody by the court last Thursday and to reappear today, Thursday March 17.

ASP Apeatu however noted that, the three other suspects who were initially arrested by witnesses at the scene of the incident have been released after investigations revealed they had no hand in the crime.

Source: Voltaonlinegh/LA