More Private Hospitals Needed

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January 9, 2015

Mrs Victoria Letsa, Dr. Atsu Seake-Kwawu and Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa

The Ho Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr. Atsu Seake-Kwawu has emphasized the need for more genuine private hospitals to increase access to quality health care in Ghana.

According to him, such increase will reduce pressure on the existing inadequate government hospitals and also create jobs for the increasing unemployed youth. He was however quick to add that such facilities should go through the required procedure before starting operations.

He noted that “when we have more recognized private health facilities it will reduce the pressure on the government ones and also increase access to quality health care.”

Dr. Seake-Kwawu made the observation recently during the 20^th Anniversary celebration of the Miracle Life Hospital (MLH), a private hospital in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital. The Hospital started as a clinic in December 1994 by Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa and his wife who was by then a nurse, Victoria Letsa.

The Hospital is a subsidiary of the newly branded AVL Holdings Ghana Limited, Managers of the Stadium Gate Supermarket and the plush Sky Plus Hotel in Ho among other businesses. As part of the celebrations, free child care clinic and free health screening was conducted as well as mass National Health Insurance registration and renewal.

The Municipal Health Director commended the Hospital for being a pacesetter in the Region and stimulating healthy competition. He said that MLH serves over a 100 patients daily and hoped that the facility will expand and implement new initiatives to increase clientele.

Dr. Seake-Kwawu who recounted how his 20 year old daughter was cared for in the early stages of the hospital, urged all other health facilities in the region to emulate the excellent conduct of Miracle Life.

He warned facilities that were not recognized and those not following best practices to register appropriately or halt operations respectively before the Directorate clamps down on them.

Managing Director of MLH, Dr. Letsa mentioned inability of clients to pay their bills leading to bad debts and frustration of clients by referral centers as major challenges in the teething stages of the hospital.

He was quick to add that since the inception of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005 the situation began to improve despite the challenges being faced by the scheme. He also mentioned that the referral facilities are now receptive and more supportive.

Volta Lack Specialist Doctors

He also bemoaned the lack of specialist in the region, which he said was having a negative toll on health care delivery and the medical practice in the region. He mentioned that the region has been without an Ophthalmologist for the past five years. Other specialists lacking include, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), Internal Medicine; physician specialist among others.

He said the situation usually frustrates patients and doctors as well. He said as a general practice hospital, the existence of such specialists helps in further learning and feedback. He lamented that “After 31 years of practice I don’t expect a houseman (intern) to handle referrals, but that is our only choice for now.”

Future of Miracle Life Hospital

Dr. Letsa disclosed that MLH hopes to become a private specialist hospital that will solve the lack of specialist problem in the region. He said the hospital which currently has 46 staff including two permanent and two part-time doctors have acquired a bigger land to build a hospital with all the necessary specialized departments to meet the peculiar needs of their clients.

He said providing health care and employment to the region is the passion of Miracle Life Hospital which was adjudged the 2013, best private hospital in the region.

Confiscate Disputed Nkonya-Alavanyo Land – Police Commander

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 8, 2015

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DCOP Peterkin Yentumi Gyinae

In an attempt to end the protracted land dispute characterized by sporadic shootings and attacks between the people of Nkonya and Alavanyo in the Volta Region, the Volta Regional Police Commander has recommended the confiscation of the said land by government.

According to the Deputy Commander of Police, DCOP Peterkin Yentumi Gyinae in order for the Police and other Security agencies to fully prevent shootings and attacks “government needs to confiscate the land and turn it into a Police or Military camp;” thus a jungle training facility for the security forces.

He believes that when this is done it will make it difficult if not entirely stop assailants from hiding in the bushes to shoot, maim and murder people in cold blood as is currently the case. DCOP Gyinae made the recommendation in an interview with Daily Guide in Volta region’s Capital, Ho.

The move will also thwart the claims by residents that the combined Police and Security personnel were doing little to prevent the sporadic attacks and counter attacks and for that matter unable to secure their lives.

The Regional Commander noted that it was not prudent for security officers to secure the bushes and leave residents in the towns, because the assailants could also take advantage of that to attack in the communities. He also explained that the negligence of residents to clear bushes close to their homes also created a congenial habitat for assailants to attack.

On the contrary when the disputed area is tuned into a security camp, the whole area will be rendered a “no-go-area” hence making it difficult for assailants to inhabit the bushes. That will also complement the community security arrangement and also facilitate if not fast track the peace talks.

This recommendation comes when residents of the feuding parties are beginning to flout curfew hours and gradually losing confidence in the security operations in the area.

Although leaders of the two factions had apologized to the President and promised to assist the security agencies to weed out assailants taking advantage of the dispute to maim and in some cases murder residents, attacks and shootings continue unabated.

During the Christmas period, residents of Nkonya, one of the disputing parties led by the youth nearly embarked on a mammoth demonstration, but the timely intervention of the combined Police and Military personnel prevented the event.

The organizers refused to give details of the demonstration but hinted of a news conference to unveil the full details of their plight and reason behind the demonstration as well as other key concerns that needed urgent attention.

Despite this development, the Regional Police Commander assured the public and residents in the area that the Police and the Military were poised and prepared to ensure that lasting peace returned to the area. He urged residents in the area to ensure personal security by clearing weeds around their homes and report any suspicious persons promptly.

DCOP Peterkin Yentumi Gyinae also pleaded with the traditional leaders of the two factions to talk to their subjects to desist from the counter attacks and also expose anyone they suspected or had information of their involvement in such inhumane acts.

Source: Daily Guide

Nkonya Youth Call For Investigation of REGSEC

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 6, 2015

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Cosmos Sarpong, Spokes Person

Residents of Nkonya led by the youth of the area has carried out their promise to hold a news conference as an alternative move to a demonstration which was stopped a fortnight ago by Police and Military in the area.

The Nkonya people represent a faction in dispute with Alavanyo over a piece of land for the past 90 years. Their press conference which could be likened to mini-demonstration was attended by over 600 residents who converged at Nkonya Nchumuru for the petition to be read.

The residents represented under a group called; Coalition of Orphans, Widows and Victims of Nkonya-Alavanyo Conflict, in their petition appealed to the President to institute an investigation into the activities of the Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in relation to protracted communal conflict and the peace process.

Reading the petition, the spokesperson, Cosmos Sarpong claimed that the REGSEC since September 2013 was thwarting efforts by an NGO; Youth for Peace and Security Africa, YPS-AFRICA which started a peace building process among the people of both Nkonya and Alavanyo.

He added that some people seem to be profiteering from the conflict. There by resulting in the in the seemingly lukewarm attitude of the government in resolving the 90 year old conflict.

The group also questioned the essence of the 14 hour curfew, which they say had rather increased the spate of attacks. They said, the curfew only “exposes us to more danger, poverty, harassment and economic hardship.”

To this end they called on government to also provide better security and education by reviewing the curfew. They also reminded the President of his promise made to them on 7^thAugust, 2013 when he visited the area. According to them, their smiles, hopes and aspirations had been waned after the President’s promise turned out to be a mere rhetoric.

Failure to do the above or delay in granting their request will live them with no option than to take their security into their hands by defending themselves against the unknown gunmen. They will also go against the curfew that is sucking their livelihood from them. Finally they will also “expose all those people making money out of this conflict whiles innocent people are dying.”

REGSEC Response

But in a strong response, the Volta Regional Minister, Helen Adwoa Ntoso who is also the Chairperson of REGSEC has describes the claims as ridiculous. She noted that if the REGSEC members were profiteering why would they commit more men to the area.

“Do you know that an additional 30 Policemen have been sent to the area from Accra, Do you know how much it costs to feed and cater for the security in the area?” she quizzed.

In relation to the YPS-Africa claim, she said no NGO can be allowed to work in isolation in the Nkonya-Alavanyo conflict, except if that organization is working with the recognized Regional and National Peace Council.

On the curfew hours and security, Madam Ntoso noted that the actions of the feuding parties had to their current situation and that “peace cannot prevail until the people themselves realize that what they are doing is wrong and have to unite and jaw-jaw.”

She said “if they want the security to be in the bush, then government will look at that critically.”

She lamented how the curfew had negatively affected a road construction at Alavanyo. She commended the youth for coming out and urged them to urge their people, including their leaders to closely work with the REGSEC and the Peace Council to restore peace to the area.

MP to sponsor training program for Volta Journos

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 5, 2015

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Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah

The Member of Parliament for Ho-West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah has announced a training program for Journalists and Media Practitioners in the Volta region in order to enhance their knowledge and skills in the profession.

According to him, the media which is the fourth estate plays a pivotal role in educating and informing the citizenry, hence the need for capacity-building programs to enhance their professionalism.

Mr. Bedzrah, who was addressing journalists and media practitioners at a soiree hosted by him over the weekend, tasked the regional leadership of the Ghnana Journalists Association to come out with schedule for the training, expected to come off by the end of first quarter 2015.

He also hinted of an award scheme to honour hard working journalists and media practitioners at the next press soiree and charged practitioners to be development oriented in their reportage.

The Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Francis Ganyaglo who chaired the function, commended the media for their support to the regional administration in 2014 and urged them to do more in promoting the numerous tourism potentials of the region to the world.

He however urged local radio stations to fair and balance in their reportage, stating that citizens have the right to accurate and adequate information from the media, and entreated presenters to do in thorough research into issues before putting them into the public domain.

On his part, the Acting Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi bemoaned the proliferation of Unaccredited Media training Schools in region which are extorting monies from unsuspecting individuals and urged the security agencies to clamp them down.

He also asked owners of media houses; especially private radio stations to engage professionals to run their outfits, saying “the engagement of non-professionals in the media landscape is becoming a headache.” He further entreated media houses to adequately remunerate their staff to enable have a decent living.

Present at the ceremony were the Members of Parliament for Ho Central and Adaklu constituencies, Benjamin Kpodo and Kwame Agbodza as well as Ludwig Hlordze, immediate past National Youth Organizer of NDC, who all pledged their supports towards the training program and award scheme.

GUMP Project to transform Ho- MCE

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 2, 2015

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The Ho Municipality is set to see some major facelifts this New Year, following the commencement of some infrastructural projects in the area by government under the Ghana Urban Management Pilot Project (GUMPP).

The projects comprising the construction a modern abattoir, an engineer landfill site, and the reconstruction of the Ho Central market at a cost of 28 million Ghana cedis is scheduled for completion in November this year.

Speaking with VoltaOnline, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive Mrs. Fafa Adinyira described the projects as the ‘game changer’ for the municipality.

She explained that central market which will be transformed into a modern one will have a total of 232 shops with warehousing and ancillary facilities such as a clinic, fire and police posts.

“Time period we’ve given to the constructors is one actually year, from November, 2014 to November, 2015 the project must be completed.. So we’re going to see a new face of Ho in the market area and the other two projects, the abattoir and landfill site hopefully will also be completed.”

Responding to recent agitations over the state of roads in the regional capital, Mrs. Adinyira noted despite financial constraints the Urban Roads Department managed to work on some 9.5km roads within the regional capital.

She however said there is a lot more to be done and plead with residents to exercise restraint as the assembly continue to champion the development of the area.

Three other cities of Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi in addition to Ho are also benefitting from the GUMMP Project with a 40.5 Million Euro funding from the French Agency for Development–AFD.

The project is aimed at improving the living conditions in urban area through the provision of social infrastructure.

Deputy Min. calls for revamping of Arts and Culture in Schools

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Kwadwo Duodu

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October 11, 2014

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The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to collaborate with Ghana Education Service and the Centre for National Culture to revamp Arts and Cultural activities in the various basic and second cycle schools in the country, as a means of preserving and promoting the rich Ghanaian culture.

According to her, Arts and Culture is what distinguishes a person or a group of people from others hence the need to ensure it never goes extinct, noting that without art and culture a person or group of people has no identity and heritage.

This, she said is necessary in protecting the country’s culture heritage against western adulteration and imbibing true Ghanaian values and patriotism among the youth and generations unborn.

Speaking at the Southern Volta Regional Festival of Arts and Culture held in Akatsi last Thursday, Dzifa Gomashie who is a proud product of the Art and cultural industry, said the industry has the potential to provide sustainable jobs for the teeming youth and transform the economy of the region, thus appealed to the MMDAs to assist in its development and promotion.

She also encouraged young people to take interest in Arts and cultural activities so as to learn about the unique and diverse cultural practices in the country to help shape their lives for the better.

The event which saw colourful cultural performances by various troupes and Arts exhibition, was used to select performing groups and exhibitors to represent the Volta region in the upcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC 2014) scheduled for November 29, at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo region under theme ‘The Creative Arts and Tourism Industry, a Platform for National Development.’

Similar event was also held at Hohoe on September 17, for the districts in the northern part of the region.

The Volta Regional Minister, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso called for the proper integration of the Creative Arts sector in communities with tourism sites to promote communal growth of both sectors. She also entreated Ghanaians to patronise the numerous tourist attractions in the region to boost the growth of local economies.

Madam Ntoso also reiterated government’s commitment towards the completion of the regional office complex of the Centre for National Culture in Ho.

Alavanyo chiefs invoke deity after Soldier Assailants

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Kwadwo Duodu

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October 10, 2014

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Traditional leaders at Alavanyo in Hohoe Municipality are said to have invoked the wrath of the gods on the unknown assailants who opened fire on a military man who was on peace keeping in the area on Thursday afternoon.

The assailants were said to have escaped into a nearby bush after they shot Lance Coporal William Bedford who have gone to the bush to urinate.

According to the chiefs the rituals which was performed at the scene of the attack, will compel the assailants to own up or the wrath of the gods will be visited on them and their families.

Lance Coporal Bedford is part of a team of security personnel deployed in the area to maintain peace following sporadic communal clashes between the people of Alavanyo and Nkonya.

Though, the motive behind the attack is not yet known, Police sources said the incident has no link with the age old communal conflict but believe it may be a case of settling “personal scores”.

The victim, who is said to be in critical condition, was first rushed to the Margaret Marquart hospital in Kpando, before being transferred to the Regional Hospital in Ho.

The Volta regional minister and chairman of RESEC, Helen Ntoso who heard of the incident, rushed to the emergency ward of hospital on her way from a function in Akatsi to see the Lance Coporal, who was later transferred to the 37 Military hospital in Accra Thursday evening.

The Police has commenced investigations into the incident, which is said to be the first of its kind to occur in the area.

Alan K woos Volta NPP delegates

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Kwadwo Duodu

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October 9, 2014

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Alan Exchanging pleasantries with delegates

Mr. Alan Kwodwo Kyeremanten, one of the three contenders in the flagbearership race of the opposition New Patriotic Party NPP, has taken his campaign to the Volta region on Wednesday, promising party delegates a lot of goodies should he be given the nod at the October 18 congress to lead the NPP into election 2016.

Addressing a mini rally of party delegates in Ho, Alan Kyeremanten promised to provide bicycles and motorbikes to party officers at the ward and Polling station levels, whiles each constituency will benefit from a new party office and a pickup vehicle.

“This time, if you make Alan your flagbearer, I will ensure that every executive, from polling station to coordinator to constituency will have the means of transport either bicycle or motorbike. Your bicycle will be registered in your personal name so that even when you are not an executive you can take it home as your reward for working for the party.”

He further stated that under his leadership, all party officers at the grassroot be put monthly salaries to enable them devote their time and energy to the service of the party.

Mr. Kyeremanten also promised the disbursement of campaign funds through the mobile money service, so as to ensure effective campaigning at the grassroots.

The former trade Minister said the party risk becoming irrelevant in the country’s political arena should it stay a bit longer in opposition.

‘Politics is about power and any party that stays out of power for too becomes irrelevant,’ he said and appealed to delegates to vote for him as the party’s flag bearer, as he has the key to unlock the 2016 victory for the party.

‘If you want power, give power to Alan and power will come to the NPP in 2016’ Alan chanted.

ICU cautions Private FM stations Owners in Volta

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Kwadwo Duodu

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October 7, 2014

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Mr. Ananga, Regional ICU Officer (M)

The Volta regional branch of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has sent a word of caution to owners of private FM stations and other employers in the region to desist from the blatant flouting of the labour laws by paying their employees below the national minimum wage.

According to Mr. Samuel Ananga, the Union’s regional Officer, most of the private entities including the FM stations and schools denied their workers adequate remuneration and other service benefits, despite engaging their services beyond the statutory 8 working hours per day; in violation of the international labour Organisation’s convention on ‘equal pay for equal work.’

At a press briefing to mark the maiden edition of ‘World Precarious Day’ in Ho on Tuesday, Mr. Ananga disclosed that his outfit has in recent times received numerous complaints from such workers, who in some cases are not paid their meagre salaries for months.

The Volta region in recent years has seen the proliferation of radio stations with seven currently operating in Ho the regional capital.

Some workers of these stations, according to Mr. Ananga have also been working for years without appointment letters, a situation he said violates section 75 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) which stipulates that ‘a worker who is employed by the same employer for a continuous period of six months and more shall be treated as a permanent worker.’

He also advised desperate job seekers to insist on their rights and not allow themselves to be exploited by some unscrupulous business owners.

The ‘world Precarious day’ is marked to bring to the attention of the government, employers, civil society organizations, advocates of justice and equality, workers and the public the injustice and deprivation being meted out to casual workers.

‘Adaklu NPP falls flat for Nana Addo’

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Kwadwo Duodu

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October 6, 2014

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With less than two weeks to the October 18 delegate congress of the Opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), the party’s delegates in the Adaklu Constituency of the Volta region have acclaim the party’s two time flagbearer and third time contender, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, as the 2016 Presidential candidate.

Addressing a press conference on Monday at Adaklu-Abuadi, Raybon Evans Anyadi constituency Chairman, ‘Adaklu Constituency is the smallest in terms of numbers, so we will not allow any other candidate, be it Alan Kyeremanten or Addai Nimo to come to Adaklu and muddy the waters for us, for that matter we are declaring our total support for Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo.’

Present at a press conference were 18 out of 36 polling station executives with host of party supporters.

According to Mr. Anyadi, the overwhelming endorsement Nana Addo had during the NPP’s Special delegate congress only shows that the party’s rank and files are solidly united behind him, hence the need for him go unopposed.

He said the constituency has ‘falling flat’ for Nana, because majority of Ghanaians have accepted him as ‘the President in waiting’ and allowing other contenders to muddy the waters before coming to do damage control will be very detrimental to the 2016 campaign.

Immediate past National Deputy Women Organizer of the Party, Madam Tina Mensah asserted that Nana Addo is the ‘man of the moment, who has proven to be a man of integrity and incorruptible.’

She said the party will not trade the man who had five million votes in the last general elections for a man who cannot convince party delegates for votes but claims to have the key to victory, and called for over 90 percent vote for Nana in the upcoming congress.

A former Ho East constituency Chairman and an elder of the Party, Mr. Emil Asidigbe tasked party members to begin the 2016 campaign for Nana Addo, who he said has been tried and tested and not to be swayed by money.