Eastern Corridor Road Is Death Trap – Greenstreet

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January 12, 2015

Ivor Green Street of CPP

Convention People’s Party (CPP) General Secretary Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, has charged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to stop the propaganda and fix the eastern corridor road it had repeatedly promised to.

He said the major road which connects the south-eastern part of the country to the north, is “a death trap” and sympathized with the people living along that stretch of the road.

He told DAILY GUIDE that on his way to the north to assess the ongoing CPP constituency executive elections, he used the road to see for himself what had actually been done. He said he was surprised at the way some government communicators presented a different picture about the same carriage way.

“Asikuma to Kadjebi is like a death trap. The road is in a terrible condition. Nothing has been done over there,” he lamented.

A Portion of the Said Road

He noted, “From Kadjebi to Nkwanta has been done but it is not tarred or anything like that. It has just been designed like our local asphalt.

They have a long way to go but I suppose it is a political project and maybe they might find some money and try and do something for 2016.”

Mr. Greenstreet, who is becoming a thorn in the flesh of the ruling NDC with his pronouncements said, “The work has temporarily come to a stop from what I saw over there. Something went on but it has reached a point where everything has stopped. They got to Nkwanta and the workceased. From Nkwanta to Damongo is very bad. It is also like a death trap.”

He added, “The contractors appear to be on the road but somehow, their equipment has been abandoned.”

On his official trip, he said he went to see how far the CPP had gone with the constituency elections saying, “They have done 19 out of the 31 constituencies.”

Mr. Ivor Greenstreet maintained that he visited Kpandai, Wulensi, Bimbilla, Salaga North and South and slept in Salaga; and that on Friday, went to places like Tamale North, South, Central and Sanarigu. “The following day, I went to Gushiegu Karaga, Nanton and Savelugu,” the outspoken CPP chief scribe disclosed.

He said he met journalists “who asked me about this statement I made at the NDC congress in Kumasi and I told them I was on my way to Wa but will also go to Damango and Sawla after which I will go to Bole because one of my executives there has arranged for a pastor of the Assemblies of God Church to pray for me to determine whether or not I have selective myopia or whether my accusers are those who have become blind to the conditions of majority of Ghanaians.”

Source: Daily Guide

Two Cops and a Nigerian busted with ‘Wee’ in Police Van

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 12, 2015

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Two Police men and a Nigerian are currently in the grips of the Volta regional Police command for possessing and attempting to transport substances suspected to be India hemp (Wee).

According to VoltaOnlinesources, the two Police men Corporal Frazier Defeamekpor and Sergeant Prosper Ametepe of the Keta MTTD with Nigerian accomplice Uchena Ubanizim were busted at Sokode-Lokoe near Ho in the early hours of Saturday dawn.

The dried leaves which were compressed in 1051 slaps and stuffed in 18 fibre bags were being transported in a Police Nissan Navara Pickup with registration GP 3741.

A Police Source disclosed that, the vehicle which was been driven by Corporal Defeamekpor belongs to the Ho Regional Police Training School.

Explaining how they got hint of the crime, the source noted that, the Peki Highways Patrol team first spotted vehicle at Kpeve in the South Dayi district at about 11:00pm on Friday, with the sacks in its bucket but the driver failed to stop at various check points.

This got the Peki team suspicious and they alerted their counterparts in Ho, who then arrested suspects at the Sokode-lokoe snap checkpoint.

The two police men, according the VoltaOnline source, earlier claimed they arrested the Nigerian with the stuffs but upon further interrogation, they disclosed that they were contracted by the Nigerian and one other person to transport the substances from Kpeve-Tongu to Dzodze-Penyi.

The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Peterkin Yentumi-Gyinae confirmed the arrest and said investigations is still ongoing to identify the fourth accomplice.

He is also expected to brief the media later today.

Alavanyo/Nkonya Conflict; third mediation attempts begin

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 10, 2015

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Efforts to broker lasting peace between the people of Alavanyo and Nkonya traditional areas has been reactivated by the Vice President, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur on Friday at a meeting held at Kpando with leaders of both communities and witnessed by the Paramount Chief of Akpini (Kpando) traditional area Togbe Dagadu VIII.

The meeting is the third attempt by government to broker peace between the two disputing communities in the decades old conflict over a disputed land.

In December last year, there were renewed clashes following gunshots that left one person dead. The violence in the two communities has persisted for years despite several mediation attempts.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, who expressed unhappiness over the protracted conflict, warned the feuding factions that government will no longer tolerate the continuous violence being perpetrated in the area.

He said the cycle of retaliation must end, as it was affecting the local economy of the area since, whiles the cost of the conflict is also getting higher since government has to spend lots of money in maintaining the police and the military there for peacekeeping.

“Our generation must decide that these things must come to an end. Our generation must secure the future.”

On her part, Volta Regional Minister, Helen Ntonso, regretted that the people had made empty the apology she earlier rendered on their behalf to President John Dramani Mahama.

She therefore urged them to go beyond the assurances and in the mediation process volunteer information that would bring permanent solution to the problem.

The Paramount Chief of Alavanyo traditional area, Togbe Tsedze Atakora VII disclosed that there was no land litigation between the Alavanyo and Nkonya traditional areas.

According to him, the land litigation was rather between some individuals from Nkonya-Tayi and Alavanyo-Kpeme.

An issue, he said has escalated over the years, causing other peaceful areas which were not involved in the litigation to be drawn into it. He however expressed his side’s readiness to cooperate with the latest mediation process.

The Ankobeahene of Nkonya Ahenkro Traditional Area, Nanai Ampem Darko III, asked the authorities to separate the land dispute from the criminalities that have been perpetrated and investigate in other matters emerging from the conflict.

Togbe Dagadu VIII, Paramount Chief of Akpini (Kpando) Traditional area who is leading the latest mediation efforts said various interest groups in both traditional areas will be engaged in frank discussions so that lasting peace could be achieved in the shortest possible time.

Other people who accompanied the Vice President to the meeting include Mr Yaw Donkor, the National Security Co-ordinator, Mr Mohammed Alhassan, Inspector General of Police and Brigadier General Adeti, General Officer Commanding the Southern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The delegation later visited the two traditional areas which are currently under a 14 hour curfew and interacted with the security personnel who are on peace keeping duty there.

Vice President also hinted of government’s intention to establish a permanent military base on the border of the two traditional areas.

Work begins on GRA Customs academy hostels at Kpetoe

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 9, 2015

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Graphical Impression of the Hostel

Work has begun for the construction of male and female hostels at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Academy at Kpetoe in the Agotime-Ziope district.

The academy, which is the only customs training school in the country, has not seen any major facelift since its establishment many decades ago.

This situation has inconvenient trainees of the academy, who have been sleeping a material warehouse for the past forty years.

But, cutting the sod for the 10 million Ghana cedis project, the Acting Commissioner of the Customs Division, Mr Wallace Kofi Akondor expressed optimism that, the 82 and 102 beds female and male hostel facility, when completed would boost the training of more personnel and also reduce the cost of personnel training for the Division.

Mr. Akondor, recounted countless efforts in the past to get donor or private funding for the project, which is now being wholly funded by Government of Ghana.

He also expressed gratitude to the traditional authorities of Agotime for releasing land for the project and pledged the readiness of GRA to provide funding for its speedy completion.

The Paramount Chief of Agotime Traditional Area, Nene Nuer Keteku III expressed excitement over the commencement of the project and said it will open up the area for rapid development. He also stated that all compensations for the project site were dully paid by government and warned natives against any litigation over the land.

Ms. Theresa Kyei-Mensah, Representative of Maripoma Enterprise, the contractor executing the project, assured that the project will be properly done completed within the 15 months and the estimated budget.

More Private Hospitals Needed

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 9, 2015

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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.