Adaklu hit with Perennial Floods

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September 23, 2014

A volunteer carrying a woman across flood waters

About 30 communities in the Adaklu district of the Volta region have been cut off from the rest of the district following heavy downpour last week which flooded roads and farmlands in the area.

Major roads linking the district capital; Adaklu Waya to Mafi-Kumasi, Ziope, and Agortime-Kpetoe were completely submerged by flood waters.

The perennial disaster which is caused by the spillage of Waya and Tordze rivers in the area rendered the district capital, where the only Clinic and Senior High school are situated inaccessible to residents including students and public servants staying outside the district.

Togbui Lablulu Tegbeza V, chief Adaklu-Waya, said the situation nearly caused the lives of two pregnant women who were in labour in one of the adjourning communities last Sunday, but for the intervention of some youngmen in the area who have to carry a midwife shoulder high across the flood waters to attend to the women.

He noted that similar flooding in 2011 which claimed the life of one person compelled the late President Atta Mills to visit the area, who promise the construction of the main bridge across the river as well as the roads in the area.

Togbui Lablulu Tegbeza V, however lamented the seemingly inaction on part of government inability to construct the roads in the area as promised to end the perennial flooding.

‘Some areas are more low lying than Adaklu but they were able to raise their roads and they are passable throughout the year… We know government haven’t got money but wherever they’ve been getting money to upgrade other roads, they should find money from that source too for Adaklu, we also deserve what is good for others.’

The district chief executive of the area, Mr. Sky Ganaku said, though the flood waters are gradually subsiding, the assembly has advised residents not to attempt crossing it in order to prevent any casualty.

Mr. Simon Myles Gbaka, Regional NADMO coordinator also said his is expecting an assessment report from his men on the ground to determine the kind of relieve items to be sent to the area.

Prof Kofi Awoonor remembered

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Kwadwo Duodu

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September 21, 2014

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Prof. Awoonor Mausoleum

Prof Kofi Awoonor remembered

A mausoleum to preserve the works of the late former Chairman of Council of State, Professor Kofi Nyidevu Awoonor has been commissioned at his home town of Wheta in the Ketu North district by the Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho on Sunday.

The mausoleum was part of activities to mark the first anniversary of renowned poet, who died on the 21st of September last year in Kenya during an attack by the Alshabab militant group on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.

Prof. Awoonor was among eminent African authors invited to participate in the Storymoja Hey festival, a celebration of writing and storytelling.

Hon. Doe Adjaho who recounted his experience with the late Professor, said the mausoleum was part of initiatives being taken by the Awoonor Family to keep the beliefs and ideologies of their father alive in order to inspire the current and future generations and urged all persons to emulate his thoughts and strive for excellence.

In accordance with the will of the late scholar, his children presented 54 sets of ‘Encyclopaedia Britannica’ to the E.P university college in Ho, as they also announced the establishment of an educational endowment fund to support the education of needy children in area as well as a literary awards for students of the language department of the university of Ghana.

L-R, Madam Cecila Johnson, Amb. Victor Gbeho & Hon. Doe Adjaho

One of his children, Sika Awoonor said as part of plans to perpetuate the legacies of their father, his entire residence in Weta will be converted into a ‘writers sanctuary’ where writers across the world could visit and have retreats.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Paramount Chief of the area, Togbiga Ashiakpor described the late Prof. Awoonor as an astute intellectual who combined the traditions of his people, contemporary and religious symbolism to depict Africa during the decolonization.

He however appealed to government to tar the road linking Weta junction to Metrikasa which has been the promise of the late Proffesor.

The remembrance ceremony which was attended by top government officials led by the Chief of Staff, Prosper Douglas Kweku Bani, saw the display of unadulterated traditional cultural performances.

Also present were Chairperson of the Council of State, Mrs. Cecilia Johnson and leading members of the NDC both at the regional and national levels as well as relatives and friends including, Professor Kofi Anyidoho and Victor Gbeho who all took turns to eulogize the late diplomat and statesman.

2014 Asogli Yam festival Climaxed in Grand Style

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Kwadwo Duodu

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September 20, 2014

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Togbe Afede

A durbar of chiefs and people of Asogli has taken place on Saturday at the Ho Jubilee Park to climax this year’s Asogli Yam Festival the celebrations.

The durbar saw the showcasing of the rich cultural dexterity of the four traditional areas forming Asogli, which include Akoefe, Ho, Kpenoe and Takla.

The festival attracted Ewes from the Republic of Togo, led by Togbe Agokoli IV, Ewefiaga as well as local and foreign tourists, chiefs and some members of the diplomatic corps.

A high powered government delegation led by Vice President Kwesi Amissah Arthur was also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering on the theme “Let’s make our nation great and strong,” Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State said Ghana could “bounce back” as a strong nation should the “right system and spirit” be developed.

According to him, the current challenges confronting the nation could be corrected if the right systems and spirit is developed through truthful leadership and patriotic citizenship.

“Notwithstanding our current difficulties as a nation, if we can develop the right system and the right spirit, our situation will correct itself, and we shall bounce back and forge a path towards greatness, as envisaged by our founding fathers,” he added.

He said building a great nation is a process, which involves the construction of “right systems” using the power of the State to unite and inspire the people, to contribute towards the building of a politically and economically stable and viable nation.

The Agbogbomefia called the appointment of ‘hard working men and women, who value truth and honour, with demonstrated capabilities’ into public office to ensure national progress.

Togbe Afede also bemoaned the acrimonious nature party politics in the country and called for its redirection on development instead of its preoccupation of only winning elections.

He urged government to intensify the fight against corruption and create opportunities for all, in accordance with provisions in the country’s constitution.

“All ethnic groups must be convinced about government’s commitment to fairness in the allocation of limited opportunities and resources available” he noted.

On the increasing spate of strikes in the country, Togbe Afede who is also the president of the Volta regional of Chiefs noted that ‘the practice of paying people while they are on strike creates a win-win situation that encourages strikes.. it is about time strikers lose any right to pay while they are on strike. This will minimize the resort to strikes as weapon in labour negotiations.’

Vice President Amissah Arthur in his address underscored the importance of the celebration of festivals and expressed happiness that such festive occasions provide new ways of improving the livelihood of the populace.

He said the theme for the celebration summed up the intentions of Togbe Afede to the traditional area and the country.

Vice President Ammisah – Arthur reiterated government commitment to the completion of the eastern corridor road project, which he said have been repackaged with new funding.

He also reassured the gathering of the completion of other projects in the region, including work on the Ho-Adaklu-Accra road, the Ho library and Centre for National Culture projects.

On Ebola and cholera, the Vice President said government is ensuring best standard in public health and urged the citizenry to be guided by proper environmental health practices.

The festival is celebrated mainly as thanksgiving to God, and also to the gods and ancestors for bumper harvest and to offer prayers for good health and prosperity for all.

It is also serves an annual stocktaking event for all occupational endeavours, used in mobilising human and material resources of Asogli State for job and wealth creation and serves as an annual re-affirmation of allegiance by chiefs and their subjects in the Asogli State to the Agbogbome stool.

Varsity of Health, Allied Sciences gets substantive Council

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Kwadwo Duodu

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September 19, 2014

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The first substantive Governing Council for the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Ho have been inaugurated in Ho last Wednesday.

The 13-member council replaces the University’s Implementation Committee, which acted as interim Council, since its establishment by an Act of Parliament (ACT 828) in 2011.

The Council which has a-three-year tenure to be renewed once is under the chairmanship of Prof. Kofi Anyidoho of the University of Ghana-Legon, who was also chaired the interim council.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, who inaugurated council, commended the interim Council for the “remarkable progress” made and urged the substantive Council to be guided by provisions in the University’s Act in all its deliberations.

Other members on the Council are Mrs Justice Agnes Dordzie of the Court of Appeal, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Legal Practitioner, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor of University of Ghana, Dr. Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, CEO Danadams Pharmaceuticals Industries and Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Catholic Health Services.

Others include Prof. Fred Binka, Vice-Chancellor UHAS, Mr Paul Dzandu, Deputy Executive Secretary National Council on Tertiary Education (NCTE), Mr Dzidzeme K. Sedanu-Kwawu, representative of Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS).

The rest are Mr Emmanuel Adjei, Chief ICT Officer UHAS, Mr Kwabena Sakyi, representative of the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Associations of Ghana (FUSSAG), Dr. Francis Zotor, representative of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and Mr Daniel Y. Sarfo, representative of the Students Representative Council (SRC).

Prof. Anyidoho commended the late President John Evans Atta Mills and President John Dramani Mahama for their foresight in establishing the University.

He also expressed gratitude to the university community and workers for their support towards the successful take- off of the University.

Prof. Anyidoho said though young, UHAS had attracted large numbers of applicants and was optimistic things would move faster when structures at its permanent site were completed.

The University which enrolled its first batch of students in 2012/13 academic year currently operates from temporary structures located in Ho and Hohoe; as construction of permanent campus structures is ongoing at Sokode-Lokoe Green-valley near Ho. culled from GNA

Prof. Binkah (L) with Education Minister & Council members at permanent site

Artistic impression of permanent site

2014 Asogli Yam festival get support from MTN

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Kwadwo Duodu

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September 18, 2014

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Flashback: 2013 donation by MTN

Ghana’s leading telecom operator, MTN Ghana as part of its commitment towards the promotion of the rich Ghanaian culture and tradition, have presented cheque for GH¢ 5,000.00 to the Asogli State in support of this year’s Asogli Yam Festival.

It also donated airtime worth a GH¢1,000.00, a GH¢500.00 worth of drink hamper and some assorted MTN souvenirs.

Mr David Woasey, regional Sales and distribution Manager of MTN who presented the items, said the donation was to consolidate the long standing relationship between the company and the Asogli state.

‘MTN as a friend of the Asogli state have come to affirm our relationship and lend our continuous support to the people as you celebrate the Asogli Yam festival’ he said and promised that his outfit would support an entertainment show in Ho dubbed “MTN Chill Zone” during the festival.

Mr Woasey said the theme for this year’s festival-“Let’s make our nation great and strong,” was appropriate because it called for selflessness and patriotism.

He said MTN as part of its Corporate Social Initiatives, has undertaken more than 95 projects in the country, impacting over 213,000 lives nationwide.

Togbe Kotoku XI, Paramount Chief of Kpenoe and Chairman of the 2014 Asogli Yam Festival Planning Committee, commended MTN for its continued support to the festival.

The three week long celebration will be climax on Saturday September 20 with a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the Asogli state and it’s expected to attract tourists and Ewes from the Republic of Togo, Benin and Nigeria.

Teachers locked out GES Boss; demands his interdiction

By

Kwadwo Duodu

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September 18, 2014

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Outgoing Regional GES boss, Emmanuel Keteku, (L) with Successor (R)

Teachers and staff of Agortime-Ziope district directorate of the Ghana Education Service in the Volta region last Tuesday demonstrated against what they describe as the sordid state of affairs in the directorate under the directorship of Gershon Kofi Agyeman.

The about 400 aggrieved educations workers, clad in red armbands defy an early morning rain to besieged the premises of the directorate at Kpetoe, on the first day of reopening of schools to locked up the director’s office and demanded his interdiction.

They accused the director of financial mismanagement, autocracy and intimidation as well neglect of his official duties, a situation they claim has stalled progress of education delivery in the district since he took over three years ago.

A press release, read by the Public Relations Officer of directorate, Patrick Tekpor, on behalf of the protestors, stated that Mr Agyeman has been an absentee director who once a while, spends an hour or two in the office whenever he deemed it fit.

‘He has never scheduled any staff meeting since his arrival to discuss challenges confronting the directorate and education in the district and efforts to get the right things done prove futile.’

They also claim the director has sidestepped procurement procedures and unilaterally collect and spend budgetary allocations meant for schedule officers.

Some Protesters

Rev. Samuel Sevor, Deputy Director in charge of Human Resources at the district directorate, said numerous complaints to superiors at the regional GES directorate about the attitude of the Mr. Agyeman have not been addressed.

‘We, teachers and staff of the directorate are no longer interested in working with this director and we’ll not rest until he is interdicted….. Else, we’ll halt all educational activities in the district.’

The agitations compelled the outgoing Regional Director of Education, Emmananuel Keteku and his successor, Alhaji Mohammed Haroon, to cut short ‘my first day at school’ tour of the region and rush down to calm tempers and disperse the teachers with a promise to address their grievances within one week.

He said the Director General of the Service is also aware of the situation and steps will soon be taken to resolve the issues raised by the teachers.

Meanwhile efforts to get Mr. Agyeman’s response to the allegations were unsuccessful as he decline comments, saying he needs clearance from his superiors.

MPs assess Ebola Preparedness at Aflao border

By

Kwadwo Duodu

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September 18, 2014

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Regional minister (in cap) with Fritz Baffour (m) and other Cittee members

Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior have paid a day’s working visit to the Aflao border in the Ketu-south Municipality of the Volta region to assess the security situation and the necessary preparations put in place to prevent the deadly Ebola virus from entering the country.

The border is the major transit point to Ghana’s eastern neighbours of Togo, Benin and Nigeria, which has reported cases of the disease that has plagued three other West African countries including Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Briefing the Committee members on the preparations to combat the deadly virus, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Joseph Teye Nuertey said since news on the outbreak of the disease broke in April, the Health authorities and other stakeholders has embark on consistent public education programmes on the disease as well as training of frontline health officials.

He disclosed that 20 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) which the region received, were distributed among the Port Health Department at the border and two hospitals out of six health facilities designated to deal with the disease. The two are the Aflao Government hospital and the Regional hospital in Ho, excluding the Jasikan, Hohoe, Sogakofe, Nkwanta hospitals because of the inadequacy of the PPEs.

He also noted due to the inadequacy of the non contact thermometers, only Port Health officers at the main border, uses the infrared gadget to screen travellers, leaving officers at the pedestrian crossing at beat nine to dispense hand sanitizers to persons using that route to rub their hands.

Committee chairman and MP for Ablekuma South, Mr. Fritz Baffour noted that the committee’s tour of other major borders in the Western, Upper East and West regions revealed similar conditions, stating that “though we are totally aware of the Ebola menace and the possibility of it landing on our shores we’ve not done enough to protect our frontiers.”

He however assured that pressure will be mounted on the relevant authorities to speed up the release of logistics to help those in the frontline put adequate preparations on the ground to safeguard the country from the deadly Ebola virus.

Border Security Challenges

Sector commanders of the security agencies at the border, who took committee members round the agencies offices and beat wire, complained of inadequate personnel, infrastructural facilities, and lack of operational logistics including transport as challenges hindering their smooth operations.

They also called for the fencing and construction of the road along the border stretch, as done by the Togolese to minimize the numerous unapproved routes and ensure effective patrol.

The Volta Regional Minister, Helen Ntoso who accompanied the committee disclosed that, plans are in place to construct a road along the border but however noted that, the road will affect some farms along the border so negotiations are on- going on to enable the farmers harvest their produce before the project takes off.

Committee members also expressed worry about the porous nature of the border and called for a wholelistic security assessment of the country’s borders to enhance safety and security of Ghanaians.

Dzifa Crowned 2014 Face of Asogli

By

Kwadwo Duodu

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September 18, 2014

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Miss Dzifa Nukulenu, a Level 200 student of the University of Ghana, was last Saturday night crowned the “Face of Asogli 2014.”

The 21-year old Political Science student, who won a car, a year’s working contract with McDon Multimedia, organizers of the beauty pageant, has been made the Educational Ambassador for the Asogli State.

Miss Nukulenu was also adjudged the “Most Talented” at the event, which attracted many dignitaries, including Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli.

Akorfa Agbeko, a student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and Kafui Foli, self-employed, were first and second runners-up respectively.

The excited Miss Nukulenu told GNA that her focus was to work hard to improve the performance of pupils in the Asogli State and the Volta Region at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

She said she would organise regular educational engagements with pupils, teachers, and parents to enhance quality teaching and learning in basic schools in the traditional area.

The contest held at Ho polytechnic auditorium saw popular Ghanaian boxers, Braimah Kamoko a.k.a Bukom Banku and Michael Ayittey alias Ayittey Powers, thrilled the audience with their own version of the Queen’s language alongside other rib cracking acts.

Among the judges was veteran actor David Dontoh who is also a judge on TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful show.

The Asogli Traditional Council and McDon Multimedia hosted the event, which is the fourth edition.

Ten contestants took part in the event, which has become one of the highlights of annual yam festival of the chiefs and people of Asogli, Ho, in the Volta Region.

The pageant aims at celebrating womanhood, while encouraging girl-child education in the area.

Ayittey Powers n Bukum Banku on stage

culled from GNA

Xcholera: Massive Cleanup Exercise In Ho on Wednesday

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Kwadwo Duodu

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September 9, 2014

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In a move to curb the fast spread of the current cholera outbreak in the Ho Municipality, the Municipal authorities have announced a massive cleanup exercise, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.

The exercise which begins in the morning between 6am- 10am, will see residents pour onto the streets in their various suburbs to clear weeds, desilt and choked drains, under the coordination of assembly members and chiefs.

To ensure full participation from both formal and informal sector workers, Assembly officials have disclosed that the central market will be under lock and key, whiles shops owners, public and corporate institutions have also been directed not to open their premises for business until after the cleanup exercise.

Authorities further noted that, residents and institutions who failed to adhere to the directive will be appropriately sanctioned.

Last week, the Assembly fumigated all public toilets following reports of four confirmed cases of cholera in the Municipality. Whiles public education on cholera prevention still continues on the airwaves.

Ho Municipality to get five new Police posts

By

Kwadwo Duodu

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September 9, 2014

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Ariel View of Ho Central Market

In a bid to ensure the security and safety of residents, the Ho Municipal Assembly is to open five new police posts in the Municipality Mrs Fafa Adinyira, the Assembly Chief Executive has announced.

She said the additional police posts had become necessary in view of the increasing population and the relative high crime rate in the area.

Communities likely to benefit from the new police post, according to MCE are fast developing areas, such as Sokode, Adaklu, Matse, Akoefe and Hodzo , while the Ho Central Police Station would be given a facelift befitting a Municipal status.

Mrs Adinyira who was addressing a recent Town Hall meeting, said the Assembly was in talks with traditional authorities of beneficiary communities and called for support from all.

Security in the Volta regional capital has become a major concern following the increase in tertiary institutions and other business centres including financial institutions.

In recent times there have been reported cases homes and shops burglary, including robbing of fuel service stations, among others.

The forum was organised by Community Development Concerns, a civil society organization with support from the Assembly and the Netherlands Development Organization under the Social Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability project.

Madam Joycelyn Akorfa Ochlich, Executive Director, CDC, said the Town Hall meeting was geared towards ensuring good governance and her outfit would organise another by the end of the year.

culled from GNA