‘It will take miracle for me not to Win’- Abodakpi

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August 4, 2014

The former Ghana Ambassador to Malaysia and a contender for the national chairmanship position of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Dan Abodakpi has stated that, he is optimistic of annexing the chair from incumbent Dr. Kwabena Adjei at the party’s upcoming delegate congress.

The congress scheduled for October 24, 2014 also has the current first vice national chairman and national coordinator of NADMO, Mr. Kofi Portuphy vying for the chairmanship slot.

But Mr. Abodakpi, who took his campaign to the Volta region over the weekend, told journalists in Ho that, his chances in the contest are ‘extremely’ bright, and “it will take miracle for me not to win”.

According to him, his message of reconnecting the party to its grassroots through a transformational leadership is permeating the hearts of the party’s delegates, who he believes will give him the nod on the day of congress.

The NDC is expected to go to congress on October 24, 2014 to elect new national executives and persons have declared their intention to contest various

Mr. Abodakpi who was also a one time Member of Parliament for the Keta and a former Minister for Trade and Industry in the NDC Rawlings government, said his transformational leadership agenda will ensure the revival of the party structures especially at the branch level, to make it vibrant and attractive for every member feel part of. This, he said would engender members to contribute towards the running of the NDC, instead of only relying on political appointees to finance the party.

He also disclosed as part of his agenda to draw a clear succession plan for executive positions in the party, including a review of the NDC’s constitution to cap the tenure of the chairman to two terms; so as to offer opportunity to other party loyalists with leadership ambitions to attain such positions.

Sharing his thought on the controversial clause in the NDC Election Guideline which barred members who have never held any party executive position at constituency level from contesting a regional executive slot, Mr. Abodakpi said ‘it is in the right direction… people must be identified with a constituency.. Somebody cannot just come from nowhere to become a regional executive without starting from somewhere, which is the grassroot’.

He believes his work in the NDC at region and across the country is known to the party ranks and files, some of whom have the opportunity to choose the renewal of the party at the coming congress.

HO Polytechnic launches Scholarship Foundation

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 29, 2014

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Mr. Ganyaglo (L) with the Dean of Students & Registrar

The Ho Polytechnic in the Volta region, last Thursday launched the Dean of Students Foundation (DOSfund), with the aim of raising funds to support needy but brilliant students of the institution.

The foundation, according to the Polytechnic’s Dean of Students, Mr. Ben Honyenugah was necessitated by the numerous requests made to his office for financial assistance by some students who find it very difficult to foot their bills. A situation, he said negatively affect the academic performance of some the students.

He noted further that the foundation will also provide financial assistance to physically challenged students as well as female students studying Engineering and Science programmes.

Dr. Jakpasu Afun, Rector of the Polytechnic said financial difficulties and physical disability should not derail a person’s quest for higher education and was optimistic that the fund will help empower the students both academically and socially, especially in promoting gender equity in engineering and science education.

He also announced that Parliament has approved seven million dollars for the acquisition of modern equipment to refurbish the Polytechnic’s engineering workshops to enhance practical training of students.

The Deputy Volta Regional Minister Francis Ganyaglo who launched the foundation, lauded the polytechnic management for their foresight in putting up such an initiative to promote quality education of underprivileged students and called on other institutions to emulate the initiative.

Mr. Ganyaglo, who is a product and a former lecturer of the institution underscored the importance of polytechnic education in the human resource development of the nation and commended the Ho Polytechnic for producing the requisite skilled manpower to accelerate economic development.

He reiterated government’s commitment towards the provision of necessary educational infrastructure and facilities across the country and assures that the Ho Polytechnic will not be excluded.

He also entreated the polytechnic alumni as well as philanthropic individuals and organisations to contribute to the fund, which will be administered a board under the chairmanship of the rector.

Stop Petty trading during School hours

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 27, 2014

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The deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary Education, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa has admonished teachers, who engage in side businesses during school hours to desist from such practices.

He expressed worry over how a good number of teachers in schools were engaging in the sales of rechargeable cards, selling of pastries in schools, driving taxis among others, to the detriment of their pupils.

A situation he likened to the proverbial biblical case of serving two masters and cautioned that, “as Christ told us long ago, you can’t serve two masters… You either sell credit cards or be a teacher, you can’t do the two”.

The deputy minister, who was commissioning an ultra-modern office complex for the Ketu North district Education directorate at Dzodze in the Volta region on Friday, said such bad practices coupled with other “serious management issues” were the cause of the fallen standard of education in the region and Ghana as a whole.

According to him, findings and analysis by the Ministry revealed that the inability of directors and managers to supervise and carry out managerial issues has brought about such bad practices including drunkenness and absenteeism.

He disclosed that “teacher absenteeism in the Volta region is the highest, over 45percent as compared to the national average of 27percent”.

He wondered why private basic schools which are bereft of qualified and underpaid teachers are rather doing better than public basic schools which has more qualified and better paid teachers, adding ‘the current situation is unacceptable because the performance of public second cycle and tertiary institutions are much better than the private ones, hence the need for the same results at the basic level.’

Mr. Ablakwa therefore charged education managers not to be “arm chair directors, relying on only paper reports and hearsay accounts” but also go to the field to ensure strict supervision and proper management of schools.

The ultra modern Ketu North District Education Office Complex

The complex, constructed at the cost of GH¢ 507,557.88, is part of a 19.67 million dollars education facility from USAID in support of 150 education projects in 38 deprived districts in the country, with Government of Ghana providing a 33 percent “matching funds”.

He also urged chiefs and opinion leaders to show interest in education to ensure that teachers and managers give off their best to improve standards in their communities.

A representative from USAID office in Accra, Ms Yvonne Oberhollenzer, said her outfit remained committed to partnering Ghana in education to ensure that every child got the opportunity to succeed, saying “every educated child is a golden opportunity for Ghana’s future”.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Deputy Volta Regional Minister on his part, lauded USAID for the support and hoped that the facility would improve academic performance in the district.

He urged the stakeholders to cultivate a maintenance culture to preserve the life span of the complex.

Ketu North District Chief Executive, Mr Kofi Lawson, disclosed that since 2008, the district had executed 56 education projects out of 115 development projects.

He assured that the complex would be put to good use to improve academic performance in the area.

Minister unhappy with Assemblies Delay over Street Naming Project

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 27, 2014

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Helen Ntoso

The Volta Regional Minister, Helen Adzoa Ntoso has expressed disappointment at the slow pace of work by the various Municipal and District Assemblies in the region towards the Street Naming and Property Addressing System, a project President John Mahama in March 2013 directed all MMDAs in the country to execute within 18 months.

With two months to the President’s deadline, some Assemblies in the Volta region are yet collate the needed information on the ground including the proposed names for the street naming exercise.

Expressing her disappointment during a 5day training workshop in Ho for Planning officers and other core staff of the 25 MMDAs in the region, Madam Ntoso issued a one week ultimatum to the Assemblies to furnish her office the list of names and also organize stakeholder meetings to come out with a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of the project.

The workshop organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with support from the German Development Corporation (GIZ) was to enhance staff knowledge and skills on ‘Land Use, Planning and Management Information System (LUPMIS) for effective implementation of Street Naming and Property Addressing System (SNPAS).

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Emmanuel Agyekum said the ministry has provided technical support to the MMDAs by setting up a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratories for both Regional and district offices of the Town and Country Planning Department nationwide for the collation special data for efficient and effective land use and planning.

He was optimistic that the training will serve as catalyst to propel the MMDAs to successfully execute the Street Naming project on schedule.

Workers snub Nationwide Demo in Ho

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 24, 2014

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The nationwide demonstration declared by Organised Labour on Thursday was virtually boycotted by workers in the Volta region capital of Ho, as only a handful of them turnout for the event.

The demonstration organised for workers in both the formal and informal sectors to protest against “harsh economic conditions and poor governance” was delayed for almost an hour due to the poor turnout.

Interestingly, the protesters who converged at the Ho Civic Centre STC yard, were virtually outnumbered by the about 200 police personnel deployed to provide security, as they marched through some principal streets of the regional capital amidst brass band music.

They carried placards, with inscriptions “John Mahama, we are suffering”, “We dey die keke, John Mahama” “Middle Income Country, Low Income Workers” “Oh Mahama, Never Again”, “Reduce the Tax Burden,” “Motivate the Ghanaian Worker for a Healthier Economy”, among others.

However scores of workers who did not join the protest were seen loitering around their offices at the ministries, while those in the informal sector also went about their normal businesses.

Mr. Samuel Ananga, the regional officer for the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) attributed the poor patronage to the inability of workers from other part of the region to join in the demonstration.

Presenting a petition to the President on behalf of workers in the region through the Regional Minister, Mr Elvis Van-Lare, Regional Secretary, Trades Union Congress asked for immediate action by government to halt the depreciation of the cedi and the rising cost of living, among other demands.

A remark by the Volta Regional Minister, Ms Helen Adjoa Ntoso, that citizens should appreciate government’s achievements in the region, was met with boos and chants from the protestors.

She however said government was doing its best, saying, “the nation is like a gold going through refinery, so at the end everyone will be happy.”

She also commended the workers for a peaceful demonstration and promised to deliver their message to the president.

Court Remands Man for beheading Son

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 22, 2014

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The Ho District court on Tuesday remanded Gideon Abotsi, a 37 year old farmer for allegedly beheading his three year old son on Friday, July 18, 2014 over his wife’s decision to starve him of sex.

Residents of Kpeyiborme in the South Dayi district of the Volta Region on the fateful day went to bed with the shock of their life after Gideon, popularly known as ‘Jarah’ butchered his third born and only boy out of four kids till his head almost severed off.

The court presided over by Magistrate Robert Addo, remanded the suspect into prison custody to reappear on Wednesday August 6, 2014 to allow the Police continue with their investigations.

Presenting the case, Police Prosecutor Sheila Odai told the court that Last Friday, a complainant, John Ahiable who happens to be the father of the suspect reported the horrific incident to the Peki Police in the South Dayi district of the Volta Region.

She said the complainant in his statement noted that he was in the farm when some neighbours rushed to inform him that his son, Gideon has killed his own son, three year old Sitsofe Abotsi.

He rushed to the son’s house to realise that his grandson is dead and lying in a pool of blood as his son has been tied up by neighbours to prevent him from escaping.

Some minutes later the Police came to pick up Gideon to the Peki Police station.

Background

Residents in the area disclosed that the man who is also a suspected Indian hemp farmer and user carried out the heinous crime after his wife, Sena, purportedly refused to bear him more children.

Her reason was that it was not socially and economically wise to be pregnant and bear more children when they were having a hard time to cater for the four they already had.

According to them the suspect and his wife had been married for 11 years with series misunderstandings over the upkeep of their four children in recent times.

This led to the woman allegedly packing out of her matrimonial home to stay with her mother-in-law. Angered by the situation, on last Friday, Jarah went to his mother’s house, picked his son and took him to his house, where chopped off the head.

He then absconded after sensing danger but was chased by some youth of the town and arrested, who later handed him over to the police.

Meanwhile, the Peki District Police Commander, DSP Jonas Agbevam has said arrangements are underway to get the traumatised mother of the boy and her other children to go through psychological counselling while the body of the deceased is being sent to the police hospital for examination by a pathologist.

Vodafone ‘Healthfest’ train hit Ho with massive turnouts

By

Kwadwo Duodu

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July 21, 2014

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Dozens of residents in the Ho municipality of the Volta region thronged the forecourts of the Asogli State palace at Ho Bankoe, where the Vodafone Ghana ‘healthfest’ train made a stopover at the weekend to provide free health care.

The initiative put together by the Vodafone Ghana foundation, saw mostly local paramedics screened hundreds of persons including the aged, some of whom reported to the venue as early as 5am.

The screenings were done for ailments such as Diabetes, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and HIV in a virtual health post setup, which has sections for registration, Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure Checks, Laboratory, Consultation and Pharmacy as well as a gymnasium and kids play corner.

The almost 800 patrons were also taking through health education on various lifestyle diseases and HIV.

Mr Courage Botchway the regional Data Officer at the National HIV Control Programme, spoke about importance of knowing ones HIV status, so that carriers, including pregnant women could be put on routine lifesaving treatment.

Mr Daniel Asiedu, Corporate Communications Manager of Vodafone, described the massive turnout as ‘very impressive and overwhelming’ and said the Healthfest is another indication of the telecom giant’s commitment to bringing quality health care to the door step of underprivileged Ghanaians.

According to him Vodafone’s health programmes including the popular television series ‘Healthline’ is aimed at bridging distance and cost between the people and health care delivery.

He further disclosed that, 15 people had so far benefited from ‘life changing’ treatments under the Healthline project from the Volta Region.

Dr Richmond Opare said high blood pressure was the common illness among those who have been diagnosed and most people with such condition had been on treatment but for one reason or another have stop regular visits to the hospitals.

He also disclosed that, there were a few cases of diabetes and HIV as well as some concerns with overweight.

An elder of the Asogli State, Daniel Ocloo Dzaba after taking his turn said the Healthfest was “a dream come true”, as he couldn’t even remember his last time of going through such a thorough medical screening. He also suggested monthly repetition of the exercise.

Five regional capitals, including Ho have so far witnessed the Vodafone “Healthfest” which was launched in March 2014, with the five other regions will also have their turn in coming weeks.

Muslims asked to pray for ‘troubled’ economy during Ramadan

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 20, 2014

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The Deputy Volta regional minister, Mr. Francis Ganyaglo has called on Ghanaian Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to seek Allah’s intervention to help abate the current economic challenges confronting for the country.

He reiterated government’s commitment to fixing the challenges facing the nation and called on citizens to support government to restore the economy back on track.

Mr. Francis Ganyaglo made the called last Friday when he led a government delegation to present fifty (50) bags each of sugar and rice to the Muslim community at the Ho new Zongo.

The donation according to the Deputy Minister was on behalf of President Mahama to support the annual Ramadan fasting of Muslims across the country.

He urged them to continue to coexist peaceful and pray for peace and tranquillity across the country to drive national development.

The Acting regeant of the Ho new Zongo, Jabril Adamu received the items on behalf of the Muslim community after a brief prayer was said for the president and his government, by a spiritual leader from Senegal, sheik Sham.

Ali Baaba, a Zongo youth leader thank government for its support to the Islamic community and assured of their prayers for the country.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For a 30-dy period, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. It is a season to purify the soul, refocus attention on Allah and practice self-sacrifice.

The Deputy Regional Minister was accompanied by the regional coordinating director, alhaji Ibrahim Alhassan, Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Fafa Adinyira, Mr. Kofi Attoh, former MP for Ho central and Mr. Kwesi Aboagye, NDC regional chairman.

Book and Research allowance brouhaha; ‘We won’t be pushovers’- UTAG tells Gov’t

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 17, 2014

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Dr. Bekoe swearing inn UHAS-UTAG

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have sent yet a strong signal to government that, the association will not back down in the “fight” against the scrapping-off of the book and research allowance for its members.

Dr Samuel Ofori Bekoe National President of UTAG said on Wednesday that members of the Association are professionals who are committed to their work and know the tools needed for the job and “would not be pushovers to allow people who do not know anything about tertiary education to dictate to them”.

Government in the 2013 budget announced the cancellation of the book and research allowance and replacing it with a national research fund. This decision however did not go down well with the two tertiary education teachers associations, with the Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana declaring an indefinite strike for the past 8-weeks.

But speaking at the inauguration of the 10^th UTAG branch at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Dr. Bekoe said the book and research allowance were part of the condition of service of members of the association and government has no right to unilaterally take away the allowances, noting that, it was against international labour laws.

“Government must listen to us because anything short of this will not auger well for all of us and if government cannot do it, it must move out for the one who can do it” he stated.

UTAG, according Dr. Bekoe is not against the proposed national research fund, and should not be used to replace the book and research allowances since both are serving different purposes.

He also said the absence of a policy document on the proposed national research fund could affect its successful implementation.

The UHAS branch of UTAG is under the Presidency of Dr Francis Zotor, Head of the Department of Public Health, UHAS. Other executives are Peter Adatara, Vice-President, Reuben Ayivor-Djanie, Secretary and Ms Eunice Berko, Treasurer.

Dr Bekoe asked the new executives to unite to develop the Association as professional union and assured them of the UTAG national executive committee’s support in their activities.

Professor Edwin K. Wiredu, Pro Vice Chancellor of UHAS lauded the association for fighting for the good of its members and urged them to remain steadfast in their endeavours.

Fuel Smuggling: Kpedze Police impound 50 ‘Kufour gallons’ of Petrol

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Kwadwo Duodu

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July 17, 2014

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Gallons containing petrol

The Police in Kpedze with support from the Ho-west District Security Council (DISEC) in the Volta region, last Monday evening impounded over 1,675 litres of petrol suspected to be packaged for smuggling to neighbouring Togo.

The fuel which was concealed in 50 yellow jerrycans popularly called ‘Kufour gallon’ and a drum were found hidden in a building located on the premises of a local Allied Oil filling Station in the area.

According to the Kpedze District Police Commander ASP, Sebastian Folivia, the police last Friday (July 11, 2014), upon a tip off spotted some motorbikes with yellow gallons suspected to contain fuel and after a hot chase, they entered the escaped into Togo.

However investigations that evening, according to ASP Folivia pointed to the Allied Oil filling Station as the source of supply.

It was also revealed that, the filling station received over 20,900 litres of petrol last Friday (July 11, 2014), but as of last Monday evening, a substantial quantity of over 7,200 litres was filled into containers allegedly waiting for smuggling.

A female sales attendant at the filling station, Veronica has since been picked up to assist the police in investigations.

Smuggling of fuel and Cocoa using ‘Okada’ has become rampart in the area because of its proximity to neighbouring Togo but Mr. Samuel Ewoade, Ho-West District Chief executive said the District Security Council has intensified its surveillance in order to combat the menace.

The Volta Regional Minister Helen Ntoso who was in the area on Tuesday to access the situation and inspect the exhibits expressed disgust about the increase in smuggling activities in the region which she said is adversely affecting the economy of the country. She described the perpetrators as nation wreckers and called on all Ghanaians to help bring them to book.

Madam Ntoso announced that, the Regional Security Council will soon form an Anti-Smuggling Task Force to clampdown on the illegal activity in the region.

the filling station

In May this year, the Ketu-South District Security Council also sent an SOS message to the regional Security Council to intervene in the increasing smuggling activities in the area, which has overwhelmed the limited custom officials at the borders.

In recent times there has been an upsurge in the number of new fuel filling stations springing up along the Ho-Aflao highway, which observers believe may only increase the rate of smuggling of petroleum product along the Ghana-Togo border.