‘LENDING RATES SHOULD MATCH ECONOMIC GAINS’ – PRESSURE GROUP URGES BANKS

By

-

January 9, 2012

Eric Kwame Afenyo

Oneghana Network, a Ho-based pressure group has called on banks to let the visible gains in the economy reflect in their lending policies.

It said the banks should go beyond the current marginal reduction in the rates with special dispensations for Small-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) which represented a vital ingredient in rural development.

The Network noted that the private sector should play key roles so as to achieve accelerated growth for the country.

These were disclosed at a press briefing organized by the network and addressed by its Convenor and Secretary, Eric Kwame Afenyo in Ho on Wednesday.

Touching on the implementation of the single spine salary structure, the network said workers are better off economically with the new salary structure but noted that, the agitations that characterized the implementation were due to the circulation of ‘huge figures’ by some unscrupulous individuals that raise the expectations of workers. The network thus called on the information ministry to control these expectations at all times.

The Network also noted with relief the extent of infrastructural development in the Volta Region especially on school projects and that the University of Allied Sciences was on course.

The Network lauded the audit forays of the Mutual Health Insurance Schemes in the region which led to the retrieval of 17 million Ghana Cedis from Service Providers.

It said the health insurance scheme as an important social intervention policy needed the help of all the citizenry to succeed.

The Network praised President Mills’ stand on the Alfred Woyome saga for a full-scale enquiry and called for a thorough investigation into the cocaine turned sodium bicarbonate case.

The network also commended the regional Security Council being chaired by the regional minister and the various security agencies for maintaining the security of the region especially during the festivities saying ‘men in uniform were visible in all part of the region, which is ‘unprecedented’.

The Oneghana Network which is politically neutral with focus on the Volta region said it would soon come out with monitoring reports about the districts including quality and rate of work on the many contracts in the region.

Present at the press conference were George Tasiame, President of the network and two of the Network’s district representatives, Light Tornyi, Adaklu Anyigbe and Jones Fritzmaclean of Keta.

‘LIVE UP TO YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES’ AZUMAH MENSAH URGED PARENTS

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

December 20, 2011

0

Mrs. Juliana Azumah Mensah, minister of women and children’s affairs, has asked parents to live up to their responsibilities towards the upbringing of their children to ensure that they grow to become responsible adults.

Mrs. Juliana Azumah Mensah gave the advice at the inauguration of Literacy Drive and Development Movement (LDDM), a non-governmental organization in Ho on Saturday.

The group which is a non-denominational Christian organization aims at promoting the well being of under-privileged people especially Orphans and Vulnerable children in the society.

Mrs. Azumah Mensah noted that children are the mirror of the nation’s future, thus neglecting ones parental responsibilities towards the child would result in that child becoming a burden on the society.

She also noted that government has thru the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare and the Department of Social Welfare in 2010 developed a three year National Action Plan to support the development of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the country. She therefore commended Literacy Drive and Development Movement (LDDM), for their initiative to support government in providing conducive environment for the development of the vulnerable in society.

Rev Fred Simon Yevugah, the national coordinator of LDDM, on his part said the organization would support the development of the vulnerable by sponsoring the education of orphans and street children and also help in providing social amenities to rural communities to enhance their standard of living.

Rev. Yevugah also disclosed that, as part of LDDM’s mission, the organization has instituted a micro finance scheme to provide credit to petty traders and peasant farmers to boost their businesses, which he said will help reduce rural-urban migration.

Mr. Kafui Bekui, South Dayi District Chief Executive, urged the organization to take advantage of the government’s social intervention programs in education to enroll the orphans and street children in schools. He also asked them to source for external funds instead of sourcing governmental funds to undertake their activities.

HO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY TO SPONSOR MIDWIFERY STUDENTS

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

December 20, 2011

0

Hon Kodobisah giving his Address

As part of measures to support the first lady, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills’ campaign against maternal mortality in the country, the Ho Municipal Assembly will sponsor five midwifery students from the Municipality for five years at an estimated cost of GHS 170,000.

Mr Isaac Kodobisah, Municipal Chief Executive, disclosed this at the last ordinary session of the Assembly on Friday.

The First Lady, at the launch of her Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) in the Volta region recently, urged assemblies in the region to commit themselves to the fight against maternal mortality.

Mr Kodobisah said aside the sponsorship, the assembly would in the first quarter of 2012 sensitize as well as work with community leaders to “ensure that pregnancies receive skilled care” while “no deliveries are encouraged outside health facilities” adding that the assembly will also purchase 10 haemoglobinometers use in checking blood levels for health centres in the municipality at an estimated cost of GHS 5000.

He also noted that the Assembly would partner an international non-governmental organizations;-‘Professionals for Humanity ‘ in the first quarter of 2012 to equip hospitals and clinic in the Municipality with medical equipment, including blood bank refrigerators at the Ho Municipal Hospital.

MCE presenting keys to MP

In another development, Mr. Kodobissah has presented 82 motor bikes on behalf of government to members of the assembly at a short ceremony at forecourt of the assembly in Ho.

The provision of the motor bikes is part of the Government’s initiative to provide assembly members with means of transport to enable them to visit their electoral areas and to effectively monitor and evaluate ongoing development projects.

Receiving the motor bikes on behalf of assembly members, the presiding member, Mr. M. M. Atsrim, thank government for the gesture and assured that the motor bikes will be put to good use, adding that the gesture will boost the morale of assembly members in discharging their duties effectively.

CHIEFS AND PEOPLE OF ZIAVI CELEBRATE DUTUTUDOZA

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

December 8, 2011

0

Togbe Kwaku Ayim

The chiefs and people of Ziavi Traditional Area in the Ho Municipality have climaxed their 11^th annual Dututudoza on theme “Tapping Community Resources for Quality Basic Education”.

The paramount chief of area, Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV in a speech bemoaned the falling standard of education in the area adding that schools in the area over the last four years have performed poorly in the Basic Education Certificate Examination hence the focus of this year’s festival on education in order to raise funds to help reverse the situation.

Togbe Ayim also noted that, though there are basic amenities in the area, some teachers posted to the schools are unwillingness of to reside in the community. He therefore asked the teachers to consider residing in the community or apply for transfers to allow others who are willing to stay in the community to be posted to the area.

Togbe Ayim advised parents not to consider government’s interventions in education sustainable enough for them to shed their responsibilities of investing in the quality education of their children.

He also expressed frustration over the Ghana health service’s inability to provide personnel to the community health centre which was constructed some years ago.

Togbe Ayim appealed to government to provide computers for the schools to enhance the teaching and learning of ICT and also construct the road linking Ziavi Dzogbe to Tsyome Afedo to ensure the mobility of goods and services.

In a speech read on his behalf, The Volta Regional Director of Education, Gabriel kploanyi underscored the need for discipline in schools in the region and He cautioned parents who confront school authorities when their wards are punished for wrong doings to desist from such act. Mr. Kploanyi also noted that quality education is fundamental to national development. He therefore charged parents to ensure that their wards receive the best of quality education in order to fit well into the job market.

The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Amenorwode advised Ghanaians not to over rely on government since government alone cannot bring all the needed development to their communities. He therefore commended the chiefs and people of Ziavi for taking steps to support themselves and urged them to unite to build a stronger community.

VOLTA REGION SIGN “SISTER-REGION” PACT WITH NINGXIA HUI

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

December 8, 2011

0


Mr. Gong in a handshake with Hon Amenorwode

The Volta Region of Ghana and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China on Tuesday signed a “sister-region” cooperation pact to serve the mutual interests of the two politico-administrative areas.

This first ever province to province pact would create opportunities for China to support the development of agriculture and agri-business and the petro-chemical industries in the Volta Region.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister signed for the region while Mr Gong Jian Zhong, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana initialled for the Ningxia Hui Province.

Mr Amenowode said the deal was facilitated by Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs working through the House with support from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC).

He said areas like education, tourism and the petrol chemical industry would benefit as a result of the cooperation between the two provinces.

The Regional Minister said two major Chinese companies were about to invest in large agro-businesses and in oil exploration.

The two regions had earlier signed a memorandum of intent during a visit to China in September this year by a quasi-political team comprising of chiefs and business people from the region led by Mr Amenowode.

Togbe Afede

Togbe Afede said the pact would further strengthen China-Ghana relations, which started in the 1960s.

He said a team from China was expected in Ghana shortly to look at the possibility of scaling up the, gas-stream combined cycle, Sunon-Asogli power generation project and participation in other industries.

Togbe Afede said though chiefs were losing their clout to the central government, they still possessed the influence to guide, support and initiate development in their areas.

Mr Gong Jian Zhong said China was ready to work with Ghana for mutual benefits.

The short but elaborate ceremony was attended by scores of chiefs, political appointees, and heads of departments and was characterized by spectacular displays of cultural dances from the region.

click link to listen toTogbe_afede

3rd Volta Fair Ended

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

December 5, 2011

0

The third edition of the Volta Trade, Investment and Cultural Fair has ended in Ho on Sunday night.

As typical of most Ghanians, There were a lot of people at the fair grounds on Sunday to make last minute purchases.

However, some of the exhibitors who spoken to V.P fm said aside the weekend, patronage of the fair this year has been very low, blaming it on low publicity, high fees charged for the stands and the late admission of 1^st year S.H.S students which took away a lot of money from parents. They therefore called on organizers to consider the above problems in organizing next year’s fair.

Nevertheless, the fair wasn’t all that gloomy for every one as food sellers at the fair cash in on both visitors and exhibitors at the fair who enjoyed their delicious meals.

click and listen to My report on the final day of Volta Fair

OUR LOYALTY, NOT WEAKNESS – VOLTA QUEEN TELLS GOV’T

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

December 2, 2011

0

The Queenmother of Alavanyo Traditional Area, Mamaga Ametor II has called on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and politicians from the Volta region to be sincere with their countrymen and stop throwing dust into their eyes to win votes.

She added that over the years Voltarians have voted for the NDC due to the trust they have in the party, yet the NDC has returned their trust with dishonesty, lies and fruitless promises.

Mamaga made the disclosure in an interview with Daily Guide during which she threw her weight behind the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, led by the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV for rejecting NDC’s ‘World Bank’ title.

She criticized the NDC government for making the people believe enrolment for the Volta University will begin in September, this year despite knowing very well that there was no money and proper legislation to execute the project.

“See the Eastern Corridor Road, another major manifesto promise yet to be fulfilled. I used the road only a week ago and to tell you the truth, work is as sluggish as nothing at all. The least talk about the road from Hohoe to my hometown Alavanyo the better, not to talk about the Aflao road enough is enough,” she exclaimed.

Mamaga said “now the Volta region is wide awake, the time that goats were presented to us as glorious white cows are in the past and now they should be sincere to us and tell us the goat is a goat and a cow is a cow and not opposite…if we will vote, we will vote.

“They should stop apologizing and tell us the truth behind the President’s delayed tour, what do you mean by torrential rains, is it not the same period that he was touring the Greater Accra region?” she quizzed.

She urged the Regional House of Chiefs not to relent in its efforts to get fair share of development.

She also called on the House to come up with a bye-law that will bind all chiefs in the region to ensure that parliamentarians, MDCEs, Regional Minister and other government appointees and public office holders show commitment to the development of the region.

Mamaga Ametor said all chiefs should have a development plan consistent with those of their constituencies and districts.

She also called on citizens of the region not to vote for candidates because of the party they belong to but consider their competence and loyalty and commitment to the region’s development.

Mamaga asked people not to misinterpret her comments, adding, “I am saying this because it is the truth and I am saying this as a traditional leader who is fighting for the development of my people and my area…anyone who wishes to read politics in it is free to do so…in any case what do I gain from keeping quiet, nothing. Therefore I will rather fight for my people and gain nothing done seat idle.”

Credit: Fred Duodu, Dailyguide newspaper

GLORY RETURNS TO MAWULI SCHOOL

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

November 30, 2011

0

Mawuli School has begun taking it rightful place in tandem with great schools in the country as a beacon of high academic and disciplinary standards and this has been manifested in the excellent performance of students in the recent West African Secondary Schools Certificate Examinations.

According to Mr. J.M.K Osei Nyansah, the headmaster of Mawuli School, the school presented 418 candidates for the 2011 WASSCE; out of which 90.6% representing about 377 students passed in 7 or 8 subjects, thus qualifying them for tertiary education as compared to 70% qualification in the previous examinations in 2009.

Mr. Nyansah also noted that four (4) students had aggregate 6 as compared to one (1) student in 2005.

Mr. J.M.K Nyansah disclosed this at a brief ceremony to give thanks to God for their sterling performance in the 2011 WASSCE and also to officially welcome both fresh students and staff into school in Ho on Monday.

In all, 417 new students consisting, 253 boys and 164 girls has been admitted as of now but according to the headmaster, there is still vacancy for 100 girls because of the completion of a new girls’ dormitory.

Also, 10 new teaching and 13 non-teaching staff have also been engaged to consolidate the current staff strength of 94 teaching and 87 non-teaching staff. He added that, 20 interns from University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast with 10 service personnel as well as one German are also in the school to support the teaching staff this year.

Mr. Nyansah therefore challenged the students especially those in the final year to defy all odds to attain the 100% qualification, urging them to study in groups in order to assist one another in difficult subjects. He also advised them to always solve their problems through dialogue.

Rev. Frank Kwame Anku, the board chairman of the school commended both the students and staff for their relentless effort in bringing back glory to the school and advised them not to be complacent with the current situation and achievements of the school but to continuously strive for the attainment of the best for the school, adding that, God rewards faithfulness and not complacency’.

Rev. Why Azornu, the general manager of Evangelical Presbyterian Schools asked the students to eschew laziness, and adopt the virtues of hard work, discipline and honesty so as not to fall prey to the school’s disciplinary code. He also advised the teachers to be dedicated to the delivery of quality teaching and learning in the school.

Rev. Azornu suggested to the school board to liaise with the church to institutionalize the thanksgiving service for it to be organized annually.

Mrs. Lydia Adajawa, a member of the board, on her part urged the students to make good use of the enabling environment the school provides to excel adding that Mawuli School is noted for its high academic and disciplinary standards.

COMMODITY EXCHANGE FOR AGRIC PRODUCE IN THE OFFING

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

November 28, 2011

0

Hannah Tetteh giving her address

The Minister for Trade and Industry Hannah Tetteh has disclosed that an agricultural produce clearinghouse that will connect all parts of the country will soon be introduced to create the platform for farmers to lodge their produce in warehouses and silos at vantage points where they will be traded and exchanged as in the case of stock exchange.

Hon. Hannah Tetteh said this at the official launch of the third Volta Trade, Investment and Cultural Fair, in Ho in the Volta Region on Friday.

She said the project which will be known as the “Ghana Commodity Exchange” will actively use mobile phones to disseminate information among market players and farmers and this will cut out the activities of middle men and ensure that farmers get the right prices for their produce.

Ms Tetteh said a billion-dollar of food produce was traded within three years of a similar project in Ethiopia, giving indications that the benefits to Ghana can be tremendous adding that the legal framework is being developed for the project to take off possibly next year.

The Trade Minister also announced that the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) Act have been amended to include funding for the agriculture sector.

She also said the rural technology project has been renegotiated to cover more districts and under the project, technology enclaves will be established as nucleus for technical services build-up in the districts.

Ms Tetteh also said a Kente craft village is on the drawing board for the Agortime-Kpetoe area, and stressed the need for improvement in Ghanaian made goods, including kente, to stand competition.

She noted that the biggest challenge to industry and investment in Ghana is the unavailability of land in the required stretches for profitable business operations and the multiple claimants to those available. She appealed to traditional authorities to readily make land available in large stretches for the development agricultural and agro-processing industry to enhance the development of the region.

The Deputy Volta Regional, and chairman of the fair committee, Minister Cyril Necku, on his part, said has come to stay and commended the sponsors for their loyalty.

He also disclosed that a website will soon be launched to promote the fair worldwide and also attract investors and businesses to region.

Dr Bernard Kwesi Glover, a member of the council of state and chairman for the event asked exhibitors to add value to their products by improving on their quality and packaging. He suggested the construction of a permanent trade fair centre in the region.

Mr Joseph Amemowode, Regional Minister said the ideal of the Fair, which is on the theme: “Volta Region: Investors Destination” is aimed at stemming the cycle of the region being the provider of labour for industries to other regions.

Awards were presented to Sponsors, including Agricultural Development Bank, Ghana Cocoa Board, Volta Prairie Limited, Rolider constructions and Diamond Cement for their contributions towards the success of the fair in the last three years.

The two-week fair which began on Tuesday, November 24, ends on Sunday December, 4 2011.
click link and listen to Hannah Tetteh

GOV’T’s ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT IS “COSMETIC”- MINORITY LEADER

By

Kwadwo Duodu

-

November 23, 2011

0

Hon. Kyei Mensah-Bonsu

The Minority Leader in parliament, Hon Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has described the single-digit inflation and the stabilization of the economy being touted by government as an efficient economic management, as ‘Cosmetic and artificial’.

Inflation in recent times has being on the decline, from 18.5% in 2008 to 8.56% in October this year which the government has described as unprecedented economic management. But According to the minority leader, the continues decline in inflation is due to the government’s cushioning and subvention of fuel prices which undermines the use of the Automatic Price Adjustment System to review fuel prices monthly.

He also cited the non payment of arrears owed contractors, and statutory funds such as District Assembly Common Fund, GETFund among other to the tune of 3.9 billion dollars as reasons for the single digit inflation.

Hon. Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, who was addressing members of the Ho Polytechnic Chapter of the Tertiary Education Students’ Confederacy (TESCON) of NPP on Sunday evening, noted that, the current inflation trend does not reflect the true economic indices on the ground as he highlighted the high cost of living and doing business as well as high interest rates charged by commercial banks in the country.

“If the decline in inflation is not artificial, why is it not reflecting in interest rates” he asked.

Hon. Mensah-Bonsu also noted that, government has missed out on its targets this year for the agricultural sector, he said aside the cocoa subsector, food production has declined and the fisheries sector has grew by 1.7% as against 5% target for the year.

Touching on employment, the minority leader noted that contrary to the deputy information minister’s assertion that government has created1.6 million jobs, only 125,000 have been created according to the 2012 budget. Adding that, for the first time, there is an association of unemployed graduates because of the untoward hardship the government has brought to Ghanaians with its cosmetic management of the economy.

He therefore called on TESCON members be disciples of the party and preach the good news of the NPP’s achievements to Ghanaians and also work extra hard so as to wrestle power from the NDC saying, “it’s not easy for a government in power to surrender easily”