BITTER-SWEET RESULTS AT NDC PRIMARIES IN THE VOLTA REGION:

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January 23, 2012

Results from the ruling NDC’s parliamentary primaries in its world bank, the Volta region on Saturday have claimed a number of losses and produced surprises.

For instance, in the Keta constituency the Propaganda Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Richard Quashigah beat the incumbent MP Larsey Agbenyefia to win the slot to represent the party the 2012 elections.

Richard Quashiga had 95 votes whilst Agbenyefia Lassey managed 85 votes. Kwame Gakpe and Rocky polled 53 and 54 votes respectively.

In the Ho Central, incumbent Capt. George Kofi Nfojoh lost his seat having polled 52 votes. He was beaten in the Ho Central constituency by Mr Benjamin Komla Kpodo, finance officer of the University of Education, who had 270 votes. Fafa Adinyira had 104 votes, Steven Adom 17 votes and Kodzo Akpadi 15 votes.

In the North Tongu constituency, Deputy Information Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa, polled 157 votes to wallop the incumbent MP Charles Hodogbey who got only 26 votes. Whereas at South Tongu, incumbent MP Korbla Mensah Woyome won with 328 votes as against his challenger Maxwel Lukutor who had 66 votes.

Edem Asiama also won the South Dayi primaries with 144 votes, followed by Dr. Kwame Ampofo who had 40 votes and Rockson Dafeamekpor with 20 votes.

At Hohoe South, Volta Regional Minister and incumbent MP Joseph Amenorwode won with 186 votes as against Angela Allo Tey who polled 102 votes.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Humado has been elected as the NDC’s candidate for the Anlo constituency. He polled 269 votes. His closest contender Gandi Mawuenyega polled 44 votes whilst Kafui Agbleze had 30 of the votes counted.

Also, Minister for Road and Highways Joe Gidisu polled 230 votes to retain the seat in the Central Tongu. His contender Alex Gabby Hottordze had 121 votes.

In the Akan constituency, also in the Volta Region, Gyapong Kudzo won the seat with 175 votes leaving his closest contender Joseph Ofori with 159 votes whilst the other challenger Edem had 21 votes.

Mr James Avedzi, MP for Ketu-North, also retained the NDC ticket with 247 votes beating Dr Stephen Ahiawordor, a lecturer, who polled 68 votes and Mr Kwaku Treme, a Mining consultant, who also got 6 votes.

The MP for Krachi-East, Mr. Wisdom Gidisu, MP for Buem, Mr. Henry Kamel Ford, MP for Ho-West, Mr. Emmanuel Bedzrah, and the MP for Ave-Avenor and first deputy speaker of parliament, Mr. Doe Adjaho had popular acclamation.

Mr Adjaho has held the Ave-Avenor seat since 1992, making him one of the longest serving legislators in the country.

Elections in the Ketu south, Adaklu-Anyibe and Hohoe north constituencies have been suspended, due to the creation of new districts, and expectations that new constituencies would be created.

Meanwhile Madam Anita De-Sosoo National Women’s Organiser of the NDC told delegates after the declaration of results in Ho-Central that the orderly conduct of the elections and the results affirmed the victory for the NDC.

She therefore called on all party members in the constituency to gird their loins behind the winner to prosecute a vigorous campaign to claim more votes for the Party in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in December

She acknowledged that Captain Nfodjo has achieved a lot for the Party in the constituency and should be accorded great respect among party members.

Captain Nfodjo and the other contenders pledged to support Mr Kpodo.

Mr Kpodo, on his part, said he shared his victory with his opponents and their supporters and called for collective action towards winning the December elections.

He promised to include his opponents in his campaign team and make resources available to keep the party active in the constituency for a resounding victory in December.

INTER-PARTY DIALOGUE COMMITTEE INAUGURATED IN HO

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 12, 2012

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An Inter-Party Dialogue Committee task with the mandate of promoting peace and resolving conflicts before, during and after the 2012 general elections has been inaugurated in Ho on Wednesday.

Mr Anthony Belley, the Volta regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), speaking at the inauguration noted that, the committee will provide an effective platform for key stakeholder to engage with political parties, the NCCE and the Electoral Commission in ensuring violence- free elections.

He said though, Ghana is acclaimed internationally as the beacon of democratic governance in Africa, there is the need to consolidate and deepen the nation’s democratic tenets by forming the inter-party dialogue committees to act as a buffer zone for constituencies to curtail unnecessary suspicions among political parties.

Mr. Belley said the committee would focus on mediation and resolution of petty conflicts, monitor the enforcement of the code of conduct of political parties, promote peace and identify issues that have the potential to trigger election related conflicts.

The committee which comprise of representatives of political parties, faith based organizations, civil society and community based organizations, the police, traditional authorities, independent governance institutions and the media has Mr Joseph Nuertey of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) as chairman, Mama Agblatsu II as vice chairperson, Mr. Enoch Amegbletor as secretary and Mr. Edem Yao Torsah of Volta Premier Fm as organizer.

Similar committees according to Mr. Belley will be inaugurated at the district, constituency and zonal levels across the region to put in place an effective conflict prevention programme to prevent election related violence.

‘EXHAUST AVENUES FOR ADDRESSING GRIEVANCES’- RECTOR ADVISES STUDENTS

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 9, 2012

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Dr. J.V.K

Dr. J.V.K affun, the Rector of Ho Polytechnic has asked students of the polytechnic to exhaust every avenue available for addressing grievances before engaging in any act(s) that will be detrimental to them and polytechnic.

“Not until you exhaust all avenues of addressing a particular issue, to ascertain that you are right and the other party is wrong, you don’t engage in any act that will be detrimental to you” the rector emphasized.

The rector’s comment follows rumors that some students are planning to boycott the second semester examinations which begins today because of the inconsistent changes in the examination time table for at least three times.

The examination which was earlier scheduled to last for two weeks later saw an extension to three weeks after the Student Representative Council (S.R.C) executives have appealed and negotiated with the timetable committee for the extension in order to give ample time to students to write the exams.

However in sharp twist, the time table was reverted back to two weeks at the eleventh hour which Starred frustration among students.

But, Dr. Affun in an address to students and staff of the polytechnic at the End of Semester church service on Sunday, explained that the back and forth changes in the timetable was because, the timetable committee did not communicate to management their decision with the S.R.C to extend the duration of the examination by an additional week.

The rector also explained that, as of the time the changes were made, the Polytechnic academic calendar has already been drawn and approved by the academic board and circulated to all stakeholders including the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Affun however expresses the hope that, the issue of the extension will be addressed at the next sitting of the academic board for it to take effect from next semester.

He therefore urged the students to bear with management and not to boycott the examinations even though it is within their right to do so, adding that any such action will lead to the re-starting of the academic year with its dire consequences on both students and management.

The rector also advised the students to abide by all rules and regulations pertaining to examination in the polytechnic to avoid being ousted out due to examination Mal-practice.

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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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January 9, 2012

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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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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December 20, 2011

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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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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December 20, 2011

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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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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December 8, 2011

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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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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December 8, 2011

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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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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December 5, 2011

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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

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Kwadwo Duodu

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December 2, 2011

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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