GhElection2024: EC Makes U-turn on Decision to Restrict Media Access to Collation Centers

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December 3, 2024

BY: Lambert Coffie | Volta Online

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has made a dramatic U-turn, reversing its initial decision to restrict media access to collation centers during the upcoming December 7 general elections.

This decision came after intense backlash from media organizations and individuals, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA).

The EC’s initial decision was met with heavy criticism, with many questioning the motive behind limiting media access. However, after a meeting between the EC and media associations, the Commission reversed its decision, allowing accredited media houses unrestricted access to collation centers.

According to a statement issued by the EC on December 2, 2024, media personnel with photo accreditation will be allowed to access constituency and regional collation centers using their existing accreditation cards.

The EC’s Director for Electoral Services, Mr. Benjamin Bano-Bioh, stated that this decision demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to openness and fairness. He noted that the Commission is dedicated to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. However, arrangements for media access to the National Collation Centre in Accra will be announced separately.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NDC Vows to Reclaim Hohoe Seat as Fiifi Kwetey Leads Regional Rally

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Volta Online

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December 2, 2024

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to regaining the Hohoe Parliamentary Seat, which was lost to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2020 general elections.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the NDC’s Volta Regional Rally in Hohoe on Saturday, November 30, Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, urged party supporters to spread the party’s campaign messages of hope ahead of the 2024 general elections.

He noted that the NDC was not supposed to lose the Hohoe parliamentary seat to the NPP in 2020 and that this opportunity should not be missed again, stating that an NDC win would correct the wrongs of the past eight years. He thus encouraged party supporters to go door-to-door, stressing the importance of the election in resetting the country.

The rally also featured speeches from other key NDC figures, including Mr. Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Hohoe NDC Parliamentary Candidate, who urged the electorate to focus on development issues rather than divisive campaign messages.

Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor, Volta Regional Chairman, NDC, emphasized the party’s unity and focus, stating that all votes in the region would be protected.

The event, which included a walk, was attended by hundreds of party supporters. With the NDC determined to regain the lost seat in Hohoe, the rally marked a crucial moment in the party’s campaign efforts.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

#GhElection2024:Over 9,000 Voters in Volta to Participate in Special Voting

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Volta Online

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December 2, 2024

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BY: Daniel Orlando | Volta Online

About 9,036 voters in the Volta Region are casting their ballots in the special voting exercise today, Monday, December 2, 2024.

The special voting allows election officials, security personnel, and media practitioners to vote early ahead of the December 7 general election.

The exercise is taking place at 22 designated centers across the Volta Region, with each constituency having at least one voting center. The polls are open from 7 am to 5 pm.

The Electoral Commission has instructed Presiding Officers not to count the ballots at the close of polls. Instead, the boxes will be sealed and stored in secured rooms at police stations within each constituency and counted on the main election day.

In all, about 130,000 eligible voters will participate in the exercise across the country. However, the EC has postponed the special voting in the Eastern and Western regions to December 5 due to an abnormality found on one of the presidential ballot papers. They have consequently recalled the consignments to the two regions for reprinting.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Hohoe Sports Stadium Officially Opens with Grand Ceremony

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Volta Online

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December 2, 2024

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BY: VoltaOnline News Desk

The newly constructed Hohoe Sports stadium was officially opened on Saturday, November 30, 2024, marking a major breakthrough for sports development in the Volta Region.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by over 7,000 people, including members of the football community, and featured an exciting football match between former Black Star Players and Hohoe XI.

The 10,000-seater capacity facility boasts of a FIFA standard AstroTurf pitch, basketball, lawn tennis, and volleyball courts. According to Mr. John Peter Amewu, MP for Hohoe and Minister for Railway Development, the stadium’s completion is a culmination of a two-decade dream, which has filled him with joy.

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to have a profound impact on the local football community. This state-of-the-art facility will also provide a major boost to Hohoe United FC, a club in the Access Bank Division One League, as well as other lower-division teams in Hohoe and surrounding areas.

The revamped Hohoe Sports Stadium is expected to serve as a valuable resource for both the local football community and the wider Volta Region.

Distinguished guests at the event included Togbui Gabusu V, Maestro Abedi Ayew Pele, and President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku.

The ceremony was crowned with an inaugural match between the 2010 Black Stars squad and the Hohoe Select Side, which ended in a thrilling 4-1 victory for the Black Stars team.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

UHAS Confers First-Ever PhD Degrees at 9th Congregation

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Volta Online

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December 1, 2024

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BY: Daniel Orlando | Volta Online

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has achieved a historic feat by conferring its first two PhD degrees on Dr. Atubiga Alobit Baba and Dr. Vivian Della Atuwo-Ampoh from the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health and the School of Allied Health Sciences respectively.

This momentous occasion took place during the 9th Congregation ceremony on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at its permanent campus at Sokode-Lokoe near Ho.

UHAS, a premier university dedicated to training health professionals in Ghana, also graduated its first cohorts of the Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Medicine Sciences and the Bachelor of Orthotics and Prosthetics programme. Notably, the Bachelor of Orthotics and Prosthetics programme is the first of its kind in the West African sub-region.

A total of 1,519 students took part in the congregation, graduating from various schools, including the Graduate School, School of Allied Health Sciences, and the Fred Binka School of Public Health.

Justice (rtd) Jones Mawulorm Dotse, Chairman of the UHAS Council, commended the graduates, faculty, and staff for their hard work and dedication. He emphasized UHAS’ vital role in shaping the future of healthcare professionals in Ghana, highlighting the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are academically competent and adaptable to the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lydia Aziato, highlighted the steady progress being made by the University, while calling for further stakeholder support to advance the delivery of the University’s mandate.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Hospital, Dr. Juliana Ove Ameh, urged the graduates to prioritize quality healthcare as a cornerstone for national development and sustainability. She underscored the critical role healthcare professionals play in transforming Ghana’s healthcare system and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source:www.voltaonlinegh.com

Election2024: HTU Students To Lose Certificates if…

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Volta Online

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November 30, 2024

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BY: Lambert Coffie | Volta Online

As Ghana prepares to go to the polls on December 7, 2024, students of Ho Technical University (HTU) have been cautioned against engaging in electoral violence.

According to Prof. Ben Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor of HTU, such conduct could lead to the withdrawal of their degrees and diplomas by the university.Prof. Honyenuga emphasized that elections should not be seen as a ‘do or die’ affair and urged students to exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner.

He warned that any student found to be involved in electoral violence would face severe consequences, including the potential withdrawal of their certificate.’

As we approach the general elections, I entreat you all to exercise your franchise in a peaceful manner. Do not engage yourselves in any electoral violence. I will not hesitate to recommend to the academic board and council to withdraw our certificate should it be established that, any of our graduates was involved in electoral violence.’

The Vice-Chancellor issued the warning during the 25th Congregation ceremony on Friday, November 29, 2024, where a total of 1,632 students graduated with degrees and higher national diplomas in various disciplines.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

US Ambassador Graces Volta Fair Sports Summit in Ho

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Volta Online

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December 7, 2023

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BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com|

H.E. Virginia Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, has acknowledged the significant contribution of the Volta Region to the development of sports in the country and beyond.

She commended the region for producing brilliant and talented sportsmen and women, who have represented both Ghana and United States of America over the years.

The US Ambassador made these remarks during the Sports Investment Summit and Awards in Ho, as part of her visit to the 6th Edition of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair being held at the Jubilee Park.

She mentioned that the embassy has assigned professional sports liaison officers in the visa section to expedite visa applications for Ghanaians in the sports fraternity.

Ambassador Palmer further stated that the embassy is actively addressing the visa backlog in the system and urged everyone to submit their applications in a timely manner.

“Ghana is the 14th largest sender of students to the USA globally and the second largest sender from sub-Saharan Africa. My visa officers have processed approximately 10,000 appointments over the summer,” she stated.

Mr. Morris Quansah, the former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association (SWAG), highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents numerous opportunities that the Volta Region should leverage for its full potential development.

Mr. Quansah emphasized the need for the region to nurture young talents in sports, considering that it has produced many of the country’s greatest sportsmen and women. He urged sports journalists in the region to advocate for government support in developing sports infrastructure, which forms the foundation for talent identification and development, creating a vibrant environment for sports to thrive.

Mr. Dela Gadzanku, the Chairman of the Ghana Association of Industries for Eastern, Volta, and Oti, underscored the importance of the sports sector in the development of the Volta Region. He expressed optimism that the 1st sports summit would initiate discussions on sports infrastructure and talent development in the region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho To Come Alive With ‘Young and Loud’ Festival

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Volta Online

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December 7, 2023

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BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional capital of Ho is set to come alive as the Young and Loud Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, announces an electrifying line-up of artists set to take the stage at the Mawuli School Campus.

Patrons would be captivated by the talents of renowned performers including Keeny Ice, Tuf B, Afro Khelly, Keli Yong, and Dzidegh.

According to organisers, the line-up event promises to not only create a vibrant musical atmosphere but also set the tone for a ground breaking event that transcends entertainment – it’s a movement for positive change.

More than just a festival, Young and Loud, spearheaded by the Young and Safe Consortium, is geared towards empowering the youth of Ho to be catalysts for systemic change. The festival stands on pillars of creative advocacy, talent recognition, networking opportunities, a platform for showcasing talent, and career exploration, a media release from the organisers and copied Volta Online, stated.

‘The festival is set to redefine the city’s cultural scene, as the streets of Ho transform into a cultural hub with vibrant street art, immersive installations, and interactive exhibits. It’s not just about celebrating youth creativity but advocating for improved well-being and fostering solutions to societal issues.’

The movement is part of the Young and Safe Project, a three-year initiative addressing crucial aspects of youth life such as participation in city governance, sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, creative self-expression, and digital employment opportunities.

Supported by Fondation Botnar through the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Program, the project is aimed at building an inclusive and supportive community for young people in Ho municipality.

About the Young and Safe Project

The Young and Safe project is a three-year initiative in Ho, Ghana, addressing important issues for youth, including participation in city governance, sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, creative expression, and digital employment opportunities. It involves collaboration between Node Eight, Ho Municipal Assembly, LoveAid Foundation, and Ghana Education Service, with support from Fondation Botnar through the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Program.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Akatsi South Targets Sweet Potato for Economic Growth

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Volta Online

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December 6, 2023

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Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Mr. Daniel Ankrah, the Akatsi South Municipal Development Officer, has called for potential investors to explore the significant opportunities that the municipality provides in the cultivation of sweet potatoes and other agricultural products. The initiative aims to boost the local economy and position the municipality as the leading producer of sweet potatoes in the Volta Region.

Mr. Ankrah made these remarks while speaking to a Volta Online reporter during an exhibition showcasing the products and prospects that the municipality offers to investors.

He highlighted that the municipality currently cultivates approximately 90,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes during both the major and minor seasons. These sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and represent an optimal food choice for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under two years old.

Mr. Ankrah emphasized, “Our sweet potatoes also play a crucial role in preventing stunting and malnutrition among children and adults.”

In addition to sweet potatoes, he mentioned that the municipality ranks as the 5th largest producer of rice in the region.

Furthermore, Mr. Ankrah invited investors through the Volta Trade and Investment platform to consider investing in the abundant clay deposits within the municipality. This investment has the potential to create job opportunities for the local youth, thereby significantly reducing the high unemployment rate in the area.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Keta Municipal Unveils Lucrative Opportunities in Shallot and Coconut Production

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Volta Online

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December 6, 2023

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Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

It has emerged that the Keta Municipality, one of the oldest municipalities in the Volta Region, is noted for the cultivation of shallot and sugarcane due to favorable climatic conditions.

The local economy, mainly agrarian, engages the majority of the population in crop farming, livestock keeping, fishing, and other agriculture-related activities and trading.

The municipality is a major vegetable producer in the Volta Region, contributing significantly to the local and national economy.

It is well-known for the cultivation of shallots in large quantities produced in the floodplains along the Keta Lagoons and streams. Maize and cassava are also grown as off-season crops along the littoral and as main season crops in the northern parts of the municipality.

Coconuts are grown in the inland parts of the municipality around Afiadenyigba, Atiavi, Hatorgodo, Atsiame, and Dorveme areas. Sugarcane is also a major crop extensively cultivated in Atiavi and Hatorgodo, used for the production of the local gin, Akpeteshie.

Cowpea is a major crop grown in the northern parts of the municipality around Abor, Weme, and other surrounding towns during the main cropping season. Sweet potato is one of the main crops found all over the municipality.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Gemegah, made the disclosure at the municipality’s exhibition and highlights at the ongoing Volta Trade and Investment Fair in Ho.

Mr. Gemegah said the municipality has positioned itself for potential investors in the areas of agro-based, mining, textiles, and ceramic sectors.

“Aside from agriculture, the municipality offers investment opportunities in agro-based industries, mining, textiles, and ceramics. Moreover, the Keta Municipal Assembly is blessed with long, picturesque sandy beaches, complemented by recognized hospitality facilities like the Aborigines Beach Resort, Villar Amore Hotel, Lagoon View Hotel, and Emancipation Beach Resort.

These attractions significantly contribute to the municipality’s potential for tourism and hospitality.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com