Peace Council to intervene in Agyinasare v Nogokpo Impasse

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June 6, 2023

Emilia Emefa Adzimah — Agotime-Ziope DCE

Details have emerged regarding an alleged assault incident involving Emelia Emefa Adzimah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Agortime-Ziope, during a funeral over the weekend.

Ms. Adzimah, one of only two female DCEs in the Volta region, was reported to have physically assaulted Ms. Doris Dzifa Kaledzi, a former NPP Constituency Women Organiser for Ho Central. The incident took place at the funeral of the late wife of the Ho Central NPP Chairman on Saturday, June 3.

According to reports, the DCE pushed and shoved the former Women Organiser when she attempted to take a seat behind her. During the altercation, the DCE hit Ms. Kaledzi in the face with the funeral brochure, resulting in a cut under her eyebrow.

A witness who was present at the Ho Police Training School park described the attack as completely unprovoked. The witness stated, “There was absolutely no confrontation from the young lady (victim). She simply wanted to take a seat behind the DCE and politely asked her to make room. That’s when the assault happened.”

The victim has since reported the incident at the Ho Central Police station, where she was issued a medical form to seek treatment at the hospital.

It is currently unclear whether there was any pre-existing conflict between the two women prior to the incident.

While, the victim is said to be insistent on pursuing the assault case with the police, Volta Online has learned that party officials are making efforts to settle the matter outside the justice system.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Disregard False Claim of HIV Spread – GHS

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June 5, 2023

BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Volta Regional Health Directorate has dismissed a report suggesting a surge in HIV cases at the Ho Technical University or any tertiary institution in the region.

In a press statement on June 5, and signed by Dr. Senanu Kwesi Dzokoto, the Acting Regional Director of Health Services, the Directorate reviewed HIV testing data from all health facilities in the region and found no evidence of an increase in HIV cases at any facility or tertiary institution.

The statement highlighted the successful implementation of various strategies by the Health Directorate and its partners in combating HIV/AIDS. These efforts, it noted have resulted in an impressive 85% reduction in new infections and the elimination of mother-to-child transmissions.

To maintain the progress achieved in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, the Directorate urged residents to actively engage in disease awareness campaigns and utilize tailored services that cater to their specific needs. Stigmatization should be avoided, and the community is encouraged to support these initiatives.

Dr. Dzokoto emphasised that individuals can access HIV services while safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality at any health facility in the region. It is vital to recognize that HIV remains a reality, and everyone is encouraged to adopt positive lifestyles through sexual abstinence, faithfulness to partners, and consistent condom use, the statement added.

Meanwile, the management of the Ho Technical University, in a separate press release sighted by Voltaonline, urged the public to disregard the false publication, asserting that legal action will be taken against individuals who share this misleading information.

Below is the full statement from the Health Directorate

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

HTU Denies Hoax HIV Publication, Warns of Legal Action

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June 5, 2023

Ho Technical University (HTU) has denied a false publication claiming an outbreak of HIV among its students, calling it baseless and entirely false. The university management addressed the issue in response to an online publication, which had been circulating on social media platforms.

In a press statement on June 5, and released by the registrar, Dr. C.K Amehoe, the university noted that both the University Health Service and the Municipal and Regional Health Directorates of the Ghana Health Service had no information or reports regarding an HIV outbreak at HTU. The statement thus, urged the public to disregard the false publication and emphasized that it had the potential to damage the institution’s hard-earned image and reputation.

Furthermore, HTU’s management warned that legal action would be taken against any individual found sharing the false publication, stressing that the University remains a safe and preferred institution among technical universities worldwide.

Read full statement below

DENIAL OF FALSE PUBLICATION RE: HOOK UP TREND LEADS TO HIV OUTBREAK AT HTU: STUDENTS ON RAMPAGE

The attention of the Management of Ho Technical University (HTU) has been drawn to a false publication by ajnewsonline.com circulating on social media regarding an alleged outbreak of HIV in the University.

The University would like to set the record straight that.

1. The University Health Service as well as the Municipal and Regional Health Directorates of the Ghana Health Service have no such information on HTU as published.

2. The Public is urged to disregard the publication as it is entirely baseless and false

The General Public is therefore advised to desist from sharing the false publication as it has the potential of damaging the hard won image and reputation of the Institution.

Management of the University SHALL institute legal action against any person(s) sharing the said false publication.

Management wishes to assure all its stakeholders and the general public that Ho Technical

University remains safe and one of the preferred Technical Universities, worldwide.

SIGNED

DR. C.K AMEHOE, REGISTRAR

Distribution: Media Houses

Issued: 5th June, 2023

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Agyinasare’s Church Declares One-Week Fasting and Prayers Amidst Nogokpo Controversy

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June 4, 2023

BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Amidst the ongoing controversy between Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the founder of Perez Chapel International, and the chiefs and people of Nogokpo in the Volta Region, the church has announced a one-week period of fasting and prayers.

The declaration was made on Sunday, June 4, 2023, by the Presiding Bishop of Perez Chapel International, Benjamin Ohene Aboagye.

This decision comes in response to a 14-day ultimatum issued by the chiefs and elders of Nogokpo, inviting the Archbishop to a meeting to resolve the impasse created by his description of the community as a ‘demonic headquarters’.

Taking note of the concerns raised, the Perez Council, acting on behalf of the Executive Council of the Church took the decision for the week-long spiritual exercise.

Presiding Bishop Benjamin Ohene Aboagye stated, “We are declaring a one-week fast from the 5th to the 11th of this month, and we expect all pastors, elders, deacons, deaconesses, and all our churches to participate in this fast for one week. We believe that God is our helper, our rock, the one we look up to. This is the decision we have made for now. We expect everyone in all our branches to take part in this fast.”

The controversy between Archbishop Charles Agyinasare and the people of Nogokpo started when the Archbishop made a statement during the Supernatural Empowerment Summit, triggering widespread discussions and debates. As news spread across social media, tensions escalated, deepening the divide between the church and the local community.

In light of these developments, the leadership of Perez Chapel International has deemed it necessary to seek divine intervention and guidance through a week-long period of fasting and prayers.

The call for participation in the fast extends to all members and branches of Perez Chapel International, urging them to set aside personal differences and come together in prayer.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Nogokpo Chiefs Summon Agyinasare over Controversial Comment

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June 2, 2023

BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Chiefs and Elders of Nogokpo have given Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, Founder of Perez Chapel International, a 14-day ultimatum to meet with them regarding his controversial comment that labeled the community as the “Demonic headquarters” of the Volta Region.

During a Press Conference on Friday, Togbui Saba V, Chief of Nogokpo, expressed disappointment that despite the public outcry for the Archbishop to retract his statement and apologize, he showed no remorse. This has led the Chiefs to believe that the Archbishop deliberately aimed to tarnish the good reputation of the people of Nogokpo.

‘It is important to note that even Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, sought divine assistance from the thunder deity at Nogokpo during his pursuit of Ghana’s independence,’ the chief stated, while highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Nogokpo in the region.

A spokesperson reading the Chief’s statement

The Chief clarified that the community has never engaged in any inhumane activities or compromised its reputation for personal gain.

While acknowledging the offensive nature of the Archbishop’s comments, the Chiefs emphasized their commitment to peace and called for the Archbishop to be held accountable.

They urged the Inspector General of Police, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs the Ketu South Municipal Assembly and other relevant agencies to take appropriate action against the Perez Chapel founder.

Nogokpo, located in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, is well-known for its traditional religious practices and spiritual beliefs. The community takes pride in the renowned Zakadza Shrine, dedicated to the god of thunder.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Volta/Oti Regional Librarian Dead

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June 2, 2023

Mr. Guy Amarteifio, the Volta/Oti Regional Director of the Ghana Library Authority, has passed away.

According to sources, Mr. Amarteifio died on Wednesday in Accra after a brief illness. He had been battling with health issues for some time and had been in and out of the hospital, a source confirmed to Volta Online.

During his tenure as Regional Librarian for the past five years, the deceased had been actively involved in the efforts to complete the long-standing Regional Library Complex in Ho.

Thanks to his leadership, the Regional library was relocated from its temporary location at Ho Bankoe E.P. Basic School to the new library complex, while awaiting its full completion and furnishing.

Additionally, Mr. Amarteifio played a pivotal role in establishing readers clubs in various basic schools within the two regions.

Mr. Amarteifio was a graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where he obtained a degree in Publishing Studies. He later pursued a Master’s degree in Information Sciences at the University of Ghana.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Telecos Begin Blocking Unregistered SIM Cards, over 7.4 Million Momo Wallets affected

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June 2, 2023

BY: Lambert Coffie & Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com

Following the May 31 deadline for the re-registration of SIM cards, Mobile Network Operators have begun blocking non-compliant subscribers as of June 1.

This is in fulfilment of the directives of the regulator, the National Communication Authority (NCA), which announced a nationwide re-registration of SIM cards in Ghana in September 2021. The exercise has since seen several extensions and grace periods to enable full compliance.

However, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Telecoms Chamber, has revealed that over 9 million SIM cards have not been registered during this period. This includes 7.4 million mobile money wallets, containing an amount of over 200 million cedis.

According to Dr. Ashigbey, such subscribers will be barred from accessing any services on their networks, including calls, data, and mobile money services, until they fully undergo the re-registration process.

“Those who have not fully registered their SIM cards will be blocked, and as we speak, the number of those that will be blocked is about 9 million. If you consider those using mobile money that will be blocked, they amount to about 7.4 million, and they will not have access to their mobile money. So on the GSM side, you will not be able to make a call, receive a call, send a text, or use data services,” Dr. Ashigbey said in an interview with Citi News, as monitored by Volta Online. He, however, assured that the money on SIM cards will be safeguarded by the network operators.

“For the 7.4 million subscribers who have over GH¢200 million in their wallets, when they are barred, they will have the opportunity to regain access to their numbers and retrieve their money and historical records by registering,” he added.

Meanwhile, some subscribers have attributed their difficulties in re-registering their SIM cards to challenges in obtaining the Ghana card, which is the sole requirement for the process. The frustrated individuals have in the last few weeks been queuing at the premises of the National Identification Authority (NIA) in an attempt to acquire the national ID card.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Reviewed Utility Tariffs for Second Quarter take Effect

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June 1, 2023

BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Effective today June 1, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company have commended implementing revised utility tariffs for the second quarter of 2023.

These new tariffs, approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in May, bring an 18.36 percent increase in end-user electricity prices, adding to the nearly 30 percent hike experienced in the first quarter.

For residential water customers, the new tariffs will result in a nine percent rise in prices, from GHp/M3 433.38 to 472.39. Non-residential customers, on the other hand, will face a 15 percent tariff increment, with prices going up from GHp/M3 1215.11 to 1397.38.

Sachet water producers will see a significant 22.22 percent increase in their tariffs, jumping from GHp/M3 1,800.00 to 2,200.00. Industrial water customers, on the other hand, will experience a 25 percent hike, with tariffs rising from GHp/M3 2000.00 to 2,500.00.

In contrast, commercial and bottled water and drinks producers will benefit from a 16.6 percent reduction in tariffs, lowering prices from GHp/M3 3000.00 to 2500.00.

These upward adjustments in tariffs, according to the ulitities refular, PURC, are attributed to the combined impact of currency depreciation, inflation, increased gas costs, and higher expenses for chemicals used in raw water treatment.

The quarterly review of utility prices is a requirement under the 3-billion dollar support programme that the government entered into with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive Ghana’s struggling economy.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NDC to mark June 4th Anniversary at Hohoe

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May 31, 2023