The Volta Regional Police has launched a manhunt for a hit-and-run driver who crushed a 4-year old girl to death at Kudzra in the Kpando Municipality.
The victim was knocked down by a yet-to-be identified driver, whilst crossing the road in the company of her peers on Thursday, February 10, 2022.
According a brief from the Volta Regional Police Public Relations Unit, the little girl was with her friends on an errand when the unfortunate incident occurred at about 5:30pm on Thursday.
‘Unfortunately, the driver did not stop and left her to her fate,’ the police stated, adding that, the victim who sustained serious injuries was later confirmed dead at the Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital Kpando.
The body has since been deposited at the Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Police has advised parents to handle their children with care and not leave them under the care of other minors who are immature in guaranteeing their safety when the need arises.
School children at Saviefe-Gbedome, a farming community in the Ho West district can now rub shoulders with the counterparts in the urban areas in learning of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Thanks to the benevolence a Non-governmental organisation, VIMA, the community can boast of an Library cum Computer Lab.
Christened, Hezel Community Computer Laboratory and Library, the facility was provided at the cost of 32,000 dollars.
Founder and Executive Director of VIMA, Mr. Francis Agbemafle speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, February 8, 2022, said the intervention forms part of the organization’s objectives to find lasting solutions to challenges of deprived communities in the area of education and health care.
Ho West DCE, (L) inspecting the library
He urged the beneficiaries make good use of the facility to improve education outcomes in the area, and also be innovative and creative as the world was moving into a new era.
The District Chief Executive for Ho West, Ernest Appau who was the Guest of Honour express gratitude to VIMA for their intervention and called for more collaboration in the future.
He also assured of assembly’s efforts to provide the needed amenities and infrastructure in the various communities of the district.
Madan Celestine Korsi-Agordo, the District Director of Education appealed to the teachers and pupils of Saviefe Gbedome D.A Basic school to judiciously use the facility to enhance tesching and learning, and also ensure a good maintenance culture.
A meeting to elect a new Presiding Member for the Ho Municipal Assembly on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, ended in a fiasco.
This was due to the failure of any of the two contenders to secure the required two-thirds majority vote for the position.
The incumbent, Mr. Jonny Akpakli, whose 2-year tenure ended, is being contested by Mr. Mawunyo Agbe.
However, after two rounds of voting, both candidates failed to secure the required two-thirds majority vote of the 43-member assembly. The two respectively polled 20, 23 votes in the first round and 18, 25 votes in the second, hence fallen short of the atleast 30 votes requirement.
Consequently, Mr. Augustus Awity, Coordinating Director of the Assembly who presided over the election adjourned the meeting to the next 10 days where the nominees will have another chance at the polls. They will however have step down for new nominations should they fail to attain the two-thirds in that poll.
In a reaction, Togbe Koku Tsru II, of Ziavi Traditional Area, expressed disappointment with the turn of events but was hopeful that within the next 10 days, things will be different and the overall interest of the assembly will supersede that of every individual or group.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Divine Bosson, who spoke prior to the voting, urged the assembly members to conduct the electoral process in a spirit of togetherness and love as well as elect a unifier who has the interest of the municipality at heart.
The Local Government ACT 936 of 2016, stipulates a two year tenure for a presiding member, and also two-thirds majority of the entire membership for the election of same.
The Nkwanta South Municipal Fire Commander, Mr. Francis Agbavitor has cautioned residents to be careful about the use of electrical gadgets in their homes to avoid fire outbreaks in this hamattan season.
His caution comes on the back of the numerous fire outbreaks in the area believed to be caused by electrical gadgets.
Speaking in a media interview, Mr. Agbavitor noted that these occurrences were due to the fact that residents leave home without switching off their gadgets.
He further cautions landlords and other electricity users to avoid the use of quack or unqualified electricians, as well as buy quality and approved electric materials to avoid loss of lives and properties.
‘Avoid keeping highly flammable substances like petrol at home and constantly check your gas cylinders for leakages to avoid a trigger’, he noted.
He also urged them to create fire belts around their farms to avoid setting fire to other adjoining farms and bushes.
Also, he advised estate developers to respect space outlays in-between building plots for easy access during emergencies.
He further assured all that his office is ready to curb the fire situations in the area.
The Volta Regional office of the National Disaster Organization (NADMO) has provided some relief items to victims whose houses were razed down by bushfire.
The disaster which spans two districts – Agortime –Ziope and Akatsi North, affected three communities and twenty households.
A total of 63 people were rendered homeless in Xakorfe and Yevi while 30 people were affected in Dzalele.
Presenting the items, the Deputy Regional NADMO Director, Madam Ivy Amewugah admonished residents to be mindful of life and property when embarking upon land clearing activities which involves bush burning.
‘it is good to know that no life was lost but these properties lost were investments made over a long period of time, when burning bush don’t forget to create fire belts to prevent the fire from going beyond the designated area.’
The items presented include 20 pieces of mattress, three packs of used clothing, six cartons of soap, 20 packs of mosquito coil, 40 pieces of blanket, twenty buckets, five basins and 60 cups.
A victim, Anthony Agidi who spoke on behalf of the victims narrated the unfortunate occurrence of 25th January 2022, stating that they had all moved to their farms to prepare the land only to be called back home that disaster had struck. He added that they tried all they could but could not salvage any item. ‘Properties worth hundreds of Ghana cedis were destroyed by the fire but we thank NADMO for the prompt response,’ he said.
Speaking in Yevi and Xakorfe, the District Chief Executive of Agortime-Ziope appreciated the prompt response from NADMO and advised people living in these farming communities to deploy best farming practices in the dry season to save livelihood.
Seventeen persons are in the grips of the Volta Regional Police Command in connection with suspected narcotics substances retrieved during separate swoops across the region.
According to the Police, on February 3, 2022, 13 suspects were arrested in an intelligence-led operation at Juapong, in which they retrieved quantities of dried leaves, and slabs of compressed dried leaves, all suspected to be Indian hemp, in addition to quantities of substances suspected to be cocaine, and other implements such as pairs of scissors, folding paper (Rizla), and brown paper. Five motorbikes abandoned at the ghettos were also impounded.
Similarly, three suspects including a woman were on February 2, 2022, arrested by the Dzodze District Police and quantities of narcotics substances were also retrieved in an operation led by DSP MR. Christian Dogbatse, the Dzodze District Police Commander.
In all, 281 wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and assorted narcotics induced preparations; 622 pieces of toffee, bitters, and other implements used in processing narcotics substances; rolling paper; (Rizla) pairs of scissors, brown paper, and Lighters were retrieved from the suspects.
At the Abutiakope beach at Keta, a 59-year-old male suspect is in police custody after his attempt to escape arrest failed when they were swooped on. His accomplices managed to escape in a fishing boat at the Abutiakope beach abandoning two sacks of narcotic substances and a Pajero SUV on February 3, 2022.
DSP Effia Tenge, Regional Police PRO who made these briefs available to the media, said the Keta District Command was following other leads to get those who escaped arrested, while, all 17 suspects will be screened and those found culpable after investigation will be put before the court.
Founder of Kama group of companies, Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo has charged young graduates to embrace the entrepreneurial revolution, that have taken over the 21st century era.
According to him, this era was set to become the most complex and dynamic the world had experienced, and that countries such as Ghana need to find a grip at takes off.
Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo
The accomplished business man who was addressing the 22nd congregation of the Ho Technical University, and said the nation must not “sit and watch it pass by”.
He told graduands, “I came to inform you that we have entered a new century, and that new century has come with a different revolution. It’s no more industrial revolution, but entrepreneurial revolution. So don’t sit down and watch it pass by. We already in 21 years, gone, and Ghanaians are not aware.”
Dr. Agyekum opined that, the entrepreneurial revolution would grow more aggressive than the peaking industrial revolution, and would leave many behind those who do not endeavor to get a hold.
“If you don’t embark on it, you are going to be the poorest human being on earth even though you have a certificate. It will not wait for you and it’s moving,” he added.
He called for the making of certain disciplines such as entrepreneurship and engineering as core subjects, through which young people would be developed into multi skilled industrialists.
He noted also that the full potentials of the African continent remained untapped, and encouraged the graduates use their skills to generate income streams for themselves.
“Don’t stick to whatever you studied alone. Have the entrepreneurial mindset,” he said.
In all, 1,041 students who succefulky completed their Bachelor Degrees and Higher National Diploma programmes in the 2020/21 academic year were graduated.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ben Honyenuga in his report, said the University’s “carefully drawn” curricula, helped produce graduates of industrial repute, and noted the speedy development of its most recent faculties, including the Built and Natural Environment.
He noted also that more faculties continued to win accreditations to pursue more programs, and assured that management would persist at keeping up with the vision of becoming a world-class institution.
Prof. Ben Honyenuga, HTU VC
Counting the successes of the University, which included victories at several local and international tech and entrepreneurial competitions, the Vice Chancellor assured that, together with the Council, the institution would continue to emerge through challenges.
He welcomed that the University found the Government’s one-year engineering course for non-science students, as an area technical universities could excel, and appealed that they were considered in the rollout.
Professor Emmanuel James Flolu, Chairman of the University’s Council, asked graduates to consider the congregation an “initiation ceremony into the world of work”, and appreciate the training attained in contributing to the development of the nation.
Prof. Flolu, HTU Council Chairman
Nineteen departmental awards were presented to deserving graduands, with the overall best Graduating Student award going to Mr. Jonathan Akoto, a graduand of HND Agro Enterprise Development.
Jonathan Akoto, Valedictorian & Overall Best Graduating Student
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Foundation have cut sod for the construction of a 160-bed dormitory and 24-seater sanitary facility for Taviefe Senior High School in the Ho Municipality.
The intervention by GNPC Foundation follows a request brought before it by the Paramount Chief of Taviefe Traditional Area, Togbe Tenku Kordzo Zigah III and the school management.
The school, which started as a community school some 45 years ago lacks the needed infrastructure to meet the demands of the increasing student population.
Madam Rose Manu, Headmistress of the school said the increasing number of students have compelled management to convert three Classroom into a Dormitories.
According her, the GNPC gesture was timely as the school currently faces major challenges due to the doubble track system.
She assured GNPC Foundation that management will give maximum support to the contractor, Supremo Construction to complete the project within the stipulated time.
She also used the occasion to thank Madam Gina Ama Blay, Ghana’s Ambassador to Germany for her enormous support to the school.
The Paramount Chief of the area, Togbe Tenku Kordzo Zigah III, on his part expressed gratitude to GNPC Foundation for granting his request and hoped his request on the fence wall will also be fulfilled to prevent animals from entering the school premises.
The Chairman of the School’s Governing Board, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Panku use the occasion to appeal to other benevolent organisations to support the school, as they are in dire need of bunk beds, a pick-up truck and a bus to facilitate teaching and learning.
The Executive Director of GNPC Foundation, Mr. Dominic Kwesi Eduah, who performed the sod cutting together with the MCE for Ho, Mr. Divine Bosson, commended the Paramount Chief of Taviefe for his persistence and commitment towards the projects.
He assured that the foundation will ensure the project is completed on schedule to alleviate the challenges indicated.
Voice Ghana, a disability rights organisation has organised a sensitisation workshop for media practitioners in Volta Region on the use of positive disability language in public discourses.
The workshop dubbed “We-Matter Project” is being supported by Ghana Somubi Dwumadie with funding from by UK AID and aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination against People With Disabilities (PWDs), including people with mental health conditions( PWMHCs).
Mr. Francis Asong, Executive Director of Voice Ghana, speaking exclusively to Volta Online, said the workshop was to equip media practitioners to educate the public on the use of positive disability language, that will enable PWDs, including people with mental conditions, to reach their full potential.
‘Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Mental Health conditions in the Country have been discriminated and stigmatised which makes them vulnerable in Society,’ he stated and waz hopeful, the training will also improve enforcement of Ghana’s Disability and Mental health policies and laws by duty-bearers.
Mr. Asong also stated that the UK AID was also supporting the training of volunteers in communities which will be lead advocates for public education on reducing stigma and discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Mental Health conditions.
The workshop, which brought together selected media practitioners from various both Volta and Oti regions, was facilitated by Dr. Augustina Naami, Head of Social Work Department, University of Ghana, Legon, who is also a Consultant for the Ghana Somubi Dwumadie.
President of Datalink Institute of Business and Technology, Prof. Smile Dzisi has announced efforts to position the institution as an entrepreneurship University.
She said management was keen on giving their students a competitive advantage, hence the inclusion of entrepreneurship into its programme offerings at the institute.
Prof. Dzisi made this known at the 12th Congregation of DLIBT last Thursday at Tema, in the Greater Accra Region.
She said in accordance with ‘our mission statement of Building an Entrepreneurial university, management has copiously integrated entrepreneurship into teaching and in the university.’
To this end, she indicated that, ‘Entrepreneurship and Small Business Incubation Hub will be established to
equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills.’
In addition, management, she noted would work with and through the students leadership to revive business and IT innovation competitions among students to prepare them for self employment.
She also announced plans to introduce a lot more programmes at both the undergraduate and post graduate levels, including an Msc in Entrepreneurship and innovation, which would enhance the competitiveness of the institute amount its peers.
In all, a total of 204 students who completed studies in 2021 graduated with Master
Degrees, Bachelor Degrees and Professional certificate in business and IT programmes at the ceremony.
Eighteen of the Bachelor Degree graduands obtained first class, 101 had 2nd Class Upper, 78 has 2nd Class Lower divisions.
Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey
Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, who was the Guest Speaker, entreated the graduands to look beyond formal sector employment, and rather venture into businesses with the knowledge and skills acquired from their education.
‘Change starts with the mind. With the universities at the vanguard promoting entrepreneurship, students must take advantage and start to implement what entrepreneurial ideas they may have acquired towards creating their own businesses,’ he stated.
Adding that, the digital evolution has brought a lot of prospects, which people with innovative ideas could explore to make ends meet.
Ms. Samuella Yaa Abraham, 22, who graduated with Bsc in Computer Science was adjudged the Over all Best Graduating students.
