“Do Not Rest Until We Attain Our Nutrition Goals”- First Lady Tells Nutrition Academy

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July 6, 2021

BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo- Addo, has made a passionate call to the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other relevant stakeholders to take the necessary actions to ensure Ghana meets her nutritional goals and achieves optimum health for all.

Speaking at the opening session of a two-day congress on the theme “Synchronizing the Frontiers of Nutrition and Dietetics for sustainable National Impact” the First Lady said “There is an urgent need, to ensure that the poor and vulnerable among, us have access to the needed knowledge, resources, and services to achieve optimum nutrition. This calls for a great deal of work, which needs to be carried out, within a very limited timeframe”.

Referencing the 2020 Global Nutrition Report, the First Lady indicated that although Ghana is on track to achieving the global targets for maternal, infant and young child nutrition and has made some progress towards reducing anaemia among women of reproductive age, low birth weight of new born infants and stunting, of children under 5 years, there was still a lot of work to be done.

The First Lady said, despite these gains, Ghana still has not made much progress towards exclusive breastfeeding, reducing stunting and wasting in children and curbing diet related non-communicable diseases such as adult obesity and diabetes.

Mrs Akufo- Addo urged all relevant stakeholders including the Ministries of Health, Finance and Economic Planning and Agriculture, to make adequate investments to ensure optimal nutrition in the critical 1000 day window, between the start of a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday and to ensure the poor and vulnerable are supported to achieve optimum health.

Also, in attendance was the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Professor Anna Lartey, Director of Nutrition and Food Systems Division, FAO Geneva, Italy, Professor Matilda Steiner–Asiedu and the President of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Kingsley K. A. Preko.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho: Urban Roads Closes ‘Amegashie’ Bridge For Reconstruction

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Volta Online

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July 5, 2021

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BY: KALD | VoltaOnlinegh.com |

The Department of Urban Roads in Ho has announced the closure of the Ray Makossa-OLA-Main Market road, effective Monday, July 5, 2021.

This is to pave way for the reconstruction of the storm bridge across the road, popularly referred to as of the ‘Amegashie’ bridge.

A social media circular sighted by Volta Online indicated that, the road closure, which would last for at least two months, would enable the construction of a ‘modern standard bridge to salvage the annual flooding at the Amegashie Bridge’ caused by its current poor and old nature.

Mr. Gershon Bannerman, the Municipal Urban Roads Engineer, according to the circular, said the project was being supported by the central government.

The project, he noted also includes the construction of a 50-metre storm drain, inlet and outlet, to contain flood waters from over-running into adjourning houses, those found to be on water way would be pulled down.

Diversions
As a result, the Urban roads department has announced alternative routes for motorists to use and access the Central Market during the period of the road closure.
According to the circular, drivers from the Civic centre traffic direction towards the market are to use the Asanyame link road to Anlokordzi through NDC park to the main station/market.

While, those moving out of the station/market area towards Civic centre are to use the Akpena Mawu – Scrap Road through Star SHS, and descend towards the Ray Makossa traffic light.

The Urban Roads Engineer however assured motorists of some immediate repair works on the alternative routes to ensure easy passage of vehicles during the period.

Meanwhile, some motorists who spoke to Volta Online reporter, Daniel Orlando, welcomed the reconstruction of the bridge, but urged authorities expedite repair works on the alternative roads.

The Amegashie Bridge is one of the flood prone locations in the Ho Municipality, due to its continuous blockade with debris from higher ground.

In May, 2020, a saloon car was plunged into the storm drain, when the driver attempted the drive through flood waters which submerged the bridge.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Freddie Blay Cuts Sod for Volta NPP Office Complex

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Volta Online

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July 4, 2021

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Volta NPP new office complex — Artistic impression of the new office complex

BY: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, Mr. Freddie Blay on Sunday, July 4, 2021 broke ground for the construction of an office complex for the Volta Regional Secretariat of the party in Ho.

The project, estimated to cost a little over One million Ghana cedis, is an initiative of the Regional Chairman, Mr. Makafui Woanyah, and is scheduled for completion by end of year.

Speaking at the project site near Dave-Junction, off the Ho-Kpetoe road, Mr. Blay lauded the Regional Chairman and his team for initiative to provide a permanent office for the NPP in region.

‘This effort of constructing regional headquarters is laudable, as it will provide an important base for the administration of party in the region,’ he stated, adding that, ‘the foundation we lay in Ho today is part of the NPP’s strategy to consolidate our presence in each region by creating and building a home for our members.’

Mr. Freddie Blay, flamked by National Youth Organizer, Nana Boakye (L) and Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanyah (R)

‘The idea of a headquarters is of course more than just a home. It serves as an administrative hub that enables us to coordinate and build on our networks in the regions. A permanent headquarters provides us with an important base to strengthen the party’s organisational efforts in the regions,’ Mr. Blay further stated, and announced a GHc100,000 cash support from National Party, and a personal donation of Ghc 50,000 towards the project.

Mr. Fred Oware, CEO of Bui Power Authority, who represented Vice President Bawumia, paid glowing tribute to the forebears of the NPP in the region for nurturing the party in a such a ‘tough terrain,’ and commended the current leadership sustaining their legacy.

He also announced a cash amount of GHc20,000 and 500 bags of cement as the Vice President’s initial support towards the project.

Mr. Fred Oware presenting the Vice President’s donation to Chairman Woanyah

Other donations announced included, GHc50,000 each from President Akufo-Addo, and Mr. Francis Nyonyo, Council of State Member, GHc20,000 with 1000 bags of cement from Trades Minister, Alan Kyeremanten, GHc25,000 from former Railways Development Minister, Joe Ghartey, and Ghc 20,000 from Mrs. Gina Blay, the Ambassador to Germany.

The Regional Chairman, Mr. Makafui Woanyah, on his part, said, having run the NPP in a rented premises since 1992, he deemed it opportune, to provide the party with a befitting permanent office complex to accommodate party officers and provide enough rooms to attended to the needs of its teeming supporters.

‘We cannot continue to build and live mansions as beneficiaries of the legacy of the elephant and yet deny the elephant a decent and a suitable abode. The party deserves better, than we have offered it and we are determined to change that,’ he stated, as he expressed appreciation to his predecessor, Hon. John-Peter Amewu for expanding and renovating current regional office.

According to him, the project, when completed will have offices for all regional officers, and an executive conference room, while second phase would commence next year.

The ceremony was chaired by Dr. George Tettey, a Regional party patron, and graced other party stalwarts, including, National Youth Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, former Chieftaincy Minister, Hon. Kofi Dzamesi, who donated GHc20,000 worth of cement, former Regional chairman, Kenwud Nuworsu, some MMDCEs, Constituency Executives, among others.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

OTI: Ambulance Service Staff In Krachi-Nchumuru Use Office As Bedroom

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Volta Online

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July 3, 2021

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BY: Benjamin K. Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

It has emerged that, staff of the National Ambulance Service in the Krachi-Nchumuru District of the Oti Region have been using their office space as bedroom.

A visit by this reporter to the ambulance bay at Chinderi, the district capital, revealed the staff on daily basis convert the office into a sleeping place at night, and rearrange it the next morning for official duties.

The situation which has persisted for sometime now, Volta Online understands, was due to the failure of the Assembly to provide accommodation to the emergency service personnel.

Volta Online gathered that, the ambulance personnel were initially hosted in a guest house, when they first arrived in the district, but were booted out due to the inability of the assembly to foot the bills, resulting in their current predicament.

A Senior EMT officer in-charge of the station, Mr. Edward Adzraku, told Volta Online, they had no choice than to spend the night in the same space with paramedic chemicals and detergents. A situation, he noted was dampening the morale of staff.

He indicated, several appeals to the assembly to do the needful has still not yielded any positive response.

Touching on another challenge affecting their operations, Mr. Adzraku highlighted the poor state of roads within the district, which he noted hinders their swift response to emergencies, and as such called for a period maintenance of the roads to make them much motorable.

Some residents who interacted with this reporter, also shared in the frustrations of the Ambulance Service personnel, and appealed to government to provide them with the needed logistics, as they remain their only source help in times of emergency, since the area is without any district hospital to cater for the emergency health needs.

As of the time of filing this story, the District Chief Executive was unavailable for a response.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

PassionAir lands Mahama at Ho Airport

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Volta Online

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July 3, 2021

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BY: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Former President John Mahama on Saturday, July 3, 2021 landed at the Ho Airport, on board Domestic carrier, PassionAir, Volta Online can report.

According information gathered by Volta Online, the 2020 National Democratic Congress’ Flagbearer, who was enroute to Kumasi, made the brief stop over in the Volta regional capital, to open a National Communicators workshop for party Communicators at the Volta Serene Hotel.

He was in the company of his Running Mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman and some Top party official.

They were met on arrival by Regional party Executives, when the plane touched down at the Ho Airport at about 9:37am.

This, was Mr. Mahama’s first flight to the Ho Airport, since its full completion in 2018.

His government in 2015, began the construction of the 25 million dollar airport, which first phase, he commissioned in December 2016.

PassionAir becomes the second domestic carrier to use the domestic airport, following a test commercial flight by African World Airline, in April, 2021.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho: Scores Injured In Tricycle Accident [Photos]

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Volta Online

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July 2, 2021

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BY: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

At least five persons have sustained injuries when a tricycle with registration, M-21 -VR 152, collided with an Opel saloon car Thursday afternoon at the foot of the Galenkui mountain, near Star SHS (OLA Top) in Ho.

The accident, which occurred at about 1:30pm, according to Abigail Liko, an eyewitness, was due to a possible brake failure on the part of the tricycle, which was descending the hill with some persons and a cow in the bucket.

The injured persons including the tricycle rider, and some passengers on board the vehicle, with registration GW 4307 W, have since been rushed to the hospital for treatment by some by-standers.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

2021 Census: Avail Yourselves To Be Counted – Dr. Letsa Tells Residents

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Volta Online

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June 30, 2021

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KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The much anticipated national Population and Housing Census began in the Volta region on Monday, June 28, with a call on residents to avail themselves for the enumeration exercise.

Dr. Archibald Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, made the call after officials of Ghana Statistical Service led by the Regional Director, Mr. Chris Amewu enumerated him and his household at the Residency in Ho, Monday morning.

According to the minister, data from the 2-week exercise would be crucial for the nation’s development planning and policy initiatives for the next ten years. Hence, the need for all to embrace the census, and cooperate with the officials to generate accurate data.

“I want to encourage everyone in the region to make sure that they’re counted, so we can capture the needed information om everyone to help plan better things for the economy,” he stated.

Dr. Archibald Letsa being enumerated by Mr. Amewu

Mrs. Victoria Letsa, wife of the Regional Minister, having her turn with a Census official

On his part, Mr. Amewu who is also the Regional Census Officer, said census officials are working under strict confidentiality rule, and assured residents that, no information solicited for the purposes of the exercise would be divulged to any third party.

“When the census officials visit your homes, feel free to provide them the needed information, which is critical for the development of the nation, region and communities.”

He further explained that, the exercise would cover both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians who spent the census night (i.e. Sunday, June 27) in the country, and called for the cooperation of all.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,793 officials have been deployed for the conduct of the exercise across all 18 districts of the region.

They are made up of 3,151 Enumerators and 642 Supervisors, collecting census data from households in 2,903 enumeration areas, using Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) devices.

Prior to the enumeration, over 634,000 structures were identified and listed in region, according to the Regional Census Officer.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho Teaching Hospital Launches Multi-million Dollar Cardiothoracic Centre Project

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Volta Online

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June 29, 2021

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BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) has launched a campaign to raise funds for the construction of a multi-million dollar Cardiothoracic Centre at the Volta region’s only tertiary health facility.

Dubbed, ‘Save a Heart, Save A Life’ project, the initiative which is in collaboration with ICS Africa, a communication firm based in Accra, is expected to raise about $3.2 million for the state-of-the-art facility, which, when completed would enhance the treatment of heart conditions in the region and also support the training of medical students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).

Professor Frank Edwin, the Head of the cardiothoracic Unit at HTH and UHAS, said the treatment of heart diseases at the hospital currently leaves much to be desired, as the unit is ill-equipped and less conducive for full scale treatment.

As result, critical cases are referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, while those they can handle with available facilities are treated at the Out-Patient Department, for which 1,752 were attended to 2020 and May, 2021, he noted.

Prof. Edwin revealed that, about 8000 children are born with congenital heart diseases annually in Ghana, yet very few get the needed treatment due to inadequate facilities and high cost of treatment, he was therefore optimistic, the planned project, when materialised would go on a long way to enhance the treatment of heart related conditions, and appealed to benevolent individuals and organizations to contribute towards a worthy course.

Dr. John Tampouri, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital, indicated that, the benefits of the projects were limitless, stating that, health education and research will improve as more specialists would be trained and retained to impart the knowledge in the lives of Ghanaians.

It will cut travel time to Accra and cost in seeking heart related treatments, while it will also attract patients from neighbouring countries, such as Togo, Benin and Nigeria.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa would launched the project, pledged government’s support towards the project. He added that the project which requires the support of all will also make the HTH and UHAS world class institutions, improve health tourism and attract both human capital and investment to the region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Love Aid Foundation Marks AU Day with School Children

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Volta Online

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May 27, 2021

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By: Orlando Daniel | Voltaonlinegh.com |

A Ho based Non-Governmental Organisation, Love aid foundation has joined children of New Horizon foundation of the blind and the Ho Kpodzi Basic ‘B’ School to commemorate this year’s African Union Day.

The event, according to the organizers was to celebrate the African Child and raise awareness about the situation of children in Africa, and on the need for continuous improvement in education especially for children with Disabilities.

It was also use to reflect on the vision of the African Union; “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful African, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”

Held at the premises of Ho Kpodzi Basic ‘B’ School, the event was graced by dignitaries including, Lawyer Andrews Adugu, a State attorney at the Attorney General’s Department in Ho and Togbe Kotoku XI, the Paramount Chief of Kpenoe, who took turns to inspire the youngsters.

Mr. Adugu advised the children to always be disciplined and take their studies seriously, in order to become useful citizens of the state. He also entreated them to cultivate good values, and eschew behaviours that would jeopardize their future.

Togbe Kotoku on his part encouraged the children to be honest, and hold unto the integrity, as they pursue their aspirations for the realization of the vision of the African Union.

Miss Princess Lovia Tetteh, Executive Director of Love Aid Foundation encouraged children with disability to always strive and co-exist with other children since they have equal right.

She further appeal to government and all relevant stakeholders to come on board to support and help children with disability with more educational infrastructure to make education inclusive, quality and equitable.

The celebration was interspersed with poetry recitals, drama, painting, braille and spelling competitions, among others by the children.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Vetting of Volta MMDCE Aspirants Begins Today

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Volta Online

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May 20, 2021

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News Desk | Voltaononlinegh.com |

The governing New Patriotic Party in the Volta Region has commenced processes for the appointment new Metropolitan/ Municipal /District Chief Executives for the second term administration of President Akufo-Addo.

As a result, the party is set to conduct interview for the various MMDCE aspirants in the region from Thursday 20^th to Sunday, 23^rd May, 2021, Volta Online has gathered.

According to a schedule for the interview, sighted by Volta Online, aspirants from Anloga District, Keta, Ketu South and Ketu North Municipalities, would take their turns before panel chaired by the Regional Minister, on the first day of the exercise, which is scheduled to take place at the premises of the Regional Coordinating Council in Ho but moved to the Minister’s Residency.

Those from Akatsi South, Akatsi North, Agotime Ziope and Adaklu Districts will be interviewed on Friday 21^st May, followed by their counterparts from Ho Municipal, South Tongu, North Tongu Central Tongu and Ho West districts on Saturday.

On the last day, Sunday, aspirants from South Dayi, North Dayi, Afadzato South, the Kpando and Hohoe Municipalities would complete the interview processes.

Ahead of the vetting, there has been intense lobbying among some party supporters on social media for their preferred candidates for the job. While, some were campaigning for new faces in their areas, others want their incumbents retained.

The supporters are however hopeful that, the outcome of the interview process, which would be concluded at the national level, would aid the President to settle on the most suitable aspirants as his representatives at the local assemblies.

Source: www.voltonlinegh.com