Sokode SHTS Shutdown after Clash between Students and Community Members

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February 23, 2025

BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

Sokode Senior High Technical School in the Ho Municipality has been temporarily closed down following a violent clash between students and some members of the Sokode Gborgame community, which left several persons injured and properties damaged.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, according to eyewitnesses, saw the destruction of properties in both the school and adjacent community.

Some community members mass up behind the school fence wall

Security agencies and regional leadership quickly responded, deploying scores of police to contain the situation, later reinforced by the military.

Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, accompanied by Hon. Edem Kofi Kpotosu, Member of Parliament for Ho Central, and members of the Regional Security Council (RESEC), officials from the Education Directorate, and other stakeholders, visited the scene to assess the situation and ensure calm.

He announced the temporary closure of the school, noting that transportation arrangements have been made for students to return home, and appealed for calm among community members as steps are taken to resolve the situation.

Regional Minister Addressing the student body

A committee has been established to investigate the cause of the clash and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.

The Regional Minister also visited injured victims at the Ho Teaching Hospital and the Ho Municipal Hospital.

One of the injured victims at the hospital

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Fort San Sebastian’s Low Patronage; Inspector Calls for Stakeholder Action

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Volta Online

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February 22, 2025

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk |Dawda Mohammed Kakale

Fort San Sebastian, a historical landmark in Shama, in the Western Region of Ghana, built by the Portuguese, is struggling with low tourist patronage, raising concerns about its preservation and economic potential.

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Alex Silas Fummey, Western Regional Inspector of Monuments at the Ghana Museum and Monuments Board (GMMB) and Caretaker of the fort, highlighted the challenges facing the site.

Many people, including locals, are unaware of the fort’s historical significance, leading to minimal visits and low revenue generation. “Most people have not heard about Fort San Sebastian. As a result, the patronization is very low, and the revenue generated is minimal,” Mr. Fummey stated.

To address this issue, he emphasized the need for increased advertisement and awareness creation to attract visitors. He called on the government, local managers, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and individuals to take responsibility for promoting the fort.

“The key to improving patronization is through education and advertisement. If people understand the importance of this site, they will be more interested in visiting,” he added.

The fort’s historical significance is undeniable, featuring the tomb of Dr. Anton Wilhelm Amo, a renowned Ghanaian philosopher and the first African to earn a doctorate in philosophy in Europe.Beyond its historical importance, the fort has the potential to boost local economic activities, benefiting vendors, hotels, and local businesses.

Mr. Fummey noted that the local community plays a crucial role in ensuring the fort serves its purpose as a tourist attraction. However, many residents do not appreciate the fort’s value, making them less involved in its preservation.

To unlock the fort’s full potential, Mr. Fummey called on stakeholders to take proactive measures, emphasizing the need for increased awareness, investment, and community involvement.

Source: Dawda Mohammed Kakale, Journalist-Takoradi

Catholic Church Urges Govt to Respect Partnership on Education

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Volta Online

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February 20, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The Catholic Church in Ghana has expressed strong reservations about the government’s handling of education, accusing successive administrations of reneging on partnership agreements and marginalizing the Church in key decision-making processes.

Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, the Catholic Bishop of Ho and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, raised the concerns at the Volta/Oti zonal stakeholders engagement of the National Education Forum in Ho.

The Forum, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, is in fulfillment of the campaign promise of the NDC government to transform the country’s education sector.

“We are worried that some politicians and government appointees are not adhering to the partnership agreements between the government and the Catholic Church in providing education,” Bishop Fianu lamented.

The Church, he noted, is concerned that it is not being involved in the management of its own schools, which is eroding the faith identity of these institutions.

Bishop Fianu also expressed dismay over the Church’s lack of representation on the Ghana Education Council, a decision-making body that oversees the country’s education sector.

He emphasized that the church was committed to partnering with the government to provide quality education, but this must be done in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.”We appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to consider posting newly recruited Catholic teachers to Catholic schools to maintain the Catholic faith identity,” Bishop Fianu urged.

The Church, he added, looks forward to receiving a written policy direction from the government on the partnership between mission/unit schools and the government on the management and delivery of quality education.

Cross section or participants at the zonal engagement

Bishop Fianu commended the government for initiating the National Education Forum, which he described as a laudable effort to transform the country’s education sector.

He expressed the hope that the Forum would provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find solutions to the challenges facing the education sector.

However, prior to the forum, the Bishops Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana expressed surprise at their initial exclusion from the event, but President Mahama acknowledged and unreservedly apologized for the oversight.

President Mahama also assured that the outcome of the nationwide consultations would be implemented to improve the country’s education system.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

DANGER: River Tordze Polluted; Resident Warned to Stay Away

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Volta Online

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February 20, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie| VoltaOnline

The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has warned residents of communities along the Tordze River to stay away from the water body following a massive pollution caused by a spillage of agrochemicals from a truck that crashed into the river.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Tove in the Republic of Togo, has contaminated the river, making it unsafe for human consumption, fishing, irrigation, and other domestic uses.

The Tordze River is a major source of water for many communities in parts of the Agotime-Ziope and Adaklu districts.

A statement signed by Mr. Augustus K. Awity, Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council, cautioned residents of the affected communities to abstain from using the river’s water until further notice.

The statement assured residents that alternative water sources would be provided by the affected Municipal and District Assemblies to minimize disruptions to daily life.

The Council furtherappealed to the public to help disseminate the information to prevent any potential harm to individuals and communities relying on the Tordze River.

Source: were.voltaonlinegh.com

MTN Ghana Stocks Blood Banks with Over 6000 Units of Blood on Valentine Day

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February 19, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The annual Valentine’s Day “Save a Life” blood donation drive by the MTN Ghana Foundation has yielded 6,620 units of blood this year.

According an MTN media release, the exercise, which was held at 42 centres across the 16 regions, exceeded expectations and reinforced MTN Ghana Foundation’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare.

The “Save a Life” project, initiated in 2011, aims to collect blood to support the National Blood Service and regional hospitals. It is held annually on Valentine’s Day to commemorate the expression of love through the donation of blood to save lives.

Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, expressed gratitude to donors, healthcare partners, and volunteers, saying: “MTN remains committed to initiatives that improve lives. We are grateful to all donors who volunteered to donate blood during this year’s exercise. Your selfless act will go a long way to save lives.”

Dr. Shirley Owusu Ofori, CEO of the National Blood Service, commended MTN Ghana Foundation for its ongoing commitment to replenishing the country’s blood banks.

Since its inception in 2011, the MTN “Save a Life” campaign has collected over 35,620 units of blood for local hospitals.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

President Launches National Education Forum in Ho

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February 19, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

President John Dramani Mahama has opened the much anticipated National Education Forum in Ho, aimed at transforming Ghana’s education system.

The 2-day forum brought together stakeholders in the education sector to discuss ways to make education accessible, quality, and relevant.

President Mahama emphasized the need for urgent education reforms, saying the current system no longer meets the demands of a rapidly evolving world. He assured participants that the outcomes of the forum would be implemented, rather than left to gather dust.

Other speakers at the forum included Togbe Afede XIV, who chaired the event, and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education.

Togbe Afede XIV commended the government’s commitment to prioritizing education, while Hon. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises on education.

The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, also addressed the forum, emphasizing the need for collaboration and partnership to drive development in the education sector.

Prof. Joseph S. Agbenyega and Prof. Kwame Akyeampong delivered keynote addresses, highlighting the need for a well-defined National Education Competency Framework and equitable access to education.

The forum featured zonal discussions for stakeholders in the Volta and Oti regions, with similar forums to be held in other parts of the country.

The outcomes of the zonal forums will be validated at a national forum in Accra at the end of February.

Meanwhile, President Mahama apologized to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana for their near exclusion from the event, which he attributed to an oversight by the planning committee.

The two organizations had issued a joint statement expressing disappointment over their exclusion from the forum, despite owning some of the schools in the country.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Christian Bodies Decry Exclusion from National Education Forum

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February 18, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have expressed disappointment and concern over their exclusion from the National Education Forum held in Ho.

The two Christian bodies, in a joint statement, described their exclusion as a disservice to the broader educational community and a blow to the ideals of inclusivity and shared responsibility in national development.

They noted that despite their long-standing commitment to the development and welfare of the educational system in Ghana, they were not invited to the forum.

The GCBC and CCG have, therefore, called on the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, to reconsider their exclusion and extend an invitation to them and other relevant bodies.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

National Education Forum Opens in Ho Today

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Volta Online

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February 18, 2025

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

President Mahama is expected to launch the National Education Forum in Ho today, February 18, marking the beginning of a nationwide conversation on transforming Ghana’s education sector.

The opening ceremony which will take place at the Volta Serene Hotel, and will be followed by a consultative dialogue from Wednesday to Friday.

The forum, themed “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” will bring together key stakeholders, including education experts, policymakers, and civil society organizations, to assess the education system and propose sustainable solutions.

A planning committee, chaired by Professor George K. T. Oduro, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, has been working behind the scenes to ensure the success of the forum.

A validation conference will take place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) from February 27 to 28, and the committee’s report is expected to be presented to the Minister of Education on March 21.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho Central MP Opens Office to Engage Constituents

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Volta Online

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February 16, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Hon. Edem Kofi Kpotosu, on Saturday commissioned his constituency office located on the top floor of the Societe Generale Bank, along the KK House – Civic Center street in Ho.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Kpotosu emphasized that the office would serve as a one-stop-shop for constituents to access various services, including documentation support, facilitation of access to social services, and updates on legislative matters.

Hon. Kpotosu conducting the Regional Minister & others in the office

The MP reaffirmed his commitment to listening to the concerns of the people and working towards meaningful change. “This office is a symbol of my dedication to serving the people of Ho Central. I am committed to being accessible and responsive to the needs of my constituents,” he said.

Togbe Ayim Adzokoto II, Paramount Chief of Takla, who spoke on behalf of Togbe Afede XIV, lauded the MP’s initiative, saying it demonstrated his commitment to accountability, accessibility, and effective governance.

Hon. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister who graced the ceremony, commended the MP’s efforts, urging constituents to make full use of the office to address their concerns.

The MP in a tet-a-tet with the Regional Minister

He acknowledged the MP’s visionary leadership and urged the people to rally behind him to achieve collective progress.

The commissioning of the office is expected to strengthen the bond between the MP and his constituents, promoting transparency, accountability, and effective representation.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Team Kpando Wins in Maiden Regional Minister’s Cup

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Volta Online

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February 15, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

Team Kpando has won the inaugural Volta Regional Minister’s Cup Competition, defeating Team Tongu in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The one-day tournament, held at the Youth Resource Centre in Adaklu-Tsriefe near Ho on Friday, February 14, saw eight teams, each representing different constituencies in the region, compete for the top prize. The teams that participated in the tournament were Southern A, Southern B, Tongu, Kpetoe-Ziope-Adaklu, Ho, Dayi, Hohoe-Afadzato South, and Kpando.

After a series of intense matches, Team Kpando and Team Tongu emerged as the finalists. In the nail-biting finale, Team Kpando edged out Team Tongu 10-9 in the penalty shootout, securing their victory.

The winning team was decorated with medals, a trophy, and a cash prize by the Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, who was supported by the Council of State member-elect for the Volta Region, Tanko Kwamigah Atokple, and other dignitaries, including officials of the Regional Football Association.

The tournament was organised in collaboration with the Regional Football Association.

In his remarks before the start of the games, the minister reiterated the socio-economic value of sports in the country and assured of the government’s commitment to unearthing talents in this regard.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com