OPINION: GMB’S SELORM REMINDS US OF MAMA YAKAGBE

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October 10, 2023

GMB (1) — Selorm performing the role of Mama Yakagbe

By: King Nobert Akpablie| Voltaonlinegh.com |

The story of Anlo’s Mama Yakagbe is a fascinating tale of bravery and heroism, and it’s great to see it being recognized in the context of Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageantry. Mama Yakagbe’s story is reminiscent of Yaa Asantewa’s, a renowned figure from the Ashanti Kingdom who led male warriors against colonial masters. While Yaa Asantewa is more widely known, Mama Yakagbe’s contribution to her people’s history is equally remarkable.

Mama Yakagbe’s role in the ‘DatuTagba’ war of 1866, where she fought alongside Anlo warriors, demonstrates her exceptional courage and abilities. Her reputed supernatural powers and her display of these powers on the battlefield highlight her extraordinary nature. The creation of a “chief’s Stool of Valour” in her honour further emphasises her significance and lasting impact on the Anlo Kingdom.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Mama Yakagbe’s story is her espionage skills. By pretending to be mad, she infiltrated the enemy’s town to gather critical information about their vulnerabilities and plans. This cunning strategy proved invaluable in securing victory for her people.

The way she used her warriors and her clever tactics, such as torching the enemy’s thatch houses to draw them out, showcases her strategic brilliance. Her leadership and bravery were instrumental in ensuring her people’s success in the war.

In the context of the recent Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant, Selorm’s portrayal of Mama Yakagbe’s character highlights the enduring significance of this historical figure. Selorm’s ability to not only embody the beauty and eloquence of Mama Yakagbe but also her bravery is a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable woman.

Congratulations to Selorm for her victory in the beauty pageant and for reminding everyone of the inspiring story of Mama Yakagbe, a true heroine in the history of the Volta Region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ghana Gas Cuts Sod for AstroTurf at Ho Technical University

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Volta Online

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October 9, 2023

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BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Ghana Gas Company has cut sod for a FIFA-standard AstroTurf at Ho Technical University on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Mr. Francis Augustus Badu, the Director in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility at Ghana Gas, expressed that as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, they aim to support sports development in the country by providing AstroTurf facilities nationwide.

The FIFA-standard AstroTurf project, to be executed by Landwind Company Ltd, is expected to be completed within six calendar months.

Hon. Divine Bosson, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ho, expressed gratitude to Ghana Gas for their commitment to providing a fitting AstroTurf to the city of Ho, which will contribute to the development of football talent in the region and the entire nation of Ghana.

He also emphasized that the sod-cutting ceremony signifies the government’s dedication, under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to enhancing sports infrastructure in the region.

Prof. Ben Q. Hoenyenuga, the Vice Chancellor of Ho Technical University, expressed his appreciation for Ghana Gas’s generous gesture and assured full support from the school’s management to ensure that the contractor completes the project within the stipulated time.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

2023 Asogli Te Za Climaxed in Grand Style

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Volta Online

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October 9, 2023

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BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

It was a grand celebration of culture, tradition, and royalty at the Ho Jubilee Park over weekend, as people from diverse backgrounds, including diplomats, political figures, and traditional leaders from both local and international spheres, came together to mark the climax the 2023 Te Za (Yam Festival) and 20th Coronation Anniversary of Togbe Afede XVI, Agbogbomefia of Asogli.

The Grand Durbar, on Saturday, October 7, saw the display of vibrant and colourful cultural performances by various troupes in attendance. Among the traditional guests, were the Dormahene, and President of the Bono Region Houses of Chiefs Osagyefo Agyemang Badu I, Tepahene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, who represented the Asantehene.

In his address, Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, highlighted the development-oriented leadership, he has championed during his 20-year reign as Agbogbomefia, in addition to his contributions to power generation, banking, and trade sectors, which he noted, have generated employment, increase income, and elevate the living standards of the populace.

He emphasised the need for politicians and the citizenry to put the interest of the country ahead of their partisan interests to facilitate rapid development, noting that, valuing political party interest over that of the country created impediment to national development, hence the need for politicians to be patriotic at all times.

Togbe Afede also called for a review of the emoluments received by Article 71 office holders, arguing that redirecting these significant sums of money towards job creation for the country’s burgeoning youth population should be a priority.

The Dormaahene lauded the sterling leadership of Togbe Afede, which made it possible for him to bring development to his people over the past 20 years.

The occasion saw the presence of distinguished diplomats and political leaders, including Hon. Kofi Dzamesi, CEO of Bui Power Authority, who represented the Vice-President, Dr. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress, and Hon. Kofi Attor, former Member of Parliament, who stood in for Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin.

The Asogli Teza Festival, celebrated annually by the Chiefs and people of the Asogli traditional area in the Ho Municipality, serves as an occasion to express gratitude to God for bountiful harvests, good health, and prosperity.

This year’s festival kicked off on August 19 with a range of activities, including a health walk and screening, Women’s Summit, Youth Empowerment Summit, Anti-Corruption forum, a pilgrimage to the ancestral home of the Ewes in Notsie, Environmental Day, and many more.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho: Salaria Eyemed Opens New Ultra-Modern Office Space

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Volta Online

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October 3, 2023

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BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Salaria Eyemed & Optical Suppliers, a renowned eye care service provider in the Volta Region, has relocated its Ho branch to a new office space on the ground floor of the Max International building, situated along the Old Traffic-Goil road.

The new edifice, which is under 24-hour CCTV surveillance, boasts of a spacious reception area with optical frames display section, three consulting rooms, a laboratory, and an examination room, all equipped with state-of-the-art optical equipment, as well as other ancillary facilities.

The Reception area with the Display stand section

At the grand opening ceremony on Monday, October 2, 2023, Dr. Abraham Gaitu, the Chief Executive Officer, recounted the humble beginnings of the clinic. He mentioned that what began as a small eye clinic five years ago, with just two staff members, including himself, has now grown into a team of seven dedicated professionals, comprising five permanent and two part-time staff, in addition to a second branch in Acrra.

He noted that over the years, they have served over 10,000 walk-in clients and conducted numerous outreach programs to promote eye health within the region and beyond.

With the new office space, the young optometrist assured existing and prospective clients of an enhanced service delivery, based on the values of excellence, professionalism, teamwork, a people-centric approach, discipline, and integrity.

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, Dr. Gaitu announced the ‘Salaria 3-Project,’ aimed at supporting three needy and brilliant children with monthly eye care services. Additionally, the clinic will offer free screenings and a 10% discount to adult clients throughout the month of October, further emphasizing their commitment to accessible eye care services.

Dr. Gaitu expressed gratitude to God, his family, and all who played pivotal roles in their journey so far, including his mentor, Dr. Isaac Boamah, Chief Optometrist at Ho Teaching Hospital and Chairman of the occasion.

Dr. Boamah, on his part, applauded Dr. Gaitu and his staff for their dedication and hard work in building Salaria Eyemed into a reputable brand, advancing eye care services in the region and beyond. He was optimistic that the new office space would further enhance the clinic’s operations in delivering quality eye care services to people from all walks of life.

Rev. Wing Commander (Rtd) Temadonku, Parish Pastor of Elorm E.P. Church, Ho-Bankoe, dedicated the new edifice and pronounced God’s blessings on all who would receive services within it.

Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, a subsidiary of the KEM Groupe, accepts several private health insurances, including Metropolitan Health, Apex, Phoenix, and GLICO. It is also a DVLA-accredited eye testing center in the region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho: Accident on Civic Centre Road Leaves Five Persons in Critical Condition

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Volta Online

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October 2, 2023

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BY: Daniel Orlando | voltaonlinegh.com|

At least five persons are currently in critical condition at the hospital in Ho after a fully loaded tipper truck, descending from OLA top, failed its brake and rammed multiple cars along the God Dey-Access Bank stretch at Ho Bankoe, on Monday, October 2.

The tipper truck has caused severe damage to at least eight (8) vehicles including two taxis, rendering them unrecognizable.

An eyewitness, Gideon Agbesi, a driver whose car was damaged, recounted to Volta Online that he had to flee for his life upon hearing the loud noise of the approaching tipper truck from Ola Top.

When a Volta Online reporter visited the accident scene, personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service were working diligently to clear the damaged cars and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

This accident comes days after two gory highway accidents last Wednesday claimed a total of 27 lives in the Region. Some 22 persons were reported have died in the deadly crash on Peki-Asikuma junction stretch of the eastern corridor road, while five persons, including a year old baby also died in a taxi cap which collided with a tipper truck on the Ziope-Akatsi road.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

New EPUC SRC Executives Take Office

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Volta Online

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October 2, 2023

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BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Student’s Representative Council (SRC) of Evangelical Presbyterian University College in Ho on Saturday, September 30, 2023, held a successful handing over ceremony at the Ho Kpodzi Campus to inaugurate the newly elected executives for the 2023/2024 academic year.

In a colourful event, the outgoing executives transferred their files, data, and regalia to the incoming team. Outgoing SRC President Hon. Romio Dotse highlighted the achievements of his administration despite numerous challenges. He mentioned the completion of the SRC canteen project and the inaugural Campus Award Scheme aimed at recognising outstanding students. Mr. Dotse thanked his team for their dedication and support while extending his best wishes to the incoming executives.

He also offered advice to the new executives, highlighting the importance of dedication, discipline, and consultation in ensuring successful tenure. He likened leadership to a relay race and encouraged the new team to continue the initiatives started by his administration. He urged them to welcome constructive criticism while ignoring naysayers.

In his acceptance speech, the new SRC President, Mr. Eric Eli Adzie, expressed gratitude to the student body for their trust and promised to meet their expectations. He acknowledged the role of his predecessors in raising standards and pledged to surpass them. Mr. Adzie called on all students and stakeholders to support his administration, emphasizing the continuity of governance as a collective effort.

He commended the immediate past SRC Executives for their dedication and commitment to development. He also promised to promote transparency, inclusivity, innovation, and accountability in student governance. He invited everyone to embark on a journey of growth and progress together, emphasising the strength that comes from unity.

The ceremony, supervised by the Dean of Students, Madam Vivian Akoto, who congratulated the new executives, and advised them to execute their duties diligently while adhering to the SRC Constitutional provisions.

Madam Akoto stressed the importance of effective communication between the SRC and management and called on the entire student body to support the new executives in fulfilling their mandate.

The newly sworn-in executives include, Eric Eli Adzie – President SRC, Victoria Korledjoe – Vice President, Selorm Komla Koffi – General Secretary, Godwin Apenyo – External Affairs President (PUSAG REP), Sedinam Perfect Aku – WOCOM and Gawuga Vicencia – Sports Secretary.

The event was attended by Mr. Charles Mapok, representing Alumni, Mr. Godson Agbemaklido, former SRC Executives, and the General Student Body.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Tsito-Anyirawase Road Opens to Traffic a Week After Closure

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Volta Online

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September 25, 2023

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The repaired section of the Tsito-Anyirawase road

BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com|

One week after the closure of the Tsito-Anyiraewase section of the Ho-Accra Highway for emergency works on a broken culvert, the road has been opened to vehicular traffic on Monday.

This follows the speedy construction of a new expanded culvert bridge at the affected section supervised by the Ghana Highways Authority.

The authority had earlier given a one-month timeline to complete the construction and open the busy economic route to traffic, as it provided an alternative route to motorists through Dededo-Abutia-Sokode to Ho.

Volta Online checks on Monday, September 25, revealed the new culvert section had been filled with laterite and compacted smoothly for vehicular passage. Some motorists expressed joy at the speedy completion of work and highly commended authorities for fixing the situation in record time.

“We’re very surprised to see this work being completed within a week, instead of the one month given. We’re grateful to all those involved in fixing this broken culvert and opening the road for use. This will save us a lot of time compared to the alternative route,” some of the elated motorists told Volta Online.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Historic Asogli Table Tennis Challenge Ends on High Note

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Volta Online

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September 25, 2023

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BY: Lambert Coffie | voltaonlinegh.com.com|

It was an unprecedented event at the Mawuli School Assembly Hall in Ho on Thursday, September 21, 2023, where over 150 table tennis enthusiasts from across Ghana gathered for the inaugural Asogli Table Tennis Challenge.

The ground-breaking tournament, organised by the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) with Support from Stanbic Bank, formed part of the activities towards the celebration of the 2023 Asogli Te Za (Yam festival) and 20th anniversary of the enstoolment of Togbe Afede XIV as Agbogbomefia of Asogli state.

The competition, which was also part of preparations for the upcoming 2023 Africa Games, scheduled for the following year, witnessed thrilling displays of skill, determination, and focus as players showcased their prowess in backhand, forehand, serves, and other essential table tennis techniques.

Notable names like Blessing Labanti, Borteye Joanita, and Isreal Akli, along with emerging talents, competed in both the male and female categories, vying for prizes and the chance to improve their rankings.

Following the intense competition, the top 16 performers were rewarded for their outstanding performances. Ghana’s top seed, Felix Lartey, emerged victorious in the male category, securing a substantial prize of GHC2,500 and 150 ranking points after a 3-0 victory against Isaac Davis in the finals. Lartey dedicated his win to his 12-year-old son, Samuel Lartey, and expressed his commitment to representing Ghana at the 2023 African Games and beyond. Isaac Davis and Celia Baah, the runners-up, received GHC1,500 each along with 120 ranking points.

Other participants in the 3rd to 4th positions earned 100 ranking points and GHC800 each, while those in the 5th to 8th and 9th to 16th places were awarded 60 and 40 ranking points, respectively, along with cash prizes ranging from GHC400 to GHC250.

Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, President of GTTA, expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including Togbe Afede XIV, the Volta Regional Minister, and programme sponsors. He emphasised that the Asogli Table Tennis Challenge was designed to showcase the best of table tennis in Ghana and announced that the championship would become an annual event during the Asogli Yam Festival.

Mr. Afadzinu also highlighted the event’s success in generating enthusiasm for table tennis in the region and nurturing talent while teaching the game. As part of the legacy project stemming from hosting the sport at Mawuli School, GTTA left behind the led lights used during the tournament as support to the school.

Mr. Kojo Larbi, Manager of Reputation and Stakeholder Management at Stanbic Bank, underscored the importance of sports in promoting community growth and development, both physically and emotionally. Stanbic Bank had been supporting and promoting table tennis in collaboration with GTTA.

On his part, Mr. Tom Kuenyefu, Volta Regional Chairman of GTTA, expressed his excitement about the championship’s potential to foster the development of quality athletes. He highlighted plans to coach young athletes between the ages of 8 and 10 and establish table tennis clubs throughout the region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Leverage Togbe Afede’s Unwavering Integrity to Combat Corruption – Nyaho-Tamakloe

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Volta Online

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September 24, 2023

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Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on Ghanaians, especially the citizens of the Asogli Traditional Area to harness the unwavering integrity of Togbe Afede XVI, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, as a potent weapon against the endemic corruption plaguing Ghana.

He made the remarks during the Anti-Corruption Day Forum, held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Ho, as part of the 20th Coronation Anniversary of Togbe Afede XVI and the 2023 Asogli Te Za (Yam Festival) celebrations.

The senior statesman underscored Togbe Afede’s legacy of transparency and selfless service to the nation in various capacities, emphasizing that Togbe Afede’s commitment to the anti-corruption cause is not merely symbolic but deeply ingrained in his actions and decisions. He, thus urged all those under his leadership to emulate his example to foster the nation’s growth.

Furthermore, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe appealed to the National House of Chiefs, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, and other faith-based organizations to use their influential voices to speak truth to power, as their advocacy is pivotal in eradicating corruption. He warned that failing to address this issue would lead the country into peril.

On his part, a former Auditor General, Mr. Daniel Yao Domelevo, echoed the call for a robust public financial management system that ensures resources are allocated for their intended purposes, serving as an effective tool in the fight against corruption.

He stressed the importance of strategically allocating resources and maintaining fiscal discipline to eliminate corruption and prevent the misuse of public funds by political elites.

Mr. Domelevo emphasised the need for having visionary leaders who can steer the country toward a prosperous future, stressing that, public sector positions should be entrusted to competent individuals who prioritize the well-being of the state over personal enrichment.

Togbe Afede also bemoaned pervasive nature of corruption in recent times, and called for an all-hands-on deck approach to deal with the canker.

‘We can turn Ghana around through honesty, hard work, and genuine love for our nation. But it requires leadership. Leadership encourages us to work together and do things differently. Leadership that respects the truth, eschews divisiveness” he noted.

The 2023 Asogli Te Za will be climaxed with a grand durbar on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Jubilee Park in Ho.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Construction of New Culverts on Tsito-Anyirawase Road Progressing Rapidly

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Volta Online

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September 22, 2023

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BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Work has begun steadily on a new culvert bridge between Tsito and Anyirawase sections of the Ho-Accra Highway, following the abrupt closure of the road to vehicular traffic on Monday, 18th September 2023.

The closure was necessitated by the collapse of an old culvert across the stretch, caused by heavy rains.

Checks by Volta Online at the site have revealed construction workers busy working to get the new concrete bridge ready within the one-month project timeline.

According to the Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority, Mr. Aminu Issaka Abubakar, the work should be completed ahead of schedule. ‘We have done our analysis, and we should be able to complete the renovation even before a month, Insha Allah,’ he told Ho FM, and appealed to motorists to bear with the situation and use the alternative route through Dededo to Abutia and Sokode in the interim.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Ho West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the socio-economic activities of residents along the stretch and urged them to exercise patience as work continues. Speaking during an inspection tour of the project site on Thursday, September 21, the Chairman of the Volta MPs Caucus also entreated motorists plying the temporary route and residents living nearby to exercise caution to prevent any accidents.

The MP further called on the government to resume the construction work on the Juapong-Abutia-Sokode road, which could serve as a better alternative during such situations.

The Ho-Accra Highway is a major economic route connecting the Volta Regional Capital to the national capital, Accra, and the Eastern region, using the Adomi Bridge over the River Volta.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com