Fourth Volta Trade Fair Starts On A Low Key

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November 26, 2019

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The 4^th edition of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair, 2019 kick-off last Friday at the Ho Sports Stadium with dozens of exhibitors from and outside the region in attendance.

The event under the auspices of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and its partners was aimed promoting the region’s investment potentials to the rest world through culture and trade exhibition.

However, few days into the 10-days event, the fair is yet to receive the needed patronage from the public, as attendance on the first three days was quite poor.

A tour of the event grounds by Voltaonlinegh.com, revealed very little business activities were ongoing with most exhibitors sitting idle behind their stands.

Some exhibitors who interacted with this news portal, confirmed that turnout so far has not been encouraging, a situation they attributed to low publicity on the part of organizers.

“Business is here is bad” a trader in African wears told Voltaonlinegh.com from her makeshift bed under the exhibition tent.

“I have been monitoring the radio stations in town and not much is being said about the fair,” another exhibitor in pharmaceuticals said, adding that, “It seems the organizers are only interested in the money but careless about publicizing the event to attract patrons so that we can also get the needed leverage. We paid over GHc800.00 for a stand and we’re only here idling.”

That notwithstanding, the exhibitors are still hopeful the situation would change for the better probably after the official opening of the fair on Tuesday.

Some exhibitors sitting idle behind their wares

They however appealed to the organizers to make available a standby generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the fair.

Meanwhile, Mr. McRay Sogah, a member of the publicity and entertainment sub-committee for the fair has assured exhibitors of necessary arrangements to get more patrons to the event before it wraps up on Sunday, December 2, 2019.

“We’ve been talking with some of the radio stations to come and broadcast their programmes live from the grounds so they can direct traffic to the fair and very soon we should see a great change in the attendance,” he told Voltaonlinegh.com.

The fair since the last one in 2011 has on display, indigenous products and services in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and herbal, textile and garment, tourism and hospitality industries, among others.

A huge performance stage has also been mounted at the venue for indigenous artistes and cultural troupes to entertain patrons during the fair.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho FM Equips 31 Artisans with Working Tools

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Volta Online

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November 26, 2019

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Ho FM project1 11 — Ho MCE presenting a sewing machine to a beneficiary

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com|

Ho 92.5FM in the Volta Regional capital has supported some 31 underprivileged artisans with sewing machines and hairdressing kits through its ‘Founder’s Empowerment Project’ being spearheaded by their mother company, the Class Media Group (CMG).

Two physically challenged persons were among the beneficiaries who were presented with 12 sewing machines and 19 hairdryers at ceremony held at the forecourt of the Ho central market on Monday.

Present at the event was the Municipal Chief Executive for Ho, Mr. Propser Pi-Bansah as well as members of the local associations of dressmakers and hairdressers.

Ho MCE handing over a sewing a physically challenged beneficiary

Torgbui Ahorgo I, General Manager of HoFM told the gathering that the beneficiaries, age between 18 and 30 years were carefully selected from various parts of the region, by a panel of judges after a thorough vetting of hundreds of entries.

The project which will be replicated in other parts of the country, begun in Accra with a donation of the first set of sewing machines and hairdryers to 86 beneficiaries in the Greater Accra Region.

Mr. Kojo Ackaah-Kwarteng, the Group CEO of CMG, noted that the project was an initiative of their founder, Mr. Seidu Agongo, aimed at equipping underprivileged artisans including apprentices, to establish themselves economically in order to earn a decent living.

He therefore, entreated the beneficiaries not to sell the items but rather make good use of them to improve their livelihoods.

He added that, the media group will also organize an entrepreneurial training programme for the beneficiaries to set them on the path of a sustainable career.

The Ho MCE, Mr. Pi-Bansah on his part, commended Ho FM and its mother company for complementing government’s efforts with such a critical intervention in the lives of the citizens, and encouraged other corporate entities to emulate same.

He also urged the youth to acquire employable skills so as take advantage the various government intervention programmes to better their lot.

Leadership of both the dressmakers and hairdressers associations also expressed their gratitude to the media group for the kind gesture, as they promised to ensure the beneficiaries put the equipment to its intended use.

About Class Media Group

Class Media Group (CMG), a Ghanaian media conglomerate which operates Class91.3FM, Accra100.5FM, No.1 105.3FM, Kumasi 104.1FM, Adehyee99.1FM, Ho FM, CTV, Tamale FM, Takoradi FM and ClassFMonline.com.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Over 40 Adults Graduate From Literacy Programme At Adidome

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Volta Online

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November 25, 2019

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By: Tabitha Kugbonu | Voltaonlinegh.com |

A total of 47 adult learners have graduated over the weekend from Engage Now Africa (ENA’s) adult literacy programme in some four communities in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

The communities that benefited from the adult literacy programme were; Adidome, Amelorkope, Tsetsekpo and Avakpodome.

The Country Director of Engage Now Africa (ENA), Cecelia Amankwah said ENA was in partnership with Alma House to ensure that no one is left behind as far as education is concern.

She added that going through adult education is not an easy task but since the learners were able to sail through, it means that there was nothing impossible on this planet earth if there is perseverance, determination and hard work attached to it.

She urged the learners to take whatever they were taught into practice because ENA is there to improve their lives and that of their families.

She encouraged the participants to keep helping each other, work as a group and not envy anyone who is doing so well in the group but rather it should serve as a motivation for them to also keep trying so that at the end they can also become perfect.

Stella Charles, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alma House said she was impressed with the things the learners have demonstrated and said the love and unity among them shows that they are well equipped to handle the things they have learnt and put it into something meaningful.

Apart from learning how to read and write, the 47 adults were also trained in batik tie and die, bead making, liquid soap, powder among others with certificates were awarded to them as well.

Some of them shared their testimonies about the adult literacy program and thanked the organizers for impacting their lives.

One of them, Eunice Ahortor said she was taught how to repackage her oil business and this has increased her sales in the market, while, Janet Ama Duho said “Initially I do not understand the importance of saving but for the past two years of receiving training from ENA’s adult literacy program, Daily savings is now part of me.”

Togbe Kwasinyi Agyeman IV, Chief of Adidome who doubled as the Chairman for the event, lauded ENA for the support they are giving the elderly persons in the various communities. He entreated the learners to cherish the things they were taught and use it to better their lives because as far as ENA is concern, they are in to help them grow in all aspects of their lives.

Samuel Gomashie, The Adidome Branch Director of Business Advisory Center (BAC) said his outfit with the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI) spearheading as the national Implementing Entity is there to provide services to micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs through training, counseling among others.

He pledged to support the learners to enhance their businesses and urged them to work in groups so that they can attract donors to help aid their businesses.

Francis K. Wama, the Volta Regional Literacy Supervisor for ENA was so excited for a successful program.

He said it has not been easy to organize such programs in the communities; especially getting facilitators to volunteer becomes a problem. He thanked Business Advisory Centre for coming on board to assist the learners to enhance their businesses.

He called on the community leaders to support ENA to expand the literacy programme.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Vote For Mahama If You Want Your Future Back- Fmr GIPC Boss Tells Youth

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Volta Online

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November 25, 2019

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TEIN (4) — Mawuena Trebarh, Former CEO of GIPC

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

‘If you want your future with all its opportunities back, then vote John Mahama as President,’ were the words of a former Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Madam Mawuena Trebarh to Ghanaian youth.

In her view, the current state of affairs in the country under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and New Patriotic Party has left many young people disenfranchised, and the only hope for the future was to vote back into office former President Mahama, the National Democratic Congress’ flagbearer for election 2020.

Madam Trebarh who was speaking at an orientation programme for members of the NDC’s student wing, the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) in Ho on Saturday indicated that, the current administration offered no hope to the youth as available opportunities have been hijacked by a privileged few.

‘The situation in our country now is very dire. And you as young people have to use the power you hold to take back the destiny of the nation, because you’re the fundamental majority of this country,’ she charged the gathering made up of students from the Ho Technical University, E.P University college, Ho Nurses Training college, School of Hygiene and the University of Health and Allied Sciences.

The former telecom executive further urged the students to keep faith with the NDC, as it was the only political tradition which has the true interest of young people at heart and has the track record of giving the youth the opportunity in government.

“If you’re looking for a political link that gives young people the opportunity, don’t look beyond the NDC. I am a living testimony to it, because I wasn’t only appointed as the first female CEO of GIPC by President Mahama but I was the youngest person to occupy such a position.”

Speak Up

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korley Constituency in the Greater Accra region who also addressed the forum, entreated the NDC youth to live by the party’s tenets of probity, accountability and social justice.

This, she said they should do by speaking up against the ills of society and demanding accountability from those in authority.

“As citizens we’re not exercising our rights to put those in authority on their toes. You’re not the future leaders but leaders of today because you decide the government of the day. So seek knowledge so you can demand probity and accountability from those in authority,” she stated.

The orientation programme which was chaired by former Health minister, Mr. Alex Segbefia on behalf of the NDC flagbearer, had in attendance many functionaries of the party, including Chairman of the Volta MPs caucus, Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Natioal Youth Organizer, George Opare Addo and deputy, Edem Agbana, national communication officer, Sammy Gyemfi, North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, and Ho Central MP, Benjamin Kpodo.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

National U15 Justifier Train Stops Over At Ho

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Volta Online

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November 21, 2019

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By: Eric Eli Adzie | Voltaonlinegh.com|

Some 250 young footballers in the Volta region yesterday participated in a justifier at the Ho sports stadium to be considered for the yet-to-be constituted national Under-15 team.

The lads, age between 12 and 15 years justified their inclusion in the presence of a Technical team led by Samuel Anim Addo, Head of the Under 15 Management committee of the Ghana Football Association.

At the end of the exercise, some 16 lucky players were selected to join their colleagues from other parts of the country for a final screening session at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence at Prampam, for a possible selection into the final squad for the National U15 team.

Similar exercise has already been held across Western/Central Regions, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper West & East Regions and Greater Accra.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Chinese Contractor Takes Over Hohoe-Jasikan-Pepesu Road

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Volta Online

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November 20, 2019

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Hohoe-Jasikan road — Work resumes on Hohoe-Jasikan-Jasikan section of Eastern corridor road

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Work has resumed on the 88-kilometre Hohoe-Jasikan to Dodo Pepesu stretch of the eastern corridor road, almost three years after it was halted for a government audit.

The project, which was being executed by Israeli construction firm, Messrs Rollider Ltd under the Cocoa roads programme before the change in government in January 2017, has now been re-awarded to a Chinese firm, Synohydro Corporation Ltd.

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday cut sod for the commencement of work, which forms part of the Phase 1 of the $2billion Government of Ghana/Sinohydro Master Project Agreement.

The Synohydro facility, according to government was a barter arrangement in which the Chinese company will finance various infrastructure projects in Ghana worth two billion dollars, in exchange for the country’s bauxite deposits.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony at Jasikan in the Oti region, Dr. Bawumia said the road which has a long and painful history of neglect under the previous government, has now been prioritized by the government for urgent attention.

He noted that of all the critical roads listed in the 2020 budget, Hohoe-Jasikan and Jasikan-Dodo Pepesu are the only roads to commence, and assured residents of government’s resolve to ensure the project is completed on schedule.

“Indeed, contractors for these projects mobilized to site two weeks before Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the 2020 Budget statement in Parliament. Under the Critical Roads Programme for Highway construction, Oti Region will have the Dambai Towns Roads, Nkonya-Wurapong-Kwamikrom Road and the Jasikan-Worawora Road.”

The Eastern Corridor Roads project, allotted as N2 of the National Road Network, begins from the Tema Motorway through to the Volta, Oti, Northern, North East and Upper East regions to neighbouring Burkina Faso.

According to the Vice President, sods will be cut for the Cape Coast inner city roads and Nyinahini area roads this week under the Infrastructure for Bauxite facility. The rest of other approved lots are expected to be undertaken soon.

“The commitment of government to the development of the Trunk Road Network is evidenced by the many Road and Bridge Development Projects as well as the numerous road maintenance projects that are on-going all over the country and to continue in the year of Roads in 2020.

“Government is on course to fix all critical road projects in a holistic approach so that every part of the country has durable roads” he stated.

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwesi Amoako-Atta on his part assured the people of Oti region of the Akufo-Addo government’s commitment to make a significant dent in the road infrastructure deficit, with their region featuring prominently.

Mr. Amoako-Atta also assured the youth in particular, of government’s resolve to ensure that the local content clauses in the agreement with Sinohydro are strictly adhered to in order to create jobs and incomes for indigenes. According to him, the project will provide many jobs to contractors, artisans, cooks, and others with varied professional skills.

On behalf of the Oti region, Nana Aburam Akpandza V, Paramount Chief of Buem and Preisdent of Buem Traditional Council, who chaired the sod cutting ceremony, expressed satisfaction at the show of concern by government towards the development of their roads.

Present at the sod-cutting ceremony were Hon. Kwesi Owusu Yeboah (Oti Regional Minister), Mr. Zhang Nianmu (President of Powerchina West Africa and Central Africa of which Sinohydro is a subsidiary), representatives of Embassy of China, Hon. Michael Yao Gyato (MP for Krachi East and Deputy Minister for Sanitation), and dozens of chiefs from the Oti region.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ten ‘Western Togolanders’ Arrested; Leader On The Run

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Volta Online

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November 20, 2019

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By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

Some members of the separatist movement, the Homeland Study Group Foundation have reportedly been picked by state security operatives in the Volta region, in connection with their declaration of parts of Ghana as an independent Western Togoland state last weekend.

Voltaononlinegh.com gathered about 10 of the group’s supporters were arrested at various locations during a special security operation undertaken by the Volta Regional Security Council (RESEC).

The octogenarian founder and leader of the group, Charles Kudzordzi is however said to be on the run.

The Volta Regional Minister and chairman of RESEC, Dr. Archibald Letsa who confirmed the arrest to the media on Tuesday, said steps were being taken to apprehend all persons involved in the illegal declaration, which took place last Saturday in Ho.

The 85-year old Charles Komi Kudzordzi alias Papavi Hogbedetor, on Saturday announced their secession out of Ghana saying, ”from midnight today November 16 2019 entering tomorrow, We’re now Western Togoland state.”

But government in a statement issued by Information minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah on Monday, condemned the group’s declaration with the promise to ‘ensure that persons involved in the illegal act are dealt with in accordance with the law.’

Background

The Homeland Study Group Foundation has since 2017 intensified its campaign to secede the Volta region and parts of the then Northern and Upper East regions along the eastern border of Ghana into an independent state.

Leaders of the group including the founder were arrested and charged with treason felony on at least two occasions, with the recent being in May 2019.

After being in custody for a little over a month, the Attorney General dropped the charges against Mr. Kudzodzi and eight others leading to their release in July.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Gov’t To Sanction Volta Separatists Over ‘Illegal’ Western Togoland Declaration

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Volta Online

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November 18, 2019

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Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Government has served notice that it will go after members of the separatist movement, the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) who announced their secession from Ghana.

The group led by its octogenarian founder, Charles Komi Kudzordzi last Saturday declared the Volta region and parts of the Northern, North East and Upper East regions along the eastern border of Ghana, an independent Western Togoland state.

Mr. Kudzordzi popularly known as Papavi Hogbedetor, at a public forum of the group in Ho announced that, ”from midnight today November 16 2019 entering tomorrow, We’re now Western Togoland state.”

However, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah in a statement issued on Monday, November 18, 2019 described the group’s conduct as ‘illegal’ and indicated that, ‘the state security agencies are taking the necessary measures to ensure that persons involved in the illegal act are dealt with in accordance with the law.’

Read the Government’s Statement Below

According to the statement, Ghana remains a sovereign state which has not ceded any part of its territory to any person or group of persons and thus entreated the public to disregard any such declaration from the Homeland study group foundation.

Also Read: Volta Separatist Group Declares ‘Western Togoland’ Independence

The government therefore encourage all persons to go about their normal activities as the security agencies remain in charge of the country’s territory.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ghanaian Youth Urged To Be Change Makers

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Volta Online

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November 17, 2019

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Sureword Global (1) — Mr. David Asamoah, Convenor of Sureword Global

By: Shalom Lumor | Voltaonlonegh.com |

The convenor of the Sureword Global Outreach, Rev. David Asamoah has tasked the Ghanaian youth to become agents of change in their communities, so as to make positive impacts on the lives of others.

He said, the youth must start involving themselves in leadership positions in order for them to help solve challenges in their various communities.

Rev. Asamoah who was speaking at a leadership conference at Adidome in the Central Tongu district said, it was high time some youth stop relying on politicians and start doing something for themselves so as to become the change agents their communities desired.

“Politicians cannot do everything for you, you have to take charge of your lives, engage yourself with profitable ventures and try to impact your communities,” he stressed.

Adding that, ” If you want to make a change, you must identify problems and provide solutions to them, you all came from various places that have problems, identify them and solve them, that is the only way you can make it big in life.”

Also addressing the conference, was Madam Felicia Edem Attipoe, Ghana’s first female Aircraft Marshall, who entreated young women to venture into professions that are noted to be the preserve of men.

She said, women were not created to be weak or inferior so must make sure, they don’t get intimidated by their male counterparts.

“All the women sitting here must know that, you are strong and you can also make it in life. Do not allow anyone to discourage you, take up political leadership positions and make an impact,” she noted.

The programme dubbed ‘Higher Level Leadership Conference for the people of Central Tongu’, was a collaboration between Sureword Global Outreach and Dela Radio, a local FM station.

It was aimed at encouraging young people to actively participate in the development of their communities.

Other speakers at the event include, Dr. Akofa Segebfia, a social development Activist, Rev Victor Sedo, an Educationist, Etse Agbemabiase a TV host and Patrick Agbolosu a Community Leader.

The event was attended by traditional leaders, heads of Departments, corporate organizations and the youth from all walks of life.

Sureword Global Outreach is a Christian organization with the objective of grooming young people in both Ghana and UK for leadership.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

[VIDEO] Volta Separatist Group Declares ‘Western Togoland’ Independence

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Volta Online

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November 16, 2019

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Mr. Charles Komi Kudzordzi announcing Western Togoland State independence

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

The Homeland Study Group Foundation, (HSGF), a separatist movement campaigning for the secession of the Volta region into an independent Western Togoland State has declared their independence out of Ghana, Voltaonlinegh.com can report.

The octogenarian founder and leader, Mr. Charles Komi Kudzordzi alias Papavi Hogbedetor made the declaration at a public gathering in Ho on Saturday November 16, 2019.

The event which was monitored by Voltaonlinegh.com via a Facebook live stream by one John Frank , took place at the former premises of Unity Rural Bank, few metres away from the Ho Police Training school.

Papavi Hogbedetor, the 85 year old separatist leader, speaking in the native Ewe language recounted their struggle to restore the pre-independence Western Togoland territory, a German protectorate which was joined to the then Gold Coast to form the new independent country ,Ghana on March 6, 1957 under circumstances the group believed were illegal.

Setting the grounds for the declaration Saturday afternoon, he said ” We’ve all witnessed what happen recently when we (Volta region) were forgotten by the government in its budget. Can a parent forget about their children? We’re not their children, so they have forgotten about us.”

He then went ahead to declared that ” from midnight today November 16 2019 entering tomorrow, We’re now Western Togoland state.”

The announcement sent his supporters into spontaneous wild jubilation, as some waved the supposed flag of the Western Togoland.

Moments after the declaration however, the old man was whisked away from the scene by his loyalists in a waiting car.

Mr. Kudzordzi being rushed into a waiting car.

Below is the Video of the declaration

Background

The Homeland Study Group Foundation has since 2017 intensified its campaign to secede the Volta region and parts of the then Northern and Upper East regions along the eastern border of Ghana into an independent state.

Leaders of the group including the founder were arrested and charged with treason felony on at least two occasions, with the recent being in May 2019.

After being in custody for a little over a month, the Attorney General dropped the charges against Mr. Kudzodzi and eight others leading to their release in July.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com