Sports Minister Inspects Ho Youth Resource Centre

September 9, 2019

By: Eric Eli Adzie | Voltaonlinegh |

Youth and Sports Minister, Isaac Kwame Asiamah together with some officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Youth Authority and the Volta Regional Minister has paid a working visit to the Ho Youth Resource Centre of Excellence.

The visit to the site on Saturday, September 7, marked Mr. Asiamah’s second at the site since the sod cutting for commencement of the project.

According to him, the inspection formed part of government’s efforts to ensure the project was being executed according to specification and to resolve issues confronting the construction.

The Minister expressed his gratification about the work done so far but bemoaned the slow pace of work done by the contractor, Wilkado Constructions Limited.

“Per the narrative of the site engineer, we have to get in touch with the contractor so that he can speed up the work here. I think he has been relatively slow and we are not happy about that development because we don’t owe him. So we expect him to speed up work here so that Volta Region will have a decent modern sports edifice.”

The inspection of the 65 per cent completed Ho Youth Resource Centre

When quizzed about the level of completion, Mr. Asiamah however stated that, although 65 per cent of work has been done so far, he has instructed that the contractor appear at the Ministry to answer questions on the slow pace of work.

While commenting on the importance of the project, the Minister commended government and expressed his optimism that lots of untapped talents would benefit immensely from the facility.

“We are committed, government is committed. We believe Volta Region has a lot of talents to develop. When this project is completed, we will have more individuals who can win medals for Ghana just as some athletes did at the just-ended African games,” he said.

Site Engineer, Lordson Asante reassured that all structural works had been completed except the roofing of the VIP stands which formed the first phase of the project.

The 10,000-seater ultra-modern facility, when completed will host a standard FIFA football pitch, an ICT centre, counseling centre, track and multi-purpose courts, athletics tracks, modern restaurant among other facilities.

Meanwhile, Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa was hopeful that the project would be completed by the end of the year.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Potable Water, a Scarce Commodity in South Tongu

Volta Online

September 9, 2019

By: Tabitha Kugbonu | Voltaonlinegh |

The decline in water quality endangers the health of humans as well as the ecosystem. Clean drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation plays important roles in maintaining health and is also vital for family well-being – controlling of enteric diseases and boosting child health.

The Goal No. 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) states that, “As a country, we need to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” indicating that access to water, sanitation and hygiene is a human right issue yet still some districts in Ghana are still finding it difficult to get safe water.

Although Ghana was able to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on access to improved sanitation, the water resource is gradually becoming a scarce commodity in Ghana.

According to the Global Water Project forecast, six African countries including Ghana may experience water scarcity by 2025 mainly due to the expected rate of growth in population.

Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resource and currently the Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu at the launch of Water for Rural Africa (WRA), a non-governmental organisation interested in finding a lasting solution to thousands of Ghanaians in dire need of access to potable drinking water on daily basis, indicated that there was the likelihood of Ghana importing water from other countries if measures were not put in place.

Currently, people travel long distances in order to have access to water. The people of South Tongu District in the Volta Region are among those people battling acute water shortage due to increase in population in the district.

South Tongu District

The district lies with the wet semi-equatorial and dry equatorial climatic zones, which are very good for livestock production and majority of residents in the district are known to be farmers and traders. It has Sogakope as its capital.

The main river in the district is the Volta Lake which runs along its western border. However, there are several streams including Chinni and Tordzi.

The district shares boundaries with Central Tongu, Akatsi South, and Anloga districts.

During the 2010 population census, it was revealed that, the entire population of residents in the district was 87,950 and out of that, women constituted 47, 931 while the men were 40,019.

Water Shortage

Good drinking water remains one major challenge residents in the district face making life unbearable for school children as well as women who struggle for water.

The affected areas in the district include Kpotame, Agorgbe, Fievie, Gonu, Agorkpo, Adutor and its surrounding areas. Though residents in these areas keep appealing to authorities for solution, their appeals have yielded no result.

Residents are forced to wake up in the middle of the night to fetch water from taps for storage which causes a lot of discomfort.

For others, they have no other alternative than to rely on wells, buy raw water from the river supplied by tricycle riders for domestic consumption which affects the health of the people.

Appeal for Water

Some school children expressed worry over the negative impact the water problem was having on them.

One of them, Grace Aglebe said the water challenge was affecting her study time and having a toll on the finances of her parents.

“I’m a pupil of Sogakope JHS A and I’m in Form 1. This is the time for me to start preparing myself for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) but I have to wake up in the middle of the night like 1am to fetch water till day break and this doesn’t give me enough time to rest well and prepare for school the following day and it’s affecting my performance in class.”

“We are also left with no other way than to fetch water from well and the water in there is hard so in the absence of the tap water, we buy sachet water for our domestic activities causing financial loss to my parents and it’s about time government did something about the situation,” she added.

A resident of Agorkpo New Town named Akos Attah also complained about the situation and called for help.

“I’m a nursing mother and my child is about two months old. I have to buy water from these vendors who distribute water with tricycles and sometimes if they don’t come early, I have to wait for them until they come before I can get access to water to be used in the house. So I’m therefore pleading with management of the District Assembly to find remedy to this situation.”

Some workers at Tefle-Agorgbe complained of similar challenges saying, we buy a gallon of water at a cost of Ghc 1 which is very, very expensive.”

Water Problem Explained

In reaction, the Management of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) South Tongu branch disclosed that the issue of water has to do with the increase in population of the district.

According to them, there is the need for expansion of the pipelines as the current 6-inch pipeline is not enough to transmit water to the increased population.

They said plans are underway for works to commence on the pipeline to end the water rationing which is aimed at ensuring equal access to potable water for the available consuming populace.

But they said they are hoping if the Sogakope-Lome Trans-Boundary Water Supply Project which aims at transferring water from the Volta River in Ghana (using Sogakope as the abstraction point) to Lome in Togo and serving all communities located along the Sogakope-Lome corridor comes to reality, the water needs of the people will be solved.

Some months back, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Korbla Mensah Woyome, expressed worry over the persistent water problem in the South Tongu District saying, he made several attempts including writing proposals to government for a lasting solution without success.

Hon. Woyome believed the problem persists because of a reduction in the capacity of flow of water at the Agordome Water Plant established in 1998 coupled with an increase in population of the communities that the plant is expected to serve.

He said the same Agordome Water Plant supplies water to communities in Anloga District and Keta Municipality and to serve every community, the water is being rationed.

Potable water is a critical aspect of our lives and development as a country because it frees a number of people from water-borne diseases such as Cholera, Diarrhoea etc.

Let us join hands to save the situation and also make collective efforts to catapult us to the realisation of our freedom with respect to potable water availability.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

KRASEC D/A JHS Cries for Infrastructure

Volta Online

September 6, 2019

By: Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh |

The head teacher of KRASEC D/A JHS in the Krachi West District of the Oti Region, James Kwasi Owusu has called on government to expand infrastructure in the school in order to promote efficient teaching and learning in the school.

Speaking to Voltaonlinegh, Mr. Owusu said severe congestion in classrooms in the dilapidated structures was a huge bother and which was affecting not just the quality of teaching and learning but also always compelling the school authority to organise classes under mango trees.

The head teacher explained that apart from the enormous pressure on the limited structures, the school lacked a Science laboratory, library, furniture, Information and Communication Technology, textbooks and other teaching materials.

He said the situation in the school was very alarming, thus, appealed to government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to come to the aid of the school.

A teacher in the school, Evelyn Dogo, reechoed the challenges and the attendant effects on teaching and learning in the school and called for help.

Some pupils who also spoke in an interview called on the authorities and corporate organisations to come forward and support the school.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Awoamefia Appointed Sole-Mediator in Bimbila Conflict

Volta Online

August 30, 2019

Min of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah presenting the letter to the Awoamefia — Min of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah presenting the letter to Awoamefia

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh |

The Awoamefia of Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III has received a letter from government appointing him the sole-mediator in the protracted chieftaincy conflict in Bimbila in the Nanumba District of the Northern Region.

By this appointment, Torgbui Sri III is expected to single-handedly find means (albeit legal) to settle the dispute and reach an agreement with the factions involved to accept the outcome of decisions.

The Bimbila chieftaincy conflict has been between the families of two rival chiefs, Naa Andani and Naa Salifu which has claimed about 20 lives since 2014.

The historic appointment given to the Awoamefia was a demonstration of government’s trust in the retired Commissioner of Police and who served as the Northern Regional Police Commander for years.

A section of government delegation to Anloga for the presentation on Thursday

Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed on behalf of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council and the Nanumba Traditional Area, congratulated Torgbui Sri on his appointment and expressed optimism that he would bring his huge experience in peace, security and tradition to bear in resolving the conflict in the area.

Mr. Saeed believed that the Awoamefia would be able to mediate in the conflict because the people of Volta and Northern regions “are brothers and sisters.”

Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah who was impressed with the credentials of Torgbui Sri especially in the area of peace brokering and conflict resolution said it was clear why President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him the sole mediator against the norm of putting a committee in place.

Mr. Dapaah noted that the agelong Bimbila chieftaincy conflict had adversely affected development of the area and so, the President had directed him, (Mr. Dapaah), the Northern Regional Minister and the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to provide the needed support for Torgbui Sri to deliver on his appointment.

Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa said the President had kept faith with the Anlo State by creating the Anloga District, and appointing the Awoamefia as the sole-mediator in the Bimbila conflict and expressed gratitude for the honour done the region.

Dr Letsa assured of his readiness to give the necessary support to Torgbui Sri to enable him succeed in bringing a lasting peace to Bimbila.

Torgbui Sri in a speech said the Anlo State had accepted the appointment and expressed appreciation to the President for the honour.

He said the appointment did not surprise him as he had had education in Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building and had practised same.

He concluded by requesting God’s wisdom and guidance in the discharge of his duty to bring peace to Bimbila.

Also present at the meeting of the Anlo Traditional Council for the presentation of the letter to the Awoamefia included Minister for Chieftaincy, Kofi Dzamesi, Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, municipal and district chief executives for Anloga, Keta, Ketu South, South Tongu and Akatsi North.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Water in Ho after Fortnight of Shortage

Volta Online

August 29, 2019

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh |

Residents of Ho, the Volta Regional capital are heaving a deep sigh of relief after water has begun flowing through their pipes signaling an end to about two weeks of water shortage in the township.

The water situation occasioned by broken down pipeline affected majority of residents who could not store enough water before the unexpected shortage forcing them to go for water from all unhygienic sources for use with others travelling long distances to neighbouring districts in search of water.

It was therefore like answered prayers when Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) by Wednesday, August 28, resumed water production and pumping to customers in Ho in fulfillment of a promise made by the company to ensure water got to the people on the said date.

On August 18, 2019 the company’s main transmission pipeline from the Kpeve Treatment Plant that serves the entire Ho Township gave way as a result of high tides and levels of the river at Akrofu in the Ho West District.

It took the sector Minister, GWCL in collaboration with other sectors to carry out repair works on the broken down transmission pipeline for a sustainable solution to the problem leading to the resumption of water supply to the Ho municipality.

Though the repair works on the pipeline at Akrofu to restore water to the people got completed, it started on a tragic note when one staff of the company was found dead in the process.

According to reports, three of the GWCL staff who were trying to fix the problem, jumped from the bridge into the river with only two coming back. It took the community members to organise a search party to retrieve the body of the missing person.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

IGP Pays Tribute to Fallen Gallant Officers

Volta Online

August 29, 2019

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh |

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh has paid glorious tributes to the heroic officers who died serving the country and vowed the Service would take measures to protect lives of officers in their line of duty.

Acting IGP Oppong-Boanuh who condemned the recent killing of law enforcers praised officers who died through diligently discharging their duty to mother Ghana.

According to him, the Service and the country as a whole would always honour their memories for their selfless services in combating and preventing crime in the country.

He also disclosed that the Ghana Police Service had taken delivery of some 4,500 bulletproof vests to protect officers from the increasing attacks from criminals in recent times.

In a spate of one month, 5 police officers had been killed while discharging their duties with the latest one being the killing on Wednesday, August 28 of two officers at Kasoa Budumburam in the Central region.

Witnesses said suspected robbers in an unregistered blue-black Toyota Camry from an area called Kasoa-Vodafone headed the Ofankor Bawjiase road failed to stop at a police snap checkpoint for which the police gave them a chase.

The suspected robbers then opened fire killing the two officers, Sergeant Michael Dzamesi and Lance Corporal Mohammed.

About a fortnight ago, two police officers were killed in the Eastern and Ashanti regions in their line of duty.

Earlier, on July 30, 2019, occupants of a saloon car believed to be armed robbers dressed in military-like uniforms, shot and killed a policewoman who signaled them to stop on the Kumbungu road in Tamale.

The Acting IGP was on Wednesday, delivering his welcome address at the opening of the 2019 National Police Command Conference at Sogakope in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

The 3-day Conference themed, “Strengthening Discipline and Supervision for Effective Crime Control”, sought to enable the leadership of the Ghana Police Service and the Regional Commanders to meet and take stock of the vision and initiatives introduced into the Service and to map out strategies to effectively prevent, reduce and control crime.

Mr. Oppong-Boanuh encouraged officers to work effectively without fear assuring them that there would be continuous refresher courses to retool personnel in readiness to combat crime and advised the public to properly conduct themselves in the election year.

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery pledged government’s support for the Service in crime fighting and called on personnel to disregard recent rumours on social media platforms of government’s decision to scrap the CAP 30 Pension Scheme.

Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa was happy for the choice of Volta Region for this year’s conference and underscoring the role of police and the need for peace and security, wished the Service a successful conference.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Aflao Command Asks GIS to Construct Fence, Patrol Roads across Borderline

Volta Online

August 29, 2019

By: Rita Kafui Nedjoh | Voltaonlinegh |

The Aflao Sector Commander, C/Supt. Frederick Baah Duodu has appealed to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Council to expedite action for the commencement of some proposed boundary fence and patrol roads across the borderline.

C/Supt. Frederick Duodu explained that within the operational area of the Command existed a total of 20 unapproved routes designated as “beats”, 6, pillars”, 13, and the beach.

He noted that following the visit by the National Security Advisor to the President and a subsequent survey by the 48 Engineers Regiment, it was concluded that patrol roads/routes, a boundary fence and two additional pedestrian crossing points be constructed.

The project which is expected to facilitate patrol and compel travelers to use only the approved entry/exit point is yet to commence, thus, forcing personnel to risk their lives every day to prevent illegal entry into the country through these unapproved routes.

The Sector Commander recounted that in August 2019, a supervisor and a patrol commander were attacked at Beat 6 while another personnel on duty at the beach was also attacked and almost drowned in the sea in an attempt to prevent armed travelers entry into the country through these unapproved routes.

He decried the logistical constraints saying, till date, officers remained unarmed, without bullet proof vest and helmets to protect them from attacks and no adequate vehicles and motorbikes for effective monitoring and patrol on the porous borderline.

In spite of the numerous challenges, Mr. Duodu touted the Command’s significant successes including intercepting a total of 57 young ladies suspected of being trafficked to the Gulf and three men linked to the trafficking, and escorting them to the Headquarters for further investigations.

The Command had also seen an increase of 45 per cent in revenue generated from January to July 2019 amounting to GH¢490,802.50 through overstay penalty, penalty for illegal entry among others adding that as a result of the increasing threat of terrorism, cyber crime, and other cross border crimes, 106 foreigners had been refused entry for not meeting legal requirements.

C/Supt. Duodu made this known when Chairman of the GIS Council paid a working visit to the Aflao Command to inspect some of the unapproved routes to understand the situation on ground.

The Chairman, GIS Council, Dr. Edward Prempeh commended the Command for their tremendous achievement and dedication to work and asked them to be vigilant at all times as they continued to defend Ghana and ensure security of the frontiers.

Dr. Prempeh noted that the Council recently had a meeting with the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery where pertinent issues regarding resourcing officers of the Service were discussed and hoped that that there would soon be good results.

He encouraged the Command to take advantage of the inter-agency collaboration and a strong relationship with chiefs, opinion leaders and the border community to enhance the sharing of information and intelligence, a prerequisite for an effective border management strategy.

The Volta Regional Commander, GIS, DCI Peter Clavier Nantuo noted that the regional command was one of the commands to have chalked successes even under numerous challenges hence, appealed that the needs and challenges of the Command be met as soon as possible to protect the officers and the country as a whole.

DCI Peter Clavier Nantuo however advised the general public to adhere to simple instructions and be tolerant towards security personnel as “terrorism is real and just next door.”

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Next Anlo MP Promises to Put People’s Interests First

Volta Online

August 28, 2019

2020 NDC Parliamentary Canditate for Anlo, Mr. Sefe

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh |

Winner of the just ended Parliamentary primaries of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Anlo Constituency of the Volta Region, Richard Kwami Sefe has vowed to serve the interests of the constituents while in Parliament next year.

Mr. Sefe said his decisions, actions and works as Member of Parliament would be informed by the people’s interests saying, he could not give wild promises but what “I vow to do is to be their ears and mouth in Parliament.”

He identified the needs of the constituency which can best be classified into coastal and inland communities and spoke of the way forward to bring development to the area.

“In order to best serve the interests and address the needs of the people which include road network and senior high school in the Shime area for example and employment among others for our people along the coast, I intend to lure investors into the constituency, prudently use the MP’s common Fund and work with everyone that matters to make life bearable for the good people of the Anlo Constituency.

Mr. Sefe spoke to Voltaonlinegh after winning the primaries (the incumbent MP, Hon. Clement Kofi Humado bowed out from) held on Saturday, August 24 at Anloga EP Primary School.

The educationist beat competitions from 5 contenders, Prof. Collins Stephen Ahorlu, Sedina Christine Tamekloe-Attionu, Joseph Agbeko Kpogo, Wonder Victor Kutor and Bright Edward Kodzo Demordzi.

He appealed to the failed aspirants to put the contest behind them and collaborate with him for victory in the 2020 general elections for “our biggest contender is the New Patriotic party.”

The Parliamentary candidate also promised to in consultation with the various executives in the constituency, deal with the “greedy and selfish” tag on the NDC in the region to improve the electoral fortunes of the party in both the Parliamentary and Presidential elections.

The Constituency Chairman, Rolex Agbey Miheso was happy with the general conduct of elections in the area and thanked the delegates particularly for ensuring sanity throughout the process.

“All the delegates conducted themselves so well since morning that you couldn’t tell delegates coming from opposing camps. They were friendly and joked among themselves, thus, making the work of the police here very easy.”

Mr. Miheso expressed hope that the unsuccessful aspirants would remain united and work together with the winner and the party for victory in 2020.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

GJA Volta Descends on NDC Constituency Scribe for Assault on Reporter

Volta Online

August 27, 2019

By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh |

The Volta Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned what it termed “a barbaric attack” on Adom TV correspondent in the Oti Region, Obrempongba Kwame Owusu.

The Constituency Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nkwanta South in the Oti Region, Prince Succeed Fiagadzi last Saturday during the party’s Parliamentary primaries, launched an unprovoked attack on Mr. Owusu.

The reporter narrating the assault on him to Voltaonlinegh, said about 5:45 pm at Kyabobo Game Centre, from where he was covering the primaries, a commotion ensued between supporters of the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) who still retained his candidature, Geoffery Kini and the contender, Richard Manuribe.

He said he got closer to capture the scene and this caused the Constituency Secretary to pounce on him, giving him heavy slap and going to the extent of damaging his camera which attracted police officers present at the centre to come to his rescue.

Mr. Owusu has since reported the case to the Nkwanta Police and issued medical form to go for treatment from the St Joseph Hospital.

This conduct of Mr. Fiagadzi according to a release issued by GJA-Volta on Tuesday was a demonstration of “no sense of civilization on the ground.”

It commended the police for the swift action in arresting the aggressor and starting investigation processes for the appropriate action to be taken against him while assuring members and all law abiding citizens that it would “pursue the matter to its fullest degree.”

The release wished the victim a speedy recovery and advised “all members and practitioners to stay away from functions organised by the NDC in that constituency until the branch apologises for the obnoxious conduct of the Constituency Secretary

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

We’ve Met BoG’s Minimum Capital Requirement-Agave Rural Bank

Volta Online

August 27, 2019

By: Tabitha Kugbonu | Voltaonlinegh |

The management of Agave Rural Bank in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region has debunked rumours that it failed to meet Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) minimum capital requirement saying, that could not have been the case.

The rumours in the area suggesting that the Agave Rural Bank could not meet BOG’s minimum capital requirement, thus, creating fear among some customers of the bank, followed a notice issued on August 19 by the Central Bank reminding rural/community banks to meet their minimum capital requirement by 2020 or face sanctions.

The directive was further to Bank of Ghana notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2015/08 dated July 3, 2015 which announced the revision of minimum capital for rural/community banks and microfinance institutions to GH¢1 million to be complied with by December 31, 2017, and GH¢2 million to be complied with by June 30, 2018, respectively.

But the Director of Agave Rural Bank, John Aheto who spoke to Voltaonlinegh on the issue called on customers of the bank and the general public to disregard such claims because there was no truth in them.

Mr. Aheto assured that the bank met the requirement since 2016 and beyond because in 2016, their capital statement according to Auditor’s Financial Statement, was GH¢1,118,708 while in 2017, their Auditor’s Financial Statement was GH¢1,467,000.

He said “on August 17, 2019, we had our Annual General Meeting discussing Auditor’s Financial Statement and over 500 Stakeholders were present at the meeting.

He added that “during the meeting, our minimum capital requirement increased to GH¢1.5 million indicating that, Agave Rural Bank is eligible to work with its shareholders in the rural center” and therefore called on customers especially, not give such rumours their attention.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

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