Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi West in the Oti Region, Helen Adjoa Ntoso has called on government to complete projects initiated by the previous administration to ensure development in the area.
Madam Ntoso cited a 6-unit classroom block at Ntewusan, and other infrastructural projects in the area which were under construction during President Mahama regime but currently abandoned and asked that they be completed.
She spoke to Voltaonlinegh, on Friday when she was at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency office at Krachi to file her form seeking to be re-elected as the Parliamentary candidate for the third time.
The former Volta Regional Minister disclosed that the people of Krachi had been deprived of infrastructural development after their land and properties were submerged occasioned by the construction of Akosombo Dam arguing, if President Akufo-Addo and his government plan to extend development to other regions, Krachi West must be the most considered.
Assessing her own performance, Madam Ntoso said a lot had been achieved during her two terms in office as the people’s representative in parliament justifying her quest for another opportunity to represent the constituency in 2020.
She appealed to delegates in the constituency to consider her works and vote for her as the Parliamentary candidate to bring total development since she had been tried and tested.
The Constituency Women’s Organiser, Mercy Amewugah commented on the performance of Madam Ntoso saying, since becoming MP, Krachi West had witnessed massive infrastructure development and expressed hope that delegates would consider giving her another chance to bring more development to the area.
Some of her supporters who spoke in an interview, described her as the Yaa Asantewa of the area who had created an enabling environment to allow the youth in the area have access to job opportunities.
They pledged to vote massively for her as their Parliamentary candidate in the 2020 general elections to ensure more development in the area.
Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Nelson Akorli has charged National Service personnel to venture into livestock production after the completion of their mandatory service to the nation.
Mr. Akorli noted that with government’s introduction of the Rearing for Food and Jobs programme, it was important for the youth to take advantage of their capabilities of being entrepreneurs to create more jobs and also contribute their quota to support government’s policy of reducing unemployment rate in the country.
He advised them to identify their weaknesses, build on their strengths and be innovative to be self employed, adding that they should develop high level of commitment and diligence towards their duties and constantly upgrade their knowledge and skills.
The MCE made the call on Friday, July 19 when he represented the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa at the national launch of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) week celebration in Volta Region’s capital, Ho under the theme, “Rearing for Food and Jobs: The Role of the National Service Personnel”.
Volta Regional Director, National Service Scheme, Ambrose Entsiwah Jnr. noted that the National Service week celebration is held annually to signify the successful end of an entire year of mandatory national service to the country.
Mr. Entsiwah Jnr. indicated that the theme for the week-long celebration was aimed at re-echoing and reminding National Service personnel of government’s policy of Rearing for Food and Jobs programme which the personnel were prepared to play critical roles to ensure its success implementation.
He noted that the launch of the NASPA week celebration would clear the way for all 16 regions to commence activities scheduled for the celebration across the country adding, the most important activity of the week would be the awards night where outstanding service personnel and executives would be recognised and awarded.
National President of NASPA, Stephen Twumasi speaking at the launch, noted that though the journey as national service personnel was not a smooth one, they had endured all challenges and were proud to render their service to the nation.
Mr. Twumasi thanked the National Service Secretariat and NASPA for the opportunity and their services to the nation for the year under review.
He said some personnel who were already involved in rearing of livestock would serve as inspiration for others to also venture into the sector and hinted that the National Executive Committee of NASPA would open a portal to invite members interested in the venture and with good ideas and innovations to apply to be assisted to start their own farms.
The NASPA President therefore called on members to take advantage of opportunities presented by government and the Association and go all out into the business of livestock farming to change the narrative of graduate unemployed to graduate entrepreneurs.
It was all joy as 20 persons with disability (PWDs), beneficiaries of MTN Ghana Foundation, the social responsibility wing of telecoms giants, MTN graduated with other students at St. Theresa Centre for the Physically Challenged (Inclusive), Abor in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region.
The 28th graduation ceremony which came off on Saturday, July 20 saw the presentation of certificates to all 45 graduands in Dressmaking, Tailoring, Weaving, Electronics, Electricals, ICT Computer Hardware, Leatherworks and General Printing.
The ceremony also had exhibition from departments of Tailoring and Dressmaking, and great performances from A.M.E. Zion Cultural Troupe from Asadame, the Centre’s Army Cadet Corps and Cultural Troupe to entertain attendees.
Gender Minister, Mad Morrison in a photo with the graduating students
Director of the Centre, Rev. Fr. Johnson Emmanuel, SC in a welcome speech, gave a glowing tribute to MTN Ghana Foundation for their support, describing it as “an uncommon demonstration of a deep rooted concern and dedication to transformation of life.”
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel outlined how the Foundation was contacted by former Director, Rev. Fr. Isaac Nwagboso leading to the inauguration of the sponsorship programme on October 20, 2016 with a cheque and fulfillment of promise by presenting set up tools to beneficiaries of the sponsorship on the day of graduation.
He took a swipe at politicians who had seen St. Theresa Centre as strategic platform for their political campaigns and “make promises that they never intend to fulfill.”
“The members of the MTN Ghana Foundation are not called honourables but they carry out honourable actions but our politicians who are called honourables many a times carry out all other action except that which is honourable; an honourable man cannot lie, cannot make empty promises.”
Photo of the set up tools for beneficiaries of the sponsorship
MTN Foundation Education Advisor, Ebenezer Terkpeh in a speech said the Foundation was happy it responded to the appeal to sponsor the vocational training of the PWDs.
Mr. Terkpeh said witnessing the ceremony themed, “Equipping Our Youth with Skills, A Path Way to Holistic Development of Our Society”, it was worth investing the GH¢156,000 to provide “full scholarship” which took care of school, feeding and external examination fees, school uniforms, and material for practical work for the 3-year period “and start up tools for these 20 students.”
“Indeed, our association with this school should not come as a surprise because the students here exhibit some of the values that MTN stands for. Our can do spirit comes in handy for we all know that our friends here had to overcome many challenges to be here today.”
He commended management of the school for contacting the Foundation for the benefit of the students and congratulated the graduating students for successfully going through 3 years of intensive academic work, urging them to continually enhance their skills to remain relevant to society.
Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison was particularly happy with the Centre saying, it “stands out as one of the rare institutions in Ghana that has continued to pursue the ideas of government to create an inclusive education for the citizenry of Ghana as a nation.”
Madam Morrison commended MTN for supporting such a good course and challenged other organisations and churches to be more attentive to the needs of vulnerable in society as government alone could not do it all.
She urged parents not to keep their children with disability at home but give them the necessary care while advising people against looking down on PWDs saying, anyone could become a PWD by virtue of accident or illness, using her mother as example.
The Minister also got spiritual and prayed that the 20 PWD graduating students should surmount all obstacles in the challenging society they were about entering to be successful while wishing all the others well in their various chosen vocations.
St. Theresa Center for the Physically Challenged is a non-profiting institution depending on the Catholic Diocese of Keta-Akatsi to equip PWDs and the less-privileged with skills to be self-reliant. It was built by late Rev. Fr. Angelo Confalonieri, a Combonian missionary from Italy and commissioned on April 29, 1989.
Three persons who picked forms to contest the National Democratic Comgress’ parliamentary primaries in the Ketu South constituency have withdrawn from the race.
The three, Mr. Johnson Koffie Kporha, Mr. Bill Godson Ocloo and Mr. Sylvester Kafui Nyasorgbor were said to have thrown in the towel moments before the party dropped down the curtains on the filing of nominations by close of Friday.
Consequently, five other aspirants have successfully filed their nominations awaiting vetting on the 24th and 25th of July at the NDC Regional secretariat in Ho.
They include a former deputy Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie, a former constituency secretary, Mr Foga Nukunu, Mr. Joseph Kwasi Nyavi, Mr. Nicholas Worclachie and Madam Caroline Kudah- Parker.
Successful aspirants from the vetting would now battle it out at the August 24 primaries which would elect a new parliamentary candidate to replace incumbent MP, Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, who is stepping down after two terms.
The Ketu South constituency is the largest, in terms of voter population in the entire Volta region and has been the biggest ‘gold mine’ for the opposition NDC.
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah is seeking a 4th term bid on NDC ticket
By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah has successfully filed his nomination papers to contest in the parliamentary primaries of the opposition, National Democratic Congress, (NDC).
Mr. Bedzrah who is seeking a fourth term in parliament is being challenged by two other contenders in party.
A release from the MP’s office signed by a Research Assistant, Mr. Edwin Koge noted that, Mr. Bedzrah’s nomination forms were presented to the Ho West NDC secretariat at Dzolokpuita on Friday by members of his campaign team.
The campaign of Hon. Bedzrah submitting his nomination forms
The statement indicated that, the MP would commence his campaign immediately after an anticipated successful vetting on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.
Mr. Bedzrah who is promising to continue serving the best interest of his constituents, is hopeful of an overwhelming endorsement by the delegates at the parliamentary primaries on August 24, 2019.
“We have no doubts in our minds that, just as you (delegates) endorsed former President John Dramani Mahama earlier this year as our party’s Flag-bearer, same way you would endorse Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah as the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ho West on August 24, 2019 to enable them bring the party back to power during the 2020 general elections as they continue to work for the development of Ho West and Ghana,” the statement concluded.
Mr. Bedzrah succeeded Mr. Francis Agbotse in 2009 and has since been reelected twice on the ticket of the NDC into the august house, where he served on various committees, with the latest being the committees on Works and Housing, Standing Orders as well the House committee.
He is also the chairman of the Volta Caucus in parliament and has been instrumental in the creation of the Ho West district out of Ho municipal in 2012.
A woman believed to be in 30s met her untimely death last Thursday, when a motorbike on which she was a pillion rider was run into by a speeding vehicle on the Matse road in the Ho Municipality.
Eyewitnesses’ accounts suggested the deceased, identified as Ernestina Klu was on a commercial motorbike (Okada) with another passenger, heading for a church service at a local church known as, Heaven Chapel International, when the unfortunate incident occurred at about 7:00am Thursday.
The accident vehicle and the motorbike
Information gathered from the scene indicated that, a Hyundai Grace mini bus with registration number ER-4972-X collided with the motorbike during an overtaking, killing the woman on the spot and leaving two others, the rider and the another male passenger with various degrees of injury.
The victims were first rushed to the nearby Matse Health Centre but later transfered to the Ho Teaching Hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
The body of the deceased woman has also been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.
Meanwhile, Voltaonlinegh.com has learnt the driver of the mini bus has since gone to report himself to the Police, as they commence investigations into the accident.
Torgbui Dey III presenting a citation to Dr. Letsa
By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |
A delegation of chiefs and queenmothers from the Dzodze Traditional area in the Ketu North municipality have honoured the Volta Regional minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa for his distinguished leadership of the region.
The over 20-member entourage, during a courtesy call on the minister at the Residency in Ho, commended him for spearheading the government’s transformational agenda, which has become evident in the lives of their people and communities.
Torgbui Dey III, Chief of Dzodze Apetepe speaking on behalf of the royal delegation, said they could not let go, the exemplary leadership of the minister, unrecognised and presented him with a citation and a Kente cloth.
Dr. Letsa Decorated with the blue Kente
He said though chiefs were barred from engaging in active politics, they were unoblivious of the rapid socioeconomic development being undertaken by government in the region under the leadership of Dr. Letsa.
According to him, “We have observed with satisfaction the leadership of Dr. Letsa since his appointment as Regional minister and we have a duty and a right not to keep mute but declare it. We are here to say that, we are impressed with your performance and that of the government so far.”
“What is missing in our body politics is the fact that we are not quick as people to praise our leaders when they perform with excellence,” he added.
He said the recently held Regional Town Hall Meeting in Ho has exposed them to the good works of the government and commended President Akufo-Addo for keeping to his promises.
While declaring their unflinching support for the government’s developmental agenda for the region, the chiefs also called for the construction of a modern market at Dzodze, the municipal capital of Ketu North.
They also called for the reconstruction of the fast deteriorating Ho-Denu road, as well as the construction of some ancillary roads within the Ketu North municipality.
Dzodze Traditional leaders in a group pose with Dr. Letsa
Dr. Letsa who was overwhelmed by the gesture, thanked the chiefs and queenmothers for the recognition.
He reiterated government’s resolve to better the lot of the citizens and called for the support of all.
The minister also assured the entourage that their requests would be addressed in due course, as he hints of a planned water project in the Dzodze area and the full operationalisation of the Akanu border, to boost economic activities in the area.
He however appealed for the speedy resolution any dispute and misunderstanding in the area for rapid development.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to commence the Mass registration and issuance of the Ghana Card in the Volta region from Monday, July 22 to Thursday, August 22, 2019.
The exercise, which will take place in 350 registration centres across all 18 districts of the region, would capture biometric data of eligible Ghanaians, aged 15 years and above into national identification system.
In exception of Sundays, the process will off every of the week between 8am and 5pm.
Prof. Ken Attafuah, Executive Secretary of NIA at press briefing in Ho on Tuesday, said the authority has put in place measures to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise, mindful of the challenges encountered during the pilot and first regional registration exercises in the Greater Accra Region.
According to him, the NIA would deploy all its 1050 registration equipment in the region to reduce pressure and long queues at the registration centres.
Regarding the requirement for registration, Prof. Attafuah said an eligible applicant must have either a Birth Certificate, a valid Passport or a valid certificate of Acquired Citizenship, as prove of their Ghanaian citizenship to register for the Ghana card.
NIA Boss, Prof. Ken Attafuah
In the absence of those however, an applicant could fall on two already registered persons, who would vouch for their citizenship to go through the process, he stated.
The NIA boss also added, the Ghana Post digital address of applicants’ residence was also a mandatory requirement for registration; whiles he entreated applicants to bring along their other statutory I.D cards, (i.e. Voter’s, SSNIT, NHIS, Driver’s Licence, etc) for them to be harmonized with the NIA database and captured on the dual interfaced Ghana card.
He cautioned applicants against paying their way through the process and stated anyone individual or NIA officials caught in any such illegal acts would be dealt with according to the law.
“You are not to pay or give money to any of our officials before, during or after the registration process. It will be considered as a bribe and that is criminal. Please do not hesitate to report any of our officials engaging in any act of corruption to the police.”
Prof. Attafuah also entreated all stakeholders to police the registration process and ensure only eligible Ghanaians participate in the exercise.
“Any foreigner who attempts to register for the Ghana Card violates the laws of Ghana and will, upon arrest, be dealt with in accordance with law,” he stated, adding that, “a separate arrangement exists for eligible foreigners to register under the Foreigners Identity Management System (FIMS) Project and to be issued with the Non-Citizen Identity Card.”
Meanwhile, the NIA has begun the training of temporary staff for the Mass registration exercise, following a recruitment exercise carried out last week across the 18 districts.
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has held its 4th congregation to graduate and celebrate 803 students who had successfully completed their respective courses.
The ceremony held at the Cedi Auditorium of the University over the weekend saw students awarded Bachelor degrees in Dietetics, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Physician Assistantship, Midwifery, Nursing and Public Health.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. John Owusu Gyapong congratulated the graduates for their successful completion and urged them to go out and deliver on the values of the institute.
Prof. Gyapong noted that all programmes undertaken in the university had the required accreditation approval and would continue to work with all accreditation bodies to ensure introduction and implementation of programmes.
He said the Doctor of Pharmacy programme had accreditation from the Pharmacy Council and the National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE) while the Diagnostic Imaging programme had approval from the Allied Health Council and the National Accreditation Board (NAB) and awaiting final approval from NAB and NCTE respectively.
He indicated that with the interest of many research funding agencies to work with the University, UHAS was fast becoming the place of choice for health-related research adding that, the Institute of Health Research was leading the Ghana Consortium to conduct a quantitative study on the introduction of the new malaria vaccine (RTS, S) in Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor lamented the infrastructure deficit confronting the number 12 ranked University in the country according to the Ghana University Rankings which he said was negatively affecting teaching and learning in the University.
He noted that currently, only the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences out of the eight schools was built and all GETFUND projects had slowed down due to non-payment of contractors.
Prof. Angela L. Ofori-Atta who was the guest speaker advised the graduates that in moment of anxiety of what to do next, they should be careful and choose wisely but never despise small beginnings and start something small.
She fell on words of Oriah Mountain Dreamer, “it doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream for adventure of being alive,” to drive home her point.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa commended the UHAS Management and graduates for their efforts and successes and expressed hope that UHAS would become the best university in Ghana.
Dr. Archibald noted that government would ensure that the infrastructure and logistics deficit and other challenges of the University were addressed in order to make UHAS a centre of academic excellence in healthcare education and training in a short time.
Dr. Letsa advised graduates that to be the best in health care delivery, they should continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
He charged the graduates to be ambassadors for UHAS and showcase what it stands for as the name UHAS would soar higher through their attitude in their various work environments and promised to institute a special award scheme for the best student in Psychiatry.
Elvis Nutifafa Agbley was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Prize for the Overall Best Graduating UHAS Student and the Best Graduating Student in Physician Assistantship programme.
The Volta Regional Information Services Department, (ISD) is embarking on an education campaign to sensitise citizens of the region on mass Ghana Card registration exercise which is scheduled to take place in Volta Region from July 22 to August 22, 2019.
The month-long exercise which will take place in all 18 municipalities and districts in the region will biometrically capture personal records of every Ghanaian citizen from 15 years old and above.
The National Identification Authority (NIA), the state agency undertaking the exercise, last week, recruited graduates with at least HND as temporary registration assistants in readiness for the exercise in Volta Region, the second after Greater Accra Region.
Staff of ISD as part of the education campaign, are sensitising the citizenry on the importance of the Ghana Card stressing, the card would identify and affirm one as a Ghanaian which would give access to a world of benefits including security, travel, socio-economic inclusion and one-stop shop whereby it would be the only document to be presented for purposes of identification.
Speaking to Voltaonlinegh, the Regional Information Officer, Stephen Adjah disclosed that his outfit had begun visiting churches and other selected places with the education campaign touching on the registration requirements which included personal information on date and place of birth, residential address, digital address code, information of parents/guardians, documents like SSNIT ID, driver’s license, NHIS card, TIN and Voter ID card for harmonisation.
Mr. Adjah added that applicants should visit the registration centres with birth certificate and/or valid passport and noted that those without any of these two documents would have to go through a vouching process by choosing a relative or two persons already issued with the card, to identify them under oath.
He encouraged all eligible applicants to come out in their numbers when the exercise begins next week and warned people against providing false information during the process saying, culprits would be liable to prosecution.
