Ho West NDC MP Aspirant Calls for Transparent & Fair Primaries

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July 23, 2019

By: Kofi Gamor | Voltaonlinegh.com |

One of three aspirants in the National Democratic Congress parliamentary race for the Ho West Constituency, Mr. Samuel Kofi Danku has called on party officers to discharge their duties in the spirit of fairness and transparency in the lead up to the party’s primaries slated for August 24, 2019.

According to Mr. Danku, who was the immediate past Chairman of the Anfoeta Wadamaxe branch of the party, providing a level playing field for all aspirants in the contest will engender confidence in the process and make the outcome of the primaries acceptable by all.

The businessman was addressing the media at the party’s constituency office at Dzolokpuita shortly after he filed his nomination forms last Friday to contest the Ho West primaries.

“I have just filed my papers to contest in the Ho West constituency primaries of the NDC and I think that it was a very smooth process. I only urge them to be free and fair in the discharge of their duties in the process. The process must be transparent to everyone in the contest” he urged.

He also appealed the party delegates not to allow themselves to be influenced with money by any of the aspirants since that would amount to putting their conscience on sale but rather consider the fact that the constituency is lagging behind in terms of development and act in the interest of the development of Ho West.

He indicated that, “I have come to restore the hopes of the people of Ho West that have been lost for a very long time so that the constituency can also put on the garment of development that has eluded us for a long time now. I also know that people would want to influence your decisions with money but I want to urge you not to allow your conscience to be bought by anyone. Nobody can buy your conscience.”

Mr. Danku however has a tall hurdle to cross as he would have to contend with the likes of the incumbent MP, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah who is seeking a fourth term and a private legal practitioner, Mr. Eric Alifo in the three-horse race.

Meanwhile the Ho West constituency secretary of the opposition party, Wisdom Kwame Sedzro has assured that, the constituency election committee has put a lot of hard work into the process to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.

Vetting of aspirants who have successfully gone through the filing process is scheduled for 24th and 25th July at the NDC Regional secretariat in Ho.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Warring Konkomba Clans Reconcile after Military Intervention

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Volta Online

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July 22, 2019

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By: Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh |

Leaders of two Kokomba clans, Nankpantiim and Bigbim at Sibi Hilltop, a farming community in the Nkwanta North District of the Oti Region have reconciled and promised to be at peace with each other.

Both parties reconciled after several mediation talks initiated by the military commander.

The two clans were at war with each other following violent clashes over a parcel of land which claimed two lives.

The clashes from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, June 29, 2019 resulted from the people of Nankpatiib wanting to construct a market on a parcel of land at Sibi Hilltop alleged to have belonged to the other faction who put up a fierce resistance leading to a gun battle between them killing two and leaving hundreds displaced.

Speaking to Voltaonlinegh after the engagement, Brigadier General A.Y. Nsiah, commanding the Southern Command, said the initiative was to meet both parties from Nkwanta North and South who were engaged in the violence and ask them to lay down their arms for dialogue to allow for peace to prevail.

According to Brigadier General Nsiah, Ghana could not develop if citizens continued to take up arms against their each other.

He disclosed that he was happy about the level of commitment shown after both sides agreed to live in peace after the fight and noted that the perpetrators of the violent clashes would not go unpunished.

Paramount Chief of Kpasa, who is a Konkomba, Ubor Konja Tassan VI, said he was very much ashamed about the fight between the two after Konkombas in the Oti Region pledged to ensure there was peace and order to enhance development.

Ubor Tassan who prior to the clashes led a delegation of Konkomba chiefs to pay a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister, Nana Akwasi Owusu Yeboah and assure him of their commitment to peace and order in the region, disclosed that plans were far advanced to meet both clans to ensure a lasting peace.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

NASPA to Launch Portal to Support Youth in Agric

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July 22, 2019

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By: Albert Kuzor | Voltaonlinegh |

President, National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), Stephen Twumasi has revealed that the Association would be opening an online portal to welcome application from members with interest in animal farming aimed at supporting government’s Planting and Rearing for Food and Jobs programme.

Mr. Twumasi said some members across the country were into crop and animal farming and hoped that would reduce the rate of unemployment among graduates after their one year of serving the nation.

He mentioned that NASPA Executive had visited farms of some of their members who took the Rearing for Food and Jobs programme seriously and were doing well in the areas of fishing, piggery and poultry which informed the idea of opening an online portal to receive and encourage more of members to enter into rearing of animals.

The portal when launched will permit NASPA members to apply online for support in various areas of Agriculture. For an applicant to be successful, s/he will be required to provide personal details, name of institution completed and institution where service was rendered among others to be shortlisted for any support.

The NASPA President made this known on Friday, July 19 during the national launch of 10th NASPA week celebration held in Ho themed, “Rearing for Food and Jobs: The Role of National Service Personnel”.

He hinted that an Entrepreneurial and Business challenge on animal farming will be organised to award winners with a seed money to start their own farms.

Volta Regional Director of National Service Scheme (NSS), Mr. Ambrose Entsiwah Jnr. commended the personnel for their contribution to building Ghana saying, personnel were considered to be part of the President’s vision of tackling unemployment among Ghanaian youth through the Planting and Rearing for Food and Jobs programme hence, the need to motivate personnel to venture into agriculture

Mr. Entsiwah Jnr. noted that 5,611 personnel were posted to various public and private institutions across Volta/Oti Region for their mandatory service and added that the region was one of the regions where service personnel were fully trained for their future.

Speaking on the behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ho, Nelson Akorli encouraged the personnel to endeavor to create jobs for themselves, noting that government would continue to tackle unemployment across all fields in the country and that its Planting and Rearing for Food and Jobs was a stepping stone.

NASPA week is a week-long celebration marked every year to signify the end of a service year. The celebration is marked nationwide with various activities including awards and dinner night.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Gov’t Told to Complete Abandoned Projects

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July 21, 2019

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By: Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh |

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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

National Service Personnel Asked to Venture into Rearing Business

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Volta Online

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July 21, 2019

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By: Rita Kafui Nedjoh | Voltaonlinegh |

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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

MTN Foundation Beneficiaries Graduate at St. Theresa Centre

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Volta Online

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July 21, 2019

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By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh |

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 28^th 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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Three Aspirants withdraw from Ketu South NDC Parliamentary Race

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Volta Online

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July 20, 2019

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By: Sylvia Awuye | Voltaonlinegh.com |

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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Ho West MP Submits Nomination for 4th Term Bid

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July 20, 2019

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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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

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Woman Crushed to Death on Motorbike

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July 19, 2019

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Matse accident — The body of the deceased woman covered with cloth

By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |

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.

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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Dzodze Chiefs Honour V/R Minister for ‘Sterling’ Leadership

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July 18, 2019

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IMG-20190717-WA0012 — 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.

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.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com