The Awardees (with Brown Envelopes) in a pose with World Vision officials, Parents & Teachers
By: KALD | Voltaonlinegh.com |
Two primary six pupils of Mawuli E.P Basic ‘A’ school in Ho have won a competition on campaign against Open Defecation organized by World Vision International, Ghana.
The two, Jessica Akwebea and Prosper Diapim, were among 36 selected winners nationwide, who excelled in the contest, which tested their knowledge on good sanitation and hygiene practices.
Jessica Akwebea receiving her prize
The competition dubbed, ‘Cartoon Campaign Against Open Defecation,’ was a 12-episode weekly series, featured in the Junior Graphic newspaper for pupils to read and answer questions on it through a telephone call.
For their prizes, they both received a cash amount of GHS 300.00 each, a set of World Vision branded note and exercise books, as well assorted learning materials on sanitation and Hygiene.
The children who expressed excitement about their feat, encouraged their colleagues to participate in subsequent edition of the competition.
Prosper Diapim receiving his prize
Mr. Yaw Atta Arhin, Water and Sanition Technical Coordinator at World Vision, who presented the prizes to the winners last Friday, said the competition was aimed at getting school children to be agents of change and champion the campaign against Open defecation, which he described as a ‘killer’.
According to him, 22 per cent of the country’s population practice open defecation on daily basis, a situation which resulted in the contamination water sources and the spreed of cholera and other diseases among the populace.
‘Open Defecation is a killer because a gram of faeces contains a million bacteria, which causes cholera,’ he stated urged the children to lead a behaviourial change campaign in their homes and communities.
Mr. Arhin indicated that, the next edition of the competition would see an expanded scope, which will entail a more rigorous assessment and an essay on how to end Open Defecation in Ghana.
Madam Stella Kumedzro, Deputy Volta Regional Environmental Health Officer, charged the pupils to be champions of good sanitation practices and compel their parents and community leaders to provide decent toilets in their homes and localities to help end the open defecation menace.
Mr. John Fansey, headmaster of Mawuli E.P Basic ‘A’ school, declared teachers in the school as worthy ambassadors of the campaign and assured that, they will continue imbibe the culture of good sanitation and hygience practices in the pupils.
The brief presentation ceremony was witnessed by parents of the two awards.
As part of efforts by the Ghana Police Service to carry out their core mandate of protection of life and property and prevention and detection of crimes, the Service has now moved to Community Policing, coming down to the citizenry they serve.
Such was the case when the Ho Municipal Police Command on Sunday, June 30 took security lecture to the Global Evangelical Church, Ho Fiave Victory Chapel upon the invitation of the leadership of the church.
D/Insp. Michael Kweinor Kweitsu who led the presentation on security issues with emphasis on terrorism and kidnapping, charged Christian faithful to play a part in making the work of the police service, the principal internal law enforcing agency easier.
D/Insp. Kweitsu said there was the need for everyone to get involved in the security matters of the country emphasising that people should be vigilant and observant, and report suspicious persons and activities to the Police and other security agencies.
He noted that these among others such as providing reliable and timely information to the police and investing in both physical and electronic security for example CCTVs at vulnerable places including churches would help beef up security within the country.
The police officer who delved into the two worrying security challenges, terrorism and kidnapping, describing them as “the use of force or violence against persons or property” for purposes of “intimidation, coercion or ransom” and “the act of taking a person or group of persons without their consent or permission usually for purposes of ransom or ritual and other purposes” respectively, said the men and women of God must not remain quiet.
According to him, “crimes are linked” and kidnapping could be “a small symptom of bigger crimes” which could be rooted in psychological and ideological causes and sometimes, “a logical extension of political failure” underscoring the importance of Christians to develop interest in national affairs.
D/Insp. Kweitsu provided statistics on recent examples of attacks including that on three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019 (Easter Sunday) which claimed hundreds of lives injuring many, to make the point that “it doesn’t matter who, what or where you are, we are all at risk” while asking for a concerted effort to make it impossible or difficult for such criminals to be successful in their acts.
He advised large buildings such as churches, schools, shopping centres, etc which could be targets of such attacks to designate exit and assembly points to avoid stampede in the event of terrorist attack in addition to other security measures to stay safe and forestall attacks.
On kidnapping, he asked that victims “remain calm, know who the kidnappers are, what they want and of what value you are them” adding that, victims should cooperate and not provoke the kidnappers to shoot at them, look out for details in the environment and drink any time possible in order to stay alive.
The Police Detective concluded by calling on parents and guardians to take steps to protect their children from being kidnapped insisting that they teach their young ones not to enter into strangers’ cars.
The Parish Pastor, Rev. I.C. Agbenuvor in an interview with Voltaonlinegh said the church found it necessary to invite security experts to speak on security matters following recent happenings in Ghana and the sub-region.
Rev. Agbenuvor said as and when the need arises, the church would invite the Police to make presentations for the benefit of members and society.
Two persons have been confirmed dead and hundreds of people displaced following a communal violence which erupted between two Konkomba clans, Nankpatiib and Bigbim at Sibi in the Nkwanta North District of the Oti Region.
The clashes from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, June 29 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 the two.
The displaced, who were mostly women and children were said to be fleeing the area to neighbouring communities for their safety.
Confirming the incident to Voltaonlinegh, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Jackson Kwame Jakayi said the two persons had been shot dead during the violent clashes while many residents fled the area adding that, both factions were claiming ownership of the same land.
Mr. Jakayi disclosed that one of the military officers dispatched to the area to quell the violence was shot in the leg by an unidentified resident.
The DCE indicated that the District Police Command had subsequently beefed up security at the conflict area by intensifying security patrol teams both within and outside Sibi Hilltop.
The 2-day clashes happened few days after traditional leaders of the Konkombas paid a courtesy call on the Regional Minister, Nana Akwasi Owusu Yeboah assuring him of their commitment to ensure peace and order to foster development in the region.
Chief of Sibi Hilltop, Ubor Chanuun I whose brother was shot and killed leaving behind two wives with children called on his people to lay down their arms to allow the laws of the country to work.
Meanwhile, the Police are yet to make any arrest in connection with the violence.
Konkombas in the Oti Region have pledged to ensure that there is peace and order among the various ethnic groups in the infant region to foster development.
According to them, even though Konkombas are not the only ethnic group in the region, they are ever prepared to respond to calls at any time from the new administration to discharge duties peacefully for the needed development.
Ubor Konja Tassaan VI, Paramount Chief of Kpassa who led a delegation of chiefs to meet Nana Owusu Yeboah, the Oti Regional Minister at his resident said, Konkombas in the region were not troublemakers as had been perceived by many but rather hard working people and pledged their support for the Akufo-Addo led administration to ensure the place was developed.
Ubor Tassan appealed to the Konkomba settlers not to take the laws into their own hands any time they encounter problems with other ethnic groups but follow the right channels in resolving the issue.
Queen mother, Krachi Nchumuru, Akos Nandi appealed to parents not to send their children into early marriages but rather support them with their basic needs to enable them attend school to eliminate poverty among the people.
The Oti Regional Minister, Nana Owusu Yeboah thanked Ubor Konja and his retinue of chiefs for the gesture and promised to work hard to bringing total development to the region.
Nana Yeboah asked for blessings, commitment and support from the chiefs and elders of Oti for government’s policies to enhance socio-economic development.
The Volta region branch of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has donated some items to the Ho Central Prisons.
Led by the Volta bar president, Mr. Michael Zewu Glover, the association presented assorted items, comprising, bags of rice, toiletries and medical consumables, valued at GHS3000 towards the upkeep of the prison inmates.
The gesture forms part of activities marking the 37th Martyrs Day celebration, in memory of the three Justices, who were gruesomely murdered on June 30, 1982 during the military junta.
Present at the event last Friday, were some members the Volta Bar, including the Secretary, Mr. Nelson Kporha, as well as the bench, led by the Supervising High court Judge, Justice Eric Baah.
The rest were, Justice, Mattew Kyeremanteng of the Ho High court, Her Honour Priscilla Dikro, Circuit Court Judge and Magistrates of the District Court, Robert Addo and Kwaku Ansah.
Mr. Victor Agbelengor, incharge of the Ho Prisons, received the items on behalf of the inmates and expresss gratitude to members of the Volta Bar.
He also assured them of putting the items to good use.
The Martyrs Day was instituted by the Ghana Bar Association and the Judiciary in remembrance of Justices, Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, who were alongside a retired army officer, Major Acquah, abducted from their homes and cruelly murdered on June 30, 1982 at Bondase Military Firing range during the military junta.
Hundreds of people from all walks of life have converged at the Ho Technical University auditorium for the maiden Volta Regional Townhall Meeting.
The event aimed at disseminating government’s key policies, programmes and projects being implemented in the region, brought together, tradional, regilious and political leaders as well citizens from all 18 districts in the region.
The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah who opened the forum, said the townhall meeting was one of government’s avenues to interact and receive feedback from citizens on its policies and programmes.
Addressing the gathering on the theme, “Delivering on our promises; a focus on social investment,” the minister indicated that, government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has touched more lives in the last 18 months with its social intervention programmes, than it ever happened in the last decade.
He cited government’s flagship programmes such as the ‘Free Senior High School’, ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’, ‘Nation Builders’ Corps’, as some of the social interventions , that have directly impacted thousands of citizens across the country.
Mr. Nkrumah further posited that, the government was keen on human capital development and economic empowerment of citizens, irrespective of social or other considerations.
In addition, he said the New Patriotic Party administration was strategic with its policies and programmes, hence, spending the first two years to fix the economy and restore microeconomic stability, to drive the president’s transformational agenda.
The Volta Regional minister, Dr Archibald Letsa opening the event, said the region has not been left out of the government’s flagship programmes and policies.
He said the region together with Oti, was currently benefiting from 17 emergency school projects, targeted at eliminating the double track system at the senior High schools.
The implementation of the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ policy, according to the minister, has also positively impacted rice production in the region, as the region has been adjudged the leading producer of rice in the country, contributing about 50 per cent to the nation’s rice production in 2018.
All 18 MMDCEs in the region also took their turns to give status reports on projects and programmes across sectors in their respective jurisdictions.
Sector ministers, for Education, Health, Social Protection as well as the CEO of Nabco are also taking their turn to present on sector specific investments geared towards human capital development and social inclusion.
The Townhall Meeting which is under the auspices of the ministry of information the Information Services Department, also has an exhibition, where various government’s policies, programmes and projects taking place in the region are being showcased.
Ahead the burial of his beloved mother this weekend, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli traditional state and President of National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV has been ulogising the woman, whose struggles shaped his future for a better.
The 81-year-old Fianor, Rosalia Akuyo Anyawoe, passed on in October last year and the chiefs and people of Asogli have dedicated the next two weeks, starting Monday June 24 to Sunday July 7, 2019 to mourn and celebrate the life of a woman, who gave them an influencial ruler.
Togbe Afede in his tribute recounted the struggle of the beloved mother in seeing him through secondary school.
Below is a full text of Togbe’s ulogy of his mother
A tribute to my beloved mother; the ultimate mother and teacher – Togbe Afede
My mother, Dada’s impact on me is a reflection of what womanhood means to the world. My mother did not have the opportunity to go to school, but she taught me a lot more than I could ever have learned in a classroom.
As I said during my acceptance speech, when I received the Ultimate Man of the Year Award in August, last year, and on other occasions before her death, I thank God for giving me such a wonderful mother, who taught me so much.
I am happy to share some of the many things I learned from my mother that have helped me through school, and guided me in business and in my traditional role, first as the leader of the Asogli people, and eventually, as the President of the National House of Chiefs.
I hope what I have to say will help each one of you to be able to recollect what you learned from your mother, and so have a better appreciation of what she meant to you. And I pray that my mother’s example will also guide the relationship between children and mothers.
Our Birth
My mother endured a lot, from the very beginning, so that we may live. She gave birth to me in Ho, after a long period of labour, at the Ho District Hospital. But because of complications, she was taken to Hohoe, where she had Philip, my late twin brother, at the Hohoe District Hospital.
She taught us important values
Dada ensured that my late twin brother and I received our baptism early, followed by first communion, and confirmation. She took us to church every Sunday, and through the church hymns that she was fond of singing, and her regular reference to the will of God during times of difficulty, she taught us to have faith and to trust in God.
My mother taught us the importance of hard work, and taught us to be resolutely committed to our goals. We were inspired by how she juggled her many duties daily, and how, through her commitment to her business, she brought some glamour to the palm wine trade.
She taught us to persevere and never give up on our dreams in the face of difficulty, both expected and unexpected, no matter how long. Once upon a time, the structure under which Dada sold palm wine collapsed on us during a rainstorm. That unfortunate event did not end her business. By dint of hard work, she managed to replace the structure with a better one.
Dada welcomed everyone to our house, and took care of many, including her grandchildren, nieces and children of her suppliers and friends, and treated all who lived under her care as her children, without any discrimination. That and the way Dada conducted her relationship with her suppliers taught us the important virtues of selflessness, kindness, fairness and empathy, hence my belief in the saying, “Altruism is the best form of egoism”; in other words, “Selflessness is the best form of selfishness”.
Indeed, Dada’s business attracted customers of various backgrounds. She countered people of different social standings and tribal backgrounds among her customers. There were Akans, Gas, Grumas, Kabres, Kotokolis, Americans (who were here on Peace Corps mission), among others. She gave each one of them equal respect, while showing understanding of their special needs, if any.
Dada also taught us to be honest, so we would truly earn, with pride, whatever benefits we receive. She was honest, and never had disagreements with her customers, and so her business relationships turned into life-long friendships.
She also taught us obedience and humility. Those of you who knew her well would remember how she bowed like a little school girl whenever she greeted the elderly.
Dada loved to sing while she did her chores at home and while she worked in the farm. Her songs had meaning and taught wisdom, and through them, she conveyed important life lessons to us. Among her favourites, as mentioned in her biography, were: Afisi klo ku ɖa la; Meble meble; Nɔvinyewo be nye ʋla loo; Tokɔ de; and Woena mewɔ nuvɔ.
Togbe Afede XIV, President of the National House of Chief
A lot of the things that she used to say and the songs she sang still ring in my ears today. With the benefit of hindsight, I would say she probably did all these in order to teach us so she would never have to shed tears over a wayward child, a tragedy which unfortunately befell many of our contemporaries.
It is easy for the young to think their education has made them wiser than their parents. I wish that I had listened to her more, and understood and taken more seriously some of the things she said. I would have been a much better person.
Above all, she saved my education
I almost stopped schooling after Form 1, when I had to stay home for a long period waiting for my school fees. Dada came to Accra New Town, where I was staying with my father, and on that second visit, insisted she would not leave without me, and finally took me to Kpedze to join my colleagues in Form 2. Half of the first term was gone! I recall my sympathetic late brother saying he could not endure what I was going through.
I was ashamed to arrive at school that late. But the truth was that my mother’s own circumstances were an inspiration. “Me ʋãã ɖe eɖuawo gble o”, she used to say, literally, “The harvest is never good where there are mouths to feed”.
It’s tough, but we shall meet at home
The past days have not been easy, and I know that some difficult days lie ahead. But taking consolation from the saying, “All shall pass”, I look forward to the day when there shall be no more sorrow or pain.
Dada, just know that you have touched so many lives during your stay with us on this earth, and for that we are forever grateful. You deserved a lot more than we offered in return. We will build monuments in your honour, so that even though you are gone, your name will never die.
Dada, I will forever salute you, because you have been all I ever needed in my life. God gave me the best mom in the world! Indeed, you came to this world, so I would also ever live. Even through your sickness and death, I learned vital lessons.
Dada, you fought a good fight, finished your course, and kept the faith. We already miss you. But, as the saying goes, “Every long journey has an end”.
So, slowly, slowly, blewuu, blewuu, we’ll meet at home.
A 54-year old Samuel Amanpanyi, a person with disability (PWD) in Obanda in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region has advised colleague PWDs to take advantage of government’s free cashew seedling distribution and engage in cashew cultivation to enhance their livelihood.
According to Mr. Amanpanyi, PWDs should not only be seen on the streets begging for alms but should rather engage themselves in activities that will improve their living conditions.
He said the prospects of cashew cultivation surpassed any other tree crop saying, cashew had a potential to accelerate the country’s growth.
He made this call when Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly distributed over 215,000 cashew seedlings to farmers who applied under the government’s flagship programme Planting for Export and Rural Development project.
Last year, the assembly distributed over 60,000 cashew seedlings to farmers to in line with government’s decision to invest in cashew to increase production since cashew has been identified as the ‘savanna cocoa’ which would contribute to increased foreign exchange for the country.
Farmers in a group picture at Obandan nursery site
The Municipal Director, Department of Food and Agriculture, Cephas Akai disclosed that last year, the Agriculture Services Department gave out over 60,000 cashew seedlings to farmers but decided to increase that number to 215,0000 upon demands from farmers.
Mr. Akai advised farmers who had received the seedlings to take good care of the crop for good yields.
The Municipal Coordinator, National Youth Authority, Felix Owusu Gyimah encouraged the youth in the area to take advantage of the free delivery of the seedlings to engage in cashew cultivation to enhance their livelihood.
Some farmers who received the seedlings thanked the government and appealed for introduction of rubber tree planting in the area since the area was a tropical forest zone.
Another, Sahadatu Borebenyi encouraged colleague women to take advantage of the project to support their families and take care of their children’s education.
A 5-year old boy, John Ayivi needs financial support to undergo a surgery at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in order to correct an eye problem he has been living with for the past two years.
John, whose father died some months ago, lives with her mother, Ewornukunawo Akpokpa, a peasant farmer at Sokode Ando in the Ho Municipality of the Volta region.
According to a relative, Hannah Ashade who took John to the Ho Teaching Hospital on Thursday, June 27, the little boy had been living in pain and agony as his condition worsened on daily basis.
Miss Ashade disclosed that after the diagnosis, little John had been referred to the Korle-Bu Child Care Centre where he would undergo chemotherapy and palliative treatment before any attempt was made to save the other eye.
Though the exact cost of John’s treatment is not yet determined, it is obvious that he will need much more than the family can afford.
The family is therefore appealing to any individual or organisation who wishes to help John to contact Hannah Ashade on 0247903122 or make donations to 0248460441.
It has emerged that, the current accute water shortage that has hit the Ho muncipality was caused by the explosion of an electricity transformer serving the Ghana Water treatment plant at Kpeve in the South Dayi district.
The incident which occurred few days ago has caused a halt in the treatment and supply of potable water to many areas, including the Ho Municipality.
A notice from the utility provider, GWCL earlier in the week on the incident, fell short of any timeline for the possible replacement of the burnt transformer for supply of water to be restored.
This, has left many residents stranded, as they struggle for water to undertake their daily chores.
Voltaonlinegh.com checks on Thursday, however revealed that, engineers of GWCL and the Power Distribution Services (PDS) were installing a new transformer to restore power supply to the treatment plant as soon as possible.
A source at GWCL told Voltaonlinegh.comthat, the power challenge affected the operations in the last few days but assured that, they were working around the clock to begin water production as soon as the installation of the new transformer was completed.
