STORY: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
The Western Region recorded 1,761 cases of tuberculosis (TB), with 93 deaths, last year.
The Deputy Western Regional Director of Health Services, Dr (Mrs) Linda Vanotoo, announced this at a press briefing to commemorate this year’s World TB Day in Takoradi.
She said within the past three years, national TB incidence had levelled off around 57 cases per 100,000 people, adding that “this is due to our combined effort, the expanding economy and poverty reduction”.
However, she said in absolute terms, the reported cases of TB were increasing because of population expansion and increased access to health services.
She said this year’s theme for the World TB Day, “I Am Stopping TB”, underlined the collective responsibility that touched everyone, everywhere to combat this curable disease.
She pointed out that TB, which was everywhere, needed all hands on deck to combat it.
Last year, she said, the health services started a process of taking TB treatment into the communities, homes, villages, prisons, as well as workplaces, and that the partnership between the public health facilities and the communities would be galvanised to play a role in TB prevention and treatment.
Dr Vanotoo said the introduction of an Enablers Package last year was designed to ensure improved access to TB services by patients at whatever level they found themselves.
The package, she explained, reduced the cost of treatment to the patients and facilities, adding that it motivated health providers to work harder and improve treatment successes.
“This package is to comprehensively describe all the activities involved in the care and support of TB patients and to provide the framework and guidelines for the healthcare system to quantify the cost of activities involved in treating patients to achieve cure,” he said.
“In order to give effective meaning to the World TB Day theme for this year, everyone everywhere in the region must make a special effort to contribute to the identification and/or successful treatment of an existing TB case in our community,” she added.
She added that people who were HIV positive had a higher chance of getting TB and that similarly people with TB had a greater chance of getting and dying from HIV infection, saying, “We all have a duty to stop these two major killer, yet preventable, diseases.”
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
HEALTH FACILITIES IN JOMORO GET ASSISTANCE (PAGE 20)
STORY: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Half Assini
NZEMA residents in the United States of America have, through the Jomoro District Assembly, donated hospital equipment to
health facilities in the district.
The items included hospital bed mattresses, wheelchairs, crutches and sideboards.
The beneficiary health institutions were the Half Assini Government Hospital, Takinta and Tikobo Number One clinics.
A representative of the Nzemas in the US, Mr Papachie Acquah, handed over the items to the Jomoro District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Martin Yamakeh Ackah, at a short, but impressive ceremony at Half Assini.
Mr Acquah praised the Nzemas in the US for being concerned about the welfare of their fellow citizens at home.
He said about five years ago, they donated furniture worth thousands of Ghana cedis to some schools in Nzemaland.
He mentioned the Half Assini, Nsein, Essiama and Annor Adjaye senior high schools and the Kikam Technical School as some of the institutions that benefited from the package.
Mr Ackah asked the beneficiary health facilities to take good care of the equipment.
He thanked the donors for their gesture and urged other Nzemas in the Diaspora to emulate the example of their counterparts in the US by coming to the aid of their brothers and sisters at home.
He advised the beneficiaries of the items not only to take good care of them, but must also use them for the intended purpose.
Mr Ackah also expressed his gratitude to the Mediterranean Shipping Company for assisting in clearing the items.
The Matron of the Half Assini Government Hospital, Ms Susana Davies, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, thanked the Nzemas in the US for the donation.
She was grateful to the DCE and his administration through whose efforts the items had been received and distributed to the beneficiaries.
Ms Davies assured the DCE and the donors that they would take proper care of the equipment and make good use of them.
NZEMA residents in the United States of America have, through the Jomoro District Assembly, donated hospital equipment to
health facilities in the district.
The items included hospital bed mattresses, wheelchairs, crutches and sideboards.
The beneficiary health institutions were the Half Assini Government Hospital, Takinta and Tikobo Number One clinics.
A representative of the Nzemas in the US, Mr Papachie Acquah, handed over the items to the Jomoro District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Martin Yamakeh Ackah, at a short, but impressive ceremony at Half Assini.
Mr Acquah praised the Nzemas in the US for being concerned about the welfare of their fellow citizens at home.
He said about five years ago, they donated furniture worth thousands of Ghana cedis to some schools in Nzemaland.
He mentioned the Half Assini, Nsein, Essiama and Annor Adjaye senior high schools and the Kikam Technical School as some of the institutions that benefited from the package.
Mr Ackah asked the beneficiary health facilities to take good care of the equipment.
He thanked the donors for their gesture and urged other Nzemas in the Diaspora to emulate the example of their counterparts in the US by coming to the aid of their brothers and sisters at home.
He advised the beneficiaries of the items not only to take good care of them, but must also use them for the intended purpose.
Mr Ackah also expressed his gratitude to the Mediterranean Shipping Company for assisting in clearing the items.
The Matron of the Half Assini Government Hospital, Ms Susana Davies, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, thanked the Nzemas in the US for the donation.
She was grateful to the DCE and his administration through whose efforts the items had been received and distributed to the beneficiaries.
Ms Davies assured the DCE and the donors that they would take proper care of the equipment and make good use of them.
'ESTABLISH OIL FUND TO DEVELOP WESTERN REGION' (PAGE 20)
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
PARTICIPANTS at the regional forum on the oil and gas policy held in Takoradi have advocated the establishment of a development fund for the Western Region to ensure the rapid socio-economic transformation of the region.
They have also suggested that the capacity of local businesses should be built to enable them to take advantage of the oil industry.
The participants further expressed concern about the indiscriminate sale of lands by the traditional authorities in the communities where oil had been found.
The regional forum was one of a series being held in the regions to involve all stakeholders in the discussion towards the final preparation of a comprehensive National Oil and Gas Policy, as well as a master plan for the country.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahanta West, Mr Kwesi Biney, noted that the region had made great sacrifices to the country, saying, “It is time much is given to the region”. “Western Region needs a special fund aside the equitable distribution of the oil revenue,” he said, sressing that “ if any region needs a development fund, it is Western Region”.
Mr Biney stated that in case of an oil spillage, it was the people in the Western Region who would suffer it.
He pointed out that the region had not been treated fairly, in spite of numerous resources it had been producing.
The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Awulae Attibrukusu, said development was not only the provision of social infrastructure but also the development of human resource.
He urged the government to come out with a policy to acquire lands in the affected communities, to prevent them from being sold to foreign oil companies.
The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, expressed concern about the sale of lands along the coastal belt to some people.
He warned that the lands would be taken away from those who had bought them, which is not the best because the land was for the future generation.
Awulae Annor Adjaye advised the oil company undertaking the off-shore oil drilling to find a way of reaching the fishermen and educating them on the importance of the ongoing operations on the sea.
The District Chief Executive for Wassa Amenfi East, Madam Doris Oduro Gyapomah, suggested to the traditional authorities to seek legal advice any time they wanted to sign a social responsibility agreement with any company operating in their area.
The Paramount Chief of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwamena Enimil, suggested that since areas with gold deposit had not benefited from gold production in terms of development, there was the need to formulate good policies that would help the communities where oil had been found to benefit from the oil find.
A member of the Technical Committee on oil and gas, Ms Ama Jantuah Banful, said Ghanaians would have to control the oil sector within the medium to the long term through proactive encouragement of local businesses and focus on development of local raw materials and human capital.
She said the National Oil and Gas Policy would provide the framework for developing the industry’s master plan.
The Director in charge of Exploration and Production of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr Thomas Manu, noted that skill development was crucial in the development of the oil industry, since it would improve the local standards to meet the international standards in the oil industry.
He stressed the need for the setting up of a good emergency response centre to link the international one to deal with oil spillage.
Touching on the activities of fishermen near the oil rig, Mr Manu said the GNPC did not look at the issue as a nuisance, adding, “we recognise this as legitimate since they derive their livelihood from the marine environment, in which we all operate”.
“We try to work with the fishermen as stakeholders in the industry,” he said.
The director said the GNPC had been meeting all the fishing communities along the coast to discuss its plans with them and inform them on the operations going on at sea at a particular period to enable the fishermen to keep off the area.
He said it was in their own interest that they were being advised to keep off the oil rig.
Mr Manu stated that there would be an increase in activities on the sea, as many supply ships would dock in the area.
He said when there was an oil boom, 30 metres radius from the oil rig would be burning gas, which would be injurious to the health of the fishermen.
The Deputy Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwasi Blay, said the Regional Co-ordinating Council had plans to involve the chiefs and other stakeholders to create land banks in the communities, where oil had been found and, if possible, extend it to other parts of the region.
He said the rate of development in the region had not been encouraging, adding, “we, therefore, have a bigger stake to ensure that this time round, the region derives maximum benefit from the oil find.”
PARTICIPANTS at the regional forum on the oil and gas policy held in Takoradi have advocated the establishment of a development fund for the Western Region to ensure the rapid socio-economic transformation of the region.
They have also suggested that the capacity of local businesses should be built to enable them to take advantage of the oil industry.
The participants further expressed concern about the indiscriminate sale of lands by the traditional authorities in the communities where oil had been found.
The regional forum was one of a series being held in the regions to involve all stakeholders in the discussion towards the final preparation of a comprehensive National Oil and Gas Policy, as well as a master plan for the country.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahanta West, Mr Kwesi Biney, noted that the region had made great sacrifices to the country, saying, “It is time much is given to the region”. “Western Region needs a special fund aside the equitable distribution of the oil revenue,” he said, sressing that “ if any region needs a development fund, it is Western Region”.
Mr Biney stated that in case of an oil spillage, it was the people in the Western Region who would suffer it.
He pointed out that the region had not been treated fairly, in spite of numerous resources it had been producing.
The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Awulae Attibrukusu, said development was not only the provision of social infrastructure but also the development of human resource.
He urged the government to come out with a policy to acquire lands in the affected communities, to prevent them from being sold to foreign oil companies.
The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, expressed concern about the sale of lands along the coastal belt to some people.
He warned that the lands would be taken away from those who had bought them, which is not the best because the land was for the future generation.
Awulae Annor Adjaye advised the oil company undertaking the off-shore oil drilling to find a way of reaching the fishermen and educating them on the importance of the ongoing operations on the sea.
The District Chief Executive for Wassa Amenfi East, Madam Doris Oduro Gyapomah, suggested to the traditional authorities to seek legal advice any time they wanted to sign a social responsibility agreement with any company operating in their area.
The Paramount Chief of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Osagyefo Kwamena Enimil, suggested that since areas with gold deposit had not benefited from gold production in terms of development, there was the need to formulate good policies that would help the communities where oil had been found to benefit from the oil find.
A member of the Technical Committee on oil and gas, Ms Ama Jantuah Banful, said Ghanaians would have to control the oil sector within the medium to the long term through proactive encouragement of local businesses and focus on development of local raw materials and human capital.
She said the National Oil and Gas Policy would provide the framework for developing the industry’s master plan.
The Director in charge of Exploration and Production of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr Thomas Manu, noted that skill development was crucial in the development of the oil industry, since it would improve the local standards to meet the international standards in the oil industry.
He stressed the need for the setting up of a good emergency response centre to link the international one to deal with oil spillage.
Touching on the activities of fishermen near the oil rig, Mr Manu said the GNPC did not look at the issue as a nuisance, adding, “we recognise this as legitimate since they derive their livelihood from the marine environment, in which we all operate”.
“We try to work with the fishermen as stakeholders in the industry,” he said.
The director said the GNPC had been meeting all the fishing communities along the coast to discuss its plans with them and inform them on the operations going on at sea at a particular period to enable the fishermen to keep off the area.
He said it was in their own interest that they were being advised to keep off the oil rig.
Mr Manu stated that there would be an increase in activities on the sea, as many supply ships would dock in the area.
He said when there was an oil boom, 30 metres radius from the oil rig would be burning gas, which would be injurious to the health of the fishermen.
The Deputy Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwasi Blay, said the Regional Co-ordinating Council had plans to involve the chiefs and other stakeholders to create land banks in the communities, where oil had been found and, if possible, extend it to other parts of the region.
He said the rate of development in the region had not been encouraging, adding, “we, therefore, have a bigger stake to ensure that this time round, the region derives maximum benefit from the oil find.”
Monday, April 28, 2008
SANITATION IN TWIN CITY NOT THE BEST (PAGE 29)
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Sekondi
THE Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) continues to battle the problem of environmental sanitation in spite of the numerous measures put in place by the assembly to mitigate the problem.
Notwithstanding these measures such as increase in the frequency of lifting communal containers, door to door refuse collection, street sweeping,removing silt frommajor and minor drains, food hygiene education, as well as the arrest and prosecution of offenders, the environmental sanitation culture of the people in the metropolis is still unacceptable.
Records from the final disposal site showed that the total solid waste generation in the metropolis has not improved significantly.
The percentage of solid waste collection as of the end of March this year was 74 per cent and the uncollected waste in the metropolis stood at 26 per cent.
The assembly is currently in the process of awarding a contract for the collection of heaps of refuse all over the metropolis.
Liquid waste disposal service is being undertaken by the Twin-City, a private liquid waste contractor and other institutions such as the Prisons and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and supplemented with a rehabilitated cesspit emptier belonging to the Waste Management Department of the STMA.
Addressing the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in Sekondi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, said the major problem had to do with the uncompleted land fill site at Sofokrom.
Nonetheless, he said, steps were being taken to complete at least a cell for liquid waste disposal to address the current practice of disposing it into the sea.
Touching on environmental health, Mr Nkrumah said the Environmental Health Management Department continued to deal with the sanitation issues in the metropolis through environmental health promotion and health protection, standard enforcement of food, drug safety and hygiene.
He said the department in the latter part of last year and early this year had inspected a total of 503 food joints as against 600 registered premises in the metropolis.
This, he said, represented 84 per cent coverage, while 104 hotels and guest houses were inspected. During the period, two restaurants, 15 new hotels and guest houses were inaugurated to operate in the year.
Similarly, he said, a total of 827 drinking bars were inspected as against 903 registered bars, representing 92 per cent coverage, whilst a total of 1,813 food vendors were also medically screened.
“There are two main slaughter houses in the metropolis, namely, Takoradi and Sekondi. The department has stationed environmental health officers at these houses who worked in close collaboration with vertinary officers to inspect carcasses daily to ensure the wholesomeness of meat to the markets”, he said.
He said at the Takoradi slaughter house, a total of 2,644 cattle, 6,395 sheep, 17,782 goats and 199 pigs were slaughtered, since the last session and that this generated a revenue of GH¢15,501.50 from a charge fee of GH¢1.00 for a cattle, GH ¢ 0.50 for goats, sheep and pigs.
In the same vein, he said, at the Sekondi slaughter house, 57 cattle, 629 sheep and 1,466 goats were slaughtered, generating a revenue of GH ¢ 1,020.50.
THE Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) continues to battle the problem of environmental sanitation in spite of the numerous measures put in place by the assembly to mitigate the problem.
Notwithstanding these measures such as increase in the frequency of lifting communal containers, door to door refuse collection, street sweeping,removing silt frommajor and minor drains, food hygiene education, as well as the arrest and prosecution of offenders, the environmental sanitation culture of the people in the metropolis is still unacceptable.
Records from the final disposal site showed that the total solid waste generation in the metropolis has not improved significantly.
The percentage of solid waste collection as of the end of March this year was 74 per cent and the uncollected waste in the metropolis stood at 26 per cent.
The assembly is currently in the process of awarding a contract for the collection of heaps of refuse all over the metropolis.
Liquid waste disposal service is being undertaken by the Twin-City, a private liquid waste contractor and other institutions such as the Prisons and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and supplemented with a rehabilitated cesspit emptier belonging to the Waste Management Department of the STMA.
Addressing the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in Sekondi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, said the major problem had to do with the uncompleted land fill site at Sofokrom.
Nonetheless, he said, steps were being taken to complete at least a cell for liquid waste disposal to address the current practice of disposing it into the sea.
Touching on environmental health, Mr Nkrumah said the Environmental Health Management Department continued to deal with the sanitation issues in the metropolis through environmental health promotion and health protection, standard enforcement of food, drug safety and hygiene.
He said the department in the latter part of last year and early this year had inspected a total of 503 food joints as against 600 registered premises in the metropolis.
This, he said, represented 84 per cent coverage, while 104 hotels and guest houses were inspected. During the period, two restaurants, 15 new hotels and guest houses were inaugurated to operate in the year.
Similarly, he said, a total of 827 drinking bars were inspected as against 903 registered bars, representing 92 per cent coverage, whilst a total of 1,813 food vendors were also medically screened.
“There are two main slaughter houses in the metropolis, namely, Takoradi and Sekondi. The department has stationed environmental health officers at these houses who worked in close collaboration with vertinary officers to inspect carcasses daily to ensure the wholesomeness of meat to the markets”, he said.
He said at the Takoradi slaughter house, a total of 2,644 cattle, 6,395 sheep, 17,782 goats and 199 pigs were slaughtered, since the last session and that this generated a revenue of GH¢15,501.50 from a charge fee of GH¢1.00 for a cattle, GH ¢ 0.50 for goats, sheep and pigs.
In the same vein, he said, at the Sekondi slaughter house, 57 cattle, 629 sheep and 1,466 goats were slaughtered, generating a revenue of GH ¢ 1,020.50.
METHODIST CHURCH BUILDS TEACHERS TRAIINING COLLEGE (PAGE 11)
Story: Kwame Asideu MARFO, Takoradi
The Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church is to establish a Teacher Training College at Abura Ahanta for the training of more teachers for its schools.
Documentation of the land, which was donated to the diocese by the royal Akisi stool family of Abura Ahanta,has been done and a quantity surveyor has demarcated the land with pillars.
The Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese, Rt. Rev. John Harvey-Ewusi, announced this at the opening of the 47th annual synod of the diocese at the Freeman Methodist Chapel at Kwesimintsim in Takoradi.
The six-day synod is on the theme, “Oh Holy Spirit, establish us in the Lord Jesus Christ for the unfinished task”.
He said a special committee, chaired by the Western Regional Manager of Methodist schools, had been appointed to consider the modalities, the possibility to start with a temporary accommodation and accreditation among others.
Rt. Rev Harvey-Ewusi explained that the construction of the training college was a long term project, and that it was the vision of the diocese to establish the college.
He said the diocese had provided furniture for the Abuesi Methodist Primary/Junior High School as its contribution to the new structures donated by the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company.
He said the diocese also provided two packets of iron sheets to the Nsuaem Bibiani Methodist Primary School in the Gwira Circuit of the diocese.
The diocesan bishop further announced that the diocese had established a 31.9-hectare rubber plantation on its Gwira farms.
He said the plantation had been mixed with sunflower as a short term project, since the sunflower did not take a long time to mature.
The Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah said the church had a responsibility for shaping the lives of people.
He also urged the church to look at the well-being of the people, and called on them to come out with strategies and policies that would move the communities forward.
The Chief of Kwesimintsim, Nana Egodzi Essuon, called on the church to assist in the promotion of the girl-child education, since there were still more girls who were not in school.
The Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church is to establish a Teacher Training College at Abura Ahanta for the training of more teachers for its schools.
Documentation of the land, which was donated to the diocese by the royal Akisi stool family of Abura Ahanta,has been done and a quantity surveyor has demarcated the land with pillars.
The Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese, Rt. Rev. John Harvey-Ewusi, announced this at the opening of the 47th annual synod of the diocese at the Freeman Methodist Chapel at Kwesimintsim in Takoradi.
The six-day synod is on the theme, “Oh Holy Spirit, establish us in the Lord Jesus Christ for the unfinished task”.
He said a special committee, chaired by the Western Regional Manager of Methodist schools, had been appointed to consider the modalities, the possibility to start with a temporary accommodation and accreditation among others.
Rt. Rev Harvey-Ewusi explained that the construction of the training college was a long term project, and that it was the vision of the diocese to establish the college.
He said the diocese had provided furniture for the Abuesi Methodist Primary/Junior High School as its contribution to the new structures donated by the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company.
He said the diocese also provided two packets of iron sheets to the Nsuaem Bibiani Methodist Primary School in the Gwira Circuit of the diocese.
The diocesan bishop further announced that the diocese had established a 31.9-hectare rubber plantation on its Gwira farms.
He said the plantation had been mixed with sunflower as a short term project, since the sunflower did not take a long time to mature.
The Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah said the church had a responsibility for shaping the lives of people.
He also urged the church to look at the well-being of the people, and called on them to come out with strategies and policies that would move the communities forward.
The Chief of Kwesimintsim, Nana Egodzi Essuon, called on the church to assist in the promotion of the girl-child education, since there were still more girls who were not in school.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Elubo-Cocoa Town-Ghana Nungua road
April 16 (page 20)
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Ebonloa
APPROVAL has been given for the reconstruction and tarring of the 11-kilometre Elubo-Cocoa Town-Ghana Nungua road in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
Cocoa Town, Ghana Nungua, Fante Newtown and Ahwiafutu are also among a number of communities in the district to be connected to the national electricity grid this year.
The Jomoro District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Martin Yamekeh Ackah, announced this when he interacted with chiefs and people of Cocoa Town, Ghana Nungua, Ebonloa and Bawia at separate meetings to sensitise them to some of the government and the district assembly’s policies and programmes.
He said the district assembly had provided Cocoa Town with a cocoa shed, a school block, furniture, public place of convinience potable water as well as exercise books for the District Council (DC) Junior High School pupils, while Ghana Nungua had been provided with teachers’ quarters, public place of convinience and a cocoa shed.
Mr Ackah added that the Capitation Grant was introduced by the government to absorb school fees, as well as culture, entertainment, examination, sports and other fees, which were being paid by the parents, thereby relieving them of some of their economic hardships.
The DCE stated that the School Feeding Programme had also helped to increase enrolment in schools and given pupils a balanced diet while in school.
The National Health Insurance Scheme, he explained, had come to replace the cash and carry system of the previous government, adding that it was meant to make health delivery more affordable to Ghanaians, especially the poor.
On the National Youth Employment Programme, Mr Ackah said, the realisation of the importance of the human resource needs of Ghana and the need to create job opportunities for Ghanaians and the youth in particular, led to its introduction by the government.
“It also offers the requisite working experience to post national service graduates from any tertiary institution,” he stated, adding that about 400 youth in the district had been employed under the programme.
Mr Ackah assured the communities of the government’s readiness to construct dams on the Tano River in the Jomoro District and Pra and Ankobra rivers in the Nzema East District, all in the Western Region.
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Ebonloa
APPROVAL has been given for the reconstruction and tarring of the 11-kilometre Elubo-Cocoa Town-Ghana Nungua road in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
Cocoa Town, Ghana Nungua, Fante Newtown and Ahwiafutu are also among a number of communities in the district to be connected to the national electricity grid this year.
The Jomoro District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Martin Yamekeh Ackah, announced this when he interacted with chiefs and people of Cocoa Town, Ghana Nungua, Ebonloa and Bawia at separate meetings to sensitise them to some of the government and the district assembly’s policies and programmes.
He said the district assembly had provided Cocoa Town with a cocoa shed, a school block, furniture, public place of convinience potable water as well as exercise books for the District Council (DC) Junior High School pupils, while Ghana Nungua had been provided with teachers’ quarters, public place of convinience and a cocoa shed.
Mr Ackah added that the Capitation Grant was introduced by the government to absorb school fees, as well as culture, entertainment, examination, sports and other fees, which were being paid by the parents, thereby relieving them of some of their economic hardships.
The DCE stated that the School Feeding Programme had also helped to increase enrolment in schools and given pupils a balanced diet while in school.
The National Health Insurance Scheme, he explained, had come to replace the cash and carry system of the previous government, adding that it was meant to make health delivery more affordable to Ghanaians, especially the poor.
On the National Youth Employment Programme, Mr Ackah said, the realisation of the importance of the human resource needs of Ghana and the need to create job opportunities for Ghanaians and the youth in particular, led to its introduction by the government.
“It also offers the requisite working experience to post national service graduates from any tertiary institution,” he stated, adding that about 400 youth in the district had been employed under the programme.
Mr Ackah assured the communities of the government’s readiness to construct dams on the Tano River in the Jomoro District and Pra and Ankobra rivers in the Nzema East District, all in the Western Region.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
WORK BEGINS ON FEEDER ROADS IN WR (PAGE 20)
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Enchi
CONSTRUCTION works on a total of 33.3 kilometres of feeders in cocoa-growing areas in three districts in the Western Region have started.
The project is to facilitate the carting of cocoa to the Takoradi Port, as well as the movement of people and the evacuation of foodstuffs.
The GH¢5,228,753.51 project, being funded by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), is the first phase of a programme to tar most of the deplorable feeders in the cocoa-growing areas in the region.
The roads include the 3.8 kilometre Enchi-Jensue feeder in the Aowin-Suaman District and the 9.5 kilometre Asankrangwa-Moseaso feeder in the Wassa Amenfi West District.
The rest are the eight-kilometre Teleku Bokazo-Aiyinase feeder phase two, the six-kilometre Teleku Bokazo-Aiyinase road phase three and the six-kilometre Asasetre-Adubrim road, all in the newly created Ellembelle District.
The roads, which are at different stages of construction, are to be completed by the end of this year.
The second phase of the programme will cover a total distance of 123.5, which will include 18 kilometres of feeders in the Juaboso District, 63 kilometres of feeders in the Bia District, 8.5 kilometres of roads in the Sefwi Wiawso District, 10 kilometres of feeders in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District, nine kilometres of feeders in the Jomoro District and 14.9 kilometres of feeders in the Mpohor Wassa East District.
The Deputy Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwasi Blay, has inspected all the feeders under construction in the region to acquaint himself with the progress of work.
He said the government was keenly interested in the programme towards the improvement of roads in cocoa-growing areas in the country.
He, therefore, urged the contractors to work hard to complete the roads on schedule.
Mr Blay told the contractors not to use the rainy season as an excuse to unnecessarily delay the project, warning them that the government would not hesitate to terminate any contract of a contractor who would delay the project, adding, “We want good work”.
The deputy regional minister was not happy with supervisory work of some of the Department of Feeder Roads engineers, saying “we want the project to be completed on time”.
The Managing Director of Trustsam Company, the contractor working on the Enchi-Jensue feeder, Mr Osei Ampem, said the road would be completed in December, 2008 but feared that the project would be delayed when the rains set in.
He said the bridge over River Jensue would be reconstructed because it had become very weak.
CONSTRUCTION works on a total of 33.3 kilometres of feeders in cocoa-growing areas in three districts in the Western Region have started.
The project is to facilitate the carting of cocoa to the Takoradi Port, as well as the movement of people and the evacuation of foodstuffs.
The GH¢5,228,753.51 project, being funded by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), is the first phase of a programme to tar most of the deplorable feeders in the cocoa-growing areas in the region.
The roads include the 3.8 kilometre Enchi-Jensue feeder in the Aowin-Suaman District and the 9.5 kilometre Asankrangwa-Moseaso feeder in the Wassa Amenfi West District.
The rest are the eight-kilometre Teleku Bokazo-Aiyinase feeder phase two, the six-kilometre Teleku Bokazo-Aiyinase road phase three and the six-kilometre Asasetre-Adubrim road, all in the newly created Ellembelle District.
The roads, which are at different stages of construction, are to be completed by the end of this year.
The second phase of the programme will cover a total distance of 123.5, which will include 18 kilometres of feeders in the Juaboso District, 63 kilometres of feeders in the Bia District, 8.5 kilometres of roads in the Sefwi Wiawso District, 10 kilometres of feeders in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District, nine kilometres of feeders in the Jomoro District and 14.9 kilometres of feeders in the Mpohor Wassa East District.
The Deputy Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwasi Blay, has inspected all the feeders under construction in the region to acquaint himself with the progress of work.
He said the government was keenly interested in the programme towards the improvement of roads in cocoa-growing areas in the country.
He, therefore, urged the contractors to work hard to complete the roads on schedule.
Mr Blay told the contractors not to use the rainy season as an excuse to unnecessarily delay the project, warning them that the government would not hesitate to terminate any contract of a contractor who would delay the project, adding, “We want good work”.
The deputy regional minister was not happy with supervisory work of some of the Department of Feeder Roads engineers, saying “we want the project to be completed on time”.
The Managing Director of Trustsam Company, the contractor working on the Enchi-Jensue feeder, Mr Osei Ampem, said the road would be completed in December, 2008 but feared that the project would be delayed when the rains set in.
He said the bridge over River Jensue would be reconstructed because it had become very weak.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Work on Osagyefo Barge progresses
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Half Assini
April 2
THE first phase of work on the Osagyefo Barge, an electricity-producing facility at Effaso-Manyea in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, being undertaken by Balkan Company Limited, is progressing steadily.
The work involves the construction of residential/office accommodation, rehabilitation of the barge itself and other preparatory works deemed necessary for the generation of power.
The second phase will involve the use of the Osagyefo Barge to generate electricity.
More than 100 locally employed workers, comprising plumbers, electricians, cooks, painters, carpenters, traffic controllers, among others, working on the barge.
There are also 12 locally trained technicians and 15 expatriates from the United States of America working directly on the barge.
The Jomoro District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Martin Yamekeh Ackah, announced this at the first ordinary meeting of the second session of the fifth assembly of the Jomoro District Assembly at Half Assini.
He said the project had boosted the local economy through the injection of about $3,000 every month from the purchase of goods from the local market.
Mr Ackah stated that the exploration and the subsequent drilling of crude oil and gas off the coast of Cape Three Points and the Tano Basin continued to occupy the attention of the government.
He said it had been established that Half Assini was geographically the nearest point on land from the drilling base, adding “This massive economic boom is likely to impact positively on the district”.
“Indications are that business tycoons have started making moves for the purchase of large tracts of lands in the district in anticipation of the massive economic boom that is likely to proceed the drilling of the oil and gas”, he said.
Mr Ackah, therefore, appealed to the chiefs and people in the district to be mindful of those moves by the business tycoons to acquire large tracts of lands for their economic interest to the disadvantage of the people in the district and generations yet unborn.
Touching on water and sanitation, Mr Ackah said the assembly was eager to ensure easy access to potable water and sanitary facilities for the people of Jomoro.
He said the Community Based Rural Development Project had opened tenders for the provision of potable water to New Town, Enzimetianu and Kwabre.
In a related development, the DCE said the European Union water project at Tikobo Number One, Bonyere, Ezeinlibo/Ndumsuazo and Nuba was progressing.
“Drilling is progressing steadily in these towns. These communities are, however, reminded to honour their five per cent counterpart fund of the project. In fact, all the towns mentioned are doing quite well in meeting their counterpart fund agreement with the exception of Bonyere,” he said.
According to Mr Ackah, under the government’s priority project for 2008, New Kabenlasuazo, Mpataba, Eonioa, Fante New Town and Ellenda were to benefit from the provision of potable water by the end of the year.
On sanitation, the DCE said the Community Water and Sanitation Agency was constructing five latrines under the IDA programme for Beyin, Ngelekazo and Ekabaku.
He added that Care International, an international non-governmental organisation, had awarded a contract for the construction of an eight-seater KVIP public place of convenience for Adusuazo and another six-seater one for Ghana Nungua.
Mr Ackah said Care International was also undertaking the construction of two eight-seater KVIP toilets for primary and junior high schools at Adusuazo.
April 2
THE first phase of work on the Osagyefo Barge, an electricity-producing facility at Effaso-Manyea in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, being undertaken by Balkan Company Limited, is progressing steadily.
The work involves the construction of residential/office accommodation, rehabilitation of the barge itself and other preparatory works deemed necessary for the generation of power.
The second phase will involve the use of the Osagyefo Barge to generate electricity.
More than 100 locally employed workers, comprising plumbers, electricians, cooks, painters, carpenters, traffic controllers, among others, working on the barge.
There are also 12 locally trained technicians and 15 expatriates from the United States of America working directly on the barge.
The Jomoro District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Martin Yamekeh Ackah, announced this at the first ordinary meeting of the second session of the fifth assembly of the Jomoro District Assembly at Half Assini.
He said the project had boosted the local economy through the injection of about $3,000 every month from the purchase of goods from the local market.
Mr Ackah stated that the exploration and the subsequent drilling of crude oil and gas off the coast of Cape Three Points and the Tano Basin continued to occupy the attention of the government.
He said it had been established that Half Assini was geographically the nearest point on land from the drilling base, adding “This massive economic boom is likely to impact positively on the district”.
“Indications are that business tycoons have started making moves for the purchase of large tracts of lands in the district in anticipation of the massive economic boom that is likely to proceed the drilling of the oil and gas”, he said.
Mr Ackah, therefore, appealed to the chiefs and people in the district to be mindful of those moves by the business tycoons to acquire large tracts of lands for their economic interest to the disadvantage of the people in the district and generations yet unborn.
Touching on water and sanitation, Mr Ackah said the assembly was eager to ensure easy access to potable water and sanitary facilities for the people of Jomoro.
He said the Community Based Rural Development Project had opened tenders for the provision of potable water to New Town, Enzimetianu and Kwabre.
In a related development, the DCE said the European Union water project at Tikobo Number One, Bonyere, Ezeinlibo/Ndumsuazo and Nuba was progressing.
“Drilling is progressing steadily in these towns. These communities are, however, reminded to honour their five per cent counterpart fund of the project. In fact, all the towns mentioned are doing quite well in meeting their counterpart fund agreement with the exception of Bonyere,” he said.
According to Mr Ackah, under the government’s priority project for 2008, New Kabenlasuazo, Mpataba, Eonioa, Fante New Town and Ellenda were to benefit from the provision of potable water by the end of the year.
On sanitation, the DCE said the Community Water and Sanitation Agency was constructing five latrines under the IDA programme for Beyin, Ngelekazo and Ekabaku.
He added that Care International, an international non-governmental organisation, had awarded a contract for the construction of an eight-seater KVIP public place of convenience for Adusuazo and another six-seater one for Ghana Nungua.
Mr Ackah said Care International was also undertaking the construction of two eight-seater KVIP toilets for primary and junior high schools at Adusuazo.
Fiaseman SHS makes steady progress
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Tarkwa
April 2
THE Fiaseman Senior High School (SHS) at Tarkwa in the Western Region, a co-educational second-cycle institution, was founded 53 years ago as a private commercial school.
The school, which was founded on a solid academic excellence and discipline, was absorbed into the public system in 1974.
The age of the school is, however, not commensurate with its physical development. From a disadvantaged beginning as a private school in rented premises, its infrastructure, especially classrooms and residential accommodation, still remain woefully inadequate.
However, by dint of hard work and the desire to help itself, the school has made some progress.
According to the Headmaster of the school, Mr R.D. Ainoo, enrolment has progressively increased from 710 in 2001 to 1,250 currently while the teaching staff has increased from 30 to 54.
Academic performance has also shown steady improvement and percentage pass chalked up had been consistently 99 per cent over the last three years, he said, adding, “One of the students scored five A’s in the latest West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSE).”
Mr Ainoo said with the support of the government, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the Wassa West District Assembly and the Old Students Association, infrastructure had improved considerably to keep pace with the increase in the population of the school.
Through the support of the PTA, Mr Ainoo said the school could boast one-storey jubilee block for the Home Economics Department, a school clinic, the construction of a well fitted with hand pump, as well as two flats for staff.
With support from the former Board of Governors of the school, the PTA has acquired a new bus, which has facilitated educational trips and enhanced movement of teachers to and from school.
According to the headmaster, the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly had provided a junior staff bungalow and 100 laboratory chairs to the school, while the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) had constructed an eight-unit classroom block for the school.
Mr Ainoo stated that through the assistance of the government, one staff bungalow had been completed, while the school, from its own internally generated resources, had built a volley court.
Through that intervention, a new girls’ dormitory block under construction was almost completed, he said, adding that the classroom blocks were also painted every two years.
Conspicuously absent towards the development of the school is the contribution of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council, even though the school was named after the traditional authority.
In spite of the school’s modest achievements, it is facing some challenges, which include accommodation for the teaching staff, an administration block, as well as dining/ assembly hall.
“Can anybody imagine that a school with a population of over 1,200 and 54 teachers, as well as 40 workers, has no administration block?” He questioned.
The headmaster noted with regret that the construction of the administration block had been ongoing since 1996, adding, ”For bout 12 solid years, there is no end in sight.”
He said classrooms, which were in short supply, had been turned into offices, adding that numerous appeals for assistance in that respect had not yielded the needed dividend.
“The greatest problem is the dining/assembly hall complex, which is in total ruins. The building could collapse at any time and I am very much afraid for my students and the kitchen staff,” Mr Ainoo stated.
He said as a result of the slow physical expansion at the school, there was a serious encroachment on the school land by the neighbouring village.
The headmaster appealed to the traditional authorities to do their best to stop the encroachment.
April 2
THE Fiaseman Senior High School (SHS) at Tarkwa in the Western Region, a co-educational second-cycle institution, was founded 53 years ago as a private commercial school.
The school, which was founded on a solid academic excellence and discipline, was absorbed into the public system in 1974.
The age of the school is, however, not commensurate with its physical development. From a disadvantaged beginning as a private school in rented premises, its infrastructure, especially classrooms and residential accommodation, still remain woefully inadequate.
However, by dint of hard work and the desire to help itself, the school has made some progress.
According to the Headmaster of the school, Mr R.D. Ainoo, enrolment has progressively increased from 710 in 2001 to 1,250 currently while the teaching staff has increased from 30 to 54.
Academic performance has also shown steady improvement and percentage pass chalked up had been consistently 99 per cent over the last three years, he said, adding, “One of the students scored five A’s in the latest West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSE).”
Mr Ainoo said with the support of the government, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the Wassa West District Assembly and the Old Students Association, infrastructure had improved considerably to keep pace with the increase in the population of the school.
Through the support of the PTA, Mr Ainoo said the school could boast one-storey jubilee block for the Home Economics Department, a school clinic, the construction of a well fitted with hand pump, as well as two flats for staff.
With support from the former Board of Governors of the school, the PTA has acquired a new bus, which has facilitated educational trips and enhanced movement of teachers to and from school.
According to the headmaster, the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly had provided a junior staff bungalow and 100 laboratory chairs to the school, while the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) had constructed an eight-unit classroom block for the school.
Mr Ainoo stated that through the assistance of the government, one staff bungalow had been completed, while the school, from its own internally generated resources, had built a volley court.
Through that intervention, a new girls’ dormitory block under construction was almost completed, he said, adding that the classroom blocks were also painted every two years.
Conspicuously absent towards the development of the school is the contribution of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council, even though the school was named after the traditional authority.
In spite of the school’s modest achievements, it is facing some challenges, which include accommodation for the teaching staff, an administration block, as well as dining/ assembly hall.
“Can anybody imagine that a school with a population of over 1,200 and 54 teachers, as well as 40 workers, has no administration block?” He questioned.
The headmaster noted with regret that the construction of the administration block had been ongoing since 1996, adding, ”For bout 12 solid years, there is no end in sight.”
He said classrooms, which were in short supply, had been turned into offices, adding that numerous appeals for assistance in that respect had not yielded the needed dividend.
“The greatest problem is the dining/assembly hall complex, which is in total ruins. The building could collapse at any time and I am very much afraid for my students and the kitchen staff,” Mr Ainoo stated.
He said as a result of the slow physical expansion at the school, there was a serious encroachment on the school land by the neighbouring village.
The headmaster appealed to the traditional authorities to do their best to stop the encroachment.
Assembly comfirms Duker as MCE
March 28
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Tarkwa
THE Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly has confirmed, Mr George Mireku Duker as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
All the 37 members of the Municipal Assembly voted in favour of Mr Duker, representing 100 per cent acceptance from the assembly, in an election supervised by the Municipal Electoral Officer, Mr Yaw Opoku.
The new MCCE was sworn-in by the Tarkwa Circuit Court Judge, Mr John Ajet Nasam.
Speaking after the confirmation, the Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng said it was a very joyful occasion to witness 100 per cent acceptance of the municipal chief executive by the assembly.
He therefore urged the assembly members and MCEs to stay as a united assembly since it was through that that they could succeed as an assembly.
Mr Asamoah Boateng also asked them to start the economic development of Tarkwa immediately since the area was abound with many economic opportunities.
He said raising a district to a municipal status inferred that some of the social amenities such as schools, hospitals, university among others must be upgraded or improved.
The Minister emphasised that the decentralisation policy was very important to the government since it would open up many rural communities towards the improvement of living conditions of people living in those areas.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr A.E. Amoah said the President nominated the new MCE due to the confident he had in him.
He called on members of the assembly to continue to give him the necessary co-operation and assistance to enable him to deliver.
Mr Amoah urged the chiefs and people to ensure that peace prevailed in the municipality to help facilitate the socio-economic development in the various communities.
Mr Duker on his part, said he was going to work together with the chiefs and people in the area and re-unite the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, adding” we are one people with one destiny and have to live as such.’
He noted that any credit to the MCE, was a credit to the entire assembly and they must work hard to ensure the rapid transformation of the municipality.
Mr Duker promised to continue the good works of his predecessor, Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Ayensu.
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Tarkwa
THE Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly has confirmed, Mr George Mireku Duker as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
All the 37 members of the Municipal Assembly voted in favour of Mr Duker, representing 100 per cent acceptance from the assembly, in an election supervised by the Municipal Electoral Officer, Mr Yaw Opoku.
The new MCCE was sworn-in by the Tarkwa Circuit Court Judge, Mr John Ajet Nasam.
Speaking after the confirmation, the Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng said it was a very joyful occasion to witness 100 per cent acceptance of the municipal chief executive by the assembly.
He therefore urged the assembly members and MCEs to stay as a united assembly since it was through that that they could succeed as an assembly.
Mr Asamoah Boateng also asked them to start the economic development of Tarkwa immediately since the area was abound with many economic opportunities.
He said raising a district to a municipal status inferred that some of the social amenities such as schools, hospitals, university among others must be upgraded or improved.
The Minister emphasised that the decentralisation policy was very important to the government since it would open up many rural communities towards the improvement of living conditions of people living in those areas.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr A.E. Amoah said the President nominated the new MCE due to the confident he had in him.
He called on members of the assembly to continue to give him the necessary co-operation and assistance to enable him to deliver.
Mr Amoah urged the chiefs and people to ensure that peace prevailed in the municipality to help facilitate the socio-economic development in the various communities.
Mr Duker on his part, said he was going to work together with the chiefs and people in the area and re-unite the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, adding” we are one people with one destiny and have to live as such.’
He noted that any credit to the MCE, was a credit to the entire assembly and they must work hard to ensure the rapid transformation of the municipality.
Mr Duker promised to continue the good works of his predecessor, Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Ayensu.
SAEMA is now STMA
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
March 25, 2008
The name of the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) has been changed to Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA).
This is as a result of the inauguration of the newly created Shama District Assembly, which hitherto was part of the SAEMA.
A press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the STMA, Mr John Analatei Laste, said the general assembly at its last meeting on November 5, 2007, resolved to adopt the name Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, following the creation of the Shama District Assembly.
"The Assembly, wishes to inform the general public that while management is working hard to change the old name Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) on its properties, stickers, tickets and other relevant documents such as tickets, stickers and documents bearing the name SAEMA will still be valid until new ones are produced to replace them", it said.
"To this end, the management of the STMA wishes to entreat all government departments and agencies, businesses, non-governmental organisations, schools and individuals using the former name of the metropolis SAEMA to amend their records to reflect the current name which is the STMA, " the statement added.
The Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly was established by legislative Instrument 1316 in 1994.
Before then, the assembly was known as the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, which included the Shama and Ahanta local councils.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly shares boundaries to the East by the Shama District Assembly (SDA) at Inchaban just after the Sekondi School for the Deaf, to the west by the Ahanta West District Assembly, to the north by Mpohor Wassa East and to the south by the Gulf of Guinea.
The STMA has 44 electoral areas and four sub-metropolitan district councils which are coterminous with constituencies such a as Takoradi, Sekondi, Effia-Kwesimintsim and Essikado-Ketan.
The assembly is composed of 64 members made up of 44 elected, 15 government appointees, four members of Parliament, who are ex-official members and the metropolitan chief executive.
March 25, 2008
The name of the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) has been changed to Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA).
This is as a result of the inauguration of the newly created Shama District Assembly, which hitherto was part of the SAEMA.
A press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the STMA, Mr John Analatei Laste, said the general assembly at its last meeting on November 5, 2007, resolved to adopt the name Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, following the creation of the Shama District Assembly.
"The Assembly, wishes to inform the general public that while management is working hard to change the old name Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) on its properties, stickers, tickets and other relevant documents such as tickets, stickers and documents bearing the name SAEMA will still be valid until new ones are produced to replace them", it said.
"To this end, the management of the STMA wishes to entreat all government departments and agencies, businesses, non-governmental organisations, schools and individuals using the former name of the metropolis SAEMA to amend their records to reflect the current name which is the STMA, " the statement added.
The Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly was established by legislative Instrument 1316 in 1994.
Before then, the assembly was known as the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, which included the Shama and Ahanta local councils.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly shares boundaries to the East by the Shama District Assembly (SDA) at Inchaban just after the Sekondi School for the Deaf, to the west by the Ahanta West District Assembly, to the north by Mpohor Wassa East and to the south by the Gulf of Guinea.
The STMA has 44 electoral areas and four sub-metropolitan district councils which are coterminous with constituencies such a as Takoradi, Sekondi, Effia-Kwesimintsim and Essikado-Ketan.
The assembly is composed of 64 members made up of 44 elected, 15 government appointees, four members of Parliament, who are ex-official members and the metropolitan chief executive.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
4 MPS RETURNED UNOPPOSED (PAGE 16)
STORY: KWAME ASIEDU MARFO & JULIET MARFO, TAKORADI
Four sitting New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MP) in the Western Region were returned unopposed at the end of nominations to contest the December general election.
The party received a total of 33 applications from 13 constituencies in the region. Those standing unopposed are Mr Joe Ghartey for Essikado-Ketan, Mr Christopher Addae for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Mr Anthony Evans Amoah for Mpohor Wassa East and Mrs Eugenia Kusi for Tarkwa Nsuaem.
Others yet to be cleared are contestants for the NPP Effia-Kwesimintsim Constituency ticket, Mr Joe Baidoo Ansah, the incumbent; Mr John Eguan Sampson Davis, Mr Fred Adoko Williams and Nana Kofi Coomson, while those contesting for the Aowin Constituency are Edward Osei, Philomina Tsibo and Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, the incumbent, with Henrieta Mary Eyison competing with Samuel Jonfiah, the incumbent, for the Ahanta West constituency.
The Evalue Gwira Constituency is being contested by Katherine K. Afeku, Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah and Eric Ogbame Selby, while Lawrence Blay Ewoniah, Nana Yaw Oppong, Anastasia Wiredu Mensah, and the incumbent, Albert Kwaku Obbin, are vying for the Prestea Hunni Valley ticket.
For the Sekondi Constituency, the incumbent, Papa Owusu Ankomah; Kwaku Sam-Amoah and Gad Cobbina are the contestants, with the incumbent, Joseph Boahen Aidoo; Lawrence Kobina Ainoo and Isaac Kwame Ampong vying for the Amenfi East ticket.
Patrick Amoatin, David Okruw Aidoo, Janet Edna Nyame, Ellen Adwoa Sweetie Sowah and Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah are contesting for the Takoradi Constituency ticket, while the incumbent, Angelina Baiden-Amissah, and Samuel Ericson Abakah are contesting for the Shama Constituency ticket.
Results of the vetting will be submitted to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP to determine who qualifies for the primaries for the elections of the parliamentary candidates in the constituencies where there are NPP sitting MPs.
However, the NPP has completed the vetting of its parliamentary aspirants in the Western Region who are contesting as parliamentary candidates in constituencies where there are sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) of the party.
The National Organiser of the NPP, Mr Lord Commey, who led a 23-member vetting committee, briefed the press in Takoradi on the processes of electing the parliamentary candidates.
He stressed that it was the right of any member of the party to stand for election provided that person submit to the rules and regulations governing the election.
According to Mr Commey, the party determines the suitability of the candidate and that the decision of the NEC was final, stressing that “contesting on the ticket of the party is not a right but a privilege”.
“If you decide to contest on the ticket of the party you must submit yourself to the rules and regulations of the party,” he added, saying, “This is about managing the ambition of the people, which is very challenging.
“It is also in the general interest of the NPP and this overrides the individual interest,” he emphasised, adding that “that is why we have to be fair, free and firm”.
Mr Commey said at the end of the day, it was the general interest of the NPP that would reign supreme.
He said two research committees of the NPP had gone round the country to assess all sitting MPs of the party and stressed that all the sitting MPs would appear before the vetting committee.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow, pointed out that until an official acclamations were done, all sitting MPs who were retained unopposed could not declare themselves as NPP parliamentary candidates.
Also, he admitted that every political party had its own peculiar problems and urged the media not to over sensationalise such problems.
Four sitting New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MP) in the Western Region were returned unopposed at the end of nominations to contest the December general election.
The party received a total of 33 applications from 13 constituencies in the region. Those standing unopposed are Mr Joe Ghartey for Essikado-Ketan, Mr Christopher Addae for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Mr Anthony Evans Amoah for Mpohor Wassa East and Mrs Eugenia Kusi for Tarkwa Nsuaem.
Others yet to be cleared are contestants for the NPP Effia-Kwesimintsim Constituency ticket, Mr Joe Baidoo Ansah, the incumbent; Mr John Eguan Sampson Davis, Mr Fred Adoko Williams and Nana Kofi Coomson, while those contesting for the Aowin Constituency are Edward Osei, Philomina Tsibo and Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, the incumbent, with Henrieta Mary Eyison competing with Samuel Jonfiah, the incumbent, for the Ahanta West constituency.
The Evalue Gwira Constituency is being contested by Katherine K. Afeku, Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah and Eric Ogbame Selby, while Lawrence Blay Ewoniah, Nana Yaw Oppong, Anastasia Wiredu Mensah, and the incumbent, Albert Kwaku Obbin, are vying for the Prestea Hunni Valley ticket.
For the Sekondi Constituency, the incumbent, Papa Owusu Ankomah; Kwaku Sam-Amoah and Gad Cobbina are the contestants, with the incumbent, Joseph Boahen Aidoo; Lawrence Kobina Ainoo and Isaac Kwame Ampong vying for the Amenfi East ticket.
Patrick Amoatin, David Okruw Aidoo, Janet Edna Nyame, Ellen Adwoa Sweetie Sowah and Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah are contesting for the Takoradi Constituency ticket, while the incumbent, Angelina Baiden-Amissah, and Samuel Ericson Abakah are contesting for the Shama Constituency ticket.
Results of the vetting will be submitted to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP to determine who qualifies for the primaries for the elections of the parliamentary candidates in the constituencies where there are NPP sitting MPs.
However, the NPP has completed the vetting of its parliamentary aspirants in the Western Region who are contesting as parliamentary candidates in constituencies where there are sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) of the party.
The National Organiser of the NPP, Mr Lord Commey, who led a 23-member vetting committee, briefed the press in Takoradi on the processes of electing the parliamentary candidates.
He stressed that it was the right of any member of the party to stand for election provided that person submit to the rules and regulations governing the election.
According to Mr Commey, the party determines the suitability of the candidate and that the decision of the NEC was final, stressing that “contesting on the ticket of the party is not a right but a privilege”.
“If you decide to contest on the ticket of the party you must submit yourself to the rules and regulations of the party,” he added, saying, “This is about managing the ambition of the people, which is very challenging.
“It is also in the general interest of the NPP and this overrides the individual interest,” he emphasised, adding that “that is why we have to be fair, free and firm”.
Mr Commey said at the end of the day, it was the general interest of the NPP that would reign supreme.
He said two research committees of the NPP had gone round the country to assess all sitting MPs of the party and stressed that all the sitting MPs would appear before the vetting committee.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow, pointed out that until an official acclamations were done, all sitting MPs who were retained unopposed could not declare themselves as NPP parliamentary candidates.
Also, he admitted that every political party had its own peculiar problems and urged the media not to over sensationalise such problems.
QUALITY CUSTOMER CARE WORKSHOP FOR TAKORADI HOSPITAL STAFF (PAGE 25)
PUBLISHED MARCH 20
STORY: KWAME ASIEDU MARFO, TAKORADI
THE management of the Takoradi Hospital has organised a day’s training workshop on quality customer care for 100 of its staff
to enhance health personnel-patients relationship.
The health personnel were taken through topics such as the definition of customer service, who your customers are, how customers behave, care brain-teasers, what makes an impression and tips for long-term retention.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Sekondi/Takoradi Medical Director of Health Services, Dr Tedd Avotri, stressed that in every health institution, every patient counts.
He, therefore, urged them to work as professionals since a patient is psychologically cured at the sight of a medical doctor.
Dr Avotri also advised them to work as professionals to release the stress on the facility.
He said at a particular time most of the categories of health staff were annoyed which meant that the whole system was annoyed.
"This problem will be reduced by our professional approach", he said.
Dr Avotri said the work load on health institutions was very heavy and as a result most health workers were leaving the institutions.
He commended the Takoradi Hospital for keeping its environment very clean despite the heavy work load on it.
The Medical Superintendent of the Takoradi Hospital, Dr Isaac Sagoe, described the customer care workshop as very important since over the years the health personnel had had problems with their patients.
He stated that "the workshop is to address this problem".
Dr Sagoe said with the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), there was an increase in the number of patients seeking medical care some of whom had bad tempers and quarrel with the staff.
"The patient population has tripled or in some cases quadrupled and there is the need to address this problem", he pointed out.
STORY: KWAME ASIEDU MARFO, TAKORADI
THE management of the Takoradi Hospital has organised a day’s training workshop on quality customer care for 100 of its staff
to enhance health personnel-patients relationship.
The health personnel were taken through topics such as the definition of customer service, who your customers are, how customers behave, care brain-teasers, what makes an impression and tips for long-term retention.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Sekondi/Takoradi Medical Director of Health Services, Dr Tedd Avotri, stressed that in every health institution, every patient counts.
He, therefore, urged them to work as professionals since a patient is psychologically cured at the sight of a medical doctor.
Dr Avotri also advised them to work as professionals to release the stress on the facility.
He said at a particular time most of the categories of health staff were annoyed which meant that the whole system was annoyed.
"This problem will be reduced by our professional approach", he said.
Dr Avotri said the work load on health institutions was very heavy and as a result most health workers were leaving the institutions.
He commended the Takoradi Hospital for keeping its environment very clean despite the heavy work load on it.
The Medical Superintendent of the Takoradi Hospital, Dr Isaac Sagoe, described the customer care workshop as very important since over the years the health personnel had had problems with their patients.
He stated that "the workshop is to address this problem".
Dr Sagoe said with the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), there was an increase in the number of patients seeking medical care some of whom had bad tempers and quarrel with the staff.
"The patient population has tripled or in some cases quadrupled and there is the need to address this problem", he pointed out.
TAKORADI AIR FORCE WORRIED OVER ENCROACHMENT ON STATION'S LAND (PAGE 25)
PUBLISHED MARCH 20
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
The Takoradi Air Force Station Commander, Air Commodore M. Samson-Oje, has expressed grave concern about the serious encroachment on the lands of the station, a situation which is likely to militate against the future expansion of the Takoradi Airport.
He said the greater part of the aerodrome’s land had been taken over by various types of settlers and farming activities.
"If we allow the encroachment future expansion would be difficult," he emphasised.
"When the government acquired the land it was a very big area but due to encroachment it has reduced," he explained.
Air Commodore Samson-Oje was answering questions after briefing members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport who were at the Takoradi Airport to acquaint themselves with the progress of the rehabilitation works at the airport.
He said as a result of the settlements and farming activities on the land, waterways as well as drainage systems had been blocked creating stagnant water bodies in the area, attracting vultures and crows to the runway which is also a security threat.
The station commander said he intended to build about 10 weapon sheds and a military range to scare the encroachers away from the land.
Briefing the committee earlier, Air Commodore Samson-Oje stressed that the rehabilitation works had completely given a new face to the airport after so many years of neglect.
He said the construction of the new VIP lounge had been completed and handed over, adding "I must congratulate Consar Construction Company Ltd. on the good work it did”.
However, he observed that although the VIP lounge was similar to the other two in Tamale and Kumasi, the building lacked any physical security barrier as was the case of the other two.
He, therefore, recommended that burglar proof be installed to prevent unlawful entry.
He said the passenger lounge had witnessed a major transformation, adding: "It is fitted with modern furnishing, several ablution facilities, X-ray machines for the screening of passengers’ luggage and a kitchen.
He said a section of the passengers lounge was observed to be leaking seriously during the recent downpour and that the consultants had been notified.
Air Commodore Samson-Oje said the old wooden frame tower block had been replaced with a modern glass and steel one, while an ablution area had also been added. "The replacement of the opaque glass with a tinted one and the additional air-conditioner promised are the outstanding jobs yet to be accomplished," he said.
He said the contractors, Sonitra Construction Ltd., had finished the first phase of the rehabilitation work on the runway as promised and that the second phase had begun.
The outstanding jobs, he said, included additional layers for the first 1,000-metre runway 22, the grassing of the runway’s shoulders which was in progress, the cutting of the runway in four areas to allow for electric wiring, the fitting of permanent runway lighting as well as the fencing of the runway and runway markings.
One main problem which has hampered the progress of work by the contractor has been the bad drainage system around the airfield. ‘De-silting’ of the main runway gutters was done but inflow from the city, carrying all kinds of materials has clogged the area around runway 22, making it difficult to deliver a good finished product.
"The Air Force has invited the city engineers to a meeting to iron out the issue since Sonitra has made it clear that that is a way out of the contract.
"Our cry to have the airport fenced has received the Minister of Aviation’s attention and approval for a U-shaped fence to be built to prevent the crossing of the runway and grazing along the runway’s shoulders by animals. However, this is yet to be accomplished by Sonitra", he said.
He said the airfield was served by a standby electronic generator, whose capacity was limited and that the Ghana Armed Forces as promised by the Ministry of Defence, had provided another 2.5 megawatt capacity generator which was being installed.
Air Commodore Samson-Oje said the main road from the Air Force Station linking the city was yet to be fully tarred and that "Sonitra arduously performed a face saving miracle before the CAN 2008 tournament, but this was over only 200 metres. There is the need to clarify if the road linking the city forms part of the package".
The Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria Akuffo, said the ministry had a problem with documentation as most of the lands acquired by the government were not documented, adding: "We have no documents to prove the title".
Responding to a question on whether the Takoradi Airport needed expansion, she said at the moment there was no need for the expansion of the airport until it became very necessary.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport, Mr Albert Aubbin, explained that the committee had responsibility over the Ministries of Transportation, Ports, Habours and Railways and Aviation.
He said the committee had gone round to inspect the stage of the re-habilitation works at the airports and to appreciate the problems associated with the works for the committee to brief parliament.
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
The Takoradi Air Force Station Commander, Air Commodore M. Samson-Oje, has expressed grave concern about the serious encroachment on the lands of the station, a situation which is likely to militate against the future expansion of the Takoradi Airport.
He said the greater part of the aerodrome’s land had been taken over by various types of settlers and farming activities.
"If we allow the encroachment future expansion would be difficult," he emphasised.
"When the government acquired the land it was a very big area but due to encroachment it has reduced," he explained.
Air Commodore Samson-Oje was answering questions after briefing members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport who were at the Takoradi Airport to acquaint themselves with the progress of the rehabilitation works at the airport.
He said as a result of the settlements and farming activities on the land, waterways as well as drainage systems had been blocked creating stagnant water bodies in the area, attracting vultures and crows to the runway which is also a security threat.
The station commander said he intended to build about 10 weapon sheds and a military range to scare the encroachers away from the land.
Briefing the committee earlier, Air Commodore Samson-Oje stressed that the rehabilitation works had completely given a new face to the airport after so many years of neglect.
He said the construction of the new VIP lounge had been completed and handed over, adding "I must congratulate Consar Construction Company Ltd. on the good work it did”.
However, he observed that although the VIP lounge was similar to the other two in Tamale and Kumasi, the building lacked any physical security barrier as was the case of the other two.
He, therefore, recommended that burglar proof be installed to prevent unlawful entry.
He said the passenger lounge had witnessed a major transformation, adding: "It is fitted with modern furnishing, several ablution facilities, X-ray machines for the screening of passengers’ luggage and a kitchen.
He said a section of the passengers lounge was observed to be leaking seriously during the recent downpour and that the consultants had been notified.
Air Commodore Samson-Oje said the old wooden frame tower block had been replaced with a modern glass and steel one, while an ablution area had also been added. "The replacement of the opaque glass with a tinted one and the additional air-conditioner promised are the outstanding jobs yet to be accomplished," he said.
He said the contractors, Sonitra Construction Ltd., had finished the first phase of the rehabilitation work on the runway as promised and that the second phase had begun.
The outstanding jobs, he said, included additional layers for the first 1,000-metre runway 22, the grassing of the runway’s shoulders which was in progress, the cutting of the runway in four areas to allow for electric wiring, the fitting of permanent runway lighting as well as the fencing of the runway and runway markings.
One main problem which has hampered the progress of work by the contractor has been the bad drainage system around the airfield. ‘De-silting’ of the main runway gutters was done but inflow from the city, carrying all kinds of materials has clogged the area around runway 22, making it difficult to deliver a good finished product.
"The Air Force has invited the city engineers to a meeting to iron out the issue since Sonitra has made it clear that that is a way out of the contract.
"Our cry to have the airport fenced has received the Minister of Aviation’s attention and approval for a U-shaped fence to be built to prevent the crossing of the runway and grazing along the runway’s shoulders by animals. However, this is yet to be accomplished by Sonitra", he said.
He said the airfield was served by a standby electronic generator, whose capacity was limited and that the Ghana Armed Forces as promised by the Ministry of Defence, had provided another 2.5 megawatt capacity generator which was being installed.
Air Commodore Samson-Oje said the main road from the Air Force Station linking the city was yet to be fully tarred and that "Sonitra arduously performed a face saving miracle before the CAN 2008 tournament, but this was over only 200 metres. There is the need to clarify if the road linking the city forms part of the package".
The Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria Akuffo, said the ministry had a problem with documentation as most of the lands acquired by the government were not documented, adding: "We have no documents to prove the title".
Responding to a question on whether the Takoradi Airport needed expansion, she said at the moment there was no need for the expansion of the airport until it became very necessary.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport, Mr Albert Aubbin, explained that the committee had responsibility over the Ministries of Transportation, Ports, Habours and Railways and Aviation.
He said the committee had gone round to inspect the stage of the re-habilitation works at the airports and to appreciate the problems associated with the works for the committee to brief parliament.
TAKORADI CHIEF ESTABLISHES GHC100m DEV PROJECT (PAGE 25)
(PUBLISHED MARCH 20)
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
The Chief of Takoradi, Osahene Katakyi Busumkura III, has established a GH¢100 million (US$100m) fund for a Human Capital Development and Sustainable Development Project for Takoradiman.
The objective is to transform Takoradiman into a model of excellence in viable and sustainable development by improving upon the human capital.
It is also to create a new group of indigenous capitalists who will see opportunities in Takoradiman and seize them to create wealth.
The chief of Takoradi announced these when the management of GHACEM Limited in Takoradi donated 1,000 bags of cement, valued at GH¢7,130, and two computers and accessories, two printers and one fax machine to the chief towards the project.
He said some of the key projects to be undertaken would include the construction of a knowledge-based management centre to provide Internet services, a library complex and a centre for training and talent development.
There will also be sustainable entrepreneurship projects which will include the setting up of value chain linkages to existing enterprises based on modern information and other technologies.
It also includes the setting up of a value-addition process to harness the vast material base of the Western Region.
It will, in addition, set up scholarship packages for brilliant, needy students and a vocational skills upgrading programme.
The project will also promote the establishment of more junior high and senior high schools as well as the establishment of a fully fledged university for Takoradiman.
Other social investment programmes under the project include the creation of recreational parks and heritage centre, museums, health care centres and real estate investments.
Making the presentation, the Works Manager of GHACEM in Takoradi, Mr Graham Bell, said the company was solidly behind the chief in his development efforts.
He said that GHACEM as a good corporate citizen would be involved in the development activities of the people of Takoradiman.
"If you take the initiative and you let things happen you will succeed, " he noted.
Mr Bell expressed optimism that the equipment would be put to good use to improve the computer literacy of the people, adding that "our doors are always open for any assistance".
Osahene Katakyi Busumkura III expressed his appreciation to the management of GHACEM for the kind gesture which he said was a good start.
He gave a promise to use items judiciously for the rapid socio-economic development of the area.
Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Takoradi
The Chief of Takoradi, Osahene Katakyi Busumkura III, has established a GH¢100 million (US$100m) fund for a Human Capital Development and Sustainable Development Project for Takoradiman.
The objective is to transform Takoradiman into a model of excellence in viable and sustainable development by improving upon the human capital.
It is also to create a new group of indigenous capitalists who will see opportunities in Takoradiman and seize them to create wealth.
The chief of Takoradi announced these when the management of GHACEM Limited in Takoradi donated 1,000 bags of cement, valued at GH¢7,130, and two computers and accessories, two printers and one fax machine to the chief towards the project.
He said some of the key projects to be undertaken would include the construction of a knowledge-based management centre to provide Internet services, a library complex and a centre for training and talent development.
There will also be sustainable entrepreneurship projects which will include the setting up of value chain linkages to existing enterprises based on modern information and other technologies.
It also includes the setting up of a value-addition process to harness the vast material base of the Western Region.
It will, in addition, set up scholarship packages for brilliant, needy students and a vocational skills upgrading programme.
The project will also promote the establishment of more junior high and senior high schools as well as the establishment of a fully fledged university for Takoradiman.
Other social investment programmes under the project include the creation of recreational parks and heritage centre, museums, health care centres and real estate investments.
Making the presentation, the Works Manager of GHACEM in Takoradi, Mr Graham Bell, said the company was solidly behind the chief in his development efforts.
He said that GHACEM as a good corporate citizen would be involved in the development activities of the people of Takoradiman.
"If you take the initiative and you let things happen you will succeed, " he noted.
Mr Bell expressed optimism that the equipment would be put to good use to improve the computer literacy of the people, adding that "our doors are always open for any assistance".
Osahene Katakyi Busumkura III expressed his appreciation to the management of GHACEM for the kind gesture which he said was a good start.
He gave a promise to use items judiciously for the rapid socio-economic development of the area.
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