Story: Nana Konadu Agyeman, Akyem Maase
THE refusal of a rival royal family to allow the burial of a sub-chief from the opposing royal family at the royal mausoleum at Akyem Maase in the Eastern Region, is creating tension in the town.
Opanin Kwasi Marfo, the Abakomahene from the Afi Tantia family died in September 2002 and had since been in the morgue at the Kyebi Government Hospital. The body was not allowed by the Ataa Bawa family to be laid at the mausoleum. The claim was that the late chief was a slave and could therefore not be buried there.
The two royal families had over the past 50 years been at each other’s throat over who should nominate an occupant to the stool.
The Ataa Bawa family, therefore, placed an injunction to that effect at the Circuit Court in Koforidua which ruled in favour of the Afi Tantia family after which Ataa Bawa was to be buried at the mausoleum.
The matter went to the Appeal Court, which referred it back to the Circuit Court.
At a press conference at Akyem Maase last weekend, the Afi Tantia family made a passionate appeal to President John Agyekum Kufuor to, as a matter of urgency, use his authority to find an amicable solution to the chieftaincy dispute as well as determine the status of the late Abakomahene.
The Abusua Panin of the Afi Tantia family, Opanin M. B. Twum-Antwi, who made the appeal in an address read on his behalf, also called on the Koforidua High Court to conduct a speedy trial in the matter of the burial of the late chief.
According to him, for peace to prevail at Maase, no person from either the Ataa Bawa or the Afi Tantia family should be allowed to parade himself as chief of Maase until the case had been determined in court.
“We wish to state emphatically that we, the Afi Tantia Family and the citizens of Maase, will never allow the outdooring of the new chief from the Ataa Bawa Family and so whatever is needed to bring peace and harmony should be done as a matter of urgency,” he stated.
Giving the background into the chieftaincy dispute between the two royal families, Opanin Twum-Antwi said both families, who were from the same ancestry, had each ascended the Maase stool five times indicating that the Ataa Bawa faction was the last to ascend the stool and that it was the turn of the Afi Tantia family to also occupy it.
However, he said, the Ataa Bawa faction had objected to the former ascending the stool on the premise that they were slaves and therefore did not befit the status of a royal family. He thus declared the Ataa Bawa family as the only royal family at Maase.
Opanin Twum-Antwi said they had the hint that the Bawa family had fixed a date after April 25, this year, to ‘outdoor’ one Kwame Adu Asare as the chief of Akyem Maase.
He recalled that long before the issue was sent to the law courts and the Akyem Abuakwa Judicial Committee over the past 50 years, the late Nana Kwaku Antwi Bosompem II of the Ataa Bawa faction took the Afi Tantia faction to the judicial committee of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in 1990 with a declaration that “the Afi Tantia Family are slaves and, therefore, do not benefit the status of a royal family.”
He said judgement was given in favour of the Afi Tantia family on July 30, 1993, but an appeal against the judgement was lodged at the Eastern Regional Tribunal Court in Koforidua on October 18, the same year, by the Ataa Bawa family.
Opanin Twum-Antwi said before judgment could be given on December 5, 1999, Nana Bosompem died in February 2000, so the case was adjourned.
He said on June 5, 2000, the Regional Tribunal requested Kwame Wiafe Dankwa, the Abusua Panin of Ataa Bawa family (the plaintiff) to find a substitute for the late Nana Bosompem for judgement to be given but he declined without any tangible reason and the case had since been pending at the court.
Opanin Twum-Antwi stated that in the process, Opanin Kwasi Marfo, the then Abakomahene of Maase, who was the first defendant from Afi Tantia family, also passed away in September 2002.
He said just as he was about to be buried at the royal mausoleum in January 2003, the other faction placed an injunction on the burial at the Koforidua Circuit Court on January 15, 2003 and the corpse had since been in the morgue.
The Abusua Panin said when the case was called at the circuit court, the judge ruled in favour of the Afi Tantia family, a situation that forced the latter to appeal against the ruling at the Appeal Court in Accra, adding that “judgement was made against them and were ordered to go back to the Circuit Court at Koforidua for the case to be determined but the Ataa Bawa Family withdrew the case from the court.
“While the Afi Tantia Family was preparing to bury Opanin Marfo, another injunction was placed on the burial at the Koforidua High Court on January 5, 2006.
Opanin Twum-Antwi stated that as part of efforts to restore calm to the area, the then Eastern Regional Police Commander invited both factions to his office in Koforidua on January 16, 2008 and advised that the two chiefs should step down after which a caution bond was prepared for each family to sign.
He said the Afi Tantia family adhered to the bond but the Ataa Bawa family refused to abide by it and decided to go ahead and enstool the chief.
Meanwhile, tension is mounting in the town, once again.
People have vowed to resist any enstooling of a chief by the Ataa Bawa family.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
GSD maps out areas for mineral deposits
April 12
Story & Pix: Nana Konadu Agyeman, Begoro
THE Geological Survey Department (GSD) has started mapping out some areas in three districts in the Eastern Region for mineral prospects.
The project, which is being done in the Fanteakwa, Atiwa and the Kwahu South districts, would lead to the exploration and mining of minerals such as gold, diamond, bauxite, iron ore and limestone in these areas.
The exercise, which would help form the basis for the compilation and upgrading of the existing geological map of the country, will involve air-borne surveys with the use of helicopters to collect soil samples for geochemical analysis of the minerals.
The project, which started in March, this year, and will be completed in June 2009, is being undertaken by a team of geological experts from the Federal Institute of Geosciences of South Africa, BGRM of France and Germany, as well as their Ghanaian counterparts.
It is being funded with grants from the European Union.
The Director of GSD, Mr John A. Duodu, who made this known at a durbar at Begoro to inform the chiefs and people of Fanteakwa about the project, said “a successful research geological mapping could lead to future mineral explorations to the benefit of the selected districts”.
The durbar was meant to seek the support of the people and also address their concerns with respect to the implementation of the research work.
Mr Duodu said the project, which was also being implemented in other parts of the country, including the Fo River Basin in the Volta Region and Prang in the Brong Ahafo Region, would create employment and ensure development in the beneficiary districts.
He, therefore, entreated the people not to entertain any fear or worry whenever they detected the presence of helicopters, which would be flying low for the purposes of the research work.
A representative of the Geosciences for Sustainable Earth of France, Mr Harve Theveniaut, said the research would be conducted in various communities to collect soil samples to enable the research team to draw up geological mapping to identify the various mineral sites.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, said the mining sector, which has contributed 38 per cent to the country’s export earnings and employs 36,000 people in the various beneficiary communities, had shown a significant improvement.
He said due to the friendly environment created by the government as a result of good governance, the EU had provided funding to revamp the mining industry under the Mining Sector Support Programme (MSSP).
The Begorohene, Osabarima Awuah Kotoko, who welcomed the initiative, urged his people to give the research team the necessary support to enable them to successfully carry out their work.
During an open forum, the people expressed concern about possible land degradation, pollution of water bodies, destruction of the farms and compensation as some of the problems they could face in the future and called on the authorities to institute the necessary measures to address such concerns.
Story & Pix: Nana Konadu Agyeman, Begoro
THE Geological Survey Department (GSD) has started mapping out some areas in three districts in the Eastern Region for mineral prospects.
The project, which is being done in the Fanteakwa, Atiwa and the Kwahu South districts, would lead to the exploration and mining of minerals such as gold, diamond, bauxite, iron ore and limestone in these areas.
The exercise, which would help form the basis for the compilation and upgrading of the existing geological map of the country, will involve air-borne surveys with the use of helicopters to collect soil samples for geochemical analysis of the minerals.
The project, which started in March, this year, and will be completed in June 2009, is being undertaken by a team of geological experts from the Federal Institute of Geosciences of South Africa, BGRM of France and Germany, as well as their Ghanaian counterparts.
It is being funded with grants from the European Union.
The Director of GSD, Mr John A. Duodu, who made this known at a durbar at Begoro to inform the chiefs and people of Fanteakwa about the project, said “a successful research geological mapping could lead to future mineral explorations to the benefit of the selected districts”.
The durbar was meant to seek the support of the people and also address their concerns with respect to the implementation of the research work.
Mr Duodu said the project, which was also being implemented in other parts of the country, including the Fo River Basin in the Volta Region and Prang in the Brong Ahafo Region, would create employment and ensure development in the beneficiary districts.
He, therefore, entreated the people not to entertain any fear or worry whenever they detected the presence of helicopters, which would be flying low for the purposes of the research work.
A representative of the Geosciences for Sustainable Earth of France, Mr Harve Theveniaut, said the research would be conducted in various communities to collect soil samples to enable the research team to draw up geological mapping to identify the various mineral sites.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, said the mining sector, which has contributed 38 per cent to the country’s export earnings and employs 36,000 people in the various beneficiary communities, had shown a significant improvement.
He said due to the friendly environment created by the government as a result of good governance, the EU had provided funding to revamp the mining industry under the Mining Sector Support Programme (MSSP).
The Begorohene, Osabarima Awuah Kotoko, who welcomed the initiative, urged his people to give the research team the necessary support to enable them to successfully carry out their work.
During an open forum, the people expressed concern about possible land degradation, pollution of water bodies, destruction of the farms and compensation as some of the problems they could face in the future and called on the authorities to institute the necessary measures to address such concerns.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NANKESE GETS NEW CHIEF (PAGE 40, APRIL 24)
Story: Nana Konadu Agyeman, Nankese
A SOD-CUTTING ceremony for the construction of a $250,000 school building complex for the Islamic Primary School at Brekumanso in the West Akyem Municipality took place at the weekend.
The project, the first of its kind in the district, which is being funded by the United States Embassy in Ghana, consists of a six-unit classroom block, an administrative block, a library, a dining hall with kitchen, a 12-unit place of convenience and urinal facilities.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Kwabena Sintim-Aboagye, together with Major Tom Wang, a representative of the US Embassy in Ghana and Nana Kwaku Anyae III, the Chief of Brekumanso, planted a tree to signify the commencement of the project.
They expressed the hope that the facility would improve teaching and learning in the town.
Mr Sintim-Aboagye said the government would continue to offer the necessary assistance in the educational sector for the benefit of schoolchildren in the municipality.
In line with that, he said, 16,000 pieces of furniture had already been distributed to all basic schools in the area, while the staff strength had also been boosted with 133 young teachers engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).
“These measures, together with the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme, would make a significant impact on education in the area,“ the MCE stressed.
Mr Sintim-Aboagye, however, expressed concern about the falling standard of education in the area, which he attributed to poor performance of teachers and lack of parental control over schoolchildren, some of whom attended video shows, funerals and other social gatherings meant for adults at the expense of their studies.
To address the situation, the MCE said, the Assembly, together with the Municipal Directorate of Education, had decided to take a number of measures such as the transfer of non-performing headteachers to be replaced with hard-working and dedicated ones.
He thanked the US Embassy for its assistance in putting up the facility.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mr James Appietu-Ankrah, appealed to Muslim parents to enrol their children in the school, while Major Wang expressed the hope that the facility would improve education for the benefit of the pupils.
A SOD-CUTTING ceremony for the construction of a $250,000 school building complex for the Islamic Primary School at Brekumanso in the West Akyem Municipality took place at the weekend.
The project, the first of its kind in the district, which is being funded by the United States Embassy in Ghana, consists of a six-unit classroom block, an administrative block, a library, a dining hall with kitchen, a 12-unit place of convenience and urinal facilities.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Kwabena Sintim-Aboagye, together with Major Tom Wang, a representative of the US Embassy in Ghana and Nana Kwaku Anyae III, the Chief of Brekumanso, planted a tree to signify the commencement of the project.
They expressed the hope that the facility would improve teaching and learning in the town.
Mr Sintim-Aboagye said the government would continue to offer the necessary assistance in the educational sector for the benefit of schoolchildren in the municipality.
In line with that, he said, 16,000 pieces of furniture had already been distributed to all basic schools in the area, while the staff strength had also been boosted with 133 young teachers engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).
“These measures, together with the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme, would make a significant impact on education in the area,“ the MCE stressed.
Mr Sintim-Aboagye, however, expressed concern about the falling standard of education in the area, which he attributed to poor performance of teachers and lack of parental control over schoolchildren, some of whom attended video shows, funerals and other social gatherings meant for adults at the expense of their studies.
To address the situation, the MCE said, the Assembly, together with the Municipal Directorate of Education, had decided to take a number of measures such as the transfer of non-performing headteachers to be replaced with hard-working and dedicated ones.
He thanked the US Embassy for its assistance in putting up the facility.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mr James Appietu-Ankrah, appealed to Muslim parents to enrol their children in the school, while Major Wang expressed the hope that the facility would improve education for the benefit of the pupils.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
GES urged to intensify its supervisory role over SHSs
Story: Nana Konadu Agyeman, Koforidua
march 28
THE Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to intensify its supervisory role over senior high schools (SHSs) to ensure that school authorities comply with laid-down rules enshrined in the new educational reform.
According to him, contrary to approved programmes by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the GES, some heads of SHSs have been engaging in unauthorised practices by introducing their students to the elective subjects in the first year.
In an address at the 43rd anniversary and speech and prize-giving day of the New Juaben Secondary Commercial School in Koforidua, Mr Asiedu noted that such negative teaching practices had the tendency to undermine the successful implementation of the new educational reform.
"Effective monitoring by the Education Ministry and the GES will, therefore, help to identify and put an end to such negative tendencies for the success of the new educational programme," he stated.
The theme was, "The New Education Reform — Meeting the Challenges".
According to the Regional Minister, human resource development of every nation had remained a valuable asset for its growth and development, an investment, which, he said, required proper management to meet the aspirations of its people.
He said it was in that respect that the government had selected human resource development as one of its three key priorities, aside from good governance and private sector development, for the accelerated growth of the country.
Mr Asiedu said although the government acknowledged that the implementation of the new educational reform would have some teething problems, it had resolved to deal with demands for more infrastructure such as classrooms, workshops for technical and vocational institutions and teaching and learning materials such as books and equipment.
To this end Mr Asiedu, who acknowledged the pivotal role being played by teachers in the successful implementation of the new educational reform, urged them to be committed to their duties, since the government, for its part, was prepared to enhance their conditions of service to make the profession more attractive.
“In appreciation of the important role being played by teachers, the government expects teachers to eschew negative attitudes such as lateness to school, absenteeism and alcoholism", he stressed.
The regional minister pointed out that the government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the GES, was organising modular and competency-based training courses for non-professional teachers to upgrade themselves as well as teacher development programmes and distance education courses for serving teachers to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to offer quality teaching in all schools.
He also advised the students to study hard and do away with all forms of indiscipline, especially immorality, saying that such negative lifestyles could derail their future aspirations.
For his part, the Headmaster of the school, Mr Yaw Asante, said since he assumed office in 2004, the school had scored 100 per cent passes for four consecutive years.
He, however, mentioned lack of transport, boys dormitory and staff bungalows as challenges facing the school, adding that the school had only an old library structure and that this required attention.
The function was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ofosu Asamoah; the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Adjei Boateng; the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Akosua Takyiwaa-Adu, who chaired the function, and the Adahene in New Juaben, Odeefoo Boadi Asiedu, who represented the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre (Prof.) Oti Boateng.
march 28
THE Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to intensify its supervisory role over senior high schools (SHSs) to ensure that school authorities comply with laid-down rules enshrined in the new educational reform.
According to him, contrary to approved programmes by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the GES, some heads of SHSs have been engaging in unauthorised practices by introducing their students to the elective subjects in the first year.
In an address at the 43rd anniversary and speech and prize-giving day of the New Juaben Secondary Commercial School in Koforidua, Mr Asiedu noted that such negative teaching practices had the tendency to undermine the successful implementation of the new educational reform.
"Effective monitoring by the Education Ministry and the GES will, therefore, help to identify and put an end to such negative tendencies for the success of the new educational programme," he stated.
The theme was, "The New Education Reform — Meeting the Challenges".
According to the Regional Minister, human resource development of every nation had remained a valuable asset for its growth and development, an investment, which, he said, required proper management to meet the aspirations of its people.
He said it was in that respect that the government had selected human resource development as one of its three key priorities, aside from good governance and private sector development, for the accelerated growth of the country.
Mr Asiedu said although the government acknowledged that the implementation of the new educational reform would have some teething problems, it had resolved to deal with demands for more infrastructure such as classrooms, workshops for technical and vocational institutions and teaching and learning materials such as books and equipment.
To this end Mr Asiedu, who acknowledged the pivotal role being played by teachers in the successful implementation of the new educational reform, urged them to be committed to their duties, since the government, for its part, was prepared to enhance their conditions of service to make the profession more attractive.
“In appreciation of the important role being played by teachers, the government expects teachers to eschew negative attitudes such as lateness to school, absenteeism and alcoholism", he stressed.
The regional minister pointed out that the government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the GES, was organising modular and competency-based training courses for non-professional teachers to upgrade themselves as well as teacher development programmes and distance education courses for serving teachers to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to offer quality teaching in all schools.
He also advised the students to study hard and do away with all forms of indiscipline, especially immorality, saying that such negative lifestyles could derail their future aspirations.
For his part, the Headmaster of the school, Mr Yaw Asante, said since he assumed office in 2004, the school had scored 100 per cent passes for four consecutive years.
He, however, mentioned lack of transport, boys dormitory and staff bungalows as challenges facing the school, adding that the school had only an old library structure and that this required attention.
The function was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ofosu Asamoah; the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Adjei Boateng; the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Akosua Takyiwaa-Adu, who chaired the function, and the Adahene in New Juaben, Odeefoo Boadi Asiedu, who represented the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre (Prof.) Oti Boateng.
‘Consult police command on sensitive issues’
Story: Nana Konadu March 28
Agyeman, Koforidua
THE Eastern Regional Police Command has appealed to media practitioners to always consult it on sensitive issues of public interest to enable them to disseminate accurate and truthful information.
That, it said, would not only help the public to know the truth, but would also strengthen the already-existing cordial relationship between the police and the media in the region.
A press release signed by the Eastern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Felix Asare-Darko, said "we wish to appeal to the media to consult the command on sensitive issues, especially those that warrant the writing of editorials to enable them to disseminate the truth."
The statement was in reaction to an editorial by the Daily Guide on February 4, this year, which condemned the Eastern Regional Police Command for its inability to pay the hospital expenses of a victim, John Larbi, who was shot while in police custody at Bunso.
We wish to state further that the paper was not fair to the command and the Eastern Regional Police Commander because as a competent newspaper like the Daily Guide, the editorial board could have at least contacted the command for its side of the story before writing an important piece like an editorial on the issue,” it said.
According to the statement, the Police Command, in a reaction to the Daily Guide's publication on February 14, 2008, organised a news conference on the issue to explain matters pertaining to the incident to the media.
As a sequel to the news conference, the statement said, a Joy FM reporter went to the Police Headquarters at Koforidua to inquire whether the Regional Police Command was prepared to pay a bill of GH¢400 being the hospital expenses of John Larbi.
In a very relaxed mood, the Regional Commander asked the reporter “if you go to hospital who pays your bills" to which the reporter replied “one’s self.” The Commander then asked again that so if the police sent somebody to the hospital who pays? The reporter again replied, it is the police which should pay?"
The statement said while the police command was waiting for the hospital administration to inform the police on plans to discharge the victim and also submit his bills for payment, it found it improper for any person to present a bill of GH¢400 to the police for payment.
It noted that when the police finally collected the bill from the hospital administration, the amount to be paid was GH¢129.60, which was paid immediately and not GH¢400, which was quoted by the Joy FM reporter.
According to the statement, before the unfortunate recording by the Joy FM reporter, which was aired by the station, the Regional Police Commander, his deputy and the Regional Crime Officer had visited Larbi at the Koforidua Regional Hospital to sympathise with him.
It added that the team also assured him of the readiness of the police to pay his hospital bills.
"It was therefore a surprise to the police command when an individual (Joy FM reporter) presented the bill to the police for payment", the statement said
The release pointed out that it was the police which paid the hospital bills of the victim and also conveyed him to his house at Bunso, a distance of over 60 kilometres, after he had been discharged.
Agyeman, Koforidua
THE Eastern Regional Police Command has appealed to media practitioners to always consult it on sensitive issues of public interest to enable them to disseminate accurate and truthful information.
That, it said, would not only help the public to know the truth, but would also strengthen the already-existing cordial relationship between the police and the media in the region.
A press release signed by the Eastern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Felix Asare-Darko, said "we wish to appeal to the media to consult the command on sensitive issues, especially those that warrant the writing of editorials to enable them to disseminate the truth."
The statement was in reaction to an editorial by the Daily Guide on February 4, this year, which condemned the Eastern Regional Police Command for its inability to pay the hospital expenses of a victim, John Larbi, who was shot while in police custody at Bunso.
We wish to state further that the paper was not fair to the command and the Eastern Regional Police Commander because as a competent newspaper like the Daily Guide, the editorial board could have at least contacted the command for its side of the story before writing an important piece like an editorial on the issue,” it said.
According to the statement, the Police Command, in a reaction to the Daily Guide's publication on February 14, 2008, organised a news conference on the issue to explain matters pertaining to the incident to the media.
As a sequel to the news conference, the statement said, a Joy FM reporter went to the Police Headquarters at Koforidua to inquire whether the Regional Police Command was prepared to pay a bill of GH¢400 being the hospital expenses of John Larbi.
In a very relaxed mood, the Regional Commander asked the reporter “if you go to hospital who pays your bills" to which the reporter replied “one’s self.” The Commander then asked again that so if the police sent somebody to the hospital who pays? The reporter again replied, it is the police which should pay?"
The statement said while the police command was waiting for the hospital administration to inform the police on plans to discharge the victim and also submit his bills for payment, it found it improper for any person to present a bill of GH¢400 to the police for payment.
It noted that when the police finally collected the bill from the hospital administration, the amount to be paid was GH¢129.60, which was paid immediately and not GH¢400, which was quoted by the Joy FM reporter.
According to the statement, before the unfortunate recording by the Joy FM reporter, which was aired by the station, the Regional Police Commander, his deputy and the Regional Crime Officer had visited Larbi at the Koforidua Regional Hospital to sympathise with him.
It added that the team also assured him of the readiness of the police to pay his hospital bills.
"It was therefore a surprise to the police command when an individual (Joy FM reporter) presented the bill to the police for payment", the statement said
The release pointed out that it was the police which paid the hospital bills of the victim and also conveyed him to his house at Bunso, a distance of over 60 kilometres, after he had been discharged.
Friday, April 18, 2008
NDC DECLARES CANDIDATE FOR NEW JUABEN SOUTH (PAGE 15)
Story: Nana Yaw Konadu, Koforidua
MR Ransford Owusu Boakye, an official of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has been declared the parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for New Juaben South in the Eastern Region by popular acclamation.
That was after his sole competitor, Mr Johnson L.K. Tettey-Kpe, had voluntarily withdrawn from contesting the primary and publicly declared his support for Mr Boakye.
The event was witnessed by officials of the party, including its Eastern Regional Secretary; Mr Anthony Gyampo, the Regional Organiser, Mr Tawiah Boateng; the New Juaben Constituency Chairman, Mr Andrew Awuku, the Constituency Secretary, Mr E. Forster-Tetteh, and officials of the Electoral Commission.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Boakye expressed his profound gratitude to the delegates and the rank and file of the party for the confidence reposed in him.
Outlining his vision, he pledged his commitment to the establishment of a premier university in Koforidua to ensure that tertiary education would be more accessible to the youth, as well as the provision of basic education for school-age children in the area.
That, he noted, would help to equip the young ones with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the municipality.
Mr Boakye bemoaned the lack of a pragmatic youth development programme to enhance the human resource development of the country and gave the assurance that he "will work hard to develop various programmes, including an endowment fund, to support the youth to venture into various income-generating activities such as information and communications technology, as well as food production”.
For his part, Mr Boateng, who highlighted the various development projects which were undertaken by the previous government in the area, such as the construction of roads, houses and other social amenities, debunked allegations that the youth who were currently engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) would be dismissed if the NDC came to power.
"As part of our youth employment policy, we will institute proper youth employment programmes that will see the young ones earning enhanced salaries which will be collected from banks," he added.
He, therefore, urged the people to vote massively for the party to enable it to wrest power from the New Patriotic Party to continue with its development agenda.
For his part, Mr Gyampo urged the rank and file of the party to be vigilant during the elections to prevent rigging by the NPP, adding that "in no way should we sacrifice our future for the little money that the NPP will doll out to influence our conscience".
He also called on those who had attained 18 to register in their numbers when the voters register was re-opened in May to enable them to exercise their franchise.
Mr Gyampo (left), the Eastern Regional Secretary of the party, declaring Mr Owusu Boakye unopposed to the gathering.
MR Ransford Owusu Boakye, an official of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has been declared the parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for New Juaben South in the Eastern Region by popular acclamation.
That was after his sole competitor, Mr Johnson L.K. Tettey-Kpe, had voluntarily withdrawn from contesting the primary and publicly declared his support for Mr Boakye.
The event was witnessed by officials of the party, including its Eastern Regional Secretary; Mr Anthony Gyampo, the Regional Organiser, Mr Tawiah Boateng; the New Juaben Constituency Chairman, Mr Andrew Awuku, the Constituency Secretary, Mr E. Forster-Tetteh, and officials of the Electoral Commission.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Boakye expressed his profound gratitude to the delegates and the rank and file of the party for the confidence reposed in him.
Outlining his vision, he pledged his commitment to the establishment of a premier university in Koforidua to ensure that tertiary education would be more accessible to the youth, as well as the provision of basic education for school-age children in the area.
That, he noted, would help to equip the young ones with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the municipality.
Mr Boakye bemoaned the lack of a pragmatic youth development programme to enhance the human resource development of the country and gave the assurance that he "will work hard to develop various programmes, including an endowment fund, to support the youth to venture into various income-generating activities such as information and communications technology, as well as food production”.
For his part, Mr Boateng, who highlighted the various development projects which were undertaken by the previous government in the area, such as the construction of roads, houses and other social amenities, debunked allegations that the youth who were currently engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) would be dismissed if the NDC came to power.
"As part of our youth employment policy, we will institute proper youth employment programmes that will see the young ones earning enhanced salaries which will be collected from banks," he added.
He, therefore, urged the people to vote massively for the party to enable it to wrest power from the New Patriotic Party to continue with its development agenda.
For his part, Mr Gyampo urged the rank and file of the party to be vigilant during the elections to prevent rigging by the NPP, adding that "in no way should we sacrifice our future for the little money that the NPP will doll out to influence our conscience".
He also called on those who had attained 18 to register in their numbers when the voters register was re-opened in May to enable them to exercise their franchise.
Mr Gyampo (left), the Eastern Regional Secretary of the party, declaring Mr Owusu Boakye unopposed to the gathering.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
BIRIM NORTH REJECTS GOVT NOMINEE (PAGE 17)
Story: Nana Yaw Konadu, New Abirem
ASSEMBLY members of the Birim North District in the Eastern Region last Friday rejected Mr Emmanuel Amoako, the President's nominee for the post of Chief Executive for the district.
Mr Amoako, who is currently the Birim North Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), polled 12 votes out of 27, representing 44.4 per cent of the votes cast, thus disqualifying him for a second balloting.
This is in line with clause 16 (1) of the Standing Order for the appointment of District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives.
It states: "Any nominee of the President who at any time fails to poll 50 per cent of the votes of the members present and voting, shall be withdrawn by the President, who shall nominate another person for approval by the assembly.”
The election, which was conducted in a tensed atmosphere under the supervision of the Electoral Commission, was witnessed by the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu; the Minister of Lands, Mines and Forestry, Ms Esther Dapaah; the Director of the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council, Mr Samuel Bawaah, and Nana Acquah Frimpong, the outgoing DCE for Birim North.
Prior to the voting, Mr Affram Asiedu entreated the members of the House to put the past behind them and forge ahead in unity by voting “’one touch’ for the President’s nominee”.
This, he said, would enhance the district's socio-economic development.
“It is my anticipation that to show your appreciation to the President’s concern for Birim North, you will make the confirmation of Mr Amoako a ‘one-touch’ process.”
However, after the announcement of the results of the elections by the Eastern Regional Director of the EC, Mr Paul Boateng, Mr Affram Asiedu commended the members of the House for exercising their franchise, saying that “as a democratic government, we respect and will abide by your democratic decision.”
Addressing the assembly members just before the balloting, Mr Amoako, who expressed his appreciation to the President for nominating him for the position, also stressed the need for the assembly members to put the past behind them and work together to develop the area.
He outlined the need to make education accessible to all children of school age in the area particularly those in remote communities as one of the tools to eradicate poverty, under-development, ignorance and disease.
For her part, Ms Dapaah stated that a new district, Akyemmansa, which was carved out of the Birim North District, would facilitate the rapid development of the two political entities.
A number of the assembly members who spoke to the Daily Graphic attributed the failure of Mr Amoako to secure the needed votes to his poor relationship with them.
ASSEMBLY members of the Birim North District in the Eastern Region last Friday rejected Mr Emmanuel Amoako, the President's nominee for the post of Chief Executive for the district.
Mr Amoako, who is currently the Birim North Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), polled 12 votes out of 27, representing 44.4 per cent of the votes cast, thus disqualifying him for a second balloting.
This is in line with clause 16 (1) of the Standing Order for the appointment of District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives.
It states: "Any nominee of the President who at any time fails to poll 50 per cent of the votes of the members present and voting, shall be withdrawn by the President, who shall nominate another person for approval by the assembly.”
The election, which was conducted in a tensed atmosphere under the supervision of the Electoral Commission, was witnessed by the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu; the Minister of Lands, Mines and Forestry, Ms Esther Dapaah; the Director of the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council, Mr Samuel Bawaah, and Nana Acquah Frimpong, the outgoing DCE for Birim North.
Prior to the voting, Mr Affram Asiedu entreated the members of the House to put the past behind them and forge ahead in unity by voting “’one touch’ for the President’s nominee”.
This, he said, would enhance the district's socio-economic development.
“It is my anticipation that to show your appreciation to the President’s concern for Birim North, you will make the confirmation of Mr Amoako a ‘one-touch’ process.”
However, after the announcement of the results of the elections by the Eastern Regional Director of the EC, Mr Paul Boateng, Mr Affram Asiedu commended the members of the House for exercising their franchise, saying that “as a democratic government, we respect and will abide by your democratic decision.”
Addressing the assembly members just before the balloting, Mr Amoako, who expressed his appreciation to the President for nominating him for the position, also stressed the need for the assembly members to put the past behind them and work together to develop the area.
He outlined the need to make education accessible to all children of school age in the area particularly those in remote communities as one of the tools to eradicate poverty, under-development, ignorance and disease.
For her part, Ms Dapaah stated that a new district, Akyemmansa, which was carved out of the Birim North District, would facilitate the rapid development of the two political entities.
A number of the assembly members who spoke to the Daily Graphic attributed the failure of Mr Amoako to secure the needed votes to his poor relationship with them.
INSTITUTE APPRORIATE COUNSELLING FOR YOUTH — OFOSU-ASAMOAH (PAGE 39)
Story: Nana Yaw Konadu, Koforidua
THE Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ofosu-Asamoah, has called for the institution of appropriate counselling and training for the youth to enable them to make an informed decision in their formative years.
Such a move, he said, would also help them to develop their talents to become useful citizens in order to occupy responsible positions in the future.
At this year's World Youth Day and Vocation Week celebration at Koforidua at the weekend, Mr Asamoah stated that "for any nation to make steady progress, attention should be paid to the development of the youth for them to become useful citizens in the future.
The event, on the theme: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1;8)," brought together about 150 youth from branches of the Catholic Church in the Eastern Region.
The deputy regional minister said the socio-economic development of every nation depended much on its human resource, a situation which made the youth in every nation to be recognised as pivotal in its development.
He said in recognition of that, the government decided to implement various initiatives, such as the School Feeding Programme, the Captivation Grant and the new educational reform, to give every child of school age access to quality education.
According to Mr Ofosu-Asamoah, as part of efforts to support vocational and technical education in the country, the government had established microcredit schemes to help products of such institutions to get into various income-generating ventures after school.
Mr Ofosu-Asamoah bemoaned the rate of indiscipline among the youth in the country and urged them to shun all acts of indiscipline, such as harassing authorities, pre-marital sex, vandalising school and public property, environmental degradation and drug abuse.
"This is because when you indulge in such acts, they will retard your progress and that of the nation," he added, and called on stakeholders in the development of the youth, including parents, guardians, teachers and opinion leaders, to be role models for the youth to emulate them.
Mr Ofosu-Asamoah advised the youth who had attained 18 years of age to register when the voters register reopened in May, this year.
He also entreated them not to allow themselves to be exploited by politicians during their campaigns to achieve their selfish gains.
The National Youth Chaplain of the Catholic Church, Father Charles Poku, admonished the youth to dedicate their youthful days to the service of the church to enable them to win souls for Christ.
He said in order to achieve their future ambitions, they must avail themselves of the guidance and teaching of the Bible, stressing, "without God, you cannot realise your dreams in life".
THE Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ofosu-Asamoah, has called for the institution of appropriate counselling and training for the youth to enable them to make an informed decision in their formative years.
Such a move, he said, would also help them to develop their talents to become useful citizens in order to occupy responsible positions in the future.
At this year's World Youth Day and Vocation Week celebration at Koforidua at the weekend, Mr Asamoah stated that "for any nation to make steady progress, attention should be paid to the development of the youth for them to become useful citizens in the future.
The event, on the theme: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1;8)," brought together about 150 youth from branches of the Catholic Church in the Eastern Region.
The deputy regional minister said the socio-economic development of every nation depended much on its human resource, a situation which made the youth in every nation to be recognised as pivotal in its development.
He said in recognition of that, the government decided to implement various initiatives, such as the School Feeding Programme, the Captivation Grant and the new educational reform, to give every child of school age access to quality education.
According to Mr Ofosu-Asamoah, as part of efforts to support vocational and technical education in the country, the government had established microcredit schemes to help products of such institutions to get into various income-generating ventures after school.
Mr Ofosu-Asamoah bemoaned the rate of indiscipline among the youth in the country and urged them to shun all acts of indiscipline, such as harassing authorities, pre-marital sex, vandalising school and public property, environmental degradation and drug abuse.
"This is because when you indulge in such acts, they will retard your progress and that of the nation," he added, and called on stakeholders in the development of the youth, including parents, guardians, teachers and opinion leaders, to be role models for the youth to emulate them.
Mr Ofosu-Asamoah advised the youth who had attained 18 years of age to register when the voters register reopened in May, this year.
He also entreated them not to allow themselves to be exploited by politicians during their campaigns to achieve their selfish gains.
The National Youth Chaplain of the Catholic Church, Father Charles Poku, admonished the youth to dedicate their youthful days to the service of the church to enable them to win souls for Christ.
He said in order to achieve their future ambitions, they must avail themselves of the guidance and teaching of the Bible, stressing, "without God, you cannot realise your dreams in life".
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