THE Manageress of the Afrikiko Water Front Resort at Akosombo, Mrs Dorothy Opare, has called on the government to give tax reliefs to individuals and businesses that risk in promoting the tourism industry in rural areas endowed with tourism potentials.
She stated that incentives such as easy access to funds and other necessary support would entice players in the industry to move to rural areas to set up facilities to create employment for the rural people.
Such a move, she said, would minimise the rural-urban migration and child labour.
Mrs Opare was speaking in an interview in reaction to Daily Graphic report that some children aged between eight and 12 were engaged in a risky business of ferrying tourists across the Volta River in canoes that were not equipped with safety gadgets.
That was when some executive members of the Ghana Tourism Board from Koforidua embarked on a fact-finding mission to some of the Water Front hotels along the Volta River at Akosombo and Atimpoku to solicit their views on the use of unequipped canoes by the children.
Mrs Opare, who is also the proprietress of Afrikiko restaurant and the Coco Beach Hotel, both in Accra, said it was time the government paid serious attention to tourism promotion in the rural areas as part of efforts to enhance the industry to create jobs for the people.
According to her, although many of the youth in rural areas were determined to work, the non-existence of jobs in those areas had compelled a lot of them to move to the urban centres, where they found no jobs.
“If there are no jobs for these energetic youth in the rural areas, it is common to find them engaged in risky businesses such as using children to fish during the day and night at their peril”, Mrs Opare said.
She noted that over the past years, the government’s focus on promoting the tourism industry had centred so much on urban areas, where tourists no longer considered attractive.
Mrs Opare said unlike the big cities, Akosombo and its environs were endowed with a number of tourist sites, which had over the years made the place the most attractive place in the country.
She mentioned the serene and quiet atmosphere surrounding the mountainous area covered by rich green vegetation, the Volta Lake, the Akosombo Dam, the Adomi Bridge, the Dodi Island, the Willi, Boti and Akyaa Falls as well as the Paradise Mountains located not far away from Akosombo as some of the tourist attractions.
“These tourism sites, which cannot be found in any of the big cities in the country, including the capital, Accra, are quiet unique in nature, hence their ability to attract most of the tourists to Akosombo and its environs”, she noted.
“As a country, I think we do not know how to make money out of the tourism industry as countless tourists, instead of spending their money rather takes away more money out of the country”, Mrs Opare said, adding “this is because we create nothing to attract them to spend the money”.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
MTN SUPPORTS ASAMANKESE-BUNSO METHODIST JHS (PAGE 11)
THE MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with the Domod Roof Limited has presented 100 pieces of roofing sheets worth GH¢1,375 to the Asamankese-Bunso Methodist Junior High School.
The items were to facilitate the building of a three-unit classroom block to provide a suitable teaching and learning environment for the beneficiaries.
Upon completion, the community-initiated project estimated at about GH¢25,000, will replace the existing dilapidated bamboo structure that is currently providing accommodation for the students.
The initiative, a brainchild of one of the citizens of the area, Dr Bedman Narteh, who is a lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, is being financed by the Master of Business Administration (MBA) students of the university, while the community is providing labour
Presenting the items, the Technical Marketing Officer of Domod Roof Limited, Mr Frederick Y. Agbale, said the donation, which formed part of the company’s corporate and social responsibilities, was in response to the MTN Ghana Foundation’s commitment to partner with likeminded organisations and individuals to provide the basic necessities of life to deprived communities.
For his part, a Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation, Mr Robert Kuzoe, said he was of the belief that the donation would not only help to improve the academic performance of the students, but would also encourage them to stay in school to develop their potentials.
According to him, the foundation, which was an umbrella organisation of MTN, charged with the responsibility of directing and managing the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, was committed to improving the lives of communities within its operational areas.
As part of such commitments, particularly in the areas of education and health, he said the foundation had refurbished the entire second floor of the maternity block of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and also established MTN learning centres in all the 10 regions of the country.
The Chief of Asamankese-Bunso, Nene Padi Adjabeng II, who received the items on behalf of the school, thanked Domod Roof Limited and MTN Ghana Foundation for their support, which he said would improve the academic performance of the students.
He appealed to other benevolent organisations and individuals, as well as citizens of the area, to come to the aid of the school to ensure the early completion of the school building.
The items were to facilitate the building of a three-unit classroom block to provide a suitable teaching and learning environment for the beneficiaries.
Upon completion, the community-initiated project estimated at about GH¢25,000, will replace the existing dilapidated bamboo structure that is currently providing accommodation for the students.
The initiative, a brainchild of one of the citizens of the area, Dr Bedman Narteh, who is a lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, is being financed by the Master of Business Administration (MBA) students of the university, while the community is providing labour
Presenting the items, the Technical Marketing Officer of Domod Roof Limited, Mr Frederick Y. Agbale, said the donation, which formed part of the company’s corporate and social responsibilities, was in response to the MTN Ghana Foundation’s commitment to partner with likeminded organisations and individuals to provide the basic necessities of life to deprived communities.
For his part, a Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation, Mr Robert Kuzoe, said he was of the belief that the donation would not only help to improve the academic performance of the students, but would also encourage them to stay in school to develop their potentials.
According to him, the foundation, which was an umbrella organisation of MTN, charged with the responsibility of directing and managing the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, was committed to improving the lives of communities within its operational areas.
As part of such commitments, particularly in the areas of education and health, he said the foundation had refurbished the entire second floor of the maternity block of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and also established MTN learning centres in all the 10 regions of the country.
The Chief of Asamankese-Bunso, Nene Padi Adjabeng II, who received the items on behalf of the school, thanked Domod Roof Limited and MTN Ghana Foundation for their support, which he said would improve the academic performance of the students.
He appealed to other benevolent organisations and individuals, as well as citizens of the area, to come to the aid of the school to ensure the early completion of the school building.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
ADAWSO GETS COMMUNITY PHONE BOOTHS (PAGE 14)
VODAFONE-Ghana Telecom has provided the people of Adawso in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region with two community phone booths.
The move is to offer the people easy access to reliable, efficient and affordable communication to link up to others elsewhere.
The facility, christened Vodafone-link (V-link) phones, forms part of the company’s commitment to enhance access to communications for all rural and peri-urban communities in the country.
Besides the installation of the facility, the company also distributed a number of starter packs to the people as part of measures to ease the difficulty in the acquisition of such items.
The initiative, the first to be inaugurated in the Eastern Region, will be extended to other communities and senior high schools (SHSs) in the area.
In an address at the inaugural ceremony, the Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Care at GT, Major Albert Don Chebe (retd), said V-link phones are an innovation representing the company’s commitment to provide easy access to communications for all communities, irrespective of their geographical location or economic status.
He said similar projects had already been inaugurated in others regions, namely, Upper East, Northern and Brong Ahafo, adding, “By the end of the second week of March this year, V-link will be available in all the 10 regions of the country.”
He indicated that the initiative had also targeted SHSs to ensure easy communication between parents and their children, pointing out that his outfit had installed community V-link phones in several schools throughout the country.
For his part, the Eastern Regional Manager of Vodafone-GT, Mr Nii A. Fleischer-Brook, said since the management of Vodafone took over GT, Adawso had benefited from Onetouch cell site (signal) and phone booths.
Besides such benefits to the communities, he said 57 phone booths, christened S-links, had been donated to 14 SHSs in the Eastern Region, while 12,249 starter packs had also been distributed to the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of the beneficiary schools.
Mr Fleischer-Brook appealed to the people to take good care of the booths to ensure that they served the purpose for which they were installed in the area.
The Amankrado of Adawso, Nana Awuah Fugwau, who received the items, thanked the company for the support, which he said would enhance communication in the area.
The move is to offer the people easy access to reliable, efficient and affordable communication to link up to others elsewhere.
The facility, christened Vodafone-link (V-link) phones, forms part of the company’s commitment to enhance access to communications for all rural and peri-urban communities in the country.
Besides the installation of the facility, the company also distributed a number of starter packs to the people as part of measures to ease the difficulty in the acquisition of such items.
The initiative, the first to be inaugurated in the Eastern Region, will be extended to other communities and senior high schools (SHSs) in the area.
In an address at the inaugural ceremony, the Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Care at GT, Major Albert Don Chebe (retd), said V-link phones are an innovation representing the company’s commitment to provide easy access to communications for all communities, irrespective of their geographical location or economic status.
He said similar projects had already been inaugurated in others regions, namely, Upper East, Northern and Brong Ahafo, adding, “By the end of the second week of March this year, V-link will be available in all the 10 regions of the country.”
He indicated that the initiative had also targeted SHSs to ensure easy communication between parents and their children, pointing out that his outfit had installed community V-link phones in several schools throughout the country.
For his part, the Eastern Regional Manager of Vodafone-GT, Mr Nii A. Fleischer-Brook, said since the management of Vodafone took over GT, Adawso had benefited from Onetouch cell site (signal) and phone booths.
Besides such benefits to the communities, he said 57 phone booths, christened S-links, had been donated to 14 SHSs in the Eastern Region, while 12,249 starter packs had also been distributed to the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of the beneficiary schools.
Mr Fleischer-Brook appealed to the people to take good care of the booths to ensure that they served the purpose for which they were installed in the area.
The Amankrado of Adawso, Nana Awuah Fugwau, who received the items, thanked the company for the support, which he said would enhance communication in the area.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
DRIVER MURDERS WIFE (MIRROR, PAGE 32)
From Nana Konadu Agyeman, Nsawam
A 24-year-old driver, who could not tolerate the cold attitude of his wife towards him and assaulted her to death at Kraboa, a suburb of the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District of the Eastern Region, has found himself in the grips of the law.
The accused person, Kwabena Ayeh, was said to have subjected Comfort Attah, 18, to severe beatings when she refused to talk to him for ignoring her advise against attending a funeral on January 30, this year.
Ayeh, who had been married to the deceased for three years with a two-year-old boy, had informed the wife that he was attending a friend’s funeral at Coaltar but the wife objected on the grounds that she was not on talking terms with the friend.
However, Ayeh was said to have snubbed the deceased and proceeded to the friend’s funeral, only to return to the house the following day.
Incensed by the husband’s disrespect for her wish, the deceased was said to have turned cold towards her husband and this led to him assaulting her when she declined to talk with him.
In her bid to prevent further assault on her, the deceased was reported to have fled to her mother’s house, also at Kraboa, to inform her about Ayeh’s conduct.
While seeking refuge at the mother’s house, the angry husband rushed to the in-laws’ house, where he subjected the deceased to further beatings in front of the mother-in-law.
The deceased was said to have complained of severe abdominal pains that fateful day and was rushed to the Coaltar Clinic, where she was treated and discharged.
However, her condition worsened the following day and was again taken to the same clinic where she was treated but was referred to the Nsawam Government Hospital.
She however died shortly on arrival.
The Nsawam Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Daniel Nyampong, who confirmed the incident, said the accused person was arrested when the family of the deceased reported her death to the police on February 11, this year.
He said the accused person was arraigned before a Magistrate Court at Nsawam and was remanded in custody to reappear on March 20, 2009.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Police Hospital, pending an autopsy.
A 24-year-old driver, who could not tolerate the cold attitude of his wife towards him and assaulted her to death at Kraboa, a suburb of the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District of the Eastern Region, has found himself in the grips of the law.
The accused person, Kwabena Ayeh, was said to have subjected Comfort Attah, 18, to severe beatings when she refused to talk to him for ignoring her advise against attending a funeral on January 30, this year.
Ayeh, who had been married to the deceased for three years with a two-year-old boy, had informed the wife that he was attending a friend’s funeral at Coaltar but the wife objected on the grounds that she was not on talking terms with the friend.
However, Ayeh was said to have snubbed the deceased and proceeded to the friend’s funeral, only to return to the house the following day.
Incensed by the husband’s disrespect for her wish, the deceased was said to have turned cold towards her husband and this led to him assaulting her when she declined to talk with him.
In her bid to prevent further assault on her, the deceased was reported to have fled to her mother’s house, also at Kraboa, to inform her about Ayeh’s conduct.
While seeking refuge at the mother’s house, the angry husband rushed to the in-laws’ house, where he subjected the deceased to further beatings in front of the mother-in-law.
The deceased was said to have complained of severe abdominal pains that fateful day and was rushed to the Coaltar Clinic, where she was treated and discharged.
However, her condition worsened the following day and was again taken to the same clinic where she was treated but was referred to the Nsawam Government Hospital.
She however died shortly on arrival.
The Nsawam Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Daniel Nyampong, who confirmed the incident, said the accused person was arrested when the family of the deceased reported her death to the police on February 11, this year.
He said the accused person was arraigned before a Magistrate Court at Nsawam and was remanded in custody to reappear on March 20, 2009.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Police Hospital, pending an autopsy.
SHOULD SHS PROGRAMME BE ALTERED? (MIRROR PAGE 25)
Pastor Dickson
Sarpong-Tuffuor
Head Pastor, ICGC, Koforidua
The Anamoah-Mensah Committee report submitted to the previous government in 2000 strongly recommended that the three-year duration be maintained. One advantage of this recommendation is the fact that students will complete their education on time, while financial obligation on parents will be reduced significantly.
For some time now, I have realised that more Ghanaian students pass the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSSCE) than their counterparts in neighbouring West African countries.
A close examination of the four-year system shows that the first batch of students are in the second year and have just started with their elective subjects. So if the present system reverts to three years, the students will be required to write their final examinations next year, a situation that will impose severe pressure on them because they cannot complete the syllabi within the period.
On the other hand, if the first batch of students are allowed to complete the four-year duration, then we might as well continue with the programme.
I also know that the process of providing resources for the implementation of the present system was started by the previous government and teachers in the present educational reform. Furthermore, the syllabi for the new system have already been drawn and printed and state funds have been spent on the programme. Any change, therefore, will result in a waste of resources.
I remember clearly that when the SSS programme was first introduced, stakeholders complained that the quality of the graduates did not meet employment requirements. It is in this vein that I believe that students should be well grounded in the courses they are pursuing, particularly in English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies and Integrated Science.
As I understand it, syllabi for the four-year system have been structured such that students will be well equipped in the various subject areas. I submit that we should strive to have a stable educational system so that our children will not become handicapped in the future. I think the four-year system should be maintained.
Mrs Catherine Ablorh, Zonal
Manager, Graphic Comm. Group Ltd, Eastern and Volta Regions
Altering the current four-year duration is bound to disturb the educational programme and the students in general. For this reason, I think we must maintain the present duration to ensure the smooth flow of the educational calendar in the interest of our children.
Factors to consider in ensuring a smooth implementation of the system should include the provision of the needed logistics such as well-equipped science laboratories, expansion in infrastructure like classrooms and dormitories as well as improvement in the content of the syllabi in order to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Some of the SHSs in the Eastern Region have overcrowded classrooms and dormitories, a situation that seriously undermines effective teaching and learning. I believe that if the necessary infrastructure is put in place and teachers are well motivated to teach, it will go a long way to support the current educational system including the large intake of students.
Another highly essential point to consider is the availability of the right textbooks in the right quantities and other relevant teaching and learning materials to the various SHSs across the country.
As I see it, sticking to the four-year programme will provide students enough time to study and revise before going for their final examinations, in contrast with the unbearable pressures they were made to go through under the three-year programme.
As part of efforts aimed at ensuring that teachers are in a position to make a positive impact on their students, more opportunities should be given them to enable them to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Personally, I think reverting to the three-year programme may not serve the interest of developing and implementing a smooth academic calendar for our students who are our future leaders.
Mr Sampson
Donkor, Eastern Regional Manager,
Ghana Tourism Board
In my opinion, the present educational system must be changed. My reason for saying this is that, first of all, we do not have the necessary infrastructure and logistics that correspond to the four-year duration which has seen more student intake in almost all the SHSs across the country.
Secondly, even if we had the resources, have we considered housing for basic schoolchildren who are sitting under trees and in the open spaces to learn? If the nation has resources, I think we should rather consider putting up suitable structures for such unfortunate schoolchildren as well as accommodation for teachers as these steps would go a long way to enhance teaching and learning.
I believe also that emphasis in education should be placed on practical teaching (as opposed to theories) which, I believe, can help to develop the life skills of students.
For instance, subjects that teach customer care and disaster management should be included in school curricula as these will have a positive impact on our development as a nation.
We study certain subjects in school that we never really apply in our lives as we grow. I remember during my school days in the 1970s, there was plenty of time to engage in informal activities such as sports. But these days there is so much pressure on our pupils and students that there is no time for them to develop their skills and talents.
I think the three-year duration is enough. The extra year, as pertains in the present system, should be used to provide practical education outside the classroom to enable students to come to grips with real-life situations.
I believe that emphasis on book knowledge alone throughout the four-year duration is not the best. Real learning comes from learning and experiencing things about life outside the classroom.
Dr Obeng Apori,
Medical
Superintendent,
Eastern Regional Hospital
I would like to advise the new administration to hasten slowly with any new educational reform. The current four-year senior high school programme started barely two years ago. It requires that we evaluate indicators that address the positives and negatives of its implementation. This would help us understand the process better and enable us to make informed decisions as to whether a change is necessary or not.
It is my wish that the present system is not truncated, since the many changes in our educational system have not benefited our children. We should rather allow time for the first batch to complete the course and then we can assess the system for needed changes, if any.
The lack of infrastructure has been with us for a long time. However, with proper planning and implementation the academic performance of students under the present system could be improved to enable us to achieve the objectives set under the programme.
When the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was first introduced, many people thought the initiative was doomed to failure because it faced many constraints. But with time, we have been able to identify and resolve many of the problems confronting its smooth implementation. Those who were against the scheme’s introduction now appreciate it.
This is why we must allow sufficient time for the new educational reform to enable us to determine its good and bad sides.
The argument that the current four-year programme should be scrapped because parents will incur extra cost due to the addition of one year is untenable. This is because even during the implementation of the three-year course parents had had to go the extra mile by employing part-time teachers for their children.
With the syllabus spread over a four-year period the need for such extra classes may be minimised as the students will now have ample time to study and revise for their final examinations.
A well-structured four-year programme with the needed logistics, and also well-motivated and dedicated teachers should produce students competent enough to compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
As a nation we must endeavour to do away with the trend whereby anytime there is a change of government, there is also a corresponding change in all policies, including those on education.
Mrs Joyce Yalley
Nursing Officer
Eastern Regional Hospital
I think that the three-year period of SHS is preferable to the present four-year course, since the previous system has not been a failure.
Students who obtained good grades under the earlier system and proceeded to the university had done well and did not demonstrate any deficiency in their knowledge at the university.
The debate on the educational reform should be concentrated on the number of students who move on from the SHS to the tertiary level and those left behind as a result of their inability to obtain good grades in certain subjects.
We should consider why most of the well-endowed schools always obtain good passes, whereas it is the opposite for the poorly resourced ones.
In my opinion what makes Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC) different from Nkroful Agricultural Senior High or Half-Assini Senior High School lies in the fact that PRESEC is more resourced that these two SHSs.
Interested stakeholders should therefore mobilise the needed resources for the less endowed schools and provide them with well motivated teachers to enable them to equally live up to expectation.
We should also take steps to change the psyche of students in most of these less endowed schools, since such perception about themselves undermines their ability to perform and compete with their colleagues from the perceived 'better' schools.
I think the idea that students have more time to study under the present system is untenable as there were many students who passed their examination very well even without extra classes under the previous three-year programme.
We should gradually phase out the present system, but allow the first batch under the present four-year arrangement to complete their course, since they have been psyched up for the programme. Subsequent new batch of students should undertake the three-year programme. This will help us evaluate the outcomes of the two educational reforms in the future and assess the one which is better.
Sarpong-Tuffuor
Head Pastor, ICGC, Koforidua
The Anamoah-Mensah Committee report submitted to the previous government in 2000 strongly recommended that the three-year duration be maintained. One advantage of this recommendation is the fact that students will complete their education on time, while financial obligation on parents will be reduced significantly.
For some time now, I have realised that more Ghanaian students pass the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSSCE) than their counterparts in neighbouring West African countries.
A close examination of the four-year system shows that the first batch of students are in the second year and have just started with their elective subjects. So if the present system reverts to three years, the students will be required to write their final examinations next year, a situation that will impose severe pressure on them because they cannot complete the syllabi within the period.
On the other hand, if the first batch of students are allowed to complete the four-year duration, then we might as well continue with the programme.
I also know that the process of providing resources for the implementation of the present system was started by the previous government and teachers in the present educational reform. Furthermore, the syllabi for the new system have already been drawn and printed and state funds have been spent on the programme. Any change, therefore, will result in a waste of resources.
I remember clearly that when the SSS programme was first introduced, stakeholders complained that the quality of the graduates did not meet employment requirements. It is in this vein that I believe that students should be well grounded in the courses they are pursuing, particularly in English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies and Integrated Science.
As I understand it, syllabi for the four-year system have been structured such that students will be well equipped in the various subject areas. I submit that we should strive to have a stable educational system so that our children will not become handicapped in the future. I think the four-year system should be maintained.
Mrs Catherine Ablorh, Zonal
Manager, Graphic Comm. Group Ltd, Eastern and Volta Regions
Altering the current four-year duration is bound to disturb the educational programme and the students in general. For this reason, I think we must maintain the present duration to ensure the smooth flow of the educational calendar in the interest of our children.
Factors to consider in ensuring a smooth implementation of the system should include the provision of the needed logistics such as well-equipped science laboratories, expansion in infrastructure like classrooms and dormitories as well as improvement in the content of the syllabi in order to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Some of the SHSs in the Eastern Region have overcrowded classrooms and dormitories, a situation that seriously undermines effective teaching and learning. I believe that if the necessary infrastructure is put in place and teachers are well motivated to teach, it will go a long way to support the current educational system including the large intake of students.
Another highly essential point to consider is the availability of the right textbooks in the right quantities and other relevant teaching and learning materials to the various SHSs across the country.
As I see it, sticking to the four-year programme will provide students enough time to study and revise before going for their final examinations, in contrast with the unbearable pressures they were made to go through under the three-year programme.
As part of efforts aimed at ensuring that teachers are in a position to make a positive impact on their students, more opportunities should be given them to enable them to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Personally, I think reverting to the three-year programme may not serve the interest of developing and implementing a smooth academic calendar for our students who are our future leaders.
Mr Sampson
Donkor, Eastern Regional Manager,
Ghana Tourism Board
In my opinion, the present educational system must be changed. My reason for saying this is that, first of all, we do not have the necessary infrastructure and logistics that correspond to the four-year duration which has seen more student intake in almost all the SHSs across the country.
Secondly, even if we had the resources, have we considered housing for basic schoolchildren who are sitting under trees and in the open spaces to learn? If the nation has resources, I think we should rather consider putting up suitable structures for such unfortunate schoolchildren as well as accommodation for teachers as these steps would go a long way to enhance teaching and learning.
I believe also that emphasis in education should be placed on practical teaching (as opposed to theories) which, I believe, can help to develop the life skills of students.
For instance, subjects that teach customer care and disaster management should be included in school curricula as these will have a positive impact on our development as a nation.
We study certain subjects in school that we never really apply in our lives as we grow. I remember during my school days in the 1970s, there was plenty of time to engage in informal activities such as sports. But these days there is so much pressure on our pupils and students that there is no time for them to develop their skills and talents.
I think the three-year duration is enough. The extra year, as pertains in the present system, should be used to provide practical education outside the classroom to enable students to come to grips with real-life situations.
I believe that emphasis on book knowledge alone throughout the four-year duration is not the best. Real learning comes from learning and experiencing things about life outside the classroom.
Dr Obeng Apori,
Medical
Superintendent,
Eastern Regional Hospital
I would like to advise the new administration to hasten slowly with any new educational reform. The current four-year senior high school programme started barely two years ago. It requires that we evaluate indicators that address the positives and negatives of its implementation. This would help us understand the process better and enable us to make informed decisions as to whether a change is necessary or not.
It is my wish that the present system is not truncated, since the many changes in our educational system have not benefited our children. We should rather allow time for the first batch to complete the course and then we can assess the system for needed changes, if any.
The lack of infrastructure has been with us for a long time. However, with proper planning and implementation the academic performance of students under the present system could be improved to enable us to achieve the objectives set under the programme.
When the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was first introduced, many people thought the initiative was doomed to failure because it faced many constraints. But with time, we have been able to identify and resolve many of the problems confronting its smooth implementation. Those who were against the scheme’s introduction now appreciate it.
This is why we must allow sufficient time for the new educational reform to enable us to determine its good and bad sides.
The argument that the current four-year programme should be scrapped because parents will incur extra cost due to the addition of one year is untenable. This is because even during the implementation of the three-year course parents had had to go the extra mile by employing part-time teachers for their children.
With the syllabus spread over a four-year period the need for such extra classes may be minimised as the students will now have ample time to study and revise for their final examinations.
A well-structured four-year programme with the needed logistics, and also well-motivated and dedicated teachers should produce students competent enough to compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
As a nation we must endeavour to do away with the trend whereby anytime there is a change of government, there is also a corresponding change in all policies, including those on education.
Mrs Joyce Yalley
Nursing Officer
Eastern Regional Hospital
I think that the three-year period of SHS is preferable to the present four-year course, since the previous system has not been a failure.
Students who obtained good grades under the earlier system and proceeded to the university had done well and did not demonstrate any deficiency in their knowledge at the university.
The debate on the educational reform should be concentrated on the number of students who move on from the SHS to the tertiary level and those left behind as a result of their inability to obtain good grades in certain subjects.
We should consider why most of the well-endowed schools always obtain good passes, whereas it is the opposite for the poorly resourced ones.
In my opinion what makes Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC) different from Nkroful Agricultural Senior High or Half-Assini Senior High School lies in the fact that PRESEC is more resourced that these two SHSs.
Interested stakeholders should therefore mobilise the needed resources for the less endowed schools and provide them with well motivated teachers to enable them to equally live up to expectation.
We should also take steps to change the psyche of students in most of these less endowed schools, since such perception about themselves undermines their ability to perform and compete with their colleagues from the perceived 'better' schools.
I think the idea that students have more time to study under the present system is untenable as there were many students who passed their examination very well even without extra classes under the previous three-year programme.
We should gradually phase out the present system, but allow the first batch under the present four-year arrangement to complete their course, since they have been psyched up for the programme. Subsequent new batch of students should undertake the three-year programme. This will help us evaluate the outcomes of the two educational reforms in the future and assess the one which is better.
FARMER RAPES STROKE PATIENT (MIRROR, LEAD STORY)
From Nana Konadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
“Unbelievable!” was the word on the lips of the residents of Jeketi, a village near Asesewa in the Eastern Region, when on the hot afternoon of Tuesday, February 10, word hit the town that a farmer, 20, had subjected an 80-year-old bed-ridden stroke patient to severe assault before raping her.
The accused, Kennedy Padi, who stays in the same house with the victim at Jeketi, was said to have taken advantage of the absence of other occupants of the house to enter the old lady’s room about 12 noon on February 10, 2009.
The accused, in a struggle to overpower his victim who put up a resistance, was said to have bitten her on the cheek and the breast before sleeping with her.
A friend of the victim’s daughter, who was said to be passing by, was reported to have heard a strange noise coming from the old lady’s bedroom, and knowing well that she (old woman) was sick, decided to enter her room, only to find the accused person in the act.
Immediately she raised an alarm, the accused person attempted to run away but he was apprehended by neighbours who had rushed to the scene.
The victim’s daughter, 35, who was selling a distance away, was informed that her mother had been raped and when she rushed to the house she met Padi in the victim’s room.
Upon questioning, the old lady informed her daughter that she had been raped by Padi.
When the old lady’s daughter confronted the accused person, he admitted committing the offence and was arrested and handed over to the police.
When contacted, the Eastern Regional Co-ordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), ASP Mrs Eunice Annor, confirmed the incident and indicated that the accused, in his caution statement, had attributed his conduct to the work of the devil.
She said Padi had been charged with rape, assault and unlawful entry and arraigned before a circuit court in Koforidua, which remanded him to appear again on Monday, February 23, this year.
Koforidua
“Unbelievable!” was the word on the lips of the residents of Jeketi, a village near Asesewa in the Eastern Region, when on the hot afternoon of Tuesday, February 10, word hit the town that a farmer, 20, had subjected an 80-year-old bed-ridden stroke patient to severe assault before raping her.
The accused, Kennedy Padi, who stays in the same house with the victim at Jeketi, was said to have taken advantage of the absence of other occupants of the house to enter the old lady’s room about 12 noon on February 10, 2009.
The accused, in a struggle to overpower his victim who put up a resistance, was said to have bitten her on the cheek and the breast before sleeping with her.
A friend of the victim’s daughter, who was said to be passing by, was reported to have heard a strange noise coming from the old lady’s bedroom, and knowing well that she (old woman) was sick, decided to enter her room, only to find the accused person in the act.
Immediately she raised an alarm, the accused person attempted to run away but he was apprehended by neighbours who had rushed to the scene.
The victim’s daughter, 35, who was selling a distance away, was informed that her mother had been raped and when she rushed to the house she met Padi in the victim’s room.
Upon questioning, the old lady informed her daughter that she had been raped by Padi.
When the old lady’s daughter confronted the accused person, he admitted committing the offence and was arrested and handed over to the police.
When contacted, the Eastern Regional Co-ordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), ASP Mrs Eunice Annor, confirmed the incident and indicated that the accused, in his caution statement, had attributed his conduct to the work of the devil.
She said Padi had been charged with rape, assault and unlawful entry and arraigned before a circuit court in Koforidua, which remanded him to appear again on Monday, February 23, this year.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
SET UP COLLEGE OF NURSING, MIDWIFERY (PAGE 14)
THE Director of Nursing Services, Mr George K. Kyeremeh, has called on the government and stakeholders in the health sector to seriously consider setting up a Ghana College of Nursing and Midwifery to enable nurses and midwives to specialise in the profession.
This, he said, would also afford the country the opportunity to achieve quality health care , as well as various international targets particularly reduction in child mortality and improvement in maternal health under the Millennium Development Goals.
Speaking at the matriculation of the Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Koforidua, Mr Kumi said “the earlier we set up this college, the better for quality nursing and midwifery care in the country”.
In all, there were 150 matriculants who will pursue a diploma in registered general nursing and registered midwifery programmes for the 2008/2009 academic year.
The director said due to improved financial access under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and free maternal delivery, there had been relative increase in patients visit to the various health facilities across the country.
Furthermore, he indicated that unlike the past, modern health care had placed an enormous responsibility on nurses and midwives in terms of technical and managerial functions at health posts.
“There is the whole area of research, problem solving and communication skills, as well as the use of information technology (IT) in order for nurses and midwives to be effective and efficient in patient care delivery,” he explained.
For these reasons, Mr Kyeremeh stressed the need for the college to be established to allow for specialisation within the profession, contrary to what pertained today.
He advised nurses and midwives not to perceive themselves as a lower calibre of staff who were only to take instructions, an anomaly, which he said, must be corrected.
“We should be well informed and confident to correct and challenge medical instructions if they fall short of the required standards, since it is teamwork and we all have collective responsibility to ensure patient safety”, he added.
“The poor staff attitude towards clients is a major concern and we still have to work hard to redeem the image of the Ghanaian nurse and midwife,” he admonished.
Mr Kyeremeh, however reminded patients of their responsibility in seeking health care, saying “together we must help to create a caring and loving environment that will facilitate healing and improve health outcomes, so we will all live happily”.
On recruitment of nurses and midwives into the service, he said that there were reforms in the sector to ensure fair staff distribution and promotion of efficiency across all the health facilities in the country.
For her part, the Principal of the college, Mrs Doreen Osah-Ayensu, said although the college was making strides with regard to discipline and academic performance, it was faced with several challenges.
She mentioned the college’s campus being used as a thoroughfare, which had exposed the students and tutors to robbers, thieves and lunatics.
other problems were lack of residential and office accommodation for tutors, lack of transportation and inadequate funds for maintenance.
This, he said, would also afford the country the opportunity to achieve quality health care , as well as various international targets particularly reduction in child mortality and improvement in maternal health under the Millennium Development Goals.
Speaking at the matriculation of the Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Koforidua, Mr Kumi said “the earlier we set up this college, the better for quality nursing and midwifery care in the country”.
In all, there were 150 matriculants who will pursue a diploma in registered general nursing and registered midwifery programmes for the 2008/2009 academic year.
The director said due to improved financial access under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and free maternal delivery, there had been relative increase in patients visit to the various health facilities across the country.
Furthermore, he indicated that unlike the past, modern health care had placed an enormous responsibility on nurses and midwives in terms of technical and managerial functions at health posts.
“There is the whole area of research, problem solving and communication skills, as well as the use of information technology (IT) in order for nurses and midwives to be effective and efficient in patient care delivery,” he explained.
For these reasons, Mr Kyeremeh stressed the need for the college to be established to allow for specialisation within the profession, contrary to what pertained today.
He advised nurses and midwives not to perceive themselves as a lower calibre of staff who were only to take instructions, an anomaly, which he said, must be corrected.
“We should be well informed and confident to correct and challenge medical instructions if they fall short of the required standards, since it is teamwork and we all have collective responsibility to ensure patient safety”, he added.
“The poor staff attitude towards clients is a major concern and we still have to work hard to redeem the image of the Ghanaian nurse and midwife,” he admonished.
Mr Kyeremeh, however reminded patients of their responsibility in seeking health care, saying “together we must help to create a caring and loving environment that will facilitate healing and improve health outcomes, so we will all live happily”.
On recruitment of nurses and midwives into the service, he said that there were reforms in the sector to ensure fair staff distribution and promotion of efficiency across all the health facilities in the country.
For her part, the Principal of the college, Mrs Doreen Osah-Ayensu, said although the college was making strides with regard to discipline and academic performance, it was faced with several challenges.
She mentioned the college’s campus being used as a thoroughfare, which had exposed the students and tutors to robbers, thieves and lunatics.
other problems were lack of residential and office accommodation for tutors, lack of transportation and inadequate funds for maintenance.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
ALL NATIONS UNIVERISTY HOLDS FIRST CONVOCATION (PAGE 22)
THE All Nations University College (ANUC) in Koforidua has held its first supplementary convocation during which 18 students passed out in different disciplines.
Out of the number, one had first class honours, two secured second class upper division, five obtained second class lower division, six had third class and another, a pass.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the university, Dr Samuel H. Donkor, called on the new graduates to be guided by good work ethics so that they would be able to make positive contributions to national development.
“As you begin your professional career, you must always be guided by the virtues of dedication, discipline, hard work and the fear of God while at home, workplace or the community around you to assist society which should be your dream”, he stated.
Dr Donkor said one of the missions of the university was to equip students for good work to enable them to make the positive impact required of a graduate in society.
“The fulfilment of man’s psychological need for achievement is obtained by self-application, hands-on experience, positive contribution to society through hard work”, Dr Donkor said.
In line with the institution’s moral training, he said over the past four years the university had initiated a programme dubbed “Total Personality Development” under which students were taught the basic requirements for Godly living combined with skill acquisition.
“Recognising that knowledge for innovation, creativity and invention come only from God, we have guided you to practise the knowledge acquired in science and engineering under the guidance of God, who alone can reveal invention to the spirit of man”, he said.
Highlighting some of the achievements of the university, Dr Donkor said the ANUC was the first in the country to establish bachelor degree programmes in Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering as well as Biomedical Engineering.
The ANUC, he also indicated, was in the process of coming out with a degree programme in Oil and Gas Engineering.
In view of the new academic programmes that would require additional infrastructure, he said construction work on a newly- acquired 1,000-acre land near Akwadum on the Koforidua-Suhum Road, had started.
The project, when completed, would include facilities for Oil and Gas Engineering, 12 workshops, laboratories, six lecture theatres and an 828-capacity auditorium and offices.
He added that work would also start in the near future on a 900-capacity students’ hostel as well as bungalows for faculty members, adding that those facilities when completed would transform the ANUC into one of the best universities in the country in terms of facilities.
“These modern facilities would create a congenial atmosphere on campus to offer the best education in the country”, he stated.
For his part, the Chancellor of the ANUC, Daasebre Oti Boateng encouraged the new graduates to pursue courses to acquire more skills to serve society better.
That, according to him, had become necessary due to rapid technological advancement that needed special skills to move society forward
Out of the number, one had first class honours, two secured second class upper division, five obtained second class lower division, six had third class and another, a pass.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the university, Dr Samuel H. Donkor, called on the new graduates to be guided by good work ethics so that they would be able to make positive contributions to national development.
“As you begin your professional career, you must always be guided by the virtues of dedication, discipline, hard work and the fear of God while at home, workplace or the community around you to assist society which should be your dream”, he stated.
Dr Donkor said one of the missions of the university was to equip students for good work to enable them to make the positive impact required of a graduate in society.
“The fulfilment of man’s psychological need for achievement is obtained by self-application, hands-on experience, positive contribution to society through hard work”, Dr Donkor said.
In line with the institution’s moral training, he said over the past four years the university had initiated a programme dubbed “Total Personality Development” under which students were taught the basic requirements for Godly living combined with skill acquisition.
“Recognising that knowledge for innovation, creativity and invention come only from God, we have guided you to practise the knowledge acquired in science and engineering under the guidance of God, who alone can reveal invention to the spirit of man”, he said.
Highlighting some of the achievements of the university, Dr Donkor said the ANUC was the first in the country to establish bachelor degree programmes in Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering as well as Biomedical Engineering.
The ANUC, he also indicated, was in the process of coming out with a degree programme in Oil and Gas Engineering.
In view of the new academic programmes that would require additional infrastructure, he said construction work on a newly- acquired 1,000-acre land near Akwadum on the Koforidua-Suhum Road, had started.
The project, when completed, would include facilities for Oil and Gas Engineering, 12 workshops, laboratories, six lecture theatres and an 828-capacity auditorium and offices.
He added that work would also start in the near future on a 900-capacity students’ hostel as well as bungalows for faculty members, adding that those facilities when completed would transform the ANUC into one of the best universities in the country in terms of facilities.
“These modern facilities would create a congenial atmosphere on campus to offer the best education in the country”, he stated.
For his part, the Chancellor of the ANUC, Daasebre Oti Boateng encouraged the new graduates to pursue courses to acquire more skills to serve society better.
That, according to him, had become necessary due to rapid technological advancement that needed special skills to move society forward
Friday, February 6, 2009
FIFTH ENGULFS SUHUM GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL (PAGE 22)
A huge pile of refuse close to the entrance of the Suhum Government Hospital is posing a serious health risk to staff and patients, as well as residents in the locality.
The refuse dump, which has been in the area for years, is an eyesore to those who visit the hospital. Also, a terrible stench emanates from the refuse dump and engulfs the entire compound and the various wards, particularly the Maternal and Children’s wards.
Besides the health hazards, smoke also often emanates from the rubbish dump when it is being burnt, and this pollutes the atmosphere, causing respiratory problems to the staff and the patients.
The Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Divine Apaloo, who voiced grave concerns, told the Daily Graphic that the dump further provided an environment for hordes of vultures and other harmful creatures that mostly hover over the hospital.
“It is always common to find countless vultures, flies, mosquitoes, as well as snakes, in and around the hospital, particularly during the rainy season due to the mere presence of the rubbish Dr Apaloo said.
He mentioned some of the health risks as frequent outbreak of cholera, malaria and typhoid fevers, as well as respiratory problems, among some of the workers and patients of the hospital.
According to him, the staff of the hospital and patients in the out-patients department (OPD) were often compelled to leave their offices and the premises of the OPD, a situation that constituted a hindrance to smooth health care in the hospital.
Dr Apaloo said although the management of the facility had on many occasions drawn the attention of both the district and regional branches of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the district assembly to all this, “our efforts have all fallen on deaf ears.”
He therefore appealed to the incoming Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District Assembly administration as well as the district and regional offices of the EPA, to help relocate the refuse dump.
This, he contended, would enable the hospital to render quality health care to the residents of the area and its environs.
For his part, the Administrator of the hospital, Mr Daniel K. Yeboah, expressed worry over the way in which the refuse dump and its environs became waterlogged during the rainy season, noting that such a situation often resulted in effluents from the dump seeping into River Suhum located a few metres away.
According to him, the river, which stretches beyond Suhum, has over the years remained the main source of drinking water for most surrounding communities, such as Wodokum, Abenabo, Asuboi and Kwasi Kpongo.
“The ability of the assembly and other relevant bodies to relocate the rubbish will not only serve the interests of the hospital but also those of communities that depend on River Suhum as their source of drinking water he stated.
The refuse dump, which has been in the area for years, is an eyesore to those who visit the hospital. Also, a terrible stench emanates from the refuse dump and engulfs the entire compound and the various wards, particularly the Maternal and Children’s wards.
Besides the health hazards, smoke also often emanates from the rubbish dump when it is being burnt, and this pollutes the atmosphere, causing respiratory problems to the staff and the patients.
The Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Divine Apaloo, who voiced grave concerns, told the Daily Graphic that the dump further provided an environment for hordes of vultures and other harmful creatures that mostly hover over the hospital.
“It is always common to find countless vultures, flies, mosquitoes, as well as snakes, in and around the hospital, particularly during the rainy season due to the mere presence of the rubbish Dr Apaloo said.
He mentioned some of the health risks as frequent outbreak of cholera, malaria and typhoid fevers, as well as respiratory problems, among some of the workers and patients of the hospital.
According to him, the staff of the hospital and patients in the out-patients department (OPD) were often compelled to leave their offices and the premises of the OPD, a situation that constituted a hindrance to smooth health care in the hospital.
Dr Apaloo said although the management of the facility had on many occasions drawn the attention of both the district and regional branches of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the district assembly to all this, “our efforts have all fallen on deaf ears.”
He therefore appealed to the incoming Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District Assembly administration as well as the district and regional offices of the EPA, to help relocate the refuse dump.
This, he contended, would enable the hospital to render quality health care to the residents of the area and its environs.
For his part, the Administrator of the hospital, Mr Daniel K. Yeboah, expressed worry over the way in which the refuse dump and its environs became waterlogged during the rainy season, noting that such a situation often resulted in effluents from the dump seeping into River Suhum located a few metres away.
According to him, the river, which stretches beyond Suhum, has over the years remained the main source of drinking water for most surrounding communities, such as Wodokum, Abenabo, Asuboi and Kwasi Kpongo.
“The ability of the assembly and other relevant bodies to relocate the rubbish will not only serve the interests of the hospital but also those of communities that depend on River Suhum as their source of drinking water he stated.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
SUHUM NDC HOLDS THANKSGIVING (PAGE 13)
A Leading member of the Suhum Branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nana Asante Yamoah, has appealed to Muslim parents and guardians to give priority to the education of their children, especially the girl-child.
This, he said, would enable them to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills needed to become responsible citizens in the future.
Nana Yamoah was speaking at a thanksgiving service held by the Suhum NDC branch of the Soyaya Club to thank God for the just ended peaceful elections in the country.
In the view of Nana Yamoah, Zongo Communities in the country had the lowest child enrolment across all levels of education among the Ghanaian population, a situation that should be a source of concern to Moslem parents and authorities.
“Until we enrol our children, especially the girl-child, in schools to enable them to nurture their potentials, we can never hope to see them as future leaders occupying responsible positions in society and the nation as a whole,” he explained.
The leading member, who expressed gratitude to the Zongo Communities for their support for the NDC during the recent elections, however, urged them to continue to show commitment to the party, adding, “We must guard against the tactics of the NPP to cause division in our ranks”.
Nana Yamoah explained that since the support of the NDC by Zongo Communities had enabled the NDC to wrest power from the NPP, “we will ensure that your efforts do not go unnoticed”.
“For this reason, we must be steadfast and patient and help the NDC to pursue its objectives of improving the conditions of the populace,” he reiterated.
For his part, the National Organiser of the Soyaya Club, Alhaji M. M. Sanni, who highlighted the objectives of the club, said the association had been established in seven regions across the country to support NDC members in the various Zongo Communities to take self-help projects and provide financial support to brilliant children in such communities.
He therefore enjoined other Zongo residents to join the association to enable them to enjoy the benefits of being members of the club.
This, he said, would enable them to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills needed to become responsible citizens in the future.
Nana Yamoah was speaking at a thanksgiving service held by the Suhum NDC branch of the Soyaya Club to thank God for the just ended peaceful elections in the country.
In the view of Nana Yamoah, Zongo Communities in the country had the lowest child enrolment across all levels of education among the Ghanaian population, a situation that should be a source of concern to Moslem parents and authorities.
“Until we enrol our children, especially the girl-child, in schools to enable them to nurture their potentials, we can never hope to see them as future leaders occupying responsible positions in society and the nation as a whole,” he explained.
The leading member, who expressed gratitude to the Zongo Communities for their support for the NDC during the recent elections, however, urged them to continue to show commitment to the party, adding, “We must guard against the tactics of the NPP to cause division in our ranks”.
Nana Yamoah explained that since the support of the NDC by Zongo Communities had enabled the NDC to wrest power from the NPP, “we will ensure that your efforts do not go unnoticed”.
“For this reason, we must be steadfast and patient and help the NDC to pursue its objectives of improving the conditions of the populace,” he reiterated.
For his part, the National Organiser of the Soyaya Club, Alhaji M. M. Sanni, who highlighted the objectives of the club, said the association had been established in seven regions across the country to support NDC members in the various Zongo Communities to take self-help projects and provide financial support to brilliant children in such communities.
He therefore enjoined other Zongo residents to join the association to enable them to enjoy the benefits of being members of the club.
Monday, February 2, 2009
POLICE WARNED AGAINST INDISCRIMINATE USE OF FIREARMS (SPREAD)
THE Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Frank Adu-Poku, has cautioned police constables against indiscriminate use of firearms, brutalisation of people, bribery and corruption.
He said any breach of discipline and regulations governing the police service could result in the premature end to their career. “Do not engage yourselves in unauthorised and illegal operations. Bear in mind that you will be closely monitored during your 18-month probation and any breach of discipline will most likely end your career prematurely,” DCOP Adu-Poku warned.
DCOP Adu-Poku, who was speaking at the passing-out parade of 95 recruits at Koforidua at the weekend, said “bear in mind that it takes a great deal of effort to earn the trust of the public but a few seconds to destroy it”.
The passing out, the first this year and witnessed by a large gathering of families and relatives of the recruits, saw General Recruit Stephen Antwi being adjudged the Overall Best Recruit.
The CID Director-General said modern police work was now subject to public scrutiny, hence the need for police officers to act justly in their everyday endeavours to enable them to win the trust and confidence of the public.
This, he said, required personnel to exhibit the highest level of professionalism and maintain a high standard, which demanded an equally high level of integrity on their part.
The CID Director-General further admonished police personnel to maintain a high loyalty in the course of duty, reminding them that they would be called on to undertake difficult and challenging law enforcement duties.
He said any breach of discipline and regulations governing the police service could result in the premature end to their career. “Do not engage yourselves in unauthorised and illegal operations. Bear in mind that you will be closely monitored during your 18-month probation and any breach of discipline will most likely end your career prematurely,” DCOP Adu-Poku warned.
DCOP Adu-Poku, who was speaking at the passing-out parade of 95 recruits at Koforidua at the weekend, said “bear in mind that it takes a great deal of effort to earn the trust of the public but a few seconds to destroy it”.
The passing out, the first this year and witnessed by a large gathering of families and relatives of the recruits, saw General Recruit Stephen Antwi being adjudged the Overall Best Recruit.
The CID Director-General said modern police work was now subject to public scrutiny, hence the need for police officers to act justly in their everyday endeavours to enable them to win the trust and confidence of the public.
This, he said, required personnel to exhibit the highest level of professionalism and maintain a high standard, which demanded an equally high level of integrity on their part.
The CID Director-General further admonished police personnel to maintain a high loyalty in the course of duty, reminding them that they would be called on to undertake difficult and challenging law enforcement duties.
BALLOT PAPERS SENT TO EC'S OFFICE FOR SECURITY REASONS (PAGE 17, JAN 30)
THE Eastern Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC), together with representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as police personnel have conveyed all the 114 ballot boxes for the just-ended parliamentary elections in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region from the Akosombo Police Station to the EC’s office in Koforidua.
This followed an order by a Koforidua High Court on January 23, this year that the ballot papers should be sent to the EC’s office in Koforidua for security reasons.
The court, presided over by Justice Owusu Kwarteng, was trying the case in which Kofi Osei Ameyaw, the NPP parliamentary candidate for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the elections had filed a writ, praying the court to declare the election of Mr Asare Okoto, the NDC candidate, null and void.
In the suit, Mr Ameyaw also prayed the court to do a recount of all the ballot papers in respect of the elections in the constituency and declare him (Osei Ameyaw) as the duly elected MP for the constituency.
The court gave the order after a Koforidua barrister, Mr Francis Polly, counsel for Osei Ameyaw, had asked the court to order the removal of the ballot boxes from the EC’s office in the constituency, which he said was a wooden structure, since there was the possibility of the place to be burnt down as happened to the EC’s office in the Tain Constituency.
Counsel also stated that there was the possibility of the EC officials tampering with the ballot boxes if they remained in the EC’s office at Asuogyaman.
Justice Kwarteng, after listening to Mr Polly’s argument, ordered the removal of the boxes, which he said should be done by the EC, the police and the parties involved.
This followed an order by a Koforidua High Court on January 23, this year that the ballot papers should be sent to the EC’s office in Koforidua for security reasons.
The court, presided over by Justice Owusu Kwarteng, was trying the case in which Kofi Osei Ameyaw, the NPP parliamentary candidate for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the elections had filed a writ, praying the court to declare the election of Mr Asare Okoto, the NDC candidate, null and void.
In the suit, Mr Ameyaw also prayed the court to do a recount of all the ballot papers in respect of the elections in the constituency and declare him (Osei Ameyaw) as the duly elected MP for the constituency.
The court gave the order after a Koforidua barrister, Mr Francis Polly, counsel for Osei Ameyaw, had asked the court to order the removal of the ballot boxes from the EC’s office in the constituency, which he said was a wooden structure, since there was the possibility of the place to be burnt down as happened to the EC’s office in the Tain Constituency.
Counsel also stated that there was the possibility of the EC officials tampering with the ballot boxes if they remained in the EC’s office at Asuogyaman.
Justice Kwarteng, after listening to Mr Polly’s argument, ordered the removal of the boxes, which he said should be done by the EC, the police and the parties involved.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
HFC DONATES TO NEW JUABENG POLICE (PAGE 20, JAN 23)
THE Koforidua branch of the Home Finance Company Limited (HFC) has presented two television sets to the New Juaben Municipal Police Command.
The donation formed part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility to improve security in the municipality.
Presenting the items, the Branch Manager, Mr Samuel Ntiri Opoku, said the donation was also prompted by the good working relationship between the Police Service in the area and the bank.
He expressed the hope that with time, his outfit would make more of such donations to enable the police to beef up security in the area.
“Since the inception of HFC Bank, Koforidua, in April 2007, we have discovered that the absence of a television set at the New Juaben Municipal Police Station is a source of concern, hence the need to provide these sets to facilitate the work of the police”, Mr Opoku said.
Receiving the items, the New Juaben Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent John A. Naami, thanked the bank for their support and pledged to ensure that the items were put to good use to serve the purpose for which they were presented.
Meanwhile, the South Akim Rural Bank has also presented a cheque for GH¢300 to the New Juaben Municipal Police Command as part of the bank’s corporate responsibility to improve security situation in the area.
The donation formed part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility to improve security in the municipality.
Presenting the items, the Branch Manager, Mr Samuel Ntiri Opoku, said the donation was also prompted by the good working relationship between the Police Service in the area and the bank.
He expressed the hope that with time, his outfit would make more of such donations to enable the police to beef up security in the area.
“Since the inception of HFC Bank, Koforidua, in April 2007, we have discovered that the absence of a television set at the New Juaben Municipal Police Station is a source of concern, hence the need to provide these sets to facilitate the work of the police”, Mr Opoku said.
Receiving the items, the New Juaben Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent John A. Naami, thanked the bank for their support and pledged to ensure that the items were put to good use to serve the purpose for which they were presented.
Meanwhile, the South Akim Rural Bank has also presented a cheque for GH¢300 to the New Juaben Municipal Police Command as part of the bank’s corporate responsibility to improve security situation in the area.
KAMA GROUP HEAD MADE PENTECOST ELDER (PAGE 20), JAN 21
THE Chairman of the KAMA Group of Companies Ltd, Dr Michael Agyekum Addo, has been ordained as an Elder of the Church of Pentecost in the Jumapo District of the New Juaben Municipality.
Dr Addo’s ordination followed his commitment, dedication, humility and immense contributions to the activities of the church over the years.
Administering the oath to Dr Addo during the ordination at Jumapo on Sunday, the Koforidua Area Head of the church, Apostle Samuel K. Fosu, described Dr Addo as a humble and industrious member of the church who had worked assiduously to facilitate the growth of the Pentecost Church of Ghana over the years.
He also commended the immense contributions Dr Addo had made to the airing of the Pentecost Hour on GTV and the numerous sponsorships he had provided to a number of young people from the basic education to the university level as well as the various philanthropic roles he had played within and outside the church.
“Due to his humility as a Christian businessman and the immense role he has played in the growth of our church, God has blessed Dr Addo to make a significant progress in his business and to be useful to mankind”, Apostle Fosu said.
Apostle Fosu noted that Dr Addo, having been chosen as Chairman of the Pentecost University College Council and chairman of the Koforidua Area of the Pentecost Social Services, had exhibited an exemplary commitment and support, which must be emulated by the members of the church as well as Christians to enable them to fulfill what God required of Christians as followers of Christ.
Responding, Dr Addo, joined by his family, thanked the church for its support and co-operation and pledged to be guided by humility and dedication to help the church achieve its objectives.
He appealed to the elders of the church to show humility in their everyday endeavours and always be at the service of the people to enable them to become role models to the youth.
Preaching a sermon on the theme “Fear Not”, a retired Apostle of the church, Apostle Asomaning Sarpong, called on Christians to cultivate a "holy fear" as a sign of reverence for their maker and urged them not to allow the fear of the world to overcome them.
“He who obeys God’s commandments and does what He requires of him does not lack anything as God is his sole provider”, he added.
Dr Addo’s ordination followed his commitment, dedication, humility and immense contributions to the activities of the church over the years.
Administering the oath to Dr Addo during the ordination at Jumapo on Sunday, the Koforidua Area Head of the church, Apostle Samuel K. Fosu, described Dr Addo as a humble and industrious member of the church who had worked assiduously to facilitate the growth of the Pentecost Church of Ghana over the years.
He also commended the immense contributions Dr Addo had made to the airing of the Pentecost Hour on GTV and the numerous sponsorships he had provided to a number of young people from the basic education to the university level as well as the various philanthropic roles he had played within and outside the church.
“Due to his humility as a Christian businessman and the immense role he has played in the growth of our church, God has blessed Dr Addo to make a significant progress in his business and to be useful to mankind”, Apostle Fosu said.
Apostle Fosu noted that Dr Addo, having been chosen as Chairman of the Pentecost University College Council and chairman of the Koforidua Area of the Pentecost Social Services, had exhibited an exemplary commitment and support, which must be emulated by the members of the church as well as Christians to enable them to fulfill what God required of Christians as followers of Christ.
Responding, Dr Addo, joined by his family, thanked the church for its support and co-operation and pledged to be guided by humility and dedication to help the church achieve its objectives.
He appealed to the elders of the church to show humility in their everyday endeavours and always be at the service of the people to enable them to become role models to the youth.
Preaching a sermon on the theme “Fear Not”, a retired Apostle of the church, Apostle Asomaning Sarpong, called on Christians to cultivate a "holy fear" as a sign of reverence for their maker and urged them not to allow the fear of the world to overcome them.
“He who obeys God’s commandments and does what He requires of him does not lack anything as God is his sole provider”, he added.
ADOAGYIRI ZONGO YOUTH AGAINST MASS BURIAL (BACK PAGE JAN 20)
AN attempt by contractors to exhume bodies from the Nsawam Adoagyiri Zongo cemetry for mass burial elsewhere to pave the way for the Nsawam-Kumasi bypass has created unrest in the community.
Over the weekend, scores of angry youth from Adoagyiri Zongo, wielding machetes, sticks, bows and arrows and other weapons, stormed the new site on the outskirts of the town and blocked the mass grave that has been dug for the purpose by Wag Construction Group of China, which is undertaking the road construction.
They engaged in a violent demonstration resulting in the destruction of some of the roofing sheets that have been used by the contractors to seal off the area and also vandalised the structure in which some tools for the construction work are being kept.
A visit to the Adoagyiri cemetery by the Daily Graphic revealed that the grave dug for the mass burial a few metres away from the cemetery had been covered, while at least 10 concrete graves had been destroyed.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, the Nsawam Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Daniel Nyampong, said a group from the Adoagyiri Zongo went to the cemetery to bury their dead at about 5.30 p.m. last Saturday and discovered that a big grave meant for mass burial had been dug a few metres away from the cemetery.
He said the youth immediately rushed back to the community to inform their peers about the development, prompting a number of them to go back to the cemetery with all sorts of offensive weapons to cover the mass grave and register their anger at the contractors and their workers.
Superintendent Nyampong said the youth were demanding that until a new site was found for burial, they would not agree to the mass burial of bodies and had therefore appealed to the elders of the community to fast-tract efforts at resolving the issue.
To prevent further disturbances in the area, Superintendent Nyampong said a DISEC meeting attended by elders of the Zongo Community, the Municipal Chief Executive and the assembly member for the area, as well as one of the consultants for the construction firm, was held on Sunday to find a solution to the problem.
Meanwhile when the Daily Graphic contacted the elders of the Zongo Community at about 6.00 p.m., they denied rumours that bodies of dead relatives and members of the community had been exhumed from graves at the cemetery.
Attempts to reach the contractors of the project, however, proved futile.
Over the weekend, scores of angry youth from Adoagyiri Zongo, wielding machetes, sticks, bows and arrows and other weapons, stormed the new site on the outskirts of the town and blocked the mass grave that has been dug for the purpose by Wag Construction Group of China, which is undertaking the road construction.
They engaged in a violent demonstration resulting in the destruction of some of the roofing sheets that have been used by the contractors to seal off the area and also vandalised the structure in which some tools for the construction work are being kept.
A visit to the Adoagyiri cemetery by the Daily Graphic revealed that the grave dug for the mass burial a few metres away from the cemetery had been covered, while at least 10 concrete graves had been destroyed.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, the Nsawam Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Daniel Nyampong, said a group from the Adoagyiri Zongo went to the cemetery to bury their dead at about 5.30 p.m. last Saturday and discovered that a big grave meant for mass burial had been dug a few metres away from the cemetery.
He said the youth immediately rushed back to the community to inform their peers about the development, prompting a number of them to go back to the cemetery with all sorts of offensive weapons to cover the mass grave and register their anger at the contractors and their workers.
Superintendent Nyampong said the youth were demanding that until a new site was found for burial, they would not agree to the mass burial of bodies and had therefore appealed to the elders of the community to fast-tract efforts at resolving the issue.
To prevent further disturbances in the area, Superintendent Nyampong said a DISEC meeting attended by elders of the Zongo Community, the Municipal Chief Executive and the assembly member for the area, as well as one of the consultants for the construction firm, was held on Sunday to find a solution to the problem.
Meanwhile when the Daily Graphic contacted the elders of the Zongo Community at about 6.00 p.m., they denied rumours that bodies of dead relatives and members of the community had been exhumed from graves at the cemetery.
Attempts to reach the contractors of the project, however, proved futile.
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