The activities of hawkers at the Essipon stadium in Sekondi pose danger to the safety of the teeming spectators who troop there to support their favourite teams.
The hawkers, who sell ice cream, bread and kebab, carry knives which they use in their trade. The danger is that at the end of every 90 minutes of competitive football there are winners and losers.
Very often the losers tend to take offence at the least provocation while the winners celebrate in a manner that sometimes result in fierce confrontations and fight.
An aggrieved supporter could just grab a knife when what is supposed to be fun rather causes anger.
The hawkers are supposed to be off the stands and sell at the evacuation square or on the corridors of the first floor to the stands.
Some supporters told the Daily Graphic that the National Sports Council had to set the limit the hawkers could go in their attempt to sell their wares.
According to them, the knives and kebab sticks and pepper could serve as weapons and should not be allowed where crowd with much expectation in their hearts are gathered.
According to Mr Philip K. Kurankye, a football enthusiast, even though they had taken notice of the activities of the hawkers who carried knives and other weapons, there was nothing he could say as a spectator and wondered if the authorities had taken note of the looming danger.
“To me, under normal circumstances, the best thing to do is to allow the hawkers only on the corridors so that during recess those who wanted to take in something could go there and refresh themselves but not to allow them to move to the stands. It is very dangerous,” he said.
He added that apart from the danger the weapons posed to soccer fans the hawkers also blocked the view of supporters and sometimes needed to be prompted before giving way for spectators to watch their matches.
When contacted, Mr P.N. Akowua, the officer in charge of the stadium, expressed regret about the situation and said, “I have personally driven the hawkers out and given a directive that they should not be allowed into the stands”.
He said their presence at the stands was no doubt a security threat and that he would investigate to find out why the orders he gave to the council was flouted.
“Safety is our hallmark and we will not compromise it for anything, ” he said.
Monday, June 30, 2008
WANTED EX-ECOBANK EMPLOYEE ARRESTED (PAGE 3)
THE Western Regional Police Command has arrested a former employee of the Takoradi Branch of Ecobank who bolted with GH¢43,000 he collected from two of the bank’s customers but failed to deposit it in their accounts.
After his arrest at a hideout in Ashaiman, near Tema, the suspect, Prosper Amedior, admitted stealing the money.
Amedior told the police that he used the money to purchase three vehicles — including two saloon cars for use as taxis — and one cross-country vehicle. He said he also used part of it to acquire land for farming, for which he had purchased some farm inputs.
The suspect was a detail officer for cash mobilisation within Takoradi but last month he bolted with the amount collected from two of the customers he visited.
According to the police, on the day in question, the accused visited several customers, including some dealers in MTN prepaid cards, and collected various sums of money to be deposited in their accounts.
At the end of his duty tour, Amedior returned to the banking hall but refused to deposit the amount in the accounts of the customers he had dealt with that day and was said to have told officials that there had been a power outage on the premises of the customers and so there had been no transaction with them.
The police said Amedior failed to report for work the next day and when his house was visited by the bank’s officials, it was discovered that he had vacated his rented abode.
That prompted an immediate auditing of his transactions, during which it was discovered that Amedior had failed to deposit GH¢38,450 he had collected from V-Mobile and GH¢4,520 from another customer, making it a total of GH¢42,970.
His conduct was then reported to the police, who sought him until his arrest.
The suspect also admitted to the police that the young man in charge of cash at V-Mobile and who had been picked up earlier for questioning was not part of his plan to bolt with the money.
The police have, meanwhile, recovered the three vehicles and transported them, together with Amedior, to the Western Regional Police Command.
The suspect was arraigned and remanded in police custody pending further investigations.
After his arrest at a hideout in Ashaiman, near Tema, the suspect, Prosper Amedior, admitted stealing the money.
Amedior told the police that he used the money to purchase three vehicles — including two saloon cars for use as taxis — and one cross-country vehicle. He said he also used part of it to acquire land for farming, for which he had purchased some farm inputs.
The suspect was a detail officer for cash mobilisation within Takoradi but last month he bolted with the amount collected from two of the customers he visited.
According to the police, on the day in question, the accused visited several customers, including some dealers in MTN prepaid cards, and collected various sums of money to be deposited in their accounts.
At the end of his duty tour, Amedior returned to the banking hall but refused to deposit the amount in the accounts of the customers he had dealt with that day and was said to have told officials that there had been a power outage on the premises of the customers and so there had been no transaction with them.
The police said Amedior failed to report for work the next day and when his house was visited by the bank’s officials, it was discovered that he had vacated his rented abode.
That prompted an immediate auditing of his transactions, during which it was discovered that Amedior had failed to deposit GH¢38,450 he had collected from V-Mobile and GH¢4,520 from another customer, making it a total of GH¢42,970.
His conduct was then reported to the police, who sought him until his arrest.
The suspect also admitted to the police that the young man in charge of cash at V-Mobile and who had been picked up earlier for questioning was not part of his plan to bolt with the money.
The police have, meanwhile, recovered the three vehicles and transported them, together with Amedior, to the Western Regional Police Command.
The suspect was arraigned and remanded in police custody pending further investigations.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
HOW CAN ROAD ACCIDENTS BE REDUCED? (MIRROR FORUM, PAGE 31)
BISMARK BOAKYE
REGIONAL HEAD, NATIONAL ROAD
SAFETY COMMISSION.
Most of the accidents on our roads can be attributed to complete disregard for road safety regulations. According to the law, every vehicle has a limit in terms of the load that it is required to carry as well as the speed. On highways vehicles are to travel at 80km per hour and 50km per hour when approaching a settlement, especially populated ones.
Unfortunately, drivers go beyond the permitted speed limits and even refuse to take rest in between distances. But man cannot cheat nature and, when the body is weak, one is bound to lose concentration and then sleep would take over and this inevitably results in accidents.
What many drivers forget, especially those who drive heavy-duty vehicles is that when they overload their vehicles more fuel is consumed in the process. Indeed, some of the big vehicles are the cause of damage to our roads due to the excess weight that they carry. It is therefore important that the police are put on patrol to check vehicles that overload.
I will advocate improved ways of testing for drivers. I think that the DVLA should re-test drivers before they are employed. The National Road Safety Commission is doing everything possible to ensure that the message of safety on our roads is understood by drivers, but, I must say that many drivers have an attitude problem that need to be checked if the nation is to make a headway with safety on our roads.
KWAME INSAIDOO ,
BROADCAST
JOURNALIST.
I think there should be some form of mechanism that would ensure that those through whose negligence people die from road accidents have the names or the number of the dead printed on their licences so that when they go looking for a new job the new employer will know of his or her record.
It is unimagniable to lose 21 people on a single day through vehicular accident. It is unfortunate to lose a section of the country’s human resource this way.
I think that the authorities concerned would have to device a means of constructing separate driving routes for trucks and haulage vehicles. This way, I believe our roads would be made safer for everyone. Accidents that happen, particularly on the Accra-Cape Coast-Takoradi road are as a result of complete disregard for safety regulations including the required permissible speeds for vehicles travelling on that road. To make matters worse the haulage, articulated and tipper trucks also carry weight far in excess of that demanded of them.
The presence of police patrols especially on the Accra-Takoradi route, is something that must be seriously considered. In fact drivers who ply the Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Takoradi roads are noted for speeding in their attempt to have as many return trips as possible. And this has been a major contributor to road accidents in the country.
I would like to appeal to the Inspector General of Police as a matter of urgency to restore the services of the police patrol on our roads, and also to resource the police adequately so that they can perform effectively.
REV. ODURO TWUM,
DVLA REGIONAL BOSS
Nobody in this world has the right to take the life of his or her fellow human being, be it through road accident or any other means. Indeed, it should not be said of us as motorists into whose hands the lives of passengers have been entrusted that we are the cause of loss of lives.
There are laws in this country to guide road usage and driving. Among other regulations, drivers are required to take enough rest after covering certain distances to ensure that they are fit enough for the rest of the journey.
That aside, some roads have lots of curves and the manner some people overload and drive their vehicles is not the best. Many of the buses, trucks and vans were not manufactured to carry passengers or goods. However, after registering the vehicles their owners clandestinely convert them.
When vehicles carry beyond the permissible tonnage it becomes difficult in the event of an emergency to manouvre to safety. Because of the weight of the load, it takes a long time for the vehicle to stabilise and to come to a stop, a situation which in most cases results in chaos as happened in the accident at Essoko-Assaman between the STC bus and the haulage truck.
Furthermore, most haulage truck drivers are paid on a commision basis, depending on the number of trips they make in a day. As such they defy the demands of the body which is constantly calling for rest and overwork themselves, which has a telling effect on them.
It is important that we ensure that there is respect for other road users and also respect regulations and drive at speeds which would enable us to prevent dangerous situations.
DELA DZANSI
SEKONDI
Drivers should be given education to know the socio-economic effects of accidents on the country. In fact, it is important that before any driver sets off, his or her vehicle is thoroughly checked and they are themselves fit to embark on the journey.
A good driver is the one who takes cognisance of road signs, rules and regulations and makes sure that he arrives at his or her destination in one piece. It is important that drivers do not travel beyond permissible speed limits since in my estimation that is one of the major contributors to road accidents.
Cmpanies that employ drivers should make it a point to give their staff regular training since new road designs and signs are being introduced into the system. It is important that drivers do not become tired when driving. Those who travel long distances should stop occasionally and stretch their limbs and make sure they rest well before continuing the journey.
RHODALINDA AMOAH,
RESIDENT OF
TAKORADI
I have come to the realisation that no matter how careful one is on the road, there are bound to be mistakes that others would commit to put you in danger.
I wonder why trucks are still allowed to be parked on the shoulders of the road in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. In fact, this phenomenon is very rife during the cocoa season and the activity sometimes result in serious accidents.
To me road accidents can be attributed to speeding and heavy-duty vehicles are not exempted from this unhelpful behaviour. At high speed it is difficult for vehicles of all types to manouvre to safety in case of emergency. We must thank God that we are still alive
I think that to reduce the number of accidents attributed to the carelessness or negligence on the part of drivers of heavy duty vehicles, a separate road be constructed for them. As long as I can remember, many of the accidents on the Accra-Takoradi road are as a result of mistakes commited by drivers of heavy duty vehicles.
It is unfortunate for the country to be losing her human resource this way. The authorities concerned in ensuring that the right thing is done on our roads should endeavour to be stringent with the application of the rules and regulations governing road usage in this country.
EKOW SHELDERS,
SUPER MORNING SHOW HOST,
MELODY 91.1 FM, TAKORADI
I wonder if we have gradually come to accept that death through accidents—a most painful thing— is a norm in society. One of the biggest things a country could boast of is its human resource that is required to propel its growth.
There is no doubt that the oil discovery would bring countless corporate bodies to the Western Region. This means there would be an increase in passenger traffic from Accra to the region. It is therefore important that a way is found to ensure that road users go by rules and regulations of road usage in the country.
The Accra-Kumasi road is one other expressway that calls for urgent attention insofar as speed, tonnage and general road usage is concerned. If possble the authorities should regulate the times that heavy-duty vehicles may use our roads to avoid some of the recent carnage we have witnessed through road accidents.
Heavy-duty vehicle owners as well companies that own such vehicles must impress it on their drivers to take rest in between their journeys so that they can adequately rest and be fit for the remainder of their voyage. Where possible owners must put two drivers in a vehicle so that one could take over from the other midway through the journey.
ADJOA KPESENU,
TAKORADI
It is unacceptable that in this day and age, large numbers of people should be dying through avoidable road accidents. The life of every single individual in this country is important and as such every effort must be made to preserve life.
I have a problem with the way trucks are parked on the shoulders of roads in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis and the speed at which they travel. I think it does not augur well for safety on our roads at all.
It is about time we found a solution to the menace of accidents on our roads. Though accident are bound to happen, the frequency at which they occur is becoming frightening and the nation needs to sit up
Now that attention is focused on the Western Region because of the oil find, it means that traffic might increase and if that happens drivers have to be cautioned to respect speed limits on certain roads. I would like to appeal to the National Road Safety Commission and the Ghana Police Service to do more to put a stop to the carnage on our roads.
REGIONAL HEAD, NATIONAL ROAD
SAFETY COMMISSION.
Most of the accidents on our roads can be attributed to complete disregard for road safety regulations. According to the law, every vehicle has a limit in terms of the load that it is required to carry as well as the speed. On highways vehicles are to travel at 80km per hour and 50km per hour when approaching a settlement, especially populated ones.
Unfortunately, drivers go beyond the permitted speed limits and even refuse to take rest in between distances. But man cannot cheat nature and, when the body is weak, one is bound to lose concentration and then sleep would take over and this inevitably results in accidents.
What many drivers forget, especially those who drive heavy-duty vehicles is that when they overload their vehicles more fuel is consumed in the process. Indeed, some of the big vehicles are the cause of damage to our roads due to the excess weight that they carry. It is therefore important that the police are put on patrol to check vehicles that overload.
I will advocate improved ways of testing for drivers. I think that the DVLA should re-test drivers before they are employed. The National Road Safety Commission is doing everything possible to ensure that the message of safety on our roads is understood by drivers, but, I must say that many drivers have an attitude problem that need to be checked if the nation is to make a headway with safety on our roads.
KWAME INSAIDOO ,
BROADCAST
JOURNALIST.
I think there should be some form of mechanism that would ensure that those through whose negligence people die from road accidents have the names or the number of the dead printed on their licences so that when they go looking for a new job the new employer will know of his or her record.
It is unimagniable to lose 21 people on a single day through vehicular accident. It is unfortunate to lose a section of the country’s human resource this way.
I think that the authorities concerned would have to device a means of constructing separate driving routes for trucks and haulage vehicles. This way, I believe our roads would be made safer for everyone. Accidents that happen, particularly on the Accra-Cape Coast-Takoradi road are as a result of complete disregard for safety regulations including the required permissible speeds for vehicles travelling on that road. To make matters worse the haulage, articulated and tipper trucks also carry weight far in excess of that demanded of them.
The presence of police patrols especially on the Accra-Takoradi route, is something that must be seriously considered. In fact drivers who ply the Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Takoradi roads are noted for speeding in their attempt to have as many return trips as possible. And this has been a major contributor to road accidents in the country.
I would like to appeal to the Inspector General of Police as a matter of urgency to restore the services of the police patrol on our roads, and also to resource the police adequately so that they can perform effectively.
REV. ODURO TWUM,
DVLA REGIONAL BOSS
Nobody in this world has the right to take the life of his or her fellow human being, be it through road accident or any other means. Indeed, it should not be said of us as motorists into whose hands the lives of passengers have been entrusted that we are the cause of loss of lives.
There are laws in this country to guide road usage and driving. Among other regulations, drivers are required to take enough rest after covering certain distances to ensure that they are fit enough for the rest of the journey.
That aside, some roads have lots of curves and the manner some people overload and drive their vehicles is not the best. Many of the buses, trucks and vans were not manufactured to carry passengers or goods. However, after registering the vehicles their owners clandestinely convert them.
When vehicles carry beyond the permissible tonnage it becomes difficult in the event of an emergency to manouvre to safety. Because of the weight of the load, it takes a long time for the vehicle to stabilise and to come to a stop, a situation which in most cases results in chaos as happened in the accident at Essoko-Assaman between the STC bus and the haulage truck.
Furthermore, most haulage truck drivers are paid on a commision basis, depending on the number of trips they make in a day. As such they defy the demands of the body which is constantly calling for rest and overwork themselves, which has a telling effect on them.
It is important that we ensure that there is respect for other road users and also respect regulations and drive at speeds which would enable us to prevent dangerous situations.
DELA DZANSI
SEKONDI
Drivers should be given education to know the socio-economic effects of accidents on the country. In fact, it is important that before any driver sets off, his or her vehicle is thoroughly checked and they are themselves fit to embark on the journey.
A good driver is the one who takes cognisance of road signs, rules and regulations and makes sure that he arrives at his or her destination in one piece. It is important that drivers do not travel beyond permissible speed limits since in my estimation that is one of the major contributors to road accidents.
Cmpanies that employ drivers should make it a point to give their staff regular training since new road designs and signs are being introduced into the system. It is important that drivers do not become tired when driving. Those who travel long distances should stop occasionally and stretch their limbs and make sure they rest well before continuing the journey.
RHODALINDA AMOAH,
RESIDENT OF
TAKORADI
I have come to the realisation that no matter how careful one is on the road, there are bound to be mistakes that others would commit to put you in danger.
I wonder why trucks are still allowed to be parked on the shoulders of the road in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. In fact, this phenomenon is very rife during the cocoa season and the activity sometimes result in serious accidents.
To me road accidents can be attributed to speeding and heavy-duty vehicles are not exempted from this unhelpful behaviour. At high speed it is difficult for vehicles of all types to manouvre to safety in case of emergency. We must thank God that we are still alive
I think that to reduce the number of accidents attributed to the carelessness or negligence on the part of drivers of heavy duty vehicles, a separate road be constructed for them. As long as I can remember, many of the accidents on the Accra-Takoradi road are as a result of mistakes commited by drivers of heavy duty vehicles.
It is unfortunate for the country to be losing her human resource this way. The authorities concerned in ensuring that the right thing is done on our roads should endeavour to be stringent with the application of the rules and regulations governing road usage in this country.
EKOW SHELDERS,
SUPER MORNING SHOW HOST,
MELODY 91.1 FM, TAKORADI
I wonder if we have gradually come to accept that death through accidents—a most painful thing— is a norm in society. One of the biggest things a country could boast of is its human resource that is required to propel its growth.
There is no doubt that the oil discovery would bring countless corporate bodies to the Western Region. This means there would be an increase in passenger traffic from Accra to the region. It is therefore important that a way is found to ensure that road users go by rules and regulations of road usage in the country.
The Accra-Kumasi road is one other expressway that calls for urgent attention insofar as speed, tonnage and general road usage is concerned. If possble the authorities should regulate the times that heavy-duty vehicles may use our roads to avoid some of the recent carnage we have witnessed through road accidents.
Heavy-duty vehicle owners as well companies that own such vehicles must impress it on their drivers to take rest in between their journeys so that they can adequately rest and be fit for the remainder of their voyage. Where possible owners must put two drivers in a vehicle so that one could take over from the other midway through the journey.
ADJOA KPESENU,
TAKORADI
It is unacceptable that in this day and age, large numbers of people should be dying through avoidable road accidents. The life of every single individual in this country is important and as such every effort must be made to preserve life.
I have a problem with the way trucks are parked on the shoulders of roads in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis and the speed at which they travel. I think it does not augur well for safety on our roads at all.
It is about time we found a solution to the menace of accidents on our roads. Though accident are bound to happen, the frequency at which they occur is becoming frightening and the nation needs to sit up
Now that attention is focused on the Western Region because of the oil find, it means that traffic might increase and if that happens drivers have to be cautioned to respect speed limits on certain roads. I would like to appeal to the National Road Safety Commission and the Ghana Police Service to do more to put a stop to the carnage on our roads.
INCREASE IN COVER PRICE LONG OVERDUE (PAGE 18)
Readers of the flagship newspaper of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), the Daily Graphic and its sister paper, The Mirror, in the Western and Central regions have welcomed the new cover price and said it was long over due.
The cover price of the Daily Graphic will be 70 Gp from July 1, 2008.
They were of the view that the publications of the company had become an authority to which they were addicted because of their quality, fair editorial presentations as well as wider coverage of issues and readership.
A resident of Takoradi, Mr D. K. Awuni, said he expected the new cover price to be one Ghana cedi and not the 70Gp that had been announced.
In order to provide prompt and fast service for the company’s readers, the Western and Central Zonal Manager of the company, Mr Roland Sampson, has urged vendors to have enough coins to make their transactions less burdensome.
“Change enough coins after the day’s work to enable you to give change to the customers without wasting much time,” he said.
He said time was very important in today’s business practices. Therefore, “to sell more and increase the company’s market share, you must be ready with the change in order not to keep the customers waiting”.
He said every casual observer would notice that the volume and quality of the papers produced by the company - particularly the Daily Graphic and The Mirror - were well above the current cover price of 50 Gp and even the 70 Gp.
“But the company is very mindful of our social responsibility to the members of the general public and more importantly our deliberate attempt to present the average reader with very objective and factual reports of events on daily basis countrywide at an affordable price”, Mr Sampson said.
He said as a market leader in the newspaper industry in the country, “we are equally determined to reach every potential reader throughout the country, being guided by the fact that a well-informed citizenry is an asset to the country’s development efforts”.
Mr Sampson also appealed to the company’s teeming and cherished customers to make use of the Ghana pesewa coins.
The cover price of the Daily Graphic will be 70 Gp from July 1, 2008.
They were of the view that the publications of the company had become an authority to which they were addicted because of their quality, fair editorial presentations as well as wider coverage of issues and readership.
A resident of Takoradi, Mr D. K. Awuni, said he expected the new cover price to be one Ghana cedi and not the 70Gp that had been announced.
In order to provide prompt and fast service for the company’s readers, the Western and Central Zonal Manager of the company, Mr Roland Sampson, has urged vendors to have enough coins to make their transactions less burdensome.
“Change enough coins after the day’s work to enable you to give change to the customers without wasting much time,” he said.
He said time was very important in today’s business practices. Therefore, “to sell more and increase the company’s market share, you must be ready with the change in order not to keep the customers waiting”.
He said every casual observer would notice that the volume and quality of the papers produced by the company - particularly the Daily Graphic and The Mirror - were well above the current cover price of 50 Gp and even the 70 Gp.
“But the company is very mindful of our social responsibility to the members of the general public and more importantly our deliberate attempt to present the average reader with very objective and factual reports of events on daily basis countrywide at an affordable price”, Mr Sampson said.
He said as a market leader in the newspaper industry in the country, “we are equally determined to reach every potential reader throughout the country, being guided by the fact that a well-informed citizenry is an asset to the country’s development efforts”.
Mr Sampson also appealed to the company’s teeming and cherished customers to make use of the Ghana pesewa coins.
MILLS ENDS TOUR OF WESTERN REGION (PAGE 14)
THE flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, has ended the third phase of his tour of the Western Region with a call on Ghanaians to register when the Electoral Commission opens the voters register.
This, he said, would ensure that they could vote the NDC into power to take the reins of government.
The flag bearer who made the call during rallies at various parts of the region, including Kwesimintsim, Market Circle, Kokompe and Botuase at Sekondi and Mpohor, said change and victory was staring at them, and that there was the need for all to register and have a valid voters identity card to vote the elephant out.
He urged supporters of the party to conduct their campaigns in a civil manner since irrespective of politics “we are all Ghanaians”.
At the Trinity Presbyterian Church where Professor Mills and his team paid reverence to God and had meeting with the Local Council of Churches, he was charged to let truth, love and uprightness be his watchword.
Prof Mills thanked them and urged the supporters to first acknowledge God in everything they did.
The people of Mpohor welcomed him with brass band music at the outskirts of the town.
At Kokompe, the artisans left their tools and lined up the street with gallons to remind the flag bearer that, at the time the NDC was leaving office, the price of petrol was 64Gp but today the price was GHC53, and still moving up.
At Sekondi, roads were besieged and residents, both young and old, danced.
Addressing the gathering Professor Mills charged the people to get ready and be part of the change.
He said they should not feel that the Western Region had been neglected.
This, he said, would ensure that they could vote the NDC into power to take the reins of government.
The flag bearer who made the call during rallies at various parts of the region, including Kwesimintsim, Market Circle, Kokompe and Botuase at Sekondi and Mpohor, said change and victory was staring at them, and that there was the need for all to register and have a valid voters identity card to vote the elephant out.
He urged supporters of the party to conduct their campaigns in a civil manner since irrespective of politics “we are all Ghanaians”.
At the Trinity Presbyterian Church where Professor Mills and his team paid reverence to God and had meeting with the Local Council of Churches, he was charged to let truth, love and uprightness be his watchword.
Prof Mills thanked them and urged the supporters to first acknowledge God in everything they did.
The people of Mpohor welcomed him with brass band music at the outskirts of the town.
At Kokompe, the artisans left their tools and lined up the street with gallons to remind the flag bearer that, at the time the NDC was leaving office, the price of petrol was 64Gp but today the price was GHC53, and still moving up.
At Sekondi, roads were besieged and residents, both young and old, danced.
Addressing the gathering Professor Mills charged the people to get ready and be part of the change.
He said they should not feel that the Western Region had been neglected.
Friday, June 27, 2008
MILLS ATTRACTS CROWDS IN WESTERN REGION TOUR (PAGE 17)
THE people of Tikobo, Atoabo, Axim and Agona Nkwanta in the southern part of the Western Region on Wednesday held the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) “hostage”, went gay and demanded he address them.
At Atoabo and Tikobo, the campaign team moving to designated points met three roadblocks as the youth started chanting “all we are saying is for the professor to address us before we allow him to go”.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, looking very sporty in his short-sleeved shirt, an NDC cap and a pair of jeans, with snickers to match, had no option but to address the people, shaking hands with them along the line.
At Nsein and Axim in the Nzema East District, there was a street carnival, with more than four brass bands and other traditional groupings in attendance.
Professor Mills said the Kikam Technical Institute which was closer to the community would be equipped to help service outboard motors and possibly assemble the motors locally.
Traffic came to a standstill as an anxious crowd waited for him at Agona Market. The market women left their wares to welcome Professor Mills by laying their cover cloths on the ground for him to walk on.
He commended the women for holding on to their trade and being patient with their husbands who had lost their jobs due to the prevailing harsh economic conditions that had forced employers to terminate the jobs of their husbands.
“Take heart; when we come to power, things will change and the smiles will find their way back to the faces of your men again. Remember that as children of God, we will never be forsaken by Him. I know most of you are now the bread winners but it shall be well,” he told the women.
He said he was aware of the torturous nature of the road linking their communities to major centres and that under the infrastructure development programme of his government, it would be taken care of.
Awulai Atibrukusu, the Chief of Axim and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, urged Professor Mills not to forget his promises to the people.
He said the Western Region had contributed a lot to the economy but it had always being found chewing the bitter part of the development stick, adding, “We will not fault the first President for that but we are sure that when you come to power we in the western part of the country will have our share, for we have waited for far too long.”
At Atoabo and Tikobo, the campaign team moving to designated points met three roadblocks as the youth started chanting “all we are saying is for the professor to address us before we allow him to go”.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, looking very sporty in his short-sleeved shirt, an NDC cap and a pair of jeans, with snickers to match, had no option but to address the people, shaking hands with them along the line.
At Nsein and Axim in the Nzema East District, there was a street carnival, with more than four brass bands and other traditional groupings in attendance.
Professor Mills said the Kikam Technical Institute which was closer to the community would be equipped to help service outboard motors and possibly assemble the motors locally.
Traffic came to a standstill as an anxious crowd waited for him at Agona Market. The market women left their wares to welcome Professor Mills by laying their cover cloths on the ground for him to walk on.
He commended the women for holding on to their trade and being patient with their husbands who had lost their jobs due to the prevailing harsh economic conditions that had forced employers to terminate the jobs of their husbands.
“Take heart; when we come to power, things will change and the smiles will find their way back to the faces of your men again. Remember that as children of God, we will never be forsaken by Him. I know most of you are now the bread winners but it shall be well,” he told the women.
He said he was aware of the torturous nature of the road linking their communities to major centres and that under the infrastructure development programme of his government, it would be taken care of.
Awulai Atibrukusu, the Chief of Axim and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, urged Professor Mills not to forget his promises to the people.
He said the Western Region had contributed a lot to the economy but it had always being found chewing the bitter part of the development stick, adding, “We will not fault the first President for that but we are sure that when you come to power we in the western part of the country will have our share, for we have waited for far too long.”
Thursday, June 26, 2008
GRC SUFFERS FROM WORKERS STRIKE (PAGE 20)
OFFICIALS at the Ghana Railways Company (GRC) say the eight-week strike which was embarked upon by its workers for better working conditions has virtually collapsed the company’s operations.
Sources at the company told the Daily Graphic that during the strike, the company’s major clients in the bauxite, manganese, cement and flour industries, resorted to haulage trucks for the transportation of their goods to the loading bay at the Takoradi Port and had still not returned to the railways company.
The sources said as a result workers of the railways company were now idle, while the locomotives, vans and wagons were parked.
Additionally the salaries of about 2,420 workers remain outstanding.
According to the sources, the major clients signed a one-year contract with the haulage trucks during the strike.
By that the company is said to have lost a $1 million contract between it and GHACEM alone.
That contract, however, is expected to be renewed next month for the haulage of 90,000 tones of cement. But the bauxite companies are said to be demanding stricter safety measures following the last rail accident at Huni Valley before renewing their haulage contract with the company.
At present, many employees of the company only report for duty with nothing specific to do. However, the salaries of the workers continue to pile up with three months wages now in arrears. That aside, the GRC is indebted to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Internal Revenue Service and the company is unable to honour workers’ contributions to their mother union.
When contacted, the embattled, Managing Director of the company, Mr Rufus Quaye, confirmed the story and said at the moment nothing was happening at Ghana Railways.
He said the road haulage trucks were given specific targets and so far they were meeting the given targets.
The Interim Chairman of the Workers Union, Mr Joseph Dadzie, said even though the strike brought hardships to the company it was unavoidable.
Some of the workers who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed different opinions about the strike; while some expressed regret, others defended the action and said they would receive the salary as and when it comes.
Sources at the company told the Daily Graphic that during the strike, the company’s major clients in the bauxite, manganese, cement and flour industries, resorted to haulage trucks for the transportation of their goods to the loading bay at the Takoradi Port and had still not returned to the railways company.
The sources said as a result workers of the railways company were now idle, while the locomotives, vans and wagons were parked.
Additionally the salaries of about 2,420 workers remain outstanding.
According to the sources, the major clients signed a one-year contract with the haulage trucks during the strike.
By that the company is said to have lost a $1 million contract between it and GHACEM alone.
That contract, however, is expected to be renewed next month for the haulage of 90,000 tones of cement. But the bauxite companies are said to be demanding stricter safety measures following the last rail accident at Huni Valley before renewing their haulage contract with the company.
At present, many employees of the company only report for duty with nothing specific to do. However, the salaries of the workers continue to pile up with three months wages now in arrears. That aside, the GRC is indebted to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Internal Revenue Service and the company is unable to honour workers’ contributions to their mother union.
When contacted, the embattled, Managing Director of the company, Mr Rufus Quaye, confirmed the story and said at the moment nothing was happening at Ghana Railways.
He said the road haulage trucks were given specific targets and so far they were meeting the given targets.
The Interim Chairman of the Workers Union, Mr Joseph Dadzie, said even though the strike brought hardships to the company it was unavoidable.
Some of the workers who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed different opinions about the strike; while some expressed regret, others defended the action and said they would receive the salary as and when it comes.
NATIONAL AWARD IS DENTED — MILLS (PAGE 15)
THE flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) , Prof John Evans Atta-Mills, has said it is sad that the national award has been so politicised, making it lose its true essence.
He said that if there was anybody who should be rewarded in this country then the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, deserved to be honoured, with the institution of a founders’ day in his memory.
The flag bearer said this on the second day of the third phase of his visit to the Western Region, which has taken him to the southern part of the region.
He deplored the manner in which national awards had been clouded with politics, and gave the assurance that when the NDC came to power it would do everything to make it impossible for people to link an award of such significance to partisan politics.
The people of Elembelle Constituency in the Nzema East District of the Western Region commended Prof. John Evans Atta Mills on his statement.
The teeming crowd was of the view that no presidential aspirant had ever gone beyond Nkroful to Asasetre and other areas they described as “Overseas” because of the bad roads.
Amidst drumming and dancing they expressed the view that despite the bad nature of the roads Professor Mills had undertaken the trip, which they said would afford him the opportunity to appreciate their plight should he come to power.
Prof. Mills assured the chiefs and people of the area that given the mandate, he would institute a founder’s day for Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which would be observed as a national holiday, and revamp the coconut mill as well as construct motorable roads to link communities to major roads.
Prof. Mills told the crowd “if I tell you when we come to power, I am not saying that out of arrogance or overzealousness, but I am humbly confident that an Atta Mills led National Democratic Congress will win the December 7 general elections overwhelmingly to liberate the people of this country from their suffering,” he said.
The professor visited the birth place of the country’s first president, and in a solemn mood, described the departed hero as the great son of Africa, given birth to by Ghana, gone but still alive and would forever be remembered for his contribution to Ghana and the African continent as a whole.
He assured the people at a durbar that he would not let them down, “I will not let you down, there will be transparency and equitable development across the country, there would not be favouritism and selective development”.
He sympathised with the people of “Overseas” and other deprived areas and told them that under the infrastructural development of his government, roads, health, education, among others, would be part of his priorities and the people of these areas would not be forgotten.
With much assurance he said “I fear and respect God and I will not come and stand in front of you and say one thing and do another, I will be true to you, I will be true to all Ghanaians.”
“I can assure the youth that you have a great technical institute at Kikam and with the latest discovery of oil, when we come to power we will ensure that the institute is upgraded to train middle level staff needed from these areas to ensure that when companies start the roll call the youth trained from Kikam Technical Institute would stand tall among their peers,” he said.
Prof. Mills said it was sad that after a series of research and introduction of many hybrids of coconut had been made available, the people in the area were unable to access credit for expansion.
“Once again I am assuring you that when we come to power, there would be credit and technical support for coconut farmers to produce more to earn a living, he added.”
According to Prof. Mills, the coconut processing mill aside, there were other uses for the bye-products of coconut, and he would ensure that there was research to ensure that the uses for the bye-products were established to benefit the people.
A member of the team, Mr Sekou Nkrumah, who is also the son of the first president said his father would have recommended no other party for his people to vote for than the National Democratic Congress.
He said with an enviable track record, it was only the NDC that was human centred, and that the people should vote for no other party but the NDC. “I can assure you that, ideals are not about personality but people-centred policies, therefore, if you want to make my father happy, then please vote for the NDC.”
Sekou Nkrumah said the current issues with the Convention People’s Party where people are wearing the head of the elephant and the legs of the cockerel could no longer make an impact. “Therefore, vote for the NDC presidential and parliamentary candidates.”
He said that if there was anybody who should be rewarded in this country then the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, deserved to be honoured, with the institution of a founders’ day in his memory.
The flag bearer said this on the second day of the third phase of his visit to the Western Region, which has taken him to the southern part of the region.
He deplored the manner in which national awards had been clouded with politics, and gave the assurance that when the NDC came to power it would do everything to make it impossible for people to link an award of such significance to partisan politics.
The people of Elembelle Constituency in the Nzema East District of the Western Region commended Prof. John Evans Atta Mills on his statement.
The teeming crowd was of the view that no presidential aspirant had ever gone beyond Nkroful to Asasetre and other areas they described as “Overseas” because of the bad roads.
Amidst drumming and dancing they expressed the view that despite the bad nature of the roads Professor Mills had undertaken the trip, which they said would afford him the opportunity to appreciate their plight should he come to power.
Prof. Mills assured the chiefs and people of the area that given the mandate, he would institute a founder’s day for Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which would be observed as a national holiday, and revamp the coconut mill as well as construct motorable roads to link communities to major roads.
Prof. Mills told the crowd “if I tell you when we come to power, I am not saying that out of arrogance or overzealousness, but I am humbly confident that an Atta Mills led National Democratic Congress will win the December 7 general elections overwhelmingly to liberate the people of this country from their suffering,” he said.
The professor visited the birth place of the country’s first president, and in a solemn mood, described the departed hero as the great son of Africa, given birth to by Ghana, gone but still alive and would forever be remembered for his contribution to Ghana and the African continent as a whole.
He assured the people at a durbar that he would not let them down, “I will not let you down, there will be transparency and equitable development across the country, there would not be favouritism and selective development”.
He sympathised with the people of “Overseas” and other deprived areas and told them that under the infrastructural development of his government, roads, health, education, among others, would be part of his priorities and the people of these areas would not be forgotten.
With much assurance he said “I fear and respect God and I will not come and stand in front of you and say one thing and do another, I will be true to you, I will be true to all Ghanaians.”
“I can assure the youth that you have a great technical institute at Kikam and with the latest discovery of oil, when we come to power we will ensure that the institute is upgraded to train middle level staff needed from these areas to ensure that when companies start the roll call the youth trained from Kikam Technical Institute would stand tall among their peers,” he said.
Prof. Mills said it was sad that after a series of research and introduction of many hybrids of coconut had been made available, the people in the area were unable to access credit for expansion.
“Once again I am assuring you that when we come to power, there would be credit and technical support for coconut farmers to produce more to earn a living, he added.”
According to Prof. Mills, the coconut processing mill aside, there were other uses for the bye-products of coconut, and he would ensure that there was research to ensure that the uses for the bye-products were established to benefit the people.
A member of the team, Mr Sekou Nkrumah, who is also the son of the first president said his father would have recommended no other party for his people to vote for than the National Democratic Congress.
He said with an enviable track record, it was only the NDC that was human centred, and that the people should vote for no other party but the NDC. “I can assure you that, ideals are not about personality but people-centred policies, therefore, if you want to make my father happy, then please vote for the NDC.”
Sekou Nkrumah said the current issues with the Convention People’s Party where people are wearing the head of the elephant and the legs of the cockerel could no longer make an impact. “Therefore, vote for the NDC presidential and parliamentary candidates.”
HEARTS LOSE TO HASMAL (BACK PAGE)
A 60th minute controversial penalty awarded against Accra Hearts of Oak by Referee Yaw Ametepe nearly brought the Hasaacas-Hearts Premier League match at the Sekondi Stadium yesterday to an abrupt end as the incident became even more pronounced between officials of the the two clubs at the VIP Stand.
The Hearts players were almost off the pitch after the award of the penalty but only returned after the intervention of the club’s new CEO, Vincent Odotei. But moments later it was the turn of the officials to slug it out in a free-for-all brawl. And but for the intervention of the police it could have been bloody.
Hearts took the lead on two occasions but it was cancelled by relegation-threatened Hasmal. David Anas gave the Sekondi boys the winner in the 85th minute.
Eric Gawu gave the Phobians the leader in the 16th minute, but barely a minute later it was cancelled by Joe Bissah, with Ekow Ghansah restoring Hearts’ lead on the stroke of half time.
Fifteen minutes after recess disaster nearly struck. Referee Ametefe awarded a penalty to Hasmal after a striker of the home team collided with two Hearts defenders on his way to score.
The response was spontaneous as the players of Hearts took off their shirts and walked off the pitch. They contended that the referee had denied them a penalty following a similar incident on the 36th minute involving their striker.
But when calm returned, Paul Adu converted it while Anas scored the winner from a John Ainoo’s free kick rebound.
The referee needed a heavy police protection to a waiting vehicle after the match.
The Hearts players were almost off the pitch after the award of the penalty but only returned after the intervention of the club’s new CEO, Vincent Odotei. But moments later it was the turn of the officials to slug it out in a free-for-all brawl. And but for the intervention of the police it could have been bloody.
Hearts took the lead on two occasions but it was cancelled by relegation-threatened Hasmal. David Anas gave the Sekondi boys the winner in the 85th minute.
Eric Gawu gave the Phobians the leader in the 16th minute, but barely a minute later it was cancelled by Joe Bissah, with Ekow Ghansah restoring Hearts’ lead on the stroke of half time.
Fifteen minutes after recess disaster nearly struck. Referee Ametefe awarded a penalty to Hasmal after a striker of the home team collided with two Hearts defenders on his way to score.
The response was spontaneous as the players of Hearts took off their shirts and walked off the pitch. They contended that the referee had denied them a penalty following a similar incident on the 36th minute involving their striker.
But when calm returned, Paul Adu converted it while Anas scored the winner from a John Ainoo’s free kick rebound.
The referee needed a heavy police protection to a waiting vehicle after the match.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
ACTIVITIES AT STANDSTILL AS MILLS VISITS ELUBO BORDER (PAGE 16)
ECONOMIC activities came to a standstill at the Elubo Border in the Jomoro District of the Western Region when thousands of people defied the early morning downpour to welcome the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, on the Phase III of his tour of the southern part of the Western Region after Sefwi and Wassa areas.
The flag bearer was met on Monday on the outskirts of the town with brass band music and dance. He was left with no option than to join them to dance as they moved into the town.
After a call on chiefs and elders of the town and his door-to-door interaction with shop owners and other people in the town, the flag bearer addressed a rally and promised the people that his government would ensure that the dwindling fortunes of the country were reversed.
He said an NDC government would invest in the local economy, and create an enabling environment for every Ghanaian to benefit from their ventures.
"Let me tell you, the country has discovered oil in the Western Region, through the efforts of a team of devoted Ghanaians, led by Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, who has been denied fair hearing and was sadly thrown into jail, but God is in control. And I can assure you that the oil revenue will be to the benefit of all," he said.
He assured the gathering that even though the oil proceeds were to be the blessing for the whole country, the people of the Western Region would receive prime attention, since the region had given enough for the development of the country.
"Revenue from the oil find will not find its way into the pockets of party faithful, kept in the party office or kept for the benefit of the children of anybody, but rather for the people of this country, with prior attention given you the people of the Western Region," he said.
He said considering the current level of mismanagement, vindictiveness, favouritism by the government, God, through his own wisdom, at the time of the oil find, would ensure that the NDC was positioned to take over the administration of this country to ensure that the blessing was truly felt by the people of Ghana.
About the congestion at the Elubo entry point, the professor said as part of his infrastructural development, he would ensure that roads in the town were constructed to ensure that the town had painted a good picture of the country for visitors who were entering the country through Elubo.
Prof Mills assured the chiefs and elders of the town that his government would not be vindictive and acrimonious, but would be a government for the people, where justice, unity, fellow-feeling and love would overrule injustice and vindictiveness.
He urged Ghanaians not to give up hope saying that change was near and the NDC would take over the administration of the country and offer Ghanaians real motherly government that would not visit pain and hardship on them.
Professor Mills and his entourage then moved to Half-Assini, Tikobo, Benyin and Nkroful.
The flag bearer was met on Monday on the outskirts of the town with brass band music and dance. He was left with no option than to join them to dance as they moved into the town.
After a call on chiefs and elders of the town and his door-to-door interaction with shop owners and other people in the town, the flag bearer addressed a rally and promised the people that his government would ensure that the dwindling fortunes of the country were reversed.
He said an NDC government would invest in the local economy, and create an enabling environment for every Ghanaian to benefit from their ventures.
"Let me tell you, the country has discovered oil in the Western Region, through the efforts of a team of devoted Ghanaians, led by Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, who has been denied fair hearing and was sadly thrown into jail, but God is in control. And I can assure you that the oil revenue will be to the benefit of all," he said.
He assured the gathering that even though the oil proceeds were to be the blessing for the whole country, the people of the Western Region would receive prime attention, since the region had given enough for the development of the country.
"Revenue from the oil find will not find its way into the pockets of party faithful, kept in the party office or kept for the benefit of the children of anybody, but rather for the people of this country, with prior attention given you the people of the Western Region," he said.
He said considering the current level of mismanagement, vindictiveness, favouritism by the government, God, through his own wisdom, at the time of the oil find, would ensure that the NDC was positioned to take over the administration of this country to ensure that the blessing was truly felt by the people of Ghana.
About the congestion at the Elubo entry point, the professor said as part of his infrastructural development, he would ensure that roads in the town were constructed to ensure that the town had painted a good picture of the country for visitors who were entering the country through Elubo.
Prof Mills assured the chiefs and elders of the town that his government would not be vindictive and acrimonious, but would be a government for the people, where justice, unity, fellow-feeling and love would overrule injustice and vindictiveness.
He urged Ghanaians not to give up hope saying that change was near and the NDC would take over the administration of the country and offer Ghanaians real motherly government that would not visit pain and hardship on them.
Professor Mills and his entourage then moved to Half-Assini, Tikobo, Benyin and Nkroful.
EMERGENCY LOAD SHEDDING IN TWIN-CITY (PAGE 29)
The Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi in the Western Region has been affected by emergency load shedding as a result of a fault on one of the two transformers of the Volta River Authority (VRA) near Keten that supplies the metropolis with power.
This has resulted in the reduction of supply of the required energy needs of the metropolis and therefore, until the fault is rectified the metropolis would have to bear with the temporary load shedding.
The total consumption for the metropolis is estimated at 13 megawatts but it has been reduced by four megawatts, which necessitated the move to shed load to ensure a continuous supply of power for the sake of commerce and industry in the metropolis.
At the moment, customers in the metropolis have been categorised into two and given scheduled dates where power would be switched off from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m
In Group A, Sekondi, Kojokrom, Sofokrom, Inchaban, Shama, Aboadze, Abuesi, Windy Ridge, Telecom, Post Office Market Circle, Monkey Hill, East Tanokrom, TTI, Effiakuma Zongo, Effia, Skyy FM, Collins Avenue, Esikafoabentem No 1, Nkroful Junction, Pass Timbers, Pekungdom, Archibishop Porter Girls, Fijai and Kweikuma.
Group B comprises Sekondi Ridge, Kofikrom, SSNIT Flats, Anaji Estates, Windy Ridge Extension, Shell, Sekondi Road, New Takoradi Western Casting, Wamco 1 and 2, Prime Wood, Fuwuco, Rad Timbers, New Site, T-Poly, West Ridge, Tanokrom, Bankyease, Tadisco, Star Hotel, Anaji trotro station, BoG Esikafoabentem No 2 & 3, SIC, Chapel Hill and Kokompe.
The Regional Public Relations Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Adjei Larbi, told the Daily Graphic that they decided on the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. because during the day many people would be going about their business activities, therefore, the demand would not be that high.
"In the night everybody is at home and the demand becomes high, therefore, we have to chose the night in order to save enough to last us until the problem is fixed," he said.
He said the VRA’s team of experts were seriously working on the problem and would soon restore their regular supply to ECG to restore the deficit of four megawatts for it to resume regular supply to consumers.
He used the opportunity to advise customer to ensure that all electrical gadgets that they did not have immediate use of were switched off to ensure that enough energy was conserved prior to the fixing of the problem.
"I must also say that the load shedding is only affecting the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis and not the whole Western Region as been speculated," the PRO said.
This has resulted in the reduction of supply of the required energy needs of the metropolis and therefore, until the fault is rectified the metropolis would have to bear with the temporary load shedding.
The total consumption for the metropolis is estimated at 13 megawatts but it has been reduced by four megawatts, which necessitated the move to shed load to ensure a continuous supply of power for the sake of commerce and industry in the metropolis.
At the moment, customers in the metropolis have been categorised into two and given scheduled dates where power would be switched off from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m
In Group A, Sekondi, Kojokrom, Sofokrom, Inchaban, Shama, Aboadze, Abuesi, Windy Ridge, Telecom, Post Office Market Circle, Monkey Hill, East Tanokrom, TTI, Effiakuma Zongo, Effia, Skyy FM, Collins Avenue, Esikafoabentem No 1, Nkroful Junction, Pass Timbers, Pekungdom, Archibishop Porter Girls, Fijai and Kweikuma.
Group B comprises Sekondi Ridge, Kofikrom, SSNIT Flats, Anaji Estates, Windy Ridge Extension, Shell, Sekondi Road, New Takoradi Western Casting, Wamco 1 and 2, Prime Wood, Fuwuco, Rad Timbers, New Site, T-Poly, West Ridge, Tanokrom, Bankyease, Tadisco, Star Hotel, Anaji trotro station, BoG Esikafoabentem No 2 & 3, SIC, Chapel Hill and Kokompe.
The Regional Public Relations Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Adjei Larbi, told the Daily Graphic that they decided on the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. because during the day many people would be going about their business activities, therefore, the demand would not be that high.
"In the night everybody is at home and the demand becomes high, therefore, we have to chose the night in order to save enough to last us until the problem is fixed," he said.
He said the VRA’s team of experts were seriously working on the problem and would soon restore their regular supply to ECG to restore the deficit of four megawatts for it to resume regular supply to consumers.
He used the opportunity to advise customer to ensure that all electrical gadgets that they did not have immediate use of were switched off to ensure that enough energy was conserved prior to the fixing of the problem.
"I must also say that the load shedding is only affecting the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis and not the whole Western Region as been speculated," the PRO said.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
MAN WITH STOLEN GUN ARRESTED (BACK PAGE)
A 20-year-old man who allegedly absconded with a nine millimetre pistol belonging to his foster father has been arrested by the Sekondi Police.
The suspect, Bismark Kobina Owusu, was said to have stolen the pistol and some live ammunition from his foster father’s bedroom and left a hand-written note with a contact cell phone number that he had gone and would return in a different form.
According to the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Olivia Adiku, the foster parents reported that they had found two SB-9mm bullets in the boy’s bag but he was nowhere to be found.
The PRO said Owusu was an adopted child of the couple and had been staying with them for more than four years and had completed his secondary education.
According to Inspector Adiku, the parents said they did not have any problem with the young man and that they lived together as a family and that his departure left doubt in their minds as to what might have prompted him to bolt with nothing but a pistol with live ammunition.
The suspect, Bismark Kobina Owusu, was said to have stolen the pistol and some live ammunition from his foster father’s bedroom and left a hand-written note with a contact cell phone number that he had gone and would return in a different form.
According to the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Olivia Adiku, the foster parents reported that they had found two SB-9mm bullets in the boy’s bag but he was nowhere to be found.
The PRO said Owusu was an adopted child of the couple and had been staying with them for more than four years and had completed his secondary education.
According to Inspector Adiku, the parents said they did not have any problem with the young man and that they lived together as a family and that his departure left doubt in their minds as to what might have prompted him to bolt with nothing but a pistol with live ammunition.
Friday, June 20, 2008
IMPROPER WIRING CAUSE OF FIRES (PAGE 30)
Improper wiring of houses and the failure of landlords to replace worn out cables that were installed more than three decades ago account for the many fire outbreaks in market places and other residential facilities in various urban centers, resulting in enormous losses, experts have said.
The experts are of the view that a house or any building that drew electricity via cables should have its wiring system changed after every 20 to 25 years.
They explained that electrical cables in themselves did not expire but the coat or the rubber cover around the cable wears out over the years, exposing the bare wires which results in sparks that lead to the fire outbreaks.
That aside, some landlords fail to use the right cables required to ensure safety.
The experts gave the examples where a house requires 2.5 mm cables for wiring but the landlord uses 1.5mm cables as well as the wrong earth wires. According to the experts when that happened there was excess load on the cables , resulting in huge cost to the Electricity Company of Ghana.
When contacted the Regional Public Relation Officer of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Adjei Larbi, said generally there were many houses in the system that had bad wiring systems.
’If households fail to bury the earth-wire the load that enters the premises of the customer is not used, and it goes waste, and in the end ECG and the country loses.”
“But with a good wiring system and good earth-wire, the unused loads go back to the substation and there is no loss to the company,” the PRO added.
He said with the introduction of the new prepayment meters, the load that enters the premises of the customer, who failed to do the right thing, bore the cost of the excess load that goes waste.
The PRO said if the right things were done it would not only help prevent the losses in the system but would also help conserve energy, ensuring that cost was not shifted to the supplier.
He said it was wrong for people to just recruit wayside contractors and trust their lifetime investment into their hands.
“We have the right contractors certified by the ECG to undertake wiring as well as advice prospective landlords on the best way of wiring and not those who would let their selfish interests override the interest of their clients’’.
The experts are of the view that a house or any building that drew electricity via cables should have its wiring system changed after every 20 to 25 years.
They explained that electrical cables in themselves did not expire but the coat or the rubber cover around the cable wears out over the years, exposing the bare wires which results in sparks that lead to the fire outbreaks.
That aside, some landlords fail to use the right cables required to ensure safety.
The experts gave the examples where a house requires 2.5 mm cables for wiring but the landlord uses 1.5mm cables as well as the wrong earth wires. According to the experts when that happened there was excess load on the cables , resulting in huge cost to the Electricity Company of Ghana.
When contacted the Regional Public Relation Officer of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Adjei Larbi, said generally there were many houses in the system that had bad wiring systems.
’If households fail to bury the earth-wire the load that enters the premises of the customer is not used, and it goes waste, and in the end ECG and the country loses.”
“But with a good wiring system and good earth-wire, the unused loads go back to the substation and there is no loss to the company,” the PRO added.
He said with the introduction of the new prepayment meters, the load that enters the premises of the customer, who failed to do the right thing, bore the cost of the excess load that goes waste.
The PRO said if the right things were done it would not only help prevent the losses in the system but would also help conserve energy, ensuring that cost was not shifted to the supplier.
He said it was wrong for people to just recruit wayside contractors and trust their lifetime investment into their hands.
“We have the right contractors certified by the ECG to undertake wiring as well as advice prospective landlords on the best way of wiring and not those who would let their selfish interests override the interest of their clients’’.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
ARSENAL LOSE IN SEKONDI (BACK PAGE)
Sekondi Hasaacas made good use of playing on home soil when they inched past visiting Berekum Arsenal with a 2-1 victory at the Sekondi Stadium.
The Hasmal lads had to fight from a goal down after Frank Yeboah made good a Michael Owusu cross from the right flank a minute to recess.
Ten minutes into the second half however, Hasmal showed character after they pulled even through David Anang’s strike.
Hasmal sealed a much sought victory after the man-of-the-match, Nana Egyir, scored from a spot kick in the 77th minute.
The Hasmal lads had to fight from a goal down after Frank Yeboah made good a Michael Owusu cross from the right flank a minute to recess.
Ten minutes into the second half however, Hasmal showed character after they pulled even through David Anang’s strike.
Hasmal sealed a much sought victory after the man-of-the-match, Nana Egyir, scored from a spot kick in the 77th minute.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
GHANA TELECOM WATCHDOG C'TTEE NABS CABLE THIEF (PAGE 29)
A watchdog group made up of the staff of the Ghana Telecommunications Company (GT) in Sekondi-Takoradi has arrested a man who was cutting telecommunication cables belonging to the company. The man, Gerald Duakin, believed to be a Togolese national was caught at about 1a.m. cutting the cables.
The suspect was said to have climbed the telephone pole and removed about 700 meters of the cable, folded it and concealed it in a sack.
Duakin, who did not know that members of the watchdog group were watching him was about to carry the cables away when they pounced on him and sent him to the police.
According to the Western Regional Manager of Ghana Telecom, Mr Emmanuel Edusei-Essel, anytime the company laid new cables they vanished the following day.
“Therefore, some members of staff, who realised the effect of the cable thefts on the finances of the company and services to customers decided to form a watchdog group, ” he said.
He said when the group first went on their operations a torrential rain thwarted their efforts, compelling them to suspend their operations.
The cable thieves however went on their operations thus depriving more than 20 customers, including corporate and other businesses of the needed service.
Mr Emmanuel Edusei-Essel said the material cost and the problems the thefts brought upon the company’s customers were enormous because the company invested huge sums of money to ensure that its customers were provided with reliable services.
“One of the important things to today’s corporate world is telecommunications and it is frustrating when a customer who wants to save time, cost and eliminate risk by just making a phone call or sending a fax cannot do so because of unscrupulous members of society whose aim is to serve their selfish interests,” he said.
He said cable thefts resulted in losses and that the restoration of the services was dependent on the availability of materials. “If it takes an hour, a day or a week to restore the service it is a huge time lost to the corporate world and a dent on GT’s quest to satisfy the needs of the customer.
According to the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Olivia Adiku, Duaki will be arraigned before court immediately investigations were completed.
The suspect was said to have climbed the telephone pole and removed about 700 meters of the cable, folded it and concealed it in a sack.
Duakin, who did not know that members of the watchdog group were watching him was about to carry the cables away when they pounced on him and sent him to the police.
According to the Western Regional Manager of Ghana Telecom, Mr Emmanuel Edusei-Essel, anytime the company laid new cables they vanished the following day.
“Therefore, some members of staff, who realised the effect of the cable thefts on the finances of the company and services to customers decided to form a watchdog group, ” he said.
He said when the group first went on their operations a torrential rain thwarted their efforts, compelling them to suspend their operations.
The cable thieves however went on their operations thus depriving more than 20 customers, including corporate and other businesses of the needed service.
Mr Emmanuel Edusei-Essel said the material cost and the problems the thefts brought upon the company’s customers were enormous because the company invested huge sums of money to ensure that its customers were provided with reliable services.
“One of the important things to today’s corporate world is telecommunications and it is frustrating when a customer who wants to save time, cost and eliminate risk by just making a phone call or sending a fax cannot do so because of unscrupulous members of society whose aim is to serve their selfish interests,” he said.
He said cable thefts resulted in losses and that the restoration of the services was dependent on the availability of materials. “If it takes an hour, a day or a week to restore the service it is a huge time lost to the corporate world and a dent on GT’s quest to satisfy the needs of the customer.
According to the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Olivia Adiku, Duaki will be arraigned before court immediately investigations were completed.
STUDENT NABBED FOR ROBBERY, ATTEMPTED RAPE (PAGE 29)
A 19-year-old student of the National Engineering College, Takoradi, Isaac Annan, has been arrested by the Takoradi Central Police for attacking a resident of Anaji at gunpoint. He is also alleged to have tied and blindfolded his victim, stripped her naked and was about to rape her after robbing her when he realised that the lady was in her period.
He allegedly made away with her laptop, a digital camera and mobile phone. It was when he was selling the items that the buyer saw a photograph of somebody he knew on the computer. When he later contacted the person whose photograph he saw, he told the buyer that the items were stolen from her sister who had come to visit at the weekend, at Anaji No. 9, and that her sister, who is a nurse had left for work.
She said she was in the room when a masked young man entered and at gunpoint asked her to bring all the money in the house.
The victim said when she told the intruder that she had no money and that she had just arrived on a visit, he pulled out a rope, tied her hands and blindfolded her with cellotape. After that the victim said the suspect searched every corner of the room for money.
She said after a fruitless search, the suspect came back and removed all her cloths in an attempt to rape her.
“I could not see anything since I was blindedfolded. Just then there was a knock at the gate and the suspect quickly collected the items and runaway, leaving some of his cloths behind.”
According to the police, when they got to the scene, the young man had left his dress and snickers, which he had removed in his attempt to rape the woman.
According to the Regional Public Relations Officer, Inspector Olivia Adiku, the one the suspect sent the items to led the police to the house of Annan,the suspect, who claimed the gun he used was sold to him by a man in Kumasi.
When the police further searched the room of the suspect they found a gun, four live bullets and the cellotape he used to blindfold the woman.
She said Annan said he was introduced to the man by his school mate whose name he mentioned as Mohammed Bill, a Burkinabe national, who led him to the man’s residence in Kumasi to purchase the gun.
The PRO said the police were currently trying to locate the one who sold the gun to them in Kumasi. Meanwhile Annan and Billa are in police custody pending further investigations.
He allegedly made away with her laptop, a digital camera and mobile phone. It was when he was selling the items that the buyer saw a photograph of somebody he knew on the computer. When he later contacted the person whose photograph he saw, he told the buyer that the items were stolen from her sister who had come to visit at the weekend, at Anaji No. 9, and that her sister, who is a nurse had left for work.
She said she was in the room when a masked young man entered and at gunpoint asked her to bring all the money in the house.
The victim said when she told the intruder that she had no money and that she had just arrived on a visit, he pulled out a rope, tied her hands and blindfolded her with cellotape. After that the victim said the suspect searched every corner of the room for money.
She said after a fruitless search, the suspect came back and removed all her cloths in an attempt to rape her.
“I could not see anything since I was blindedfolded. Just then there was a knock at the gate and the suspect quickly collected the items and runaway, leaving some of his cloths behind.”
According to the police, when they got to the scene, the young man had left his dress and snickers, which he had removed in his attempt to rape the woman.
According to the Regional Public Relations Officer, Inspector Olivia Adiku, the one the suspect sent the items to led the police to the house of Annan,the suspect, who claimed the gun he used was sold to him by a man in Kumasi.
When the police further searched the room of the suspect they found a gun, four live bullets and the cellotape he used to blindfold the woman.
She said Annan said he was introduced to the man by his school mate whose name he mentioned as Mohammed Bill, a Burkinabe national, who led him to the man’s residence in Kumasi to purchase the gun.
The PRO said the police were currently trying to locate the one who sold the gun to them in Kumasi. Meanwhile Annan and Billa are in police custody pending further investigations.
TRADTIONAL CATERING BELOW STANDARDS (PAGE 29)
Service providers, in traditional catering sector in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Area, seriously lack the expertise required when it comes to customer care.
At the moment, there is a complete paradigm shift in the food people consume. Many in the corporate as well as the informal sector find their way to various fufu, banku and tilapia joints as well as other traditional food joints where palatable Ghanaian dishes are served.
However, the shift to the traditional dishes is not receiving the corresponding service delivery from the service providers in the sector.
At the premises of some of these service providers, the soup is so diluted while others use activators used by hairdressers, which have the colour of liquid soap, for their customers to wash their hands. They also do not provide neat napkins. One can pour up to a handful of the liquid soap to wash his/her hands but it would not foam. These are some of the tactics some of these traditional caterers adopt to cut cost.
In some instances, a customer visits these food joints and would have to wait for more than 10 to 15 minutes before he or she is attended to.
At some of the restaurants, customers have to buy water after they have been served.
When this reporter went to eat banku and fried fish at a joint and drew the attention of the proprietor to the fact that the fish he had been served had gone bad she did not take kindly to the complaint until she came to taste the fish, and apologised.
At some joints a customer has to argue with waiters for adding a bottle of mineral water to his bill, because to him he is entitled to water, which the restaurant did not provide.
A customer told the Daily Graphic it was the duty of the restaurant to provide its customers with water. If the customer asks for mineral water then they are justified in adding the cost to the bill.
Another problem is that when a customer finishes eating, he will have to beg the waiters to come for their money, and it takes time for them to return the change, if there is the need.
When the old currency was in use customers did not give a waiter five thousand cedis as a tip, but now waiters are ripping their customers off with the polite words “please we don’t have change” after making the customer wait for many minutes.
The Principal officer at the regional office of the Ghana Tourist Board, Mr Michael Kpimgbi, described the situation as unfortunate and attributed the problem to lack of training for the waiters.
He said with the recent news of the oil find in the Western Region those in the hospitality industry should rather brace themselves up for big business, which could only materialise if the service providers put their houses in order.
“Those who take the satisfaction of the customer to heart sometimes come to us to design training for them, and as I am speaking to you some just left while others just employ anybody looking for job to serve without training,” he said.
At the moment, there is a complete paradigm shift in the food people consume. Many in the corporate as well as the informal sector find their way to various fufu, banku and tilapia joints as well as other traditional food joints where palatable Ghanaian dishes are served.
However, the shift to the traditional dishes is not receiving the corresponding service delivery from the service providers in the sector.
At the premises of some of these service providers, the soup is so diluted while others use activators used by hairdressers, which have the colour of liquid soap, for their customers to wash their hands. They also do not provide neat napkins. One can pour up to a handful of the liquid soap to wash his/her hands but it would not foam. These are some of the tactics some of these traditional caterers adopt to cut cost.
In some instances, a customer visits these food joints and would have to wait for more than 10 to 15 minutes before he or she is attended to.
At some of the restaurants, customers have to buy water after they have been served.
When this reporter went to eat banku and fried fish at a joint and drew the attention of the proprietor to the fact that the fish he had been served had gone bad she did not take kindly to the complaint until she came to taste the fish, and apologised.
At some joints a customer has to argue with waiters for adding a bottle of mineral water to his bill, because to him he is entitled to water, which the restaurant did not provide.
A customer told the Daily Graphic it was the duty of the restaurant to provide its customers with water. If the customer asks for mineral water then they are justified in adding the cost to the bill.
Another problem is that when a customer finishes eating, he will have to beg the waiters to come for their money, and it takes time for them to return the change, if there is the need.
When the old currency was in use customers did not give a waiter five thousand cedis as a tip, but now waiters are ripping their customers off with the polite words “please we don’t have change” after making the customer wait for many minutes.
The Principal officer at the regional office of the Ghana Tourist Board, Mr Michael Kpimgbi, described the situation as unfortunate and attributed the problem to lack of training for the waiters.
He said with the recent news of the oil find in the Western Region those in the hospitality industry should rather brace themselves up for big business, which could only materialise if the service providers put their houses in order.
“Those who take the satisfaction of the customer to heart sometimes come to us to design training for them, and as I am speaking to you some just left while others just employ anybody looking for job to serve without training,” he said.
VOTE AGAINST MUTE CANDIDATES — NDUOM (PAGE 16)
The flag bearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, has deplored the fielding of parliamentary candidates who are unable to contribute to issues on the floor of Parliament.
He said currently there were some parliamentarians, who had not contributed to national debates, as well as issues that would advance the cause of the country.
“But they sit down and when it is time to vote, then they vote. What they forget is that their constituents did not vote for them to just vote in Parliament”, he said.
Dr Nduom, who was speaking to supporters of the CPP in Takoradi during his tour of the region, said the current situation called for the fielding of quality candidates who would ensure that the interest of their constituents were advanced.
He said the CPP would ensure that all its candidates throughout the country were carefully selected to ensure that the job of meeting the needs of the people was executed with much respect.
Concerning the series of allegations levelled against him, including the case with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Dr Nduom said “nobody should blame the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for peddling rumours about him but what is happening in the party is being perpetrated by its own members”.
He said it was wrong and sad that people thought the time was not right for the CPP.
“I can assure you that there cannot be any other better time than now; this is our time and we will not leave any stone unturned in our quest to wrest power. It was agreed that after the congress, we shall all support each other but rather some have decided to undo us with baseless allegations,” Dr Nduom said.
The flag bearer said what the country needed at the moment was a change, and that there was no way the current administration should be allowed to continue in office.
“If there will be any development or a government with a face to take over to create the jobs, give hope and to ensure growth and equitable development then the people should not look further than CPP.”
The visit took him to the Takoradi Central Market, Kokompe, the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) offices and campuses in the metropolis.
At Kokompe, he challenged the artisans there to be more innovative, adding that “I am saying this because when we come to power, you people should be ready to produce the vehicles that President Paa Kwesi Nduom will be using. Therefore get ready for the challenge and we will support you”.
Dr Nduom said he would establish a petrochemical institute where people would train for the industry in Ghana, stressing that “We can do it here in Ghana, for there are countries that have nothing, but today they are giants and Ghana, with all the gold, cocoa, timber, arable lands and recent discovery of oil, cannot boast of anything. Why? The answer is with the CPP”.
“Compare what CPP government did and what the NDC and NPP have done and make sure that on the day of voting your vote should be in support of the CPP, it is the only party that can bring that change you are asking for,” he said.
“In the past, during the time of the CPP, the rail and ports sector was booming, Aboso Glass Factory, Bonsa Tyre, Oil mills and Prestea Goldmine were in full flight, but today Ghana is going the other direction, but we will bring hope to the people of this country especially the youth,” he said.
He said currently there were some parliamentarians, who had not contributed to national debates, as well as issues that would advance the cause of the country.
“But they sit down and when it is time to vote, then they vote. What they forget is that their constituents did not vote for them to just vote in Parliament”, he said.
Dr Nduom, who was speaking to supporters of the CPP in Takoradi during his tour of the region, said the current situation called for the fielding of quality candidates who would ensure that the interest of their constituents were advanced.
He said the CPP would ensure that all its candidates throughout the country were carefully selected to ensure that the job of meeting the needs of the people was executed with much respect.
Concerning the series of allegations levelled against him, including the case with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Dr Nduom said “nobody should blame the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for peddling rumours about him but what is happening in the party is being perpetrated by its own members”.
He said it was wrong and sad that people thought the time was not right for the CPP.
“I can assure you that there cannot be any other better time than now; this is our time and we will not leave any stone unturned in our quest to wrest power. It was agreed that after the congress, we shall all support each other but rather some have decided to undo us with baseless allegations,” Dr Nduom said.
The flag bearer said what the country needed at the moment was a change, and that there was no way the current administration should be allowed to continue in office.
“If there will be any development or a government with a face to take over to create the jobs, give hope and to ensure growth and equitable development then the people should not look further than CPP.”
The visit took him to the Takoradi Central Market, Kokompe, the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) offices and campuses in the metropolis.
At Kokompe, he challenged the artisans there to be more innovative, adding that “I am saying this because when we come to power, you people should be ready to produce the vehicles that President Paa Kwesi Nduom will be using. Therefore get ready for the challenge and we will support you”.
Dr Nduom said he would establish a petrochemical institute where people would train for the industry in Ghana, stressing that “We can do it here in Ghana, for there are countries that have nothing, but today they are giants and Ghana, with all the gold, cocoa, timber, arable lands and recent discovery of oil, cannot boast of anything. Why? The answer is with the CPP”.
“Compare what CPP government did and what the NDC and NPP have done and make sure that on the day of voting your vote should be in support of the CPP, it is the only party that can bring that change you are asking for,” he said.
“In the past, during the time of the CPP, the rail and ports sector was booming, Aboso Glass Factory, Bonsa Tyre, Oil mills and Prestea Goldmine were in full flight, but today Ghana is going the other direction, but we will bring hope to the people of this country especially the youth,” he said.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT FACES CONSTRAINTS (PAGE 17)
THE Western Regional Office of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service is facing serious infrastructural and logistical problems that are affecting the quality of its service to the public.
The unit lacks adequate vehicles, as a result of which its staff have to travel long distances with their own resources to conduct official duties.
The unit also has no juvenile cell, a situation that has compelled juvenile offenders to share the same cells with adults. There is also no place of convenience for visitors to the unit.
At present, the office is always crowded with victims, perpetrators, suspects and sympathisers who accompany their loved ones to lodge complaints or have their grievances addressed.
Caution statements of victims and suspects are taken in the corridors of some small buildings that are being used as offices.
Briefing the press at the Western Regional Police Command to highlight some of those challenges, the Unit Commander, ASP Cecilia Arko, said it needed to be provided with logistics to expand so as to enable it to perform effectively.
She said the current situation did not provide victims and accused persons the comfort and the needed privacy to state their cases.
She said it was unfortunate that some victims and their sympathisers had to take shelter under trees and in the scorching sun as they waited for their turn.
The unit commander said the current situation rather worsened the plight of victims in their quest to seek legal redress for crimes committed against them.
ASP Arko said the office needed computers and other office equipment. It also had to be renovated to ensure that people who went there for redress did not end up being disappointed.
She also appealed to members of the public and philanthropists to go to the aid of the unit to enable it discharge its duties effectively
The Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, in his remarks, buttressed the call for public support for the Police Service.
He urged visitors to the unit to co-operate with the service, while it took steps to address the problems.
The unit lacks adequate vehicles, as a result of which its staff have to travel long distances with their own resources to conduct official duties.
The unit also has no juvenile cell, a situation that has compelled juvenile offenders to share the same cells with adults. There is also no place of convenience for visitors to the unit.
At present, the office is always crowded with victims, perpetrators, suspects and sympathisers who accompany their loved ones to lodge complaints or have their grievances addressed.
Caution statements of victims and suspects are taken in the corridors of some small buildings that are being used as offices.
Briefing the press at the Western Regional Police Command to highlight some of those challenges, the Unit Commander, ASP Cecilia Arko, said it needed to be provided with logistics to expand so as to enable it to perform effectively.
She said the current situation did not provide victims and accused persons the comfort and the needed privacy to state their cases.
She said it was unfortunate that some victims and their sympathisers had to take shelter under trees and in the scorching sun as they waited for their turn.
The unit commander said the current situation rather worsened the plight of victims in their quest to seek legal redress for crimes committed against them.
ASP Arko said the office needed computers and other office equipment. It also had to be renovated to ensure that people who went there for redress did not end up being disappointed.
She also appealed to members of the public and philanthropists to go to the aid of the unit to enable it discharge its duties effectively
The Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, in his remarks, buttressed the call for public support for the Police Service.
He urged visitors to the unit to co-operate with the service, while it took steps to address the problems.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
TRADERS URGED TO BEWARE OF FRAUDSTERS (PAGE 24)
Traders have been advised not to succumb to the sweet promises of anybody who presents himself as a member of a credit union in the country, only to end up being duped.
The National President of the Association of Credit Union Managers, Mr Boachie Yiadom, made the call in an interaction with the Daily Graphic over recent disturbing scams, through which contributors have lost their contributions to those who had presented themselves as members of the Credit Unions Association of Ghana.
He said there was no doubt that many credit unions had faced some challenges since the concept was introduced in the country in 1955, but their problems were not due to mismanagement but the refusal of those who had accessed credit to pay back the loans.
He said it was wrong for anybody to operate a credit union outside the ambit of the Credit Unions Association in the country. He, therefore, urged traders who might be approached by people claiming to be representatives of credit unions to transact business with them not to hesitate to contact the credit union offices countrywide to check if the companies are really registered members of the association.
“The name credit union cannot be used by any member of the public or any company because such registered union or entity should be a member of the national association,” he explained.
He said one to 10 people could not form a credit union, “you need more than 100 people, who have invested their money in it and the members are responsible for the election of those who will manage the organisation or the fund.”
The national president expressed regret at how some contributors had lost their investments through the criminal activities of those who put themselves up as managers of credit unions or susu unions. He said even though the traditional banking system was in operation in the country it was not everybody who could find their way there, but that should not give room to such unscrupulous members of society to capitalise on the poor traders to rob them of the little they had.
He referred to the publication in the Daily Graphic captioned “Another susu scam” in which operators of a credit union at the Neoplan Station in Accra were alleged to have bolted with GH¢65,000, and the other incident in Takoradi involving about GH¢80,000, and sympathised with the victims of the scams.
The National President of the Association of Credit Union Managers, Mr Boachie Yiadom, made the call in an interaction with the Daily Graphic over recent disturbing scams, through which contributors have lost their contributions to those who had presented themselves as members of the Credit Unions Association of Ghana.
He said there was no doubt that many credit unions had faced some challenges since the concept was introduced in the country in 1955, but their problems were not due to mismanagement but the refusal of those who had accessed credit to pay back the loans.
He said it was wrong for anybody to operate a credit union outside the ambit of the Credit Unions Association in the country. He, therefore, urged traders who might be approached by people claiming to be representatives of credit unions to transact business with them not to hesitate to contact the credit union offices countrywide to check if the companies are really registered members of the association.
“The name credit union cannot be used by any member of the public or any company because such registered union or entity should be a member of the national association,” he explained.
He said one to 10 people could not form a credit union, “you need more than 100 people, who have invested their money in it and the members are responsible for the election of those who will manage the organisation or the fund.”
The national president expressed regret at how some contributors had lost their investments through the criminal activities of those who put themselves up as managers of credit unions or susu unions. He said even though the traditional banking system was in operation in the country it was not everybody who could find their way there, but that should not give room to such unscrupulous members of society to capitalise on the poor traders to rob them of the little they had.
He referred to the publication in the Daily Graphic captioned “Another susu scam” in which operators of a credit union at the Neoplan Station in Accra were alleged to have bolted with GH¢65,000, and the other incident in Takoradi involving about GH¢80,000, and sympathised with the victims of the scams.
POLICE IMPOUND TWO TAXIS WITH SAME NUMBERS (MIRROR, PAGE 25)
From Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
A taxi driver and his car owner, Kwaku Asante, left the Takoradi Central Police Station regretting that they had reported to the police that another taxi in the metropolis had the same registration number as their cab.
The police impounded the two cars, both Opel Vectras, when it was established that the person who sold the car to the taxi driver’s car owner used fake documents and registration number in processing the transaction.
According to the records, the said vehicle, with registration number GR 4164 S, and the chassis number W00L000087N5104821, was manufactured in 1992 and originally owned by M3 Motors in Accra. It was sold to one Madam Barichisu Mustapha Saagbul in Accra
But strangely, the documents of the two taxicabs that were sent to the Takoradi Central Police Station bear the names of Mr & Mrs Elizabeth Joseph Daniels of Box 1473 Takoradi, who reside at West Fijai. This was transferred to one Joseph Eshun until the car was finally purchased by the current owner, Kwaku Asante.
After the report, the two cab drivers were asked to bring their documents, but the complainant returned to the police station not knowing that his documents were fake.
Later when these were sent to the officials of Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) it turned out that the documents of the complainant were fake and the registration number GR 4163 S belonged to Madam Saagbuil.
The police source said at the moment, the Takoradi office of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service had the vehicles in their custody. They have warned the public to be meticulous with their inspection of documents covering vehicles they are interested in buying.
A taxi driver and his car owner, Kwaku Asante, left the Takoradi Central Police Station regretting that they had reported to the police that another taxi in the metropolis had the same registration number as their cab.
The police impounded the two cars, both Opel Vectras, when it was established that the person who sold the car to the taxi driver’s car owner used fake documents and registration number in processing the transaction.
According to the records, the said vehicle, with registration number GR 4164 S, and the chassis number W00L000087N5104821, was manufactured in 1992 and originally owned by M3 Motors in Accra. It was sold to one Madam Barichisu Mustapha Saagbul in Accra
But strangely, the documents of the two taxicabs that were sent to the Takoradi Central Police Station bear the names of Mr & Mrs Elizabeth Joseph Daniels of Box 1473 Takoradi, who reside at West Fijai. This was transferred to one Joseph Eshun until the car was finally purchased by the current owner, Kwaku Asante.
After the report, the two cab drivers were asked to bring their documents, but the complainant returned to the police station not knowing that his documents were fake.
Later when these were sent to the officials of Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) it turned out that the documents of the complainant were fake and the registration number GR 4163 S belonged to Madam Saagbuil.
The police source said at the moment, the Takoradi office of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service had the vehicles in their custody. They have warned the public to be meticulous with their inspection of documents covering vehicles they are interested in buying.
BLOODY THIEVES ...Mum embezzles bank cash...Son breaks into bank vault (LEAD STORY)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi
A young man and his mother who allegedly stole GH¢24,000 belonging to the Nzema Manle Rural Bank in the Nzema East District are being sought for by the police.
The two are Mary Nkrumah, 47, a sub-accountant who worked with the bank for more than 20 years, and Emmanuel Kwamenah Ofori, 22, her son, who was employed just after he completed senior high school as a clerk grade II and was attached to the Awiabo Branch of the bank.
Mary is said to have embezzled GH¢7,000, while her son reportedly broke into the vault at his branch and made away with GH¢17,000 last Tuesday.
They are alleged to have met later at a rendezvous, after vacating their homes for unknown destinations.
Disclosing this to the press in Sekondi yesterday, the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Olivia Adiku, said Ofori worked as a clerk and was aware of where the keys to the vault were kept.
She said after close of work last Tuesday, Ofori went back to the bank’s premises and requested the security man on duty to allow him entry, with the explanation that he had left something very important in the banking hall.
She said the security officer, not suspecting any foul intentions, allowed Ofori entry and upon reaching the room he was said to have picked the keys to the vault, which were in the drawer of one of the officers, opened the vault and made away with GH¢17,000.
Ms Adiku said after the theft was detected the next day, Ofori was traced by some staff of the branch to his mother’s residence at Aiyinase, only to be told that the mother had also vacated her home.
She said since the unannounced departure of Mary and her son was suspicious, the bank decided to conduct an audit to ensure that she had not misappropriated any funds.
She said after hours of auditing, it was revealed that so far Mary had embezzled GH¢7,000 and was no where to be found to account for the money.
She said both mother and son were believed to be hiding in Accra, Takoradi or Elubo or they might be attempting to cross to neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire.
A young man and his mother who allegedly stole GH¢24,000 belonging to the Nzema Manle Rural Bank in the Nzema East District are being sought for by the police.
The two are Mary Nkrumah, 47, a sub-accountant who worked with the bank for more than 20 years, and Emmanuel Kwamenah Ofori, 22, her son, who was employed just after he completed senior high school as a clerk grade II and was attached to the Awiabo Branch of the bank.
Mary is said to have embezzled GH¢7,000, while her son reportedly broke into the vault at his branch and made away with GH¢17,000 last Tuesday.
They are alleged to have met later at a rendezvous, after vacating their homes for unknown destinations.
Disclosing this to the press in Sekondi yesterday, the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Olivia Adiku, said Ofori worked as a clerk and was aware of where the keys to the vault were kept.
She said after close of work last Tuesday, Ofori went back to the bank’s premises and requested the security man on duty to allow him entry, with the explanation that he had left something very important in the banking hall.
She said the security officer, not suspecting any foul intentions, allowed Ofori entry and upon reaching the room he was said to have picked the keys to the vault, which were in the drawer of one of the officers, opened the vault and made away with GH¢17,000.
Ms Adiku said after the theft was detected the next day, Ofori was traced by some staff of the branch to his mother’s residence at Aiyinase, only to be told that the mother had also vacated her home.
She said since the unannounced departure of Mary and her son was suspicious, the bank decided to conduct an audit to ensure that she had not misappropriated any funds.
She said after hours of auditing, it was revealed that so far Mary had embezzled GH¢7,000 and was no where to be found to account for the money.
She said both mother and son were believed to be hiding in Accra, Takoradi or Elubo or they might be attempting to cross to neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
HASMAL HOLD KOTOKO (BACK PAGE)
Sekondi Hasaacas put up a dramatic finishing to hold Kumasi Asante Kotoko to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Essipon Stadium last night.
Striker Kwadwo Poku gave Kotoko a commanding 2-0 lead with strikes on the 32nd and 48th minutes.
However, Isaac Donkor pulled a goal back for Hasaacas after 75 minutes before Richard Ocran levelled up with a spot kick on the 80th minute.
Striker Kwadwo Poku gave Kotoko a commanding 2-0 lead with strikes on the 32nd and 48th minutes.
However, Isaac Donkor pulled a goal back for Hasaacas after 75 minutes before Richard Ocran levelled up with a spot kick on the 80th minute.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
POLICING IS SHARED RESPONSIBILITY — ALHASSAN (PAGE 28)
Deputy Commi-ssioner of Police (DCOP) Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, the Commander of the Western Regional Police, has called for an end to the concept by which police officers are kept in barracks away from the communities they protect.
“The concept of personnel staying in barracks is progressively becoming outmoded and its high time we discarded the barracks idea and came closer to the people we are serving,” he said.
He said “the police organisation today is no longer a force but a service and, therefore, the end result of our services should be acceptable to the public”.
DCOP Alhassan to the press after his second tour of police stations in the Prestea, Tarkwa, Nsuaem, Half Assini and Axim districts and other communities, that the police should be visible by taking policing to the doorstep of the people.
This way, he said, the police would be on hand to quell any unrest before it escalated.
He said modern-day policing had become a shared responsibility between the public and the police, with each party contributing to better serve the society.
Mr Alhassan described the current perception of the police officer as an unfriendly person who was there only to arrest and detain as unfortunate..
He appealed to the communities to help provide accommodation for policemen to strengthen the community policing concept being promoted by the Ghana Police Service.
Mr Alhassan also urged the public not to give up hope and trust in the police, adding that the police were poised to do everything to ensure a lawful, just and friendly society.
“The concept of personnel staying in barracks is progressively becoming outmoded and its high time we discarded the barracks idea and came closer to the people we are serving,” he said.
He said “the police organisation today is no longer a force but a service and, therefore, the end result of our services should be acceptable to the public”.
DCOP Alhassan to the press after his second tour of police stations in the Prestea, Tarkwa, Nsuaem, Half Assini and Axim districts and other communities, that the police should be visible by taking policing to the doorstep of the people.
This way, he said, the police would be on hand to quell any unrest before it escalated.
He said modern-day policing had become a shared responsibility between the public and the police, with each party contributing to better serve the society.
Mr Alhassan described the current perception of the police officer as an unfriendly person who was there only to arrest and detain as unfortunate..
He appealed to the communities to help provide accommodation for policemen to strengthen the community policing concept being promoted by the Ghana Police Service.
Mr Alhassan also urged the public not to give up hope and trust in the police, adding that the police were poised to do everything to ensure a lawful, just and friendly society.
SEKONDI-TAKORADI STREET LIGHTS GOING OFF (PAGE 25)
One of the good things that Ghanaians are noted for is that they are quick to put up structures, but always refuse to maintain them.
Before the Ghana 2008 tournament residents of Sekondi/Takoradi asked for social amenities. They also asked for the streetlights in the metropolis to be rehabilitated and the twin-city to be completely transformed. These requests were granted to some extent.
The twin-city was illuminated when hitherto the only light one could see at night were flashes of light from houses of individuals.
Nurses, students and other workers who had fallen victim to attacks by some unscrupulous members of the society whenever they closed late from work then felt safe.
Night life in the twin-city became vibrant with the provision of the streetlights and visitors to the harbour city and residents enjoyed a new lease of life.
Soon after the tournament, the streetlights seem to be going off gradually. Some important places that the lights are mostly needed are the areas around the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi.
Some areas worst affected are places around the Accidents and Emergency Unit of the hospital towards the nurses’ quarters, the Kweikuma Estates junction to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) towards the Government’s Secretariat School, among others.
The darkness around these areas has once again created a perfect atmosphere for thieves to attack innocent and unsuspecting members of the public.
At least four out of 10 streetlights along the street from Sekondi to Takoradi are off. Either the bulbs are not functioning or the problem has to do with the fixtures and fittings.
Vehicles have also run into some of the poles destroying them in the process and are yet to be replaced.
Those responsible for maintaining these lights should attend to their duties.
Before the Ghana 2008 tournament residents of Sekondi/Takoradi asked for social amenities. They also asked for the streetlights in the metropolis to be rehabilitated and the twin-city to be completely transformed. These requests were granted to some extent.
The twin-city was illuminated when hitherto the only light one could see at night were flashes of light from houses of individuals.
Nurses, students and other workers who had fallen victim to attacks by some unscrupulous members of the society whenever they closed late from work then felt safe.
Night life in the twin-city became vibrant with the provision of the streetlights and visitors to the harbour city and residents enjoyed a new lease of life.
Soon after the tournament, the streetlights seem to be going off gradually. Some important places that the lights are mostly needed are the areas around the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi.
Some areas worst affected are places around the Accidents and Emergency Unit of the hospital towards the nurses’ quarters, the Kweikuma Estates junction to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) towards the Government’s Secretariat School, among others.
The darkness around these areas has once again created a perfect atmosphere for thieves to attack innocent and unsuspecting members of the public.
At least four out of 10 streetlights along the street from Sekondi to Takoradi are off. Either the bulbs are not functioning or the problem has to do with the fixtures and fittings.
Vehicles have also run into some of the poles destroying them in the process and are yet to be replaced.
Those responsible for maintaining these lights should attend to their duties.
SEKONDI-TAKORADI ROADS DETERIORATE (PAGE 25)
ONE other interesting thing the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis witnessed prior to the Ghana 2008 was the maintenance works carried out on the roads in the metropolis.
A few months before the rains set in, driving in the metropolis was smooth as the countless potholes were taken care of, but today the story is different.
Now that the rains have set in, many potholes have unfortunately shown up on the roads, and even doubled compared to the number that used to be there. Also, there were no visible road signs along the roads.
The road constructed from Sekondi some years ago has started developing potholes. In their quest to dodge these potholes, drivers are compelled to veer off their lanes. This has exposed other road users to various dangers as some vehicles sometimes end up in head-on collisions with other oncoming ones, resulting in loss of lives and property. Such accidents could have been avoided if the Department of Urban Roads had been carrying out periodic maintenance works on the roads.
In actual fact, the question many people keep asking is whether those in charge of the maintenance of roads should always be prompted before they move to do what they are paid to do?
Some of the roads that require urgent attention are those towards the Axim Road Roundabout and other minor and major roads in the metropolis.
Before the Ghana 2008, those who did maintenance works on the Sekondi-Takoradi roads gave the assurance that they were using good materials so that the roads would last longer. Today, however, those very roads they rehabilitated have developed more potholes than ever before.
Some of the holes could be described as manholes that have pools of water in them.
The Axim Roundabout appears to have been enlarged more than required, because the potholes around it are so big that vehicles approaching them have to veer off their lanes to other lanes.
Besides, there are no signs or visible signposts to warn motorists that they are approaching the roundabout.
A few months before the rains set in, driving in the metropolis was smooth as the countless potholes were taken care of, but today the story is different.
Now that the rains have set in, many potholes have unfortunately shown up on the roads, and even doubled compared to the number that used to be there. Also, there were no visible road signs along the roads.
The road constructed from Sekondi some years ago has started developing potholes. In their quest to dodge these potholes, drivers are compelled to veer off their lanes. This has exposed other road users to various dangers as some vehicles sometimes end up in head-on collisions with other oncoming ones, resulting in loss of lives and property. Such accidents could have been avoided if the Department of Urban Roads had been carrying out periodic maintenance works on the roads.
In actual fact, the question many people keep asking is whether those in charge of the maintenance of roads should always be prompted before they move to do what they are paid to do?
Some of the roads that require urgent attention are those towards the Axim Road Roundabout and other minor and major roads in the metropolis.
Before the Ghana 2008, those who did maintenance works on the Sekondi-Takoradi roads gave the assurance that they were using good materials so that the roads would last longer. Today, however, those very roads they rehabilitated have developed more potholes than ever before.
Some of the holes could be described as manholes that have pools of water in them.
The Axim Roundabout appears to have been enlarged more than required, because the potholes around it are so big that vehicles approaching them have to veer off their lanes to other lanes.
Besides, there are no signs or visible signposts to warn motorists that they are approaching the roundabout.
Monday, June 9, 2008
TEACHER SENTENCED TO DEATH (PAGE 43)
THE Sekondi High Court has sentenced a teacher to death by hanging for butchering a colleague and severing the two hands of his girlfriend.
Clement Andwi Ackah, 32, was found guilty by a seven-member jury on three counts of murder, use of offensive weapon and attempted suicide.
He tried in vain to commit suicide after the act by drinking insecticide and hanging himself.
Before judgement was passed by the court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Saeed Kwaku-Gyan, the convict pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy to enable him to go back into the community to work for the upkeep of the “girlfriend” whose hands he chopped off.
The facts of the case were that Ackah and his girlfriend, Ms Amina Ibrahim, as well as the deceased, Innocent Korbir, were all teachers at Tikobo Number 1 in the Western Region, but the convict suspected that Amina was cheating on him.
In June, 2005, Ackah travelled from his village to the teachers’ bungalow at Tikobo Number 1 and confronted Amina at about 12.30 a.m. to explain to him, the kind of relationship that existed between her and the late Korbir.
Before Amina could explain, the convict, who was armed with a machete, chopped off her two hands above the wrist.
Ms Klinogo said in a pool of blood and pain, Amina shouted for help, and the deceased, Korbir, who was a neighbour in one of the bungalows, came out to find out what was happening at that time of the night and Ackah attacked him with the machete, leading to his death.
Before passing judgement, the presiding judge said the conduct of Ackah was repugnant and heinous, adding that such people should be kept away from society.
Clement Andwi Ackah, 32, was found guilty by a seven-member jury on three counts of murder, use of offensive weapon and attempted suicide.
He tried in vain to commit suicide after the act by drinking insecticide and hanging himself.
Before judgement was passed by the court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Saeed Kwaku-Gyan, the convict pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy to enable him to go back into the community to work for the upkeep of the “girlfriend” whose hands he chopped off.
The facts of the case were that Ackah and his girlfriend, Ms Amina Ibrahim, as well as the deceased, Innocent Korbir, were all teachers at Tikobo Number 1 in the Western Region, but the convict suspected that Amina was cheating on him.
In June, 2005, Ackah travelled from his village to the teachers’ bungalow at Tikobo Number 1 and confronted Amina at about 12.30 a.m. to explain to him, the kind of relationship that existed between her and the late Korbir.
Before Amina could explain, the convict, who was armed with a machete, chopped off her two hands above the wrist.
Ms Klinogo said in a pool of blood and pain, Amina shouted for help, and the deceased, Korbir, who was a neighbour in one of the bungalows, came out to find out what was happening at that time of the night and Ackah attacked him with the machete, leading to his death.
Before passing judgement, the presiding judge said the conduct of Ackah was repugnant and heinous, adding that such people should be kept away from society.
ECOBANK OFFICIAL BOLTS WITH GH¢38,000 (PAGE 3)
A cash mobilisation officer of the Takoradi branch of the Ecobank, Ghana, has allegedly bolted with more than GH¢38,000 he collected on behalf of the bank from a customer for deposit.
The suspect, Prosper Kwame Amedior, also known as Prosper King-Quame, was a temporary employee and was to be confirmed this week as a permanent staff.
As part of his duties, he was to collect the weekly sales from companies that were unable to send their money to the banking hall due to the volume of their sales and their busy schedules.
According to a police source, Amedior was assigned that day to the Takoradi branch of V-Mobile, dealers in MTN mobile prepaid top-up cards, and collected GH¢38,450 but failed to deposit the money into the client’s account.
It said the suspect had also abandoned his post and vacated his residence in Takoradi together with his family to an unknown destination.
The police said Amedior after collecting the money issued the right pay-in slip but told officials of V-Mobile that he had forgotten to bring along the ledger in which to record the amount collected, promising to bring it the next day.
The police said when the suspect returned to the offices of Ecobank, he also told the officer in-charge that when he got to V-Mobile, there was a power cut, therefore, there was no transaction, since they were not able to count the money.
The source said the act was not detected until the Branch Manager, who was then on his annual leave, returned and realised that the number of transactions on the reconciliation statement was less than what normally pertained.
In his statement to the police, the Branch Manager said he called the clients and requested them to fax the pay-in slips to them and it was upon receipt of them that he detected why Amedior had vacated his post without informing anybody.
According to the police, the accountant of the company has been invited by the police to help them in their investigation.
The officials of V-Mobile expressed shock at the news.
The story was confirmed by the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Olivia Adiku, who said the police were still investigating.
The suspect, Prosper Kwame Amedior, also known as Prosper King-Quame, was a temporary employee and was to be confirmed this week as a permanent staff.
As part of his duties, he was to collect the weekly sales from companies that were unable to send their money to the banking hall due to the volume of their sales and their busy schedules.
According to a police source, Amedior was assigned that day to the Takoradi branch of V-Mobile, dealers in MTN mobile prepaid top-up cards, and collected GH¢38,450 but failed to deposit the money into the client’s account.
It said the suspect had also abandoned his post and vacated his residence in Takoradi together with his family to an unknown destination.
The police said Amedior after collecting the money issued the right pay-in slip but told officials of V-Mobile that he had forgotten to bring along the ledger in which to record the amount collected, promising to bring it the next day.
The police said when the suspect returned to the offices of Ecobank, he also told the officer in-charge that when he got to V-Mobile, there was a power cut, therefore, there was no transaction, since they were not able to count the money.
The source said the act was not detected until the Branch Manager, who was then on his annual leave, returned and realised that the number of transactions on the reconciliation statement was less than what normally pertained.
In his statement to the police, the Branch Manager said he called the clients and requested them to fax the pay-in slips to them and it was upon receipt of them that he detected why Amedior had vacated his post without informing anybody.
According to the police, the accountant of the company has been invited by the police to help them in their investigation.
The officials of V-Mobile expressed shock at the news.
The story was confirmed by the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Olivia Adiku, who said the police were still investigating.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
PROSTITUTES DEVISE NEW STRATEGIES TO ENTICE CUSTOMERS (MIRROR, PAGE 34)
From Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu,
Takoradi
Sex workers in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi have designed a new approach to entice customers to enhance their trade.
They now allow the prospective customers to physically examine them by fondling their breasts, touching their private parts and their backs. If the customers are satisfied after the physical examination they proceed to negotiate a fee before proceeding for “business”.
According to some of the sex workers who spoke to The Mirror, they are patronised by some prominent members of society, who visit them during the late hours of the night when human traffic on the streets has reduced.
This reporter visited Sekondi where people smoke “wee” openly but prostitution is done discreetly.
There are different rates, the highest being GH¢4 and the clients are foreigners, especially foreign fishermen on the fishing vessels that berth at Sekondi/Takoradi.
At Takoradi, near the taxi rank, the prostitutes constitute the bulk of patrons of a particular hotel in the area. The prostitutes line up in front of the hotel and across the street at about 7:30 p.m. especially at weekends.
When this reporter and his escort got to the vicinity, they were greeted with nice smiles with three words in “Fante” (we are coming) from ladies lined up in groups in front of the hotel.
There were other customers who entered with the reporter and his escort: To the surprise of the reporter, two of the ladies walked majestically to them and asked if they will like to conduct an inspection here or inside.
The two ladies pulled their blouses down, exposing their breasts and asked them to feel them to see whether they met their expectation or if they could follow them to the room so they could remove their cloths off for them to take a critical look.
“If we take our cloths and you don’t like it, we can call another person for you but if you like it then we can negotiate if you want us to be in our rooms at the hotel or in your car or your house and that would determine how much to charge,” one of them said.
Takoradi
Sex workers in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi have designed a new approach to entice customers to enhance their trade.
They now allow the prospective customers to physically examine them by fondling their breasts, touching their private parts and their backs. If the customers are satisfied after the physical examination they proceed to negotiate a fee before proceeding for “business”.
According to some of the sex workers who spoke to The Mirror, they are patronised by some prominent members of society, who visit them during the late hours of the night when human traffic on the streets has reduced.
This reporter visited Sekondi where people smoke “wee” openly but prostitution is done discreetly.
There are different rates, the highest being GH¢4 and the clients are foreigners, especially foreign fishermen on the fishing vessels that berth at Sekondi/Takoradi.
At Takoradi, near the taxi rank, the prostitutes constitute the bulk of patrons of a particular hotel in the area. The prostitutes line up in front of the hotel and across the street at about 7:30 p.m. especially at weekends.
When this reporter and his escort got to the vicinity, they were greeted with nice smiles with three words in “Fante” (we are coming) from ladies lined up in groups in front of the hotel.
There were other customers who entered with the reporter and his escort: To the surprise of the reporter, two of the ladies walked majestically to them and asked if they will like to conduct an inspection here or inside.
The two ladies pulled their blouses down, exposing their breasts and asked them to feel them to see whether they met their expectation or if they could follow them to the room so they could remove their cloths off for them to take a critical look.
“If we take our cloths and you don’t like it, we can call another person for you but if you like it then we can negotiate if you want us to be in our rooms at the hotel or in your car or your house and that would determine how much to charge,” one of them said.
SNAKE KILLER FIRES INTO CROWD ...Injures four persons (MIRROR, PAGE 3
From Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu,
Takoradi
A middle-aged man playing a good Samaritan by attempting to kill a snake that had sought refuge in a neighbour’s kitchen with a hunter’s gun, has landed in serious trouble.
The man, Joseph Kwaw Onua, was called to assist kill the poisonous snake, which had coiled round a piece of firewood in the kitchen, at Anwia, a farming community near Teleku Bokazo in the Nzema East District in the Western Region. Some neighbours had refused to kill it because they said it was poisonous and therefore dangerous.
Onua, who did not know how to handle a gun, ended up firing a locally manufactured gun into curious onlookers, inflicting serious gun wounds on one adult and three children.
The snake, the object of the gunshot, escaped into the nearby bush.
According to an eyewitness who narrated the incident to The Mirror, Onua was offered a stick but it was not long enough for him to accomplish his mission. Consequently, the eye-witness said, a woman brought out a locally-manufactured gun belonging to a hunter, who was then not available to shoot the snake.
The witness explained that Onua’s first attempt to shoot at the snake, after he had loaded it with some pellets, did not work. In his bid to find out why the gun failed to click, he inadvertently fired into the crowd, injuring some of the onlookers.
The victims were rushed to Eikwe Hospital, while one of them, who was hit on the head, was transferred to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi for specialist attention. They are said to be responding to treatment.
The names of the victims were given as Master K. Daniel, 11, who was hit around the navel, Ms Rebecca Esidzo, 14, who got wounded in her ribs, Sarah, 34, sustained injuries on her right shoulder and Mary Ackah, 10, who was hit on the head.
In the melee, the snake eventually escaped into the bush.
According to the police, the bullets spread, hitting four people at a time.
A police source said it would have been more fatal, if it were at a close range and warned that people should be very careful in handling weapons, especially guns.
Onuah, who looked perplexed over the incident, is currently in police custody, helping with investigations.
When contacted, the Axim District Commander, Mr D. Ohene-Gyan, confirmed the story and said the hunter was currently in police custody and urged people in the various communities to clear the bushes around their homes to prevent reptiles coming into their homes.
Takoradi
A middle-aged man playing a good Samaritan by attempting to kill a snake that had sought refuge in a neighbour’s kitchen with a hunter’s gun, has landed in serious trouble.
The man, Joseph Kwaw Onua, was called to assist kill the poisonous snake, which had coiled round a piece of firewood in the kitchen, at Anwia, a farming community near Teleku Bokazo in the Nzema East District in the Western Region. Some neighbours had refused to kill it because they said it was poisonous and therefore dangerous.
Onua, who did not know how to handle a gun, ended up firing a locally manufactured gun into curious onlookers, inflicting serious gun wounds on one adult and three children.
The snake, the object of the gunshot, escaped into the nearby bush.
According to an eyewitness who narrated the incident to The Mirror, Onua was offered a stick but it was not long enough for him to accomplish his mission. Consequently, the eye-witness said, a woman brought out a locally-manufactured gun belonging to a hunter, who was then not available to shoot the snake.
The witness explained that Onua’s first attempt to shoot at the snake, after he had loaded it with some pellets, did not work. In his bid to find out why the gun failed to click, he inadvertently fired into the crowd, injuring some of the onlookers.
The victims were rushed to Eikwe Hospital, while one of them, who was hit on the head, was transferred to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi for specialist attention. They are said to be responding to treatment.
The names of the victims were given as Master K. Daniel, 11, who was hit around the navel, Ms Rebecca Esidzo, 14, who got wounded in her ribs, Sarah, 34, sustained injuries on her right shoulder and Mary Ackah, 10, who was hit on the head.
In the melee, the snake eventually escaped into the bush.
According to the police, the bullets spread, hitting four people at a time.
A police source said it would have been more fatal, if it were at a close range and warned that people should be very careful in handling weapons, especially guns.
Onuah, who looked perplexed over the incident, is currently in police custody, helping with investigations.
When contacted, the Axim District Commander, Mr D. Ohene-Gyan, confirmed the story and said the hunter was currently in police custody and urged people in the various communities to clear the bushes around their homes to prevent reptiles coming into their homes.
POLICE DEPLOY UNIT TO PROTECT PYLONS (BACK PAGE)
A team from the Mobile Force Unit of the Ghana Police Service in Takoradi has been deployed to Amanteng in the Wassa Mpohor West District in the Western Region to protect the pylons of the Volta River Authority (VRA) from the activities of illegal miners.
The Western Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) M.A. Alhassan, told the Daily Graphic that the team was also to ensure that the lives and properties of the people in the area were protected.
He said the patrol system was designed in collaboration with the VRA to maintain the police presence until the authority sealed all the holes dug under the pylons, following the threat posed to the pylons by the illegal miners. He did not indicate how long the operation would last.
The regional commander said it would be best if those engaged in such activities learnt to appreciate the danger they were putting the whole country into.
Meanwhile, officials of the VRA are in the process of filling the holes created by the ‘galamsey’ operators.
The Western Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) M.A. Alhassan, told the Daily Graphic that the team was also to ensure that the lives and properties of the people in the area were protected.
He said the patrol system was designed in collaboration with the VRA to maintain the police presence until the authority sealed all the holes dug under the pylons, following the threat posed to the pylons by the illegal miners. He did not indicate how long the operation would last.
The regional commander said it would be best if those engaged in such activities learnt to appreciate the danger they were putting the whole country into.
Meanwhile, officials of the VRA are in the process of filling the holes created by the ‘galamsey’ operators.
Friday, June 6, 2008
TAKORADI TRADERS WANT MORE EDUCATION ON E-ZWICH (PAGE 29)
Traders in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis are calling for intensive public education on the new banking product - e-Zwich - as it promises to be one of the best products that would eliminate multiple handling of the country’s currency notes.
They said they did not find any difficulties with the introduction of the new currency as compared with the introduction of the e-Zwich product, because in the first exercise the old and new notes ran side by side for six months before the withdrawal of the old notes in December last year.
“But with the new product, we need to be taught in order not to make mistakes especially those of us who operate at the market. Another area they have to look at is how we the traders will have access to money when we want to pay our suppliers from the countryside or the hinterland”, they said.
According to Madam Agnes Mireku, a trader at the Takoradi Central Market, the introduction of the new product is perfect, as it would help eliminate excessive or multiple handling of money, highway robbery and the fear of handling huge amounts. Her problem was with traders from the hinterland who supplied them their wares.
She said the fishmongers and those who brought the foodstuffs might not accept the biometric card as a means of payment since they loved handling money.
“That means those of us at the market are not the only target but those who are from villages miles away from the capital,” she said.
“Imagine a situation where you get to the market early and vehicles arrive with tomatoes, yams, vegetables and other commodities. After making your purchases, your only means of payment is the e-Zwich. We can use it to buy from our suppliers such as the Unilever, Vega and the agents of other huge wholesalers but more education must be given to those of us down here and far away in the village,” she said.
One of the traders said: “I have heard of it but I do not like it because I want to hold and feel my money or be counting my money at the end of the day. After a few explanations of the operations of the use of E-ZWICH I think it is a good idea but...”
Other like-minded traders at the market expressed similar sentiments and suggested that when they adopted the use of the E-zwtich there would be desks to assist them at the banks whenever they needed money urgently.
“This is because when you go to the banks, there are long queues, and if goods arrive, especially during Christmas or during other festive occasions where the market becomes bullish and those selling for whatever reason refuse to accept the electronic payment, you may rush to the bank to meet a long queue. What do we do then?” they asked.
They think because it is written on the old and the new currency that “This note is issued on statutory authority and it is a legal tender for the payment of any amount,” no one can refuse to accept it for payment for goods and asked what one would do if somebody decided not to accept the electronic payment and wants the notes.
At the Takoradi market, it is evident that the introduction of the E-zwitch will not only keep the currency notes neat, but will also prevent the multiple handling of money to ensure that these are not defaced earlier than expected.
They said they did not find any difficulties with the introduction of the new currency as compared with the introduction of the e-Zwich product, because in the first exercise the old and new notes ran side by side for six months before the withdrawal of the old notes in December last year.
“But with the new product, we need to be taught in order not to make mistakes especially those of us who operate at the market. Another area they have to look at is how we the traders will have access to money when we want to pay our suppliers from the countryside or the hinterland”, they said.
According to Madam Agnes Mireku, a trader at the Takoradi Central Market, the introduction of the new product is perfect, as it would help eliminate excessive or multiple handling of money, highway robbery and the fear of handling huge amounts. Her problem was with traders from the hinterland who supplied them their wares.
She said the fishmongers and those who brought the foodstuffs might not accept the biometric card as a means of payment since they loved handling money.
“That means those of us at the market are not the only target but those who are from villages miles away from the capital,” she said.
“Imagine a situation where you get to the market early and vehicles arrive with tomatoes, yams, vegetables and other commodities. After making your purchases, your only means of payment is the e-Zwich. We can use it to buy from our suppliers such as the Unilever, Vega and the agents of other huge wholesalers but more education must be given to those of us down here and far away in the village,” she said.
One of the traders said: “I have heard of it but I do not like it because I want to hold and feel my money or be counting my money at the end of the day. After a few explanations of the operations of the use of E-ZWICH I think it is a good idea but...”
Other like-minded traders at the market expressed similar sentiments and suggested that when they adopted the use of the E-zwtich there would be desks to assist them at the banks whenever they needed money urgently.
“This is because when you go to the banks, there are long queues, and if goods arrive, especially during Christmas or during other festive occasions where the market becomes bullish and those selling for whatever reason refuse to accept the electronic payment, you may rush to the bank to meet a long queue. What do we do then?” they asked.
They think because it is written on the old and the new currency that “This note is issued on statutory authority and it is a legal tender for the payment of any amount,” no one can refuse to accept it for payment for goods and asked what one would do if somebody decided not to accept the electronic payment and wants the notes.
At the Takoradi market, it is evident that the introduction of the E-zwitch will not only keep the currency notes neat, but will also prevent the multiple handling of money to ensure that these are not defaced earlier than expected.
PORT HEALTH WORKERS URGED TO BE VIGILANT (PAGE 29)
Port health workers have been reminded that society will not forgive them if they fail to discharge their duties diligently and ensure that diseases are not imported into the country.
The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Sylvester Anamana, who made the call, said the work of the port health worker was very important to the country as they mitigated the effects of communicable diseases that might be contracted through the country’s entry points.
Speaking at the strategic planning workshop for officials of port health in the region, he said it seemed port health staff had been forgotten after they had been placed under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment.
The health director said it was important for the staff to be equipped and frequently helped to improve upon themselves but those efforts were constantly thwarted since they were placed under the control of the local government sector. He said after a port health worker had been trained for a specific task they were transferred without consulting the health directorate.
He said without the port health staff diseases would have been “imported” into the country and, therefore, stressed the need for all to ensure that they were well resourced and given the needed attention and training to bring them abreast with modern day practices.
He said it was about time serious consideration was given to port health workers to ensure safety at the country’s entry points, especially in the Western Region.
Dr Anamana said large volumes of food, drugs, and other consumables were imported into the country through the ports. Therefore, the whole country expected the port health worker to be vigilant to ensure that people did not import any unwholesome products into the country to satisfy their selfish interests as against the national interest.
He also urged the port workers to ensure that vessels that docked at the country’s ports conformed to the laid-down regulations.
“I want to urge you to be vigilant; if any disease slips through your fingers and enters this country, the citizens will not forgive us. The public hopes and trusts that we can do it, therefore, let us live up to expectation,” he said.
He added that to achieve an efficient and effective port health system there was the need to work as a team with other stakeholders to ensure that the right things were done.
The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Sylvester Anamana, who made the call, said the work of the port health worker was very important to the country as they mitigated the effects of communicable diseases that might be contracted through the country’s entry points.
Speaking at the strategic planning workshop for officials of port health in the region, he said it seemed port health staff had been forgotten after they had been placed under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment.
The health director said it was important for the staff to be equipped and frequently helped to improve upon themselves but those efforts were constantly thwarted since they were placed under the control of the local government sector. He said after a port health worker had been trained for a specific task they were transferred without consulting the health directorate.
He said without the port health staff diseases would have been “imported” into the country and, therefore, stressed the need for all to ensure that they were well resourced and given the needed attention and training to bring them abreast with modern day practices.
He said it was about time serious consideration was given to port health workers to ensure safety at the country’s entry points, especially in the Western Region.
Dr Anamana said large volumes of food, drugs, and other consumables were imported into the country through the ports. Therefore, the whole country expected the port health worker to be vigilant to ensure that people did not import any unwholesome products into the country to satisfy their selfish interests as against the national interest.
He also urged the port workers to ensure that vessels that docked at the country’s ports conformed to the laid-down regulations.
“I want to urge you to be vigilant; if any disease slips through your fingers and enters this country, the citizens will not forgive us. The public hopes and trusts that we can do it, therefore, let us live up to expectation,” he said.
He added that to achieve an efficient and effective port health system there was the need to work as a team with other stakeholders to ensure that the right things were done.
POLICE NEED DECENT ACCOMODATION (PAGE 29)
On man’s priority needs, as propounded by Abraham Maslow, are food, clothing and shelter. Once these basic needs are satisfied, there is peace everywhere.
Abraham Maslow developed the hierarchy of needs model in the 1940-50s but this still remains valid today for the understanding of human motivation, management training, and personal development.
Undeniably, Maslow's ideas about the responsibility of employers to provide a workplace environment that encourages and enables employees to fulfil their own unique potential (self-actualisation) are today more relevant than ever, especially in the Ghana Police Service.
If anyone in society or the job market lacks these basic things, especially accommodation, it should not be the security agencies in the country, especially those in the metropolitan areas.
Throughout the country are our hardworking police officers, who despite all the challenges they face in their duties try as much as possible to provide us the citizenry with security. They, however, live in places that could best be described as deprived.
There have been many calls to provide the police with better accommodation and good environment to enable them to provide the public with the needed security.
The basis of Maslow's theory is that human beings are motivated when their needs are satisfied but certain lower needs need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied. There are general needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) which have to be fulfilled before a person can act unselfishly.
The Effiekuma Police Barracks and other old and dilapidated buildings which serve as accommodation for the police officers in the metropolis could best be described as unsuitable.
At about 7pm one day this reporter and a friend visited a police friend at Effiekuma Police Barracks. Thirty minutes later, it started raining and the roof of the room started leaking like a basket. The officer was very embarrassed when his wife brought out large polythenes and covered their belongings and bed.
This situation is not peculiar to the Effiekuma Police. It is the same at other police barracks the reporter visited in the metropolis and districts in the Western Region. The bathrooms, kitchens are a sorry state and the general environment does not befit the status of the Ghana Police Service.
Most of the buildings were built with clay many years ago and have developed cracks. Some of them could collapse any time, any day.
Police officers living in the barracks have to use their meagre salaries to carry out repair works on them. Time and again, the police are accused of taking bribes and engaging in activities that would put money in their pockets.
What pertains at these barracks is a confirmation of Maslow’s theory of the satisfaction of needs, yet the state is not seeing to the fulfilment of the basic needs of the police.
No one should blame the police if they are seen compromising their positions because they have families and children with ever-growing needs. Their children study in mosquito-infested corridors and this does not give these officers the needed peace to operate.
Their children want to be like other schoolchildren in society. It is about time the conditions in the Ghana Police Service were reviewed to give it a new image to enable the personnel to perform their contemporary policing duties effectively.
Abraham Maslow developed the hierarchy of needs model in the 1940-50s but this still remains valid today for the understanding of human motivation, management training, and personal development.
Undeniably, Maslow's ideas about the responsibility of employers to provide a workplace environment that encourages and enables employees to fulfil their own unique potential (self-actualisation) are today more relevant than ever, especially in the Ghana Police Service.
If anyone in society or the job market lacks these basic things, especially accommodation, it should not be the security agencies in the country, especially those in the metropolitan areas.
Throughout the country are our hardworking police officers, who despite all the challenges they face in their duties try as much as possible to provide us the citizenry with security. They, however, live in places that could best be described as deprived.
There have been many calls to provide the police with better accommodation and good environment to enable them to provide the public with the needed security.
The basis of Maslow's theory is that human beings are motivated when their needs are satisfied but certain lower needs need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied. There are general needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) which have to be fulfilled before a person can act unselfishly.
The Effiekuma Police Barracks and other old and dilapidated buildings which serve as accommodation for the police officers in the metropolis could best be described as unsuitable.
At about 7pm one day this reporter and a friend visited a police friend at Effiekuma Police Barracks. Thirty minutes later, it started raining and the roof of the room started leaking like a basket. The officer was very embarrassed when his wife brought out large polythenes and covered their belongings and bed.
This situation is not peculiar to the Effiekuma Police. It is the same at other police barracks the reporter visited in the metropolis and districts in the Western Region. The bathrooms, kitchens are a sorry state and the general environment does not befit the status of the Ghana Police Service.
Most of the buildings were built with clay many years ago and have developed cracks. Some of them could collapse any time, any day.
Police officers living in the barracks have to use their meagre salaries to carry out repair works on them. Time and again, the police are accused of taking bribes and engaging in activities that would put money in their pockets.
What pertains at these barracks is a confirmation of Maslow’s theory of the satisfaction of needs, yet the state is not seeing to the fulfilment of the basic needs of the police.
No one should blame the police if they are seen compromising their positions because they have families and children with ever-growing needs. Their children study in mosquito-infested corridors and this does not give these officers the needed peace to operate.
Their children want to be like other schoolchildren in society. It is about time the conditions in the Ghana Police Service were reviewed to give it a new image to enable the personnel to perform their contemporary policing duties effectively.
I'LL BE PRESIDENT OF GHANA, NOT NDC (PAGE 16)
THE flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has assured voters in the Western Region and the country as a whole that when voted into power, he will be the President of the country and not only supporters of the NDC.
Prof Mills was addressing supporters of the NDC at Wassa Akropong during the second phase of his regional tour.
“I will be the President of every citizen of Ghana in a government which will not entertain discrimination, intimidation or favouritism but will be guided by fairness, justice, equality, peace and unity for the development of the county,” he said.
“I will swear with the Bible to serve the people of Ghana. Therefore, it will be unjust and unfair to be selective or discriminatory; we are one people, one nation, with a common destiny and aspiration,” he stated.
Before addressing the enthusiastic supporters, Prof Mills had gone on a door-to-door campaign to interact with market women.
He assured them that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the current hardships facing Ghanaians were reduced.
At the market, the traders left their wares to catch a glimpse of Prof Mills, shake his hands and hug him, while others danced and sang to the admiration of the crowd and his entourage.
He told them that come January next year, his administration would create an enabling environment to ensure that every citizen who embarked on a productive venture would be successful.
According to Prof Mills, under an NDC government, the road network in the region would be improved to facilitate the movement of people and the evacuation of agricultural produce to the marketing centres.
He said one of his priorities would be the development of agriculture and also to ensure that the country’s hardworking farmers benefited from their labour.
The NDC flag bearer said even though the discovery of oil at Cape Three Points in Ahanta West District was good news, the country’s prospects lay in the agricultural sector.
Prof Mills later called on the Paramount Chief of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, Kasapreko Kwame Basanyi II.
Prof Mills was addressing supporters of the NDC at Wassa Akropong during the second phase of his regional tour.
“I will be the President of every citizen of Ghana in a government which will not entertain discrimination, intimidation or favouritism but will be guided by fairness, justice, equality, peace and unity for the development of the county,” he said.
“I will swear with the Bible to serve the people of Ghana. Therefore, it will be unjust and unfair to be selective or discriminatory; we are one people, one nation, with a common destiny and aspiration,” he stated.
Before addressing the enthusiastic supporters, Prof Mills had gone on a door-to-door campaign to interact with market women.
He assured them that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the current hardships facing Ghanaians were reduced.
At the market, the traders left their wares to catch a glimpse of Prof Mills, shake his hands and hug him, while others danced and sang to the admiration of the crowd and his entourage.
He told them that come January next year, his administration would create an enabling environment to ensure that every citizen who embarked on a productive venture would be successful.
According to Prof Mills, under an NDC government, the road network in the region would be improved to facilitate the movement of people and the evacuation of agricultural produce to the marketing centres.
He said one of his priorities would be the development of agriculture and also to ensure that the country’s hardworking farmers benefited from their labour.
The NDC flag bearer said even though the discovery of oil at Cape Three Points in Ahanta West District was good news, the country’s prospects lay in the agricultural sector.
Prof Mills later called on the Paramount Chief of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, Kasapreko Kwame Basanyi II.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
MILLS RECEIVES ROUSING WELCOME AT AGONA-AMENFI (PAGE 17)
THE flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, was given a rousing welcome last Monday when he arrived for the second phase of his tour of the Western Region.
Dancing to brass band music with the teeming enthusiastic NDC supporters in the Agona-Amenfi Constituency, it took the flag bearer and his entourage a hectic time to enter the town.
Prof. Mills first called on the chief and elders of Agona-Amenfi to announce his presence, and delivered his message of investing in people, job creation and revamping of the national economy.
He assured the people that he would provide more development projects in the area and rebuild the entire nation if the NDC was given the mandate to rule next year.
Prof. Mills also told the people of Agona-Amenfi and its surrounding communities who trooped to welcome him at a mammoth rally that one of the focus of his government would be investing in people, especially the youth, and turning the economy around.
He promised the people of the area that an NDC government would reconstruct the road linking Agona-Amenfi with Asankragwa to facilitate movement and the haulage of agricultural produce to the marketing centres.
Prof. Mills said the tarring of the road was important, considering the enormous benefits that the people would derive from the project.
The NDC’s flag bearer whose address was constantly interrupted by the enthusiastic crowd, urged the people not to give up hope since his government would ensure equity and transparency.
He said the Western Region was one of the rich areas in the country and, therefore needed social amenities that would not only make life comfortable for the people, but also position the region as an attractive place to the corporate world.
He also promised to improve on the telecommunication network in the region, adding that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) would also be extended to all parts of the region.
“This is to ensure that the children of this part of the region and other parts of the country are not limited to their locality, but become part of the bigger world,” he emphasised.
“Schools in the country will not be the normal few classroom blocks as currently the case, but will get more buildings and the needed tools, and relevant information on ICT so that schoolchildren will not be found wanting,” Prof. Mills stated.
He said the New Patriotic(NPP) government had brought hardship on the people, so it was time to kick the party out of power.
“I want to assure you that the NDC will work as a team, and operate an open and transparent government where the needs of the people will be at the heart of the government,” the NDC flag bearer stressed.
“There is hope and the NDC government will not allow you to be consumed by hopelessness,” he stated .
The Chief of Agona Amenfi, Nana Akwasi Brumia Sekyere II, urged Prof. Mills not to forget his promises to the people.
He said a situation where a politician promised something and after getting power, turned a blind eye to the people did not augur well for the development of the country’s democracy.
“Where you cannot do all, start and end it somewhere before your tenure of office comes to an end,” Nana Sekyere stressed.
Prof. Mills and his entourage have since left for Wassa Amenfi, Bowdie, Wassa Akropong, Nananko and other surrounding communities to continue with the electioneering.
.
Dancing to brass band music with the teeming enthusiastic NDC supporters in the Agona-Amenfi Constituency, it took the flag bearer and his entourage a hectic time to enter the town.
Prof. Mills first called on the chief and elders of Agona-Amenfi to announce his presence, and delivered his message of investing in people, job creation and revamping of the national economy.
He assured the people that he would provide more development projects in the area and rebuild the entire nation if the NDC was given the mandate to rule next year.
Prof. Mills also told the people of Agona-Amenfi and its surrounding communities who trooped to welcome him at a mammoth rally that one of the focus of his government would be investing in people, especially the youth, and turning the economy around.
He promised the people of the area that an NDC government would reconstruct the road linking Agona-Amenfi with Asankragwa to facilitate movement and the haulage of agricultural produce to the marketing centres.
Prof. Mills said the tarring of the road was important, considering the enormous benefits that the people would derive from the project.
The NDC’s flag bearer whose address was constantly interrupted by the enthusiastic crowd, urged the people not to give up hope since his government would ensure equity and transparency.
He said the Western Region was one of the rich areas in the country and, therefore needed social amenities that would not only make life comfortable for the people, but also position the region as an attractive place to the corporate world.
He also promised to improve on the telecommunication network in the region, adding that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) would also be extended to all parts of the region.
“This is to ensure that the children of this part of the region and other parts of the country are not limited to their locality, but become part of the bigger world,” he emphasised.
“Schools in the country will not be the normal few classroom blocks as currently the case, but will get more buildings and the needed tools, and relevant information on ICT so that schoolchildren will not be found wanting,” Prof. Mills stated.
He said the New Patriotic(NPP) government had brought hardship on the people, so it was time to kick the party out of power.
“I want to assure you that the NDC will work as a team, and operate an open and transparent government where the needs of the people will be at the heart of the government,” the NDC flag bearer stressed.
“There is hope and the NDC government will not allow you to be consumed by hopelessness,” he stated .
The Chief of Agona Amenfi, Nana Akwasi Brumia Sekyere II, urged Prof. Mills not to forget his promises to the people.
He said a situation where a politician promised something and after getting power, turned a blind eye to the people did not augur well for the development of the country’s democracy.
“Where you cannot do all, start and end it somewhere before your tenure of office comes to an end,” Nana Sekyere stressed.
Prof. Mills and his entourage have since left for Wassa Amenfi, Bowdie, Wassa Akropong, Nananko and other surrounding communities to continue with the electioneering.
.
Monday, June 2, 2008
'STUDY COMMUNITIES FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE (PAGE 28)
THE Western Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police, M.A. Alhassan, has called on police officers to study the communities in which they operate to enable them to co-exist with them.
He said although there were laid-down rules that governed the operations of the police, it was important that officers took their time to study the communities, so that they would be able to learn much about the people and their culture.
The regional commander was speaking to journalists after embarking on a tour of some parts of the region, including Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, Asawinso, Enchi, Asankragwa, Tarkwa and Sekondi/Takoradi to interact with members of his team, their host communities and opinion leaders.
Mr Alhassan said if crime was to be averted, it would be through a police-public collaboration, especially in the remote parts of the region.
“We as police officers are at the service of our fellow compatriots. Therefore, it is important for us to let the public understand the nature of our work to clear the unfortunate misconception the public may have formed about us,” he said.
He, on the other hand, urged the police officers to show commitment to duty, and work together with the opinion leaders to enable them to structure and build strong relationship between them and the public through their elders.
He said even though there were some challenges facing the service, it required the input of all, and urged his men to stand strong in discharging their duties.
He said although there were laid-down rules that governed the operations of the police, it was important that officers took their time to study the communities, so that they would be able to learn much about the people and their culture.
The regional commander was speaking to journalists after embarking on a tour of some parts of the region, including Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, Asawinso, Enchi, Asankragwa, Tarkwa and Sekondi/Takoradi to interact with members of his team, their host communities and opinion leaders.
Mr Alhassan said if crime was to be averted, it would be through a police-public collaboration, especially in the remote parts of the region.
“We as police officers are at the service of our fellow compatriots. Therefore, it is important for us to let the public understand the nature of our work to clear the unfortunate misconception the public may have formed about us,” he said.
He, on the other hand, urged the police officers to show commitment to duty, and work together with the opinion leaders to enable them to structure and build strong relationship between them and the public through their elders.
He said even though there were some challenges facing the service, it required the input of all, and urged his men to stand strong in discharging their duties.
DANGER...Illegal miners pose threat to energy supplies (LEAD STORY)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
ACTIVITIES of illegal miners in the Mpohor Wassa West District of the Western Region are posing grave danger to the country’s uncertain energy supplies.
The illegal miners have dug massive holes under the giant steel pylons which carry about 161,000 volts per line from Takoradi and Aboadze to the mining communities in Tarkwa and Prestea on the western corridors to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Authorities at the Volta River Authority (VRA) told the Daily Graphic in Takoradi that such activities, which are intense at Amanteng in the Mpohor Wassa West District, are threatening to destroy the VRA pylons, which supply power for commercial and industrial undertakings on the western corridors.
According to the experts at the VRA, the danger is that if one pylon falls, it will draw others along, which will have serious implications for the country.
The Takoradi Area Manager of the VRA, Mr Isaac Osei Nyantakyi, said if urgent steps were not taken to stop the miners now, there could be serious power cuts in the country very soon.
He noted that as a result of the rains, the grounds were soft and this could easily lead to the pylons falling, if the illegal miners continued to dig around them.
He noted that in the areas that had not yet been dug, the cyanide used in extracting the gold had settled on the base of the pylons, corroding and making them weak.
He said if the pylons were destroyed, it would not only affect commerce and industry in Tarkwa and its environs , but also power supply from the Akosombo Dam and the Aboadze Thermal plant would have to be halted for major repair works to be carried out.
This, he further stated, could result in a complete power cut nation-wide.
In addition, he said, repair works and restoration of power could take as long as six months and would cost the country billions of dollars and unreliable service as a result of breaks in transmission.
Mr Nyantakyi noted that the law did not permit even mining companies with mining rights in the country to mine along the paths of the transmission lines, which are technically referred to as “lines’ right of way”
He said another issue of concern was the danger that the operations of the illegal miners posed to workers of VRA who carried out maintenance works on the lines.
He said the abandoned pits by the miners posed a safety risk because on a number of occasions vehicles driven by the maintenance staff ran into these pits accidentally.
“Sometimes, the staff working on the lines fall into the pits,” he said.
“It is very sad and mind-boggling that these illegal miners do not care about sacrificing the supreme interest of the country because of their individual selfish interests,” the area manager lamented.
He, therefore, appealed to the authorities to take the necessary action to save the country as the voltage of electricity transmitted by the lines were very high and their destruction had enormous implications for the nation.
ACTIVITIES of illegal miners in the Mpohor Wassa West District of the Western Region are posing grave danger to the country’s uncertain energy supplies.
The illegal miners have dug massive holes under the giant steel pylons which carry about 161,000 volts per line from Takoradi and Aboadze to the mining communities in Tarkwa and Prestea on the western corridors to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Authorities at the Volta River Authority (VRA) told the Daily Graphic in Takoradi that such activities, which are intense at Amanteng in the Mpohor Wassa West District, are threatening to destroy the VRA pylons, which supply power for commercial and industrial undertakings on the western corridors.
According to the experts at the VRA, the danger is that if one pylon falls, it will draw others along, which will have serious implications for the country.
The Takoradi Area Manager of the VRA, Mr Isaac Osei Nyantakyi, said if urgent steps were not taken to stop the miners now, there could be serious power cuts in the country very soon.
He noted that as a result of the rains, the grounds were soft and this could easily lead to the pylons falling, if the illegal miners continued to dig around them.
He noted that in the areas that had not yet been dug, the cyanide used in extracting the gold had settled on the base of the pylons, corroding and making them weak.
He said if the pylons were destroyed, it would not only affect commerce and industry in Tarkwa and its environs , but also power supply from the Akosombo Dam and the Aboadze Thermal plant would have to be halted for major repair works to be carried out.
This, he further stated, could result in a complete power cut nation-wide.
In addition, he said, repair works and restoration of power could take as long as six months and would cost the country billions of dollars and unreliable service as a result of breaks in transmission.
Mr Nyantakyi noted that the law did not permit even mining companies with mining rights in the country to mine along the paths of the transmission lines, which are technically referred to as “lines’ right of way”
He said another issue of concern was the danger that the operations of the illegal miners posed to workers of VRA who carried out maintenance works on the lines.
He said the abandoned pits by the miners posed a safety risk because on a number of occasions vehicles driven by the maintenance staff ran into these pits accidentally.
“Sometimes, the staff working on the lines fall into the pits,” he said.
“It is very sad and mind-boggling that these illegal miners do not care about sacrificing the supreme interest of the country because of their individual selfish interests,” the area manager lamented.
He, therefore, appealed to the authorities to take the necessary action to save the country as the voltage of electricity transmitted by the lines were very high and their destruction had enormous implications for the nation.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
PRAYER CAMPS TURNED INTO MATERNITY HOMES ...And create more complications (MIRROR, FRONT PAGE)
From Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi
Some spiritual churches operating within the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis and other parts of the Western Region are creating anxiety for medical staff and workers in the area.
The churches, particularly the 12 Apostles Church, popularly called “Nakaba” in Western Region parlance, are said to be persuading pregnant women, who visit their churches for prayers not to go to hospital to be delivered of their babies but rather to deliver on the church premises in a special place called “Gardens”.
According to Dr Sulley Ali Gabass, medical officer in charge of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the Western Regional Hospital in Takoradi, most women who visit these churches are brought to the hospital deep in the night with serious complications, which is not good for the health of the women and their unborn babies.
He explained that during labour, there are processes the delivery system has to go through before the child finally comes out.
“But these women at various camps are forced to push the baby when the time is not due and this results in injuries to the uterus which leads to excessive bleeding that sometimes leads to the death of some of these women,” he noted.
He explained that “when you force the uterus, it bleeds and the expectant mother could die after delivery. In the process, many blood vessels are destroyed.
“They do not know the anatomy and the physiology of childbirth. They tell the women to push. Therefore, the uterus is forced to open up for the child to come out. We are professionals and when the child proceeds with the hand or the head we know what to do to save the situation,” he said.
He added that the sad aspect of the situation was that such cases were always referred to the hospital at night when other professionals such as the anaesthetists had closed and gone home.
He appealed to the church leaders not to take over the job of the medical professionals but encourage their congregation to seek medical attention at recognised health centres.
Dr Gabass said sometimes the patients after safe delivery narrate to the medical staff their horrific experiences at such prayer camps.
He said despite advice that pregnant women should visit medical facilities regularly to avert any complications when labour begins, “they do not come but prefer the prayer camps to the health facilities.”
Asked if the problem was attributable to poverty, he said “that can never be the case. About 90 per cent of those who are brought here are fully registered members of the National Health Insurance Scheme and they understand how it works.”
Some spiritual churches operating within the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis and other parts of the Western Region are creating anxiety for medical staff and workers in the area.
The churches, particularly the 12 Apostles Church, popularly called “Nakaba” in Western Region parlance, are said to be persuading pregnant women, who visit their churches for prayers not to go to hospital to be delivered of their babies but rather to deliver on the church premises in a special place called “Gardens”.
According to Dr Sulley Ali Gabass, medical officer in charge of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the Western Regional Hospital in Takoradi, most women who visit these churches are brought to the hospital deep in the night with serious complications, which is not good for the health of the women and their unborn babies.
He explained that during labour, there are processes the delivery system has to go through before the child finally comes out.
“But these women at various camps are forced to push the baby when the time is not due and this results in injuries to the uterus which leads to excessive bleeding that sometimes leads to the death of some of these women,” he noted.
He explained that “when you force the uterus, it bleeds and the expectant mother could die after delivery. In the process, many blood vessels are destroyed.
“They do not know the anatomy and the physiology of childbirth. They tell the women to push. Therefore, the uterus is forced to open up for the child to come out. We are professionals and when the child proceeds with the hand or the head we know what to do to save the situation,” he said.
He added that the sad aspect of the situation was that such cases were always referred to the hospital at night when other professionals such as the anaesthetists had closed and gone home.
He appealed to the church leaders not to take over the job of the medical professionals but encourage their congregation to seek medical attention at recognised health centres.
Dr Gabass said sometimes the patients after safe delivery narrate to the medical staff their horrific experiences at such prayer camps.
He said despite advice that pregnant women should visit medical facilities regularly to avert any complications when labour begins, “they do not come but prefer the prayer camps to the health facilities.”
Asked if the problem was attributable to poverty, he said “that can never be the case. About 90 per cent of those who are brought here are fully registered members of the National Health Insurance Scheme and they understand how it works.”
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