Some residents of the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis have commended President John Evans Atta Mills for nominating Ms Betty Bosomtwe-Sam as the Deputy Western Regional Minister designate.
They said the President had demonstrated his love for the region by appointing people who had shown their willingness to serve their community, God and country.
Mr Kojo Arthur, a resident of Sekondi, said the appointee had demonstrated she wanted to serve her people and urged her to work together with the current Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, to speed up the growth of the region.
“As our own daughter she is aware of some of the problems facing Sekondi-Takoradi and other parts of the region. We hope she will be guided by that to ensure that nothing is left to chance if vetted, and confirmed to take her seat as a deputy minister,” he said.
Ms Bosomtwe-Sam, a graduate from the University of Education, Winneba, said she was humbled by the appointment even though it came as a surprise. She further noted that as a party member and someone who had the desire to serve, she was ready for the job.
She said the government’s focus was to ensure a better Ghana, and that she would work together with the regional minister to make sure that the development agenda for the region was well prosecuted.
She said she aspired to be a Member of Parliament on few occasions, but did not get the nod of her people, “but to me, we can serve the country in so many ways even in our private lives” saying this appointment was a chance for me to prove my worth and that of women.
She used the opportunity to thank the people of the twin-city and the region for their support and the words of encouragement, and asked for their support to help move the region forward.
“I am also grateful to President John Evans Atta Mills for the confidence reposed in me and I will do my best to make the dream of investing in people, job creation and economy a reality,” she said.
“We are all one people, one nation with a common dream to make Ghana the best in Africa. I share in that dream and we will work towards that as members, of the team,” she stated.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
SHIPPERS TOLD TO REFRAIN FROM ILLEGAL PRACTICES (PAGE 55)
Shippers have been urged not to engage in any illegal practices that will rob the country of the needed revenue.
The Deputy Chief Executive of the Shippers Council, Mr Emmanuel Martey, who said this at the inauguration of a Shipper Complaints and Support Unit at Elubo Border in the Western Region, cautioned shippers that the use of dubious methods would land them in trouble when discovered.
“Our caution to you as shippers is to do what is expected of you as a council. We will not condone inappropriate, shady and illegal transactions that could land you in trouble,” he warned.
He said it was important that shippers would consult the council to guide them in their business transactions and decision-making in order to forestall committing blunders in the processes.
Mr Martey said the council through the unit would provide the shippers with the platform for checking on the status of various agents, particularly freight forwarders they intended to engage.
He said there was no doubt that traders using the Elubo Border would now heave a sigh of relief with the establishment of the unit at the border since prior to the inauguration, the nearest place for solution was Takoradi.
“Our focus is to ensure that we created the safest and the most appropriate atmosphere for members of the council, therefore, the establishment of the units across the country was in response to the increasing request from the shipper community,” he said.
Apart from Elubo and Takoradi which are currently provided with the facility, the council would establish the unit at Aflao, Bawku, Paga, Tema and Kotoka International Airport to assist shippers.
He said the council had in the past taken some steps by the introduction of “Mobiship”, which enabled the shippers to use their mobile phone irrespective of the network provider to access information on the movement of vessels.
The council, he said, had also provided shippers with an information centre fully equipped with Internet facility within the Shippers’ Council building at the Chapel Hill in Takoradi.
Mr Martey said the council was in the process of providing large warehouses and truck parking facilities at Takoradi and Buipe that cross-border traders could make use of.
“At present, the council has six large warehouses in a prime location at Tema Harbour to provide warehouse facilities to shippers especially those in the landlocked countries transmitting through the Tema Port.”
There were solidarity massages from the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
The Deputy Chief Executive of the Shippers Council, Mr Emmanuel Martey, who said this at the inauguration of a Shipper Complaints and Support Unit at Elubo Border in the Western Region, cautioned shippers that the use of dubious methods would land them in trouble when discovered.
“Our caution to you as shippers is to do what is expected of you as a council. We will not condone inappropriate, shady and illegal transactions that could land you in trouble,” he warned.
He said it was important that shippers would consult the council to guide them in their business transactions and decision-making in order to forestall committing blunders in the processes.
Mr Martey said the council through the unit would provide the shippers with the platform for checking on the status of various agents, particularly freight forwarders they intended to engage.
He said there was no doubt that traders using the Elubo Border would now heave a sigh of relief with the establishment of the unit at the border since prior to the inauguration, the nearest place for solution was Takoradi.
“Our focus is to ensure that we created the safest and the most appropriate atmosphere for members of the council, therefore, the establishment of the units across the country was in response to the increasing request from the shipper community,” he said.
Apart from Elubo and Takoradi which are currently provided with the facility, the council would establish the unit at Aflao, Bawku, Paga, Tema and Kotoka International Airport to assist shippers.
He said the council had in the past taken some steps by the introduction of “Mobiship”, which enabled the shippers to use their mobile phone irrespective of the network provider to access information on the movement of vessels.
The council, he said, had also provided shippers with an information centre fully equipped with Internet facility within the Shippers’ Council building at the Chapel Hill in Takoradi.
Mr Martey said the council was in the process of providing large warehouses and truck parking facilities at Takoradi and Buipe that cross-border traders could make use of.
“At present, the council has six large warehouses in a prime location at Tema Harbour to provide warehouse facilities to shippers especially those in the landlocked countries transmitting through the Tema Port.”
There were solidarity massages from the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
MILLS GRATEFUL FOR RESPONSE TO 'CLEAN GHANA' CAMPAIGN ([PAGE 17)
The President, John Evans Atta Mills, has commended the people of the Sekondi/Takoradi for their massive response to his call to clean Ghana within his first 100 days in office.
The clean-up for the metropolis, dubbed “Chocolate Valentine Clean-up”, which lasted for six hours, brought all commercial activities in the metropolis to a virtual standstill.
Drivers, traders, the military and police, fire service personnel, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, residents, corporate and other security services joined residents to clean all choked gutters and drains to allow the free flow of liquid waste, while residents swept their localities.
The Communications Director at the Presidency, Mr Koku Anyidoho, told the Daily Graphic after the exercise that it was the fervent hope of the President that metropolitan, district and municipal assemblies in the country would be the cleanest in the sub-region.
“The President is very glad with the response at various parts of the country that the exercise had taken place and wishes to commend the people of Sekondi/Takoradi for their positive response,” he said.
Mr Anyidoho said: “Filth, as we all know, is not only the cause of many preventable illnesses that put the lives of the people at risk, but also places serious pressure on the budgets of district and metropolitan assemblies.”
He expressed the hope that, that declaration by the President would create a new perception of waste disposal and management issues. “For the people of Sekondi/Takoradi, the President is grateful for your positive response, ” Mr Anyidoho said.
The exercise started at about 6a.m. throughout the metropolis.
More than 200 officers and men from the Ghana Air Force, Takoradi Station, led by the Station Commander, Air Commodore Samson-Oje, brought their own equipment for the exercise.
They cleared gutters and huge drains in and around the central business district. A waste management company, Zoomlion, and other construction companies in the metropolis, provided trucks for the collection of waste.
The outgoing Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah; the acting Regional Minister, Mr David Yaro; the Police Commander and the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kobby O. Darko, also joined in clearing the drains and commended the people for their positive response.
The Public Relations Officer of the Sekondi/Takoradi Municipal Assembly, Mr John Laste, said he was overwhelmed by the response and urged the people not to wait for suh clean-up campaigns before taking action.
He explained that even though the assembly would sustain the exercise, it was incumbent on the people to ensure that they helped in their little ways to manage the waste in their localities.
“If we learn to respect the Golden Rule that gutters are for liquid waste and the communal containers and waste bins are for solid waste and act appropriately, the battle against filth will be half won,” he said.
The clean-up for the metropolis, dubbed “Chocolate Valentine Clean-up”, which lasted for six hours, brought all commercial activities in the metropolis to a virtual standstill.
Drivers, traders, the military and police, fire service personnel, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, residents, corporate and other security services joined residents to clean all choked gutters and drains to allow the free flow of liquid waste, while residents swept their localities.
The Communications Director at the Presidency, Mr Koku Anyidoho, told the Daily Graphic after the exercise that it was the fervent hope of the President that metropolitan, district and municipal assemblies in the country would be the cleanest in the sub-region.
“The President is very glad with the response at various parts of the country that the exercise had taken place and wishes to commend the people of Sekondi/Takoradi for their positive response,” he said.
Mr Anyidoho said: “Filth, as we all know, is not only the cause of many preventable illnesses that put the lives of the people at risk, but also places serious pressure on the budgets of district and metropolitan assemblies.”
He expressed the hope that, that declaration by the President would create a new perception of waste disposal and management issues. “For the people of Sekondi/Takoradi, the President is grateful for your positive response, ” Mr Anyidoho said.
The exercise started at about 6a.m. throughout the metropolis.
More than 200 officers and men from the Ghana Air Force, Takoradi Station, led by the Station Commander, Air Commodore Samson-Oje, brought their own equipment for the exercise.
They cleared gutters and huge drains in and around the central business district. A waste management company, Zoomlion, and other construction companies in the metropolis, provided trucks for the collection of waste.
The outgoing Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah; the acting Regional Minister, Mr David Yaro; the Police Commander and the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kobby O. Darko, also joined in clearing the drains and commended the people for their positive response.
The Public Relations Officer of the Sekondi/Takoradi Municipal Assembly, Mr John Laste, said he was overwhelmed by the response and urged the people not to wait for suh clean-up campaigns before taking action.
He explained that even though the assembly would sustain the exercise, it was incumbent on the people to ensure that they helped in their little ways to manage the waste in their localities.
“If we learn to respect the Golden Rule that gutters are for liquid waste and the communal containers and waste bins are for solid waste and act appropriately, the battle against filth will be half won,” he said.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
ANOTHER ORPHANAGE TO BE CLOSED DOWN (PAGE 3)
THE Department of Social Welfare last Thursday dispatched officials from Accra to close down Orphan Cry, an orphanage in the Ahanta West District in the Western Region.
The closure followed hours of inspection, after which the officials concluded that the environment and facilities at the home were below standard and also that it was operating without a licence.
There were also allegations of defilement, molestation and abuse of the rights of the children.
The home is also said to be under-staffed, as only three untrained caregivers catered for more than 40 inmates.
The officials said the management of the home usually used wrong methods of admitting and giving children out for adoption.
Some of the children told the Daily Graphic that they were happy they were being relocated because they had to go to school with 20Gp until they returned for their afternoon meal about 3p.m.
The children have their meals under a tree, prepared by only one cook in a dilapidated wooden kitchen. The compound is dusty and there is an abandoned but uncovered borehole.
The Co-ordinator for Care Initiative, Mrs Helena Obeng-Asamoah, said they had developed a care plan for the children to ensure that they were properly relocated.
She said the situation at Orphan Cry did not provide the needed care that would make the children feel a part of society.
Mrs Obeng-Asamoah said some of the children had identifiable families and they would be contacted to go for them.
She advised members of the public to contact the department when faced with the problem of taking care of orphans for advice, instead of rushing to orphanages.
“When the children are brought to us, we then assess the situation and advise them and sometimes give them training and counselling on what to do,” she said.
She said Care Initiative would continue its activities across the country and if investigations of any home revealed that it was not suitable for habitation, it would be closed down.
The co-ordinator said their biggest challenge was logistics, adding that they had some form of support from donors to enable them to discharge their duties creditably.
The closure followed hours of inspection, after which the officials concluded that the environment and facilities at the home were below standard and also that it was operating without a licence.
There were also allegations of defilement, molestation and abuse of the rights of the children.
The home is also said to be under-staffed, as only three untrained caregivers catered for more than 40 inmates.
The officials said the management of the home usually used wrong methods of admitting and giving children out for adoption.
Some of the children told the Daily Graphic that they were happy they were being relocated because they had to go to school with 20Gp until they returned for their afternoon meal about 3p.m.
The children have their meals under a tree, prepared by only one cook in a dilapidated wooden kitchen. The compound is dusty and there is an abandoned but uncovered borehole.
The Co-ordinator for Care Initiative, Mrs Helena Obeng-Asamoah, said they had developed a care plan for the children to ensure that they were properly relocated.
She said the situation at Orphan Cry did not provide the needed care that would make the children feel a part of society.
Mrs Obeng-Asamoah said some of the children had identifiable families and they would be contacted to go for them.
She advised members of the public to contact the department when faced with the problem of taking care of orphans for advice, instead of rushing to orphanages.
“When the children are brought to us, we then assess the situation and advise them and sometimes give them training and counselling on what to do,” she said.
She said Care Initiative would continue its activities across the country and if investigations of any home revealed that it was not suitable for habitation, it would be closed down.
The co-ordinator said their biggest challenge was logistics, adding that they had some form of support from donors to enable them to discharge their duties creditably.
Friday, February 20, 2009
CHARLES TAYLOR FIRED UP FOR CHAN (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 11)
After a long absence on the international scene, Charles Taylor is relishing another great moment with the Black Stars in the maiden Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) which kicks of this weekend at the Ivorian capital of Abidjan.
The Hearts talisman whose appearance in the Blacks Stars jersey was some five years ago when he captained the team to beat Rwanda 4-1 in a World Cup qualifier has shown glimpses of his old form in the team’s two friendly appearances since the team began camping at the harbour city.
Injuries and Taylor’s own actions have conspired to deny him a regular place in the senior national team in the past years.
Taylor who has been a regular figure in the local Black Stars work-outs at the Sekondi camp has declared that this maiden CHAN was another great moment in waiting for Ghana football and a personal one in his quest to revive his career.
The former goal king who has recovered from an injury he sustained in the first game of the Premier League has often attracted the crowds with his magic and appears to have laid claim on the left wing position.
“We are aware of the task ahead of us, and the trust Ghanaians have reposed in us, and we will not let the nation down. It is a national call and we are up to the task,” he told the Graphic Sports last Wednesday after a hectic work-out.
“With the level of training we have had so far, the team spirit in camp, and God on our side, we will make history in this tournament”, he said.
He said the team will draw inspiration from the exploits of the Black Satellites which recently won the Africa Youth Championship in Rwanda to make Ghana proud.
Taylor was very modest in his expectations saying, “football is no longer for the strong and known football nations, because any of the nations could surprise us and we need the prayers of all Ghanaians to maintain the high team spirit during the tournament”.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s enterprising player, Samuel Inkoom, also expressed his readiness for the battle with a repeat of his explosive performance in the Africa Youth Championship.
The Hearts talisman whose appearance in the Blacks Stars jersey was some five years ago when he captained the team to beat Rwanda 4-1 in a World Cup qualifier has shown glimpses of his old form in the team’s two friendly appearances since the team began camping at the harbour city.
Injuries and Taylor’s own actions have conspired to deny him a regular place in the senior national team in the past years.
Taylor who has been a regular figure in the local Black Stars work-outs at the Sekondi camp has declared that this maiden CHAN was another great moment in waiting for Ghana football and a personal one in his quest to revive his career.
The former goal king who has recovered from an injury he sustained in the first game of the Premier League has often attracted the crowds with his magic and appears to have laid claim on the left wing position.
“We are aware of the task ahead of us, and the trust Ghanaians have reposed in us, and we will not let the nation down. It is a national call and we are up to the task,” he told the Graphic Sports last Wednesday after a hectic work-out.
“With the level of training we have had so far, the team spirit in camp, and God on our side, we will make history in this tournament”, he said.
He said the team will draw inspiration from the exploits of the Black Satellites which recently won the Africa Youth Championship in Rwanda to make Ghana proud.
Taylor was very modest in his expectations saying, “football is no longer for the strong and known football nations, because any of the nations could surprise us and we need the prayers of all Ghanaians to maintain the high team spirit during the tournament”.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s enterprising player, Samuel Inkoom, also expressed his readiness for the battle with a repeat of his explosive performance in the Africa Youth Championship.
I'VE CONFIDENCE IN MY MEN — RAJEVAC (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
Black Stars head coach, Milovan Rajevac, is energised by the level of enthusiasm displayed by the group of local players who are rounding up a special training camp at Takoradi for the first-ever Africa Nations Championship which kicks off this weekend in Cote d’Ivoire.
Exuding confidence after a work-out at the Sekondi Gyandu Park last Wednesday, Milo expressed his optimism about the chances of the Stars in this African soccer fiesta which also has the likes of hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Libya and Congo DR among others participating.
As he observed players like Charles Taylor, Jordan Opoku, Harrison Afful, Samuel Inkoom and Stephen Manu exhibit sheer brilliance at training, Milo was more than confident that his outfit would be the team to beat in the competition.
Since they began training at the Gyandu Park this week, the locals have won the heart of soccer fans at the harbour city, thrilling the huge crowds which have turn out at their work-out and as they inspired hope with their performance in two friendly games they played at the venue.
They beat Sekondi Eleven Wise and Metro Stars 1-0, 1-0 respectively in their two friendly outings.
Coach Milo said his men were battle ready to take Africa by storm and with the great team spirit and high moral which he had witnessed so farthey must be on the threshold of making history in the Championship.
“My confidence has been boosted by the level of discipline of the players at training session, the respect for the camping rules and regulations and the determination they have shown so far”, he added.
“I am so far encouraged by the absence of acrimony, rivalry, laziness among these 23 players and I will not be surprised if some of them find their way in the main Black Stars team for the World Cup qualifiers”, he said.
Ghana will be battling from Group B together with Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe and Milo was quick to describe encounters with Libya and Democratic Republic of Congo as very tricky.
Still concerned about the loss to Libya in Tripoli late last year in a World Cup qualifying game, Milo said he draws his strength from the Stars impressive showing in the qualifiers which saw the team eliminate Nigeria but was quick to assure that this accomplishment was not going to be a source of complacency for the team.
“We will maintain our focus and respect our opponents even though it is clear that some of them are not very endowed with talents and also do not have the pedigree,” he stated.
“At the moment, I’m not in the position to promise anything, all we need is the prayer and support of all Ghanaians for the task ahead”, Coach Milo stressed.
The players currently in camp are Philemon MacCarthy, Ernest Sowah, Daniel Agyei, Samuel Inkoom, Rahim Ayew, Ofosu Appiah, Iddrisu Yahaya, Osei Bonsu Michael, Isaac Owusu, Daniel Yeboah, Jordan Opoku, Mohammed Habib, Harrison Afful, Captain Edmund Owusu Ansah, Francis Mantey, Sam Ayew Yeboah, Charles Asampong Taylor, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Francis Coffie, Ebo Andoh, Yaw Antwi, Stephen Manu and Kwadwo Poku.
Exuding confidence after a work-out at the Sekondi Gyandu Park last Wednesday, Milo expressed his optimism about the chances of the Stars in this African soccer fiesta which also has the likes of hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Libya and Congo DR among others participating.
As he observed players like Charles Taylor, Jordan Opoku, Harrison Afful, Samuel Inkoom and Stephen Manu exhibit sheer brilliance at training, Milo was more than confident that his outfit would be the team to beat in the competition.
Since they began training at the Gyandu Park this week, the locals have won the heart of soccer fans at the harbour city, thrilling the huge crowds which have turn out at their work-out and as they inspired hope with their performance in two friendly games they played at the venue.
They beat Sekondi Eleven Wise and Metro Stars 1-0, 1-0 respectively in their two friendly outings.
Coach Milo said his men were battle ready to take Africa by storm and with the great team spirit and high moral which he had witnessed so farthey must be on the threshold of making history in the Championship.
“My confidence has been boosted by the level of discipline of the players at training session, the respect for the camping rules and regulations and the determination they have shown so far”, he added.
“I am so far encouraged by the absence of acrimony, rivalry, laziness among these 23 players and I will not be surprised if some of them find their way in the main Black Stars team for the World Cup qualifiers”, he said.
Ghana will be battling from Group B together with Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe and Milo was quick to describe encounters with Libya and Democratic Republic of Congo as very tricky.
Still concerned about the loss to Libya in Tripoli late last year in a World Cup qualifying game, Milo said he draws his strength from the Stars impressive showing in the qualifiers which saw the team eliminate Nigeria but was quick to assure that this accomplishment was not going to be a source of complacency for the team.
“We will maintain our focus and respect our opponents even though it is clear that some of them are not very endowed with talents and also do not have the pedigree,” he stated.
“At the moment, I’m not in the position to promise anything, all we need is the prayer and support of all Ghanaians for the task ahead”, Coach Milo stressed.
The players currently in camp are Philemon MacCarthy, Ernest Sowah, Daniel Agyei, Samuel Inkoom, Rahim Ayew, Ofosu Appiah, Iddrisu Yahaya, Osei Bonsu Michael, Isaac Owusu, Daniel Yeboah, Jordan Opoku, Mohammed Habib, Harrison Afful, Captain Edmund Owusu Ansah, Francis Mantey, Sam Ayew Yeboah, Charles Asampong Taylor, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Francis Coffie, Ebo Andoh, Yaw Antwi, Stephen Manu and Kwadwo Poku.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
REMAIN FOCUSSED, VIGILANT (PAGE 14)
OFFICERS of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) have been urged to remain focused and vigilant on how to mobilise more revenue to support the country’s development agenda.
The Commissioner of CEPS, Mr Emmanuel N. Doku, who made the call at Elubo, urged the officers to let their focal point be on how to sustain the growth and productivity of revenue through the introduction of new and innovative systems, as well as procedures, that encouraged voluntary compliance, investment and economic growth.
“The qualitative changes that took place in 2008 should not be taken for granted. We must remain vigilant and acutely conscious of the risk involved in every chosen course of action and we need to work together and share ideas on how CEPS could chart a course through these turbulent economic times,” he said.
The commissioner said as the biggest revenue collection agency in the country, the service could not afford to be complacent and noted that Ghanaians would not forgive CEPS if that happened.
He asked them to embrace 2009 as a challenge to improve operational efficiency by creating, strengthening and streamlining inter-institutional linkages and partnerships.
Mr Doku said given the way the various collections had launched into the year, “I am confident that CEPS will continue to make great progress in reforming its corporate image and operational environment.”
“While there will always be challenges, there are also significant opportunities for CEPS to push ahead in developing a vibrant and customer friendly tax system,” he added.
The commissioner said while the focus was to increase output, “We must also strengthen and improve our human resource, organisation, management and operational capability in order that we may effectively play our role in national and international trade, economics and law enforcement.”
For his part, the Elubo Sector Commander, Mr Jeremiah Dwomoh, said the sector had exceeded its target by eight per cent for the first time in five years.
He said more than GH¢6.4 million was collected, against the GH¢6 million target set for itself.
The sector commander said the achievement came at the back of the humane and effective strategies, teamwork and determination that were adopted by the sector in the year under review.
Mr Dwomoh said the sector was doing everything possible to ensure that it did better this year.
The Commissioner of CEPS, Mr Emmanuel N. Doku, who made the call at Elubo, urged the officers to let their focal point be on how to sustain the growth and productivity of revenue through the introduction of new and innovative systems, as well as procedures, that encouraged voluntary compliance, investment and economic growth.
“The qualitative changes that took place in 2008 should not be taken for granted. We must remain vigilant and acutely conscious of the risk involved in every chosen course of action and we need to work together and share ideas on how CEPS could chart a course through these turbulent economic times,” he said.
The commissioner said as the biggest revenue collection agency in the country, the service could not afford to be complacent and noted that Ghanaians would not forgive CEPS if that happened.
He asked them to embrace 2009 as a challenge to improve operational efficiency by creating, strengthening and streamlining inter-institutional linkages and partnerships.
Mr Doku said given the way the various collections had launched into the year, “I am confident that CEPS will continue to make great progress in reforming its corporate image and operational environment.”
“While there will always be challenges, there are also significant opportunities for CEPS to push ahead in developing a vibrant and customer friendly tax system,” he added.
The commissioner said while the focus was to increase output, “We must also strengthen and improve our human resource, organisation, management and operational capability in order that we may effectively play our role in national and international trade, economics and law enforcement.”
For his part, the Elubo Sector Commander, Mr Jeremiah Dwomoh, said the sector had exceeded its target by eight per cent for the first time in five years.
He said more than GH¢6.4 million was collected, against the GH¢6 million target set for itself.
The sector commander said the achievement came at the back of the humane and effective strategies, teamwork and determination that were adopted by the sector in the year under review.
Mr Dwomoh said the sector was doing everything possible to ensure that it did better this year.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
SHIPPERS COUNCIL SETS UP COMPLAINTS UNITS (PAGE 31)
The Ghana Shippers Council is to establish Complaint and Support units at the various entry points in the country to make the activities of the shipping community less cumbersome.
Already, one unit has been opened at the Takoradi Port with another one expected to be opened at Elubo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region tomorrow.
The establishment of the unit at the Elubo Border is seen by shippers as a significant step in the efforts of the council to offer its services directly to shippers of import and export cargo.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Western Regional Branch Manager, Mrs Monica Josiah, said the mission of the council was to ensure that shippers were provided with modern facilities to enable them operate efficiently and effectively.
She said the unit at Elubo would also afford shippers who transacted business to Cote d'Ivoire and beyond the opportunity to have immediate solutions to their problems.
She noted that the aim was to protect and promote the interests of Ghanaian shippers in relation to port and inland transportation problems, and the provision of ancillary shipping services in the country.
Mrs Josiah said the Complaints and Support Unit at Elubo would save the shippers from travelling to Takoradi to seek solutions to their problems.
“The establishment of the units throughout the country is, therefore, to ensure that shippers get help and for quick, safe and reliable delivery of import and export cargoes by all modes of transport at optimum cost”.
Mrs Josiah named other centres where the support units as Aflao, Bawku, Paga, Tema and Kotoka International Airport.
The Ghana Shippers Council was established in March 1974 under NRCD 254(1974) and has since worked closely with both private and public organisations in the maritime industry in promoting the interest of Ghanaian shippers.
While promoting the provision of relevant logistics for the growth and development of shipping in country, the council has registered more than 17,000 Ghanaian shippers whose interest it protects in various ways on a daily basis.
Already, one unit has been opened at the Takoradi Port with another one expected to be opened at Elubo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region tomorrow.
The establishment of the unit at the Elubo Border is seen by shippers as a significant step in the efforts of the council to offer its services directly to shippers of import and export cargo.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Western Regional Branch Manager, Mrs Monica Josiah, said the mission of the council was to ensure that shippers were provided with modern facilities to enable them operate efficiently and effectively.
She said the unit at Elubo would also afford shippers who transacted business to Cote d'Ivoire and beyond the opportunity to have immediate solutions to their problems.
She noted that the aim was to protect and promote the interests of Ghanaian shippers in relation to port and inland transportation problems, and the provision of ancillary shipping services in the country.
Mrs Josiah said the Complaints and Support Unit at Elubo would save the shippers from travelling to Takoradi to seek solutions to their problems.
“The establishment of the units throughout the country is, therefore, to ensure that shippers get help and for quick, safe and reliable delivery of import and export cargoes by all modes of transport at optimum cost”.
Mrs Josiah named other centres where the support units as Aflao, Bawku, Paga, Tema and Kotoka International Airport.
The Ghana Shippers Council was established in March 1974 under NRCD 254(1974) and has since worked closely with both private and public organisations in the maritime industry in promoting the interest of Ghanaian shippers.
While promoting the provision of relevant logistics for the growth and development of shipping in country, the council has registered more than 17,000 Ghanaian shippers whose interest it protects in various ways on a daily basis.
IMMIGRATION OFFICER STEALS CAR...After stabbing owner (BACK PAGE LEAD)
AN officer with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Elubo Border has been arrested for snatching a saloon car from an Accra-based businessman after stabbing him several times.
The victim was later abandoned in the bush at the Ankasa Game Reserve in the Western Region.
Unfortunately for the suspect, Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO) Eric Anso, on his way to sell the vehicle to someone waiting to buy it at the Elubo Border, he was involved in an accident with the Golf car, which had a foreign registration number, and he was later arrested by the police.
He, however, escaped unhurt.
The cries for help by the victim, Henry Sowah, attracted the attention of residents who rushed him to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi where he is said to be in critical condition.
According to the Western Regional Crime Officer, Mr Victor Agbetornyo, the suspect had gone to Accra, where the businessman was based, and told him that a friend of his (the suspect’s) at Elubo wanted a saloon car to buy.
Anso, being an immigration officer, was trusted by the businessman, who decided to go with the suspect and the car to Elubo, where the buyer was said to be waiting ready to pay for the vehicle.
The crime officer said after passing through the Samenya Barrier to the entrance of the Ankasa Game Reserve, the immigration officer told the businessman, who was then driving, that he should branch off into the game reserve to enable him (the officer) to see a friend.
The unsuspecting Sowah, who did not know the terrain of the reserve, branched off.
According to the crime officer, while the two were in the reserve, the suspect ordered the victim to get out of the car, after which he stabbed him repeatedly and left him in a pool of blood.
The crime officer said the suspect then sped off with the vehicle but, unfortunately for him, he got involved in an accident.
Mr Agbetornyo said Sowah was later rescued by the town folks who were attracted to the scene by his cries for help.
He said after listening to the victim, the residents mounted a search for the suspect that night and made a call to the police for assistance.
The crime officer said Sowah’s family, who reside in Accra, were yet to be contacted, since the victim was unconscious and could not give the police any information about himself.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Western Regional Police Command, while investigations continue.
The victim was later abandoned in the bush at the Ankasa Game Reserve in the Western Region.
Unfortunately for the suspect, Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO) Eric Anso, on his way to sell the vehicle to someone waiting to buy it at the Elubo Border, he was involved in an accident with the Golf car, which had a foreign registration number, and he was later arrested by the police.
He, however, escaped unhurt.
The cries for help by the victim, Henry Sowah, attracted the attention of residents who rushed him to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi where he is said to be in critical condition.
According to the Western Regional Crime Officer, Mr Victor Agbetornyo, the suspect had gone to Accra, where the businessman was based, and told him that a friend of his (the suspect’s) at Elubo wanted a saloon car to buy.
Anso, being an immigration officer, was trusted by the businessman, who decided to go with the suspect and the car to Elubo, where the buyer was said to be waiting ready to pay for the vehicle.
The crime officer said after passing through the Samenya Barrier to the entrance of the Ankasa Game Reserve, the immigration officer told the businessman, who was then driving, that he should branch off into the game reserve to enable him (the officer) to see a friend.
The unsuspecting Sowah, who did not know the terrain of the reserve, branched off.
According to the crime officer, while the two were in the reserve, the suspect ordered the victim to get out of the car, after which he stabbed him repeatedly and left him in a pool of blood.
The crime officer said the suspect then sped off with the vehicle but, unfortunately for him, he got involved in an accident.
Mr Agbetornyo said Sowah was later rescued by the town folks who were attracted to the scene by his cries for help.
He said after listening to the victim, the residents mounted a search for the suspect that night and made a call to the police for assistance.
The crime officer said Sowah’s family, who reside in Accra, were yet to be contacted, since the victim was unconscious and could not give the police any information about himself.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Western Regional Police Command, while investigations continue.
Friday, February 13, 2009
SOCIAL WELFARE INVESTIGATES OPERATIONS OF APOWA ORPHANAGE (BACK PAGE)
ANOTHER incident of child abuse at an orphanage has been uncovered, this time, at Apowa in the Ahanta West District in the Western Region.
Officials from the Department of Social Welfare in the region alleged that the Orphan Cray Home had become a centre from where the proprietor and her accomplices recruited children and gave them out as domestic servants and child labourers.
They said before they were given out, the inmates often went to school without food and were given 20Gp for feeding until they returned home late afternoon and sometimes made to fast and pray for the whole day “to seek the face of God”.
The only source of water to the inmates was described as too salty for human consumption.
The proprietor, identified as Ms Vivian Young, is allegedly trafficking children and misapplying funds meant for the upkeep of the children for her personal gain.
This has warranted an investigation by the Western Regional Command of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service into the operations of the orphanage.
The Commander of DOVVSU, Mrs Cecilia Zorwunu, confirmed to the Daily Graphic that investigations were underway and appealed to members of the public who had information about the activities of the orphanage to assist.
Two persons, identified only as Ama Maxx and Obolo, are being sought for by the police to help locate their children who were sent to the orphanage but were unlawfully given out for adoption at Anaji in Takoradi by the home.
Mrs Zorwunu said a parent who had gone to retrieve her child from the house where he had been sent by the orphanage as a domestic servant, was asked to pay GH¢1,500 being the expenses incurred on the child at the orphanage.
She said because the parent could not raise the money, her child was still with her “adopted” parents.
A source close to the orphanage told the Daily Graphic that children were admitted to the orphanage and given out for adoption without proper procedures.
On the sale of children, the source said some women allegedly feigned to be pregnant and moved in to stay at the orphanage for months during which period the home managed to get them babies for a fee.
The orphanage, which was originally registered as an NGO, is said to have no mandate to operate as an orphanage.
Officials from the Department of Social Welfare in the region alleged that the Orphan Cray Home had become a centre from where the proprietor and her accomplices recruited children and gave them out as domestic servants and child labourers.
They said before they were given out, the inmates often went to school without food and were given 20Gp for feeding until they returned home late afternoon and sometimes made to fast and pray for the whole day “to seek the face of God”.
The only source of water to the inmates was described as too salty for human consumption.
The proprietor, identified as Ms Vivian Young, is allegedly trafficking children and misapplying funds meant for the upkeep of the children for her personal gain.
This has warranted an investigation by the Western Regional Command of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service into the operations of the orphanage.
The Commander of DOVVSU, Mrs Cecilia Zorwunu, confirmed to the Daily Graphic that investigations were underway and appealed to members of the public who had information about the activities of the orphanage to assist.
Two persons, identified only as Ama Maxx and Obolo, are being sought for by the police to help locate their children who were sent to the orphanage but were unlawfully given out for adoption at Anaji in Takoradi by the home.
Mrs Zorwunu said a parent who had gone to retrieve her child from the house where he had been sent by the orphanage as a domestic servant, was asked to pay GH¢1,500 being the expenses incurred on the child at the orphanage.
She said because the parent could not raise the money, her child was still with her “adopted” parents.
A source close to the orphanage told the Daily Graphic that children were admitted to the orphanage and given out for adoption without proper procedures.
On the sale of children, the source said some women allegedly feigned to be pregnant and moved in to stay at the orphanage for months during which period the home managed to get them babies for a fee.
The orphanage, which was originally registered as an NGO, is said to have no mandate to operate as an orphanage.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
WISE SILENCE RTU (BACK PAGE )
The Western Showboys, Sekondi Eleven Wise, yesterday handed visiting RTU a 2-0 defeat at the Sekondi Stadium.
Mohammed Moro scored the opening goal in the 20th minute of the game. Francis Addai passed the ball from the middle of the pitch to Moro who fired the ball into the net.
In the 70th minute, Jeff Aryeh made victory certain.
The ball was crossed from the right side of the pitch and he dribbled his way from the by-line into the RTU penalty box and beat onrushing goalkeeper Alhassan Fatawu.
The visitors resorted to rough play, which resulted in Kwame Adzagba being shown the red card in the 80th minute after a second bookable offence.
Mohammed Moro scored the opening goal in the 20th minute of the game. Francis Addai passed the ball from the middle of the pitch to Moro who fired the ball into the net.
In the 70th minute, Jeff Aryeh made victory certain.
The ball was crossed from the right side of the pitch and he dribbled his way from the by-line into the RTU penalty box and beat onrushing goalkeeper Alhassan Fatawu.The visitors resorted to rough play, which resulted in Kwame Adzagba being shown the red card in the 80th minute after a second bookable offence.
OLD STUDENT SUPPORTS ALMA MATER (PAGE 25)
An old student of Wiawso Road Basic School has sold his vehicles in order to use the proceeds to rehabilitate structures of his alma mater, which has become a death trap to pupils.
Mr Kofi Nhyiraba Annim said the school, which was built in the early 1950s, had not seen any renovation and therefore appealed for assistance as he embarked on the project.
He told the Daily Graphic, “It pains me to see my old school that was once a beautiful educational facility deteriorate to serve as a death trap.”
He said a visit to the school forced him to seek permission from the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly to pull down the existing structure for a new block to be put up for the children.
“I managed to raise GH¢15,000 through the sale of my Opel Vectra and Mercedes Benz and other sources and managed to pull down the structure to build three classrooms out of the expected four for the school,” he said.
Mr Annim said he would have loved to complete other projects, which include a kitchen, a canteen, staff and head teacher’s offices, washrooms and the crèche, which was at a window level. But financial constraints were affecting the project.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr John Laste, commended the philanthropist for his effort and urged corporate bodies and other philanthropists to support him to complete the project.
“As a mater of fact, the assembly is responsible for the provision of such facilities for public schools, but we cannot capture all in our budget at a go and we were glad when individuals support us,” he said.
Mr Laste said the Assembly would definitely support the school, but added that anybody who wished to help Mr Annim to complete the project should contact the Assembly.
FOUR ATTEMPTED STOWAWAYS REMANDED (PAGE 25)
Four unemployed persons on Friday appeared before a Sekondi District Magistrate’s Court for allegedly attempting to stowaway.
The accused persons, Bernard Acquah, James Owusu, Frank Dadzie and Francis Hayford, pleaded guilty and were remanded to re-appear on February 12, this year.
Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Albert Deletsa said at about 10.00 a.m. on January 30, 2009, the accused persons who were desperately looking for an opportunity to Europe to seek greener pasture, heard that MV “Bace Liner”, a foreign vessel had berthed at the Takoradi Port.
He said the accused persons mobilised some food items and water that they would need to stowaway on the ship and sailed on a canoe from Sekondi to the main wharf of the Takoradi Port.
ASP Deletsa said at about 11.00 p.m. on that day, they sneaked into the ship which was loaded with cocoa beans, but they were seen by a sailor on board.
He said they were arrested by security personnel of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and handed over to the Harbour Police.
The accused persons, Bernard Acquah, James Owusu, Frank Dadzie and Francis Hayford, pleaded guilty and were remanded to re-appear on February 12, this year.
Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Albert Deletsa said at about 10.00 a.m. on January 30, 2009, the accused persons who were desperately looking for an opportunity to Europe to seek greener pasture, heard that MV “Bace Liner”, a foreign vessel had berthed at the Takoradi Port.
He said the accused persons mobilised some food items and water that they would need to stowaway on the ship and sailed on a canoe from Sekondi to the main wharf of the Takoradi Port.
ASP Deletsa said at about 11.00 p.m. on that day, they sneaked into the ship which was loaded with cocoa beans, but they were seen by a sailor on board.
He said they were arrested by security personnel of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and handed over to the Harbour Police.
SEKONDI/TAKORADI LAUNCHES 'CHOCOLATE VALENTINE CLEAN-UP' (PAGE 25)
In support of the government’s determination to wage a relentless war on filth in parts of the country in its first hundred days in office, the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), led by the outgoing Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, has launched “Chocolate Valentine Clean-up” programme to be undertaken in the metropolis on the 14th of this month.
The resumption of trading activities by thousands of traders on the streets of the metropolis has resulted in tremendous increase in refuse generated daily within the Central Business District.
However, the communal spirit that drives the public to make use of the litter bins are completely missing and every little waste find its way onto the street.
The assembly at a point provided waste bins at vantage points for the people but these have been destroyed because some residents carry their domestic waste with fire and dump them in the plastic bins.
At the launch of the “Chocolate Valentine Clean-up” the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr John Laste, said the exercise would be undertaken in collaboration with the residents, the business community, the security services, the manufacturing companies and traders.
He explained that choosing Valentine’s Day where the originator of the well-celebrated day helped people to express their love, was a very important step in finding a solution to sanitation in the city.
He urged companies and individuals to come out that day to clean the city. Mr Laste said the assembly had made enough preparation to ensure that waste was collected.
He said the assembly would sustain the programme to ensure that the city was clean, adding that “we are not only interested in getting the city clean, but also speaking to the conscience of the people who make it their habit to litter everywhere”.
He said the clean-up would be sustained and also there would be stiffer punishment for those who littered indiscriminately to serve as a deterrent to others.
“I am therefore appealing to members of the general public to come out on Valentine’s Day to lend a helping hand so that we can beautify the city,” he said.
The resumption of trading activities by thousands of traders on the streets of the metropolis has resulted in tremendous increase in refuse generated daily within the Central Business District.
However, the communal spirit that drives the public to make use of the litter bins are completely missing and every little waste find its way onto the street.
The assembly at a point provided waste bins at vantage points for the people but these have been destroyed because some residents carry their domestic waste with fire and dump them in the plastic bins.
At the launch of the “Chocolate Valentine Clean-up” the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr John Laste, said the exercise would be undertaken in collaboration with the residents, the business community, the security services, the manufacturing companies and traders.
He explained that choosing Valentine’s Day where the originator of the well-celebrated day helped people to express their love, was a very important step in finding a solution to sanitation in the city.
He urged companies and individuals to come out that day to clean the city. Mr Laste said the assembly had made enough preparation to ensure that waste was collected.
He said the assembly would sustain the programme to ensure that the city was clean, adding that “we are not only interested in getting the city clean, but also speaking to the conscience of the people who make it their habit to litter everywhere”.
He said the clean-up would be sustained and also there would be stiffer punishment for those who littered indiscriminately to serve as a deterrent to others.
“I am therefore appealing to members of the general public to come out on Valentine’s Day to lend a helping hand so that we can beautify the city,” he said.
INDISCRIMINATE PARKING CAUSES ACCIDENTS (PAGE 25)
INDISCRIMINATE parking of heavy duty trucks loaded with cocoa and other haulage trucks without appropriate reflectors on the streets of Takoradi Metropolis, had been identified as the major cause of accidents in the Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi.
The trucks are mostly parked by the Beach roads near the Takoradi Port, Harbour View Hotel, Fijai Function and other parts of the metropolis.
Most of these illegal parking places are also said to provide hot spots for alleged anti-social activities by the truck drivers and their mates.
According to police sources, last year, 10 pedestrians who tried crossing the road at where the trucks were parked, were knocked down by on-coming vehicles, while some vehicles also ran into the parked trucks.
To avert danger, last year the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board managed to find a parking space for these trucks at Apowa, about 6 km from the city.
But for some time now, some of the trucks loaded with cocoa and other consignments are gradually parking on the streets in the metropolis. The situation is very bad at the Fijai Junction, where the trucks have been parking on both sides of the road, as well as some parts of the main Accra-Takoradi highway.
The road linking Fijai and Accra-Takoradi is a very strategic one in the sense that, in case of emergency, ambulance services using that road easily have access to the Western Regional Hospital which is Effia-Nkwanta at Sekondi.
That aside, the Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Ambulance Service are also located on this dual carriage road.
But sadly the congestion on the road makes accessibility difficult in case of emergency.
That aside, road engineers maintain that the constant smearing of the asphalt road with gas oil drips affects the durability of the road. Interestingly most of these trucks change their oil on the shoulders of the roads, while mechanics carry out the maintenance of their trucks on the roads.
The Public Relations Officer of the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Mr John Laste, said although the Assembly in partnership with the haulage truck owners, had secured a place at Mpintsim to be developed into a terminal for the trucks, the assembly was not getting the necessary support from the haulage truck owners.
When contacted, the Regional MTTU Commander, Mr Adusa Poku, said the issue had come to the attention of the unit.
The Regional MTTU commander said it was necessary for every road user to abide by road safety regulations as a positive step to curb road accidents, adding that “the country cannot afford to lose its rich human resource through negligence on the part of road users.”
He said the shoulders of the road served specific purposes and should not be used as a parking lot.
He said despite efforts by the police to deal with the wrongful parking of the trucks and other vehicles, some drivers were very recalcitrant and warned that the police would continue to deal with the drivers to instil discipline in the drivers.
The problem of congestion in the Central Business District of the twin-city as a result of wrongful parking, street hawking and the erection of unauthorised structures, still persist and the assembly says it is doing everything possible to ensure sanity.
The trucks are mostly parked by the Beach roads near the Takoradi Port, Harbour View Hotel, Fijai Function and other parts of the metropolis.
Most of these illegal parking places are also said to provide hot spots for alleged anti-social activities by the truck drivers and their mates.
According to police sources, last year, 10 pedestrians who tried crossing the road at where the trucks were parked, were knocked down by on-coming vehicles, while some vehicles also ran into the parked trucks.
To avert danger, last year the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board managed to find a parking space for these trucks at Apowa, about 6 km from the city.But for some time now, some of the trucks loaded with cocoa and other consignments are gradually parking on the streets in the metropolis. The situation is very bad at the Fijai Junction, where the trucks have been parking on both sides of the road, as well as some parts of the main Accra-Takoradi highway.
The road linking Fijai and Accra-Takoradi is a very strategic one in the sense that, in case of emergency, ambulance services using that road easily have access to the Western Regional Hospital which is Effia-Nkwanta at Sekondi.
That aside, the Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Ambulance Service are also located on this dual carriage road.
But sadly the congestion on the road makes accessibility difficult in case of emergency.
That aside, road engineers maintain that the constant smearing of the asphalt road with gas oil drips affects the durability of the road. Interestingly most of these trucks change their oil on the shoulders of the roads, while mechanics carry out the maintenance of their trucks on the roads.
The Public Relations Officer of the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Mr John Laste, said although the Assembly in partnership with the haulage truck owners, had secured a place at Mpintsim to be developed into a terminal for the trucks, the assembly was not getting the necessary support from the haulage truck owners.
When contacted, the Regional MTTU Commander, Mr Adusa Poku, said the issue had come to the attention of the unit.
The Regional MTTU commander said it was necessary for every road user to abide by road safety regulations as a positive step to curb road accidents, adding that “the country cannot afford to lose its rich human resource through negligence on the part of road users.”
He said the shoulders of the road served specific purposes and should not be used as a parking lot.
He said despite efforts by the police to deal with the wrongful parking of the trucks and other vehicles, some drivers were very recalcitrant and warned that the police would continue to deal with the drivers to instil discipline in the drivers.
The problem of congestion in the Central Business District of the twin-city as a result of wrongful parking, street hawking and the erection of unauthorised structures, still persist and the assembly says it is doing everything possible to ensure sanity.
Monday, February 9, 2009
HASMAL SINK ALL BLACKS (BACK PAGE)
Giants of the West, Sekondi Hasaacas, yesterday humbled visiting All Blacks with a 3-1 victory in their Premier League encounter at the Sekondi Sports Stadium.
Two goals by striker Charles Nettey (65th and 80th minutes) and Akowah Mensah (76th minute) sealed victory for Hasaacas.
All Blacks scored a consolation on the 85th minute through Aaron Baah.
Two goals by Daniel Bomfah (27th minute) and Amin Fuseini (64th minute) enabled Wa All Stars to beat visiting Sekondi Eleven Wise 2-0 at Wa Stadium, reports Chris Nunoo.
In Sunyani Samuel Duodu reports that controversial decisions and the inability of Tamale-based Class One Referee, Mohammed Awal, and his two assistants Mumuni Issaka and Eric Owusu Mensah, both Class One referees based in Tamale and Kumasi respectively, nearly marred the Glo premiership encounter between Bechem Chelsea and Kpando-based Heart of Lions.
The match ended in a goalless draw and was played at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
It all began when referee Awal on the 13th minute of the first half failed to whistle for a clear penalty for the visitors when a Chelsea defender handled the ball in the vital area of his team.
The failure of referee Awal to stamp his authority caused the game to degenerate into rough play which eventually compelled the referee to show Heart of Lions’ Evans Kwao the exit on the 18th minute.
However, Chelsea who failed to impress in the game, could not take advantage of their numerical strength.
Two goals by striker Charles Nettey (65th and 80th minutes) and Akowah Mensah (76th minute) sealed victory for Hasaacas.
All Blacks scored a consolation on the 85th minute through Aaron Baah.
Two goals by Daniel Bomfah (27th minute) and Amin Fuseini (64th minute) enabled Wa All Stars to beat visiting Sekondi Eleven Wise 2-0 at Wa Stadium, reports Chris Nunoo.
In Sunyani Samuel Duodu reports that controversial decisions and the inability of Tamale-based Class One Referee, Mohammed Awal, and his two assistants Mumuni Issaka and Eric Owusu Mensah, both Class One referees based in Tamale and Kumasi respectively, nearly marred the Glo premiership encounter between Bechem Chelsea and Kpando-based Heart of Lions.
The match ended in a goalless draw and was played at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
It all began when referee Awal on the 13th minute of the first half failed to whistle for a clear penalty for the visitors when a Chelsea defender handled the ball in the vital area of his team.
The failure of referee Awal to stamp his authority caused the game to degenerate into rough play which eventually compelled the referee to show Heart of Lions’ Evans Kwao the exit on the 18th minute.
However, Chelsea who failed to impress in the game, could not take advantage of their numerical strength.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
MAN DEFILES IN-LAW, 7 (MIRROR, LEAD STORY)
From Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu,
New Takoradi
A fisherman at New Takoradi in the Western Region, who could not control his sexual urge after driving his wife away from their matrimonial home, is alleged to have defiled his seven-year-old sister-in-law.
He has been remanded in prison custody. Shortly after the act, the suspect gave the victim GH¢1.00 and asked her not to inform her sister who was behind the door trying to force it open.
Owing to the pain to which the victim was subjected, she could not lie about the incident as she was asked to. She was found crying and sweating profusely after her sister and some neighbours forced the door open.
The Western Regional Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Olivia Adiku, said the suspect, Joseph Koomson, 24, had a little misunderstanding with his wife and thus drove her out of the house.
Chief Inspector Adiku said even though the wife moved to stay with her parents in the same town, she left behind two of their children.
She said the victim constantly visited her nieces in the house of the suspect to play with them.
According to her, on the day of the incident, the victim visited her nieces and after hours of play, the victim requested to go home.
But the suspect was said to have told his little sister in-law to pass the night at his place, since it was too late to go home.
The Chief Inspector said the victim told the police that while she lay a mat on the floor to sleep, Koomson told her to come and sleep beside him on his bed.
The victim said while the other children were asleep, the suspect undressed her and forcibly abused her, and that while her sister, who was then looking for her was knocking on the door, Koomson was busily finishing his act.
The little girl was taken to the hospital the following day and doctor’s report confirmed it.
New Takoradi
A fisherman at New Takoradi in the Western Region, who could not control his sexual urge after driving his wife away from their matrimonial home, is alleged to have defiled his seven-year-old sister-in-law.
He has been remanded in prison custody. Shortly after the act, the suspect gave the victim GH¢1.00 and asked her not to inform her sister who was behind the door trying to force it open.
Owing to the pain to which the victim was subjected, she could not lie about the incident as she was asked to. She was found crying and sweating profusely after her sister and some neighbours forced the door open.
The Western Regional Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Olivia Adiku, said the suspect, Joseph Koomson, 24, had a little misunderstanding with his wife and thus drove her out of the house.
Chief Inspector Adiku said even though the wife moved to stay with her parents in the same town, she left behind two of their children.
She said the victim constantly visited her nieces in the house of the suspect to play with them.
According to her, on the day of the incident, the victim visited her nieces and after hours of play, the victim requested to go home.
But the suspect was said to have told his little sister in-law to pass the night at his place, since it was too late to go home.
The Chief Inspector said the victim told the police that while she lay a mat on the floor to sleep, Koomson told her to come and sleep beside him on his bed.
The victim said while the other children were asleep, the suspect undressed her and forcibly abused her, and that while her sister, who was then looking for her was knocking on the door, Koomson was busily finishing his act.
The little girl was taken to the hospital the following day and doctor’s report confirmed it.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
RURAL BANK DONATES TO AKROPONG HOSPITAL (PAGE 32)
AMENFIMAN Rural Bank in the Amenfi East District of the Western Region has presented eight power voltage regulators, cables and accessories worth GH¢3,500.00 to the Wasa Akropong Government Hospital.The items are to halt the frequent faults the hospital’s equipment develops as a result of power fluctuations.
The bank will support more than a hundred needy students in its operational areas through bursaries and a scholarship scheme.
Making the presentation, the acting Chief Manager of the bank, Nana Yaw Osiakwan II, said it was the social responsibility of the bank to see to the health and educational needs of the people.
He said with the provision of a new mortuary facility at the hospital, there was the need to ensure that the facility was protected.
The chief manager said the internal and external publics of the bank were very important to its survival, adding that it was therefore important to ensure that the needs of the people in its operational areas were not neglected.
“It is from good health we derive our customer strength. Therefore, if we fail to listen to or ignore what will make life comfortable for the people, then we are not only failing our host communities but also ourselves,” he added.
He recalled that in the latter part of last year the bank presented a set of track suits to the Amenfi East District Education Sports Department and a computer with its accessories to the Amenfi East District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme.
The Senior Medical Officer of the hospital, Dr Fred Yaw Sarpong, thanked the bank for the support, adding that the difficulties facing the facility were power fluctuations which caused damage to electrical gadgets.
He said the items would go a long way to help the hospital and commended the board of directors of the bank for its quick response to their request.
MAN, 22, ATTEMPTS KILLING WOMAN AFTER RAPE (BACK PAGE)
A suspect who raped a middle-aged woman in the bush and inflicted machete wounds on her at Axim in the Nzema East Municipality in the Western Region has been arrested by the police.
The suspect escaped after allegedly raping the victim and attempting to kill her.
The victim, a coconut farmer, was later rescued by other coconut farmers, who rushed her to the Eikwe Hospital and reported the case to the police.
The police arrested the suspect, whose name was given only as Millechie, 22, and said to have met the victim alone harvesting coconut on her farm.
Millechie is said to have asked the victim for her machete to break some coconut.
After he got hold of the machete he used it as a weapon and ordered her to strip naked after which he dragged her to the bush and forcibly had sex with her.
As if that was not enough, Millechie inflicted severe machete wounds on the victim, completely dismembering her left arm.
Narrating the ordeal to eyewitnesses, the victim said when Millechie realised she would report him to the police he started hacking her with the machete he took from her.
The woman, currently in coma at the Mission Hospital at Eikwe, has been amputated with several deep machete wounds on parts of her body.
According to the eyewitness, the suspect, who hails from Kikam near Axim, was taking a walk along the coast where the victim was harvesting coconut for her oil business.
Eyewitnesses said they saw the suspect running, but they did not know why until they heard the victim screaming for help as they got closer to the crime scene.
They said the woman narrated what happened to her and fell into coma before they arrived at the hospital.
The District Police Commander, ASP Ohene Gyan, confirmed the story and said the suspect, a hearing impaired person, was currently in police custody and would be processed for court.
He said the woman was currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital, but with the level of infection, it was very difficult for the medical team to help save her left arm and therefore, she had to be amputated.
He said the wounds that were inflicted on the other parts of the body were also very deep.
The district commander said it was not clear why after sexually assaulting the victim the suspect decided to hack her.
The police are currently investigating the incident.
The suspect escaped after allegedly raping the victim and attempting to kill her.
The victim, a coconut farmer, was later rescued by other coconut farmers, who rushed her to the Eikwe Hospital and reported the case to the police.
The police arrested the suspect, whose name was given only as Millechie, 22, and said to have met the victim alone harvesting coconut on her farm.
Millechie is said to have asked the victim for her machete to break some coconut.
After he got hold of the machete he used it as a weapon and ordered her to strip naked after which he dragged her to the bush and forcibly had sex with her.
As if that was not enough, Millechie inflicted severe machete wounds on the victim, completely dismembering her left arm.
Narrating the ordeal to eyewitnesses, the victim said when Millechie realised she would report him to the police he started hacking her with the machete he took from her.
The woman, currently in coma at the Mission Hospital at Eikwe, has been amputated with several deep machete wounds on parts of her body.
According to the eyewitness, the suspect, who hails from Kikam near Axim, was taking a walk along the coast where the victim was harvesting coconut for her oil business.
Eyewitnesses said they saw the suspect running, but they did not know why until they heard the victim screaming for help as they got closer to the crime scene.
They said the woman narrated what happened to her and fell into coma before they arrived at the hospital.
The District Police Commander, ASP Ohene Gyan, confirmed the story and said the suspect, a hearing impaired person, was currently in police custody and would be processed for court.
He said the woman was currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital, but with the level of infection, it was very difficult for the medical team to help save her left arm and therefore, she had to be amputated.
He said the wounds that were inflicted on the other parts of the body were also very deep.
The district commander said it was not clear why after sexually assaulting the victim the suspect decided to hack her.
The police are currently investigating the incident.
CASUAL WORKER INFLICTS WOUND ON COLLEAGUE (BACK PAGE)
Casual workers of an importing company at the Takoradi Port witnessed a horrible scene last Monday, when one of their colleagues inflicted a deep machete wound on another, claiming that he was a threat to his job.
The suspect, David Aheto, was said to have entered the warehouse of the company for a machete and inflicted wounds on the co-worker, who is currently on admission at Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
As he inflicted the wounds, he said “you are a threat to my job, you kept reporting me for me to be sacked and worrying me.”
Aheto fled after the act, while other casual workers, who thought the victim was dead, pursued him to beat him up, but he was rescued by some people.
An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that on Monday afternoon they were all at work, when Aheto suddenly went into the warehouse and came out with a machete.
He then descended heavily on Owusu-Mensah, who he claimed had been giving negative reports about him to their employers resulting in uncertainty surrounding his being retained on the job. He said the only way to stop him was to eliminate him.
The witness said after inflicting the machete wound on him, the victim fell, while Aheto still stood over him. His colleagues were scared of going closer to Aheto because of the machete.
“But one of our colleagues managed to pass behind him and hold him from behind and the victim was rescued,” he said.
When contacted, the Takoradi Port Police confirmed the story and said Aheto was in custody.
The police said the two were rushed to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital where the suspect was treated and discharged and is currently in cells, while the victim is still on admission.
Investigations continue.
The suspect, David Aheto, was said to have entered the warehouse of the company for a machete and inflicted wounds on the co-worker, who is currently on admission at Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
As he inflicted the wounds, he said “you are a threat to my job, you kept reporting me for me to be sacked and worrying me.”
Aheto fled after the act, while other casual workers, who thought the victim was dead, pursued him to beat him up, but he was rescued by some people.
An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that on Monday afternoon they were all at work, when Aheto suddenly went into the warehouse and came out with a machete.
He then descended heavily on Owusu-Mensah, who he claimed had been giving negative reports about him to their employers resulting in uncertainty surrounding his being retained on the job. He said the only way to stop him was to eliminate him.
The witness said after inflicting the machete wound on him, the victim fell, while Aheto still stood over him. His colleagues were scared of going closer to Aheto because of the machete.
“But one of our colleagues managed to pass behind him and hold him from behind and the victim was rescued,” he said.
When contacted, the Takoradi Port Police confirmed the story and said Aheto was in custody.
The police said the two were rushed to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital where the suspect was treated and discharged and is currently in cells, while the victim is still on admission.
Investigations continue.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
TAKORADI CEPS EXCEEDS TARGET (SPREAD, JAN 26)
The Takoradi Collection of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) exceeded its revenue target by 11.5 per cent for the year ending December, 31, 2008.
Although a target of GH¢79 million was set more than GH¢ 91 million was collected at the end of the period.
Speaking at the end-of-year awards night for staff in Takoradi, the Sector Commander, Mr Anthony K. Sewor, said the continuous positive achievements at the sector could largely be attributed to the vigilance and hard work of members of staff.
He described 2008 as challenging for the Takoradi Collection, saying “in the face of these challenges, revenue collection was not bad and the performance of the import sector was very impressive.”
The sector commander said the performance would have been higher if the petroleum sector had lived up to its projected figure. “Under the petroleum sector, our target was to collect about GH¢43 million but unfortunately we collected only GH¢28.9 million.”
He said the sector was on the edge of performing better this year. “This is because we have started on a good note. Before the end of the first month of the year, we have already collected GH¢11 million.
He said despite their busy schedules and ensuring that revenue due the nation was collected, Takoradi collection also engaged in many social projects to make life a little better its hosts in the Western and Central regions.
Mr Sewor, who is proceeding on his terminal leave this year, after 32 years service, commended officers for helping him achieve the set targets for the collection and urged them not to relax but rather continue to ensure that the sector collected enough revenue for the nation.
The Chief Director at the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Mr David Yaro, reminded the officers that the expectations of Ghanaians could not be met if there was no sound economic base.
He said the call for more schools, hospitals and other development projects as well as the extension of social services to communities could not be met when the national kitty was not sound.
STATE LOSES MILLION OF GHANA CEDIS ...As customers refuse to demand VAT receipts (BACK PAGE , JAN 23)
THE country is said to be losing millions of cedis in tax revenue annually as a result of the refusal of customers to demand Value Added Tax (VAT) receipts at points of service.
Experts and analysts at a workshop in Takoradi said some service providers were exploiting that show of public apathy to deny them VAT receipts, thereby making it difficult for tax inspectors to measure the volume of transaction.
They said hotels, restaurants and shops were the worst offenders and suggested an electronic system that would eliminate cheating from the vat collection machinery.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Mr Kwame Gyasi, said if nothing was done to change the culture of apathy for people to insist on their VAT receipts, it would have serious effects on the country’s revenue mobilisation efforts.
He said the situation called for a mass education for the public to realise the effects of their action on revenue mobilisation, saying, “If receipts are not collected, the buyer and the state are both cheated.”
Daily Graphic investigations in the Sekondi/Takoradi area revealed that some restaurants, shops and hotels were not making use of VAT booklets at all.
At some of the places the Daily Graphic visited, waiters, at the end of service, walked to the tables and just mentioned the bill to the customers, without issuing any receipts.
When the Daily Graphic contacted the Western Regional Office of the VAT Service, the Regional Manager, Mr Francis A. Sapathy, corroborated the story and said the act was robbing the nation of revenue.
According to him, in most of the facilities the true volume of transaction did not reflect in what was collected for the state.
Mr Sapathy said if members of the general public began to demand receipts after every service at restaurants, hotels and other public places, the situation would change.
“The tax that we collect is supposed to build our social structures. We the people who demand these facilities are the same people refusing to acknowledge that our apathy is not helping to raise the needed funds.
“There are triplicate carbonated pages involved in each transaction — the original page is issued to the customer and this makes it easy for us to check the volume of transaction against what is declared.
“But if the transaction took place and there is no record of it, then it means there is no evidence to prove that the transaction really took place,” he said.
Asked what the service was doing about the situation, Mr Sapathy said the best way forward was to let those service providers acquire cash machines or adopt retail schemes.
Experts and analysts at a workshop in Takoradi said some service providers were exploiting that show of public apathy to deny them VAT receipts, thereby making it difficult for tax inspectors to measure the volume of transaction.
They said hotels, restaurants and shops were the worst offenders and suggested an electronic system that would eliminate cheating from the vat collection machinery.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Mr Kwame Gyasi, said if nothing was done to change the culture of apathy for people to insist on their VAT receipts, it would have serious effects on the country’s revenue mobilisation efforts.He said the situation called for a mass education for the public to realise the effects of their action on revenue mobilisation, saying, “If receipts are not collected, the buyer and the state are both cheated.”
Daily Graphic investigations in the Sekondi/Takoradi area revealed that some restaurants, shops and hotels were not making use of VAT booklets at all.
At some of the places the Daily Graphic visited, waiters, at the end of service, walked to the tables and just mentioned the bill to the customers, without issuing any receipts.
When the Daily Graphic contacted the Western Regional Office of the VAT Service, the Regional Manager, Mr Francis A. Sapathy, corroborated the story and said the act was robbing the nation of revenue.
According to him, in most of the facilities the true volume of transaction did not reflect in what was collected for the state.
Mr Sapathy said if members of the general public began to demand receipts after every service at restaurants, hotels and other public places, the situation would change.
“The tax that we collect is supposed to build our social structures. We the people who demand these facilities are the same people refusing to acknowledge that our apathy is not helping to raise the needed funds.
“There are triplicate carbonated pages involved in each transaction — the original page is issued to the customer and this makes it easy for us to check the volume of transaction against what is declared.
“But if the transaction took place and there is no record of it, then it means there is no evidence to prove that the transaction really took place,” he said.
Asked what the service was doing about the situation, Mr Sapathy said the best way forward was to let those service providers acquire cash machines or adopt retail schemes.
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