Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
Officers of the Tullow Oil have extended their drive for safety to roads as they launch pedestrian safety for the residents of the Twin-City of Sekondi/Takoradi.
With the initiative, officials use their early hour to direct traffic on various parts of the metropolis and educating school children on the importance of zebra crossing.
The team was led Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow Ghana who helped in educating the children on the needs to use the designated places when crossing the road.
The move by the company was as a result of the recent knockdowns of pedestrians in the metropolis.
According to the Mr Tony Brooks of the Health and Environmental Safety department said it was important to extend to company’s high safety procedures to the people in the community they operated.
Mr Esson said it was important to ensure that children were the future of the country and it was very important to give them the necessary guidelines to ensure that safety.
Picrure: Officials of Tullow helping the children to cross at the designated places marked for crossing.
Picture: 3 Children being given safety talk after they were led to cross to their various schools.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MTN LAUNCH NKRUMAH LEGACY PROJECT
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Nkroful
MTN, one of the country’s mobile network service providers have launched GHC10,000 Nkrumah Legacy Project aim bringing information communication technology closer to the chiefs and people of Nkroful.
The company also presented a check for GHC9,000 to the Ellembelle District Assembly to help the assembly to defray part of the cost incurred for organizing the celebrations in the district.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at Nkroful after the presentation, the Senior Government Advisor, MTN-Ghana, Ms Chantelle Dzanta said aside the cash donation and the ICT project they were still in consultation with the assembly to see the areas they could support.
She said as part of the company interest in the communities operated it was important they supported the people to celebrate Nkrumah.
“We are hopeful that with the ICT technology would be brought closer to the people of Nkroful and MTN as a corporate body would stay with the chiefs and people of Ghana as we celebrate one of the true sons of Africa,” she said.
She said the legacy of Nkrumah still remains stronger and it was important that as a corporate body to celebrate and share in ideas as individuals.
The District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Mr Daniel K. Eshun thanked that MTN for the support and assured the gathering the money would be used for the intended purpose.
He said as a new district, with the heavy task of hosting dignitaries for the year long celebration of the greatest son of the land they would need all the support.
Mr Eshun said there are other areas that the assembly was looking at for development and would do everything possible to ensure that the living standard of the people improved.
He also expressed the hope that with the establishment of the intended Nkrumah’s legacy project for the district which is the ICT center would help push the district development forward.
The DCE called for more support for the district to create the mini-city in the memory of the country’s first president.
He promised to ensure that issues of development of tourism and other areas were harnessed for the rapid growth of the area.
Mr Eshun called for unity and understanding to push the development of Nzema land.
MTN, one of the country’s mobile network service providers have launched GHC10,000 Nkrumah Legacy Project aim bringing information communication technology closer to the chiefs and people of Nkroful.
The company also presented a check for GHC9,000 to the Ellembelle District Assembly to help the assembly to defray part of the cost incurred for organizing the celebrations in the district.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at Nkroful after the presentation, the Senior Government Advisor, MTN-Ghana, Ms Chantelle Dzanta said aside the cash donation and the ICT project they were still in consultation with the assembly to see the areas they could support.
She said as part of the company interest in the communities operated it was important they supported the people to celebrate Nkrumah.
“We are hopeful that with the ICT technology would be brought closer to the people of Nkroful and MTN as a corporate body would stay with the chiefs and people of Ghana as we celebrate one of the true sons of Africa,” she said.
She said the legacy of Nkrumah still remains stronger and it was important that as a corporate body to celebrate and share in ideas as individuals.
The District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Mr Daniel K. Eshun thanked that MTN for the support and assured the gathering the money would be used for the intended purpose.
He said as a new district, with the heavy task of hosting dignitaries for the year long celebration of the greatest son of the land they would need all the support.
Mr Eshun said there are other areas that the assembly was looking at for development and would do everything possible to ensure that the living standard of the people improved.
He also expressed the hope that with the establishment of the intended Nkrumah’s legacy project for the district which is the ICT center would help push the district development forward.
The DCE called for more support for the district to create the mini-city in the memory of the country’s first president.
He promised to ensure that issues of development of tourism and other areas were harnessed for the rapid growth of the area.
Mr Eshun called for unity and understanding to push the development of Nzema land.
NKRUMAH DESERVE TO BE CELEBRATED (FRONT PAGE)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Nkroful
The Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana’s first President, Osagyfoe Dr Kwame Nkrumah deserved to be singled out for celebration.
He said by bestowing the honor on him, it would be sending the right signals to present generations that this country worth is worth fighting and dying for.
The vice-president assertion that Nkrumah was not alone might be true but in every struggle and revolution, it was only one individual who brings the strands of the struggle to the intended climax.
He said such was the case of Dr Nkrumah when he brought the dreams and aspiration to the expected end and was face with the bigger picture.
Speaking to the chiefs and people of Nkroful in the Ellembelle District as part of the centenary celebration of Dr Nkrumah said the debate over if Nkrumah alone should be celebrated should be critically analyzed.
He said gone were the days that possession of anything Nkrumah was a crime, but decades past Nkrumah was voted man of the century and acclaimed worldwide.
The Vice-President said it was a fact that in Nkrumah was at the forefront in the nationalist struggle for the country’s independence and self determination for Africa’s liberation struggle.
“He laid s solid foundation by providing our nation with infrastructural facilities and social amenities which are still visible today and attest to the vision had for Ghana,” he said.
“As we speak the vision of the Akosombo Dam decades on is still the contributor of the country’s chunk energy needs, and that is the man we are talking about and celebrating today,” he said.
The vice-president said, Nkrumah was not just an individual but an institution in Africa and the diasporas saying “his contribution throughout his life time to African political thought and dignity of Africans remains lasting memories and legacies for generations yet unborn.
“The schools, roads, ports, health facilities, the Akosombo hydro project and his vigorous industrialization and agricultural programmes continue to form the foundation upon which successive governments upon.
He said it was against this backdrop that the ideas of Nkrumah should be immortalized as well as works and unfinished agenda of the visionary leader and patriot.
The Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana’s first President, Osagyfoe Dr Kwame Nkrumah deserved to be singled out for celebration.
He said by bestowing the honor on him, it would be sending the right signals to present generations that this country worth is worth fighting and dying for.
The vice-president assertion that Nkrumah was not alone might be true but in every struggle and revolution, it was only one individual who brings the strands of the struggle to the intended climax.
He said such was the case of Dr Nkrumah when he brought the dreams and aspiration to the expected end and was face with the bigger picture.
Speaking to the chiefs and people of Nkroful in the Ellembelle District as part of the centenary celebration of Dr Nkrumah said the debate over if Nkrumah alone should be celebrated should be critically analyzed.
He said gone were the days that possession of anything Nkrumah was a crime, but decades past Nkrumah was voted man of the century and acclaimed worldwide.
The Vice-President said it was a fact that in Nkrumah was at the forefront in the nationalist struggle for the country’s independence and self determination for Africa’s liberation struggle.
“He laid s solid foundation by providing our nation with infrastructural facilities and social amenities which are still visible today and attest to the vision had for Ghana,” he said.
“As we speak the vision of the Akosombo Dam decades on is still the contributor of the country’s chunk energy needs, and that is the man we are talking about and celebrating today,” he said.
The vice-president said, Nkrumah was not just an individual but an institution in Africa and the diasporas saying “his contribution throughout his life time to African political thought and dignity of Africans remains lasting memories and legacies for generations yet unborn.
“The schools, roads, ports, health facilities, the Akosombo hydro project and his vigorous industrialization and agricultural programmes continue to form the foundation upon which successive governments upon.
He said it was against this backdrop that the ideas of Nkrumah should be immortalized as well as works and unfinished agenda of the visionary leader and patriot.
CORRUPTION SETBACK FOR DEV. -- VEEP
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Nkroful
The Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama has stated that grave corruptions, selfish leadership, greed, lack of patriotism on the part of leaders have left the country poorer decades after the death of its farsighted leader Osagyefoe Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He said the life of Dr. Nkrumah should teach all, particularly when in public service to avoid graft, corruption and plundering of public resources private benefit when given the opportunity to render service to their fellow compatriots.
The Vice-President was speaking at a colorful durbar of chiefs and people the Nzema areas as part of the Centenary Birthday Celebration of the country’s first President of Ghana.
“Today, the unfortunate situation is that, the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice is lacking and understandably so, decades of leadership following the death of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, in which persons trusted with leadership have just been focused on self enrichment rather than service to the people,” he said.
“As a result, such acts have left our people with deep sense of distrust of their leaders and has also a certain sense of aloofness or indifference in our people,” he lamented.
The Vice-President said, “We can only change our nation’s circumstances if we all put our shoulders to the wheel and give a little shove to move our nation in the direction of progress and prosperity in transparent and accountable manner.”
He said Dr Nkrumah was a selfless leader and valued human dignity as well as welfare of mankind above material gains and possession adding that that was why he was not obsessed with material gains and did not believe on property owning democracy.
He said centenary celebration of Nkrumah was a call on all, particularly the youth to aspire to higher values of sacrifice and commitment to ideals of service to one’s nation.
According to the vice-president, ideas, good deeds and meritorious service to one’s community and country could leave an enduring legacy after one’s death which is more fulfilling than corruption and acts that rob the country.
“We should not forget that great men and women who contributed for the advancement of humanity like Kwame Nkrumah and that is what we mean when we say Nkrumah never dies.
He deplored the level of development in the region and Nzema areas and assured the people that the government was doing everything possible to ensure that region was given the needed attention.
Mr Mahama said the minister of roads and highways was in northern part of the region to access the conditions of the road from the recent flooding.
He said the minister would continue to tour various parts of the Nzema land to enable government to map out strategies to tackle the problem within the short, medium and long term.
For their part the chiefs requested when the African heads of state visited Ghana for the celebration they should be brought to his birth place.
The ceremony was attended by chiefs across the region, heads of corporate institutions, district chief executives, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community, members of various political parties.
The Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama has stated that grave corruptions, selfish leadership, greed, lack of patriotism on the part of leaders have left the country poorer decades after the death of its farsighted leader Osagyefoe Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He said the life of Dr. Nkrumah should teach all, particularly when in public service to avoid graft, corruption and plundering of public resources private benefit when given the opportunity to render service to their fellow compatriots.
The Vice-President was speaking at a colorful durbar of chiefs and people the Nzema areas as part of the Centenary Birthday Celebration of the country’s first President of Ghana.
“Today, the unfortunate situation is that, the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice is lacking and understandably so, decades of leadership following the death of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, in which persons trusted with leadership have just been focused on self enrichment rather than service to the people,” he said.
“As a result, such acts have left our people with deep sense of distrust of their leaders and has also a certain sense of aloofness or indifference in our people,” he lamented.
The Vice-President said, “We can only change our nation’s circumstances if we all put our shoulders to the wheel and give a little shove to move our nation in the direction of progress and prosperity in transparent and accountable manner.”
He said Dr Nkrumah was a selfless leader and valued human dignity as well as welfare of mankind above material gains and possession adding that that was why he was not obsessed with material gains and did not believe on property owning democracy.
He said centenary celebration of Nkrumah was a call on all, particularly the youth to aspire to higher values of sacrifice and commitment to ideals of service to one’s nation.
According to the vice-president, ideas, good deeds and meritorious service to one’s community and country could leave an enduring legacy after one’s death which is more fulfilling than corruption and acts that rob the country.
“We should not forget that great men and women who contributed for the advancement of humanity like Kwame Nkrumah and that is what we mean when we say Nkrumah never dies.
He deplored the level of development in the region and Nzema areas and assured the people that the government was doing everything possible to ensure that region was given the needed attention.
Mr Mahama said the minister of roads and highways was in northern part of the region to access the conditions of the road from the recent flooding.
He said the minister would continue to tour various parts of the Nzema land to enable government to map out strategies to tackle the problem within the short, medium and long term.
For their part the chiefs requested when the African heads of state visited Ghana for the celebration they should be brought to his birth place.
The ceremony was attended by chiefs across the region, heads of corporate institutions, district chief executives, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community, members of various political parties.
SEVEN HELD OVER MURDER (BACK PAGE)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Kojokrom
Seven persons have been held over dishing out instant justice to an innocent man who has missed his way home at Kojokrom, in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly of the Western Region.
The victim, Awinzelea Frafra who could not speak any language apart from his mother tongue was tie to a tree after severe beating and later nailed on his forehead with six-inch nails killing him instantly.
The five of the suspects namely, Francis Adai 53 and son Joseph Adai 19 together with Kenneth Quanoo 38, Isaac Abasa 28, and John Mensah are being held for the murder.
A woman, Juliana Coomson and son Victor Achia-Yaw, who witnessed the crime but refused to talk to the police have also been picked and charged with concealing crime and place in police custody.
According to the police, the victim had a sickness and the father, who is night security officer at Ministry of Agriculture at Sekondi, brought him to the metropolis so he could take care of him.
The police said on the night of the incident, the victim went to see the father off, and half way through the journey the father asked him to return and that if he went further he might miss his way back to the house.
The police said true the father’s words, the victim missed his way and found himself on the compound of Addai who asked what he wants at that time of the night.
“The victims who could not speak any language stood there speechless then Addai and the son and three others who names were given as Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, taxi driver pounced on him shouting thief, thief,” the police said.
“This brought a lot of people to the scene while the suspects continue to beat Frafra until the victim became weak and helpless,” it said.
The victim was then led to the road side according to the police where he was tie to electricity pole and nailed him where he was said to have screamed very loudly and died.
The police said the three other suspects, Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, taxi driver are currently at large and the other seven suspects are in police custody while investigations continue.
When contacted, the Takoradi Central Police Commander, DSP Dela K. Dzansi urged the public not to take the law into their own hands.
He deplored instant justice and urged the public that when a suspect was apprehended, he should be matched to the nearest police station to ensure that the law took its course.
Seven persons have been held over dishing out instant justice to an innocent man who has missed his way home at Kojokrom, in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly of the Western Region.
The victim, Awinzelea Frafra who could not speak any language apart from his mother tongue was tie to a tree after severe beating and later nailed on his forehead with six-inch nails killing him instantly.
The five of the suspects namely, Francis Adai 53 and son Joseph Adai 19 together with Kenneth Quanoo 38, Isaac Abasa 28, and John Mensah are being held for the murder.
A woman, Juliana Coomson and son Victor Achia-Yaw, who witnessed the crime but refused to talk to the police have also been picked and charged with concealing crime and place in police custody.
According to the police, the victim had a sickness and the father, who is night security officer at Ministry of Agriculture at Sekondi, brought him to the metropolis so he could take care of him.
The police said on the night of the incident, the victim went to see the father off, and half way through the journey the father asked him to return and that if he went further he might miss his way back to the house.
The police said true the father’s words, the victim missed his way and found himself on the compound of Addai who asked what he wants at that time of the night.
“The victims who could not speak any language stood there speechless then Addai and the son and three others who names were given as Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, taxi driver pounced on him shouting thief, thief,” the police said.
“This brought a lot of people to the scene while the suspects continue to beat Frafra until the victim became weak and helpless,” it said.
The victim was then led to the road side according to the police where he was tie to electricity pole and nailed him where he was said to have screamed very loudly and died.
The police said the three other suspects, Adoko, Atta-Maison and Boaben, taxi driver are currently at large and the other seven suspects are in police custody while investigations continue.
When contacted, the Takoradi Central Police Commander, DSP Dela K. Dzansi urged the public not to take the law into their own hands.
He deplored instant justice and urged the public that when a suspect was apprehended, he should be matched to the nearest police station to ensure that the law took its course.
WE'LL COEXIST -- TULLOW (BACK PAGE)
“We will coexist, Tullow assure fishermen”
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Shama
Tullow Oil has assured fishermen that, its offshore operations will not mean the end of their centuries old job that had fed the country and its people for ages.
At a public hearing at Shama and Sekondi/Takoradi districts of the Western Region, officials took time to explain to the fishermen that they could go about their fishing expedition without any difficulties.
The officials said, what was important is coexistence to ensure that Tullow and the fishermen in their chosen fields contributed to the development of the country.
Speaking to a large crowd made up of the fishermen groups and representatives of all other sectors of the local economy, Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow Oil said they had put enough measures in place to ensure that no accident occurred.
He said the public hearing was important because it afforded the stakeholders the opportunity iron out issues for clarity and understanding of one another.
With regard to fishermen, he said they had created safety zones that would guide the fishermen to ensure that their operation did not create any problem.
“Therefore my brothers and sister, we at Tullow did not want you to think that the discovery and the operations offshore would mean that the end of your activities,” he said.
Mr Esson said “we are very much aware that our families and the country as a whole, in fact all of us depended on your catch to make our meal complete as well as the income that you derive from it.”
He said the hearing was mainly to tell the stickholders in the maritime domain and the country as whole that even problems with spillage and others hardly occur, there were measures to ensure that any unexpected was tackled within the shortest possible time.
“We can assure you that, Tullow and other members of the group are very conscious of our image as a company. We will ensures very high standard of safety for life, protect and respect local and international rules governing the industry,” he said.
“We want to assure you that should anything happen, we have enough insurance that would to compensate the victims, but we will like to emphasize that we have in place a high safety standards,” he said.
The fishermen who spoke at the hearing thanked Tullow for the opportunity and the time to explain to remove their fears.
They also assure the company that they would do everything possible to ensure that they both operated peacefully at sea, “We also want to thank you for rescuing some of out members who had accident at sea,” they said.
Others in the areas agriculture and with technical skills urged the company to buy their produce and if possible they should invite investors in refinery and other oil related areas to relocate into the region.
Some participants also lauded the corporate social responsibilities of the company and urged them to fulfill those promises to open up communities.
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Shama
Tullow Oil has assured fishermen that, its offshore operations will not mean the end of their centuries old job that had fed the country and its people for ages.
At a public hearing at Shama and Sekondi/Takoradi districts of the Western Region, officials took time to explain to the fishermen that they could go about their fishing expedition without any difficulties.
The officials said, what was important is coexistence to ensure that Tullow and the fishermen in their chosen fields contributed to the development of the country.
Speaking to a large crowd made up of the fishermen groups and representatives of all other sectors of the local economy, Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow Oil said they had put enough measures in place to ensure that no accident occurred.
He said the public hearing was important because it afforded the stakeholders the opportunity iron out issues for clarity and understanding of one another.
With regard to fishermen, he said they had created safety zones that would guide the fishermen to ensure that their operation did not create any problem.
“Therefore my brothers and sister, we at Tullow did not want you to think that the discovery and the operations offshore would mean that the end of your activities,” he said.
Mr Esson said “we are very much aware that our families and the country as a whole, in fact all of us depended on your catch to make our meal complete as well as the income that you derive from it.”
He said the hearing was mainly to tell the stickholders in the maritime domain and the country as whole that even problems with spillage and others hardly occur, there were measures to ensure that any unexpected was tackled within the shortest possible time.
“We can assure you that, Tullow and other members of the group are very conscious of our image as a company. We will ensures very high standard of safety for life, protect and respect local and international rules governing the industry,” he said.
“We want to assure you that should anything happen, we have enough insurance that would to compensate the victims, but we will like to emphasize that we have in place a high safety standards,” he said.
The fishermen who spoke at the hearing thanked Tullow for the opportunity and the time to explain to remove their fears.
They also assure the company that they would do everything possible to ensure that they both operated peacefully at sea, “We also want to thank you for rescuing some of out members who had accident at sea,” they said.
Others in the areas agriculture and with technical skills urged the company to buy their produce and if possible they should invite investors in refinery and other oil related areas to relocate into the region.
Some participants also lauded the corporate social responsibilities of the company and urged them to fulfill those promises to open up communities.
NO SHORT CUTS IN LIFE -- W/R MINISTER
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Axim
Youth across the country have been urged not to substitute hard-work for easy way of making money at the expense of their lives and the future of this country.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo who made these remarks at the annual Kundum Festival at Axim reminded the youth that, “there is no short-cut to success in the life, therefore, if you think that you can substitute success from hard-work for with Sakawa and other vices you have go it wrong.”
The minister said, “Your youthful years are indeed the opportunity you have to prepare yourselves for life’s journey and not for quick money that could lead you into trouble at the end.
He said the youthful age was a golden opportunity in the lives of everyone since that enables an individual to build him for herself for the rest of the journey through this life.
The Regional Minister said if the promises of their youthful age were replaced with their quest to make quick money the future of the country would be in jeopardy.
“We are in the country which is sovereign today because of the ideals and dream of the people who were once like us, young, energetic, enterprising and patriotic,” he said.
Mr Aidoo said it was be wrong to throw overboard hard work and immediate things that would set their teeth on edge in future.
He said the youth constituted the future of this country therefore, it was there important that they were given the needed guidance and attention to enable them take their rightful places and order to secure the sound future of the country.
The minister said the development of the youth was very important to the government and would formulate youth policies for their development.
“I wish to remind the youth that they should not forget that the hold key to the future of this country, your resort to deviant and easy way of making money would only lead you to very unfair future,” he said.
He said those who were fortunate to be in training intuitions should be ensure that they made use of the times at the training institutions.
Youth across the country have been urged not to substitute hard-work for easy way of making money at the expense of their lives and the future of this country.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo who made these remarks at the annual Kundum Festival at Axim reminded the youth that, “there is no short-cut to success in the life, therefore, if you think that you can substitute success from hard-work for with Sakawa and other vices you have go it wrong.”
The minister said, “Your youthful years are indeed the opportunity you have to prepare yourselves for life’s journey and not for quick money that could lead you into trouble at the end.
He said the youthful age was a golden opportunity in the lives of everyone since that enables an individual to build him for herself for the rest of the journey through this life.
The Regional Minister said if the promises of their youthful age were replaced with their quest to make quick money the future of the country would be in jeopardy.
“We are in the country which is sovereign today because of the ideals and dream of the people who were once like us, young, energetic, enterprising and patriotic,” he said.
Mr Aidoo said it was be wrong to throw overboard hard work and immediate things that would set their teeth on edge in future.
He said the youth constituted the future of this country therefore, it was there important that they were given the needed guidance and attention to enable them take their rightful places and order to secure the sound future of the country.
The minister said the development of the youth was very important to the government and would formulate youth policies for their development.
“I wish to remind the youth that they should not forget that the hold key to the future of this country, your resort to deviant and easy way of making money would only lead you to very unfair future,” he said.
He said those who were fortunate to be in training intuitions should be ensure that they made use of the times at the training institutions.
I WON'T CONTEST AGAIN -- LEE OCRAN
I will not contest again – Lee Ocran
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Jomoro
The former vociferous Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, Mr Lee Ocran, has announced that he will not contest the Jomoro Parliamentary seat again.
He made the announcement after he presented 2,800 bags of cement to be distributed among flood victims in the Jomoro and Ellembelle constituencies.
“It is not that I have lost interest in the seat because I lost, the point is that when I was contacted to contest, I told the people I will contest the seat for only two terms win or lose,” he said.
Mr Ocran said he want younger members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency to contest so he would his experience to back them.
Mr Ocran said “I have been in the politics since 1979 and have contributed enough to the development of politics in the country”.
“As a matter of fact if not because of my new job as the high commissioner to South Africa I would have contested for an executive position in the party that will help position the NDC stronger,” he said.
He told the people in his constituency that, his vocal strength in parliament would not be missed because there were others in the constituency that would ensure that the voices of the people were heard.
“Before Lee Ocran went to parliament, there was Francis Amelema, very vocal and I can assure you that those who will come after me would be more than me,” he said.
He reminded the people the 2,800 bags of cement, was his own personal effort and not from his party therefore should not be politicized.
“This is not NDC cement and it is not from the government, this is Lee Ocran cement, therefore, it should not be politicized,” he said.
“I did not go to parliament for personal gains, I represent the people, and I share all that I have with them, I want to be remembered as the man who shares all he had with his people and committed to their needs,” he said.
Mr Ocran called unity and understanding, and said he was not peeved because he lost the election, “Change is good; it gives people the chance to compare to two regimes.”
He said democracy means tolerance in divergence view to ensure that at the end of the augments and expression of all forms of views people came up with workable ideas that would make the country stronger.
Mr Ocran called on the youth not give way to the slightest opportunity to empower themselves through education, “all of us have a role to play, let us acquire the skills that would enable us handle the future without any difficulties.”
He urged them not to direct their strength and skill to any activity that would create bad image for themselves “be each other’s keeper.”
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Jomoro
The former vociferous Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, Mr Lee Ocran, has announced that he will not contest the Jomoro Parliamentary seat again.
He made the announcement after he presented 2,800 bags of cement to be distributed among flood victims in the Jomoro and Ellembelle constituencies.
“It is not that I have lost interest in the seat because I lost, the point is that when I was contacted to contest, I told the people I will contest the seat for only two terms win or lose,” he said.
Mr Ocran said he want younger members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency to contest so he would his experience to back them.
Mr Ocran said “I have been in the politics since 1979 and have contributed enough to the development of politics in the country”.
“As a matter of fact if not because of my new job as the high commissioner to South Africa I would have contested for an executive position in the party that will help position the NDC stronger,” he said.
He told the people in his constituency that, his vocal strength in parliament would not be missed because there were others in the constituency that would ensure that the voices of the people were heard.
“Before Lee Ocran went to parliament, there was Francis Amelema, very vocal and I can assure you that those who will come after me would be more than me,” he said.
He reminded the people the 2,800 bags of cement, was his own personal effort and not from his party therefore should not be politicized.
“This is not NDC cement and it is not from the government, this is Lee Ocran cement, therefore, it should not be politicized,” he said.
“I did not go to parliament for personal gains, I represent the people, and I share all that I have with them, I want to be remembered as the man who shares all he had with his people and committed to their needs,” he said.
Mr Ocran called unity and understanding, and said he was not peeved because he lost the election, “Change is good; it gives people the chance to compare to two regimes.”
He said democracy means tolerance in divergence view to ensure that at the end of the augments and expression of all forms of views people came up with workable ideas that would make the country stronger.
Mr Ocran called on the youth not give way to the slightest opportunity to empower themselves through education, “all of us have a role to play, let us acquire the skills that would enable us handle the future without any difficulties.”
He urged them not to direct their strength and skill to any activity that would create bad image for themselves “be each other’s keeper.”
OIL FIND WILL BE A BLESSING
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Agona-Nkwanta
Ghanaians have been assured that, the oil find would not visit any untold pain on the people nor disturb the peace of the country as there were many examples to guide the industry players through.
In his presentation, Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow Oil said Tullow Oil and partners would work in partnership with the state and communities as a good environmental citizen in a transparent manner.
This he said, would clear any cloud of hesitation about the company’s operations that would send wrong signal to the people and the international community.
Speaking at the day-3 of the public hearing of Jubilee Phase I project for chiefs and people of Ahanta West District, after Jomoro and Axim, Mr Esson said the oil and gas would be managed sustainably for the benefit of the country.
He said the country had many examples from other countries and each partner including the government of Ghana was doing everything possible to ensure that people of Ghana were the beneficiaries of its outputs in a transparent with much respect to the people, culture and international rules.
Mr Esson said the lessons from countries with such deposits offered the country some useful lesson, and one of the important things was be in a constant touch with the people through various module of communication.
He said Tullow would not act in a manner that would create a bad image for itself, and that the company attaches premium to good reputation, transparency, respect and rule of law as well as its social responsibilities and maintaining good rapport with its hosts.
Mr Esson said for peaceful coexistence, communication was very important since that would create the platform for the sharing information to ensure that people get to know the importance of what was going on offshore.
The Government and External Affairs Officer told the people that for monitoring performances, Tullow would work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake routine seabed survey to monitor effects of discharges and report air emissions as well as monitor water discharges and waste disposal.
Tullow and EPA he said would also undertake a routine audits and work aimed at continues improvement in performances adding that the forum had provided the perfect platform to present to the people activities and the patient to listen.
He said the suggestions from the people and recommendation from the independent panel would be factored in to the final preparation to ensure socio-industrial harmony.
On the questions of corporate social responsibilities, Mr Esson said the company had established a collaborative approach in the development of it social investment programme.
“These social responsibility investment programmes would provide access to good health, capacity building through education, entrepreneurial development and environmental protection,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to explain to the people about their operations offshore, in his response. “We are partners in development and each of us has a role to play, therefore like the proverbial turtle, every man should stick out his neck if we have to go forward.”
The Omanhene of Ahana Traditional Council, Nana Badoo Bonsu XIV was grateful for the opportunity to listen to the people had to say.
He said it was important the people consulted and that there should be a greater transparency in their operation.
Nana Badoo Bonsu who is also Member of Council of State trusted the Tullow would be committed to the set rules since they also had a reputation to protect and pledged his support to ensure success of the project.
Other speakers from the community explained to the people that, working at the oil rig required highly skilled labour and only few could be taking at a time.
The speakers said it was important people train to ensure that other investors onshore in the areas of services to the oil rig, banking, finance, technical services and others the districts would be in a position provide the skill when ready.
In a recommendation, the independent panelist called for clear definition of the corporate social responsibilities, protection of the fisheries sector, alternative livelihood programmes and safety of the environment.
So far the forum had been held in Jomoro, Axim, Agona and on Friday, the whole region would assemble at Jubilee Park near West Tanokrom for regional forum.
Ghanaians have been assured that, the oil find would not visit any untold pain on the people nor disturb the peace of the country as there were many examples to guide the industry players through.
In his presentation, Mr Kofi Esson, Government and External Affairs Officer for Tullow Oil said Tullow Oil and partners would work in partnership with the state and communities as a good environmental citizen in a transparent manner.
This he said, would clear any cloud of hesitation about the company’s operations that would send wrong signal to the people and the international community.
Speaking at the day-3 of the public hearing of Jubilee Phase I project for chiefs and people of Ahanta West District, after Jomoro and Axim, Mr Esson said the oil and gas would be managed sustainably for the benefit of the country.
He said the country had many examples from other countries and each partner including the government of Ghana was doing everything possible to ensure that people of Ghana were the beneficiaries of its outputs in a transparent with much respect to the people, culture and international rules.
Mr Esson said the lessons from countries with such deposits offered the country some useful lesson, and one of the important things was be in a constant touch with the people through various module of communication.
He said Tullow would not act in a manner that would create a bad image for itself, and that the company attaches premium to good reputation, transparency, respect and rule of law as well as its social responsibilities and maintaining good rapport with its hosts.
Mr Esson said for peaceful coexistence, communication was very important since that would create the platform for the sharing information to ensure that people get to know the importance of what was going on offshore.
The Government and External Affairs Officer told the people that for monitoring performances, Tullow would work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake routine seabed survey to monitor effects of discharges and report air emissions as well as monitor water discharges and waste disposal.
Tullow and EPA he said would also undertake a routine audits and work aimed at continues improvement in performances adding that the forum had provided the perfect platform to present to the people activities and the patient to listen.
He said the suggestions from the people and recommendation from the independent panel would be factored in to the final preparation to ensure socio-industrial harmony.
On the questions of corporate social responsibilities, Mr Esson said the company had established a collaborative approach in the development of it social investment programme.
“These social responsibility investment programmes would provide access to good health, capacity building through education, entrepreneurial development and environmental protection,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to explain to the people about their operations offshore, in his response. “We are partners in development and each of us has a role to play, therefore like the proverbial turtle, every man should stick out his neck if we have to go forward.”
The Omanhene of Ahana Traditional Council, Nana Badoo Bonsu XIV was grateful for the opportunity to listen to the people had to say.
He said it was important the people consulted and that there should be a greater transparency in their operation.
Nana Badoo Bonsu who is also Member of Council of State trusted the Tullow would be committed to the set rules since they also had a reputation to protect and pledged his support to ensure success of the project.
Other speakers from the community explained to the people that, working at the oil rig required highly skilled labour and only few could be taking at a time.
The speakers said it was important people train to ensure that other investors onshore in the areas of services to the oil rig, banking, finance, technical services and others the districts would be in a position provide the skill when ready.
In a recommendation, the independent panelist called for clear definition of the corporate social responsibilities, protection of the fisheries sector, alternative livelihood programmes and safety of the environment.
So far the forum had been held in Jomoro, Axim, Agona and on Friday, the whole region would assemble at Jubilee Park near West Tanokrom for regional forum.
MY FIRST DAY IN SCHOOL
Stroy: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
Thousands of children across the 17 district of the Western Region have reported for their first day schools amidst inadequate infrastructure.
Others were also not able to enjoy their first meal in school, under the school feeding programme due to the suspension of catering services in some districts.
The existing caterers and potentials ones have been asked to reapply; thereby some children were not welcome with the hot meal as expected.
Officials of the Regional Coordinating Council, district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies have moved to various schools in their local communities.
Some districts, especially, the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly have suspended the school feeding programme and urged the existing and new applicants to reapply.
The caterers were not happy since the announcement was made just a day before my first day in school by the assembly and some parts of the metropolis.
At Shama, about 17 people have applied to cook for the children and had gone through the processes to start cooking for the children. While in Axim, and other assemblies had not taken decision to dissolve the existing caterers.
However, there was a slight problem last Monday at Shama when one of the caterer who was said to have opted out of the programme went to demolish part of the kitchen at Shama claiming the extension was done by her.
When contacted, the District Chief Executive, Ms Emila Arthur said she heard about the demolition but the caterer said she built the structure herself and since she was not going to be part of the programme she had decided to remove the extension.
The DCE also visited almost all the schools in the district and share with the children as well as encourage parents to give all the needed support to ensure solid foundation for their children.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the chief executive said the biggest challenge was infrastructure and she would do everything possible to ensure that something was done about it.
At Adwoa, in the Ahanta Weste district, there was overcrowding in the some schools, and the situation was not different in other districts as more children have turnout for school.
In the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, the situation was not different many children have reported with their parents in many of the school visited.
The problem of inadequate classroom, furniture among others remain the major obstacle, many of the officials of schools said there was the need for improvement in social infrastructure.
According to the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the strength of every nation was the base of child future leaders.
He said if the country had to move forward and achieve its human resource needs for development, there was the need for a strong foundation for children.
He said the government would not toy with the foundation of the future leaders of the country.
He urged parents to ensure that they worked together with the children to ensure solid foundation for the children.
Thousands of children across the 17 district of the Western Region have reported for their first day schools amidst inadequate infrastructure.
Others were also not able to enjoy their first meal in school, under the school feeding programme due to the suspension of catering services in some districts.
The existing caterers and potentials ones have been asked to reapply; thereby some children were not welcome with the hot meal as expected.
Officials of the Regional Coordinating Council, district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies have moved to various schools in their local communities.
Some districts, especially, the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly have suspended the school feeding programme and urged the existing and new applicants to reapply.
The caterers were not happy since the announcement was made just a day before my first day in school by the assembly and some parts of the metropolis.
At Shama, about 17 people have applied to cook for the children and had gone through the processes to start cooking for the children. While in Axim, and other assemblies had not taken decision to dissolve the existing caterers.
However, there was a slight problem last Monday at Shama when one of the caterer who was said to have opted out of the programme went to demolish part of the kitchen at Shama claiming the extension was done by her.
When contacted, the District Chief Executive, Ms Emila Arthur said she heard about the demolition but the caterer said she built the structure herself and since she was not going to be part of the programme she had decided to remove the extension.
The DCE also visited almost all the schools in the district and share with the children as well as encourage parents to give all the needed support to ensure solid foundation for their children.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the chief executive said the biggest challenge was infrastructure and she would do everything possible to ensure that something was done about it.
At Adwoa, in the Ahanta Weste district, there was overcrowding in the some schools, and the situation was not different in other districts as more children have turnout for school.
In the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, the situation was not different many children have reported with their parents in many of the school visited.
The problem of inadequate classroom, furniture among others remain the major obstacle, many of the officials of schools said there was the need for improvement in social infrastructure.
According to the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the strength of every nation was the base of child future leaders.
He said if the country had to move forward and achieve its human resource needs for development, there was the need for a strong foundation for children.
He said the government would not toy with the foundation of the future leaders of the country.
He urged parents to ensure that they worked together with the children to ensure solid foundation for the children.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
RENEW SOCIAL CONTRACT WITH CONSTITUENTS
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Bodi
Politicians have been urged not wait until it is time to renew their mandate before visiting constituents with their sweet promises.
The Chief of Bodi, Nana Kwame Nkrumah I, in the Juaboso District of the Western Region, said politicians enter into social contracts with the people but only return when they were about when seeking the renewal of their mandate.
The chief made the call when the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu called on him at his palace to address a mini-durbar held in his honor at Bodi.
The chief said people of the Western Regional where the chunk of the country’s resources were derived had suffered for far too long and would no long take excuses.
“Here those of use at Bodi did not even have a clinic we have to trek to the next town to enable us access to medical care and that is not good enough,” he said.
Nana Nkrumah said, even though it was not possible to see the whole country transformed in a day or two, “It is important that when politicians entered into an agreement with the people and things are not working well they come back and negotiate or and reassure the people.”
“Where the politicians win and remain in the national capital, makes the people see themselves as a tool politicians use to get power after that they wait for the next four years,” he said.
He called on the Mills Administration to ensure that the promises of the people were address where it becomes difficult the government should the people know that they had them in mind.
The Chief also urged the people to place the interest of the people first to ensure that the scarce resources of the country were directed to the wellbeing of the people who voted them into office.
For his part, the minister, Mr Joe Gidisu said the government would respond promptly to any situation that would create a better environment of the people of Ghana.
“My visit to the region follow was to really see what the people go through everyday. We will do our best to ensure that the living standards of the people improve.”
He said the region had contributed a lot to the development of the country and the government would ensure that develop did not elude the region this time.
The minister said his tour of the region as a minister of roads and highways had given him the first hand information about the plight of the people the region.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that the situation improves, we monitor and ensure transparency and accountability to ensure that region had its roads properly positioned,” he said.
Politicians have been urged not wait until it is time to renew their mandate before visiting constituents with their sweet promises.
The Chief of Bodi, Nana Kwame Nkrumah I, in the Juaboso District of the Western Region, said politicians enter into social contracts with the people but only return when they were about when seeking the renewal of their mandate.
The chief made the call when the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu called on him at his palace to address a mini-durbar held in his honor at Bodi.
The chief said people of the Western Regional where the chunk of the country’s resources were derived had suffered for far too long and would no long take excuses.
“Here those of use at Bodi did not even have a clinic we have to trek to the next town to enable us access to medical care and that is not good enough,” he said.
Nana Nkrumah said, even though it was not possible to see the whole country transformed in a day or two, “It is important that when politicians entered into an agreement with the people and things are not working well they come back and negotiate or and reassure the people.”
“Where the politicians win and remain in the national capital, makes the people see themselves as a tool politicians use to get power after that they wait for the next four years,” he said.
He called on the Mills Administration to ensure that the promises of the people were address where it becomes difficult the government should the people know that they had them in mind.
The Chief also urged the people to place the interest of the people first to ensure that the scarce resources of the country were directed to the wellbeing of the people who voted them into office.
For his part, the minister, Mr Joe Gidisu said the government would respond promptly to any situation that would create a better environment of the people of Ghana.
“My visit to the region follow was to really see what the people go through everyday. We will do our best to ensure that the living standards of the people improve.”
He said the region had contributed a lot to the development of the country and the government would ensure that develop did not elude the region this time.
The minister said his tour of the region as a minister of roads and highways had given him the first hand information about the plight of the people the region.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that the situation improves, we monitor and ensure transparency and accountability to ensure that region had its roads properly positioned,” he said.
CONFLICTS, DRAWBACK TO DEVELOPMENT (FRONT PAGE)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Axim
THE President, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, has condemned the recent conflicts in some parts of the country and said it is a complete setback for growth and development.
He said instead of channeling the countries recourses towards productive ventures, “We are rather engaging in conflicts that are of no positive consequence whatsoever. That is certainly a drawback to our forward match towards progress.”
There have been recent clashes in the country which claimed six lives in Bawku and four others at Agbogboloshie as well as destruction of properties worth millions of Ghana Cedis.
The president said in a speech read on his behalf at this year’s Kundum Festival of chiefs and people Axim Traditional Area in the Nzeman East Municipal Assembly of the Western Region.
He said such conflict would not facilitate the development as expected since time and money were pushed to the resolutions and relief to the victims while development was retired.
“I must, however, hasten to add that the chiefs and people and people of Axim deserve commendation for peace and tranquility that has prevailed in the area all these years,” he said.
He said it was about time that Ghanaians went back to the communal spirit that had gone down considerably and was having negative effect on the country’s development.
The President urged the people to use the periods of celebration in reviving the communal spirit, foster unity and initiate self-help projects that would enhance the growth of their localities.
He said the Western Region had over the years experienced problems of poor road network and the Nzema areas was no exception.
Prof. Mills therefore urged districts assemblies to take the initial steps to ensure some form of work on the roads in order not to curtail the moment of goods and services while the central government initiate move to put the roads back in shape.
The President said the clarion call on the country today and indeed beyond was education, advancement, modernity, environmental protection, and the elimination of poverty, diseases and improvement in social infrastructure.
“Indeed these are the very ideals that the government is committed to and therefore it behooves all citizens, young and old, male and female, weather we are in the formal or informal sectors to contribute towards the attainment of these objectives,” he said.
He called for unity and brotherliness to ensure the country’s continues development.
For his part the Omanhene of Lower Axim Traditional Area, Awulae Atibrukusu III urged the president to absorb the community based Girls Secondary School in the area to boost enrolment of girls.
He also called for the protection of the interest of the fishermen in the area cognizance of the fact that oil had been discovered in the region.
Awulae Atibrukusu said there was a sod cutting ceremony for the construction of Landing Beach for the fishermen by the previous administration but the proposed construction did not take place.
There were solidarity messages from the various companies operating in the areas as well as the German’s ambassador to Ghana.
THE President, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, has condemned the recent conflicts in some parts of the country and said it is a complete setback for growth and development.
He said instead of channeling the countries recourses towards productive ventures, “We are rather engaging in conflicts that are of no positive consequence whatsoever. That is certainly a drawback to our forward match towards progress.”
There have been recent clashes in the country which claimed six lives in Bawku and four others at Agbogboloshie as well as destruction of properties worth millions of Ghana Cedis.
The president said in a speech read on his behalf at this year’s Kundum Festival of chiefs and people Axim Traditional Area in the Nzeman East Municipal Assembly of the Western Region.
He said such conflict would not facilitate the development as expected since time and money were pushed to the resolutions and relief to the victims while development was retired.
“I must, however, hasten to add that the chiefs and people and people of Axim deserve commendation for peace and tranquility that has prevailed in the area all these years,” he said.
He said it was about time that Ghanaians went back to the communal spirit that had gone down considerably and was having negative effect on the country’s development.
The President urged the people to use the periods of celebration in reviving the communal spirit, foster unity and initiate self-help projects that would enhance the growth of their localities.
He said the Western Region had over the years experienced problems of poor road network and the Nzema areas was no exception.
Prof. Mills therefore urged districts assemblies to take the initial steps to ensure some form of work on the roads in order not to curtail the moment of goods and services while the central government initiate move to put the roads back in shape.
The President said the clarion call on the country today and indeed beyond was education, advancement, modernity, environmental protection, and the elimination of poverty, diseases and improvement in social infrastructure.
“Indeed these are the very ideals that the government is committed to and therefore it behooves all citizens, young and old, male and female, weather we are in the formal or informal sectors to contribute towards the attainment of these objectives,” he said.
He called for unity and brotherliness to ensure the country’s continues development.
For his part the Omanhene of Lower Axim Traditional Area, Awulae Atibrukusu III urged the president to absorb the community based Girls Secondary School in the area to boost enrolment of girls.
He also called for the protection of the interest of the fishermen in the area cognizance of the fact that oil had been discovered in the region.
Awulae Atibrukusu said there was a sod cutting ceremony for the construction of Landing Beach for the fishermen by the previous administration but the proposed construction did not take place.
There were solidarity messages from the various companies operating in the areas as well as the German’s ambassador to Ghana.
MILITARY TO BID FOR CONTRACT
Story Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Asankragwua
The military would soon be able to bid for road contracts when tenders are opened for road and other contracts.
This was to make use of the untapped expertise the military especially the Field Engineering Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to bear on the country’s quest to develop.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic at Sefwi said the military have many sides that could be tapped to the advantage of the nation.
He said his ministry was in discussion with the relevant ministry and military institutions to ensure that they were equipped to handle some aspect of the country’s emergency situations.
With roads, the minister said, the Field Engineering Regiment of the GAF had abandoned expertise that would help speed the development of the country.
“That is one thing we did not know about the military apart from the discipline, they have most of the finniest engineers, architect and other professionals that could be used to push the country’s development agenda,” he said.
Mr Gidisu said that would not mean that they would be taken off their core role of defending the nation.
He said they had in the past used their high moral and dedication to save situation and that in situation where cocoa and foodstuff were locked up, the military would have been the first point of contact.
The minister said the regiment at the moment the military needed to be equipped to handle situations.
In a sharp response, members of the general public applauded the move and said the military have a discipline and the commitment to country.
They were of the view that if the military were equipped, they would be in a position to handle not only emergencies but also bid for contract and charge a little lower than the contractors on the street.
One Kwaku Ankrah said with the military in collaborating with highways and feeder road, things would better, saying “Let us not see the military as a bunch of people prepared for war situations, but they are high professionals in the army.”
The military would soon be able to bid for road contracts when tenders are opened for road and other contracts.
This was to make use of the untapped expertise the military especially the Field Engineering Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to bear on the country’s quest to develop.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic at Sefwi said the military have many sides that could be tapped to the advantage of the nation.
He said his ministry was in discussion with the relevant ministry and military institutions to ensure that they were equipped to handle some aspect of the country’s emergency situations.
With roads, the minister said, the Field Engineering Regiment of the GAF had abandoned expertise that would help speed the development of the country.
“That is one thing we did not know about the military apart from the discipline, they have most of the finniest engineers, architect and other professionals that could be used to push the country’s development agenda,” he said.
Mr Gidisu said that would not mean that they would be taken off their core role of defending the nation.
He said they had in the past used their high moral and dedication to save situation and that in situation where cocoa and foodstuff were locked up, the military would have been the first point of contact.
The minister said the regiment at the moment the military needed to be equipped to handle situations.
In a sharp response, members of the general public applauded the move and said the military have a discipline and the commitment to country.
They were of the view that if the military were equipped, they would be in a position to handle not only emergencies but also bid for contract and charge a little lower than the contractors on the street.
One Kwaku Ankrah said with the military in collaborating with highways and feeder road, things would better, saying “Let us not see the military as a bunch of people prepared for war situations, but they are high professionals in the army.”
SCHOOLS FEEDING CATERERS GO TO COURT
Thousands of children across the 17 district of the Western Region have reported for their first day schools amidst inadequate infrastructure.
Others were also not able to enjoy their first meal in school, under the school feeding programme due to the suspension of catering services in some districts.
The existing caterers and potentials ones have been asked to reapply; thereby some children were not welcome with the hot meal as expected.
Officials of the Regional Coordinating Council, district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies have moved to various schools in their local communities.
Some districts, especially, the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly have suspended the school feeding programme and urged the existing and new applicants to reapply.
The caterers were not happy since the announcement was made just a day before my first day in school by the assembly and some parts of the metropolis.
At Shama, about 17 people have applied to cook for the children and had gone through the processes to start cooking for the children. While in Axim, and other assemblies had not taken decision to dissolve the existing caterers.
However, there was a slight problem last Monday at Shama when one of the caterer who was said to have opted out of the programme went to demolish part of the kitchen at Shama claiming the extension was done by her.
When contacted, the District Chief Executive, Ms Emila Arthur said she heard about the demolition but the caterer said she built the structure herself and since she was not going to be part of the programme she had decided to remove the extension.
The DCE also visited almost all the schools in the district and share with the children as well as encourage parents to give all the needed support to ensure solid foundation for their children.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the chief executive said the biggest challenge was infrastructure and she would do everything possible to ensure that something was done about it.
At Adwoa, in the Ahanta Weste district, there was overcrowding in the some schools, and the situation was not different in other districts as more children have turnout for school.
In the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, the situation was not different many children have reported with their parents in many of the school visited.
The problem of inadequate classroom, furniture among others remain the major obstacle, many of the officials of schools said there was the need for improvement in social infrastructure.
According to the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the strength of every nation was the base of child future leaders.
He said if the country had to move forward and achieve its human resource needs for development, there was the need for a strong foundation for children.
He said the government would not toy with the foundation of the future leaders of the country.
He urged parents to ensure that they worked together with the children to ensure solid foundation for the children.
Others were also not able to enjoy their first meal in school, under the school feeding programme due to the suspension of catering services in some districts.
The existing caterers and potentials ones have been asked to reapply; thereby some children were not welcome with the hot meal as expected.
Officials of the Regional Coordinating Council, district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies have moved to various schools in their local communities.
Some districts, especially, the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly have suspended the school feeding programme and urged the existing and new applicants to reapply.
The caterers were not happy since the announcement was made just a day before my first day in school by the assembly and some parts of the metropolis.
At Shama, about 17 people have applied to cook for the children and had gone through the processes to start cooking for the children. While in Axim, and other assemblies had not taken decision to dissolve the existing caterers.
However, there was a slight problem last Monday at Shama when one of the caterer who was said to have opted out of the programme went to demolish part of the kitchen at Shama claiming the extension was done by her.
When contacted, the District Chief Executive, Ms Emila Arthur said she heard about the demolition but the caterer said she built the structure herself and since she was not going to be part of the programme she had decided to remove the extension.
The DCE also visited almost all the schools in the district and share with the children as well as encourage parents to give all the needed support to ensure solid foundation for their children.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the chief executive said the biggest challenge was infrastructure and she would do everything possible to ensure that something was done about it.
At Adwoa, in the Ahanta Weste district, there was overcrowding in the some schools, and the situation was not different in other districts as more children have turnout for school.
In the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, the situation was not different many children have reported with their parents in many of the school visited.
The problem of inadequate classroom, furniture among others remain the major obstacle, many of the officials of schools said there was the need for improvement in social infrastructure.
According to the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the strength of every nation was the base of child future leaders.
He said if the country had to move forward and achieve its human resource needs for development, there was the need for a strong foundation for children.
He said the government would not toy with the foundation of the future leaders of the country.
He urged parents to ensure that they worked together with the children to ensure solid foundation for the children.
GOVT SECURES GRANT TO CONSTRUCT ELUBO TOWN ROADS P. 20
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Elubo
The government has secured a Japanese grant for the construction of town roads in Elubo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
The project is under the District Capital Road Improvement Project would cost more than GHC500,000 and would be completed in one year.
The project would include tarring of the road and construction of drains in the township.
At the sod cutting ceremony, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo called on chiefs and people of Elubo to cooperate with the contractor in its quest to expand and construct drains.
He urged them to remove containers on the shoulders of the road to pave way for the contractor to complete work on schedule.
The minister said an inspection of the various areas that would be covered under the project, protruding kiosk and extension of structures had taking huge part of the road.
He said even though that was due to the long neglect of the of the town roads the cooperation of the people was the only lifeline towards the completion of work on schedule.
He said that would create a huge problem for the contractor saying “I am pleading with you to ensure that those structures are removed before the contractor reaches your stands.”
“I must be honest with you that, your refusal to pull back for the road to be constructed could create a setback for the development of the are, the funding for the project covers a period of one-year and any delay means the government would have to dole out more money,” he said.
The minister used the opportunity to call on chiefs and people of the area and the region as a whole to settle all chieftaincy disputes and ensure that development did not elude the people.
“Many of the letters and discussion with the people had to do with chieftaincy, my people let me tell you that, there cannot be development in the situation we found ourselves,” he said.
“Development is one very expensive commodity and on high demand and it would not wait for us to decide in a distant future before it come, we take the path of peace now to ensure that we grab as much as we can,” he said.
For his part, the former member of Parliament, Mr Lee Ocran who source the grant from the Japanese with counterpart funding from Government of Ghana said his dream was to ensure that the people of the area.
Mr Ocran who used the opportunity to bid his constituents farewell and said would do his best to present Ghana well to the countries outside in his new mission as the high commissioner to South Africa.
The government has secured a Japanese grant for the construction of town roads in Elubo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
The project is under the District Capital Road Improvement Project would cost more than GHC500,000 and would be completed in one year.
The project would include tarring of the road and construction of drains in the township.
At the sod cutting ceremony, the Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo called on chiefs and people of Elubo to cooperate with the contractor in its quest to expand and construct drains.
He urged them to remove containers on the shoulders of the road to pave way for the contractor to complete work on schedule.
The minister said an inspection of the various areas that would be covered under the project, protruding kiosk and extension of structures had taking huge part of the road.
He said even though that was due to the long neglect of the of the town roads the cooperation of the people was the only lifeline towards the completion of work on schedule.
He said that would create a huge problem for the contractor saying “I am pleading with you to ensure that those structures are removed before the contractor reaches your stands.”
“I must be honest with you that, your refusal to pull back for the road to be constructed could create a setback for the development of the are, the funding for the project covers a period of one-year and any delay means the government would have to dole out more money,” he said.
The minister used the opportunity to call on chiefs and people of the area and the region as a whole to settle all chieftaincy disputes and ensure that development did not elude the people.
“Many of the letters and discussion with the people had to do with chieftaincy, my people let me tell you that, there cannot be development in the situation we found ourselves,” he said.
“Development is one very expensive commodity and on high demand and it would not wait for us to decide in a distant future before it come, we take the path of peace now to ensure that we grab as much as we can,” he said.
For his part, the former member of Parliament, Mr Lee Ocran who source the grant from the Japanese with counterpart funding from Government of Ghana said his dream was to ensure that the people of the area.
Mr Ocran who used the opportunity to bid his constituents farewell and said would do his best to present Ghana well to the countries outside in his new mission as the high commissioner to South Africa.
JOMORO ENDORSES EIA (PAGE 31)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Half-Assini
The Chiefs and people in the Jomoro District of Western Region have endorsed environmental impact assessment (EIA) and mitigation plan for Jubilee Phase-I Project as part of the preparation towards pouring of the country’s first oil in the 2010 advances.
The people however, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state agencies that would be appointed to monitor environmental issues not to succumb to corruption and greed at the expense of the nation and its people.
At the first hearing at the district capital, Half-Assinin, Awulae Anno Adjei said the likely problem that might arise was not about the beauty and strength of the environmental laws, but the inability to implement it would be the problem.
“There was the same problems during the inland exploitation of gold and other minerals resources in Tarkwa, Preatea and other parts of the country but the same EIA laws did not work for the people in our side of the world,” he said.
Awulae Ano Adjei said the people of the area were not against the exploitation, but what the people want was good laws that would protect the interest of the nation, fishermen, the environment, coastline, purity of the air among others.
He said aside the oil companies, other investors that would be moving to the district to invest should not lure people into selling huge parcels of lands to them due to the onshore gas plant in the often.
“We will use our land as equity; therefore do not even think you will make things work differently, we cannot live today and eat into the future of the generations unborn, we have carefully manage to preserve our heritage for them,” he said.
In his plantation before the remarks and series of questions and comments, the Country Representative for Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson said, the group made up of Tullow Ghana and its partners, Kosmos, Anadarko, Hese, Sabre, EO Group and others were committed to the culture, values as well as local and international laws governing the environment and the industry.
“We are committed to embracing value and diversity, respect laws, customs as well as set high standard for environmental, safety through responsible and prudent management of the country’s natural resources,” he said.
Mr Esson said Tullow and its partners would also build a partnership for sustainable economic socials development of the country.
He said in January this year, they went through the processes of the scoping report, followed by specialist studies between the months of March and April leading the impact assessment from that month to August.
“What we are going through now, which would be replicated in Ellembelle, Axim, Agona-Nkwanta, Shama and the regional hearing was the public consultation which was very important to the process,” he said.
Mr Esson said the consultation would pave way for the final reports and the management plans and that the companies attach great importance to best environmental practices.
He said it was important to note that, the country’s requirement for the type of project at the Jubilee field was to inform the people about the operations.
Mr Esson said the EIA was also important since it would describe the project, evaluate the potential risks and impacts as well as describe how best these would be managed.
He said public hearing was also to provide the platform for people to ask the opinions and to involve the people in the decision making processes and communicate Tullow’s commitment to ongoing social environmental management to reduce impact and enhance benefits.
In 2007, the country’s gas and oil was discovered about 60 nautical miles from the shores of Effasu and 135 nautical miles from Sekondi/Takoradi.
The Chiefs and people in the Jomoro District of Western Region have endorsed environmental impact assessment (EIA) and mitigation plan for Jubilee Phase-I Project as part of the preparation towards pouring of the country’s first oil in the 2010 advances.
The people however, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state agencies that would be appointed to monitor environmental issues not to succumb to corruption and greed at the expense of the nation and its people.
At the first hearing at the district capital, Half-Assinin, Awulae Anno Adjei said the likely problem that might arise was not about the beauty and strength of the environmental laws, but the inability to implement it would be the problem.
“There was the same problems during the inland exploitation of gold and other minerals resources in Tarkwa, Preatea and other parts of the country but the same EIA laws did not work for the people in our side of the world,” he said.
Awulae Ano Adjei said the people of the area were not against the exploitation, but what the people want was good laws that would protect the interest of the nation, fishermen, the environment, coastline, purity of the air among others.
He said aside the oil companies, other investors that would be moving to the district to invest should not lure people into selling huge parcels of lands to them due to the onshore gas plant in the often.
“We will use our land as equity; therefore do not even think you will make things work differently, we cannot live today and eat into the future of the generations unborn, we have carefully manage to preserve our heritage for them,” he said.
In his plantation before the remarks and series of questions and comments, the Country Representative for Tullow, Mr Kofi Esson said, the group made up of Tullow Ghana and its partners, Kosmos, Anadarko, Hese, Sabre, EO Group and others were committed to the culture, values as well as local and international laws governing the environment and the industry.
“We are committed to embracing value and diversity, respect laws, customs as well as set high standard for environmental, safety through responsible and prudent management of the country’s natural resources,” he said.
Mr Esson said Tullow and its partners would also build a partnership for sustainable economic socials development of the country.
He said in January this year, they went through the processes of the scoping report, followed by specialist studies between the months of March and April leading the impact assessment from that month to August.
“What we are going through now, which would be replicated in Ellembelle, Axim, Agona-Nkwanta, Shama and the regional hearing was the public consultation which was very important to the process,” he said.
Mr Esson said the consultation would pave way for the final reports and the management plans and that the companies attach great importance to best environmental practices.
He said it was important to note that, the country’s requirement for the type of project at the Jubilee field was to inform the people about the operations.
Mr Esson said the EIA was also important since it would describe the project, evaluate the potential risks and impacts as well as describe how best these would be managed.
He said public hearing was also to provide the platform for people to ask the opinions and to involve the people in the decision making processes and communicate Tullow’s commitment to ongoing social environmental management to reduce impact and enhance benefits.
In 2007, the country’s gas and oil was discovered about 60 nautical miles from the shores of Effasu and 135 nautical miles from Sekondi/Takoradi.
Friday, September 11, 2009
POLITICIANS REMINDED OF MANDATE TO CONSTITUENTS (PAGE 13)
Politicians have been urged not to wait until it is time to renew their mandate before they visit their constituents with their sweet promises.
The Chief of Bodi in the Juaboso District of the Western Region, Nana Kwame Nkrumah I, said politicians entered into social contracts with the people but abandoned them only to return to them when they wanted them to renew their mandate.
The chief made the observation when the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, called on him at his palace to address a mini-durbar held in his honour at Bodi.
The chief said in spite of the fact that a very significant part of the country’s resources was derived from the Western Region, the people of the region had suffered for far too long and would no longer take excuses.
“Here at Bodi, we do not even have a clinic; we have to trek to the next town to enable us to access medical care and that is not good enough,” he said.
Nana Nkrumah said even though it was not possible to see the whole country transformed in a day or two, “it is important that when politicians entered into an agreement with the people and things are not working well, they come back and negotiate or reassure them”.
“When the politicians win and remain in the national capital, it makes the people see themselves as a tool for use by the politicians to get power and after that they will have to wait for the next four years. This is not good for the development of the society,” he said.
He called on the Mills Administration to ensure that the promises to the people were fulfilled and that when it became difficult for the government the people should at least know that the politicians had them in mind.
The chief also urged politicians to place the interest of the people first to ensure that the scarce resources of the country were used for their well-being.
For his part, Mr Gidisu said the government would respond promptly to any situation that would create a better environment for the people of Ghana.
“My visit to the region is to really see what the people go through everyday. We will do our best to ensure that the living standards of the people improve,” he said.
He said the region had contributed a lot to the development of the country and the government would ensure that development did not elude the region this time.
The minister said his tour of the region as the Minister of Roads and Highways had given him the firsthand information about the plight of the people the region.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that the situation improves; we will monitor and uphold transparency and accountability to ensure that region had its roads properly positioned,” he said.
The Chief of Bodi in the Juaboso District of the Western Region, Nana Kwame Nkrumah I, said politicians entered into social contracts with the people but abandoned them only to return to them when they wanted them to renew their mandate.
The chief made the observation when the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, called on him at his palace to address a mini-durbar held in his honour at Bodi.
The chief said in spite of the fact that a very significant part of the country’s resources was derived from the Western Region, the people of the region had suffered for far too long and would no longer take excuses.
“Here at Bodi, we do not even have a clinic; we have to trek to the next town to enable us to access medical care and that is not good enough,” he said.
Nana Nkrumah said even though it was not possible to see the whole country transformed in a day or two, “it is important that when politicians entered into an agreement with the people and things are not working well, they come back and negotiate or reassure them”.
“When the politicians win and remain in the national capital, it makes the people see themselves as a tool for use by the politicians to get power and after that they will have to wait for the next four years. This is not good for the development of the society,” he said.
He called on the Mills Administration to ensure that the promises to the people were fulfilled and that when it became difficult for the government the people should at least know that the politicians had them in mind.
The chief also urged politicians to place the interest of the people first to ensure that the scarce resources of the country were used for their well-being.
For his part, Mr Gidisu said the government would respond promptly to any situation that would create a better environment for the people of Ghana.
“My visit to the region is to really see what the people go through everyday. We will do our best to ensure that the living standards of the people improve,” he said.
He said the region had contributed a lot to the development of the country and the government would ensure that development did not elude the region this time.
The minister said his tour of the region as the Minister of Roads and Highways had given him the firsthand information about the plight of the people the region.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that the situation improves; we will monitor and uphold transparency and accountability to ensure that region had its roads properly positioned,” he said.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
GOVT SECURES LOAN FOR TARKWA-BOGOSO -AYANFORI ROAD (PAGE 20)
THE government has secured €76-million loan from the European Union (EU) for the construction of the 95-km Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayanfori road in the Western Region.
The road project, expected to commence by April 2010, will facilitate the movement of goods and services, as well as people, from the northern part of the region to the south.
The Western Regional Director of the Ghana Highways Authority, Mr J.K. Nsiah, said the road would be constructed to meet international standards and also have the capacity to withstand articulated vehicles from Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions to the Takoradi Port.
He said local consultants and international contractors were working hard to ensure that work commenced as expected to ensure early completion.
Mr Nsiah said the contract had been signed and the procurement processes were currently ongoing, and indicated that the completion of the project would bring big relief to the people.
He said due to the nature of the weather in the region, henceforth the Ghana Highways Authority would be tough on contractors to ensure the construction of quality roads there.
Mr Nsiah said many of the roads which had deteriorated within the last year or two would be investigated and the contractors sanctioned.
During his recent visit to the northern part of the Western Region , Mr Joe Gidisu, the Minister of Roads, saw the bad nature of the roads in that part of the country.
The road project, expected to commence by April 2010, will facilitate the movement of goods and services, as well as people, from the northern part of the region to the south.
The Western Regional Director of the Ghana Highways Authority, Mr J.K. Nsiah, said the road would be constructed to meet international standards and also have the capacity to withstand articulated vehicles from Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions to the Takoradi Port.
He said local consultants and international contractors were working hard to ensure that work commenced as expected to ensure early completion.
Mr Nsiah said the contract had been signed and the procurement processes were currently ongoing, and indicated that the completion of the project would bring big relief to the people.
He said due to the nature of the weather in the region, henceforth the Ghana Highways Authority would be tough on contractors to ensure the construction of quality roads there.
Mr Nsiah said many of the roads which had deteriorated within the last year or two would be investigated and the contractors sanctioned.
During his recent visit to the northern part of the Western Region , Mr Joe Gidisu, the Minister of Roads, saw the bad nature of the roads in that part of the country.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
SENEGALESE JAILED 7 YEARS FOR FRAUD (PAGE 30)
A Senegalese national, who proposes marriage to desparate husband seekers with sound financial background in order to defraud them, has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
The convict, Jean Noel Diouf Boure, 39, also allegedly posed as a reverend minister, a medical doctor and a son of Senegalese envoy to Canada, using fake accompanying documents to back his claims.
Upon his arrest, the police found in his possession letter heads of the Kumasi branch of the Ghana Institute of Languages and Methodist Church of Senegal, four certificates of ordination and one rubber stamp, which he used to introduce himself to his unsuspecting victims.
Jean Noel Diouf Boure pleaded guilty to the charges of defrauding by false pretences and having in his possession a stolen property. The court, presided over by Mr Charles Nimako, convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him to seven years in hard labour.
According to the prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ayamga Y. Akolgo, the accused presented himself as a medical doctor and a reverend minister of the United Methodist Church of Senegal and succeeded in collecting GH¢1,000 from one of his victims.
The prosecutor, who is also the Kwesimintsim District Police Commander, said the suspect proposed marriage to a sister of one of the victims and proceeded to the family at Denu, near Aflao in the Volta Region to collect the list of items needed for their marriage.
Mr Akolgo told the court that to enable him get the money from the victim he told his lover to introduce him to her sister as a medical doctor from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
When the lover of the convict was hospitalised Jean Noel Diouf Boure went to the sister of his lover and told her he was expecting money from his father who was the Senegalese Ambassador to Canada and succeeded in collecting GH¢1,000 from her.
The prosecutor said when the time set by the convict to pay the money elapsed and every effort to retrieve it proved futile, the women reported the case to the police who effected his arrest. A search on him led to the discovery of the documents.
Mr Akolgo said one of the victims in Kumasi told the police that she was actually married to the convict, and after depleting her bank account, and apart from accumulating daily debt that she had to deal with, she was forced to divorce Jean Noel Boure.
The prosecutor said the victim, who was an employee of the Ghana Institute of Languages, said the suspect’s mode of operation was to play on the weak points of women and take undue advantage of them financially.
The convict, Jean Noel Diouf Boure, 39, also allegedly posed as a reverend minister, a medical doctor and a son of Senegalese envoy to Canada, using fake accompanying documents to back his claims.
Upon his arrest, the police found in his possession letter heads of the Kumasi branch of the Ghana Institute of Languages and Methodist Church of Senegal, four certificates of ordination and one rubber stamp, which he used to introduce himself to his unsuspecting victims.
Jean Noel Diouf Boure pleaded guilty to the charges of defrauding by false pretences and having in his possession a stolen property. The court, presided over by Mr Charles Nimako, convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him to seven years in hard labour.
According to the prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ayamga Y. Akolgo, the accused presented himself as a medical doctor and a reverend minister of the United Methodist Church of Senegal and succeeded in collecting GH¢1,000 from one of his victims.
The prosecutor, who is also the Kwesimintsim District Police Commander, said the suspect proposed marriage to a sister of one of the victims and proceeded to the family at Denu, near Aflao in the Volta Region to collect the list of items needed for their marriage.
Mr Akolgo told the court that to enable him get the money from the victim he told his lover to introduce him to her sister as a medical doctor from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
When the lover of the convict was hospitalised Jean Noel Diouf Boure went to the sister of his lover and told her he was expecting money from his father who was the Senegalese Ambassador to Canada and succeeded in collecting GH¢1,000 from her.
The prosecutor said when the time set by the convict to pay the money elapsed and every effort to retrieve it proved futile, the women reported the case to the police who effected his arrest. A search on him led to the discovery of the documents.
Mr Akolgo said one of the victims in Kumasi told the police that she was actually married to the convict, and after depleting her bank account, and apart from accumulating daily debt that she had to deal with, she was forced to divorce Jean Noel Boure.
The prosecutor said the victim, who was an employee of the Ghana Institute of Languages, said the suspect’s mode of operation was to play on the weak points of women and take undue advantage of them financially.
PRIME WOODS WORKERS CREATING PROBLEMS FOR MOTORISTS (PAGE 30)
The behaviour of some workers of Prime Woods, a timber firm in the metropolis, before and during launch time and at the close of work is creating a lot of inconvenience for other motorists in the metropolis.
When the workers close from work in afternoon shift, or are reporting for work in the morning, they just walk leisurely across the road, halting traffic until hundreds of workers cross, instead of patiently making use of the zebra crossing near the factory, which was strategically positioned for their safety.
Interestingly part of the problem is that, when drivers try to advise the workers to use the zebra crossing, they take offence and rain insults on them.
The situation in front of Prime Wood at the moment is not healthy, and it is the hope of some residents that the management of the company would take immediate steps to ensure that workers use the zebra crossing.
If that would not be possible, then a space should be created for the buses to pick the workers within the premises when they close from work.
Aside the reckless crossing, some of them also board Takoradi or Sekondi-bound “trotros” right in the middle of the street.
When the workers close from work in afternoon shift, or are reporting for work in the morning, they just walk leisurely across the road, halting traffic until hundreds of workers cross, instead of patiently making use of the zebra crossing near the factory, which was strategically positioned for their safety.
Interestingly part of the problem is that, when drivers try to advise the workers to use the zebra crossing, they take offence and rain insults on them.
The situation in front of Prime Wood at the moment is not healthy, and it is the hope of some residents that the management of the company would take immediate steps to ensure that workers use the zebra crossing.
If that would not be possible, then a space should be created for the buses to pick the workers within the premises when they close from work.
Aside the reckless crossing, some of them also board Takoradi or Sekondi-bound “trotros” right in the middle of the street.
ZOOMLION HELPS TO CLEAN UP TWIN CITY (PAGE 30)
After the publication on the poor nature of street corners within the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis, Zoomlion, a private waste management company, has gone to the rescue.
Workers of the company were seen busily working on the Sekondi/Takoradi roads.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Regional Supervisor, Mr Gushun Sogbey, said as with every newspaper using the Daily Graphic as a yardstick “so it has become of Zoomlion, when filth is found at every corner, even out of their jurisdiction, the public complain to Zoomlion.”
He said the company had become huge, and that every waste was linked to it. Therefore it was important that they took urgent action to ensure that streets in the metropolis were not left to be engulfed in filth and heaps of sand.
Mr Sogbey said his outfit had researched and will continue to research into how to manage waste in the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies across the country.
Asked if the company was in a position to cover a wider area, he said, as a matter of fact, the company’s strength and equipment in the twin -city alone could cover the entire metropolis without any difficulties.
He said one of the things they had identified was the education and community involvement in the drive to ensure a safe and clean environment.
Mr Sogbey said they had trained sanitation guards to educate and make people aware of their responsibility to the environment when it comes to waste generation and disposal.
He said throwing of waste into drains and open places was an easy way to get the filth out of the immediate environment of those who generated it.
“But if the people were made to understand and to know the effects of their action, they would desist from throwing waste indiscriminately. ” he said.
Mr Sogbey said the company would continue to help in whatever way possible to create a clean environment for a healthy citizenry.
Workers of the company were seen busily working on the Sekondi/Takoradi roads.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Regional Supervisor, Mr Gushun Sogbey, said as with every newspaper using the Daily Graphic as a yardstick “so it has become of Zoomlion, when filth is found at every corner, even out of their jurisdiction, the public complain to Zoomlion.”
He said the company had become huge, and that every waste was linked to it. Therefore it was important that they took urgent action to ensure that streets in the metropolis were not left to be engulfed in filth and heaps of sand.
Mr Sogbey said his outfit had researched and will continue to research into how to manage waste in the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies across the country.
Asked if the company was in a position to cover a wider area, he said, as a matter of fact, the company’s strength and equipment in the twin -city alone could cover the entire metropolis without any difficulties.
He said one of the things they had identified was the education and community involvement in the drive to ensure a safe and clean environment.
Mr Sogbey said they had trained sanitation guards to educate and make people aware of their responsibility to the environment when it comes to waste generation and disposal.
He said throwing of waste into drains and open places was an easy way to get the filth out of the immediate environment of those who generated it.
“But if the people were made to understand and to know the effects of their action, they would desist from throwing waste indiscriminately. ” he said.
Mr Sogbey said the company would continue to help in whatever way possible to create a clean environment for a healthy citizenry.
WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER ADVISES CIEF EXECUTIVES (PAGE 30)
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives have been urged to avoid making expenditure without supporting documentation since the law would not spare any one found culpable.
They have also been urged to recover all staff advances that have locked up public funds that could otherwise be put to use for the public good.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul E. Aidoo, who made the call in Takoradi, said assemblies should spend within their limits and intensify campaigns to generate more revenue to support development projects in their catchment areas.
He said money was the lifeblood of any institution, and that it should be the duty and concern of all who handle public funds to ensure accountability.
Addressing the closing session of a financial management workshop held at Takoradi, the minister said transparency and accountability in handling of public funds in accordance with the rules and regulations governing disbursement would push development faster than expected.
He said the assemblies had several ways of generating income but many of these were not being harnessed to their advantage.
The minister warned them on over-reliance on the Common Fund since it might not be enough to finance their developmet projects.
The minister said as human institutions, assemblies had been bedevilled with unacceptable practices which make it difficult for proper handling of public funds within the regulatory framework.
As a government, “We shall continue to pursue the objectives of accountability and transparency to ensure that, the taxpayer gets his or her money’s worth’’.
He said the workshop should address very pertinent issues that occurred daily at their various assemblies which borders on finance,
“I would therefore request all participants to pay attention so as to know how you could manage resources.
Mr Aidoo requested from the representatives of various assemblies to evaluate their existing budget preparation, revenue generation within the context of issues under discussion so as to improve their performance.
“I would like the representatives of the decentralised departments to pay attention to record keeping and reporting that would make the eventual national financial reporting mechanisms and outputs sound and reliable,” he said.
With the oil find, the minister said, the region was set to receive inflows, which required efficient and effective reporting on income and expenditure.
Mr Aidoo said it was important that the country’s public financial management process was made possible to ensure public confidence.
With that,the minister said people would be more willing to contribute since they would be convinced by good, transparent, and efficient public financial administration.
He urge the finance officers to avoid overdrawing public institution accounts that result in rejection of cheques, thereby creating the impression that the government did not have funds to pay for services provided by the businessmen.
“You should also avoid irregular and delayed banking of revenue collected as well as recover staff advances that lock up funds that could otherwise be used within various institutions,” he said.
They have also been urged to recover all staff advances that have locked up public funds that could otherwise be put to use for the public good.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul E. Aidoo, who made the call in Takoradi, said assemblies should spend within their limits and intensify campaigns to generate more revenue to support development projects in their catchment areas.
He said money was the lifeblood of any institution, and that it should be the duty and concern of all who handle public funds to ensure accountability.
Addressing the closing session of a financial management workshop held at Takoradi, the minister said transparency and accountability in handling of public funds in accordance with the rules and regulations governing disbursement would push development faster than expected.
He said the assemblies had several ways of generating income but many of these were not being harnessed to their advantage.
The minister warned them on over-reliance on the Common Fund since it might not be enough to finance their developmet projects.
The minister said as human institutions, assemblies had been bedevilled with unacceptable practices which make it difficult for proper handling of public funds within the regulatory framework.
As a government, “We shall continue to pursue the objectives of accountability and transparency to ensure that, the taxpayer gets his or her money’s worth’’.
He said the workshop should address very pertinent issues that occurred daily at their various assemblies which borders on finance,
“I would therefore request all participants to pay attention so as to know how you could manage resources.
Mr Aidoo requested from the representatives of various assemblies to evaluate their existing budget preparation, revenue generation within the context of issues under discussion so as to improve their performance.
“I would like the representatives of the decentralised departments to pay attention to record keeping and reporting that would make the eventual national financial reporting mechanisms and outputs sound and reliable,” he said.
With the oil find, the minister said, the region was set to receive inflows, which required efficient and effective reporting on income and expenditure.
Mr Aidoo said it was important that the country’s public financial management process was made possible to ensure public confidence.
With that,the minister said people would be more willing to contribute since they would be convinced by good, transparent, and efficient public financial administration.
He urge the finance officers to avoid overdrawing public institution accounts that result in rejection of cheques, thereby creating the impression that the government did not have funds to pay for services provided by the businessmen.
“You should also avoid irregular and delayed banking of revenue collected as well as recover staff advances that lock up funds that could otherwise be used within various institutions,” he said.
TWIN-CITY TRAFFIC NOT BEST (PAGE 19)
The vehicular and human traffic situation in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi is getting out of hand as the assembly, after the initial decongestive exercise undertaken in the metropolis, has allowed vehicles to park anywhere.
The Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly seems to be overwhelmed by the present level of congestion.The oil find has brought about a significant increase in the number of vehicles and migrants to the metropolis.
Many institutions, especially financial institutions and business concerns, as well as others in the service sector, are relocating to the metropolis.
Economic activities have increased around the market circle, and as such, there are more than 12 financial institutions, many supermarkets, private offices, shops and heavy hawking around the market.
The pavements have also been taken over by dealers in various currencies, the black market, and pedestrians are forced to compete with vehicles on the street.
Vehicles, both commercial and private, park on both sides of the road from the market towards the Harbour Roundabout and others within the Central Business District (CBD) to enable them to enter the banks or shops from the main market and its shoulders.
Driving to and from Esikafonambantem Number two, Paa Grant, Edzie or Harbour Roundabouts towards the market has, therefore, become a problem.
At the end of the third quarter of last year, the assembly suspended its towing services which seemed to inject some form of sanity in the parking of vehicles.
Interestingly, fees are collected from those who park on the wrong side of the roads, thus rendering it impossible for the assembly to enforce its regulations.
The Takoradi Central Market structure is itself very weak, with cracks all over, exposing people to all forms of danger but for the purposes of advertising, some companies have painted the building to make it look less dangerous.
In most cases, the assembly’s guards and officials who are supposed to help in enforcing law and order are more interested in collecting G20p from drivers and allowing them to park anyhow.
Most of the hawkers have also returned to the streets. Those who were moved from the market circle have comfortably settled on other streets around the CBD.
Shop owners who earlier said there was some form of relief when the hawkers were taken off the streets now said the assembly had lost control of the situation.
Those aside, commercial drivers have turned the frontage of every supermarket within the CBD into a loading bay.
They, on many occasions, prevent shoppers and pedestrians from entering the shops and the demeanour of the drivers, on many occasions, results in fierce confrontations between them and passers-by.
A fuel station, popularly known as Ezi Goil Station, has had half of its station taken over by taxi and other commercial drivers.
From what is happening in the metropolis, it is likely that the assembly would have to spend a lot of money to decongest the metropolis again, if nothing is done about it immediately.
The Takoradi District Commander, DSP Dela Dzansi, said he was doing everything possible to ensure that sanity prevailed in the metropolis.
The Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly seems to be overwhelmed by the present level of congestion.The oil find has brought about a significant increase in the number of vehicles and migrants to the metropolis.
Many institutions, especially financial institutions and business concerns, as well as others in the service sector, are relocating to the metropolis.
Economic activities have increased around the market circle, and as such, there are more than 12 financial institutions, many supermarkets, private offices, shops and heavy hawking around the market.
The pavements have also been taken over by dealers in various currencies, the black market, and pedestrians are forced to compete with vehicles on the street.
Vehicles, both commercial and private, park on both sides of the road from the market towards the Harbour Roundabout and others within the Central Business District (CBD) to enable them to enter the banks or shops from the main market and its shoulders.
Driving to and from Esikafonambantem Number two, Paa Grant, Edzie or Harbour Roundabouts towards the market has, therefore, become a problem.
At the end of the third quarter of last year, the assembly suspended its towing services which seemed to inject some form of sanity in the parking of vehicles.
Interestingly, fees are collected from those who park on the wrong side of the roads, thus rendering it impossible for the assembly to enforce its regulations.
The Takoradi Central Market structure is itself very weak, with cracks all over, exposing people to all forms of danger but for the purposes of advertising, some companies have painted the building to make it look less dangerous.
In most cases, the assembly’s guards and officials who are supposed to help in enforcing law and order are more interested in collecting G20p from drivers and allowing them to park anyhow.
Most of the hawkers have also returned to the streets. Those who were moved from the market circle have comfortably settled on other streets around the CBD.
Shop owners who earlier said there was some form of relief when the hawkers were taken off the streets now said the assembly had lost control of the situation.
Those aside, commercial drivers have turned the frontage of every supermarket within the CBD into a loading bay.
They, on many occasions, prevent shoppers and pedestrians from entering the shops and the demeanour of the drivers, on many occasions, results in fierce confrontations between them and passers-by.
A fuel station, popularly known as Ezi Goil Station, has had half of its station taken over by taxi and other commercial drivers.
From what is happening in the metropolis, it is likely that the assembly would have to spend a lot of money to decongest the metropolis again, if nothing is done about it immediately.
The Takoradi District Commander, DSP Dela Dzansi, said he was doing everything possible to ensure that sanity prevailed in the metropolis.
Monday, September 7, 2009
INDISCIPLINE, THREAT TO DEVELOPMENT — MILLS (PAGE 21)
The President, John Evan Atta Mills, has identified the increasing rate of indiscipline and lack of punctuality as a major stumbling block to the country’s development.
He said, “The carnage on our roads, which brings to mind tales of woes and agony, can be traced largely to the indiscipline on the roads. Statistics indicate that well over 90 per cent of road crashes in the country are caused by human error, apparently borne out of indiscipline,” he said.
“Indiscipline in our time management is also another contributory factor which also militates against our development efforts as a country,” he said.
The President was speaking at the 53rd annual council meeting of the Boys Brigade in Takoradi. He said the future of the country lay in the hands of the youth but sadly, “many of our young boys and girls are constantly being threatened and lured into negative tendencies such as alcoholism, casual sex, drug abuse and associated crime”.
He said statistics indicated that the youth constituted more than 50 per cent of the country’s population; therefore, they formed a major dynamic force that needed to be given the right orientation and direction within a positive framework towards the total development of the country.
Despite the challenges, the President said many of the youth displayed a sense of purpose and strength to move the nation forward and the government would do everything possible to help them.
Touching on the environment, Prof. Mills said indiscipline on the environmental front was phenomenal as rampant felling of trees, destruction of forest, bush burning, illegal mining in reserves, unscientific methods of fishing amongst others, tended to harm the environment and the very future existence of mankind.
“Our growing population with high expectations are becoming increasingly dependent on our small and shrinking natural resource base. It follows, therefore, that people and conservation can no longer be separated.”
Prof. Mills called for community involvement in development, which is about finding a balance between biodiversity, management and improvement of local people’s livelihood and security.
Education, the President said, was the art of awakening the soul and added that it was refreshing that the Boys Brigade had accepted the challenge to educate the young ones, who are the inheritors and leaders of the future.
With that, the President said, the level of indiscipline across all spectrum of the country could be reduced if not completely eliminated.
He commended the brigade and said the youth were very important to the government and that plans were far advanced to come out with a youth policy which would determine the way forward for the youth.
The President has also accepted to become a national patron of the boys brigade.
He said, “The carnage on our roads, which brings to mind tales of woes and agony, can be traced largely to the indiscipline on the roads. Statistics indicate that well over 90 per cent of road crashes in the country are caused by human error, apparently borne out of indiscipline,” he said.
“Indiscipline in our time management is also another contributory factor which also militates against our development efforts as a country,” he said.
The President was speaking at the 53rd annual council meeting of the Boys Brigade in Takoradi. He said the future of the country lay in the hands of the youth but sadly, “many of our young boys and girls are constantly being threatened and lured into negative tendencies such as alcoholism, casual sex, drug abuse and associated crime”.
He said statistics indicated that the youth constituted more than 50 per cent of the country’s population; therefore, they formed a major dynamic force that needed to be given the right orientation and direction within a positive framework towards the total development of the country.
Despite the challenges, the President said many of the youth displayed a sense of purpose and strength to move the nation forward and the government would do everything possible to help them.
Touching on the environment, Prof. Mills said indiscipline on the environmental front was phenomenal as rampant felling of trees, destruction of forest, bush burning, illegal mining in reserves, unscientific methods of fishing amongst others, tended to harm the environment and the very future existence of mankind.
“Our growing population with high expectations are becoming increasingly dependent on our small and shrinking natural resource base. It follows, therefore, that people and conservation can no longer be separated.”
Prof. Mills called for community involvement in development, which is about finding a balance between biodiversity, management and improvement of local people’s livelihood and security.
Education, the President said, was the art of awakening the soul and added that it was refreshing that the Boys Brigade had accepted the challenge to educate the young ones, who are the inheritors and leaders of the future.
With that, the President said, the level of indiscipline across all spectrum of the country could be reduced if not completely eliminated.
He commended the brigade and said the youth were very important to the government and that plans were far advanced to come out with a youth policy which would determine the way forward for the youth.
The President has also accepted to become a national patron of the boys brigade.
MINISTER BEMOANS SHOODY ROAD PROJECTS (PAGE 20)
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, has expressed concern about the rate of deterioration of roads which were constructed barely two years ago.
He said the works of some contractors were unsatisfactory and that the contractors had been unfair to the people of Western Region and other parts of the country.
He said within a year or two after the completion of some of these roads, especially the Ayanfori-Asankragua and many other roads in the country, they had developed serious defects.
The minister told the Daily Graphic after the tour of the Western Region that the Ayanfori-Asankragua road which was constructed in 2005 should have taken between five and seven years before any defect should occur.
“But that is not the case; the contractors have not been fair to the people, the asphalt on these roads have been shoved to one side of the road and other areas have also developed huge potholes,” he said.
Asked what would be the sanction if any wrongdoing was found on the part of the contractors, the minister said they would lose their monies that was withheld by the government and possibly be blacklisted.
He said one thing contractors had to understand was that investment in the roads and other social infrastructures was for the comfort of the people; therefore, anything short of the expected value for the taxpayer would not be accepted.
Mr Gidisu used the opportunity to urge contractors to consider the larger interest of the public and the problem their shoddy works had on the country’s finances.
He said the works of some contractors were unsatisfactory and that the contractors had been unfair to the people of Western Region and other parts of the country.
He said within a year or two after the completion of some of these roads, especially the Ayanfori-Asankragua and many other roads in the country, they had developed serious defects.
The minister told the Daily Graphic after the tour of the Western Region that the Ayanfori-Asankragua road which was constructed in 2005 should have taken between five and seven years before any defect should occur.
“But that is not the case; the contractors have not been fair to the people, the asphalt on these roads have been shoved to one side of the road and other areas have also developed huge potholes,” he said.
Asked what would be the sanction if any wrongdoing was found on the part of the contractors, the minister said they would lose their monies that was withheld by the government and possibly be blacklisted.
He said one thing contractors had to understand was that investment in the roads and other social infrastructures was for the comfort of the people; therefore, anything short of the expected value for the taxpayer would not be accepted.
Mr Gidisu used the opportunity to urge contractors to consider the larger interest of the public and the problem their shoddy works had on the country’s finances.
Friday, September 4, 2009
POLICE SEARCH FOR MISSING COCAINE (PAGE 23)
SECURITY agencies in Takoradi are looking for substances suspected to be cocaine which were believed to have been concealed in two bags of sugar smuggled out of the Takoradi harbour last Saturday.
According to a a joint team of security personnel comprising BNI and CID personnel, the consignment was suspected to be part of the hundreds of bags of sugar which were offloaded into a warehouse (Shed B) at the Takoradi Port.
They are also said to be part of the consignment of sugar which was discovered at the Tema Harbour, among which were found a quantity of cocaine.
Port sources told the Daily Graphic that the two bags were smuggled out in the vehicle of a clearing agent, who told the police that he took them as protocol for a senior officer of the Takoradi branch of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
When the said CEPS officer’s residence was searched by a team from National Security the two bags were retrieved and the content was found to be sugar.
However, the said clearing agent, whose name was only given as Richmond, is currently been held by National Security together with the two bags of sugar as exhibit.
Truckloads of sugar waiting to be transported out of the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi are currently being detained at the Takoradi Port.
According to a police source, the two bags were among hundreds of bags of sugar in the warehouse at the port but their whereabouts could not be ascertained.
The police source said they could not tell when the consignment arrived in the country, since the content of the vessel that brought it was quickly offloaded into the warehouse.
According to a a joint team of security personnel comprising BNI and CID personnel, the consignment was suspected to be part of the hundreds of bags of sugar which were offloaded into a warehouse (Shed B) at the Takoradi Port.
They are also said to be part of the consignment of sugar which was discovered at the Tema Harbour, among which were found a quantity of cocaine.
Port sources told the Daily Graphic that the two bags were smuggled out in the vehicle of a clearing agent, who told the police that he took them as protocol for a senior officer of the Takoradi branch of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
When the said CEPS officer’s residence was searched by a team from National Security the two bags were retrieved and the content was found to be sugar.
However, the said clearing agent, whose name was only given as Richmond, is currently been held by National Security together with the two bags of sugar as exhibit.
Truckloads of sugar waiting to be transported out of the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi are currently being detained at the Takoradi Port.
According to a police source, the two bags were among hundreds of bags of sugar in the warehouse at the port but their whereabouts could not be ascertained.
The police source said they could not tell when the consignment arrived in the country, since the content of the vessel that brought it was quickly offloaded into the warehouse.
SEIZED VEHICLES LEFT TO ROT (PAGE 15)
A NUMBER of vehicles seized at the Takoradi Port and kept on the premises of the Takoradi collection point of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) have been left to rot beyond repairs.
According to a source at the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), some of the vehicles had been there for more than seven years and had passed through the stages leading to confiscation to the state.
When the Daily Graphic visited the car park at the port, seized vehicles, mainly private saloon cars, illegally imported into the country and over-aged ones, had been left at the mercy of the weather.
At the park near the GPHA offices, many of the vehicles had been taken over by overgrown weeds.
The order for the disposal of such vehicles, according to the source, was for quarterly public auction but for the past eight years that system had been changed and allocations made by letters from the seat of government.
At the moment, there are more than 100 vehicles which have been reduced to scrap by the weather.
According to the source, CEPS had embarked on the seizure of uncustomed vehicles in the Western Region, and many vehicles without proper documentation had been seized, and these are likely to be added to those in shambles now.
When contacted, the Deputy Regional CEPS commander, Mrs Mawusi Esi Dadjo, said it was a fact that the seized vehicles had been left to rot since the owners refused to return to pay the duty and collect them.
“For sometime now, we have not been able to do auctioning because of the issue of allocation and I hope everything possible is being done to ensure that the issue is addressed,” she said.
According to a source at the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), some of the vehicles had been there for more than seven years and had passed through the stages leading to confiscation to the state.
When the Daily Graphic visited the car park at the port, seized vehicles, mainly private saloon cars, illegally imported into the country and over-aged ones, had been left at the mercy of the weather.
At the park near the GPHA offices, many of the vehicles had been taken over by overgrown weeds.
The order for the disposal of such vehicles, according to the source, was for quarterly public auction but for the past eight years that system had been changed and allocations made by letters from the seat of government.
At the moment, there are more than 100 vehicles which have been reduced to scrap by the weather.
According to the source, CEPS had embarked on the seizure of uncustomed vehicles in the Western Region, and many vehicles without proper documentation had been seized, and these are likely to be added to those in shambles now.
When contacted, the Deputy Regional CEPS commander, Mrs Mawusi Esi Dadjo, said it was a fact that the seized vehicles had been left to rot since the owners refused to return to pay the duty and collect them.
“For sometime now, we have not been able to do auctioning because of the issue of allocation and I hope everything possible is being done to ensure that the issue is addressed,” she said.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
DCES CRITICISED FOR INCREASING DEBT STOCK (PAGE 15)
PARTICIPANTS at a one-day public financial management workshop have criticised political appointees, particularly district chief executives (DCEs), who upon taking office at the assemblies, launched new projects without recourse to completing existing projects.
As a result, they said the trend had increased the debt stock of various assemblies, since they did not have funds to support the new ones.
The participants, drawn from various district assemblies, noted that in their quest to score political points, some DCEs of the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) must be been blamed for increasing the debt of various assemblies across the country.
The DCEs, according to the participants, lacked the willpower to continue existing projects started by their predecessors, but rather launched new projects which could not be completed.
As a result, there are many uncompleted projects in various districts across the country.
The assemblies were also said to be overdependent on the District Assemblies Common Fund and failed to embark on any revenue generation mechanism to generate more funds internally.
During questions and suggestions time, the participants said in the areas of revenue generation, property rates of commercial and public facilities were not properly valued. Some used old values, and payments were negotiated verbally.
Mr Seth Botchway, Deputy Head, Public Expenditure Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, thanked the participants for their observation, and said due to lack of data, valuation and monitoring mechanisms, MMDAs had resorted to negotiation of revenues which could breed corruption.
Revenue generation, according to Mr Botchway, had dwindled from 22 per cent to less than seven per cent, and urged them to reverse the trend.
He said the level of poverty in certain districts made it difficult to meet revenue targets.
Mr Botchway also urged the assemblies to prioritise projects to ensure that the little fund available was used judiciously.
For his part, the acting Regional Auditor, Mr Ellis Gyau, said in this era of transparency and accountability, it was necessary for assemblies to be mindful of how they utilised public funds.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, noted that Ghana was faced with the problem of financial malpractices at different times and different institutions.
He said for the sake of the country and moral uprightness, people who found themselves in positions of trust and in charge of the disbursement of public funds should demonstrate a strong spirit of accountability to God and country.
“That not withstanding, the Government is determined not to be overwhelmed in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability and financial transactions are done within the right regulatory framework of which the people of Ghana would be the beneficiary,” he said.
The modules for the workshop included budget preparation and reporting, consolidated fund inflows, multi-donor budgetary support arrangements and internal funds arrangement.
They were also taken through budget and public expenditure management system, financial reports formats, receipt and payment concerns, consolidated fund reports, internal and external audit control matters as well as banking controls.
As a result, they said the trend had increased the debt stock of various assemblies, since they did not have funds to support the new ones.
The participants, drawn from various district assemblies, noted that in their quest to score political points, some DCEs of the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) must be been blamed for increasing the debt of various assemblies across the country.
The DCEs, according to the participants, lacked the willpower to continue existing projects started by their predecessors, but rather launched new projects which could not be completed.
As a result, there are many uncompleted projects in various districts across the country.
The assemblies were also said to be overdependent on the District Assemblies Common Fund and failed to embark on any revenue generation mechanism to generate more funds internally.
During questions and suggestions time, the participants said in the areas of revenue generation, property rates of commercial and public facilities were not properly valued. Some used old values, and payments were negotiated verbally.
Mr Seth Botchway, Deputy Head, Public Expenditure Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, thanked the participants for their observation, and said due to lack of data, valuation and monitoring mechanisms, MMDAs had resorted to negotiation of revenues which could breed corruption.
Revenue generation, according to Mr Botchway, had dwindled from 22 per cent to less than seven per cent, and urged them to reverse the trend.
He said the level of poverty in certain districts made it difficult to meet revenue targets.
Mr Botchway also urged the assemblies to prioritise projects to ensure that the little fund available was used judiciously.
For his part, the acting Regional Auditor, Mr Ellis Gyau, said in this era of transparency and accountability, it was necessary for assemblies to be mindful of how they utilised public funds.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, noted that Ghana was faced with the problem of financial malpractices at different times and different institutions.
He said for the sake of the country and moral uprightness, people who found themselves in positions of trust and in charge of the disbursement of public funds should demonstrate a strong spirit of accountability to God and country.
“That not withstanding, the Government is determined not to be overwhelmed in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability and financial transactions are done within the right regulatory framework of which the people of Ghana would be the beneficiary,” he said.
The modules for the workshop included budget preparation and reporting, consolidated fund inflows, multi-donor budgetary support arrangements and internal funds arrangement.
They were also taken through budget and public expenditure management system, financial reports formats, receipt and payment concerns, consolidated fund reports, internal and external audit control matters as well as banking controls.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
GEMANN GIVES TO SEKONDI PRISONS (PAGE 29)
THE founder of the New Life Christian Love Fellowship, Nana Kwesi Agyeman, popularly known as Gemann, has presented items worth hundreds of Ghana cedis to inmates of the Sekondi Prisons in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.
He also used the opportunity to encourage both the male and female inmates of the prison to be reflective and think about what brought them to such a place in order not to repeat it.
The items included assorted used clothes, bedspreads, towels, bags, brassieres, panties, sanitary pads, soap, washing powder, capsules, toilet rolls, half a dozen of footwear and creams.
Gemann said after 14 years in prison, he had become an advocate for upgrading the facilities at the country’s reform institutions, and a campaigner for the right of inmates to be upheld.
He said the 2008 Prison’s Service Report indicated that majority of the people who found themselves in prison in that year were ex-convicts.
This, he said, supported the claim that the prison was not reforming inmates as expected, and that it required proper measures to address the issue to ensure that the inmates came out reformed.
He said conditions at the prisons were not good enough and needed to be improved. Gemann called on corporate and social institutions to help in equipping the reform institutions to enable them to train those who unfortunately found themselves at the wrong side of the law.
Gemann’s gesture, which was supported by the management of Skyy Media Group, was to ensure that society contributed to the well-being of inmates.
The Chief Executive of Skyy Media Group, Mr Wilson Arthur, said the future of the country rested in the collective efforts to groom the youth of today in readiness for the future.
He said as part of its social responsibility, the Skyy Group would do everything possible to ensure that it used its medium to educate the public and shape the society in a manner that was acceptable to all.
He also used the opportunity to encourage both the male and female inmates of the prison to be reflective and think about what brought them to such a place in order not to repeat it.
The items included assorted used clothes, bedspreads, towels, bags, brassieres, panties, sanitary pads, soap, washing powder, capsules, toilet rolls, half a dozen of footwear and creams.
Gemann said after 14 years in prison, he had become an advocate for upgrading the facilities at the country’s reform institutions, and a campaigner for the right of inmates to be upheld.
He said the 2008 Prison’s Service Report indicated that majority of the people who found themselves in prison in that year were ex-convicts.
This, he said, supported the claim that the prison was not reforming inmates as expected, and that it required proper measures to address the issue to ensure that the inmates came out reformed.
He said conditions at the prisons were not good enough and needed to be improved. Gemann called on corporate and social institutions to help in equipping the reform institutions to enable them to train those who unfortunately found themselves at the wrong side of the law.
Gemann’s gesture, which was supported by the management of Skyy Media Group, was to ensure that society contributed to the well-being of inmates.
The Chief Executive of Skyy Media Group, Mr Wilson Arthur, said the future of the country rested in the collective efforts to groom the youth of today in readiness for the future.
He said as part of its social responsibility, the Skyy Group would do everything possible to ensure that it used its medium to educate the public and shape the society in a manner that was acceptable to all.
OFFSHORE ACTIVITIES, LIVES OF LOCAL FISHERMEN IMPORTANT (PAGE 29)
THE government has emphasised that it will not compromise on any offshore activity that will affect the safety and economic lives of the local fishing communities.
The Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Emmanuel Armah Buah, who said this stressed that the activities of local fishing communities and offshore oil exploitation were very important.
He gave the assurance during interactions with fishermen at Sekondi/Takoradi, Shama and other coastal communities along the Western Region,
He said the government was doing everything possible to ensure that before the country poured its first oil, an acceptable agreement would have been concluded with the fishing communities to ensure industrial peace.
The deputy minister said there were still reports that some fishermen continued to operate close to the rig, which he described as one of the most dangerous places in the maritime domain to fish.
“We understand that marine culture are attracted to rigs all over the world because of the high light and food particles but it was not safe for them to go to areas which have been declared danger zones,” he said.
He said there was no decision to stop thousands of people engaged in the centuries old fishing industry from carrying out their activities but as a government it was its duty to come up with modalities to ensure that both the offshore exploration and fishing activities co-existed without an extra cost to the state.
On the issue of premix, the deputy energy minister explained that the colour of the fuel had to be changed to forestall any malpractices by fishermen at landing beaches.
He urged the fishermen to report any noticeable corrupt practices to the security agencies for necessary action to be taken to rid the industry of vices.
He said at the moment some stakeholders who had previously clamoured to transport the products to landing sites were now shying away from the business with the new colour, and with the GPRS tracking device it was difficult to divert the premix fuel.
During question time a section of the fishermen asked that there must be a distinction between party politics and premix issues.
They attributed the formation of allocation committees at the beaches to the increasing number of dealers who were the cause of the corruption and diversion.
The fishermen said since 1994 political interference in the allocation, distribution and sale of premix fuel had been the cause of confusion that always surrounded the premix fuel trade.
The fishermen commended efforts by past and present governments to always make pre-mix fuel available to them but noted that because of corruption and selfishness, there was a proliferation of outlets from 128 in 2001 to 900 at the end of 2008.”
According to the chief fisherman of new Takoradi, Nana Ekwaw Ackon, the current composition of the allocation committees was made up of two operators in marine and inland sectors.
He said members of the committee, representing the marine sector, were the chief fisherman, representatives of canoe owners and fishmongers, one ordinary fisherman appointed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and a representative of metropolitan/municipal and district assemblies.
The inland sector is represented on the allocation committee by the chief fisherman, transport and boat owners, any fisherman also appointed by the ministry and a fishmonger.
“We think these arrangements are good, but we the fishermen are not getting hold of the premix. There is still some political under-currents in the distribution of the premix fuel which will defeat the good intentions of the government for the fisheries sector,” he said.
He said the proper thing to do was to ensure that members suggested in their proposal for the composition of the allocation committees must be allowed to work.
He appealed to the minister to ensure that the issue of premix fuel was not politicised.
The Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Emmanuel Armah Buah, who said this stressed that the activities of local fishing communities and offshore oil exploitation were very important.
He gave the assurance during interactions with fishermen at Sekondi/Takoradi, Shama and other coastal communities along the Western Region,
He said the government was doing everything possible to ensure that before the country poured its first oil, an acceptable agreement would have been concluded with the fishing communities to ensure industrial peace.
The deputy minister said there were still reports that some fishermen continued to operate close to the rig, which he described as one of the most dangerous places in the maritime domain to fish.
“We understand that marine culture are attracted to rigs all over the world because of the high light and food particles but it was not safe for them to go to areas which have been declared danger zones,” he said.
He said there was no decision to stop thousands of people engaged in the centuries old fishing industry from carrying out their activities but as a government it was its duty to come up with modalities to ensure that both the offshore exploration and fishing activities co-existed without an extra cost to the state.
On the issue of premix, the deputy energy minister explained that the colour of the fuel had to be changed to forestall any malpractices by fishermen at landing beaches.
He urged the fishermen to report any noticeable corrupt practices to the security agencies for necessary action to be taken to rid the industry of vices.
He said at the moment some stakeholders who had previously clamoured to transport the products to landing sites were now shying away from the business with the new colour, and with the GPRS tracking device it was difficult to divert the premix fuel.
During question time a section of the fishermen asked that there must be a distinction between party politics and premix issues.
They attributed the formation of allocation committees at the beaches to the increasing number of dealers who were the cause of the corruption and diversion.
The fishermen said since 1994 political interference in the allocation, distribution and sale of premix fuel had been the cause of confusion that always surrounded the premix fuel trade.
The fishermen commended efforts by past and present governments to always make pre-mix fuel available to them but noted that because of corruption and selfishness, there was a proliferation of outlets from 128 in 2001 to 900 at the end of 2008.”
According to the chief fisherman of new Takoradi, Nana Ekwaw Ackon, the current composition of the allocation committees was made up of two operators in marine and inland sectors.
He said members of the committee, representing the marine sector, were the chief fisherman, representatives of canoe owners and fishmongers, one ordinary fisherman appointed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and a representative of metropolitan/municipal and district assemblies.
The inland sector is represented on the allocation committee by the chief fisherman, transport and boat owners, any fisherman also appointed by the ministry and a fishmonger.
“We think these arrangements are good, but we the fishermen are not getting hold of the premix. There is still some political under-currents in the distribution of the premix fuel which will defeat the good intentions of the government for the fisheries sector,” he said.
He said the proper thing to do was to ensure that members suggested in their proposal for the composition of the allocation committees must be allowed to work.
He appealed to the minister to ensure that the issue of premix fuel was not politicised.
FACILITIES DETERIORATE AT BOMPEH SEC-TECH (PAGE 29)
Facilities at the Bompeh Secondary Technical in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi are in a serious state of deterioration and need immediate attention to create a more enabling environment for teaching and learning in the school.
The school faces a perennial flooding problem, has inadequate classroom blocks and lacks an assembly hall, canteen and accommodation for teachers.
The school was not spared during the recent flooding that occurred in the metropolis. Due to the problem of inadequate classrooms some academic sessions are held under trees..
When the Daily Graphic visited the school some students were under a tree as if they were having a group discussion but to the surprise of this reporter they were actually carrying out normal academic work.
That aside, due to the inadequate facilities some students have their desks on the corridors of the classrooms .
A footpath runs through the school and people crossing over from the Old-Axim Road to the Akroma Plaza,use it, thus distracting the attention of the students.
There is also a huge drain that ends behind the school which contributes to the perennial flooding of the school. At the time of the visit, part of the school compound was still submerged in water.
Despite the problem, the school has adequate academic and supporting staff but many of them are resident outside the metropolis. The teachers have to struggle to school every day for academic work to begin.
This they said overly delayed academic work and the immediate need of the school was identified as staff accommodation, more classroom blocks, completion of the drain and fencing of the school.
The facilities at the school which was built for about 300 students, is currently being used by more than 1,000 students.
The school is also spending a lot of money on the up-keep of the compound; this is because the weed grows faster than expected. The proximity of the school to the coast, makes the paints on the building to erode at a very fast rate.
When contacted, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs Aba Smith, said in the face of all these challenges, the school was doing well.
“My biggest wish was to have accommodation for my staff on campus, to save them the problem of commuting and rushing to school already exhausted,” she said.
She said apart from the accommodation problem, she wanted an end to the perennial flooding problem, as well as an assembly hall to be built for the students.
“It is sad that some functions that required gathering of the whole school had to take place in an open space at the mercy of the weather,” she said.
“We need more classroom blocks and the completion of drain to avert the flood “every year.’’
She added that this year ‘’we have to suspend classes because some of the classrooms were flooded and the students have to scoop the water out before classes commences,” she said.
“Though there is easy accessibility of the school, every year we have to turn away students with very good grades because we could not admit them,” she said.
In the area of security Mrs Smith said they had security and the only problem was the unwanted visitors that used the school compound as the easiest thoroughfare to get to town.
She said recently the Parent-Teacher Association had provided the school with a sick bay and a medical doctor who visits the school frequently to attend to the students in case any of them required medical attention.
The school faces a perennial flooding problem, has inadequate classroom blocks and lacks an assembly hall, canteen and accommodation for teachers.
The school was not spared during the recent flooding that occurred in the metropolis. Due to the problem of inadequate classrooms some academic sessions are held under trees..
When the Daily Graphic visited the school some students were under a tree as if they were having a group discussion but to the surprise of this reporter they were actually carrying out normal academic work.
That aside, due to the inadequate facilities some students have their desks on the corridors of the classrooms .
A footpath runs through the school and people crossing over from the Old-Axim Road to the Akroma Plaza,use it, thus distracting the attention of the students.
There is also a huge drain that ends behind the school which contributes to the perennial flooding of the school. At the time of the visit, part of the school compound was still submerged in water.
Despite the problem, the school has adequate academic and supporting staff but many of them are resident outside the metropolis. The teachers have to struggle to school every day for academic work to begin.
This they said overly delayed academic work and the immediate need of the school was identified as staff accommodation, more classroom blocks, completion of the drain and fencing of the school.
The facilities at the school which was built for about 300 students, is currently being used by more than 1,000 students.
The school is also spending a lot of money on the up-keep of the compound; this is because the weed grows faster than expected. The proximity of the school to the coast, makes the paints on the building to erode at a very fast rate.
When contacted, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs Aba Smith, said in the face of all these challenges, the school was doing well.
“My biggest wish was to have accommodation for my staff on campus, to save them the problem of commuting and rushing to school already exhausted,” she said.
She said apart from the accommodation problem, she wanted an end to the perennial flooding problem, as well as an assembly hall to be built for the students.
“It is sad that some functions that required gathering of the whole school had to take place in an open space at the mercy of the weather,” she said.
“We need more classroom blocks and the completion of drain to avert the flood “every year.’’
She added that this year ‘’we have to suspend classes because some of the classrooms were flooded and the students have to scoop the water out before classes commences,” she said.
“Though there is easy accessibility of the school, every year we have to turn away students with very good grades because we could not admit them,” she said.
In the area of security Mrs Smith said they had security and the only problem was the unwanted visitors that used the school compound as the easiest thoroughfare to get to town.
She said recently the Parent-Teacher Association had provided the school with a sick bay and a medical doctor who visits the school frequently to attend to the students in case any of them required medical attention.
POOR SANITATION IN TWIN-CITY (PAGE 29)
Street corners in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi continue to gather filth and heaps of sand despite the large number of waste management companies handling waste in the metropolis.
The problem has largely been attributed to the fact that the metropolis has not been properly zoned for the various waste management companies.
Heaps of sand in some parts of the metropolis at the moment are up to the pavement level and when the wind blows or heavy duty trucks drive past, dust enters the eyes of pedestrians.
At the moment, the problem with who is responsible for what areas that have been allocated to sanitation workers of the assembly are very dirty because they do no quality work due to the lack of equipment. One of the most unsightly area of the metropolis is the stretch of road between the Paa-Grant roundabouts towards Sekondi through Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
There is a heap of sand on the street and the private contractors are blaming the metropolitan assembly for the mess.
Interestingly, the assembly’s sanitation workers do not collect the heaps of sand from the streets. They only sweep the dry leaves.
The assembly claims it does not have the capacity to manage the sanitation situation and is also slow in zoning the metropolis among the private contractors.
When the Daily Graphic contacted the acting Regional Operations Supervisor of Zoomlion, Mr Geshun K. Dogbey, he said those unsightly areas were not part of his outfit’s operational area.
He said although they operated at the central business district, the company had assumed responsibility for some areas which were not under its control.
The supervisor said the attitude of the public was not helpful.
“Because of the negative perception that waste management companies are responsible for waste collection and disposal, the public have resorted to indiscriminate disposal of their domestic waste,” he said.
He said considering the amount of waste that was generated daily in the metropolis Zoomlion decided to run three main shifts — morning, afternoon and evening.
Mr Dogbey said even with that arrangement the problem was still far from being solved because after the workers got to some point in their sweeping the waste that would have accumulated behind them where they had already swept would astound anybody.
He said waste management had advanced and required technological innovations and change in attitude to combat it.
“We have introduced domestic plastic refuse containers in communities and have scheduled times for their collection at a very small fee,” Mr Dogbey said.
Those around populated areas in and around the CBD have started using the communal containers placed at the Takoradi Central Market.
He said before the market women arrived at the market in the morning the containers were almost full, but all the same, the company made sure that the containers in its designated operational areas did not overflow.
The supervisor said as part of Zoomlion’s corporate social responsibility, it had turned attention to the beautiful beaches along the city and other parts of the region.
“We have realised that apart from the solid waste, some beaches have also resorted to the use of the beaches as places of convenience because of non-availability of toilet facilities in some of the communities along the coast, ” he said.
Mr Dogbey said Zoomlion had undertaken several hours of clean-up exercises at the Fonko Beach and presented and supported the assembly member for the area financially to complete a public toilet for the community.
The problem has largely been attributed to the fact that the metropolis has not been properly zoned for the various waste management companies.
Heaps of sand in some parts of the metropolis at the moment are up to the pavement level and when the wind blows or heavy duty trucks drive past, dust enters the eyes of pedestrians.
At the moment, the problem with who is responsible for what areas that have been allocated to sanitation workers of the assembly are very dirty because they do no quality work due to the lack of equipment. One of the most unsightly area of the metropolis is the stretch of road between the Paa-Grant roundabouts towards Sekondi through Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
There is a heap of sand on the street and the private contractors are blaming the metropolitan assembly for the mess.
Interestingly, the assembly’s sanitation workers do not collect the heaps of sand from the streets. They only sweep the dry leaves.
The assembly claims it does not have the capacity to manage the sanitation situation and is also slow in zoning the metropolis among the private contractors.
When the Daily Graphic contacted the acting Regional Operations Supervisor of Zoomlion, Mr Geshun K. Dogbey, he said those unsightly areas were not part of his outfit’s operational area.
He said although they operated at the central business district, the company had assumed responsibility for some areas which were not under its control.
The supervisor said the attitude of the public was not helpful.
“Because of the negative perception that waste management companies are responsible for waste collection and disposal, the public have resorted to indiscriminate disposal of their domestic waste,” he said.
He said considering the amount of waste that was generated daily in the metropolis Zoomlion decided to run three main shifts — morning, afternoon and evening.
Mr Dogbey said even with that arrangement the problem was still far from being solved because after the workers got to some point in their sweeping the waste that would have accumulated behind them where they had already swept would astound anybody.
He said waste management had advanced and required technological innovations and change in attitude to combat it.
“We have introduced domestic plastic refuse containers in communities and have scheduled times for their collection at a very small fee,” Mr Dogbey said.
Those around populated areas in and around the CBD have started using the communal containers placed at the Takoradi Central Market.
He said before the market women arrived at the market in the morning the containers were almost full, but all the same, the company made sure that the containers in its designated operational areas did not overflow.
The supervisor said as part of Zoomlion’s corporate social responsibility, it had turned attention to the beautiful beaches along the city and other parts of the region.
“We have realised that apart from the solid waste, some beaches have also resorted to the use of the beaches as places of convenience because of non-availability of toilet facilities in some of the communities along the coast, ” he said.
Mr Dogbey said Zoomlion had undertaken several hours of clean-up exercises at the Fonko Beach and presented and supported the assembly member for the area financially to complete a public toilet for the community.
COCOA, FOODSTUFFS LOCKED UP (1B)
COCOA and some foodstuffs are said to have been locked up in the northern part of the Western Region as a result of heavy rains which have rendered some of the roads in the area impassable.
In some of the cocoa-growing communities, farmers have been compelled by the circumstance to carry their food crops, cocoa and other items on their heads and travel miles to the buying centres, where their produce could be purchased.
The worst affected districts are the Aowin-Suaman, Wassa Amenfi West and Central, Jomoro, Bogoso-Prestea, Tarkwa and Ellembelle.
In the case of Munini Camp, which has been cut off from the rest of the Western Region, the farmers sometimes throw away their cocoa beans because they go bad.
According to the people, a fertiliser company has promised to build a warehouse for them, but cocoa clerks are not ready to go there because the main feeder road to the town has been reduced to a footpath after the rain.
“We do not have access to potable water and other social amenities. In actual fact we are completely cut off from the rest of the country due to the nature of the road,” one Openyi Karle said.
A visit to those cocoa-growing communities by the Daily Graphic revealed that some communities had to rely on rickety trucks to travel to Elubo and Tarkwa before connecting to Takoradi and Accra.
When contacted, the Chief Executive for Aowin-Suaman, Mr Oscar Ofori Larbi, said he was not happy about the transportation difficulties confronting the people in the area.
The situation in the Wassa Amenfi West and Central districts was not different from that of Aowin-Suaman. Farmers at Asankragua-Bekwae, Turumpo, Krobo-Prestea, Amenfi Atitibere and Ehumbre were seen carrying bags of fertiliser because commercial vehicles could hardly ply the road.
The District Chief Executive, Mr Victor Samuel K. Muisu, said “my heart bleeds anytime l see these poor farmers carrying loads of foodstuffs on their heads to market centres daily”.
“We in the cities enjoy some privileges at the expense of cocoa farmers in the rural areas. Their produce is sold on the international market but they have to go through this difficulty on daily basis. This is pathetic,” he stated.
“Fortunately we have a grader but it is not enough to help the people, interestingly some portions of the roads have been reduced to footpath,” he said.
A similar situation could be said of Tikobo 1& 2 in the Jomoro District and Atieku, as well as some other communities in the Mpohor Wassa East District.
A visit to the Takoradi Central, Kojokrom and Sekondi markets which rely on food supplies from those affected districts, indicated that prices of food had increased and the market women attributed the high prices to high transport fares mainly as a result of the bad nature of the roads.
When contacted, the Regional Director of Feeder Roads in the Western Region, Mr K.N. Akosah-Koduah, said it was a fact that many of the roads in the cocoa-growing areas in the region were not in good shape.
“We have, therefore, directed our district officers and the district assembly to team up with our district engineers to give us the list of the affected road in all the 17 districts in the region,” he said. The regional director said one of the contributory factors was that some contractors, having won the contracts, failed to execute the projects after taking the mobilisation funds.
Mr Akosah-Koduah said the Feeder Roads Department was taking inventory of all the affected feeder roads for appropriate recommendations to be made.
Asked if they had the capacity to undertake projects, he said the regional office did not have even a single grader and other facilities to enable them to carry out any project.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, gave assurance that the government was committed to taking measures to address the plight of the people in the cocoa-growing areas in the region.
In some of the cocoa-growing communities, farmers have been compelled by the circumstance to carry their food crops, cocoa and other items on their heads and travel miles to the buying centres, where their produce could be purchased.
The worst affected districts are the Aowin-Suaman, Wassa Amenfi West and Central, Jomoro, Bogoso-Prestea, Tarkwa and Ellembelle.
In the case of Munini Camp, which has been cut off from the rest of the Western Region, the farmers sometimes throw away their cocoa beans because they go bad.
According to the people, a fertiliser company has promised to build a warehouse for them, but cocoa clerks are not ready to go there because the main feeder road to the town has been reduced to a footpath after the rain.
“We do not have access to potable water and other social amenities. In actual fact we are completely cut off from the rest of the country due to the nature of the road,” one Openyi Karle said.
A visit to those cocoa-growing communities by the Daily Graphic revealed that some communities had to rely on rickety trucks to travel to Elubo and Tarkwa before connecting to Takoradi and Accra.
When contacted, the Chief Executive for Aowin-Suaman, Mr Oscar Ofori Larbi, said he was not happy about the transportation difficulties confronting the people in the area.
The situation in the Wassa Amenfi West and Central districts was not different from that of Aowin-Suaman. Farmers at Asankragua-Bekwae, Turumpo, Krobo-Prestea, Amenfi Atitibere and Ehumbre were seen carrying bags of fertiliser because commercial vehicles could hardly ply the road.
The District Chief Executive, Mr Victor Samuel K. Muisu, said “my heart bleeds anytime l see these poor farmers carrying loads of foodstuffs on their heads to market centres daily”.
“We in the cities enjoy some privileges at the expense of cocoa farmers in the rural areas. Their produce is sold on the international market but they have to go through this difficulty on daily basis. This is pathetic,” he stated.
“Fortunately we have a grader but it is not enough to help the people, interestingly some portions of the roads have been reduced to footpath,” he said.
A similar situation could be said of Tikobo 1& 2 in the Jomoro District and Atieku, as well as some other communities in the Mpohor Wassa East District.
A visit to the Takoradi Central, Kojokrom and Sekondi markets which rely on food supplies from those affected districts, indicated that prices of food had increased and the market women attributed the high prices to high transport fares mainly as a result of the bad nature of the roads.
When contacted, the Regional Director of Feeder Roads in the Western Region, Mr K.N. Akosah-Koduah, said it was a fact that many of the roads in the cocoa-growing areas in the region were not in good shape.
“We have, therefore, directed our district officers and the district assembly to team up with our district engineers to give us the list of the affected road in all the 17 districts in the region,” he said. The regional director said one of the contributory factors was that some contractors, having won the contracts, failed to execute the projects after taking the mobilisation funds.
Mr Akosah-Koduah said the Feeder Roads Department was taking inventory of all the affected feeder roads for appropriate recommendations to be made.
Asked if they had the capacity to undertake projects, he said the regional office did not have even a single grader and other facilities to enable them to carry out any project.
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, gave assurance that the government was committed to taking measures to address the plight of the people in the cocoa-growing areas in the region.
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