Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi
RAYBOW Hotel, one of the hotels selected in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi that will accommodate one of the teams that will take part in the Ghana 2008 tournament next month, has completed its expansion works with enhanced facilities.
The hotel, apart from creating a congenial environment for the players and officials of the visiting team, is also constructing a food court, where the teeming supporters from various countries, especially Nigeria will purchase meals, comparable to what they have in their home countries.
According to the Manager of the hotel, Mr Anthony K. Addiaba, the hotel had taken proactive measures to ensure that they were not overtaken be events.
“We are aware of the fact that our contribution to the success of the hosting of the programme goes beyond the Ghana 2008 tournament, and we are bent on creating a lasting impression that will make the visitors wanting to visit the metropolis again.”
He said the hotel currently had three well-equipped restaurants, a pool, a secured car park and world class hotel rooms to provide every visitor to the metropolis who might find his way to the hotel every comfort he/she deserved.
Mr Addiaba said the management of the hotel was also aware of the fact that the four nations would not be playing throughout the period, and, therefore, the hotel had introduced shuttle services for those who might like to visit various places of interest in the region.
“We are coming out with comprehensive brochures that will be of interest to the people who will be residing here at Raybow,” he said.
He said apart from what might interest the guests, the hotel had also revamped its happy hour every Friday where drinks were sold at a reduced prices.
“We have also introduced entertainment packages such as the resident jazz band and other good musicals that will make the visitors feel at home, ” he said
He said the creation of the food court was to ensure that the needs of those who frequently used the restaurants were not left out of the their normal services as the food court was part of the hotel’s dream to create a village where African foods would be served at their best to be enjoyed by all, including the visitors to the metropolis.
He said in order not to disappoint the visitors, the players and their officials, and considering the number of people who would be visiting the town, “we have created a facility that stores food to last us for the rest of the period”.
“To satisfy the taste of the customers who would troop to the food court, we have taken on board local dishes that would be much enjoyed at the food court by the supporters from the four nations which we estimated as more than 60,000.
“We at Raybow Hotel are aware that consumers have become very sophisticated and, therefore, we have created the environment where we receive feedback from our customers and give prompt response to what they are looking for,” Mr Addiaba assure.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
TRAIN RUNS OVER APPRENTICE MECHANIC (Back Page)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi
A 19-year-old apprentice mechanic who allegedly smoked two rolls of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp and topped it up with a quantity of “akpeteshie”, a hard liquor, has been confined to a wheelchair after mistaking rail lines at Sekondi for a sleeping place.
In his high state of intoxication, the victim, Kofi Kuma, was said to have slept on the rail lines and had his two legs and right hand chopped off by a passing train, leaving him with only the left hand.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic while on his bed at the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, Kofi Kuma made a confession that, “Master, I will not tell lies, I smoked wee, and took a lot of local gin after which I could not control myself any longer. Now this is my end.”
The accident occurred at a time wee smokers had sought refuge along the rail lines in Sekondi and Takoradi because of sustained periodic swoops by the police to clamp down on those criminals.
Police sources said so far, about four of such suspected criminals had been killed by moving trains in less than a month with an unspecified number receiving injuries.
The latest victim, Kuma, further confessed that he belonged to groups who always got together on the rail lines to smoke wee.
“That is because when we go there to smoke, the air would carry the smell away and the police and other members of the community would not notice we are smoking,” he explained.
He said he went to visit his friend at Ketan, a suburb of the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi, where they usually bought the substance.
Kuma said smoking of wee, to him, was a normal thing and he could not heed the countless sessions of counselling from his parents and others.
When contacted, however, the Managing Director of Ghana Railways Corporation, Mr Ruphus Quaye, said they had received a number of reports of accidents on the rail lines, with some of them being fatal, and due to the frequency of the reports, they instituted investigations into the matter to find out whether the victims were actually struck by the trains or were killed elsewhere and dumped on the lines.
“We have said time and again that the lines are restricted areas and the only places people can cross are at the points labelled as level crossings, but now, people have created accommodation and commercial facilities very close to the lines and are also using the lines as foot paths and a hideout for wee smokers and thieves,” he said.
A 19-year-old apprentice mechanic who allegedly smoked two rolls of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp and topped it up with a quantity of “akpeteshie”, a hard liquor, has been confined to a wheelchair after mistaking rail lines at Sekondi for a sleeping place.
In his high state of intoxication, the victim, Kofi Kuma, was said to have slept on the rail lines and had his two legs and right hand chopped off by a passing train, leaving him with only the left hand.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic while on his bed at the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, Kofi Kuma made a confession that, “Master, I will not tell lies, I smoked wee, and took a lot of local gin after which I could not control myself any longer. Now this is my end.”
The accident occurred at a time wee smokers had sought refuge along the rail lines in Sekondi and Takoradi because of sustained periodic swoops by the police to clamp down on those criminals.
Police sources said so far, about four of such suspected criminals had been killed by moving trains in less than a month with an unspecified number receiving injuries.
The latest victim, Kuma, further confessed that he belonged to groups who always got together on the rail lines to smoke wee.
“That is because when we go there to smoke, the air would carry the smell away and the police and other members of the community would not notice we are smoking,” he explained.
He said he went to visit his friend at Ketan, a suburb of the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi, where they usually bought the substance.
Kuma said smoking of wee, to him, was a normal thing and he could not heed the countless sessions of counselling from his parents and others.
When contacted, however, the Managing Director of Ghana Railways Corporation, Mr Ruphus Quaye, said they had received a number of reports of accidents on the rail lines, with some of them being fatal, and due to the frequency of the reports, they instituted investigations into the matter to find out whether the victims were actually struck by the trains or were killed elsewhere and dumped on the lines.
“We have said time and again that the lines are restricted areas and the only places people can cross are at the points labelled as level crossings, but now, people have created accommodation and commercial facilities very close to the lines and are also using the lines as foot paths and a hideout for wee smokers and thieves,” he said.
Friday, December 21, 2007
HASMAL OVERPOWER HEART OF LIONS ( Back Pge.. Published Mon Dec 27, 2007
Sstory: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu
Giants of the West, Sekondi Hasaacas, yesterday put the smiles back on the faces of their teeming supporters by pipping visiting Heart of Lions 1-0 in their Onetouch Premier League match at the Gyandu Park.
After squandering countless scoring chances, Benjamin Annan snatched the only goal of the match in the 81st minute.
Giants of the West, Sekondi Hasaacas, yesterday put the smiles back on the faces of their teeming supporters by pipping visiting Heart of Lions 1-0 in their Onetouch Premier League match at the Gyandu Park.
After squandering countless scoring chances, Benjamin Annan snatched the only goal of the match in the 81st minute.
WE NEED BRIDGE OVER WHIN RIVER (Page 21...Published Mon Dec 17, 2007)
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Manso
THE people of Manso in the Wassa Mporhor District in the Western Region have called for the construction of a bridge over the Whin River to avert a looming disaster.
At the moment very weak logs have been used for a temporary bridge to enable people from Enyinase, Kromatery, Baumfrie and Kwamedabakrom to make their journey to Manso township.
The weak wooden bridge is used daily by schoolchildren from three towns to attend school at Manso which is about two and half miles away.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the stool secretary of Preso Traditional Area, Mr Samuel Kofi Ben-Safo, said their main concern was the schoolchildren who sometimes had to be escorted by an elderly person before they could cross the bridge to school.
“If we are not careful and it collapses when children are crossing from school, then we should be ready for the pain,” he added.
“The daily economic and social lives of the people of these towns are done on foot. There is no vehicular movement in the towns because of the bad road and the bridge,” he added.
“Either rain or shine we have to endure the heat and the dust to get to our destinations, that is our story because we do not have other alternatives,” he said.
Mr Ben-Safo said, at the moment the community needed a little attention to make life comfortable for the people because they were completely cut off from the rest of the region.
THE people of Manso in the Wassa Mporhor District in the Western Region have called for the construction of a bridge over the Whin River to avert a looming disaster.
At the moment very weak logs have been used for a temporary bridge to enable people from Enyinase, Kromatery, Baumfrie and Kwamedabakrom to make their journey to Manso township.
The weak wooden bridge is used daily by schoolchildren from three towns to attend school at Manso which is about two and half miles away.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the stool secretary of Preso Traditional Area, Mr Samuel Kofi Ben-Safo, said their main concern was the schoolchildren who sometimes had to be escorted by an elderly person before they could cross the bridge to school.
“If we are not careful and it collapses when children are crossing from school, then we should be ready for the pain,” he added.
“The daily economic and social lives of the people of these towns are done on foot. There is no vehicular movement in the towns because of the bad road and the bridge,” he added.
“Either rain or shine we have to endure the heat and the dust to get to our destinations, that is our story because we do not have other alternatives,” he said.
Mr Ben-Safo said, at the moment the community needed a little attention to make life comfortable for the people because they were completely cut off from the rest of the region.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
ESSIPUN GETS READY FOR GHANA 2008....Page 25
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Essipon
There is a mad rush by landowners at Essipun, in the Western Region, which is one of the host communities of the Ghana 2008 tournament, to develop their land before the commencement of the tournament.
Those who did not have land in the area are rushing to grab some space before prices escalate in a crude oil fashion in the “Essipun world market”.
Plots of land everywhere at Essipun, especially those along the main road are under massive development like the slogan of the big sponsor of the tournament.
Such developments have turned into joy for people in the community who now say the town should be referred to as the “Gateway to the Western Region”.
According to them, Essipun was not recognised in the past. “Some referred to the community as a village. We took it in good faith, but the zeal being demonstrated by the land developers says it all”, members of the community said.
“We have a first class road through the community; we are a lovely, welcoming people. What else could people be looking for in a modern settlement like Essipun?” one elder said enthusiastically.
New houses, stores, drinking spots and other recreational facilities have been constructed at Essipun over the past few months in readiness for the sports fans from the four nations that would be trooping to the community to cheer their countries to victory.
When one drives through Essipun one cannot fail but notice the feverish preparations going on for the big game, and there is no doubt that after the tournament the community would change from a small one into a mini city.
In the past the only thing that kept the community going and gave it some form of recognition was the construction of the first class road that links Sekondi with the Regimanuel Estates which are also far from the real settlement.
At present many new structures have sprung up, with the community agog with business as people keep struggling to get some spot within the Essipun community to mount their structures.
The Chief of Essipun, Nana Kofi Abuna V, has also embarked on various activities that would ensure that the community does not only host the tournament but also welcomes visitors with the pure Essipun brand of Ghanaian hospitality that would leave a lasting impression on the teeming supporters.
Asked how the tournament had transformed the community thus far, Nana Kofi Abuna said when the road to the region was moved through Kojokrom, “the community was classified as a village.” She added that those who had parcels of land did not even want to develop them, “but now the story is different. The structures that are springing up everywere some of which are near completion as well as the massive construction works going on are evidence of what to expect after the tournament.
“We are happy and enchanted that the tournament is doing all this to the community. The first port of call is the community and we are doing everything possible to ensure that the people relate to the visitors in a way that would not be to our disadvantage” the chief said.
The chief added that one of the problems the community faced was overgrown grass on the shoulders of the road and the location of the community toilet.
“Workers of the Ghana Highway Authority used to clear the weeds for us but for some time now they have not been doing it. Therefore, I have to look for people to clear it and they are about to do it.
“As the father and the mother of the community, my next line of action is to embark on a serious HIV/AIDS educational drive for both young and old, male and female, to ensure that the community is protected.
“We are grateful for the opportunities that have brought life to the community. At the regional level, we are the ‘Gateway to the Western Region’. I can assure you of that,” Nana Kofi Abuna cheerfully said.
But one interesting thing is that the toilet facility for the community has been constructed along the road, which gives very bad odour during the day.
That aside, the area is still being used by the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly as a human waste dump site.
At the moment, work on the portion of the road between Essipun and Enye Nsiah has begun. When completed it would make travelling to and from Accra through Essipun to Sekondi Takoradi very easy.
There is a mad rush by landowners at Essipun, in the Western Region, which is one of the host communities of the Ghana 2008 tournament, to develop their land before the commencement of the tournament.
Those who did not have land in the area are rushing to grab some space before prices escalate in a crude oil fashion in the “Essipun world market”.
Plots of land everywhere at Essipun, especially those along the main road are under massive development like the slogan of the big sponsor of the tournament.
Such developments have turned into joy for people in the community who now say the town should be referred to as the “Gateway to the Western Region”.
According to them, Essipun was not recognised in the past. “Some referred to the community as a village. We took it in good faith, but the zeal being demonstrated by the land developers says it all”, members of the community said.
“We have a first class road through the community; we are a lovely, welcoming people. What else could people be looking for in a modern settlement like Essipun?” one elder said enthusiastically.
New houses, stores, drinking spots and other recreational facilities have been constructed at Essipun over the past few months in readiness for the sports fans from the four nations that would be trooping to the community to cheer their countries to victory.
When one drives through Essipun one cannot fail but notice the feverish preparations going on for the big game, and there is no doubt that after the tournament the community would change from a small one into a mini city.
In the past the only thing that kept the community going and gave it some form of recognition was the construction of the first class road that links Sekondi with the Regimanuel Estates which are also far from the real settlement.
At present many new structures have sprung up, with the community agog with business as people keep struggling to get some spot within the Essipun community to mount their structures.
The Chief of Essipun, Nana Kofi Abuna V, has also embarked on various activities that would ensure that the community does not only host the tournament but also welcomes visitors with the pure Essipun brand of Ghanaian hospitality that would leave a lasting impression on the teeming supporters.
Asked how the tournament had transformed the community thus far, Nana Kofi Abuna said when the road to the region was moved through Kojokrom, “the community was classified as a village.” She added that those who had parcels of land did not even want to develop them, “but now the story is different. The structures that are springing up everywere some of which are near completion as well as the massive construction works going on are evidence of what to expect after the tournament.
“We are happy and enchanted that the tournament is doing all this to the community. The first port of call is the community and we are doing everything possible to ensure that the people relate to the visitors in a way that would not be to our disadvantage” the chief said.
The chief added that one of the problems the community faced was overgrown grass on the shoulders of the road and the location of the community toilet.
“Workers of the Ghana Highway Authority used to clear the weeds for us but for some time now they have not been doing it. Therefore, I have to look for people to clear it and they are about to do it.
“As the father and the mother of the community, my next line of action is to embark on a serious HIV/AIDS educational drive for both young and old, male and female, to ensure that the community is protected.
“We are grateful for the opportunities that have brought life to the community. At the regional level, we are the ‘Gateway to the Western Region’. I can assure you of that,” Nana Kofi Abuna cheerfully said.
But one interesting thing is that the toilet facility for the community has been constructed along the road, which gives very bad odour during the day.
That aside, the area is still being used by the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly as a human waste dump site.
At the moment, work on the portion of the road between Essipun and Enye Nsiah has begun. When completed it would make travelling to and from Accra through Essipun to Sekondi Takoradi very easy.
TAKORADI POLICE ARREST IMPERSONATOR ....Page 25
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi
THE Criminals Investigation Department (CID) of the Western Regional Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old unemployed, Andy Laryeh, who posed as an employee of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and Food and Drugs Board (FDB).
The suspect said he decided to impersonate as a staff of the two institutions because he was unemployed.
He used the names of prominent members of society, such as Azuma Nelson, Akosua Agyepong, Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokunu) and other stars to support his claim.
“I am sorry, it was due to poverty, that is why I travelled from Accra to where I am not known, I am sorry please forgive me,” he pleaded after confessing to the crime.
According to the police, the suspect went to Christian Faith Pre-School and told the head teacher that he was the presenter and producer of the Children’s channel on GTV.
The Regional Crime Officer, Mr D. Abade said he told his victims that he was directed by the show editors in Accra to feature the school in their next edition.
He then asked the school authorities to get children together to demonstrate their cultural skills.
After the demonstration, Laryeh told the head teacher that the programme was very expensive and that there were other schools clamouring for the little air time devoted to the programme and that they should give him GH ¢50 in addition to transport to enable him travel to Accra to bring his crew.
The unsuspecting school authorities granted his request and he returned as promised, but with a cameraman and a camera without GTV sticker and told them not to ask the cameraman anything but direct all questions to him.
The school authorities called the police when they became suspicious when he failed to produce his identity card on request.
The cameramen said they did not know him and that he only contracted them to cover a programme for him.
The police said upon his arrest, about four other people had come to testify that the suspect had used the same trick to dupe them.
THE Criminals Investigation Department (CID) of the Western Regional Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old unemployed, Andy Laryeh, who posed as an employee of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and Food and Drugs Board (FDB).
The suspect said he decided to impersonate as a staff of the two institutions because he was unemployed.
He used the names of prominent members of society, such as Azuma Nelson, Akosua Agyepong, Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokunu) and other stars to support his claim.
“I am sorry, it was due to poverty, that is why I travelled from Accra to where I am not known, I am sorry please forgive me,” he pleaded after confessing to the crime.
According to the police, the suspect went to Christian Faith Pre-School and told the head teacher that he was the presenter and producer of the Children’s channel on GTV.
The Regional Crime Officer, Mr D. Abade said he told his victims that he was directed by the show editors in Accra to feature the school in their next edition.
He then asked the school authorities to get children together to demonstrate their cultural skills.
After the demonstration, Laryeh told the head teacher that the programme was very expensive and that there were other schools clamouring for the little air time devoted to the programme and that they should give him GH ¢50 in addition to transport to enable him travel to Accra to bring his crew.
The unsuspecting school authorities granted his request and he returned as promised, but with a cameraman and a camera without GTV sticker and told them not to ask the cameraman anything but direct all questions to him.
The school authorities called the police when they became suspicious when he failed to produce his identity card on request.
The cameramen said they did not know him and that he only contracted them to cover a programme for him.
The police said upon his arrest, about four other people had come to testify that the suspect had used the same trick to dupe them.
TIGHTEN SECURITY AT T'DI AIRFIELD.....Page 25
Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Takoradi
THE airfield at the Takoradi Air Force Station, which is supposed to be one of the major entry points for teams taking part in the Ghana 2008, has become a common footpath for pedestrians and a rest place for animals, thus posing danger to the aircraft that would land at the aerodrome.
Apart from the numerous public footpaths that criss-cross the airfield, the northern part of the runway is also being used by herdsmen, gardeners, and it also serves as a home for lunatics as well as drug pushers.
Most of the time, when an aircraft is approaching the station, the fire officers at the station have to drive away pedestrians, herdsmen as well as the stray animals to avert danger.
As the airfield is being upgraded to some acceptable standard as having VVIP and VIP lounges, arrival and departure halls as well as a restaurant and other facilities, it would be disastrous if nothing is done to stop those unauthorised human activities around the airfield.
An expert has expressed the view that developing infrastructure at the airfield without fencing it is not the best and called for the airfield to be fenced.
During a tour of the airfield by the Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria, and her entourage recently, the station commander said it was evident that the aerodrome needed to be safeguarded against unauthorised human and animal activities.
At the time of the minister’s visit, some members of the community were seen walking across the airfield, oblivious of the dangers they were exposed to. Even though the northern part of the field was overgrown with weeds, some of the drug pushers still patronise the paths.
Communities living around the airfield also farm around the station.
The Station Commander, Air Commodore Samson Oje, said the activities of the fringe communities posed a threat to safety at the station.
He said the only solution to the problem was to provide a fence between the Takoradi Cemetery and the Air Force Training School.
“The Takoradi airfield is now virtually surrounded by buildings and roads, especially the northern part,” he said.
He warned that the security problems associated with those human activities were numerous, “and this needs to be tackled before a very serious problems arises”.
Air Cdr Oje said as a result of the exposure, firemen at the station had to chase people and the stray animals away from the runway before an aircraft could land and that a little oversight could lead to serious consequences.
When the Daily Graphic news team visited the airfield later, it saw animals resting on the runway after grazing around the aerodrome.
THE airfield at the Takoradi Air Force Station, which is supposed to be one of the major entry points for teams taking part in the Ghana 2008, has become a common footpath for pedestrians and a rest place for animals, thus posing danger to the aircraft that would land at the aerodrome.
Apart from the numerous public footpaths that criss-cross the airfield, the northern part of the runway is also being used by herdsmen, gardeners, and it also serves as a home for lunatics as well as drug pushers.
Most of the time, when an aircraft is approaching the station, the fire officers at the station have to drive away pedestrians, herdsmen as well as the stray animals to avert danger.
As the airfield is being upgraded to some acceptable standard as having VVIP and VIP lounges, arrival and departure halls as well as a restaurant and other facilities, it would be disastrous if nothing is done to stop those unauthorised human activities around the airfield.
An expert has expressed the view that developing infrastructure at the airfield without fencing it is not the best and called for the airfield to be fenced.
During a tour of the airfield by the Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria, and her entourage recently, the station commander said it was evident that the aerodrome needed to be safeguarded against unauthorised human and animal activities.
At the time of the minister’s visit, some members of the community were seen walking across the airfield, oblivious of the dangers they were exposed to. Even though the northern part of the field was overgrown with weeds, some of the drug pushers still patronise the paths.
Communities living around the airfield also farm around the station.
The Station Commander, Air Commodore Samson Oje, said the activities of the fringe communities posed a threat to safety at the station.
He said the only solution to the problem was to provide a fence between the Takoradi Cemetery and the Air Force Training School.
“The Takoradi airfield is now virtually surrounded by buildings and roads, especially the northern part,” he said.
He warned that the security problems associated with those human activities were numerous, “and this needs to be tackled before a very serious problems arises”.
Air Cdr Oje said as a result of the exposure, firemen at the station had to chase people and the stray animals away from the runway before an aircraft could land and that a little oversight could lead to serious consequences.
When the Daily Graphic news team visited the airfield later, it saw animals resting on the runway after grazing around the aerodrome.
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