THE Food and Drugs Board (FDB) has destroyed quantities of a fake washing powder called ‘So Klin’ valued at GH¢31,000.
The 1,553 cartons of the fake product imported into the country from China were seized from the Ashaiman, Swedru and Koforidua markets after two months of post-market surveillance swoops in the towns.
The products, believed to have been imported into the country with the help of some customs officials, according to the FDB, contains high acidity levels of about 12.2, that is superior to the 3-12 acidity range in the original product being distributed by Hush Enterprise, sole importers of the product in the country.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at the Kpone landfill site where the product was destroyed, the Head of Public Relations at the FDB, Mr James Lartey, indicated that chemicals used in the manufacture of the fake washing powder posed a risk to users and could cause the skin to peel off with vast irritation occurring.
He said various challenges at the country’s entry points, where some officials of stakeholder agencies colluded with people by employing unscrupulous means to outsmart the original owners of trademarks, was impeding the FDB’s operations.
While sending signals to the general public that the board would not falter in prosecuting persons flouting the FDB Law, PNDC L 3058 on the importation of and distribution of registered trademarks of its clients, Mr Lartey appealed to stakeholder agencies, such as the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, Immigration and Port authorities to fully collaborate with the FDB in ensuring that food and other imports into the country were safe for the public.
The General Manager of Hush Enterprise, Mr Yaw Kyei, said his outfit, with the help of the police, had launched investigations and would bring to book persons suspected to be associated with the fake imports of the washing powder.
He appealed to wholesalers and retailers of the product and the public to always ensure that purchases of the product were made from accredited sale vans that were regularly manned in communities and market centres.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
GUNMEN RAID CHURCH ...One shot dead...Pastor injured (LEAD STORY, AUGUST 27, 2010)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo in Tema, Michael Donkor in Accra
A spectacle of blood, death and injuries marred an evening of prayers at the Tema Community 8 branch of the Lighthouse Chapel International on Wednesday night, when five suspected armed robbers disguised themselves as worshippers to execute a murderous plan.
Moments after the service had ended, the gunmen exploded in a hail of gunfire, targeting members of the congregation who had moved to their vehicles, as well as a small group then meeting over the evening’s offertory.
In the process, the officiating pastor, Stephen Kwesi Baidoo, was critically injured in the left rib and his fingers while one of the gunmen was killed on the spot and another injured from bullets fired by members of a patrol team which responded swiftly to a distress call from a church member.
Doctors at the 37 Military Hospital confirmed that 13 pellets have been removed from the body of Pastor Baidoo and still working to remove about 22 more still lodging in him.
From his hospital bed at the hospital, Pastor Baidoo yesterday narrated his ordeal to the Daily Graphic, confirming that the incident occurred at about 10.p.m. on Wednesday after the church had closed from its evening service and four of the pastors, including himself, were about to move their cars at the car park of the church.
He said as soon as he sat in his car he saw a group of young men with guns and other offensive weapons attacking two of the female pastors who were about to sit in their cars.
Pastor Baidoo said sensing danger he immediately called the police patrol team and then got down from his car to rescue the lady pastors.
He said the gang immediately opened fire on him which sent him to the ground.
Pastor Baidoo said it was at that moment that the police patrol team got to the scene and began firing back at the gang while he was rushed to hospital.
Another pastor, who doubled as the spokesperson for the church, Emmanuel Mefful, said one of the lady pastors whose car keys the armed robbers demanded sustained bruises on her body because she was dragged on the ground.
He said a search on the deceased robber revealed a locally manufactured pistol, five live cartridges including a used one and a roll of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
A tour of the scene by the Daily Graphic at about 7:30a.m. yesterday revealed widespread blood stains at the forecourt of the church while residents converged in groups discussing the occurrence.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyening, also told the Graphic that the robbers attacked the worshippers, some of whom had convened for a short meeting after the service at about 10p.m., and also shot Pastor Baidoo.
“The deceased robber engaged a police patrol team which was called to the scene for assistance in a gun battle leading to his death.”
ACP Gyening said a thorough investigation was being conducted into the incident and appealed to residents, as well as eyewitnesses, to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the accomplices of the deceased robber.
A spectacle of blood, death and injuries marred an evening of prayers at the Tema Community 8 branch of the Lighthouse Chapel International on Wednesday night, when five suspected armed robbers disguised themselves as worshippers to execute a murderous plan.
Moments after the service had ended, the gunmen exploded in a hail of gunfire, targeting members of the congregation who had moved to their vehicles, as well as a small group then meeting over the evening’s offertory.
In the process, the officiating pastor, Stephen Kwesi Baidoo, was critically injured in the left rib and his fingers while one of the gunmen was killed on the spot and another injured from bullets fired by members of a patrol team which responded swiftly to a distress call from a church member.
Doctors at the 37 Military Hospital confirmed that 13 pellets have been removed from the body of Pastor Baidoo and still working to remove about 22 more still lodging in him.
From his hospital bed at the hospital, Pastor Baidoo yesterday narrated his ordeal to the Daily Graphic, confirming that the incident occurred at about 10.p.m. on Wednesday after the church had closed from its evening service and four of the pastors, including himself, were about to move their cars at the car park of the church.
He said as soon as he sat in his car he saw a group of young men with guns and other offensive weapons attacking two of the female pastors who were about to sit in their cars.
Pastor Baidoo said sensing danger he immediately called the police patrol team and then got down from his car to rescue the lady pastors.
He said the gang immediately opened fire on him which sent him to the ground.
Pastor Baidoo said it was at that moment that the police patrol team got to the scene and began firing back at the gang while he was rushed to hospital.
Another pastor, who doubled as the spokesperson for the church, Emmanuel Mefful, said one of the lady pastors whose car keys the armed robbers demanded sustained bruises on her body because she was dragged on the ground.
He said a search on the deceased robber revealed a locally manufactured pistol, five live cartridges including a used one and a roll of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
A tour of the scene by the Daily Graphic at about 7:30a.m. yesterday revealed widespread blood stains at the forecourt of the church while residents converged in groups discussing the occurrence.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyening, also told the Graphic that the robbers attacked the worshippers, some of whom had convened for a short meeting after the service at about 10p.m., and also shot Pastor Baidoo.
“The deceased robber engaged a police patrol team which was called to the scene for assistance in a gun battle leading to his death.”
ACP Gyening said a thorough investigation was being conducted into the incident and appealed to residents, as well as eyewitnesses, to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the accomplices of the deceased robber.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
FOUR KILLED IN EXPLOSION (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 25, 2010)
FOUR persons lost their lives while 70 others got injured when an oil tanker, ‘MT 7 Seas,’ from which they were siphoning fuel, exploded at the Tema Newtown beach.
One of the deceased, identified as Mensah Ozigi, 27, was among a group of over 200 youths from the Manhean community who went and vandalised the vessel belonging to Sugian Senkuo Industrial Ghana limited.
Three persons, Gilbert Kpodivia, an employee of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Seth ‘Abisma’ Amegashie, unemployed, and Emmanuel Boye Abbey, are being held by the Tema Police to assist in investigations. Kpodovia, according to police sources, was said to have confessed organising the youth involved in the raid.
A resident, Mr Nani Ahovi, told this reporter that the incident, which occurred at 7 p.m. on August 14, 2010, saw the entire community in turmoil as residents close to the seaside where the vessel was abandoned fled in various directions in an attempt to save their lives.
The acting Public Relations Manager of the Tema Port, Ms Serwa Owusu Acheampong, told the Daily Graphic that the dumping of the vessel at the beach by the GPHA was to avoid it sinking into the navigational areas of the port after it was involved in an accident with a cargo vessel on August 13, this year.
She stated that the vessel, which was said to have originated from Phnom Penn, Cambodia, was believed to have been on anchorage since November 15, 2008 with a gross tonnage of 2993 and had been poorly manned without any form of lighting thereby posing danger to other users of the port.
“Therefore, when the GPHA was informed about the incident and the subsequent inflow of water into the facility, officials moved in as a matter of urgency to tow it away to avert further inconvenience it may have created for both outgoing and incoming vessels,” Ms Owusu Acheampong noted.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyening, briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, said the police were yet to retrieve the bodies of the deceased which were reported to have been burnt.
He said the three suspects who were currently in police custody would be put before court immediately investigations were over.
One of the deceased, identified as Mensah Ozigi, 27, was among a group of over 200 youths from the Manhean community who went and vandalised the vessel belonging to Sugian Senkuo Industrial Ghana limited.
Three persons, Gilbert Kpodivia, an employee of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Seth ‘Abisma’ Amegashie, unemployed, and Emmanuel Boye Abbey, are being held by the Tema Police to assist in investigations. Kpodovia, according to police sources, was said to have confessed organising the youth involved in the raid.
A resident, Mr Nani Ahovi, told this reporter that the incident, which occurred at 7 p.m. on August 14, 2010, saw the entire community in turmoil as residents close to the seaside where the vessel was abandoned fled in various directions in an attempt to save their lives.
The acting Public Relations Manager of the Tema Port, Ms Serwa Owusu Acheampong, told the Daily Graphic that the dumping of the vessel at the beach by the GPHA was to avoid it sinking into the navigational areas of the port after it was involved in an accident with a cargo vessel on August 13, this year.
She stated that the vessel, which was said to have originated from Phnom Penn, Cambodia, was believed to have been on anchorage since November 15, 2008 with a gross tonnage of 2993 and had been poorly manned without any form of lighting thereby posing danger to other users of the port.
“Therefore, when the GPHA was informed about the incident and the subsequent inflow of water into the facility, officials moved in as a matter of urgency to tow it away to avert further inconvenience it may have created for both outgoing and incoming vessels,” Ms Owusu Acheampong noted.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyening, briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, said the police were yet to retrieve the bodies of the deceased which were reported to have been burnt.
He said the three suspects who were currently in police custody would be put before court immediately investigations were over.
FOUR KILLED IN EXPLOSION (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 25, 2010)
FOUR persons lost their lives while 70 others got injured when an oil tanker, ‘MT 7 Seas,’ from which they were siphoning fuel, exploded at the Tema Newtown beach.
One of the deceased, identified as Mensah Ozigi, 27, was among a group of over 200 youths from the Manhean community who went and vandalised the vessel belonging to Sugian Senkuo Industrial Ghana limited.
Three persons, Gilbert Kpodivia, an employee of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Seth ‘Abisma’ Amegashie, unemployed, and Emmanuel Boye Abbey, are being held by the Tema Police to assist in investigations. Kpodovia, according to police sources, was said to have confessed organising the youth involved in the raid.
A resident, Mr Nani Ahovi, told this reporter that the incident, which occurred at 7 p.m. on August 14, 2010, saw the entire community in turmoil as residents close to the seaside where the vessel was abandoned fled in various directions in an attempt to save their lives.
The acting Public Relations Manager of the Tema Port, Ms Serwa Owusu Acheampong, told the Daily Graphic that the dumping of the vessel at the beach by the GPHA was to avoid it sinking into the navigational areas of the port after it was involved in an accident with a cargo vessel on August 13, this year.
She stated that the vessel, which was said to have originated from Phnom Penn, Cambodia, was believed to have been on anchorage since November 15, 2008 with a gross tonnage of 2993 and had been poorly manned without any form of lighting thereby posing danger to other users of the port.
“Therefore, when the GPHA was informed about the incident and the subsequent inflow of water into the facility, officials moved in as a matter of urgency to tow it away to avert further inconvenience it may have created for both outgoing and incoming vessels,” Ms Owusu Acheampong noted.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyening, briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, said the police were yet to retrieve the bodies of the deceased which were reported to have been burnt.
He said the three suspects who were currently in police custody would be put before court immediately investigations were over.
One of the deceased, identified as Mensah Ozigi, 27, was among a group of over 200 youths from the Manhean community who went and vandalised the vessel belonging to Sugian Senkuo Industrial Ghana limited.
Three persons, Gilbert Kpodivia, an employee of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Seth ‘Abisma’ Amegashie, unemployed, and Emmanuel Boye Abbey, are being held by the Tema Police to assist in investigations. Kpodovia, according to police sources, was said to have confessed organising the youth involved in the raid.
A resident, Mr Nani Ahovi, told this reporter that the incident, which occurred at 7 p.m. on August 14, 2010, saw the entire community in turmoil as residents close to the seaside where the vessel was abandoned fled in various directions in an attempt to save their lives.
The acting Public Relations Manager of the Tema Port, Ms Serwa Owusu Acheampong, told the Daily Graphic that the dumping of the vessel at the beach by the GPHA was to avoid it sinking into the navigational areas of the port after it was involved in an accident with a cargo vessel on August 13, this year.
She stated that the vessel, which was said to have originated from Phnom Penn, Cambodia, was believed to have been on anchorage since November 15, 2008 with a gross tonnage of 2993 and had been poorly manned without any form of lighting thereby posing danger to other users of the port.
“Therefore, when the GPHA was informed about the incident and the subsequent inflow of water into the facility, officials moved in as a matter of urgency to tow it away to avert further inconvenience it may have created for both outgoing and incoming vessels,” Ms Owusu Acheampong noted.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyening, briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, said the police were yet to retrieve the bodies of the deceased which were reported to have been burnt.
He said the three suspects who were currently in police custody would be put before court immediately investigations were over.
COCOA PROCESSING COMPANY SHUTS DOWN (PAGE 23, AUGUST 26, 2010)
THE Confectionery Factory of the Cocoa Processing Company Limited (CPC) which has been shut down since May this year for rehabilitation and expansion works, is expected to re-open by October.
The factory, which produces the golden tree chocolate among other products, is being rehabilitated to meet modern trends in food processing operations.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the backdrop of the shortage of golden tree chocolate on the market, the Public Relations Manager of the company, Mr Ekow Rhule, said the decision to close down the confectionery unit was arrived at in March this year at the company’s annual general meeting.
According to him, since its establishment in 1965, the factory had not seen any major rehabilitation works resulting in inefficiency in production owing to the frequent breakdown of machinery.
Mr Rhule said the new equipment would also produce the five and 10 grammes chocolate bars in addition to the 20, 50 and 100 grammes, which the company currently produces.
He said the rehabilitation, which was being carried out at a cost of $5 million, would see the installation of new machinery, upgrading of old equipment as well as general civil works, including the laying of epoxy floory, which he said, was required in chocolate production the world over.
A tour of the factory premises by the Daily Graphic team revealed various construction works, including tiling of walls.
Mr Rhule stated that when the rehabilitation work was completed, the unit is expected to record an annual production stock of the golden tree bars from 900 to 1400 tonnes between the 2010/11, thereby increasing production to about 64 per cent over the existing capacity.
He also stated that the shutdown of the confectionery plant does not affect the production of royale drinking chocolate powder and choco delight spread.
Mr Rhule blamed the shortage of the golden tree bars on panic buying on the part of most retailers who might have presumed the situation and therefore decided to hoard stocks at the time of the closure, because according to him, management at the time of the shutdown ensured adequate supply into the system to avoid the current situation and appealed to retailers holding products to make them available to consumers who have been yearning for them for the past months.
While sympathising with customers on the current shortage of the bars in the system, Mr Rhule appealed to the general public to bear with the company as they made strides towards an improvement in product quality.
The factory, which produces the golden tree chocolate among other products, is being rehabilitated to meet modern trends in food processing operations.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the backdrop of the shortage of golden tree chocolate on the market, the Public Relations Manager of the company, Mr Ekow Rhule, said the decision to close down the confectionery unit was arrived at in March this year at the company’s annual general meeting.
According to him, since its establishment in 1965, the factory had not seen any major rehabilitation works resulting in inefficiency in production owing to the frequent breakdown of machinery.
Mr Rhule said the new equipment would also produce the five and 10 grammes chocolate bars in addition to the 20, 50 and 100 grammes, which the company currently produces.
He said the rehabilitation, which was being carried out at a cost of $5 million, would see the installation of new machinery, upgrading of old equipment as well as general civil works, including the laying of epoxy floory, which he said, was required in chocolate production the world over.
A tour of the factory premises by the Daily Graphic team revealed various construction works, including tiling of walls.
Mr Rhule stated that when the rehabilitation work was completed, the unit is expected to record an annual production stock of the golden tree bars from 900 to 1400 tonnes between the 2010/11, thereby increasing production to about 64 per cent over the existing capacity.
He also stated that the shutdown of the confectionery plant does not affect the production of royale drinking chocolate powder and choco delight spread.
Mr Rhule blamed the shortage of the golden tree bars on panic buying on the part of most retailers who might have presumed the situation and therefore decided to hoard stocks at the time of the closure, because according to him, management at the time of the shutdown ensured adequate supply into the system to avoid the current situation and appealed to retailers holding products to make them available to consumers who have been yearning for them for the past months.
While sympathising with customers on the current shortage of the bars in the system, Mr Rhule appealed to the general public to bear with the company as they made strides towards an improvement in product quality.
Friday, August 20, 2010
POLICE SWOOP ON SUSPECTED CRIMINALS (MIRROR, PAGE 21, AUGUST 21, 2010)
From Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
THE Tema Police have arrested 11 suspected criminals in separate operations carried out in the metropolis.
Five of the suspects, John Ampabilla, 30; Abibu Ibrahim, 24; Yaw Eric, 26; Kubetesu Martin, 22 and Afua Benewah, 21, were arrested at about 1:45a.m. on Tuesday morning on the premises of the Continental Trading Limited, a subsidiary of the Finatrade Group. They had in their possession 17 bags of sugar, each weighing 50 kilograms. The driver of a KIA truck which was being used to cart the cargo and another accomplice, however, managed to escape.
Also arrested was Mohammed Siedu, an assailant, who bolted away with gunshot wounds after a July 14 shoot-out with the police on the Accra-Tema Motorway. Three persons, Munkaila Yahaya, Issifu Musah and Charles Dikro, who were treating the wounds on the suspect at Ashaiman Zongo have also been arrested to assist the police in investigations.
Two other suspects of Nigerian nationality, Maxwell King Chizoguzi, 30 and Onuha Otisi, 35, who were arrested at Lashibi, a suburb of Tema, had in their possession two laptop computers on which several letter heads belonging to different government institutions were found.
The over 20 letter heads with accompanying documents found in their custody included those of the Republic of Ghana Company Registration Act, Bank of Ghana Treasury Department and unit letter heads, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Finance payment schedule, MOFEP monitoring unit and cash movement authorisation certificate.
Others included VAT Service Certificate of Exemption, Internal Revenue Service, Parliamentary identity cards, National Security monitoring unit, a letter purported to have been signed by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour, to the Controller and Accountant General, among others. Also found in their possession was an Office of the President letter head.
Briefing The Mirror, the Tema Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Augustine Gyening, said his outfit had a complaint from Vodafone Ghana Limited of the activities of the two Nigerians who were running a false promotion using a telephone number 0303- 403189 belonging to the network.
According to him, the suspects sent out several messages to unsuspecting customers informing them of winning a lottery out of a random selection by the network to reward its loyal clientele.
This, according to ACP Gyening, was a ploy by the two to dupe unsuspecting clients, some of whom they have already taken money from for the processing of a special identification pin to enable them access their winnings.
The two Nigerians, according to the commander, admitted producing the documents in their caution statement, after preliminary investigations carried out in the institutions revealed they were forged.
He said the 11 suspects would be put before court after investigations adding that the service would not relent to make life uncomfortable for persons who have decided to reap from where they have not sown.
ACP Gyening appealed to the general public to volunteer information on suspicious characters within their neighbourhood as the police make strides towards the protection of the citizenry.
THE Tema Police have arrested 11 suspected criminals in separate operations carried out in the metropolis.
Five of the suspects, John Ampabilla, 30; Abibu Ibrahim, 24; Yaw Eric, 26; Kubetesu Martin, 22 and Afua Benewah, 21, were arrested at about 1:45a.m. on Tuesday morning on the premises of the Continental Trading Limited, a subsidiary of the Finatrade Group. They had in their possession 17 bags of sugar, each weighing 50 kilograms. The driver of a KIA truck which was being used to cart the cargo and another accomplice, however, managed to escape.
Also arrested was Mohammed Siedu, an assailant, who bolted away with gunshot wounds after a July 14 shoot-out with the police on the Accra-Tema Motorway. Three persons, Munkaila Yahaya, Issifu Musah and Charles Dikro, who were treating the wounds on the suspect at Ashaiman Zongo have also been arrested to assist the police in investigations.
Two other suspects of Nigerian nationality, Maxwell King Chizoguzi, 30 and Onuha Otisi, 35, who were arrested at Lashibi, a suburb of Tema, had in their possession two laptop computers on which several letter heads belonging to different government institutions were found.
The over 20 letter heads with accompanying documents found in their custody included those of the Republic of Ghana Company Registration Act, Bank of Ghana Treasury Department and unit letter heads, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Finance payment schedule, MOFEP monitoring unit and cash movement authorisation certificate.
Others included VAT Service Certificate of Exemption, Internal Revenue Service, Parliamentary identity cards, National Security monitoring unit, a letter purported to have been signed by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour, to the Controller and Accountant General, among others. Also found in their possession was an Office of the President letter head.
Briefing The Mirror, the Tema Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Augustine Gyening, said his outfit had a complaint from Vodafone Ghana Limited of the activities of the two Nigerians who were running a false promotion using a telephone number 0303- 403189 belonging to the network.
According to him, the suspects sent out several messages to unsuspecting customers informing them of winning a lottery out of a random selection by the network to reward its loyal clientele.
This, according to ACP Gyening, was a ploy by the two to dupe unsuspecting clients, some of whom they have already taken money from for the processing of a special identification pin to enable them access their winnings.
The two Nigerians, according to the commander, admitted producing the documents in their caution statement, after preliminary investigations carried out in the institutions revealed they were forged.
He said the 11 suspects would be put before court after investigations adding that the service would not relent to make life uncomfortable for persons who have decided to reap from where they have not sown.
ACP Gyening appealed to the general public to volunteer information on suspicious characters within their neighbourhood as the police make strides towards the protection of the citizenry.
AUSTRALIA TO ASSIST PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS (DAILY GRAPHIC, PAGE 22, FRI AUG 20, 10)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo & Nathaniel Mensah,Tema
THE Australian High Commission in Accra has pledged to financially support skill training programmes for the physically challenged persons who were making strides towards betterment of their lives and society.
The Vice Consular, Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner disclosed this at Tema during the launched of the “Yes We Can” project by the Hope in Christ Physically Challenged Foundation; a Tema based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO).
The project which was among a series initiatives outlined by the foundation seeks to engage members in skill training to enable them make decent livelihood.
According to her, seeing physically challenged persons initiating meaningful projects aimed at alleviating poverty within their folds needs commendation and encouragement.
“It is for this reason the commission as a major stakeholder in strengthening diplomatic relations and working towards the reduction of poverty would want to fully provide logistic and monetary support to disability societies working to reduce alms soliciting among members”, she stated.
While commending the foundation for the initiative, Dr O’Shaughnessy was optimistic the project will go a long way to help the physically challenged to be independent in society.
The President of the NGO Mr Benjamin Ofosuhene indicated that, the training programme which has been alienated in phases would see over fifty physically challenged persons being trained in footwear production in the first face of the project.
He said twenty persons were currently undergoing a two months training in the production of tourist wear and sandals including ladies footwear.
Mr. Ofosuhene lamented at the low rate of enrollment owing to the lack of means of transportation to and from the learning center which he said was forcing most trainees to return to the streets to beg for alms.
He has therefore appealed for support from corporate institutions within the Tema metropolis to provide assistant to the NGO towards a successful implementation of outlined projects as well as equipping trainees at the end of the two months programme.
Mr ofosuhene was optimistic the programme which would also provide working capital and tools at the end of the two-month course would go a long to reduce streetism among persons with disability.
The NGO established in 2001 by a team of social workers and Christian volunteers to reach out to persons with disability has over the years provided platform to the most vulnerable physically challenged persons through education, socio-economic empowerment and counseling.
The Board Chairman of the NGO, Mr Francis Gariba paid glowing tribute to the Australian High Commission for its immense assistance and was hopeful the project would significantly empower persons with disability to financially to contribute their quota toward the country’s development..
The Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Krakue III charged beneficiaries of the programme to serve as worthy ambassadors and commended the high commission for its sole sponsorship.
THE Australian High Commission in Accra has pledged to financially support skill training programmes for the physically challenged persons who were making strides towards betterment of their lives and society.
The Vice Consular, Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner disclosed this at Tema during the launched of the “Yes We Can” project by the Hope in Christ Physically Challenged Foundation; a Tema based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO).
The project which was among a series initiatives outlined by the foundation seeks to engage members in skill training to enable them make decent livelihood.
According to her, seeing physically challenged persons initiating meaningful projects aimed at alleviating poverty within their folds needs commendation and encouragement.
“It is for this reason the commission as a major stakeholder in strengthening diplomatic relations and working towards the reduction of poverty would want to fully provide logistic and monetary support to disability societies working to reduce alms soliciting among members”, she stated.
While commending the foundation for the initiative, Dr O’Shaughnessy was optimistic the project will go a long way to help the physically challenged to be independent in society.
The President of the NGO Mr Benjamin Ofosuhene indicated that, the training programme which has been alienated in phases would see over fifty physically challenged persons being trained in footwear production in the first face of the project.
He said twenty persons were currently undergoing a two months training in the production of tourist wear and sandals including ladies footwear.
Mr. Ofosuhene lamented at the low rate of enrollment owing to the lack of means of transportation to and from the learning center which he said was forcing most trainees to return to the streets to beg for alms.
He has therefore appealed for support from corporate institutions within the Tema metropolis to provide assistant to the NGO towards a successful implementation of outlined projects as well as equipping trainees at the end of the two months programme.
Mr ofosuhene was optimistic the programme which would also provide working capital and tools at the end of the two-month course would go a long to reduce streetism among persons with disability.
The NGO established in 2001 by a team of social workers and Christian volunteers to reach out to persons with disability has over the years provided platform to the most vulnerable physically challenged persons through education, socio-economic empowerment and counseling.
The Board Chairman of the NGO, Mr Francis Gariba paid glowing tribute to the Australian High Commission for its immense assistance and was hopeful the project would significantly empower persons with disability to financially to contribute their quota toward the country’s development..
The Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Krakue III charged beneficiaries of the programme to serve as worthy ambassadors and commended the high commission for its sole sponsorship.
TEMA POLICE ARREST 11 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS (DAILY GRAPHIC, PAGE 18, FRI AUG 20, 10)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
THE Tema Police have arrested 11 suspected criminals at separate operations carried out in the metropolis.
Five of the suspects namely John Ampabilla, age 30, Abibu Ibrahim 24, Yaw Eric 26, Kubetesu Martin 22 and Afua Benewah 21 were arrested at about 1:45am Tuesday morning at the premises of Continental Trading Limited, a subsidiary of the Finatrade Group with 17 bags of sugar each weighing 50kilogrammes.
The driver of a KIA truck being used to cart the cargo and another accomplice however manage to escape.
Also arrested was Mohammed Siedu, an assailant who bolted away with gunshot wounds after a July 14th shootout with the police on the Accra-Tema Motorway. Three persons, namely Munkaila Yahaya, Issifu Musah and Charles Dikro were providing treatment for him at Ashaiman Zongo has also been arrested to assist the police in investigations.
Two other suspects of Nigerian nationality, Maxwell King Chizoguzi 30 and Onuha Otisi 35 who were arrested at Lashibi, a suburb of Tema, had in their possession two laptop computers on which several letter heads belonging to different government institutions were found.
The over 20 letterheads with accompanying documents found in their custody were the Republic of Ghana Company Registration Act, Bank of Ghana treasury department and unit letter heads, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Finance payment schedule, MOFEP monitory unit and cash movement authorization certificate.
Others includes, VAT service certificate of exemption, Internal Revenue Service, a parliamentary identity cards, National Security monitoring unit, a letter purported to have been signed by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour to the Controller and Accountant General among others. Also found in their possession was an office of the President letterhead.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Tema Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Augustine Gyening said his outfit had a complaint from Vodafone Ghana Limited of the activities of the two Nigerians who were running a false promotion using a telephone number 0303- 403189 belonging to the network.
According to him, suspects sent out several messages to unsuspecting customers informing them of winning a lottery out of a random selection by the network to reward its loyal clientele. That according to ACP Gyening was a ploy by the two to dupe unsuspecting clients some of whom they have already taken monies from for the processing of a special identification pin to enable them access their winnings.
The two Nigerians according to the regional commander, admitted producing the documents in their caution statement after preliminary investigations carried out from the institutions revealed they were forged.
He said the 11 suspects would be put before court after investigations and cautioned the service would not relent to make life uncomfortable for persons who have decided to reap from where they have not sown.
ACP Gyening appeal to the general public to volunteer information on suspicious activities within their neighborhood as the police made strides towards the protection of citizenry.
THE Tema Police have arrested 11 suspected criminals at separate operations carried out in the metropolis.
Five of the suspects namely John Ampabilla, age 30, Abibu Ibrahim 24, Yaw Eric 26, Kubetesu Martin 22 and Afua Benewah 21 were arrested at about 1:45am Tuesday morning at the premises of Continental Trading Limited, a subsidiary of the Finatrade Group with 17 bags of sugar each weighing 50kilogrammes.
The driver of a KIA truck being used to cart the cargo and another accomplice however manage to escape.
Also arrested was Mohammed Siedu, an assailant who bolted away with gunshot wounds after a July 14th shootout with the police on the Accra-Tema Motorway. Three persons, namely Munkaila Yahaya, Issifu Musah and Charles Dikro were providing treatment for him at Ashaiman Zongo has also been arrested to assist the police in investigations.
Two other suspects of Nigerian nationality, Maxwell King Chizoguzi 30 and Onuha Otisi 35 who were arrested at Lashibi, a suburb of Tema, had in their possession two laptop computers on which several letter heads belonging to different government institutions were found.
The over 20 letterheads with accompanying documents found in their custody were the Republic of Ghana Company Registration Act, Bank of Ghana treasury department and unit letter heads, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Finance payment schedule, MOFEP monitory unit and cash movement authorization certificate.
Others includes, VAT service certificate of exemption, Internal Revenue Service, a parliamentary identity cards, National Security monitoring unit, a letter purported to have been signed by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour to the Controller and Accountant General among others. Also found in their possession was an office of the President letterhead.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Tema Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Augustine Gyening said his outfit had a complaint from Vodafone Ghana Limited of the activities of the two Nigerians who were running a false promotion using a telephone number 0303- 403189 belonging to the network.
According to him, suspects sent out several messages to unsuspecting customers informing them of winning a lottery out of a random selection by the network to reward its loyal clientele. That according to ACP Gyening was a ploy by the two to dupe unsuspecting clients some of whom they have already taken monies from for the processing of a special identification pin to enable them access their winnings.
The two Nigerians according to the regional commander, admitted producing the documents in their caution statement after preliminary investigations carried out from the institutions revealed they were forged.
He said the 11 suspects would be put before court after investigations and cautioned the service would not relent to make life uncomfortable for persons who have decided to reap from where they have not sown.
ACP Gyening appeal to the general public to volunteer information on suspicious activities within their neighborhood as the police made strides towards the protection of citizenry.
QUICK ACTION LAUNCHES 'ARISE' ALBUM (PAGE 4, GRAPHIC SHOWBIZ, THUR AUG 19, 10)
By: Della Russel Ocloo
PEOPLE from all walks of life last Saturday made it to the premises of the Sheepfold Chaple on the Spintex road to support music producer and sound engineer, Yosef Appiah popularly referred to as “Quick Action” to launched his arise album.
The praise and worship album features popular radio presenter, Abeiku Aggrey Santana of Tema based Adom FM. The two and half hour launch saw patron dancing to music from guest artistes Mary Ghansah and Gifty Osie.
The arise album according to Quick Action was a project which has been on his mind over a decade. Songs on the album such as Nkunim, Agyenkwan, My Faith, Yesu Do were rendered in worship medleys with instrumentations and keyboard works performed by Quick Action.
He said, the decision to feature Abeiku on the album was informed by the kind of motivation the later has over the years provided to his listeners through his late afternoon radio programme on Adom FM.
Speaking to Showbiz after at the launch on the album, Quick Action said, said working with certain gosplehts on the album musicians, especially Mary Ghansah, influenced the making of the arise album.
Sharing his thought on the album, Abeiku pointed out that, though people know him well for his humorous approach to issues, he accepted to freature on the Arise album to showcase other talents he posseses.
To him, it is a a thanksgiving offering to God for all the good things he have done and continue to occur in his life.
“God’s abundance grace has kept me through some turbulent times and i must thank Him for that,” he stated.
Quick Action intends embarked on a nationwide tour staring from Takoradi in the Western Region to promote the Arise work.
The Arise lunch ceremony was sponsored by Healthy Life with support from Adom FM, Winnies Foods.
PEOPLE from all walks of life last Saturday made it to the premises of the Sheepfold Chaple on the Spintex road to support music producer and sound engineer, Yosef Appiah popularly referred to as “Quick Action” to launched his arise album.
The praise and worship album features popular radio presenter, Abeiku Aggrey Santana of Tema based Adom FM. The two and half hour launch saw patron dancing to music from guest artistes Mary Ghansah and Gifty Osie.
The arise album according to Quick Action was a project which has been on his mind over a decade. Songs on the album such as Nkunim, Agyenkwan, My Faith, Yesu Do were rendered in worship medleys with instrumentations and keyboard works performed by Quick Action.
He said, the decision to feature Abeiku on the album was informed by the kind of motivation the later has over the years provided to his listeners through his late afternoon radio programme on Adom FM.
Speaking to Showbiz after at the launch on the album, Quick Action said, said working with certain gosplehts on the album musicians, especially Mary Ghansah, influenced the making of the arise album.
Sharing his thought on the album, Abeiku pointed out that, though people know him well for his humorous approach to issues, he accepted to freature on the Arise album to showcase other talents he posseses.
To him, it is a a thanksgiving offering to God for all the good things he have done and continue to occur in his life.
“God’s abundance grace has kept me through some turbulent times and i must thank Him for that,” he stated.
Quick Action intends embarked on a nationwide tour staring from Takoradi in the Western Region to promote the Arise work.
The Arise lunch ceremony was sponsored by Healthy Life with support from Adom FM, Winnies Foods.
HOW THE REGIONS VOTED IN THE NPP CONGRESS, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON AUG 9, 10, PAGE 12
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
NANA Akuffo-Addo overwhelmingly thrashed his closest rival John Kyeremanten bagging home majority of total votes cast by delegates who converged for national congress in the four constituencies within Tema metropolis. He polled 1549 as against Mr Kyeremanten’s 121 bagged in all four centers.
Supporters of Nana Addo broke into spontaneous jubilation moments after District Electoral officer, Mr Gabriel Manu declared the results in his favor at the Olams hall where delegates from the Tema East constituency converged.
The election which started between 8 and 9am an all the voting centers recorded a very impressive attendance with a concise skirmishes being recorded in Tema East and Ashaiman constituencies where allegations of vote buying were reported as some persons belonging to the camp of one of the presidential candidates were said to be distributing money.
The situation led to a near brawl at outside the Reno Club in Ashaiman, where the event took place as some delegates openly chastised some party executives for failing to give them their share of the alleged monies being distributed.
The widespread money sharing at the two centers alledged by a delegate, Mr Daniel Quartey from the See Light Polling station located in Tema Newtown who confirmed receiving GHC20 to influence his vote in a certain direction was however denied by the chairmen for Ashaiman and Tema West constituencies.
According to Alhaji Hamidu Hussein, who spoke for the Ashaiman constituency, the said monies being given to delegates was to compensate them for losing out on their earnings for the day as “since majority of them were self employed”, he stated.
Mr Awuah on the other hand debunked the allegations, saying, “delegates were given a total amount of GHC35 donated as transport and food allowance by three of the five aspirants, namely, Nana Addo, Allan and Mr Osie, since they travelled from various electoral areas to the collation center to cast their votes”, he said.
The four constituencies which had 1749 eligible voters saw 82 absentees in all with a single rejected ballot in Tema West.
Nana Addo polled 536, 381, 466 and 166 in Tema East, West, Ashaiman and the Kpone-Katamanso constituencies that recorded voter turn outs of 92, 96, 97 and 99.5 percentages respectively.
His closest contender, Mr Kyeremanten managed 26, 29, 35 and 31, while Professor Frimpong-Boateng, and Apostle Kwame Koduah recorded single votes in two of the four constituencies, Subin MP, Mr Isaac Osei polled ten votes in all four constituencies.
The processes which went peacefully at all centers was however nearly marred at the Tema West center when Member of Parliament for the area, Ms Irene Naa Torshie Addo went hysterical upon seeing this reporter.
Ms Addo who was prevented by some party executives from physically assaulting her verbally assaulted her raining insults amidst the clapping of hands.
The situation saw delegates’ looking at her in bewilderment as the reporter was whisked away by a waiting taxi cab she went to the center with to avoid being hit by the MP who charged towards her direction.
NANA Akuffo-Addo overwhelmingly thrashed his closest rival John Kyeremanten bagging home majority of total votes cast by delegates who converged for national congress in the four constituencies within Tema metropolis. He polled 1549 as against Mr Kyeremanten’s 121 bagged in all four centers.
Supporters of Nana Addo broke into spontaneous jubilation moments after District Electoral officer, Mr Gabriel Manu declared the results in his favor at the Olams hall where delegates from the Tema East constituency converged.
The election which started between 8 and 9am an all the voting centers recorded a very impressive attendance with a concise skirmishes being recorded in Tema East and Ashaiman constituencies where allegations of vote buying were reported as some persons belonging to the camp of one of the presidential candidates were said to be distributing money.
The situation led to a near brawl at outside the Reno Club in Ashaiman, where the event took place as some delegates openly chastised some party executives for failing to give them their share of the alleged monies being distributed.
The widespread money sharing at the two centers alledged by a delegate, Mr Daniel Quartey from the See Light Polling station located in Tema Newtown who confirmed receiving GHC20 to influence his vote in a certain direction was however denied by the chairmen for Ashaiman and Tema West constituencies.
According to Alhaji Hamidu Hussein, who spoke for the Ashaiman constituency, the said monies being given to delegates was to compensate them for losing out on their earnings for the day as “since majority of them were self employed”, he stated.
Mr Awuah on the other hand debunked the allegations, saying, “delegates were given a total amount of GHC35 donated as transport and food allowance by three of the five aspirants, namely, Nana Addo, Allan and Mr Osie, since they travelled from various electoral areas to the collation center to cast their votes”, he said.
The four constituencies which had 1749 eligible voters saw 82 absentees in all with a single rejected ballot in Tema West.
Nana Addo polled 536, 381, 466 and 166 in Tema East, West, Ashaiman and the Kpone-Katamanso constituencies that recorded voter turn outs of 92, 96, 97 and 99.5 percentages respectively.
His closest contender, Mr Kyeremanten managed 26, 29, 35 and 31, while Professor Frimpong-Boateng, and Apostle Kwame Koduah recorded single votes in two of the four constituencies, Subin MP, Mr Isaac Osei polled ten votes in all four constituencies.
The processes which went peacefully at all centers was however nearly marred at the Tema West center when Member of Parliament for the area, Ms Irene Naa Torshie Addo went hysterical upon seeing this reporter.
Ms Addo who was prevented by some party executives from physically assaulting her verbally assaulted her raining insults amidst the clapping of hands.
The situation saw delegates’ looking at her in bewilderment as the reporter was whisked away by a waiting taxi cab she went to the center with to avoid being hit by the MP who charged towards her direction.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
CONSTRUCTION OF 6.1KM RAIL LINE PROGRESSES (PAGE 29, AUGUST 19, 2010)
CONSTRUCTION works on the 6.1 kilometer rail line from Tema to Asoprochona, near Sakumono in the Tema metropolis is yet to be completed.
The project scheduled for completion in June for a possible commissioning in July has been behind schedule as contractors, Armandi Holdings were still struggling with about 6 per cent of work which was yet to be concluded.
The project, being executed at a cost of $16.5 million, is expected to reduce traffic, particularly on the Spintex Road and the Tema Motorway. It commenced in January this year with a six month completion period.
A tour at the site by the Daily Graphic revealed major works such as alignment construction of signal polls and lights, drains among others are still ongoing while two new coaches procured at the cost of GH¢21.7 million to facilitate rail transport in the country are still parked at the station in Tema.
Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Mr Emmanuel Opoku, in an interview with the Daily Graphic blamed the delay of work on the recent rains between May and June which he said affected progress.
The situation also affected the supply of the wooden slippers, which he said were procured from saw mills in the Western Region as “suppliers were not able to bring logs from the bush for the processing of the slippers”, he said.
According to him, a recent meeting held between the contractors and the authority recently revealed there were an outstanding total of over 4500 wooden slippers which were required for completion on the lines were yet to be supplied.
This, he said, was a major impediment holding back the project including some civil works at the Tema main station and was optimistic, recent drop in the rainfall patterns would improve work greatly since 300 pieces of the slippers have been delivered.
Mr Opoku debunked suggestions that, inadequate cash flow was impeding the progress of work saying, “although government has made significant financial commitments, the contractors have pre-financed the entire project right from commencement, hence, the reflection of 94 percentage being seen”, he stated.
He said the authority recently conducted test- drive on the lines and was only awaiting completion works on the trucks for shuttle service to begin.
While Mr Opoku could not tell when exactly the project would be completed, he was optimistic the contractors would speed up work and hand over to the authority by the end of September.
General Manager of Armandi Holdings, Mr Nadav Simhoni told this reporter that, although repayment process on the part of government has been very slow, high voltage electrical cables including switch pipes on the rail platform has been a major headache impeding progress as several appeals over the last three months for their removal were yet to prove any results.
“ For instance, ethanol lines belonging to shipping giants, Midland International which have been sited on the lines were still in place although owners in a meeting with both the authority and Armandi agreeing to relocating them within a week”, he lamented.
Mr Simhoni, however, gave an assurance that, the entire project would be completed by the end of September for commissioning in October.
CAPTION: Workers performing alignment works on the rail lines at the Tema main station near the Tema habour.
The project scheduled for completion in June for a possible commissioning in July has been behind schedule as contractors, Armandi Holdings were still struggling with about 6 per cent of work which was yet to be concluded.
The project, being executed at a cost of $16.5 million, is expected to reduce traffic, particularly on the Spintex Road and the Tema Motorway. It commenced in January this year with a six month completion period.
A tour at the site by the Daily Graphic revealed major works such as alignment construction of signal polls and lights, drains among others are still ongoing while two new coaches procured at the cost of GH¢21.7 million to facilitate rail transport in the country are still parked at the station in Tema.
Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Mr Emmanuel Opoku, in an interview with the Daily Graphic blamed the delay of work on the recent rains between May and June which he said affected progress.
The situation also affected the supply of the wooden slippers, which he said were procured from saw mills in the Western Region as “suppliers were not able to bring logs from the bush for the processing of the slippers”, he said.
According to him, a recent meeting held between the contractors and the authority recently revealed there were an outstanding total of over 4500 wooden slippers which were required for completion on the lines were yet to be supplied.
This, he said, was a major impediment holding back the project including some civil works at the Tema main station and was optimistic, recent drop in the rainfall patterns would improve work greatly since 300 pieces of the slippers have been delivered.
Mr Opoku debunked suggestions that, inadequate cash flow was impeding the progress of work saying, “although government has made significant financial commitments, the contractors have pre-financed the entire project right from commencement, hence, the reflection of 94 percentage being seen”, he stated.
He said the authority recently conducted test- drive on the lines and was only awaiting completion works on the trucks for shuttle service to begin.
While Mr Opoku could not tell when exactly the project would be completed, he was optimistic the contractors would speed up work and hand over to the authority by the end of September.
General Manager of Armandi Holdings, Mr Nadav Simhoni told this reporter that, although repayment process on the part of government has been very slow, high voltage electrical cables including switch pipes on the rail platform has been a major headache impeding progress as several appeals over the last three months for their removal were yet to prove any results.
“ For instance, ethanol lines belonging to shipping giants, Midland International which have been sited on the lines were still in place although owners in a meeting with both the authority and Armandi agreeing to relocating them within a week”, he lamented.
Mr Simhoni, however, gave an assurance that, the entire project would be completed by the end of September for commissioning in October.
CAPTION: Workers performing alignment works on the rail lines at the Tema main station near the Tema habour.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
ASHAIMAN MP ASSISTS BEREAVED FAMILIES (PAGE 18, AUGUST 18, 2010)
THE Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Agbesi, has presented a quantity of items worth about GH¢15,000 to 16 bereaved families and displaced residents of Jericho, Roman Down and Lebanon, all in the municipality.
The items, which included used clothing, shoes and toiletries, were donated by hiplife musician, Nana Borro with support from Tema-based radio station, Adom FM, as part of the musician’s birthday celebrations.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Agbesi commended Nana Borro for the gesture which he said would go a long way to provide some relief to many of the victims who lost their entire possessions in the June 20 floods.
He urged other artistes in the entertainment industry to emulate Nana Borro’s gesture by giving back to the society that has accepted their talents and contributed to their fame and wealth.
While commending various organisations and institutions for their positive response to the disaster, Mr Agbesi appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, take steps to repair affected roads in the municipality, particularly the Jericho bridge which has become impassable.
“Although the municipal assembly has done some refilling of major roads affected by the disaster, a total reconstruction is needed to restore the community’s road infrastructure,” he said.
The MP also called for further assistance from the telecommunications as well as major industry players operating in the Ashaiman and Tema metropolis to extend additional support to the victims, as according to him, thousands of displaced persons have still not received any form of assistance as donations received so far have been minimal.
He also commended the media, particularly personnel in Tema, for their role in bringing the plight of the displaced to public attention.
The items, which included used clothing, shoes and toiletries, were donated by hiplife musician, Nana Borro with support from Tema-based radio station, Adom FM, as part of the musician’s birthday celebrations.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Agbesi commended Nana Borro for the gesture which he said would go a long way to provide some relief to many of the victims who lost their entire possessions in the June 20 floods.
He urged other artistes in the entertainment industry to emulate Nana Borro’s gesture by giving back to the society that has accepted their talents and contributed to their fame and wealth.
While commending various organisations and institutions for their positive response to the disaster, Mr Agbesi appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, take steps to repair affected roads in the municipality, particularly the Jericho bridge which has become impassable.
“Although the municipal assembly has done some refilling of major roads affected by the disaster, a total reconstruction is needed to restore the community’s road infrastructure,” he said.
The MP also called for further assistance from the telecommunications as well as major industry players operating in the Ashaiman and Tema metropolis to extend additional support to the victims, as according to him, thousands of displaced persons have still not received any form of assistance as donations received so far have been minimal.
He also commended the media, particularly personnel in Tema, for their role in bringing the plight of the displaced to public attention.
BLOODY MONDAY...23 Perish in gory accident (LEAD STORY, AUGUST 17, 2010)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Battor
TRAGEDY struck on the Tema-Ada Highway on Sunday night and yesterday when 23 people were crushed to death in two gory accidents.
The first accident occurred at Koluedor, near Sege, at about 8 p.m. on Sunday when a salon car was involved in a head-on collision with a 207 Benz bus travelling from Tema to Aflao in the Volta Region, killing four persons on the spot.
The second and bloodier accident occurred at Koni-Kablu near Dawa in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region about 4 a.m. yesterday when a Metro Mass Transit (MMT) bus travelling from Mepe in the Volta Region to Accra crashed into a stationary truck, with registration number TG 6907 AH, parked on the shoulders of the road.
Fifteen people in the MMT bus were killed on the spot, while four others died later on admission at the Battor Catholic Hospital.
Among the dead was the Station Officer of the Mepe Police, Chief Inspector Hlolewu.
Fifty-five other passengers on board the MMT bus, with registration number AS 6059-10, sustained various degrees of injury and are currently on admission at the same hospital.
Some of the injured people who tried to respond to media questions from their hospital beds displayed memory loss and could neither remember their names nor where they were going to or coming from.
Others, however, could recount that the more than 70 passengers on board the bus were returning from Mepe after taking part in the celebration of the annual Apenortor Festival over the weekend.
The driver of the bus, Samuel Asamoah, 61, and his conductor were among the survivors and they are also on admission at the Battor Catholic Hospital.
When the Daily Graphic got to the scene about 10:40 a.m., scores of residents of Sege, Dawa and its environs had besieged the scene of the incident.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, the Ada District Police Commander, Superintendent John Yamba, said the stationary truck provided every signal to alert oncoming vehicles and wondered why the driver of the bus had crashed into it.
He stated that it was possible that the driver might have been dosing behind the steering wheel and, therefore, did not see the warning triangle placed some 50 yards away from the truck to alert motorists.
The Transport Minister, Mr Mike Hammah, who was at the scene to get first-hand information, bemoaned the spate of road accidents which, he said, cost the country more than $16.5 million annually.
"It is sad to note that accidents, apart from costing the nation huge revenue, is also the cause of low productivity, thereby retarding the country's development agenda," he stated.
That, he said, was impacting negatively on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and charged motorists to adhere to road safety regulations.
He promised to ensure a full implementation of the Road Safety Regulation Act of 2010, which is at the consideration stage in Parliament.
The minister also announced a GH¢10,000 package by the government to cater for the medical expenses, among other things, of the injured.
While sympathising with the bereaved families, the minister commended the hospital authorities and the police for proactively responding to the victims and gave assurance of the government's commitment to ensure a reduction in road accidents.
Mr Hammah was accompanied by the acting Managing Director of the MMT, Mr Maxwell Awuku; the Board Chairman, Mr Antwi Gyamfi; the Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr John Appiah, and the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinator of the NRSC, ACP Victor Tandoh (retd).
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Mr Charles Hordogbe, and the District Chief Executive for the area, Alhaji Bubey Dzinadu, who were instrumental in conveying the injured to hospital, appealed to the government to launch a full-scale investigation into the accident.
The minister and his entourage later called on the Regent of the Mepe Traditional Area, Togbe Kwadzo Gli, to console him on the loss of lives, most of whom were believed to come from the area.
TRAGEDY struck on the Tema-Ada Highway on Sunday night and yesterday when 23 people were crushed to death in two gory accidents.
The first accident occurred at Koluedor, near Sege, at about 8 p.m. on Sunday when a salon car was involved in a head-on collision with a 207 Benz bus travelling from Tema to Aflao in the Volta Region, killing four persons on the spot.
The second and bloodier accident occurred at Koni-Kablu near Dawa in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region about 4 a.m. yesterday when a Metro Mass Transit (MMT) bus travelling from Mepe in the Volta Region to Accra crashed into a stationary truck, with registration number TG 6907 AH, parked on the shoulders of the road.
Fifteen people in the MMT bus were killed on the spot, while four others died later on admission at the Battor Catholic Hospital.
Among the dead was the Station Officer of the Mepe Police, Chief Inspector Hlolewu.
Fifty-five other passengers on board the MMT bus, with registration number AS 6059-10, sustained various degrees of injury and are currently on admission at the same hospital.
Some of the injured people who tried to respond to media questions from their hospital beds displayed memory loss and could neither remember their names nor where they were going to or coming from.
Others, however, could recount that the more than 70 passengers on board the bus were returning from Mepe after taking part in the celebration of the annual Apenortor Festival over the weekend.
The driver of the bus, Samuel Asamoah, 61, and his conductor were among the survivors and they are also on admission at the Battor Catholic Hospital.
When the Daily Graphic got to the scene about 10:40 a.m., scores of residents of Sege, Dawa and its environs had besieged the scene of the incident.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the incident, the Ada District Police Commander, Superintendent John Yamba, said the stationary truck provided every signal to alert oncoming vehicles and wondered why the driver of the bus had crashed into it.
He stated that it was possible that the driver might have been dosing behind the steering wheel and, therefore, did not see the warning triangle placed some 50 yards away from the truck to alert motorists.
The Transport Minister, Mr Mike Hammah, who was at the scene to get first-hand information, bemoaned the spate of road accidents which, he said, cost the country more than $16.5 million annually.
"It is sad to note that accidents, apart from costing the nation huge revenue, is also the cause of low productivity, thereby retarding the country's development agenda," he stated.
That, he said, was impacting negatively on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and charged motorists to adhere to road safety regulations.
He promised to ensure a full implementation of the Road Safety Regulation Act of 2010, which is at the consideration stage in Parliament.
The minister also announced a GH¢10,000 package by the government to cater for the medical expenses, among other things, of the injured.
While sympathising with the bereaved families, the minister commended the hospital authorities and the police for proactively responding to the victims and gave assurance of the government's commitment to ensure a reduction in road accidents.
Mr Hammah was accompanied by the acting Managing Director of the MMT, Mr Maxwell Awuku; the Board Chairman, Mr Antwi Gyamfi; the Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr John Appiah, and the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinator of the NRSC, ACP Victor Tandoh (retd).
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Mr Charles Hordogbe, and the District Chief Executive for the area, Alhaji Bubey Dzinadu, who were instrumental in conveying the injured to hospital, appealed to the government to launch a full-scale investigation into the accident.
The minister and his entourage later called on the Regent of the Mepe Traditional Area, Togbe Kwadzo Gli, to console him on the loss of lives, most of whom were believed to come from the area.
Monday, August 16, 2010
NVTI DEVELOPS MODULES TO IMPROVE TRAINING (PAGE 11, AUGUST 16, 2010)
THE National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) has developed modules aimed improving vocational training in the country. Under the programme, trainees can fully access the institute’s information online as well as register under the online programme aimed at inculcating the use of information and communication technology among them.
Director of the institute, Mr Stephen Amponsah made this known at the graduation ceremony of 108 students from the Tema Industrial Mission Vocational and Technical Training Centre.
He indicated that, the current educational reforms have make it necessary for the institute to put in place measures towards the registration of apprentices as well as master crafts persons.
“It was for these reasons the introduction of web based solutions that also allows trainees the opportunity to check results online as well as allow employers verify candidate’s results was put in place”, he stated.
While bemoaning at huge challenges that confronts the institute as well as vocational schools in the country, Mr Amponsah announced the institutes preparedness to provide capacity for trainees in various disciplines across board partner multinational corporations to meet the challenges of the country’s emerging oil industry.
He commended Tema Joint Church for relentlessly supporting government through the provision of infrastructure and skill training aimed at equipping the youth with employable skills.
The outgoing principal of the school, Mr Ebenezer Kwesi Anim presenting his annual report said the administration of the school has over the years depended heavily on volunteers owing to the inadequacy of personnel to promote effective teaching and learning.
He has therefore appealed to the school management as a matter of urgency employed the services of competent personnel in the areas of academics, accounting, stores keeper and an administrative officer to effectively manage the affairs of the center.
Mr Anim appealed to stakeholders as well as entrepreneurs to partner graduants as they seek avenues to develop the potentials in the job market.
The Acting Principal of the school, Madam Evelyn Agyemang charged grandaunts to put to bear the skills they have acquired for the benefit of themselves and the society at large.
While commending individual members of the church for their contribution which she said have over the years sustained the school beneficially, Madam Agyemang appealed for support from the government for the provision of logistics such as transport and training tools to help students effectively carry out practical training.
The centre established some 25years ago by the church has over the years trained students in dressmaking, carpentry and joinery. Other programmes runs includes, catering, blocklaying as well as radio and television servicing mechanics.
Director of the institute, Mr Stephen Amponsah made this known at the graduation ceremony of 108 students from the Tema Industrial Mission Vocational and Technical Training Centre.
He indicated that, the current educational reforms have make it necessary for the institute to put in place measures towards the registration of apprentices as well as master crafts persons.
“It was for these reasons the introduction of web based solutions that also allows trainees the opportunity to check results online as well as allow employers verify candidate’s results was put in place”, he stated.
While bemoaning at huge challenges that confronts the institute as well as vocational schools in the country, Mr Amponsah announced the institutes preparedness to provide capacity for trainees in various disciplines across board partner multinational corporations to meet the challenges of the country’s emerging oil industry.
He commended Tema Joint Church for relentlessly supporting government through the provision of infrastructure and skill training aimed at equipping the youth with employable skills.
The outgoing principal of the school, Mr Ebenezer Kwesi Anim presenting his annual report said the administration of the school has over the years depended heavily on volunteers owing to the inadequacy of personnel to promote effective teaching and learning.
He has therefore appealed to the school management as a matter of urgency employed the services of competent personnel in the areas of academics, accounting, stores keeper and an administrative officer to effectively manage the affairs of the center.
Mr Anim appealed to stakeholders as well as entrepreneurs to partner graduants as they seek avenues to develop the potentials in the job market.
The Acting Principal of the school, Madam Evelyn Agyemang charged grandaunts to put to bear the skills they have acquired for the benefit of themselves and the society at large.
While commending individual members of the church for their contribution which she said have over the years sustained the school beneficially, Madam Agyemang appealed for support from the government for the provision of logistics such as transport and training tools to help students effectively carry out practical training.
The centre established some 25years ago by the church has over the years trained students in dressmaking, carpentry and joinery. Other programmes runs includes, catering, blocklaying as well as radio and television servicing mechanics.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
PAY ATTENTION TO WOMEN'S ENERGY NEEDS (DAILY GRAPHIC, PAGE 11, AUGUST 24, 2010)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Dodowa
THE Deputy Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Mrs Mamaa Entsua-Mensah, has called on policy makers and planners to pay special attention to the energy needs of women.
She said there was a strong relationship between women and energy, since women sourced and utilised energy for household and economic activities aimed at improving and adding value to rural activities.
Dr Enstua-Mensah made the call at a gender and energy seminar organised by the Gender and Energy Network, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS) Foundation and the Ministry of Energy.
It was on the theme, “mainstream gender concerns in the design and implementation of energy projects”.
She said action taken at the local level toward the promotion of sustainable energy options should also support global development goals, stressing that, “A consideration of sustainable energy needs in macro-economic and energy sector reforms, as well as sustainable development planning, would tremendously support the country’s quest towards achieving the millennium development goals and poverty reduction”.
While commending Cabinet for approving the Renewable Energy Bill, Dr Enstua-Mensah also called for an improvement in the energy sector programmes aimed at ensuring that gender issues reflected in energy policies.
She regretted that “ women scientists were not celebrated in our part of the world, although they have over the years invented various machinery such as the ‘chorkor smoker’, which have boosted the traditional trade of fishing business among women”.
Reviewing a gender audit report conducted in 2009, participants tasked policy makers, planners and environmental stakeholders to strengthen national policy frameworks towards supporting growth and equity if the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and poverty reduction strategies were to be achieved.
According to the President of the network, Mr Asamoah Topen, although largely underdeveloped, particular attention was being paid to oil and gas sector while little attention was given to gender concerns and their impact on the population.
“Although, there are high level electrification across the country with 70 per cent of the population connected to the national grid, only a percentage of households used grid power as their source of energy for industrial activities,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Mr Ben Okine, Director of Research, Monitoring and Policy Planning, indicated that since women were the main drivers for providing energy for small and medium enterprises, particularly in agriculture, commercial and service sectors, mainstreaming gender concerns in the design of energy projects were being considered at the implementation stages.
He indicated that the gender audit conducted by the network with Energia International, covering the ministry and its major industrial players such as the Volta River Authority, Tema Oil Refinery among others, had informed the ministry’s decision for gender desks across the stakeholder establishments.
Mr Okine stated that the ministry through its rural electrification programme had extended electricity to the doorsteps of women in rural communities with an access rate of 66 per cent.
He said since basic health care in rural communities without electricity was a great challenge, a solar PV electrification programme for remote health facilities was being implemented by the ministry aimed at improving lighting and the storage of vaccines.
“Over 75 of such facilities have been provided for remote health centres in the three northern regions,” he said. He also pointed out that a reliable and equitable distribution of kerosene to rural communities that still used the fuel as their main source of energy was being put in place, whilst the ministry, as part of its initiative to reduce the burden on firewood and charcoal, was also intensifying the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) programme.
The national focal person of the network, Dr Sabina Anokye-Mensah, in her welcoming address, stated that meeting the gender energy challenges was imperative to the overall goal of strengthening national energy policies and programmes.
She held the view that women provided the bulk of human energy for crop production and transport where there was no availability of mechanical energy.
“Capacity building to mainstream gender into energy projects, as well as the provision of information that clearly outlines the links, would go a long way towards achieving government’s poverty reduction programmes,” she noted.
THE Deputy Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Mrs Mamaa Entsua-Mensah, has called on policy makers and planners to pay special attention to the energy needs of women.
She said there was a strong relationship between women and energy, since women sourced and utilised energy for household and economic activities aimed at improving and adding value to rural activities.
Dr Enstua-Mensah made the call at a gender and energy seminar organised by the Gender and Energy Network, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS) Foundation and the Ministry of Energy.
It was on the theme, “mainstream gender concerns in the design and implementation of energy projects”.
She said action taken at the local level toward the promotion of sustainable energy options should also support global development goals, stressing that, “A consideration of sustainable energy needs in macro-economic and energy sector reforms, as well as sustainable development planning, would tremendously support the country’s quest towards achieving the millennium development goals and poverty reduction”.
While commending Cabinet for approving the Renewable Energy Bill, Dr Enstua-Mensah also called for an improvement in the energy sector programmes aimed at ensuring that gender issues reflected in energy policies.
She regretted that “ women scientists were not celebrated in our part of the world, although they have over the years invented various machinery such as the ‘chorkor smoker’, which have boosted the traditional trade of fishing business among women”.
Reviewing a gender audit report conducted in 2009, participants tasked policy makers, planners and environmental stakeholders to strengthen national policy frameworks towards supporting growth and equity if the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and poverty reduction strategies were to be achieved.
According to the President of the network, Mr Asamoah Topen, although largely underdeveloped, particular attention was being paid to oil and gas sector while little attention was given to gender concerns and their impact on the population.
“Although, there are high level electrification across the country with 70 per cent of the population connected to the national grid, only a percentage of households used grid power as their source of energy for industrial activities,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Mr Ben Okine, Director of Research, Monitoring and Policy Planning, indicated that since women were the main drivers for providing energy for small and medium enterprises, particularly in agriculture, commercial and service sectors, mainstreaming gender concerns in the design of energy projects were being considered at the implementation stages.
He indicated that the gender audit conducted by the network with Energia International, covering the ministry and its major industrial players such as the Volta River Authority, Tema Oil Refinery among others, had informed the ministry’s decision for gender desks across the stakeholder establishments.
Mr Okine stated that the ministry through its rural electrification programme had extended electricity to the doorsteps of women in rural communities with an access rate of 66 per cent.
He said since basic health care in rural communities without electricity was a great challenge, a solar PV electrification programme for remote health facilities was being implemented by the ministry aimed at improving lighting and the storage of vaccines.
“Over 75 of such facilities have been provided for remote health centres in the three northern regions,” he said. He also pointed out that a reliable and equitable distribution of kerosene to rural communities that still used the fuel as their main source of energy was being put in place, whilst the ministry, as part of its initiative to reduce the burden on firewood and charcoal, was also intensifying the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) programme.
The national focal person of the network, Dr Sabina Anokye-Mensah, in her welcoming address, stated that meeting the gender energy challenges was imperative to the overall goal of strengthening national energy policies and programmes.
She held the view that women provided the bulk of human energy for crop production and transport where there was no availability of mechanical energy.
“Capacity building to mainstream gender into energy projects, as well as the provision of information that clearly outlines the links, would go a long way towards achieving government’s poverty reduction programmes,” she noted.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
HFC, LEKMA CLEAN NUNGUA (PAGE 23, AUGUST 12, 2010)
THE Branch Manager of the HFC Bank, Mr Sherlock Ashiagbor, has called for deeper collaboration among the people and district assemblies to avert the adverse effects of climate change which has affected Africa enormously.
According to him, the rate of urbanisation in major cities across the country has led to massive depletion of the environment as communities have been reduced to slums, thereby compromising sanitation among residents.
Mr Ashaigbor made the remarks at Nungua where the bank, in collaboration with the Ledzokuku- Krowor Municipal Assembly, organised a clean-up exercise as part of its second anniversary celebrations.
He indicated that the partnership was to complement the assembly’s efforts towards the development of the community. The exercise saw the staff of the bank and the assembly clear choked gutters in the community and sensitised residents to the need to maintain a clean environment.
He announced that the bank, as part of its efforts to raise the standards of education, was constructing a six-unit classroom block for the Kotobabi No 2 TMA Primary School at Batsoona in the municipality as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Mr Ashiagbor challenged institutions within the municipality to commit a higher percentage of their social responsibility assistance to education since they, as institutions, would benefit enormously from the investment they make into grooming the human resources in these communities.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Amartey-Mensah, bemoaned the filth that has engulfed the entire community and charged residents to adhere to cleanliness.
According to him, majority of the assembly’s revenue was being channelled into sanitation at the expense of other areas that needed concentration.
“It is regrettable to know that the assembly has over the last 18 months spent a total of GH¢230,000 on the clearing of major drains in the municipality while educational infrastructures cry for help.”
“The money could be used to build additional school blocks to phase out the shift system which was still in existence among educational centres should residents desist from the haphazard way of waste disposing,” he lamented.
Mr Amartey Mensah appeal for residents support towards the improvement of sanitary conditions within the municipality.
Also present at the clean-up was the area manager of the bank, Mr Herbert Hammond, Head of mortgage, Ms Ama Amoah and the Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr Gabriel Dari.
According to him, the rate of urbanisation in major cities across the country has led to massive depletion of the environment as communities have been reduced to slums, thereby compromising sanitation among residents.
Mr Ashaigbor made the remarks at Nungua where the bank, in collaboration with the Ledzokuku- Krowor Municipal Assembly, organised a clean-up exercise as part of its second anniversary celebrations.
He indicated that the partnership was to complement the assembly’s efforts towards the development of the community. The exercise saw the staff of the bank and the assembly clear choked gutters in the community and sensitised residents to the need to maintain a clean environment.
He announced that the bank, as part of its efforts to raise the standards of education, was constructing a six-unit classroom block for the Kotobabi No 2 TMA Primary School at Batsoona in the municipality as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Mr Ashiagbor challenged institutions within the municipality to commit a higher percentage of their social responsibility assistance to education since they, as institutions, would benefit enormously from the investment they make into grooming the human resources in these communities.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Amartey-Mensah, bemoaned the filth that has engulfed the entire community and charged residents to adhere to cleanliness.
According to him, majority of the assembly’s revenue was being channelled into sanitation at the expense of other areas that needed concentration.
“It is regrettable to know that the assembly has over the last 18 months spent a total of GH¢230,000 on the clearing of major drains in the municipality while educational infrastructures cry for help.”
“The money could be used to build additional school blocks to phase out the shift system which was still in existence among educational centres should residents desist from the haphazard way of waste disposing,” he lamented.
Mr Amartey Mensah appeal for residents support towards the improvement of sanitary conditions within the municipality.
Also present at the clean-up was the area manager of the bank, Mr Herbert Hammond, Head of mortgage, Ms Ama Amoah and the Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr Gabriel Dari.
TOR SHUTS TWO PLANTS (PAGE 23, AUGUST 12, 2010)
THE UNAVAILABILITY of crude oil has compelled the Tema Oil Refinery to shut its crude distillation unit and the residual fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC) plants.
The two plants which were shut down on August 3 will be closed until August 20 by which time the management of TOR hope to have engaged officials of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to broker a deal for the supply of crude.
The Public Relations Officer of TOR, Mrs Aba Lokko, told the Daily Graphic that the management had been making efforts to procure its own crude oil for the last three months.
The management of TOR had sought GNPC’s assistance for further supply of crude, the only option left was to shutdown since the two parties had gone back to the negotiating table to look at the terms of agreements
Mrs Aba Lokko in a telephone interview with the Daily Graphic confirmed the shutdown. According to her, management was making frantic efforts to procure crude oil and gave the assurance that production works would begin by close of the week should proposals for delivery go through for the purchase.
The two plants which were shut down on August 3 will be closed until August 20 by which time the management of TOR hope to have engaged officials of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to broker a deal for the supply of crude.
The Public Relations Officer of TOR, Mrs Aba Lokko, told the Daily Graphic that the management had been making efforts to procure its own crude oil for the last three months.
The management of TOR had sought GNPC’s assistance for further supply of crude, the only option left was to shutdown since the two parties had gone back to the negotiating table to look at the terms of agreements
Mrs Aba Lokko in a telephone interview with the Daily Graphic confirmed the shutdown. According to her, management was making frantic efforts to procure crude oil and gave the assurance that production works would begin by close of the week should proposals for delivery go through for the purchase.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
RED CROSS ASSISTS VICTIMS OF ASHAIAN FLOODS (PAGE 29, AUGUST 9, 2010)
THE Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has donated relief items to victims of the recent floods that devastated parts of Ashaiman, leaving 16 persons dead with 13,000 being displaced.
Over 250 people, out of an initial 13,000 displaced persons registered, were presented with 300 pieces of blankets, 340 sleeping mats and 250 tarpaulins. Other items included jerry cans, toiletries, plastic bowls, drinking cups and tables, among others.
The items, put together by the society with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at a cost of GHC80,000, according to the Co-ordinator for Disaster Management, Mr Francis Obeng, were to provide relief for the most vulnerable victims within the community.
According to him, the aged, physically challenged, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons whose homes were completely washed away were identified as the most vulnerable persons among the initial figures registered after the 20th June torrential rains.
The Ashaiman distribution forms part of the society’s efforts to provide for victims in the Greater Accra, Central and Volta Regions, the most hit areas.
In a related development, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Agbesi has presented quantity of items at a cost of GHC15, 000 to 16 bereaved families including displaced residents of Jericho, Roman Down and Lebanon, all in the municipality.
The items made up of used clothing’s, shoes, toiletries, among other things, were donated by hiplife musician, Nana Borro with support from Tema based radio station, Adom FM as part of the musician’s birth day celebrations.
While various organisations and institutions proactively respond to the disaster, Mr Agbesi appealed to the government to as a matter of urgency take steps to repair affected roads in the municipality, particularly the Jericho bridge which has become impassable.
“Although, the municipal assembly has done some refilling of major road affected by the disaster, a total reconstruction was needed to restore the community’s road infrastructure,” he said.
The MP also called for further assistance from the telecommunications as well as major industry players operating in the Ashaiman and Tema metropolis to extend additional support to the victims, as according to him, thousands of displaced persons have still not received any form of assistance because donations received so far has been minimal.
He also commended the media, particularly personnel in Tema for their role in bringing the plight of the displaced to public attention.
Over 250 people, out of an initial 13,000 displaced persons registered, were presented with 300 pieces of blankets, 340 sleeping mats and 250 tarpaulins. Other items included jerry cans, toiletries, plastic bowls, drinking cups and tables, among others.
The items, put together by the society with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at a cost of GHC80,000, according to the Co-ordinator for Disaster Management, Mr Francis Obeng, were to provide relief for the most vulnerable victims within the community.
According to him, the aged, physically challenged, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons whose homes were completely washed away were identified as the most vulnerable persons among the initial figures registered after the 20th June torrential rains.
The Ashaiman distribution forms part of the society’s efforts to provide for victims in the Greater Accra, Central and Volta Regions, the most hit areas.
In a related development, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Mr Alfred Agbesi has presented quantity of items at a cost of GHC15, 000 to 16 bereaved families including displaced residents of Jericho, Roman Down and Lebanon, all in the municipality.
The items made up of used clothing’s, shoes, toiletries, among other things, were donated by hiplife musician, Nana Borro with support from Tema based radio station, Adom FM as part of the musician’s birth day celebrations.
While various organisations and institutions proactively respond to the disaster, Mr Agbesi appealed to the government to as a matter of urgency take steps to repair affected roads in the municipality, particularly the Jericho bridge which has become impassable.
“Although, the municipal assembly has done some refilling of major road affected by the disaster, a total reconstruction was needed to restore the community’s road infrastructure,” he said.
The MP also called for further assistance from the telecommunications as well as major industry players operating in the Ashaiman and Tema metropolis to extend additional support to the victims, as according to him, thousands of displaced persons have still not received any form of assistance because donations received so far has been minimal.
He also commended the media, particularly personnel in Tema for their role in bringing the plight of the displaced to public attention.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
KPONE ROADS IN DEPLORABLE STATE (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 4, 2010)
THE Kpone Industrial community within the Tema metropolis boasts multi-million dollar investment projects, yet access routes to these sites over the years have been in deplorable conditions.
The roads, which also serve as an access route to the Kpone township, connecting commuters to Michel Camp, Dawhenya, Prampram and its environs, have over the last three decades not received any attention.
The catchment area is home to multinational companies such as Toyota Ghana Limited, the newly built Sunon Asogli Power Plant; oil giants, Chase Petroleum, and local companies including Aluworks, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), and the Volta River Authority which is currently mounting tank farms, to serve as storage and offloading facility to augment the stocks of TOR.
The more than $4.7million investments in the area may, however, remain unproductive owing to the deplorable conditions of roads leading to the site.
The Asogli Plant and the Chase projects, the Daily Graphic learnt, could generate over 900 direct employment avenues in addition to 500 minor jobs in security, catering and other support services.
Residents and commuters who ply the seven-kilometre road daily from the VALCO roundabout, the Tema heavy industrial establishment and the Kpone community have, therefore, appealed to the government, as a matter of urgency, to rehabilitate the roads and help boost economic activities in the locality.
A taxi driver, Abraham Tetteh Narh, who plies the route daily, told this reporter that driving on the bumpy and dusty road could be uncomfortable.
According to him, a journey from Tema to Kpone which hitherto could take 15 minutes, now took commuters more than 45 minutes.
This, according to him, has resulted in drivers incurring higher maintenance cost due to frequent breakdowns.
“A recent asphalt scrapping on the surface of the road by a contractor tasked to refill the stretch, by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), has worsened the condition,” Mr Narh lamented.
Togbe Afede XIV, the initiator of the Sunon Asogli Power project, in a telephone interview bemoaned the fact that the road infrastructure within the entire enclave had not received any attention, and expressed the fear that the bad nature of the road might not give investors in the affected areas the opportunity to recoup their investments.
While urging the government to take measures towards putting roads within the industrial community in a better shape, he also appealed to the city authorities to ensure that quality of work was not compromised.
The Chairman of the project, LI Kweku Shaw Lee, also expressed frustration at the bad nature of the roads.
According to him, the security of the industrial community ought to be a paramount concern to the government, and the stakeholders seeking to develop the country.
Mr Shaw Lee indicated that "accessing the plant's switch yard, which is linked to the national grid in the event of a total power failure, remained a risk should the road infrastructure remain in the same grubby state."
"If government wants to fully attain its vision of an industrial nation, access routes to investment sites ought to be given the needed attention to attract the needed investment that will also go into securing employment opportunities for citizens," he stated.
The executive of the Tanker Drivers Association also expressed dissatisfaction with the attitude of the city authorities concerning the condition of the roads in the Tema metropolis
The Secretary of the association, Mr Raymond Narh, stated that the January 2010 fire outbreak at TOR sent panic within the entire community resulting in several tankers being involved in head-on collision as the drivers struggled to escape the inferno.
“I can tell you for a fact the many casualties that occurred at the time outside the refinery could have been avoided if the roads were in good condition,” a driver also remarked.
The Tema Metropolitan Roads Engineer, Mr Stephen Attipoe, said in a telephone interview that some roads in the metropolis, including the Kpone township, the Aflao road and the Ashaiman Zeenu stretch had been awarded to Core Constructions and work was expected to begin very soon.
According to him, the cost of the project, which is estimated at GH¢ 6.7 million, might go up due to the scope of works involved and gave an assurance that an interim certificate had been issued for the commencement of the project.
The contractor, Mr Frank Lartey, on the other hand, hinted that cash flow for the project was limited, thereby, delaying the entire project. He said about 40 per cent of work had been completed from the main Kpone junction on the main Tema-Aflao road.
The roads, which also serve as an access route to the Kpone township, connecting commuters to Michel Camp, Dawhenya, Prampram and its environs, have over the last three decades not received any attention.
The catchment area is home to multinational companies such as Toyota Ghana Limited, the newly built Sunon Asogli Power Plant; oil giants, Chase Petroleum, and local companies including Aluworks, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), and the Volta River Authority which is currently mounting tank farms, to serve as storage and offloading facility to augment the stocks of TOR.
The more than $4.7million investments in the area may, however, remain unproductive owing to the deplorable conditions of roads leading to the site.
The Asogli Plant and the Chase projects, the Daily Graphic learnt, could generate over 900 direct employment avenues in addition to 500 minor jobs in security, catering and other support services.
Residents and commuters who ply the seven-kilometre road daily from the VALCO roundabout, the Tema heavy industrial establishment and the Kpone community have, therefore, appealed to the government, as a matter of urgency, to rehabilitate the roads and help boost economic activities in the locality.
A taxi driver, Abraham Tetteh Narh, who plies the route daily, told this reporter that driving on the bumpy and dusty road could be uncomfortable.
According to him, a journey from Tema to Kpone which hitherto could take 15 minutes, now took commuters more than 45 minutes.
This, according to him, has resulted in drivers incurring higher maintenance cost due to frequent breakdowns.
“A recent asphalt scrapping on the surface of the road by a contractor tasked to refill the stretch, by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), has worsened the condition,” Mr Narh lamented.
Togbe Afede XIV, the initiator of the Sunon Asogli Power project, in a telephone interview bemoaned the fact that the road infrastructure within the entire enclave had not received any attention, and expressed the fear that the bad nature of the road might not give investors in the affected areas the opportunity to recoup their investments.
While urging the government to take measures towards putting roads within the industrial community in a better shape, he also appealed to the city authorities to ensure that quality of work was not compromised.
The Chairman of the project, LI Kweku Shaw Lee, also expressed frustration at the bad nature of the roads.
According to him, the security of the industrial community ought to be a paramount concern to the government, and the stakeholders seeking to develop the country.
Mr Shaw Lee indicated that "accessing the plant's switch yard, which is linked to the national grid in the event of a total power failure, remained a risk should the road infrastructure remain in the same grubby state."
"If government wants to fully attain its vision of an industrial nation, access routes to investment sites ought to be given the needed attention to attract the needed investment that will also go into securing employment opportunities for citizens," he stated.
The executive of the Tanker Drivers Association also expressed dissatisfaction with the attitude of the city authorities concerning the condition of the roads in the Tema metropolis
The Secretary of the association, Mr Raymond Narh, stated that the January 2010 fire outbreak at TOR sent panic within the entire community resulting in several tankers being involved in head-on collision as the drivers struggled to escape the inferno.
“I can tell you for a fact the many casualties that occurred at the time outside the refinery could have been avoided if the roads were in good condition,” a driver also remarked.
The Tema Metropolitan Roads Engineer, Mr Stephen Attipoe, said in a telephone interview that some roads in the metropolis, including the Kpone township, the Aflao road and the Ashaiman Zeenu stretch had been awarded to Core Constructions and work was expected to begin very soon.
According to him, the cost of the project, which is estimated at GH¢ 6.7 million, might go up due to the scope of works involved and gave an assurance that an interim certificate had been issued for the commencement of the project.
The contractor, Mr Frank Lartey, on the other hand, hinted that cash flow for the project was limited, thereby, delaying the entire project. He said about 40 per cent of work had been completed from the main Kpone junction on the main Tema-Aflao road.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
QUOPHI, AZZIZ WIN LIPTON GOLF (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 11, AUGUST 3, 2010)
The pair of Yelbert Quophi and Amankwah Azziz emerged winners in the Lipton by–monthly first anniversary golf played at the Tema Golf Club last Saturday.
The two, who combined very well in the double play, secured a total of 64 nets, beating the over 120 golfers who participated in the one-day 18-hole event that also saw professionals participating.
Solomon Korley Ayornu and Opoku E. came second, returning a net score of 65, beating Managing Director of the Barclays Bank, Benjamin Debrah, and Mary Kromberg who returned a net score. 66 to place third.
Ebenezer Tetteh Mensah and Nyarko M. came tops in the category B event with a gross score of 68, folllwoed by Mike Aggery and Mike Osei, grossing 72 beat Grace Afriyie and Group Capt Gyimah on a countback.
In the individual professional play, Vincent Torgah grossed 150 score to emerge winner and received a cash of GH¢ 700 donated by the sponsors, Uniliver Ghana Limited. He was closely followed by Gbenyor A. who grossed 151, beating John Mawuli on countback. They received cash prizes of GH¢ 500 and GH¢ 400 respectively.
Club captain Leonard Kwaku Okyere paid glowing tribute to Unilever, producers of Lipton for the partnership.
He said the club had made significant progress in the development of the course following a greening project launched and sponsored by Lipton at GH¢ 20, 000.
The club presented a giant trophy donated by members to the Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Ghana limited, Mr Charles Coffie, for his enormous assistance over the last one year that the tourney has been in place.
Mr Coffie indicated that Lipton’s brand partnership with the club had provided a win-win result for the two parties and announced the brand was considering proposals into making the tourney a quarterly medal.
The two, who combined very well in the double play, secured a total of 64 nets, beating the over 120 golfers who participated in the one-day 18-hole event that also saw professionals participating.
Solomon Korley Ayornu and Opoku E. came second, returning a net score of 65, beating Managing Director of the Barclays Bank, Benjamin Debrah, and Mary Kromberg who returned a net score. 66 to place third.
Ebenezer Tetteh Mensah and Nyarko M. came tops in the category B event with a gross score of 68, folllwoed by Mike Aggery and Mike Osei, grossing 72 beat Grace Afriyie and Group Capt Gyimah on a countback.
In the individual professional play, Vincent Torgah grossed 150 score to emerge winner and received a cash of GH¢ 700 donated by the sponsors, Uniliver Ghana Limited. He was closely followed by Gbenyor A. who grossed 151, beating John Mawuli on countback. They received cash prizes of GH¢ 500 and GH¢ 400 respectively.
Club captain Leonard Kwaku Okyere paid glowing tribute to Unilever, producers of Lipton for the partnership.
He said the club had made significant progress in the development of the course following a greening project launched and sponsored by Lipton at GH¢ 20, 000.
The club presented a giant trophy donated by members to the Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Ghana limited, Mr Charles Coffie, for his enormous assistance over the last one year that the tourney has been in place.
Mr Coffie indicated that Lipton’s brand partnership with the club had provided a win-win result for the two parties and announced the brand was considering proposals into making the tourney a quarterly medal.
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