Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
A FOUR member management team of the Tema Parents Association School who had disagreements with the school’s Parents Teacher Association (PTA) over demands of accountability has made reconciliatory moves towards addressing problems facing the institution.
The two parties recently collided with each other when the PTA executives headed by an Appeals Court Judge, Justice Senyo Dzamefe called for the institution's accounts to be audited in addition to the provision of a data on the classification and qualification of tutors.
They also warned the PTA to back off its activities as the school no longer needed its existence to operate.
The meeting which registered a huge attendance from parents also saw three of the four management team made up of the Mrs Mabel Ampofo, Mr Maxwell Doku and Mrs Nyarko as well as the entire teaching staff present. Conspicuously missing was the Acting Headmaster, Mr Abraham Ekow Afer who was said to have taken ill prior to the meeting day.
The meeting however went off gear when some incensed parents charged at the executives regarding the presence of this reporter whom they heckled and described as an intruder. According to them, media reportage regarding the challenges of the school in the past have disgusting, thus, the presence of one in their midst ought to be immediately resolved. The unruly interaction led to a halt in proceedings prompting the legal counsel for the PTA, Mr Daniel Kofi Amerli to intervene.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of the PTA, Justice Dzamefe expressed reservations at the false representations to the general public which suggest executives engaged in an open fight with management in an attempt to take over the operations of the school’s non-existent account.
He debunked suggestions that, PTA executives attempted to re-register and manage the school, an idea which he was accused to have engineered.
He also questioned why PTA exutives would want control over an account which was non-existent resulting in the management teams decision to deposit over GH¢800,000 in hard cash per term as fees into a an interest yielding teacher’s welfare account which has two teachers as signatories.
Mr Dzamefe told the gathering that, the protracted legal battles that plague the school over the last three years involving the school’s out gone board and its embattled headmistress, Mrs Nsaki Kaseem, led to a consensus between the PTA and Management to register the PTA to enable executives work around the clock towards disposing outstanding legal issues.
He pointed out that, the existence of PTA’s in the management of schools under the Ghana Education Code was to ensure that parents as stakeholders can make meaningful contributions to the growth of the school.
He assured parents that, the two parties after fruitful deliberations regarding the issues under contention have resolved to work together in the interest of their children who are of top priority. Mrs Mabel Ampofo, an assistance headmistress and a member of the school’s management on her part express management’s regret at the hiccups with the PTA executives which she resulted from the limited communication gap between the two.
That she said led to various misconceptions about management, PTA strained relationship and assured her team’s commitment to work together towards achieving a common purpose.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
FATHER ARRAIGNED FOR MURDER OF STEP-DAUGHTER, DAILY GRAPHIC, TUE FEB 22, 2011 (PAGE 3)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
A Father who allegedly conspired with two others to murder his 26-year-old step-daughter after gang-raping her has been arraigned before the Tema District Magistrate Court.
Along with him in the dock are his two conspirators, Kwaku Obeng Debrah, 44, and Paul Yaw Adu, both drivers.
The step-daughter, Mavis Owusu, was said to have been a witness in a case against her father, Kwabena Twum, 48, a plumber.
Presenting the facts of the case, Chief Inspector Emmanuel Addai told the court, presided over by Mrs. Johana Yankson, that the deceased, a seamstress by profession, resided with Twum and her mother at Washington, a suburb of Zeenu near Ashaiman in the Tema metropolis.
According to him, the deceased often went round the community with her sewing machine to mend clothes for residents.
He stated that the deceased, who had gone on her usual rounds on December 31, 2010, was later found dead and lying naked in a supine position in an uncompleted building, with bloodstains all over her body, while her sewing machine was placed some five metres away.The incident attracted a large crowd to the scene.
The prosecutor stated that Kwabena Twum, upon hearing the report, went to identify the deceased as a family member and thereafter left the scene and went into hiding.
After investigations, the police arrested Twum at his hideout and later arrested the two other accused persons at Ashaiman.
He pointed out that a post-mortem report on the deceased suggested that she had been gang-raped before being murdered.
Inspector Addai said traces of sperms found in the deceased's private parts had been sent for a DNA test, while the police had intensified their efforts to complete investigations. The suspects are to reappear on the March 10, 2011.
A Father who allegedly conspired with two others to murder his 26-year-old step-daughter after gang-raping her has been arraigned before the Tema District Magistrate Court.
Along with him in the dock are his two conspirators, Kwaku Obeng Debrah, 44, and Paul Yaw Adu, both drivers.
The step-daughter, Mavis Owusu, was said to have been a witness in a case against her father, Kwabena Twum, 48, a plumber.
Presenting the facts of the case, Chief Inspector Emmanuel Addai told the court, presided over by Mrs. Johana Yankson, that the deceased, a seamstress by profession, resided with Twum and her mother at Washington, a suburb of Zeenu near Ashaiman in the Tema metropolis.
According to him, the deceased often went round the community with her sewing machine to mend clothes for residents.
He stated that the deceased, who had gone on her usual rounds on December 31, 2010, was later found dead and lying naked in a supine position in an uncompleted building, with bloodstains all over her body, while her sewing machine was placed some five metres away.The incident attracted a large crowd to the scene.
The prosecutor stated that Kwabena Twum, upon hearing the report, went to identify the deceased as a family member and thereafter left the scene and went into hiding.
After investigations, the police arrested Twum at his hideout and later arrested the two other accused persons at Ashaiman.
He pointed out that a post-mortem report on the deceased suggested that she had been gang-raped before being murdered.
Inspector Addai said traces of sperms found in the deceased's private parts had been sent for a DNA test, while the police had intensified their efforts to complete investigations. The suspects are to reappear on the March 10, 2011.
CHOCOLATE DAY MARKED, THE MIRROR, SAT FEB 19, 2011, (PAGE 21)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
THE Ghana Cocoa Board and its stakeholders have called on the general public to support their activities aimed at promoting domestic tourism.According to officials, countries such as South Africa, Dubai, France amongst others have become major tourist destination points following the commitment they have demonstrated over the years towards the branding their cities as parts of domestic tourism initiatives. The call was made at the celebration of the 2011 edition of the National Chocolate Day at a ceremony in Tema. It was the fifth in series following its introduction in 2007. The event, which was celebrated on Valentine's Day, was adopted by Government as a national day to boost up the consumption and sale of cocoa products in the country. Speaking at a media interaction at the premises of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) Managing Director of CPC, Dr Richard Armah Tetteh said, the company increase its production capacity to about 150metric tones (15,000) cartons of assorted Goldentree chocolate products.
The increase production volume according to him resulted from an increase in the factory’s production capacity following the completion of renovation works at the confectionery factory.
He reiterated the CPC’s commitment towards the chocolate day, which he said has become a significant feature on the Ghana Tourists Board’s calendar aimed at the country's economic development. The Goldentree brand Dr Tetteh said has over the years raked in huge revenue into the national economy from exports, thus its approval as an official product for the day was one that needs the backing of all and sundry. Special handmade chocolates, a new introduction to the golden tree brand were also outdoored. The addition he said was to suit the occasion and enhance gift giving. Dr Tetteh however lamented at the high cost of production which he said has seen an upsurge in the price of the products in the open market.According to him, although management have been exploring various ways to reduce the cost of production, high cost of utility tariffs grappling industries coupled with increase price of production inputs such as cocoa beans, sugar and milk was a major setback.These ingredients he said were often imported owing to the unavailability of local raw materials.“It is in line with these that, a research and development department has been commissioned to study alternative locally made products as substitutes to replace the imported ones,” Dr Tetteh noted. As parts of activities marking the celebrations, special sales promotion stands were mounted at retail outlets such as Maxmart, Melcom Plus, A&C Mall, Koala and other Goldentree outlets nationwide aimed at making the products accessible to consumers.A float was also organised through the principal streets of Accra to create awareness about the health benefits of eating chocolates. Dr Tetteh has thus called on the media to come on board and help the agencies in publicizing the event.He also called for the support of all stakeholders to promote the consumption of chocolate and cocoa products and explore the economic benefits therein. Present at the ceremony was the Public Affairs Manager of the COCOBOD, Mr Noah Kwesi Amenyah.
THE Ghana Cocoa Board and its stakeholders have called on the general public to support their activities aimed at promoting domestic tourism.According to officials, countries such as South Africa, Dubai, France amongst others have become major tourist destination points following the commitment they have demonstrated over the years towards the branding their cities as parts of domestic tourism initiatives. The call was made at the celebration of the 2011 edition of the National Chocolate Day at a ceremony in Tema. It was the fifth in series following its introduction in 2007. The event, which was celebrated on Valentine's Day, was adopted by Government as a national day to boost up the consumption and sale of cocoa products in the country. Speaking at a media interaction at the premises of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) Managing Director of CPC, Dr Richard Armah Tetteh said, the company increase its production capacity to about 150metric tones (15,000) cartons of assorted Goldentree chocolate products.
The increase production volume according to him resulted from an increase in the factory’s production capacity following the completion of renovation works at the confectionery factory.
He reiterated the CPC’s commitment towards the chocolate day, which he said has become a significant feature on the Ghana Tourists Board’s calendar aimed at the country's economic development. The Goldentree brand Dr Tetteh said has over the years raked in huge revenue into the national economy from exports, thus its approval as an official product for the day was one that needs the backing of all and sundry. Special handmade chocolates, a new introduction to the golden tree brand were also outdoored. The addition he said was to suit the occasion and enhance gift giving. Dr Tetteh however lamented at the high cost of production which he said has seen an upsurge in the price of the products in the open market.According to him, although management have been exploring various ways to reduce the cost of production, high cost of utility tariffs grappling industries coupled with increase price of production inputs such as cocoa beans, sugar and milk was a major setback.These ingredients he said were often imported owing to the unavailability of local raw materials.“It is in line with these that, a research and development department has been commissioned to study alternative locally made products as substitutes to replace the imported ones,” Dr Tetteh noted. As parts of activities marking the celebrations, special sales promotion stands were mounted at retail outlets such as Maxmart, Melcom Plus, A&C Mall, Koala and other Goldentree outlets nationwide aimed at making the products accessible to consumers.A float was also organised through the principal streets of Accra to create awareness about the health benefits of eating chocolates. Dr Tetteh has thus called on the media to come on board and help the agencies in publicizing the event.He also called for the support of all stakeholders to promote the consumption of chocolate and cocoa products and explore the economic benefits therein. Present at the ceremony was the Public Affairs Manager of the COCOBOD, Mr Noah Kwesi Amenyah.
Friday, February 18, 2011
CUSTOMS IMPOUNDS SCRAP FOR EXPORT, DAILY GRAPHIC, FRI, FEB 18, 2011 (BACK PAGE)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
TWENTY-FOUR containers of ferrous scrap metal which were being exported from the country have been intercepted by the Tema Collection Point of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) after weeks of surveillance of activities at the Tema Harbour. The consignment is estimated at GHC240, 000.
The exportation of ferrous metals was ban by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2004 to ensure adequate supplies to local steel companies.
Briefing the Daily Graphic in Tema yesterday, Chief Collector in charge of Export at the Tema Habour, Mr Mark Tchorly said following a tip-off, custom officials mounted surveillance at the various loading bays in the Tema metropolis leading to the interception the containers which were brought under seal to the port for export.
He said the Customs Division has intensify efforts to arrest the owners of the companies who were allegedly behind the exportation and indicated that the products would be converted into a seizure after the 14days mandated period in which the owners are supposed to produce a permit that allows them to engage in the trade.
He pointed out that local steel industries were currently producing under capacity due to the inadequacy of raw materials resulting from the surge in ferrous scrap metal exports.
The illegal exportation of the metals he said resulted from the souring prices of scraps on the world market thus encouraging local scrap entrepreneurs to intensify their trade.
While sounding warning to persons associated with the export on the enforcement stringent regulations at their disposal, Mr Tchorly called on the Trade Ministry and Parliament to speed up work on the Legislation Instrument to back the administration ban on the export.
Steel companies in the Tema metropolis currently face imminent closure with an estimated loss of over 3,000 jobs as a result of acute shortage of basic raw materials for the production scraps to produce iron rods and other steel products.
Already Wahome Steel Limited has had to shut down and send an entire workforce of about 350 home, whilst Ferro Fabrick and Special Steel Limited have also halted production temporarily.
Managers of these factories believe a legislative instrument could serve as serious deterrent to scrap exporters especially if the local steel manufactures are to be protected.
TWENTY-FOUR containers of ferrous scrap metal which were being exported from the country have been intercepted by the Tema Collection Point of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) after weeks of surveillance of activities at the Tema Harbour. The consignment is estimated at GHC240, 000.
The exportation of ferrous metals was ban by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2004 to ensure adequate supplies to local steel companies.
Briefing the Daily Graphic in Tema yesterday, Chief Collector in charge of Export at the Tema Habour, Mr Mark Tchorly said following a tip-off, custom officials mounted surveillance at the various loading bays in the Tema metropolis leading to the interception the containers which were brought under seal to the port for export.
He said the Customs Division has intensify efforts to arrest the owners of the companies who were allegedly behind the exportation and indicated that the products would be converted into a seizure after the 14days mandated period in which the owners are supposed to produce a permit that allows them to engage in the trade.
He pointed out that local steel industries were currently producing under capacity due to the inadequacy of raw materials resulting from the surge in ferrous scrap metal exports.
The illegal exportation of the metals he said resulted from the souring prices of scraps on the world market thus encouraging local scrap entrepreneurs to intensify their trade.
While sounding warning to persons associated with the export on the enforcement stringent regulations at their disposal, Mr Tchorly called on the Trade Ministry and Parliament to speed up work on the Legislation Instrument to back the administration ban on the export.
Steel companies in the Tema metropolis currently face imminent closure with an estimated loss of over 3,000 jobs as a result of acute shortage of basic raw materials for the production scraps to produce iron rods and other steel products.
Already Wahome Steel Limited has had to shut down and send an entire workforce of about 350 home, whilst Ferro Fabrick and Special Steel Limited have also halted production temporarily.
Managers of these factories believe a legislative instrument could serve as serious deterrent to scrap exporters especially if the local steel manufactures are to be protected.
Monday, February 14, 2011
ZEENU RESIDENTS PROTEST AGAINST THE SITTING OF LPG GAS STATION, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 14, 2011 (PAGE 42)
Story:Della Russel Ocloo, Zeenu, near Ashaiman
THE sitting of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail outlet close to the Ashaiman Gloryland International School and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) cluster of schools at Zeenu, near Ashaiman in the Tema metropolis is creating uproar among residents in the community.
Apart from its closeness to the two schools, the facility which has a capacity of holding 45,000 liters, an approximate of 26,000 kilograms of LPG Gas is also situated at about 50 meters from an existing LPG station and two fuel stations which have been in operation in the vicinity for several years.
The residents fear that, the situation could cause havoc in the event of an explosion following the nearness of all four centers to Zeenu market as well as residential facilities within the surroundings of the outlet.
According to the residents association, various disasters recorded nation-wide which resulted from explosions in the past were wake up call for authorities to ensure the relocation of the facility.
They claim, emissions from the existing LPG facility often linger in the area for days, sometimes into weeks, thus the progression on the second facility which has been described as the biggest in the metropolis would pose greater health risks to residents and the thousands of school children learning close to the facility.
The Chairman of the Residents Association, Mr Peter Sotie, enumerating their concerns to the Daily Graphic indicated that, the location of the plant was earmarked by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) for the erection of a fuel station in 2001when a re-demarcation exercise was carried out in the area.
“After the re-demarcation, the land was resold to the present occupants who later in 2008 began construction works on the outlet against the fuel dump station in the outlined in the original layout,” he se stated.
Mr Sotie pointed out that, the new development which he described as a threatening led to the association’s decision to petition the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) amongst other stakeholder groupings.
The NPA in a correspondence signed by its former chief executive, Mr J.D Attafuah to the group denied issuing permit for the project.
The said correspondence also mandated a technical team to conduct an inspection of the area and recommend appropriate measures to forestall peace between the feuding parties.
Mr Sotie said personnel from the technical division of the NPA later toured the site on a fact finding mission in 2008 where residents were assured their concerns would be addressed appropriately.
“We were however astonished the project took off in earnest during the later part of 2009 after several agitations for its relocation,” he lamented.
Residents were of the view; the NPA technical team that inspected the project site might have compromised their position leading to the erection of the plant.
While calling on authorities to ensure a relocation of the facility, they have also called for an investigation into the activities of officials of the Tema Regional Office of the EPA, as well as those of the NPA who spearheaded the granting of permit for the construction of the facility.
The Tema Regional Manager of the EPA, Ms Irene Heathcote when contacted confirmed a receipt of complaints from the residents.
According to her, the issue which has been pending for the past three years was being addressed at the EPA head office who recently undertook a tour of the site to ascertain the reality residents’ claims.
In a sharp rebuttal, wife of the owner of the facility, Madam Pricilla Stephens in a telephone interview express disgust at the complaints of the people. She denied suggestions that, they acquired for the permit using illegitimate means, as the documents from the various agencies were granted legally for their operations.
According to her, those agitating against the sitting of the facility were illegal occupants in the area and accused the owner of the Gloryland School of inciting residents against them.
THE sitting of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail outlet close to the Ashaiman Gloryland International School and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) cluster of schools at Zeenu, near Ashaiman in the Tema metropolis is creating uproar among residents in the community.
Apart from its closeness to the two schools, the facility which has a capacity of holding 45,000 liters, an approximate of 26,000 kilograms of LPG Gas is also situated at about 50 meters from an existing LPG station and two fuel stations which have been in operation in the vicinity for several years.
The residents fear that, the situation could cause havoc in the event of an explosion following the nearness of all four centers to Zeenu market as well as residential facilities within the surroundings of the outlet.
According to the residents association, various disasters recorded nation-wide which resulted from explosions in the past were wake up call for authorities to ensure the relocation of the facility.
They claim, emissions from the existing LPG facility often linger in the area for days, sometimes into weeks, thus the progression on the second facility which has been described as the biggest in the metropolis would pose greater health risks to residents and the thousands of school children learning close to the facility.
The Chairman of the Residents Association, Mr Peter Sotie, enumerating their concerns to the Daily Graphic indicated that, the location of the plant was earmarked by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) for the erection of a fuel station in 2001when a re-demarcation exercise was carried out in the area.
“After the re-demarcation, the land was resold to the present occupants who later in 2008 began construction works on the outlet against the fuel dump station in the outlined in the original layout,” he se stated.
Mr Sotie pointed out that, the new development which he described as a threatening led to the association’s decision to petition the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) amongst other stakeholder groupings.
The NPA in a correspondence signed by its former chief executive, Mr J.D Attafuah to the group denied issuing permit for the project.
The said correspondence also mandated a technical team to conduct an inspection of the area and recommend appropriate measures to forestall peace between the feuding parties.
Mr Sotie said personnel from the technical division of the NPA later toured the site on a fact finding mission in 2008 where residents were assured their concerns would be addressed appropriately.
“We were however astonished the project took off in earnest during the later part of 2009 after several agitations for its relocation,” he lamented.
Residents were of the view; the NPA technical team that inspected the project site might have compromised their position leading to the erection of the plant.
While calling on authorities to ensure a relocation of the facility, they have also called for an investigation into the activities of officials of the Tema Regional Office of the EPA, as well as those of the NPA who spearheaded the granting of permit for the construction of the facility.
The Tema Regional Manager of the EPA, Ms Irene Heathcote when contacted confirmed a receipt of complaints from the residents.
According to her, the issue which has been pending for the past three years was being addressed at the EPA head office who recently undertook a tour of the site to ascertain the reality residents’ claims.
In a sharp rebuttal, wife of the owner of the facility, Madam Pricilla Stephens in a telephone interview express disgust at the complaints of the people. She denied suggestions that, they acquired for the permit using illegitimate means, as the documents from the various agencies were granted legally for their operations.
According to her, those agitating against the sitting of the facility were illegal occupants in the area and accused the owner of the Gloryland School of inciting residents against them.
PZ CUSSONS DONATES TO ASHAIMAN GPRTU, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 14, 2011, (PAGE 23)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Ashaiman
PZ CUSSONS Ghana Limited manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceuticals, toiletry and cosmetics products have donated items Robb branded products to the Ashaiman branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) as part of its corporate social responsibility to support the people in the community they operates.
The donation valued at GH¢2,500 was made up of 2 cartons each of Robb Junior, Robb Super Intense Heat, 4milligram of ROBB Ointment, 25ml of Robb ointment, Robb Inhaler and 50 ROBB branded First Aid Boxes with functioning torchlight. The first aid box also contained items such bandages, plasters, a pair of clinical scissors and amongst others.
Making the donation, Marketing Manager of Personal Care, Mr Jerry Boachie Danquah, said his outfit found it expedient to support the commercial drivers whose occupation was strenuous and as such reward them.
He said the first aid boxes were to serve as reminders to all drivers to cultivate the culture of carrying such medical aids in their vehicles to save the lives of their passengers.
A Trustee of the Ashaiman GPRTU, Mr. Augustine Kyeremeh, who received the items on behalf of the group, commended PZ Cussons for the gesture.
He was hopeful the items would go a long way towards the reduction of stress levels amongst drivers. The company also used the occasion to outdoor Robb Supper and Junior Robb to its variants.
The introduction of the two brands to the Robb family was to allow consumers preference between the existing Robb original and Robb inhaler which has been in existence since 1962. The Robb Super according to company officials provides intense heat towards the treatment of severe pains whereas the Junior Robb provides a mild effect on children.
The two products Mr Boachie-Danquah said were subjected to vigorous laboratory analysis before being churned onto the market.
PZ CUSSONS Ghana Limited manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceuticals, toiletry and cosmetics products have donated items Robb branded products to the Ashaiman branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) as part of its corporate social responsibility to support the people in the community they operates.
The donation valued at GH¢2,500 was made up of 2 cartons each of Robb Junior, Robb Super Intense Heat, 4milligram of ROBB Ointment, 25ml of Robb ointment, Robb Inhaler and 50 ROBB branded First Aid Boxes with functioning torchlight. The first aid box also contained items such bandages, plasters, a pair of clinical scissors and amongst others.
Making the donation, Marketing Manager of Personal Care, Mr Jerry Boachie Danquah, said his outfit found it expedient to support the commercial drivers whose occupation was strenuous and as such reward them.
He said the first aid boxes were to serve as reminders to all drivers to cultivate the culture of carrying such medical aids in their vehicles to save the lives of their passengers.
A Trustee of the Ashaiman GPRTU, Mr. Augustine Kyeremeh, who received the items on behalf of the group, commended PZ Cussons for the gesture.
He was hopeful the items would go a long way towards the reduction of stress levels amongst drivers. The company also used the occasion to outdoor Robb Supper and Junior Robb to its variants.
The introduction of the two brands to the Robb family was to allow consumers preference between the existing Robb original and Robb inhaler which has been in existence since 1962. The Robb Super according to company officials provides intense heat towards the treatment of severe pains whereas the Junior Robb provides a mild effect on children.
The two products Mr Boachie-Danquah said were subjected to vigorous laboratory analysis before being churned onto the market.
TEMA REGISTERS MORE UNDER NHIS, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT FEB 12, 2011 (PAGE 18)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo
THE Tema Metropolitan Mutual Health Insurance Scheme registered 386,320 persons last year. Within the same peroid, about 60,070 persons also registered under the scheme’s mass registration programme between October-December 2010. The figure represents a 60percent increase over that of 2009.
The Tema Metropolitan Scheme Manager, Mr Douglas Annan disclosed this at an outreach programme organised by the scheme at Ashalley Botwe, near Adenta.
The programme termed, health insurance clinic according to the Mr Annan was part of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) 2011 strategic policy initiative. It was also aimed at reducing misconception about the operations of the scheme.
The outreach clinic which was under the auspices of Liberty Mutual Healthcare would also be taken to communities such as Appolonia, Kakasunaka No 1, Zeenu, Community 2, Adjei Kojo and Kanewu, all in the Tema metropolis.
It also had the support from Narbita Hospital, New Crystal Hospitals, Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) amongst other providers.
The rural idea according to Mr Annan was to ensure underprivileged communities do not miss out on access to quality health care.
The scheme manager pointed out that, the initiative was intended to educate residents on disease prevention with special emphasis on productive measures towards preventive medicine as opposed to curative medicine.
Public Relations Officer of the scheme, Ms Kafui Gunu-Kuekey appealed to corporate institutions within the Tema metropolis to incorporate into their social responsibility programmes the health needs of residents who formed a chunk of their clientele.
She said enrolling the vulnerable onto the scheme by institutions and organisations would go a long way towards increasing accessibility to health while reducing pressure on government’s resources.
Participants at the programme were screened and educated on Hepatitis B, Diabetes, HIV/AIDs, amongst other diseases. Officials also provided eye and body max index services to the community.
The Adenta Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr Justice Hoffman said, the absence of public health institutions in the municipality had contributed to the rise in cost of healthcare for residents who solely depend on few private facilities.
These private facilities he said cater for the health needs of the over 155, 000 residents in the municipality.
“A worrying fact has to do with pregnant and nursing mothers who are not able to access quality healthcare owing to their inability to enroll on the NHIS scheme resulting from resource constraints”, he lamented.
Dr Hoffman also expressed worry at the increase rate of communicable diseases particularly malaria in the municipality. He indicated that, studies conducted in the borough indicates that, majority of residents do not have access to mosquito nets, whereas those who were privileged do not make use of them. A situation he described as worrying and appeal
He appealed to government and the municipal assembly to speed up work on the three government health facilities under construction to help ease congestion at the private facilities.
THE Tema Metropolitan Mutual Health Insurance Scheme registered 386,320 persons last year. Within the same peroid, about 60,070 persons also registered under the scheme’s mass registration programme between October-December 2010. The figure represents a 60percent increase over that of 2009.
The Tema Metropolitan Scheme Manager, Mr Douglas Annan disclosed this at an outreach programme organised by the scheme at Ashalley Botwe, near Adenta.
The programme termed, health insurance clinic according to the Mr Annan was part of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) 2011 strategic policy initiative. It was also aimed at reducing misconception about the operations of the scheme.
The outreach clinic which was under the auspices of Liberty Mutual Healthcare would also be taken to communities such as Appolonia, Kakasunaka No 1, Zeenu, Community 2, Adjei Kojo and Kanewu, all in the Tema metropolis.
It also had the support from Narbita Hospital, New Crystal Hospitals, Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) amongst other providers.
The rural idea according to Mr Annan was to ensure underprivileged communities do not miss out on access to quality health care.
The scheme manager pointed out that, the initiative was intended to educate residents on disease prevention with special emphasis on productive measures towards preventive medicine as opposed to curative medicine.
Public Relations Officer of the scheme, Ms Kafui Gunu-Kuekey appealed to corporate institutions within the Tema metropolis to incorporate into their social responsibility programmes the health needs of residents who formed a chunk of their clientele.
She said enrolling the vulnerable onto the scheme by institutions and organisations would go a long way towards increasing accessibility to health while reducing pressure on government’s resources.
Participants at the programme were screened and educated on Hepatitis B, Diabetes, HIV/AIDs, amongst other diseases. Officials also provided eye and body max index services to the community.
The Adenta Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr Justice Hoffman said, the absence of public health institutions in the municipality had contributed to the rise in cost of healthcare for residents who solely depend on few private facilities.
These private facilities he said cater for the health needs of the over 155, 000 residents in the municipality.
“A worrying fact has to do with pregnant and nursing mothers who are not able to access quality healthcare owing to their inability to enroll on the NHIS scheme resulting from resource constraints”, he lamented.
Dr Hoffman also expressed worry at the increase rate of communicable diseases particularly malaria in the municipality. He indicated that, studies conducted in the borough indicates that, majority of residents do not have access to mosquito nets, whereas those who were privileged do not make use of them. A situation he described as worrying and appeal
He appealed to government and the municipal assembly to speed up work on the three government health facilities under construction to help ease congestion at the private facilities.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
ATUA GOVT HOSPITAL NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION, DAILY GRAPHIC, TUE FEB 8, 2011 (CENTER SPREAD)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Odumase-Krobo
THE Atua Government Hospital in the Lower Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region, which serves as a medical referral center for cases from the Yilo Krobo, Upper Manya, Dangme West and the Asuogyaman District Assemblies is in a deplorable state.
A visit by the Daily Graphic to the facility revealed that its surgical operating theatre is no longer able to meet the demand for surgical services by patients, due to an increase in the number of cases which were reported at the hospital daily.
The visit further revealed that the facility had no surgical wards, recovery rooms or equipment for monitoring the recovery or otherwise of patients. Ventilation in various parts of the hospital was generally poor and water supply inadequate.
As a result of inadequate facilities, doctors and nurses on duty share one apparel changing room. The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Alexander Osei-Bonsu said most of the surgical equipment available had become obsolete.
Dr Osei-Bonsu said, the situation has made it impossible for the hospital to treat major cases referred from the five district health centers and thus often referred many of such cases to the Tema and Koforidua government hospitals.
Dr Osei-Bonsu said reports reaching him indicated that as a result of the situation at the Auta Government Hospital, many people in the catchment area of the hospital had reverting to dependence on traditional medicines because of the long distance between many of the communities in the catchment area and the government hospitals at Tema and Koforidua.
He expressed optimistic, an approach in health financing by government, stakeholders and corporate institutions was one sure way of prolonging the country’s life expectancy as well reducing incidents of maternal and child morbidity.
He appealed to corporate organizations, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in the health delivery sector, to support the hospital in its efforts to make a worthy contribution towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
THE Atua Government Hospital in the Lower Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region, which serves as a medical referral center for cases from the Yilo Krobo, Upper Manya, Dangme West and the Asuogyaman District Assemblies is in a deplorable state.
A visit by the Daily Graphic to the facility revealed that its surgical operating theatre is no longer able to meet the demand for surgical services by patients, due to an increase in the number of cases which were reported at the hospital daily.
The visit further revealed that the facility had no surgical wards, recovery rooms or equipment for monitoring the recovery or otherwise of patients. Ventilation in various parts of the hospital was generally poor and water supply inadequate.
As a result of inadequate facilities, doctors and nurses on duty share one apparel changing room. The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Alexander Osei-Bonsu said most of the surgical equipment available had become obsolete.
Dr Osei-Bonsu said, the situation has made it impossible for the hospital to treat major cases referred from the five district health centers and thus often referred many of such cases to the Tema and Koforidua government hospitals.
Dr Osei-Bonsu said reports reaching him indicated that as a result of the situation at the Auta Government Hospital, many people in the catchment area of the hospital had reverting to dependence on traditional medicines because of the long distance between many of the communities in the catchment area and the government hospitals at Tema and Koforidua.
He expressed optimistic, an approach in health financing by government, stakeholders and corporate institutions was one sure way of prolonging the country’s life expectancy as well reducing incidents of maternal and child morbidity.
He appealed to corporate organizations, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in the health delivery sector, to support the hospital in its efforts to make a worthy contribution towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
TEMA PARENTS ASSOCIATION SCHOOL PTA, MANAGEMENT TEAM DISAGREE, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 7, 2011 (PAGE 11)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
CONCERNS raised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the Tema Parents Association School on the need for the institution's accounts to be audited have seen the school’s PTA and its four-member management team on a collision course.
The management team headed by the acting Headmaster, Mr Abraham Ekow Afer, in a strongly worded eight-point resolution signed by him (Mr Afer) and two others, namely Mrs Doris Azu, and Mr Johny Kwasie, both executive members of the school’s welfare association, to the PTA executive, cautioned that the school no longer needed its existence to operate.
According to the letter, the PTA could not prompt management on the said issues owing to the school’s registered status as a company limited by guarantee under the Company’s Code of 1963 of which PTA was not incorporated into its structure.
The letter accused the PTA executive, which has Justice Senyo Dzamefe an Appeal Court Judge, as its chairman, of usurping powers and interfering in the day-to-day running of the school.
At an emergency meeting of the school’s PTA held at the weekend to discuss the administration of the school, the PTA chairman indicated that currently, there was no existence of a board of directors and a substantive headmaster at the school thus contributing to the loss of central authority.
That, he said, resulted from the fallout of a legal tussle between the school’s management and its former headmistress, Mrs Nsaki Kaseem, over the last two years.
The situation, he recalled, saw the freezing of the school’s accounts of which Mrs Kaseem was a signatory resulting from a stay of execution motion filed by the outgone board of directors. Currently, Mr Dzamefe noted, the management received GH¢800,000 in hard cash per term as fees.
He told the meeting that the monies had over the last three terms been lodged in the school’s Teachers’ Welfare Account, which is interest yielding and which has two teachers as signatories.
He described the situation as distressing and wondered what would happen in the event of the said signatories to the welfare account vacating their posts.He also expressed regret at the falling academic standards in the school over the past two years resulting in the school placing 28th on the league table of best performing schools in the Tema metropolis.
Justice Dzamefe said parents, being the major stakeholders in the school, could not sit down unconcerned while the four-member management team who were employees ran down the school.
Parents present at the meeting tasked the executive to arrange a meeting and endeavour to address concerns regarding accountability, classification and qualification of tutors.The PTA chairman said this would be the last option.
CONCERNS raised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the Tema Parents Association School on the need for the institution's accounts to be audited have seen the school’s PTA and its four-member management team on a collision course.
The management team headed by the acting Headmaster, Mr Abraham Ekow Afer, in a strongly worded eight-point resolution signed by him (Mr Afer) and two others, namely Mrs Doris Azu, and Mr Johny Kwasie, both executive members of the school’s welfare association, to the PTA executive, cautioned that the school no longer needed its existence to operate.
According to the letter, the PTA could not prompt management on the said issues owing to the school’s registered status as a company limited by guarantee under the Company’s Code of 1963 of which PTA was not incorporated into its structure.
The letter accused the PTA executive, which has Justice Senyo Dzamefe an Appeal Court Judge, as its chairman, of usurping powers and interfering in the day-to-day running of the school.
At an emergency meeting of the school’s PTA held at the weekend to discuss the administration of the school, the PTA chairman indicated that currently, there was no existence of a board of directors and a substantive headmaster at the school thus contributing to the loss of central authority.
That, he said, resulted from the fallout of a legal tussle between the school’s management and its former headmistress, Mrs Nsaki Kaseem, over the last two years.
The situation, he recalled, saw the freezing of the school’s accounts of which Mrs Kaseem was a signatory resulting from a stay of execution motion filed by the outgone board of directors. Currently, Mr Dzamefe noted, the management received GH¢800,000 in hard cash per term as fees.
He told the meeting that the monies had over the last three terms been lodged in the school’s Teachers’ Welfare Account, which is interest yielding and which has two teachers as signatories.
He described the situation as distressing and wondered what would happen in the event of the said signatories to the welfare account vacating their posts.He also expressed regret at the falling academic standards in the school over the past two years resulting in the school placing 28th on the league table of best performing schools in the Tema metropolis.
Justice Dzamefe said parents, being the major stakeholders in the school, could not sit down unconcerned while the four-member management team who were employees ran down the school.
Parents present at the meeting tasked the executive to arrange a meeting and endeavour to address concerns regarding accountability, classification and qualification of tutors.The PTA chairman said this would be the last option.
YOUNG ADULTS FELLOWSHIP DONATES TO TEMA POLYCLINIC, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 7, 2011 (PAGE 23)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
THE Young Adults Fellowship (YAF) of the Tema Joint Church has donated 10 plastic chairs, detergents and toiletries at the cost of GHC1200 to the Tema Polyclinic.
The donation according to the group was to assist the hospital through the provision of logistics towards effective health delivery.
President of the group, Mr Samuel Kwadade Yirenkyi presenting the items said the donation forms part of their social responsibility obligations to society as a Christian organisation.
According to him, the group’s decision to reach out to the underprivileged society has seen them outline various outreach programmes for the year.
He was optimistic; the donation would be utilized effectively by hospital officials as they made strides towards providing quality healthcare to its teeming clients.
The Senior Medical Officer at the facility, Dr William Darko who received the items on behalf of the hospital, commended the club for the gesture which he said would go a long way to alleviate basic logistic problems facing the facility.
He pointed out that, the facility which currently serves as a major provider to health centers scattered across deprived communities in the metropolis was under immense pressure.
According to him, the facility which was built some 50years ago has not witnessed any major renovation, thus putting the life of workers and clients at risk following the weak nature of the structure housing the facility.
Continuing, Dr Darko, the unavailability of sufficient staff to cater for the over 300 daily out patients department (OPD) attendance has seen an ascendency in patient-doctor ratio.
He called for further assistance from corporate institutions as well as the metropolitan assembly towards addressing the challenges
THE Young Adults Fellowship (YAF) of the Tema Joint Church has donated 10 plastic chairs, detergents and toiletries at the cost of GHC1200 to the Tema Polyclinic.
The donation according to the group was to assist the hospital through the provision of logistics towards effective health delivery.
President of the group, Mr Samuel Kwadade Yirenkyi presenting the items said the donation forms part of their social responsibility obligations to society as a Christian organisation.
According to him, the group’s decision to reach out to the underprivileged society has seen them outline various outreach programmes for the year.
He was optimistic; the donation would be utilized effectively by hospital officials as they made strides towards providing quality healthcare to its teeming clients.
The Senior Medical Officer at the facility, Dr William Darko who received the items on behalf of the hospital, commended the club for the gesture which he said would go a long way to alleviate basic logistic problems facing the facility.
He pointed out that, the facility which currently serves as a major provider to health centers scattered across deprived communities in the metropolis was under immense pressure.
According to him, the facility which was built some 50years ago has not witnessed any major renovation, thus putting the life of workers and clients at risk following the weak nature of the structure housing the facility.
Continuing, Dr Darko, the unavailability of sufficient staff to cater for the over 300 daily out patients department (OPD) attendance has seen an ascendency in patient-doctor ratio.
He called for further assistance from corporate institutions as well as the metropolitan assembly towards addressing the challenges
CHECK ILLEGAL ROAD BLOCKS IN TEMA, DAILY GRAPHIC, MON FEB 7, 2011 (PAGE 23)
Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
THE creation of illegal road blocks and humps in various townships including the Tema Metropolis and Ashaiman Municipality has become a common practice by residents and traders of those areas.
These residents and traders practice their illegal skills mainly in new and developing settlements as well as areas with untared roads.
The use of all sorts of materials such as stones, logs, baskets dustbins and boxes to block the roads to compel drivers and other users to slow down on getting to the blocked spots.
The practice has been ongoing for sometime now and because those who do that are not sanctioned, it is fast gaining root and spreading to other areas to the extent that, people think they own portions of the road because they either live close by or undertake activities in those areas.
Residents in suburbs such as Middle East, Newtown, Official Town, all in the Ashaiman municipality have resorted to the illegal practice resulting from traffic congestion along the main Michel Camp-Tema Motorway stretch as well as entire Ashaiman township. The situation is not different at community 10, 2 and 3, where immense road works are ongoing.
The use of logs, stones, lorry tyres amongst other objects as well as the construction of unapproved speed ramps by residents in various suburbs where access routes available to motorists has become the latest trend in the above mention communities.
Road construction in Tema and Ashaiman has over the past 7months witnessed heavy vehicular traffic congestion along major stretches, thus access routes within the various suburbs have been serving as reprieve for road users in reaching their destinations.
A tour of the routes revealed, various objects have positioned in the middle of the road to prevent motorists a right of entry.
A resident at Middle East who spoke to the Daily Graphic on condition of anonymity pointed out that, over speeding on the part of the users have prompted them into those decisions to deny them admission.
According to him, most drivers become overzealous in their attempt to divert traffic through the suburb, thus their approach apart from endangering the life of children in the area has also led to the admission of dust particles into their homes.
Motorists are thus appealing to the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), the Department of Urban Roads and the Tema Metropolitan and Ashaiman Municipal Assemblies to check the practice.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Ashaiman, Mr Numo Adinortey, in an interview with this reporter condemned the illegal blockades being created by residents.
According to him, the said links were demarcated for use by motorists when construction works took off in earnest within the municipality and was thus astonished, residents have taken such stance. He has however given an assurance to deploy city guards to the affected suburbs to ensure sanity.
Mr Kempes Ofosuware of the TMA on the other hand said his outfit has position personnel in the affected areas to control issues of over speeding being raised by residents.
THE creation of illegal road blocks and humps in various townships including the Tema Metropolis and Ashaiman Municipality has become a common practice by residents and traders of those areas.
These residents and traders practice their illegal skills mainly in new and developing settlements as well as areas with untared roads.
The use of all sorts of materials such as stones, logs, baskets dustbins and boxes to block the roads to compel drivers and other users to slow down on getting to the blocked spots.
The practice has been ongoing for sometime now and because those who do that are not sanctioned, it is fast gaining root and spreading to other areas to the extent that, people think they own portions of the road because they either live close by or undertake activities in those areas.
Residents in suburbs such as Middle East, Newtown, Official Town, all in the Ashaiman municipality have resorted to the illegal practice resulting from traffic congestion along the main Michel Camp-Tema Motorway stretch as well as entire Ashaiman township. The situation is not different at community 10, 2 and 3, where immense road works are ongoing.
The use of logs, stones, lorry tyres amongst other objects as well as the construction of unapproved speed ramps by residents in various suburbs where access routes available to motorists has become the latest trend in the above mention communities.
Road construction in Tema and Ashaiman has over the past 7months witnessed heavy vehicular traffic congestion along major stretches, thus access routes within the various suburbs have been serving as reprieve for road users in reaching their destinations.
A tour of the routes revealed, various objects have positioned in the middle of the road to prevent motorists a right of entry.
A resident at Middle East who spoke to the Daily Graphic on condition of anonymity pointed out that, over speeding on the part of the users have prompted them into those decisions to deny them admission.
According to him, most drivers become overzealous in their attempt to divert traffic through the suburb, thus their approach apart from endangering the life of children in the area has also led to the admission of dust particles into their homes.
Motorists are thus appealing to the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), the Department of Urban Roads and the Tema Metropolitan and Ashaiman Municipal Assemblies to check the practice.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Ashaiman, Mr Numo Adinortey, in an interview with this reporter condemned the illegal blockades being created by residents.
According to him, the said links were demarcated for use by motorists when construction works took off in earnest within the municipality and was thus astonished, residents have taken such stance. He has however given an assurance to deploy city guards to the affected suburbs to ensure sanity.
Mr Kempes Ofosuware of the TMA on the other hand said his outfit has position personnel in the affected areas to control issues of over speeding being raised by residents.
PRESIDENT MILLS DISGUSTED AT CORRUPT PRACTICES AT THE PORTS, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT FEB 5, 2011 (FRONT LEAD)
Story: Timothy Gobah & Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
PRESIDNET J.E.A. Mills has expressed disgust and revulsion at the profligate lives of customs officers, who after a few years of being appointed, construct huge mansions and buy posh cars whereas others in various public sector institutions wallow in poverty.
He said, the profligate attitude would not be tolerated in any such organisation and pledged to support all steps to sanitize the system.
President Mills was addressing Customs officials against the backdrop of a documentary, “Enemies of the Nation, The Dark Secrets of Tema Harbour”, filed by an investigate journalist, Mr Anas Aremeyaw Anas, when he paid an unannounced working visit to the Tema Port yesterday.
In an uncharacteristic angry mood, the President expressed worry that operation within the port community were not transparent, thus contributing to deprive the generality of Ghanaians of huge resources needed to transform their lives.
He said, if he had his own way, he would transfer or sack officials at the various ports and suggested to the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to compel those the division employed to declare their assets upon employment and do so from time to time.
“If it means transferring everybody, I will do so; if it means dismissing everybody found culpable, I’ll do so,” the President warned.
The Tema Habour, the biggest revenue collection center, has over the years come under a barrage of alleged acts of bribery and corruption, with CEPS officials said to have colluded with agents and institutions to defraud the state.
The documentary aired on Television stations across the country and published in the Crusading Guide newspaper showed officials of CEPS, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), National Security, Destination Inspection Companies (DICs), amongst others as well as agents colluding with each other in unpatriotic activities to deny the nation millions of cedis in revenue. The President advised the Customs Commissioner to ensure that, anybody who went to the port the name of the presidency was arrested.
He also expressed regret at the posture of the judiciary regarding the cocoa smuggling video of which the suspects standing trail for aiding smugglers to cart out the cocoa to neighboring Cote D’ Ivoire were discharged for lack of prosecution.
The President pointed out that, monies belonging to the nation found its way into the pockets of self-seeking individuals who consider their interest paramount to that of the nation.
He noted that, surveys conducted on the country on investment opportunities places Ghana in the lower league although the country has obtained a self acclaimed status of being a gateway to the rest of Africa whereas corruption remains tops.
President Mills warned that, he would allow the laws take its cause towards ensuring sanity prevails across board.
“Look at the number of people who can hardly makes ends meet, afford education and access medical care due to the unavailability of resource at their disposal although they have the rights to do so,” he lamented.
He gave his full backing to decisions being implemented by the Commissioner of Customs Division of the GRA, Major Carl Modey to dismiss officers found to have compromised their positions. He also called for in-depth investigations into the operations of GCNET to help sanitize matters.
Later in an interaction with the agents, President Mills charged them to desist from the payment of enticement fees to aid officials in carrying out their legitimate duties.
President Mills was accompanied by Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour, Director General of the GPHA, Mr Nestor Percy Galley and other government officials.
PRESIDNET J.E.A. Mills has expressed disgust and revulsion at the profligate lives of customs officers, who after a few years of being appointed, construct huge mansions and buy posh cars whereas others in various public sector institutions wallow in poverty.
He said, the profligate attitude would not be tolerated in any such organisation and pledged to support all steps to sanitize the system.
President Mills was addressing Customs officials against the backdrop of a documentary, “Enemies of the Nation, The Dark Secrets of Tema Harbour”, filed by an investigate journalist, Mr Anas Aremeyaw Anas, when he paid an unannounced working visit to the Tema Port yesterday.
In an uncharacteristic angry mood, the President expressed worry that operation within the port community were not transparent, thus contributing to deprive the generality of Ghanaians of huge resources needed to transform their lives.
He said, if he had his own way, he would transfer or sack officials at the various ports and suggested to the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to compel those the division employed to declare their assets upon employment and do so from time to time.
“If it means transferring everybody, I will do so; if it means dismissing everybody found culpable, I’ll do so,” the President warned.
The Tema Habour, the biggest revenue collection center, has over the years come under a barrage of alleged acts of bribery and corruption, with CEPS officials said to have colluded with agents and institutions to defraud the state.
The documentary aired on Television stations across the country and published in the Crusading Guide newspaper showed officials of CEPS, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), National Security, Destination Inspection Companies (DICs), amongst others as well as agents colluding with each other in unpatriotic activities to deny the nation millions of cedis in revenue. The President advised the Customs Commissioner to ensure that, anybody who went to the port the name of the presidency was arrested.
He also expressed regret at the posture of the judiciary regarding the cocoa smuggling video of which the suspects standing trail for aiding smugglers to cart out the cocoa to neighboring Cote D’ Ivoire were discharged for lack of prosecution.
The President pointed out that, monies belonging to the nation found its way into the pockets of self-seeking individuals who consider their interest paramount to that of the nation.
He noted that, surveys conducted on the country on investment opportunities places Ghana in the lower league although the country has obtained a self acclaimed status of being a gateway to the rest of Africa whereas corruption remains tops.
President Mills warned that, he would allow the laws take its cause towards ensuring sanity prevails across board.
“Look at the number of people who can hardly makes ends meet, afford education and access medical care due to the unavailability of resource at their disposal although they have the rights to do so,” he lamented.
He gave his full backing to decisions being implemented by the Commissioner of Customs Division of the GRA, Major Carl Modey to dismiss officers found to have compromised their positions. He also called for in-depth investigations into the operations of GCNET to help sanitize matters.
Later in an interaction with the agents, President Mills charged them to desist from the payment of enticement fees to aid officials in carrying out their legitimate duties.
President Mills was accompanied by Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour, Director General of the GPHA, Mr Nestor Percy Galley and other government officials.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
LION'S CLUB ASSISTS ATUA GOVT HOSPITAL, DAILY GRAPHIC, THUR FEB 3, 2011 (PAGE 23)
THE Lions Club of Tema has donated 10 wheel chairs valued at the cost of GHC2000 to the Atua Government Hospital in the Lower Manya Krobo District in the Eastern Region.
The donation followed an appeal made on behalf of the hospital and the people of the area by a resident of the community, Mrs Margaret Padi, on the difficult manner in which patients, particularly, the elderly were moved through and from the hospital and within the various areas of the facility.
She was concerned about the fact that patients in severe pains had to get down from vehicles and manage to walk to be able to see medical personnel.
Making the donation, the immediate past Zonal Chairperson (IPZC) for Zone 161 of the Lion Club’s International, Ms Kate Baaba Hudson said, the presentation was in line the club’s monthly activity and also forms part of their social responsibility and the beginning of various outreach programmes outlined for the year.
The programmes according to her were aimed at reaching out to deprived communities and societies outside their catchment area of operation.
That she said was an indication towards achieving the Lion’s Club International’s thematic declaration of ‘Beacon of Hope’ for the year 2011.
Ms Hudson was optimistic; the donation would be utilized effectively by hospital officials as they made strides towards providing quality healthcare.
The IPZC said, the Tema Lion’s Club was a member of Region 16 of the LCI which is made up of 12 Lion’s Club which is made up of 12 Lion’s Club in Ghana which are part of the District 403-A. The district body comes under the umbrella body of the Lion’s Club International which has its headquarters in Chicago, USA.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Isaac Agbo Tettey, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, commended the club for the gesture which he said would go a long way to alleviate basic logistic problems facing the facility.
He pointed out that, the facility which serves as a referral center for the Yilo Krobo, Upper Manya, Dangme West and the Asuogyaman District Assemblies has been under enormous pressure.
The hospital according to Mr Tettey has not seen any major renovation over the last 30years, while link roads connecting the facility were in deplorable conditions.
“Although the assembly has over the past few years developed blueprints towards improving upon quality healthcare and education in the district, inadequate financial constraints were thwarting efforts”, Mr Tettey lamented.
He has thus appeal to the incoming Health Minister, Mr Joseph Yileh Chireh to as a matter of urgency visit the facility as he seeks first hand information on the state of health deliver in the hinterland.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Alexander Osei-Bonsu on the other hand called for more assistant from corporate institutions towards alleviating the facility. That he said would contribute meaningfully towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals that sought to provide access to affordable healthcare to all.
The Lion’s Club has over the years made significant contributions towards health delivery in the country. Members’ quest towards reducing incidents of eye diseases saw the club putting up a multimillion dollar eye care center which has been described as the biggest in the country for the Tema General hospital. The facility currently serves as referral center for cases across the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions respectively.
The donation followed an appeal made on behalf of the hospital and the people of the area by a resident of the community, Mrs Margaret Padi, on the difficult manner in which patients, particularly, the elderly were moved through and from the hospital and within the various areas of the facility.
She was concerned about the fact that patients in severe pains had to get down from vehicles and manage to walk to be able to see medical personnel.
Making the donation, the immediate past Zonal Chairperson (IPZC) for Zone 161 of the Lion Club’s International, Ms Kate Baaba Hudson said, the presentation was in line the club’s monthly activity and also forms part of their social responsibility and the beginning of various outreach programmes outlined for the year.
The programmes according to her were aimed at reaching out to deprived communities and societies outside their catchment area of operation.
That she said was an indication towards achieving the Lion’s Club International’s thematic declaration of ‘Beacon of Hope’ for the year 2011.
Ms Hudson was optimistic; the donation would be utilized effectively by hospital officials as they made strides towards providing quality healthcare.
The IPZC said, the Tema Lion’s Club was a member of Region 16 of the LCI which is made up of 12 Lion’s Club which is made up of 12 Lion’s Club in Ghana which are part of the District 403-A. The district body comes under the umbrella body of the Lion’s Club International which has its headquarters in Chicago, USA.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Isaac Agbo Tettey, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, commended the club for the gesture which he said would go a long way to alleviate basic logistic problems facing the facility.
He pointed out that, the facility which serves as a referral center for the Yilo Krobo, Upper Manya, Dangme West and the Asuogyaman District Assemblies has been under enormous pressure.
The hospital according to Mr Tettey has not seen any major renovation over the last 30years, while link roads connecting the facility were in deplorable conditions.
“Although the assembly has over the past few years developed blueprints towards improving upon quality healthcare and education in the district, inadequate financial constraints were thwarting efforts”, Mr Tettey lamented.
He has thus appeal to the incoming Health Minister, Mr Joseph Yileh Chireh to as a matter of urgency visit the facility as he seeks first hand information on the state of health deliver in the hinterland.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Alexander Osei-Bonsu on the other hand called for more assistant from corporate institutions towards alleviating the facility. That he said would contribute meaningfully towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals that sought to provide access to affordable healthcare to all.
The Lion’s Club has over the years made significant contributions towards health delivery in the country. Members’ quest towards reducing incidents of eye diseases saw the club putting up a multimillion dollar eye care center which has been described as the biggest in the country for the Tema General hospital. The facility currently serves as referral center for cases across the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions respectively.
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