Wednesday 19 February 2014

Pupils of Tema Lutheran School embarks of health walk

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA Students and Staff of Trinity Lutheran School,(TLS), in Tema have embarked on a health walk to revitalize the pupils and teachers and also promote healthy living habits. The 15—kilometer, one and half hour walk was on the theme “Exercise is Life”. The walk began from the school premises at Community Two in Tema through Communities five and Six, OLAMS School, the Tema Stadium, Community two and back to the Trinity Lutheran School. The Executive Manager of the School, Mr Simon Peter Attah-Cato said the walk, the second in the series, was to inculcate a healthy living habit not only in the pupils and staff of the school but also among parents and guardians. He said aside the health benefits; the walk was also aimed to sensitize the public within the Tema Metropolis of the academic programmes offered by the school and encourage residents to enroll their children in the school. “TLS offers a standard Ghana Education Service curriculum from the pre-school, primary and Junior High School and so far we have produced two batches of graduates at the Basic Education Certificates Examination who are first class Senior High Schools in the country”, Mr Attah-Cato He said the school is looking to double its enrollment from the current 520 students to a 1000 students by close 2014. “We are known for being the centre of academic excellence. We had very excellent BECE results. Last year we recorded 100 percent with about 93 per cent distinctions and we are looking forward to improve on the performance of the students,”Mr Attah-Cato said -End-

TMA wins maiden Tema Corporate League

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA The Tema Metropolitan Assembly football team which emerged victors of the maiden edition of the Tema Corporate League has been presented with the league trophy. The glittering trophy was handed over to the captain of the TMA side, Nii Amarfio Ashitey by the Human Resource Manager of TMA, Mr. Daniel Nyaho-Darti after a coronation match played at the Oninku Park in Tema Community One. TMA emerged winners with 20 points in the league which featured six teams from corporate institutions operating in the Tema Metropolis namely; TMA, GTP, CEPS, BALLORE, ECG and TOR. The league among others aims at fostering unity among the corporate institutions in the Metropolis. The coronation match, played between league winners and the second placed team on the league log, Tex Style Ghana Limited formerly known as GTP ended 2:0 in favour of GTP. The Tema Corporate League is organized Sabbspor Solutions Impex, an event organizing company. Mr. Jerome Kudzo Gammey, Administrative Manager of the organizers said the Tema Corporate League is an attempt to revive the erstwhile Tema Inter-Departmental League which produced teams such as Ghapoha FC that played in the national league. He expressed appreciation to all the participating teams for their involvement in the maiden edition and expressed the hope that subsequent edition will witness an improvement. Mr Gammey said apart from fostering unity among the corporate institutions, the league is also geared at promoting good health among workers. He disclosed that as part of activities lined up for this year, a monthly health walk will be introduced to health the numerous workforce stay healthy. "As we all know, a healthy workforce produces high productivity and as an organization, we are committed to helping the working people in Tema stay healthy at all times, “he said. He described the maiden corporate football league as a success stressing that this year; a lot more institutions have expressed their desire to take part in the next edition. The Human Resource Manager of TMA, Daniel Nyaho-Darti who represented the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten at the coronation match, commended the winning team. He called for stronger collaboration among the corporate institutions in Tema on and off the sporting arena that will culminate in the development of the metropolis. "Our vision as an assembly is to ensure a clean Metropolis and it is my expectation that that through such a sporting platform, all the corporate institutions will come together to help us achieve that vision. -End-

Bank of Baroda donates to SOS Children's Village

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA Bank of Baroda ( Ghana) Limited has donated assorted items worth GH c 3,000 to the SOS Children's Village in Tema. Items presented are 150 liters of cooking oil, 15 bags each containing 25 kilograms of rice, 140 pieces of toilet rolls, five cartons of fruit juice, 72 pieces of spam and 3 cartons of indomie noddles. Making the donation at a brief ceremony in Tema, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Dhirajkumar R. Patel said that the presentations forms part of activities marking six years of its operations in Ghana and also aimed at sharing the bank’s success story in Ghana with the children in the village. He also indicated gesture by the bank was part of its corporate social responsibility. He said the bank emerged most profitable bank in 2013 among 25 banks in Ghana assessed on total income before tax. According to Mr Patel, the bank's profit to date stood at GH c 22.5 million with the Tema branch contributing a chunk of the earnings hence the choice of SOS Children Village as recipient of the items this year. "We want to expressed our appreciation to all our clients for the cordial business relations that has made us who we are in the relative short period of operation in Ghana" he said. He said the bank commenced banking business in Ghana on February 5, 2008 and each year it organizes a corporate social responsibility activity to share its earnings with society. Receiving the assorted items on behalf of the SOS Children's Village, Tema, the Village Director, Mr Isaac Kojo Ackon expressed the Village's appreciation for the donation which he said will go a long way to bring smiles to the faces of the 121 children in the home. -end- Pix: 1:Mr. Dhirajkumar R. Patel, MD of Bank of Baroda presenting the items to Mr Isaac Kojo Ackon, Village Director, SOS Tema while some children in the village look on. QUICK READ 1- Bank of Baroda has presented assorted items worth GH c 3,000.00 to the SOS Children's Village. 2- The gesture forms part of the bank's 6th anniversary in Ghana and its corporate social responsibility

Rosemond Nyampong's Murder trial: Judge requests legal services for suspect

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Unpublished (February 13, 2014 A Tema Magistrate Court has adjourned hearings into the murder of Rosemond Nyampong, a worker of Stanbic Bank who was killed in her house at Baastona in Accra. At its fourth sitting on the case on yesterday (Thursday) the court presided over by Mr Isaac Adjei remanded the suspect, Abraham Baah Kwame Oyortey in prison custody to re-appear in court on March 13, 2014. Provisional Murder Charge 25-year-old Abraham Baah Kwame Oyortey, a welder, was provisional charged with murder when he made his first appearance in court on December 12, 2013 and another on December 23, 2013. On January 13, 2014, he made is third appearance in court but was remanded in prison custody. Thursday’s hearing was the fourth time the accused person was appearing in court. However when the case was called, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Cecelia Mensah told the court that a duplicate docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s office and they were waiting for advice. She therefore requested for a month’s adjournment to which the Presiding Judge obliged. Pro bono At the request of the Presiding Judge, Mr Charles Kwesi Acheampong,a lawyer who was present in court accepted to offer legal services to the accused person pro bono. Pro bono legal work is charity work. It is done by those with a particular expertise -- lawyers, paralegals, investigators -- on behalf of those who cannot afford to help themselves. According to the Presiding Judge, the accused person is entitled to Counsel stressing that “this is a first degree felony and he could be sentenced to death if convicted” Mr. Acheampong initially declined the invitation by the judge to offer pro bono services arguing that he is not abreast with the facts of the case adding that sometimes such murder cases can travel very long and with resource constraints, it will be a difficult. However, after a few minutes accepted to take up the case, to which the Presiding Judge expressed his appreciation. The 32-year-old, Rosemond Nyampong, until her death, was a disbursement officer at the head office of the Stanbic Bank. She was found dead in her home at Baatsona in Accra after she had gone missing for a while. Her family members found her body in a pool of blood on November 21, 2013 after she had failed to report for work that fateful day. Arrest The suspect, Abraham Baah Kwame Oyortey, was arrested from his hideout at Krobo Odumase in the Eastern Region upon a tip-off, with Ms Nyampong’s vehicle in his possession. Some other items belonging to the deceased, including a television set, a DVD player, a sound system and three speakers, were retrieved from the suspect’s residence, which was a few blocks from the deceased’s house. -End- Quick Read:  The suspect in the Rosemond Nyampong murder case has been remanded in Prison Custody  He will reappear on March 13, 2014  Meanwhile, a lawyer has offered to offer legal services to the accused person pro bono at the request of the Presiding Judge.

Tema Regional Police command bust gang involve in car-snatching

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Not Published The Tema Regional Police is investigating three suspected persons believed to members of a car snatching syndicate and have been arrested for snatching cars from their victims within Prampram and its surroundings. The suspects , Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey, 24 and Felix Adjei, also 24, both mobile phone repairers and Mohammed Issifu, alias Akokora, 40, an accomplice who is alleged to have been buying stolen cars from the two suspects are currently in police custody assisting in investigation. The police was able to retrieved four cars from the suspects. Two of the suspects Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey and Felix Adjei have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, causing harm and robbery. Mohammed Issifu who bought the cars is also in the grips of the police and has been charged with dishonestly receiving. Facts of the case Briefing the press in Tema on Wednesday, the Tema Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent, (ASP) Olivia Turkson said on February 8, 2014 at about 12:30 am, a Nissan Almera taxi driven by one Adamu Kpanti was hired by Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey and Felix Adjei from Medina in Accra to the Central University campus at Miotso She said on arrival at Miotso, on the Dawenya-Ada highway the suspects allegedly pulled a knife on the driver, took the vehicle and sped off towards the Ada direction. ASP Turkson said the victim was able to rush to the Police Barrier at Tsokpoli where he lodged a complaint. According to ASP Turkson police personnel after listening to the complaints sent out radio messages to all police barriers including the Sogakope post where the vehicle was intercepted and the occupants arrested and handed over to the police at Prampram. ASP Turkson said upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to having snatched the car and also admitted to having committed other robberies which are under investigation. According to ASP Turkson, the suspects also confirmed snatching another vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number, GX 5124-13 from one Prince Owusu of Gbawe in Accra and sold it to suspect Mohammed Issifu at Abotoase in the Volta Region. Modus operandi The Tema Police PRO pointed out that initial investigation indicated that the suspects have focused their expedition on any Nissan Almera car they see because all four car robbery incidence they are alleged to have been engaged in involved Nissan Almera brand of vehicles. She said the main architect to the crime, Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey claimed that he together with his accomplices had to carry out these crimes to enable him mobilize some money to help him travel to Spain since he has already secured a visa and needed money to aid his travel. ASP Turkson said the suspects also confirmed snatching another taxi cab with registration number GN 5164-13 from one Solomon Obo Adjei on February 5, 2014 after their had hired the car in Ningo. According to the police, in that incident, on arrival at a village called Kabukope, the suspects pulled a knife, attacked and inflicted severe wounds on the driver and ordered him to surrender the keys to the car but the driver refused and fled amidst shouts for help. The police said the suspects sensing danger fled from the scene while the driver, who is currently in coma and on admission at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was initially admitted at the Prampram Health Centre but later referred to the Tema General. ASP Turkson said suspect Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey who use to stay with his uncle at Prampram on January 12, 2014 stole his uncle’s Nissan Sentra car with Registration Number GC 8292-12 which was later spotted in Worawora. She said suspect Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey told the police he heard suspect Mohammed Issifu deals in cars and that he was aware he buys stolen cars from people and also buys cars from Togo to resell them in Ghana. Alleged robber on the Motorway
In a related development, the Police in Tema have arrested a 24 year old Nigerien, Ibrahim Issah who was arrested on the Tema Motorway at 3 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Members of the Tema Police Patrol team recovered an unlicensed locally manufactured pistol, one live cartridge, a kitchen knife, a number of match sticks and an empty cigarette box from the suspect. The Tema Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olivia Turkson told the media in Tema that members of the patrol team while on duty at the Adjei Kojo section of the motorway spotted the suspect emerging from the bush at about 3 am. She said since that particular section noted by the police for attacks on innocent people and looking at the time and demeanor of the suspect, the police suspected him to be a criminal and ordered him to stop. She said instead of obeying the order, the suspect fled but was given a hot chase by some of the police personnel who apprehended him. He said a search conducted on him revealed the said items and when interrogated failed to explained why he was in procession of those items. She said the suspects could not also offer any explanation as to where he was coming from. ASP said police believe that the suspect is part of the criminals who attack travelers and passengers on that stretch of the motorway and based on this the arrested him and after investigation, charged him from processing fireman without lawful authority and preparation to crime. She explained that the suspect will soon be processed for court. -End- Pix: 1. Members of the alleged car snatching syndicate. From left to Right, Mohammed Issifu, aka, 'Akokora', Felix Adjei, and Emmanuel Maxwell Nartey. 2. Suspect Ibrahim Issah, 24, was arrested on the Tema Motorway in procession of unlicensed pistol and other gadgets 3. The gadgets including a locally manufactured gun and knife retrieved from Suspect Ibrahim Issah Quick Read:  The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested three persons suspected to be members of a car snatching syndicate.  The suspects are in custody and assisting the police in their investigation  Meanwhile, a alleged highway robber is also in the grips of the police in Tema for processing unlicensed locally manufactured pistol.

CACI dedicates worship center at Sakumono

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Saturday 15 February 2014
THE Christ Apostolic Church International, (C.A.C.I), has held a ceremony to dedicate its newly constructed well furnished Family Worship Centre (FWC) auditorium at Sakumono near Tema in the Greater Accra Region The dedication ceremony, which coincided with the first anniversary celebration of the church, was performed by Apostle Dr. Stephen K. Amoani, Chairman of the C.A.C.I He was assisted by Apostle Dr. E.O.K. Donkor, General Secretary of C.A.C.I, Apostle Dr. Michael Nimo, former Chairman of the church and Rev. Osei Danquah, the resident pastor. Apostle Dr. Amoani in dedicating the auditorium prayed that the facility will not only serve as a place of worship and the ministry of the word of God but also for the celebration of churches ordinances and the guidance and upbringing of children in the way of the Lord. “It is my prayer that the auditorium will serve as the place for the teaching of the word of God and speaking the salvation of mankind in the hope of the soon appearing Lord.” Apostle Dr Amoani said. Later in an interview, Apostle Dr Amoani, advocate the development of a National Development Plan to be implemented by all succeeding governments irrespective of which political party is in power. He explained that by so doing the ruling government would effectively apply the states resources that would yield maximum outcome for the country. He said it behoves on all "to devote our visions and goals to the service of God for strength and direction as well stand the test of any temptation". Rev Osei Danquah, the resident minister described the growth of the church as very phenomenal, with membership growing to about 300 within one year. He said in line with the churches vision, it has instituted s scholarship scheme dubbed: "Dr Amoani Trust Fund" to cater for the needy and brilliant students and the welfare of members. He said the Church believes in the holistic development of its members in every facet of their lives, be it spiritual, physical, social and economic needs hence the creation of the scheme. Quoting from the Bible, Rev Danquah said Jesus Christ apart from giving his followers spiritual food also provided for their physical needs and that is what the church believes. “We at C.A.C.I believes the holistic development of the individual hence the establishment of the scholarship fund to address such needs of members”, Rev. Danquah said. He commended members of the church for their commitment in supporting the completion of the edifice. -End- Writer’s email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Cargill Ghana Ltd pays over GH C 600,000 as bonuses to 3,900 coacoa farmers

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA
Cargill Ghana Limited, a cocoa processing company in Tema has paid GH ¢604,288.00 in premiums to 3,900 Ghanaian cocoa farmers. In addition to the premium payment, each farmer received a set of personal protective materials including overalls, hats, gloves and wellington boots. The payment which is the second to be handed out by Cargill Ghana Limited covers the delivery of certified sustainable cocoa beans purchased during the 2012 -2013 cocoa season in Ghana. The gesture aims at motivating the cocoa farmers to continue adopting the best agricultural and environmental practices in their operations and thereby sustain the production of quality cocoa in the country. A cheque for the amount was handed over to Mr. David Kwabena Aidoo on behalf of the farmers at a ceremony in Tema. Present at the event were representatives of Akuafo Adamfo Cocoa Purchasing Company, Solidaridad West Africa, an organization that supports the sustainable development of farmers and production system, Representatives of Ghana Cocoa Board, and the Dutch Embassy. A portion of the premium paid have been set aside to provide funding for much needed infrastructure and social projects which are chosen by the cocoa farmers for the wider cocoa producing community Presentation Presenting the cheque during the ceremony, the Managing Director of Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate, Mr Philippe Huet said the premium payment is recognition of the hard work of the farmers and adopting more sustainable practices in their activities. He gave the assurance that Cargill will continue to work with its partners such as Cocoa Board, Akuafo Adamfo, a cocoa purchasing company in Ghana and Solidaridad West Africa, to ensure that cocoa farmers have the right support, education and tools to continue to build and develop a sustainable cocoa production system in Ghana. Mr Huet said by the close of the year 2016, Cargill hopes to train more than 20,000 farmers through its farmer training programmes with the hope of improving their productivity, bean quality and also enhance their livelihood. Akuafo Adamfo In his address, the Head of operations of Akuafo Adamfo Cocoa Purchasing Company, Mr Theophilus Agyare Asare said that partnership with Cargill Ghana Limited and Solidaridad West Africa cover a four year period and aims at taking farmers through training to help them produce cocoa beans in a sustainable way. The project is committed to assisting farmers to improve their income level by taking them through training for good agricultural and environmental practices so right farmers will produce sustainable cocoa and see their farming as a business rather than a way of life. He said the payment of the first premium in 2013 has boosted the morale of farmers and also encouraged other farmers who were hitherto not part of the scheme to desire to be part of the programme. “This shows the confidence farmers have in the project and the desire to be part of the successes story of the programme,” he said. The Managing Director of Quality Control Company Limited, a subsidiary of COCOBOD, Mr Thomas K. Osei commended cocoa farmers who did business with Cargill Ghana Limited and Akuafo Adamfo for strictly abiding by the principles of the international community by producing quality cocoa. He noted that even though there were mixed reactions from farmers when the cocoa certification was introduced, the farmers have come to appreciate its importance and are today reaping the benefits. He gave the assurance that COCOBOD will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that cocoa products are produced strictly under sound and acceptable conditions. Mr. David Kwabena Aidoo on behalf of the beneficiary farmers expressed appreciation to Cargill Ghana Limited and indicated that the gesture will encourage them to work hard to improve on their farming business. Present at the ceremony was over 120 farmers from the cocoa producing areas. -END- Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Displaced Adjei Kojo residents relocate

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Tuesday, 11 February 2014
A number of displaced families at Promised Land and Solomon City near Adjei Kojo, where there was massive demolition, have relocated. A few families who claim they have nowhere to go, however, continue to reside in tents provided by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). On a visit to the area at the weekend, a little over two weeks after the demolition exercise which displaced over 800 persons, mostly women, children and the aged, the Daily Graphic reporter saw that the site was calm, since some of the victims had relocated, but a few families were still around. They have been living in tents provided by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). An occupant of one of the tents told the Daily Graphic that life in the tent had not be very comfortable but she and her family had no choice. Relief items In addition to the tents, used clothing, mosquito nets and coils provided initially by the NADMO, it has provided a 13,500-litre water container to supply potable water to the people. The Ashaiman District branch of the Church of Pentecost has also provided the victims with water containers that would supply water to those living in the community. One of the victims, who gave his name only as Albert, said majority of the affected persons had moved out of the area to seek refuge with relatives elsewhere. "We have nowhere to go. All our investments went into the construction of our homes which have been pulled down and we have to make do with these tents," he said. During a visit to the area last Friday, the reporter noticed that a makeshift school had been created under a tree to educate the children who had been loitering after being displaced during the demolition exercise. Mr Humphrey Daniel Banini, a victim who volunteered to teach children whose parents were affected by the demolition, told the Daily Graphic that he decided to do that to help the children who were loitering after their school block was pulled down during the demolition exercise so that they would find it easier to return to school. Alleged Intimidation Mr Banini bemoaned what he termed the continuous harassment of the victims by some military personnel who had camped near the demolition site. He alleged that on January 29, 2014 and at about 10:30 p.m., some military personnel who carried out the exercise stormed the demolition site, forcibly ejected some families who were sleeping in two of the tents mounted by NADMO, and took the tents to their camp. Mr Banini, whose claim was supported by other victims, said the families whose tents were taken away by the military personnel had no option but to leave the site. He also said some of the victims, led by some of the chiefs who sold the land to them, were pursuing the case in court to prove ownership of the land. "We are not leaving this land until the case is settled in the courts," he stressed. An opinion leader in the community, Mr Mawudem Kumador, alleged in an interview that some security personnel who had pitched camp near the demolition site had cut the pipelines carrying water to houses that had not been touched in the demolition exercise. He then spoke of alleged intimidation by some security personnel, especially at night, stressing that "the soldiers are unduly harassing us in the neighbourhood just to intimidate us." Background to demolition exercise The Tema Development Company (TDC), from January 20 to 22, 2014, embarked on an exercise to demolish some illegal structures that fell within the Tema Acquisition Area, which was being developed by private people. Officials of the TDC explained that it realised that some of its lands had been taken over by land guards and persons parading themselves as chiefs. According to the TDC, following the successful execution of the survey exercise conducted by the 48 Engineers Regiment in the area, the company agreed to regularise over 3,000 houses in the area, covering a total of 905 acres of encroached lands. The TDC said it made it clear to residents at a meeting organised in 2013 that as part of the survey, structures found in the layout would be removed. The structures to be removed were classified into three categories: Those on water courses, road corridor and planned project sites. Based on this the TDC, said notices were served to occupants of structures, starting with a demand for land, and building documents and permits. This was followed by notices to remove illegal structures and a final warning. Houses on 10 acres out of the 905 acres were identified. According to the TDC, about 150 of the houses demolished were sited on about 10 acres of encroached lands out of a total 905 acres earmarked for regularisation. Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/17417-displaced-adjei-kojo-residents-relocate.html http://graphic.com.gh/present-day-adjei-kojo.html

Phase two of slum-upgrading project for Ashaiman to start soon

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover/ Daily Graphic / Ghana | Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Government, with support from the United Nations Habitat (Ghana), has announced plans to embark on the second phase of upgrading of slums in the Ashaiman municipality to improve the lives of the people. Already, 31 families have benefited from the first phase of the project which was implemented in 2010 by replacing their dilapidated shacks with improved housing options. An amount of $400,000 has been earmarked to kick-start phase two of the project. The Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Sampson Ahi, disclosed this when he, together with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ashaiman, Mr Ibrahim Baidoo, inspected the project site at Ashaiman. Mr Ahi expressed optimism about the reality of the project to ensure a well-planned community and added that government was determined to improve slum settlements in Ghana. He allayed the fears of the inhabitants regarding their safety and stressed that all efforts had been made to ensure that no one was displaced in the process of implementing the project. "We are working with the municipal assembly to ensure a successful implementation of the project. Our presence here is to meet all the stakeholders to discuss all the loose ends, especially issues regarding access to the land, and once that is sorted out, work will commence," he said. The MCE for Ashaiman, described the project as a positive intervention which, when implemented, will go a long way to bring relief to the people. He said phase one was a great success, and appealed to the inhabitants to cooperate with the government, since every effort would will be made to ensure that nobody was denied his or her livelihood. "The necessary consultation will be made and once funding is available, we are hopeful that phase two will be a success," he said. The MCE said the project, when completed, would provide infrastructural facilities such as drains, streetlights and roads to improve the living condition of the residents. Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/17905-phase-two-of-slum-upgrading-project-for-ashaiman-to-start-soon.html

2 Arrested at Adjei Kojo for obstructing police

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Two persons have been arrested by a joint police and military team for allegedly attempting to protect their makeshift structures and tents at Promise Land, near Adjei Kojo. The team had gone to clear debris from the area where a demolition exercise had taken place recently. The suspects, John Asemso and Famous Gamor, who lived in makeshift structures and tents provided by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), were subjected to severe beatings before they were bundled into a vehicle and sent to a camp near the site of the demolition exercise. Displaced people of the recent demolition exercise had converged on the demolition site for a scheduled meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing. About 10 a.m. and out of the blue, military and police personnel armed to the teeth and with two bulldozers and debris removal trucks descended on the displaced people and started destroying their mounted tents and makeshift structures on the site. Confrontation Out of anger and pain, some of the displaced people confronted the armed security personnel in an attempt to stop them, resulting in heated arguments and fisticuffs. In the process, some angry women marched straight to one of the policemen, wrapped their arms around the collar of his uniform and slammed him to the ground. That infuriated one of the soldiers, who spontaneously fired some rounds of warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Mr Amedzro, who was standing nearby, was arrested and subjected to severe beatings. He was hit with the butt of a rifle, whipped with a stick and given some hefty slaps before being conveyed to the security camp in a police jeep. Mr Gammey, on the other hand, who was alleged to be capturing the scene on his mobile phone, was given a hot chase, apprehended, maltreated and shoved into a waiting jeep and driven to the camp. Officials from the Tema Office of NADMO who had gone to the site to distribute relief items to the displaced people had to flee the scene in the heat of the exchanges. At exactly 12 noon, the security men clearing the debris stopped the exercise and retreated amidst boos and jeers from residents of the area. Undue harassment Some of the displaced people who spoke to the Daily Graphic said they were being harassed unduly but maintained that they would not give in to that form of intimidation . "We will never give in to this form of terror,” Mr Lawrence Mensah, a victim, said. “You cannot invite us for a meeting with our Members of Parliament only to be greeted with this show of brute force by the state-funded security apparatus. I think we are being unfairly treated,” another victim, Madam Rose Adutwumwaa, said. Mr Gershon Doe, who sustained bruises as a result of an attack by the security men, said he had approached the security team to ask them to spare some cement blocks that he had packed aside on his land. He said while talking to one soldier, another soldier approached and in an angry tone ordered him to move back. “They started beating me with sticks and the butt of the gun and I had to run as fast as my feet could carry me,” he said At the time of filing this report, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing who were scheduled to visit the site to investigate the demolition exercise had not arrived, but the displaced people maintained they would wait for them. Writer’s email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/17894-2-arrested-at-adjei-kojo-for-obstructing-police.html http://graphic.com.gh/debris-at-adjei-kojo.html

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Chief calls for protection of wetland

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Tuesday, 04 February, 2014 The Chief of Sakumono, Nii Alabi Gbene II, has appealed to the public to support efforts to conserve the Sakumo Ramsar Site. He said recent industrial and urban development had led to the discharge of considerable volumes of effluence into the lagoon, which poses a threat to the sustenance of the lagoon. Nii Gbene II made the appeal at the Sakumo Ramsar Site during a ceremony to commemorate World Wetlands Day which fell on February 2, 2014. As part of the celebration, members of wetlands and wildlife clubs selected from different schools, as well as volunteers and farmers embarked on a clean-up exercise at the Sakumo Ramsar Site. Wetlands Day The day is marked by countries that are party to the International Treaty on Wetlands, commonly called the Ramsar Convention, to raise public awareness of the values and benefits of wetlands, and to promote their conservation. This year’s celebration had the theme: "Wetlands and Agriculture” and it sought to highlight the importance of wetlands in the provision of goods and services, including food. Nii Gbene II said the traditional authorities were ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to address the source of pollution and also take steps to maintain the site. He therefore appealed to all to help restore the lagoon. He also said the lagoon attracted several species of birds, and added that apart from the lagoon serving as a source of livelihood for farmers and fishermen, it was also an ideal location for recreation and tourism. "We have people from outside the country coming here for bird watching, hence if we organise the site well, we can make a lot of money from it. We have a situation where other natural resources such as the Korle Lagoon are almost drying up and we here won't sit down and watch this site suffer the same fate," he added. Intervention by FAO Mr Fernando Salinas, Senior Forestry Officer at the Food and Agriculture (FAO) Regional Office for Africa, said his organisation was happy to collaborate with all stakeholders, including government agencies, communities, the private sector and development partners to ensure that the potential of Ghana's wetlands were fully developed, taking into account the economic, social and environmental imperatives. According to Mr Salinas, Ghana has nearly 700,000 hectares of inland wetlands and valleys but only about 30,000 hectares are said to be developed. He stated that Ghana's wetlands have the potential to reduce the country's annual bill for importing rice and disclosed that the FAO has identified a number of cross-cutting issues to ensure the sustainable development of Ghana's wetlands for agriculture. Mr Salinas also said the FAO had held initial discussions with the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority to discuss these developments and also provide some of the tools and information that will help Ghana to achieve the sustainable development of her wetlands for agriculture. Friends of Ramsar Site Mr Richard Agorkpa, the Executive Director of Friends of Ramsar Site (FORS), said in the early days of the establishment of the Sakumo Ramsar Site, the area had a rich population of residential and migratory birds, small mammals, fisheries and diverse vegetation. However, with time, there has been considerable land use, leading to encroachment on the site and its attendant problems. Mr Agorkpa added that to minimise the pollution, FORS was piloting a system that would ensure that all waste water entering the Sakumo Ramsar Site was treated before being discharged into the water body. He disclosed that a recent study conducted by FORS indicated that the Sakumo Ramsar Site supported 1,050 cattle, 250 sheep and goats by way of grazing, and 105 crop farmers. He said at the end of 2013, the 105 farmers had generated total revenue of GH¢4,450.00 through the cultivation of various varieties of crops at the site. "Even though the farmland size is small, the vegetables produced here are always supplied fresh to residents in communities such as Tema, Ashaiman, Accra, Teshie and Nungua, among others". http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/16966-chief-calls-for-protection-of-wetland.html Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Monday 3 February 2014

School honours best teacher

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover/Daily Graphic/Ghana | Saturday, 01 February 2014 *Pix: Mr Martin Parker (2nd left) receiving a laptop from the headteacher of the school, Mr Richard Mensah. Looking on are the PTA Chairman (left), Mr Eric Ohene, and the Head Pastor of Mazon Grace Church, Pastor Humphrey Ross (right The management, board, and Parents Teacher Association (PTA) of the Mazon Grace Academy in Tema has honoured a teacher for his effort at promoting the teaching and learning of subjects. By his exemplary performance, Mr Martin Parker, who teaches Mathematics and Science, was able to change the nagative attitude of his pupils towards the subjects such that they eventually scored high marks when they sat for the 2013 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). In recognising his effort, Mr Parker was rewarded with a package, including a laptop to encourage him. Speaking to the Daily Graphic after a short presentation ceremony in Tema, the headmaster of the school, Mr Richard Mensah, recounted the extra effort, dedication and commitment Mr Parker exhibited in teaching the subjects and said that his efforts helped build up the pupils’ confidence and interest in the subjects. He noted that all students registered in the last BECE obtained good grades which facilitated their admission to senior high schools of their choice. He expressed the hope that the gesture would inspire other teachers to work harder to ensure good academic standards. The Head Pastor of Mazon Grace Church, Pastor Humphrey Ross, who supervises the school, encouraged all the teachers to do more this year to help the school chalk up a 100 per cent distinction in the BECE. http://graphic.com.gh/news/education/16809-school-honours-best-teacher.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Assembly places ban on illegal sand and stone winning

By: Benjamin Xorman Glover / Daily Graphic / Ghana | Friday, 31 January 2014 Activities of illegal stone, sand and gravel winners in the Kpone Katamanso District in the Greater Accra Region have been identified as a major security threat in the area. As a result, the assembly has placed a ban on the activities of all contractors engaged in the business in the area. The District Chief Executive (DCE), Alhaji Antiye Tetteh, disclosed this at a workshop on streamlining operations of sand, gravel and stone winners in the area organised jointly by the Minerals Commission and the assembly at Kpone. He said since the ban was imposed, the situation had stabilised and helped to reduce the tension, but admitted that some persons had gone underground and were operating illegally, and warned that the security agencies would deal with anyone caught flouting the ban. The workshop brought together officials from the Minerals Commission, chiefs, contractors, assembly members and members of the District Security Committee to deliberate on the various laws supporting mining operations and how to streamline the act. Alhaji Tetteh said though the assembly was aware of the repercussion of the ban on the economy of the district and, by extension, the survival of the operators in the industry and the residents, the assembly had also considered the lives and security of the people as superseding whatever gains were accrued from the industry. A senior mines inspector at the Minerals Commission, Mr Joseph Frimpong, in a presentation, enumerated the various laws governing mining, and urged the chiefs and contractors to arm themselves with the regulations in order to protect the environment. He maintained that acquiring mineral rights and licence was simple and appealed to all stakeholders to get involved to eliminate illegalities in the small-scale mining industry for a safe, judicious, sustainable and friendly green environmental mineral mining in the country. Mr Frimpong advised the Kpone Katamanso District Assembly to set up a mining desk as a first step to co-ordinating mining activities in the district and also called for the cessation of the collection of taxes from contractors who engaged in illegalities. A member of the Council of State, Mr Emmanuel A. Annang, said the non-enforcement of laws governing mining and the ease with which persons in authority compromised their position played a major role in the wanton destruction of the environment. The Chief of Oyibi, Nii Borlabi Kukubi Okanshan VI, commended the district assembly for bringing all the stakeholders together to discuss the menace and agree on the role each of them had to play to preserve the peace of the area. The first National Vice Chairman of the Association of Sand, Stone and Gravel Tipper Truck Users, Mr Frank Ashidan, bemoaned the ban imposed on the extraction of the products in the district, and said it had affected the livelihood of the members. He expressed the hope that the assembly, after such an elaborate sensitisation, would open itself up for dialogue and have the ban lifted. Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/16746-assembly-places-ban-on-illegal-sand-and-stone-winning.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

PNC holds national executives elections, presidential primary in April ( Daily Graphic, Friday, March 15, 2024. Page 18)

The People's National Convention (PNC) will hold its National Executive elections and presidential primary in April this year.   The PNC...