Ashaiman Assembly express worry at alarming rate and involvement of children in games centres in the Municipality

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA)has expressed worry over the increasingly alarming rate at which game centers spring up in the municipality and the involvement of children in the exercise. Speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the fourth session of the assembly, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Ibrahim Baidoo said the assembly has received a lot of concerns from stakeholders including parents on the activities of these games centers within the municipality. Mr. Baidoo said the situation was particularly worrying because increasingly, as many youngsters who should be in school were most of the time found at gaming centers stressing that the situation has been identified as a security concern in the area. He said to ameliorate the current situation, a number of steps have been taken. This include the closing down of all game centers that flout the order of the assembly debarring children below 18 years from using the facility. Security and Street lighting Mr Baidoo said the assembly was also taking measures to improve on the street lighting system within the municipality by installing street lights and the rehabilitation and maintenance of the faulty street lights in a bid to wade away criminals who hide under the cover of darkness to perpetuate their nefarious activities. He said the assembly in its resolve to control crime rate within the municipality will construct two new police stations at Middle East and Lebanon Zone 3 as well as the intensification of police and military patrols and visibility within the municipality. He said the assembly is also facilitating the establishment of Neighborhood Watch Committees in the Electoral Areas in partnership with the security agencies. The MCE further stated that with the ever growing population of Ashaiman, the assembly has finalized discussion with the Chief Justice to set up a Circuit Court in the municipality adding that the court will be temporarily be accommodated in the Assembly Hall while efforts are made to construction of a permanent court building. Finance Mr Baidoo disclosed that the total revenue generated as at December 31, 2013 in respect of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) amounted to GH¢ 1,823,641.59 representing 105 per cent of budgeted figure of GH¢ 1,744,417.42 He attributed the increases in the revenue to the computation of License and Property Rate being used in revenue mobilization coupled with the implementation of the 2013 Revenue Mobilization Strategy Action Plan as well as strong Monitoring and Evaluation of revenue collection. MP The Member of Parliament for Ashaiman and Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Alfred Agbesi gave an account of his stewardship in parliament and also briefed the assembly members on some pending bills in Parliament. These bills include the Property Right of Spouses Bill, Right to Information Bill, Intense Succession Bill and Companies Code Bill, Plant Breeders Bill among others. He explained these bills to the assembly and asked them to be abreast with them and made meaningful inputs into the process leading to their passage into law. Presiding Member The Presiding Member of the assembly, Mr Daniel Ekumah congratulated the MCE and expressed he will discharge his duties with passion just as he was doing when he was an assembly man to uplift the image of the Ashiaman Municipal Assembly.

Speaker of Parliament consoles family of P.V.Obeng

As the nation mourns the death of the late Paul Victor Obeng, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Edward Doe Adjaho has asked politicians to unite and agree on serious national issues. He said the death of Mr Obeng had witnessed Ghanaians especially politicians from both sides of the divide praising the late Obeng for his contribution towards Ghana’s development and said the time has come for politicians to set aside their partisanship interest and lean towards the national interest “I wish and expect that we learn lesson from his life, a cue from his life and eschew partisanship. The partisanship is killing this country; we should know where the national interest is and move towards that direction”, Mr Adjaho said. The Speaker said this at the residence of the late P.V Obeng when he led leadership of the House to call on the family of the deceased. He was accompanied by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ebo Barton-Oduro, The Majority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, the Deputy Minority Leader, Dominc Aduna Bingab Nitiwul, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, MP for Old Tafo, and Deputy Minorty Chief Whip, Irene Naa Torshie Addo. Mr Adjaho remarked these are times when it will be very different to get people across the various political divide praising one man because “we are in a very polarized political environment” Tributes He said the fact that various tributes are pouring in form several people across the divide illustrates the that late Obeng has led a full life, served his country well and paid his dues “It is very rare to have several people, including former presidents, chiefs of staff, and politicians across the divide praising him. This shows that he was a great man who has served his country so well” He expressed the hope that the current generation of politicians will learn from the life of the late Mr Obeng and model their life along his lines. First encounter He recalled his first encounter with the late Obeng over 30 years ago and the assistance the late Obeng offered the very first parliament of the fourth republic, stressing that such worth of knowledge help in the establishment of the parliament. He told the bereaved family that these are trying and difficult moments and on behalf of the membership of parliament assured the family their thoughts and prayers are with them. Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, past President of the Ghana Medical Association and former Minister of Defense who was also at the residence of the late Obeng recalled an intervention the late Obeng made that led to resolving a serious matter in the 1990’s after several negotiation with the Ministry of Health had been unsuccessful. “We met Mr Obeng at the castle and within a matter of four hours, the matter was settled and as president of the GMA, I was very much relieved and after that meeting, we became very close friends”, he said. “I will remember him as a great patriot, a committed statesman and a man of great intelligence who put his political affiliation side”, he said. CPP tribute Dr Michael Abu Sakara Foster candidate of the Convention People's Party, (CPP) in the last election stressed the need for Ghanaians to emulate the kind of relationship the late Obeng developed with several people across the political divide and unite towards the development of the country. Bagbin The MP for Nadowli West Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin in his tribute said it was people like the late Obeng who inspired him not just to join politics but to join the NDC and throughout he has seen PV as the harmony and backbone around which the PNDC survived. He recalled that the PNDC was seen as a military government and it was the infusion of good materials like P.V.Obeng that brought so many Ghanaians to rally around the good message that was preached by the PNDC, particularly to get the private sector and academia to sign onto the agenda of the PNDC as hugely because of the intervention of the late Obeng. He said since he joined politics and particularly when he became Minority leader, he consulted the late Obeng on what to do and what to say and the late Obeng gladly supported him. He said the late Obeng, as convener of the President Special Task force on priority projects chaired their meetings and motivated the members and through his great intellect managed to get the concept right. “He sacrificed his life for Ghana”, he said. -End- Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Mt. Zion Methodist School, Tema holds Career and Professionals Day

Mt. Zion Methodist School, Tema holds Career and Professionals Day By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA.

The Mt. Zion Methodist School at Tema community three has held its Career and Professionals Day. The programme was designed to give pupils an opportunity learn about their dream future profession and guide them in terms of what they should do and how to get there. The resource person for the programme, Mr David K. Egyir, an Architect, a Designer, and a Life Coach educated the pupils on the various personality types and told the students not to be afraid to try something different because it may be something they may end up enjoying doing. The pupils dressed in various professional garbs to illustrate what future career they aspire to pursue were also These personality types he said are realistic, investigative, social, conventional, enterprising and artistic. Mr Egyir who is also the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of Seers Foundation to advised pupils that in choosing a career, they must understand the various personality types and the recommended career types that come with it. For instance, he said a person who is realistic physically strong, unsociable aggressive good motor coordination Lack verbal and interpersonal skills may be good for the Airline Operation, sector, Mechanics, Construction Work and Engineering while those with strong artistic personality types and like to express themselves in language, dance, music, fine art, and writing may be good for the Architecture, Graphic Designing, Fashion Designing, Composing fields amongst others. A teacher at the school and Instructor in-charge of co-curricular activities, Mr Shadrack Afotey Odai told the Junior Graphic that the school plans to hold similar programmes in the future to further serve as a source of guidance for the pupils. The Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Celestina D. Dadzie in an interview said initially such Career and Professionals Day was limited to JHS 3 pupils however, management opted to open it up to the entire school population to help the pupils consider their values, interest, abilities and personality which will help shape the choice of a career. -End-

Ghana mourns P. V. Obeng

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Monday, 26 May 2014 09:13 | - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23580-ghana-mourns-p-v-obeng.html#sthash.1bBiLsUH.dpuf

Hundreds of mourners thronged Tema Community Two on Saturday to attend the one-week observance of the death of the Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Mr Paul Victor Obeng. The event was in two parts— a requiem mass held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, followed by the main event held at the adjoining St John Bosco Catholic Basic School park. So huge was the crowd that it was as if the remains of the former PNDC functionary and statesman were lying in state. Dignitaries In attendance were the Vice-President, Papa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah–Arthur, former functionaries of the PNDC with whom Mr Obeng worked, past and current Ministers of State, MPs, chiefs, including a large retinue of chiefs and queenmothers from the Adansi Traditional Area led by Okofo Sobin Kan II, Dompoasehene. Also present were a representative of the Asantehene, Nana Kwame Mensah Bonsu, Ahenenanahene, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Alhassan, Boxing Professor, Barima Azumah Nelson, and representatives of various political parties. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) was led by its General Secretary, Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by its National Chairman, Mr Paul Afoko, while Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom and Madam Akua Donkor led their parties, the Progressive People’s Party and Ghana Freedom Party respectively. Dr Henry Lartey and Mr Kwesi Addai Odike of the GCPP and United Front Party respectively were also present at the event. Regional ministers, as well as various metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, heads of various state institutions and the private sector, fully participated in the event. No speeches It was not an event for speeches, but a number of mourners took turns to exchange greetings and commiserate with the widow, Mrs Rose Obeng, and other members of the bereaved family. No date was announced for the final funeral rites and according to a source close to the family, they would have to confer with the government to come up with an appropriate date. Requiem mass As of 7 a.m. when the Daily Graphic got to the Good Shepherd Parish, the requiem mass was underway with mourners in the traditional mourning apparel of black and red ready to sympathise with the bereaved family as a way of sharing in their loss. In his homily, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi Apostolic and Administrator of the Obuasi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Anokye, eulogised the late Obeng, describing him as hardworking, philanthropic and a businessman who was on equal measure with everyone. He said Mr Obeng served humanity, mother Ghana and the Catholic Church so well, adding that he believed the deceased was in the hands of God. He said the death of Mr Obeng should be an invitation to all to prepare for the inevitable, adding that true worshippers should not be afraid of death because death was inevitable. Traditional drumming and dancing The one week observance was characterised by a mixture of traditional drumming, singing of dirges and dancing from the beats of ‘kete’ and ‘nnwomkro’ delivered by the Manhyiatete Nnwomkro and Nyame Nhyirakete groups, as well as solemn hymns and choruses rendered by the Ghana Navy Band, the Good Shepherd Parish Choir, OLAMS Senior High School Choir and Tema Youth Choir. Donations In line with tradition, various groups and individuals made contributions to the family towards the final funeral rites. Notable among them was the delegation from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor William Otoo Ellis, who donated two bottles of schnapps and 20 cartons of bottled water. The National Development Planning Commission also made a presentation of cartons of water, assorted drinks and a cash of GH¢1,000. The CEO of Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, donated GH¢1,000 towards the final funeral rites. Brisk business The large assembly of mourners also provided an ideal environment for vendors of various items, including funeral paraphernalia with pictures of Mr Obeng embossed on them, hand fans, mobile phones recharge cards, kebab and other foods, to carry out brisk business. Writer’s email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23580-ghana-mourns-p-v-obeng.html#sthash.1bBiLsUH.dpuf

J.J. Rawlings: P.V. Obeng was one of the best govt functionaries

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Thursday, 22 May 2014 07:27 - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23339-j-j-rawlings-p-v-obeng-was-one-of-the-best-govt-functionaries.html#sthash.idnZKjet.dpuf

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has eulogised Mr P.V. Obeng describing him as one of the best government officials who gave so much of his energy and strength in helping his administration to find solutions to problems in some of the most trying times in the nation’s history. Speaking at the residence of the late Obeng, where he had gone to commiserate with the widow and family, former President Rawlings said the country had found itself in the woods once again. “You remember me last year saying that this country was entering a dark tunnel. I believe this will have been the time we will require the minds and brains like his again but unfortunately he is no more. “How much deficit or solution on account of his absence is what I am not too sure of but what I do know is had he been around, we would have found the most appropriate solutions to our problems,” Mr Rawlings said. Mr Obeng served as the Chairman of the Committee of Secretaries under Rawlings’s Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime from 1982 to 1992. The former president was accompanied by his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, his special aide, Kofi Adams, and other staffers. From 1992 to 1997, Mr Rawlings also appointed Mr Obeng as Presidential Adviser on Governmental Affairs under the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Tribute Mr Rawlings noted that Mr Obeng could have attained the very best in his working life. However, “much as he, Mr Obeng, carried his big pen in one hand, I know he also carried the monkey wrench in the other hand. It is most unfortunate that he was one of those who advised President Mills not to investigate the misdeeds and the atrocities that took place before the NDC came back to power”. The former president said had those investigations happened to ensure justice, the history of the country would have been different. “Nonetheless, that does not take away from how good he was. As to whether he was right or wrong, I guess that will be left to the judgement of history. All that said and done, I still believe that his good sides far outweigh his mistakes.” Former President Rawlings advised Ghanaians, irrespective of where they found themselves, to do a little more than they had done in the past to achieve the kind of standard that people like Mr Obeng had left behind. He said although Mr Obeng wielded so much power, he never carried himself around as such but was rather humble and was always out to help his ministers. “Every morning, he would move from ministry to ministry helping them before he gets to office. PV’s death is really painful, he is rare, we don’t have much of his type in the system.” He consoled the family and assured them of his support during the funeral and burial rites. Other dignitaries Also at the residence of the deceased was the flag bearer of the PNC in 2012 elections, Mr Hassan Ayarigah, who also hailed Mr Obeng as a gentleman and a man of peace. He said though dead, Mr Obeng could posthumously be honoured as Man of the Year for 2013/2014 for his style of politics and maturity in dealing with diverse groups of people. Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a former Minister of Finance, described the late Obeng as one person who positively influenced Ghana’s relationship with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. “Ghana’s relationship with the World Bank and IMF in the early 80’s was made possible through Mr Obeng when the PNDC was not too comfortable dealing with the Bretton Woods institutions. I will miss him for his wise counsel,” he said. The Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, said Ghana had really missed a gem whose wise counsel to government helped the nation. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23339-j-j-rawlings-p-v-obeng-was-one-of-the-best-govt-functionaries.html#sthash.idnZKjet.dpuf http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23339-j-j-rawlings-p-v-obeng-was-one-of-the-best-govt-functionaries.html

Mahama consoles PV’s family

By Kwame Asare Boadu & Benjamin Glover | Monday, 19 May 2014 07:28 | - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23091-mahama-consoles-pv-s-family.html#sthash.HefuONb9.dpuf

A grieving President John Dramani Mahama yesterday visited the home of the late Paul Victor Obeng at Community 2 in Tema to sympathise with the widow, the children and the bereaved family over the sudden demise of the politician and statesman, who was his Senior Advisor. Accompanied by the First lady, Lordina, senior officials at the Presidency and some ministers of state, the President expressed shock at the death of Mr Obeng, a man he had so much respect for. The widow, Mrs Obeng, who struggled to hold back her tears, and some family members were present to receive the President and his delegation. The entire area was in a state of mourning, as people were seen discussing the death in groups. Mournful state Some of the mourners in the vicinity shed tears, while the choir of the Good Shepherd Parish of the Catholic Church in Community 2, of which the late Obeng was a staunch member, sang to the gathering. Mr Mahama described the late Obeng as not only a colleague but also a personal friend. He recounted the contributions of the deceased to the birth and growth of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and said the party and the government had lost a gem. Shocking What was even more shocking to the President was that just last week the late Obeng had been in the thick of affairs at the National Economic Forum at Senchi, near Akosombo. Mr Mahama said it was unfortunate that such a brainy personality would be lost at this time. One-week observation The President asked the family to inform the government about preparations for the one-week funeral celebration, saying the government would participate fully in it. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23091-mahama-consoles-pv-s-family.html#sthash.HefuONb9.dpuf

Akufo-Addo, others console family of P.V. Obeng

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Tuesday, 20 May 2014 07:28 | - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23185-akufo-addo-others-console-family-of-p-v-obeng.html#sthash.kiaXcGCb.dpuf

Dignitaries continue to call at the residence of the late Mr Paul Victor Obeng to express their condolences to the bereaved family. They included Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a two-time Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Obed Yao Asamoah, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah of the Office of the President, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Board Chairman of GPHA and a former minister of Local Government and Rural Development. Akufo-Addo Nana Akufo-Addo, who was clad in black, looked visibly sad and in a pensive mood described Mr Paul Victor Obeng as a patriot who served his nation well and made a lot of contribution to the peace and welfare of the country. He told journalists at the residence of the late Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission that he (Akufo-Addo) was really shocked at the sudden manner in which the late Senior Presidential Advisor passed on. “He is a man who had given a lot of his life to serving our nation and made a lot of contribution to the peace and welfare of the country, “ he said, adding that it was proper that people from all sides of the political divide came together to mourn the passing of a Ghanaian patriot. NPP party stalwarts who accompanied Nana Akufo-Addo to the Tema Community Two residence of the late P.V. Obeng included his running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Mr Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus-Glover, MP for Tema East, Irene Naa Torshie Addo, MP for Tema West, and Mrs Ursula Ekuful, MP for Ablekuma West Others were Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Anthony Karbo and Mr Albert Okyere, Greater Accra second Vice Chairman of the NPP, among a host of party officials. Selfless service Nana Akufo-Addo said, “one of the tributes Ghanaians could pay to the late Obeng was for you to do your best according to your conscience and serve your nation” adding that “Don’t shirk from problems but to do your little contribution to keep Ghana going forward,” Other Dignitaries Also at the residence of the late Obeng were Alhaji Iddrisu Mahama; Lionel Mobila, Mr. J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, members of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress. Tragic loss Mr Obed Asamoah described the death of Mr Obeng as a cruel manifestation of nature and a tragic loss to humanity. He recalled Mr Obeng’s passion for duty and to humanity and touched on his hard work and clarity of thought. “One of the things that impressed me was his ability to analyse complex issues in a way that everybody can follow and understand. I hope that God will richly bless him for his lovely kindness for people”, he added. Ofosu-Ampofo Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo said Mr Obeng meant a lot to him, stressing that he was his mentor and role model. “As local government minster, I succeeded largely because of the pivotal role P.V. Obeng and Prof. Kwesi Ahwoi played in offering guidance and support. He was a fountain of wisdom. His demise has created a big vacuum which will be very difficult to fill. E.T. Mensah Mr Enoch Teye Mensah recounted the role the late Obeng played, adding that in the PNDC era, Mr Obeng was very supportive in helping clear the mountain of refuse to keep the city clean. “He was somebody that you could trust, one that everybody will want to work with. This country has lost a real gem, a hardworking person. He was a friend, a father and a husband”, he said. NDC Council of Elders A member of the NDC Council of Elders and former Managing Director of the State Insurance Company, Mr Lionel Mobila, said the late Obeng was a gentleman, a pure politician, a good leader and a hard working personality. “He loved his party and nation so much and was such a huge pillar” he said. Hackman Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang said he would remember the late Obeng for his ability to think on his feet and contribute effectively on any subject matter on the floor. “I have always had the greatest respect for him. In spite of the fact that we belong to different political traditions, he was willing to listen to other people’s views. We have lost a very dear citizen who has given his best that he could under the circumstances”, he said. The dignitaries also signed a book of condolence opened in memory of the late P.V. Obeng. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/23185-akufo-addo-others-console-family-of-p-v-obeng.html#sthash.kiaXcGCb.dpuf

Ashiaman: Police arrest 31 suspected criminals

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA The police have rounded up 31 suspected criminals in and around Ashiaman in a special exercise to rid the municipality of violent crimes. The suspects were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Rapid Deployment Force, (RDF), the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team from the Tema Regional Command, the Anti-Armed Robbery Squad of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Accra Region Operation unit. The six hour operation covered suburbs such as “New York”, Atadeka, Saki, Ashiaman Market Square and other spots such as “Spider Toilet” and “I shall return” which according to the police is a known safe haven for criminals. Briefing journalists at Tema, the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCOP), Mrs Beatrice Zakpaa Vib-Sanziri said a total of 73 personnel made up of nine senior polices officers and 64 personnel carried out the operation between the hours of 10:30 am and 4:00 pm on Wednesday. She said items retrieved included quantities of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs from four of the suspects. She said others were arrested for their alleged involvement in other crimes under investigations by the police. Screening She named those in possession of substances suspected to be narcotics as, Baba Abaa, 20 years and a trader who was found with nine wrappers of the Indian hemp, Mohammed Ayuba, 19, a welder found with two wrappers of Indian hemp, Nathaniel Essilfie, 23, a mechanic with 45 wrappers of Indian hemp and Kweku Eddie, 20 unemployed who was found with 14 wrappers of Indian hemp. She said all the suspects were being held by the police pending interrogation, screening and profiling and necessary action. Identification parade DCOP Mrs Vib-Sanziri said an identification parade carried out by the Ashiaman Divisional Command revealed that three of the suspected criminals were identified by victims of robbery attacks. She named those identified as Emmanuel Kofi Ntiamoah, Emmanuel Tetteh and Dela Danladi all believed to be in their late twenties. Assurance The Tema Regional Police Commander reiterated the commitment of the police to fighting crime in the Metropolis and its environs and gave the assurance that the police was not relenting in its efforts to flush out criminals from the metropolis. Tents She disclosed that the service has secured tents from the National Headquarters which will be mounted in areas such as Gbestile, New York and Asutuare Junction to be manned by armed personnel on 24 hour duty basis to respond to crime within the vicinity as a temporary measure while efforts are made to open more police station stations in these areas. She stressed that policing in contemporary times is a shared responsibility and will therefore require cooperation with the police to get rid of the criminals from the society.

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority embarks on expansion programme

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Wednesday, 07 May 2014

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has initiated a programme to expand the country’s ports to adequately take care of the increasing cargo and provide efficient maritime services for importers, exporters and passengers. The ports currently handle about one million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers and it is estimated that in the next 14 years they will handle about two million TEU containers. Third port Besides the expansion project, the GPHA is also contemplating building a third port to complement the Tema and Takoradi ports to adequately take care of the increasing cargo trade. “We have already surveyed the coastal area and have an idea of where to position it, but for now that information is capped until we are ready to start,” the Marketing and Public Relations Manager of the GPHA, Mr Paul Asare-Ansah, announced at a stakeholders’ seminar organised by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Tema. The one-day seminar, which was on the topic, “The role of Customs and other stakeholders at the Tema Port”, brought together various players in the maritime industry. Expression of Interest Mr Asare-Ansah said the GPHA had already sent out a request for the expression of interest for the construction of a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal, as well as a cruise terminal, to address issues of congestion and ensure adequate use of the country's sea resources. “Ghana is an attractive tourism destination and we really want to harness that tourism potential by offering the needed maritime support,” he said. He disclosed that the GPHA had established a rail desk to accelerate the quest to construct a rail link from the ports to the hinterlands to aid in the transportation of cargo. Mr Asare-Ansah said there was no way a port could be efficient without a multi-modal transport system, hence the move to invest in a rail system. Customs Division The outgoing Tema Sector Commander of the Customs Division, Mr John Vianney Kuudamnuru, explained that the aim of the programme was to establish a platform for the sharing of information, educate various stakeholders to become familiar with Customs operations and distinguish among the roles of other stakeholders at the port. He urged the stakeholders to be abreast of the GRA Client Charter and the various stakeholder engagement strategy plans to enhance compliance level and facilitate trade and clearance at the port. The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Capt William Amanhyia, stressed the need for importers and exporters to contract the services of professional freight forwarders before embarking on any international trade to prevent any problems that could arise during the clearing process. http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22455-ghana-ports-and-harbours-authority-embarks-on-expansion-programme.html See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22455-ghana-ports-and-harbours-authority-embarks-on-expansion-programme.html#sthash.aW9baezC.dpuf

238 Naval recruits pass out at Tema Naval Base

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Tuesday, 06 May 2014 08:30 - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22383-238-naval-recruits-pass-out-at-tema-naval-base.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#sthash.ifXUKIEF.dpuf

A retired Naval Officer, Commodore Albert Bentil Addison, has reminded personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) not to engage in partisan politics. He said they owed their loyalty to the state and that required that they remain neutral when it came to politics. Parade review Reviewing a passing-out parade of 238 Naval recruits in Tema, Commodore Addison also stressed the need for personnel of the GAF not to molest innocent civilians, since “they are people you have sworn to protect”. “Amid all the challenges you will be facing in line with your duties, you still have to remain steadfast and resolute,” he said. He commended the recruits for going through the course successfully, especially at a time when maritime security had become more important than ever to Ghana and other states along the Gulf of Guinea. Challenges Commodore Addison said the challenges and experiences they went through during the six months of great physical and mental training would stay with them for the rest of their lives. He reminded the recruits that their passing-out marked the beginning of a life-long path of learning and education and charged them not to rest on their laurels but take subsequent training and courses very seriously to enable them to serve with distinction. “Having turned into young soldiers, the temptation is great for you to see your new careers as an opportunity to constitute yourselves into unauthorized law enforcement agencies. Unless you are under clear orders from superior authority, you have no business with debt collection, galamsey operations or the settlement of personal disputes without recourse to the due process of law.” he warned them. Awards Five of the recruits received awards for excelling in various fields during the six-month training. Recruit Paul Abonee was adjudged the best all-round recruit; Fransisca Duncan, the best female recruit; Gadiel Quayson, the best in academics; David Nii Kwartey, the best in drill, while Cynthia Anku Mawufemor received the Commanding Officer’s Special Award. The recruits treated the gathering, which included the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Ashia Odamtten; the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Steven K. Darbo; senior officers and family and friends, to drill display, slow and quick march past, among others. http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22383-238-naval-recruits-pass-out-at-tema-naval-base.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

TOR operations not affected by fire

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Wednesday, 30 April 2014 10:51 |

The management of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has given the assurance that its operations will not be hampered by Tuesday's fire outbreak on some pipelines linking the facility to the Tema Harbour. According to the Director of Communications of TOR, Ms Aba Lokko the refinery was safe and assured that product supply will not be affected. She said investigations have commenced to determine what occurred and what next steps to take to avert future occurrence. Meanwhile, the man who was killed by the fire has been identified as Ebenezer Kofi Mensah, 28. He was married with a 4-month-old baby and was said to have died in the blaze in an attempt to siphon fuel from the leaking pipes. Speaking to Radio Ghana, Ms Lokko said the deceased was not a staff of TOR. She commended the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and all emergency services for the swift response to the disaster. Fire Tuesday gutted fuel pipelines laid behind the Cocoa Processing Company factory. The incident, which occurred between the wall separating the former Akasanoma Factory and the Cocoa Processing Factory, took place at about 3:30 p.m. The Fire Officer for the Tema Metropolitan Area, Mr William Abeka Blankson, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said initial information picked indicated that the explosion was sparked by a leakage from the gas pipeline, and that in the course of the inferno, a high tension electric cable fell on the deceased. He said the initial response saw the deployment of two fire engines from the metropolis; one tender each from the Ashaiman, Tema Industrial Area and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority were dispatched to the scene, while a number of security personnel were posted to the scene to maintain law and order. Officials said the leakage started about 10 in the morning and people rushed to the area, taking advantage to scoop fuel until the disaster struck. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22088-tor-operations-not-affected-by-fire.html#sthash.y5s3xMzz.dpuf

TOR pipelines fire claim one life

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover | Wednesday, 30 April 2014 07:03 |

One person was burnt to death after fire swept through fuel pipelines linking the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to the Tema Harbour Tuesday. The authorities suspect the deceased might have died in the scorching blaze in an attempt to siphon fuel from the leaking pipes. The incident, which occurred between the wall separating the former Akasanoma Factory and the Cocoa Processing Factory, took place about 3:30 p.m. The Fire Officer for the Tema Metropolitan Area, Mr William Abeka Blankson, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said initial information picked indicated that the explosion was sparked by a leakage from the gas pipeline, and that in the course of the inferno, a high tension electric cable fell on the deceased. He said the initial response saw the deployment of two fire engines from the metropolis; one tender each from the Ashaiman, Tema Industrial Area and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority were dispatched to the scene, while a number of security personnel were posted to the scene to maintain law and order. The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, accompanied by the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Ashia Odamtten; the Tema Metropolitan Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation ( NADMO), Hajia Zenabu Abdulai; the Tema Regional Commander of Police, Mrs Beatrice Zakpaa Vib-Sanziri, and officials of TOR visited the scene to assess the situation. Briefing journalists at the scene, Mr Afotey-Agbo said a leakage started about 10 in the morning and people rushed to the area to scoop fuel. He said instead of the people reporting the matter to the authorities, they rather took advantage of the situation until disaster struck. He said he would recommend to the presidency to recruit security persons to take charge of the pipelines on a daily basis, so that people did not get access to the lines to avert such a disaster. He commended the Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service, the military and the police, as well as personnel of NADMO, for their swift response to the distress call for help. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22052-tor-pipelines-fire-claim-one-life.html#sthash.wr4FBRko.dpuf

Fire guts TOR pipeline in Tema, one person dead

Tuesday, 29 April 2014 15:03 Fire has gutted some pipelines belonging to the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) at Tema in the Greater Accra region. The pipelines are said to have been laid behind the Cocoa Processing Company at Community One, connecting TOR to the Tema Harbour. Graphic Correspondent in Tema, Benjamin Xornam Glover reported that, one person has been burnt beyond recognition by the inferno and that the charred body was still lying at the scene. He said personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) are at the scene trying to bring the fire under control. He added that the fire started around 3:15pm in the area which is close to the Sidalco roundabout towards the Cocoa Processing Company. A number of security personnel have been deployed to the scene to maintain law and order - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/22047-massive-fire-guts-tor-pipeline-in-tema.html#sthash.dr9Hi79S.dpuf

national policy on Occupational Health and Safety in the offing

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA A national policy on Occupational Health and Safety has been formulated and would soon be submitted to cabinet for approval. The proposed policy aims at institutionalizing occupational safety and health by extending access to safety and health information, knowledge and skills at all levels of the educational systems and all workplaces. The Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere disclosed this at Tema during a ceremony to commemorate the 2014 World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The celebration which was organize d by the Bureau of Public Safety also witnessed the launching of the National Safety Council and swearing in of a five member Governing Board of the NSC, Ghana . Mr Sekyere said it was the belief of government that preventing accidents at workplace through education by introducing the Occupational Safety and Health concept in school curricula and the education system in general will help form an effective and sustainable preventive safety culture on a continuous basis. Transformation He said the new national policy also seeks to transform the Department of Factories Inspectorate into an authority managed by a National Commission on Occupational Safety and Health adding that the new authority when it come into being will bring together under one umbrella all fragmented workplace interventions on occupational safety. He said the transformation of the Factories Inspectorate Department into an Authority is expected to ensure the safety at all workplaces and health of workers through effective implementation of appropriate occupational safety and health management systems. “The authority will also ensure a compensation system that incorporates rehabilitation and effective risk management for efficient and effective compensation of employees who get injured of suffer from of work” Stakeholder involvement The deputy minister noted that the realization of the better Ghana agenda will require the inputs of workers producing and offering services in safe work environment hence the need for all stakeholders to support the safety and health improvements initiatives at the workplace He called on managers of work places to put in place safety committees comprising of representatives of management and workers to ensure compliance of the occupational safety and health standards. Rebranding The Acting Chief Inspector of Factories, Mr Frederick Ohene-Mensah lauded efforts at rebranding the and resourcing the Department stressing that the move would help them to meet the challenges of the 21st century and aid them handle the new and emerging occupational risks. He cautioned industry players who have been recalcitrant in the area of safety, health and wellbeing of workers that a team of prosecutors will soon descend on those employers and prosecute them. He disclosed the that the exercise has commenced in the Ashanti Region and the Greater Accra Region adding that the Tema Metropolis will soon feel the heat of the prosecutors. Threat of prosecution He particularly warned occupiers operating steam boilers /air receivers and lifting appliances who have refused to engage certified engineers /surveyors to undertake statutory examination of these dangerous and hazardous equipment will be summoned before the law court. Mr Senyo Adjabeng, a Labour Consultant called for the delinking of Occupational Health and Safety arguing the current Factories, Offices and Shops Act, Act 328 does not focus on the safety aspect of things but rather places emphasis on issues of sanitation. He also called for the empowerment of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly to enable then enforce law. He said that way, all industries including small and medium enterprises that are looking more at maximizing profits rather that ensuring the safety of workers will not flout the laws. Public Safety Bureau The Executive Director of the Public Safety Bureau, Nana Yaw Akwada speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic said the National Safety Council, Ghana which governing board was inaugurated will be an association of safety, health and environmental practitioners from across industries. He explained that the terms of reference for interim governing board will be to determine criteria for admission of members into the council determine the standards and levels for certification and develop a Code of Ethics and Professional conduct for discussion and adoption and also explore affiliation with other national safety councils across the globe. The interim governing board of the NSC, Ghana is made up of Mr Steven Ankamah Lomotey, Metropolitan Factory Inspector, Mr William Blankson, Chief Fire Officer, Tema , Chief Superintendent Ebenezer Ampofo, Ghana Police Service, Mr Simon Opoku Amankwa, and Nana Yaw Akwada, Executive Dierector, Public Safety Bureau.