TMA FETES SENIOR CITIZENS

TMA FETES SENIOR CITIZENS By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA THE Tema Metropolitan Assembly has honored 20 employees who retired in 2013 at a get-together for senior citizens held to mark this years Republic Day celebration. The awardees and other senior citizens were treated to food, drinks as well as good music provided by the Ghana Navy Band. The awardees 15 of whom served above 15 years took home double door refrigerators, a plaque and undisclosed cash. The remaining who served between 10 and 14 years took home a flat screen television sets, a plaque and a cash award. Also honored were 150 senior citizens selected from the various electoral areas also received wax prints for their dedicated service to their various communities. Addressing the gathering, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten acknowledged the various roles played by the retires and commanded them for the pioneering roles in helping build a stable and peaceful nation. He urged them not to rest on their oars but make their wise counsel and varied expertise available to the present generation to serve as an inspiration and help Tema regain its status as a well planned city. A former minister for local government and rural development, Mr Samuel Ofusu-Ampofo said a day like this should see the youth interacting with the youth to learn virtues such as patriotism and selflessness

Ghana, Dutch Tax and Customs authorities exchange knowledge

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA Officers from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority inTema have undergone a a week training on Valuation, Classification and Transfer Pricing to improve the efficiency and contribute to broadening the revenue base of the country. The GRA in collaboration with the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration organized the programme. Addressing the closing session, the GRA Commissioner-General, Mr. George Blankson, congratulated the trainees for embracing the opportunity to acquire new valuation and classification skills and urged them to effectively use the knowledge acquired for the tasks ahead of them. He said the sustainability of Ghana’s development efforts depends on the ability of the GRA to collect enough revenue for the government to invest in strategic areas of the economy. “If these developments are to be sustained, the GRA must maintain its roles by ensuring that revenue flows into government chess adequately to fund the development of the country”, Mr Blankson said He noted that one major challenge of GRA is how to strike the right balance between revenue mobilization and tax reforms and stressed the need to continue with the reform efforts of the Ghana tax system which started in 2010. Mr Blankson also lauded the collaboration and partnership with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration which he described as having the potential of quickening the modernization process. “Valuation and Classification are major determinants of the amount of revenue we can collect on imports. Having gone through this capacity training programme, I hope productivity will be visible and lead to an improvement in the efficiency of the officers”, he said. Present was Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation, Ms Lilliane Ploumen. She also underscored the fact that customs and taxation reforms are important to emerging economies because it contribute to broadening the revenue base. She said developing countries annually lose out on billions of Euros through issues such as tax evasion by multinational companies, transfer pricing issues and under invoicing. She expressed the hope that the collaboration between the Dutch and Ghanaian tax and customs authorities will better equip the GRA to deal with these kinds of complex issues. “Ghana stands to gain a lot from trade between the two countries and this can be achieved by reducing the clearing procedures at the ports”, she said. The Commissioner of Customs, Mr Wallace Akandor said the officers are particularly happy to have been beneficiaries of such a training programme. While applauding the gesture, he called for further resourcing and retooling of the service with appropriate systems to fully utilize the knowledge and techniques acquired at the training. Earlier, Mrs. Lillian Ploumen, the Dutch Minister toured the offices of the Customs Division of the GRA at the Tema port to fraternize herself with their operations. She admonished the service to continue with their better customs and tax system since it is one of the solutions to the economic crisis is currently facing. “A good customs system is transparent as quick as possible and also as thorough and precise and we hope to continue working together with Ghana in the coming years to consolidate our partnership”, she said. -End- Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Ghana, Dutch Tax and Customs authorities exchange knowledge

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA Officers from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority inTema have undergone a a week training on Valuation, Classification and Transfer Pricing to improve the efficiency and contribute to broadening the revenue base of the country. The GRA in collaboration with the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration organized the programme. Addressing the closing session, the GRA Commissioner-General, Mr. George Blankson, congratulated the trainees for embracing the opportunity to acquire new valuation and classification skills and urged them to effectively use the knowledge acquired for the tasks ahead of them. He said the sustainability of Ghana’s development efforts depends on the ability of the GRA to collect enough revenue for the government to invest in strategic areas of the economy. “If these developments are to be sustained, the GRA must maintain its roles by ensuring that revenue flows into government chess adequately to fund the development of the country”, Mr Blankson said He noted that one major challenge of GRA is how to strike the right balance between revenue mobilization and tax reforms and stressed the need to continue with the reform efforts of the Ghana tax system which started in 2010. Mr Blankson also lauded the collaboration and partnership with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration which he described as having the potential of quickening the modernization process. “Valuation and Classification are major determinants of the amount of revenue we can collect on imports. Having gone through this capacity training programme, I hope productivity will be visible and lead to an improvement in the efficiency of the officers”, he said. Present was Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation, Ms Lilliane Ploumen. She also underscored the fact that customs and taxation reforms are important to emerging economies because it contribute to broadening the revenue base. She said developing countries annually lose out on billions of Euros through issues such as tax evasion by multinational companies, transfer pricing issues and under invoicing. She expressed the hope that the collaboration between the Dutch and Ghanaian tax and customs authorities will better equip the GRA to deal with these kinds of complex issues. “Ghana stands to gain a lot from trade between the two countries and this can be achieved by reducing the clearing procedures at the ports”, she said. The Commissioner of Customs, Mr Wallace Akandor said the officers are particularly happy to have been beneficiaries of such a training programme. While applauding the gesture, he called for further resourcing and retooling of the service with appropriate systems to fully utilize the knowledge and techniques acquired at the training. Earlier, Mrs. Lillian Ploumen, the Dutch Minister toured the offices of the Customs Division of the GRA at the Tema port to fraternize herself with their operations. She admonished the service to continue with their better customs and tax system since it is one of the solutions to the economic crisis is currently facing. “A good customs system is transparent as quick as possible and also as thorough and precise and we hope to continue working together with Ghana in the coming years to consolidate our partnership”, she said. -End- Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

TMA cuts sod to kick start market project at Tema Manhean

TMA cuts sod to kick start market project at Tema Manhean By Benjamin Xornam Glover,TEMA The Tema Metropolitan Assembly has cut the sod for a market project at Tema Manhean in the Greater Accra Region. The project marks the commencement of work for the redevelopment of the Tema Manhean market. The 17 cubicle, two storey facility is expected be completed in six months at an estimated cost of over GH C 300,000. It is funded by the World Bank under the Urban Development Grant. Speaking at the groud breaking ceremony, the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Tema, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamttem said the project is the first phase of major interventions that the Assembly intends to roll out for the overall improvement of the Tema Manhean market in particular and other major markets in the metropolis. He noted that Tema was once acclaimed as model city but sadly, the prevailing situation is a far cry from what it was meant to be. “Our infrastructure has deteriorated over the years, largely due to neglect”, he added. Mr Odamttem said government has resolve not to allow the prevailing situation to continue hence the Assembly in the midst of financial constraints have decided to commence the project to ms odernize, expand and in some instances completely overhaul the existing commercial centers and to rejuvenate the dormant market centers the present demand. He acknowledged the role of his predecessor, Mr Kempes Ofosuware under whose tenure the project was birthed and gave the assurance that the Assembly, under his stewardship will ensure a sustained development of all facets of infrastructure in the Metropolis . “What we require as an Assembly is your support and assurance that each one of us will not condone the citing of illegal structures at places earmarked for projects that will serve the larger interest of the community”, he said The MCE said it was true that Tema Manhean is constrained so far as land space was concerned but was hopeful that in the midst of all these challenges, the Assembly together with the citizenry would judiciously manage what is available now and maximize its use for the benefit of both present and future generation. Mr Odamtten appealed to residents of the metropolis to support the assembly by honouring their financial obligations to the Assembly to generate more revenue to execute more development project. The Tema Manste, Nii Adjei Krakue II thanked the Assembly for the project and advised the market women who will benefit from allocation of shops when completed to ensure strict maintenance culture for the benefit of all, -end-

GRIDCo engineers trained on effective transmission system

GRIDCo engineers trained on effective transmission system By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA As part of efforts geared at improving transmission system in Ghana, the Ghana Grid Company Limited, ( GRIDCo) with support from Korea Electric Power Cooperation (KEPCO) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have organized a training programme for selected engineers in Tema. The purposes of the training, which was in two parts, one in Ghana and the other to be organized in Seoul in August was to enhance the management skills of trainees and enable them improve management in high voltage transmission systems and substation facilities. In all 20 engineers, comprising 17 GRIDCo engineers and three engineers from the West Africa Power Pool project participated in the training. Topics studied included project management, time management, procurement, supervision, safety and quality management. Addressing the closing session, the Director for Southern Network Services of GRIDCo, Mr Norbert Anku congratulated the trainees for embracing the opportunity to acquire new skills and urged then to effectively use he skills acquired for the successful running of their organization. He also encouraged those who will be perusing further training in Seoul August to make good use of the opportunity by acquiring the requisite knowledge and skills to enhance their capacity. He disclosed that plans were afoot for the establishment of GRIDCo training Centre in Ghana with support from KEPCO to complement the efforts of GRIDCo in providing the needed training for its workforce and also save as centre were engineers from West Africa who could come for training to enhance the constant development of the electricity transmission field in Ghana and West Africa. KEPCO The General Manager of KEPCO, Mr Kim Jae-youl, who led a team of five experts from KEPCO to train their Ghanaian counterparts, congratulated the participants for the successful completion of the first phase of the trading and said he and his team looks forward to meeting them in Seoul for the next level which will ultimately enhance their output. The Deputy Represenative of KOICA, Mr Yinseo Cho said the training forms part of a $1.5 million grant extended to Ghana to help enhance the skills and knowledge of the engineers on the energy transmission systems in Ghana. He said Korea sees development cooperation is a symbol of the relationship between Ghana and South Korea which has lasted over 30 years Mr Cho said the energy sector was one of various sectors, KOICA is supporting in Ghana with the other sectors being education and health. He said KOICA is committed to ensure that more of such assistance is extended to Ghana. -end-

Queensland International School honors JHS Graduates

Queensland International School honors JHS Graduates By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA A sanitation expert Mr Harold Esseku has cautioned parents and students against patronising road side food, saying they are at risk of food borne diseases. Speaking at a graduation and thanksgiving and ceremony for the 2014 Year Group of Basic Education Certificate Examination(BECE) graduates of Queensland International School(QIS) at Sakumono, he indicated that the food sold by the roadside may not be properly prepared, properly served and stored and may not be in a hygienic environment and they attract several diseases. Mr Esseku,who was part of a recent survey carried out said some quantities of plantain chips, a delicacy were picked from a number of bus stops around the city of Accra sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for a test. He said after the analysis was done, it came out that every single one of them indicated the presence of fecal coliform, a bacteria that could cause typhoid, dysentery, and cholera among other diseases were found on them. He said because the hawkers lack of toilet facilities, they ease themselves in the nearest bush and without washing their hands, they return to their wares which is later sold to the public who end up ingesting the food contaminated with bacteria. Mr Esseku therefore called on parents and students to be cautions and desist from patronizing such food vendors. A total of 104 Junior High School (JHS) graduates, who have successfully completed their basic education at the school were presented with certificates and textbooks at the ceremony to guide them at the SHS level. Mr Esseku who was the guest speaker urged graduates to continue to excel in their academic pursuit and extra-curriculum activities so that the education given them would not be in vein. He charged the graduates to be mindful of their choices of friends as they progress to the Senior High School level. “Your choice of friends will influence your life forever, As a student, your focus should be on what is right and go along with people who are doing the right things”, he said. The Tema Metropolitan Director of Education, Mr Kwesi Hutchful congratulated the graduates fro passing through the basic education system and advice them not to forget the training given them especially the moral ones when the get to the SHS. The Executive Director of QIS, Dr. Isaac K. Adjei-Maafo congratulated the graduates and expressed the hope that the good grounding they have received in the school will permeate their being, guide them and strengthen them in life. The Out-going school prefect for the 2013-2014 academic year, who also picked up four awards including the overall best academic award, Master Omar Zin Tan Mwinila-Youri recounted some memorable days in the schools which has contributed in shaping their lives and mounding their future. Master Omar while expressing his appreciation to management, teachers and parents for their support appealed to management to provide the school with a library for the JHS students to enhance private studies and research for both pupils and teachers. He also called for the construction of a football pitch to enable the school prove its might when it comes to soccer competition with other schools. The Headmaster of the school, Mr Joseph T. Saki-Venyor said the ceremony seals the contractual agreement between the school and parents at the time of enrolment of the students to imbue them with the virtue and the requisite knowledge to prepare them for the next stage in their life. “We are therefore expecting nothing short of another resounding victory at the years BECE and favourable placement into SHS of their choice”, he said. -End-

Mt Zion School holds career day

By Benjamin Glover | Wednesday, 04 June 2014 08:42 | Category: Junior News - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/juniors/junior-news/24324-mt-zion-school-holds-career-day.html#sthash.KMKr2FXC.dpuf Some pupils of the Mt Zion Methodist School, Tema Community ‘3’ dressed in various professional apparels pose for the camera after the talk. The Mt Zion Methodist School at Tema Community ‘3’ has held its career and professionals day. The programme was designed to give pupils an opportunity to learn about their ‘dream’ future professions and guide them to know what to do and how to achieve their aims. The resource person for the programme, Mr David K. Egyir, an architect, designer and life coach, educated the pupils on the various personality types and advised them not to be afraid to try different things as they grow up because it was possible they might enjoy undertaking one of those professions. Mr Egyir, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seers Foundation, told the pupils that in choosing a career, they must understand the various personality types and the recommended career types that came with them. A teacher at the school and instructor in charge of co-curricular activities, Mr Shadrack Afotey Odai, told the Junior Graphic that the school planned to hold similar programmes in the future to further serve as a source of guidance for the students. The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Celestina D. Dadzie, said initially, such career and professionals day activities were limited to JHS Three students. However, management opted to open them up to the entire school to help the pupils consider their values, interests, abilities and personalities to help shape the choice of their careers in future. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/juniors/junior-news/24324-mt-zion-school-holds-career-day.html#sthash.KMKr2FXC.dpuf

Finatrade partners Distell Group to set up bottling plant in Tema

Finatrade partners Distell Group to set up bottling plant in Tema - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/25150-finatrade-partners-distell-group-to-set-up-bottling-plant-in-tema.html#sthash.h7VtWU8r.dpuf By Benjamin Glover | Saturday, 14 June 2014 12:13 | Category: Business News - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/25150-finatrade-partners-distell-group-to-set-up-bottling-plant-in-tema.html#sthash.h7VtWU8r.dpuf The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has asked investors not to be deterred by the short-term challenges the economy is going through, emphasising that the government remains determined to succeed. The minister said notwithstanding the short-term challenges of dealing with the twin evils of fiscal and budget deficits, the economic prospects of the country remained brighter for the future. Mr Iddrisu said this on behalf of the President at the inauguration of a bottling plant for the production of internationally recognised Cider brands of Hunters and Savanna, as well as Knights Whisky range of alcoholic beverages at Tema. The GH¢16 million facility is a partnership between the Distell Group, a South African-based global player in the alcoholic beverage market with an annual turnover of GH¢5 billion, and Finatrade, a leading West African agri-commodities and branded foods company which has well-established distribution strengths in Ghana and on surrounding markets. Mr Iddrisu lauded the partnership between Distell Group and Finatrade, calling on them to identify a locally related agricultural commodity that could be used for the production of the beverages in order to benefit from some tax exemption incentives. “Having attained low middle-income status, it is the expectation of the government to transit into an upper-income economy and this can only be achieved with viable interventions such as this,” he said. Goods from the ports He said the ministry was working to ensure that the laws governing the flow of goods from the ports to customs-bounded warehouses were reviewed and made possible for the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to work 24 hours to enhance efficiency, hinting that the process would come into force by January 1, 2015. The minister noted that the government was working closely with the Customs Division of the GRA to deal with smuggling, counterfeiting and pirating, with the aim of protecting local investments. He advised the management of the new venture to work closely with the Tema Traditional Authority and, if possible, give the Paramount Chief, Nii Adjei Krakue II, and his council a special dispensation in the recruitment processes in order to carry the council along and support the chief in his traditional governance process. The Chief Executive Officer of Distell Group Limited, Mr Richard Rushton, observed that Distell was combining its proven production and marketing expertise with the local marketing, sales and distribution knowledge of Finatrade to bring top quality products at competitive prices to Ghana. “Our partnership, will yield benefits way beyond the two investment parties. Already, we are creating jobs which will enhance the lives of many families and stimulate the local economy.” He lauded Ghana’s GDP growth, which he described as “a fine example for the entire African continent.” The Chairman of Finatrade, Mr Nabil Moukarzel, said the partnership with Distell was a good example of two African companies pooling their respective skills to promote trade. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/25150-finatrade-partners-distell-group-to-set-up-bottling-plant-in-tema.html#sthash.h7VtWU8r.dpuf

Port Training Institute to be set up at Tema

By Benjamin Glover | Tuesday, 24 June 2014 01:01 | Category: General News - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/25848-port-training-institute-to-be-set-up-at-tema.html#sthash.jUmyJHyO.dpuf The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ports Development Partnership (PDP), Africa-Netherlands, for the setting up of a Port Training Institute at the Tema Port. The institute will offer practical training and certification to seafarers and other related jobs at the port. It will also provide students with in-depth training on the requisite skills needed to work efficiently and to handle pressing maritime situations. MoU The Director General at the GPHA, Mr Richard Anamoo, initialled on behalf of the GPHA, while Mr Sunder Wubbolts, a Senior Project Manager of STC-B.V, a Dutch institution that specialises in training, technical assistance and research for the maritime and transport related industries in The Netherlands, who are also members of the Port Development Partnership, signed for the Dutch partners. Other collaborators include Deltares, an independent knowledge institute on water, subsurface and infrastructure and UNESCO-IHE, an institute for water education. The MoU was witnessed by the Board Chairman of GPHA, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, and the Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Co-operation, Lilliane Ploumen. The PDP is a unique collaboration between 18 Dutch public and private business partners and the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Accra, working together with local and regional stakeholders in achieving sustainable and long-term development for Africa’s main ports. Rationale The Director General at the GPHA, Mr Anamoo, explained that with the current expansion works of the Tema and Takoradi ports and a possible third port, there was the need to train more people on offshore operations and other maritime services, hence the establishment of the Port Training Institute. He said the institute would complement training offered by the other training establishments such as the Regional Maritime University to ensure that beneficiaries in the maritime sector were well- trained to promote efficient service delivery. Dutch Minister The Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Co-operation, Ms Ploumen, said The Netherlands was delighted to partner Ghana and the GPHA to expand the ports and logistics corridors to create an efficient transport hub. She expressed the hope that the project, when completed, would lead to knowledge transfer resulting in more efficient, safer, cost effective and sustainable port and terminal operations. Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/25848-port-training-institute-to-be-set-up-at-tema.html#sthash.jUmyJHyO.dpuf

Rejuvenating the city of Tema

By Benjamin Glover | Saturday, 21 June 2014 08:39 | Category: features - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/features/features/25660-rejuvenating-the-city-of-tema.html#sthash.CP2mRnIg.dpuf Rejuvenating the city of Tema By Benjamin Glover | Saturday, 21 June 2014 08:39 | Category: features 8 5 0 The Tema Settlement was planned and built using the neighbourhood concept of town planning. Under this scheme, the various communities were designed to have key amenities to make them self-sufficient and not become dependent on other communities. However, over a period of time and as a result of population growth and the growing numbers of commercial establishments in the city, the social infrastructure that is in place has become overstretched, a situation requiring that the city authorities either modernise and expand facilities or curtail the fast spread of existing commercial entities as a way to possibly rejuvenate the metropolis and contain the present demands of the residents. Sewage In fact, a major challenge facing residents of the metropolis concerns the occasional leakage of sewage into the various communities. The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Isaac Ashia Odamtten, has said that the unfortunate situation emerged because of the indiscriminate erection of building structures on sceptic tanks, on ageing drainage systems, as well as the use of inappropriate materials for waste collection and their disposal in unauthorised places. He said the drainage systems, for instance, needed replacement. He said workers of waste management companies were occasionally deployed to the affected communities and suburbs to clean up the choked drains to allow waste water to flow freely through them. Clean Tema campaign At a recent public function at the Lorenz Wolf Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Mr Odamtten appealed to the clergy in Tema to use the pulpit to launch a crusade against the indiscriminate littering of the environment. He also called on them to partner the assembly to propagate the ‘Clean Tema’ agenda by advocating the need to keep the environment clean. He stressed that if everyone did the right thing by putting litter into appropriate litter bins, the TMA would make significant savings that could be used to improve on infrastructure such as schools, clinics and markets. According to Mr Odamtten, the determination to turn Tema into a clean metropolis was one of the eight thematic areas his administration was focusing on. Under the circumstances, residents are encouraged to clean gutters, streets and major market centres whenever the assembly organises clean-up exercises. The other seven areas of interest by the metropolitan assembly are on waste management, clean markets and lorry parks, security and safety, governance and social service, tourism and cultural exchange and infrastructure development. Street lighting The MCE disclosed that plans were also afoot to improve street lighting in the various communities and also install new ones for beautification of the environment and security. He was concerned that a large expanse of residential and commercial areas of the city were under darkness at night due to the lack of street lights. A number of residents have complained about the rising incidences of crime, including robbery, and have attributed the rise in the menace to the dark surroundings at night and for which criminals use to their advantage. Markets From initial designs of the metropolis, the city has a number of commercial centres spread across the city. They include markets for Tema Communities one, two, four, five, seven, eight, nine, Tema Mahean, fishing harbour, Sakumono and Texpo areas. Sad to say that although these markets appear to be vibrant, many of them are either congested or are suffering from weak structures. Following from this, a lot of pressure has been brought to bear on the central business area in Community One. The situation here is further compounded by vehicular traffic and congestion. The spill-over trading activities into the communities is evidenced in the proliferation of commercial shops and stores, many of them being wooden structures and disused shipping containers sited in unauthorised locations within the metropolis. The TMA plans to restructure and upgrade all commercial centres in the city, particularly in those communities lying on the boundaries of the metropolis. According to the TMA, an audit conducted on markets in the city revealed that they were either dormant because the place was not well-demarcated to attract customers or that the absence of an adjoining transport terminal served as a disincentive to the public. Construction of modern transport terminal The TMA has plans to construct a modern transport terminal for Tema. When completed, it is expected to address vehicular congestion at the Tema Community One main market and also bring to a minimum the chaotic situation that commuters face on a daily basis. The proposed project is earmarked to be constructed along the Site Two and Site 20 stretch of the Tema-Akosombo road. Reaction from residents Some residents in Tema, who spoke to the Daily Graphic, lauded the assembly for initiating the development projects but charged the assembly to back to their words with action and endeavour to make their aspirations a reality. They were of the opinion that the successful roll out of these plans, when well-executed, would result in a reduction in congestion and address the inadequacy of public transport space. “Many years gone past, Tema used to be a very beautiful city, but what do we see of Tema now? It is a far cry from its previous state. We have a lot to do and it is our collective responsibility as inhabitants to ensure that the city is restored to its former glory,” said a resident, Mr Daniel Abeiku Sam. A trader at the Community Nine market, Madam Akosua Oppong, bemoaned the deplorable state of the market and was optimistic that the new projects the assembly would be putting up would bring relief to the people. back to top - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/features/features/25660-rejuvenating-the-city-of-tema.html#sthash.csMLBrXZ.dpuf

Food vendors train on safe handling of food.

Food vendors train on safe handling of food By Benjamin Glover | Wednesday, 25 June 2014 - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/25918-food-vendors-train-on-safe-handling-of-food.html#sthash.Funxqsqz.dpuf selected food vendors in the Ashaiman Municipality have successfully completed a day’s training programme that will enable them to come out with qualitative, efficient and safe service delivery to the public. The training focused on iced kenkey producers in the Ashaiman market and its surrounding areas. The programme was organised by the Food Research Institute (FRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly. A Research Scientist and facilitator of the programme, Mrs Amy Attey, explained that the training in safe handling and preparation of ice kenkey, a popular street food, had become necessary following a market research conducted by the FRI in selected markets, namely Madina, Makola, Agbogloshie and Ashaiman, which revealed that a quantity of the product contained microbial contaminants. “It was decided, therefore, to start a series of education for the producers and vendors on the preparation, safe packaging and handling of the product in order to ensure that it is of good quality”, she said. Mrs Attey advised the participants to observe good practices by always wearing clean outer garments and effective hair restraint. She cautioned that if ice kenkey, for instance, was not handled well, it could lead to an outbreak of food-borne diseases. “The occurrence of foodborne disease remains a significant health issue in both developed and developing countries. Proper food preparation can prevent most food-borne diseases,” she said Mrs Attey said it had been estimated that each year 1.8 million people died from diarrhoea and most of the death were attributable to contaminated food or water. She, therefore, called on food vendors to ensure that they operated strictly under healthy and hygienic conditions. She further recommended that producers of ice-kenkey put the beverage in 300ml glass or plastic bottles by way of packaging it instead of pouring it into the old bottles of various shapes and sizes they used. Mrs Attey also urged millers of the kenkey to adopt the use of stainless steal milling machines in order to avoid the transfer of metals into the mixture. Mr George A.A. Anyebuno, who is also a research scientist, said because maize and peanuts, key ingredients in the preparation of the ice-kenkey, were very susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, it was important that all discoloured, damaged, immature, and shrivelled grains were manually sorted out to prevent contamination or reduce the levels of aflatoxins. A participant, Ms Lucky Azamati, described the training as very timely and recommended that it was held regularly to educate food vendors as a means to ensure the safety of the consuming public. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/25918-food-vendors-train-on-safe-handling-of-food.html#sthash.Funxqsqz.dpuf

total 9,924 drug-related cases were reported in four hospitals in Ghana between 2010 and June 2013

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA A total 9,924 drug-related cases were reported in four hospitals in Ghana between 2010 and June 2013. Out of the total figure, 3,782 were recorded in 2012 with 3,693 being males whereas 89 were females. The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) Capt Baffour Asaase Gyimah (retd) who disclosed this at the national celebration of the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Tema on Thursday, said besides the alarming figures that were recorded in the four hospitals, there are still cases that have not been reported to any hospital or rehabilitation centre. He said NACOB has identified demand reduction as a key area that needed attention and has since last year focused on demand reduction programmes aimed at highlighting the harmful effects of drug use. Under the theme "A message of hope: Drugs use disorders were preventable and treatable” the celebration was organised by the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) to create awareness and also sustain public education of the negative social and economic effects of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Those in attendance included school children from selected second cycle institution Preventable Capt Assase Gyimah said drug use disorders were preventable and gave the assurance that NACOB would channel available resources to campaign against illicit use of drugs promote expansion in treatment and rehabilitation programmes as well as ensure social reintegration. “Our programmes offer a lifeline to those already abusing drugs as well as those who intend to abuse illicit drugs”, he said He said in addition to NACOB’s educational campaign, the counseling, rehabilitation and social integration unit have partnered some rehabilitation centres to offer technical support services to addicts. Capt Assase Gyimah said currently, the government is seeking funding from international partners to construct an ultra-modern rehabilitation centre to house drug addicts to ease congestion at the various psychiatric hospitals. “Drug use disorders are preventable and NACOB will channel available resources to campaign against illicit use of drugs promote expansion in treatment and rehabilitation programmes as well as ensure social reintegration of drug addicts” He said drug addiction is a disease and not necessarily a crime adding that addiction is a medical problem that requires medical attention and not legal prosecution for prison confinement. “Addicts need our sympathy and not our condemnation”, he said. He however warned that the fact that NACOB has adopted this policy towards drug addicts does not mean that the governing board of NACOB as well as the government of Ghana contemplates legalizing the use of marijuana in any form. He advised the youth including some actors and radio presenters whose attitude in public platform gratifying the use of marijuana to desist since it is reprehensible adding that those who fall foul of the law will be dealt with. Collaboration The Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr James Agalga said Ghana would continue to collaborate with both local and international drug law agencies, Non-Governmental organizations, Civil Society Organizations and other identifiable bodies with the aim of combating the drug menace. He said notwithstanding the numerous contributions and efforts made in drug control, the African continent in the year 2012 witnessed an increase in the seizures of illicit drugs mainly cocaine, heroin and marijuana stretching from the northern, eastern and western belts of the continent. Mr Agalga therefore called on all stakeholders including civil society organizations; faith based organizations and schools to join in the fight against the use and trafficking of illicit drugs. Evidence of Drug Use The Executive Secretary of NACOB, Mr Yaw Akrasi Sarpong, said there are evidence of drug use at all levels of the educational system in Ghana primarily because of the belief that drug use aids in learning. He said that belief is a misconception stressing that drug use do not aid learning but destroys the individual. “Prevention of drug use and abuse is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It is better not to start at all than to enter rehabilitation if addiction occurs”, he said Mt Sarpong said drug and other substance use disorders comprise a public health problem that affects many people and have wide-ranging social consequences adding that the economic cost associated with untreated drug and other substance use disorders are very evident in the society. “The state and the public may suffer many health consequences associated with drug and other substance use disorders. These include fatal drug syndrome and drug-affected babies, infectious diseases, mental health problems and social consequences including crime, accidents, suicide, domestic violence and homelessness”, he warned. Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh