Queensland International School holds speech and prize giving day

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA
The Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, Mrs Dorothy Gordon has appealed to parents to understand the ins and outs technology and guide their children on to effectively utilized it to enhance the education of their wards.

"As technology is always changing and improving it gives us the opportunity to do much good as well as bad. How we use technology is based on our human nature and the power of technology for good is determined by our value system."

"As we prepare ourselves for 2030, technology will definitely play a major role. Our, founder Dr. Kwame Nkrumah put technology at the heart of our development strategy more than fifty years ago. Parents in the same way you would not let a small child travel alone and without guidance." she stressed

Mrs. Gordon gave the advice during the  Speech and Prize giving day of Queensland International School in Sakumono near Tema noted that children all over the world are using technology to learn in different ways adding that children all over the world are making use of online learning resources and other digital educational content to expand their knowledge.

KHADIJA
She narrated a story of Khadija Niazi, a 12-year old girl from a very average Pakistani family who found herself in Davos, sitting beside some of the worlds richest men, including the president of Standford University, the former Chairman of Microsoft Bill Gates.

Khadija, she said had been invited because sitting in Pakistan she had followed an on-line course in computing – Artificial Intelligence and then topped the exam, the same exam sat by top students in the USA.

ON LINE LEARNING
Mrs. Gordon said On-line learning has made available to many world-class courses for free from the internet. This gives people choices that they could never have imagined. She said it was very important that everyone made use of them.

BECOMING CREATORS
she said as digital technologies assume an increasing importance in the lives of many people, it was important that people do not only consume technology but give themselves the skills to create technology.
"It is great to see young people moving from being simply consumers of technology to actually creating technology. Children even in KG are learning to code. They use sites like Code Academy, learnscratch.org and blockly.org to start to learn programming. These resources make learning to programme just like playing games"

High Goals
Mrs Gordon advised the students to set high goals for education, choose their extra-curricula activities well since they help to develop their character.

"You could choose to spend all your time looking at the photos on your phone or tablet, watching TV or playing video games or worse. On the other hand you could explore educational content or develop your coding skills. You have a responsibility to yourself and to your future. Set yourself high goals." She said.

The Executive Director of QIS, Dr Isaac .K Adjei-Marfo noted that providing quality education to the youth of Ghana was the only way to influence the capacity of the young people to become more responsible adults equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude  which will enable them to integrate harmoniously into the world of work, social and cultural life.

He said QIS is very much aware that for any nation to prosper and make good progress, she needs educated, selfless, discipline and hardworking workforce hence have engaged well trained professional to try and inculcate these values in its pupils.
He however appealed to parents to complement the efforts of the teachers by offering the necessary guidance as well as monitoring.

The Headmaster of QIS, Mr Joseph T. Saki-Venyor said the school has over the years developed a comprehensive curriculum aimed at the total development of the child to prepare him/her for life and be able to cope with the rapidly changing scenes of life.

He said the academic performance of the students has been improving over the years with results been always 100 per cent adding that graduates are always placed mostly in Senior High School of their choice where they continue to excel
Mr Saki-Venyor said products of the school are pursuing academic disciplines of repute in top universities both within and outside the country.
He disclosed that going forward, the school looks to embark on a vigorous rebranding of the school aimed at taking it to greater heights and offer pupils quality international basic and high school education based on ICT and strong moral principles to ensure a holistic personality development.

Deserving students who excelled during the last academic term were presented with awards.
-End-
Pix:
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Nana Kofi Ofori Atta, who was adjudged most behaved students exchanging hand shakes with the dignitaries after picking his award
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Naa Lamiokor Boye, a primary six pupil exchanging hand shakes with the dignitaries after picking and award
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Master Samuel Adjei Sarfo, who picked 4 awards at the JHS 2 level exchanging hand shakes with the dignitaries after picking his award

--
Benjamin Xornam Glover
Correspondent, Daily Graphic (GCGL).
Tema Office
Tel:    +233 303 20 4281
Mobile: +233 244 80 2868
Email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh / glovben@yahoo.com
Website: glovben.blogspot.com
___________________________________________________________________________

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TMA to meet developmet needs of Tema

http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/31360-tma-to-meet-developmet-needs-of-tema.html

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA 

A core component among efforts to ensure the delivery of qualitative education is the provision of infrastructure that promotes teaching and learning in schools. Sadly, over the years, facilities in many schools in the Tema Metropolis are in deplorable conditions.

To address the challenge, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has introduced what is referred to as the Tema Industrial City Basic School Project. By this idea, the TMA seeks to ultimately revamp education in the Tema Metropolis.

The project implementation involves the construction of six new schools and the rehabilitation of old and decaying school structures. 

Design

The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, explained that all newly constructed schools would have two-storeys and not less than 12 classrooms. 

He said each of the facilities would have in addition an Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre, a library, a kitchen, a health post and other support facilities to make the schools run efficiently. 

Moreover, all the structures would have standardised fields for sports, including athletic ovals and basketball and volleyball courts. The construction of the sports fields is aimed at unearthing talents. 

He said each of the structures would be fenced to ensure control and security for staff and schoolchildren.

Work on the first stream of the Industrial City Basic Schools Project, involving two schools out of the six earmarked, has commenced and is expected to be completed in 12 months. The structures are located on the compound of the Mexico Cluster of Schools in Community Two and Mantey Din Primary School in Community One.

Funding 

According to the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), even though the project seemed daunting, the most important thing was to have a plan. “But we do not only have just a plan, we also have financial streams tied to the projects,” he said

He said the first phase of the projects was being financed by the Urban Development Grant of the World Bank. The second phase would be tackled with funds from the District Assembly Common Fund, while funds for the third phase would be sourced from the assembly's internally generated fund and donor support from philanthropists.

While on a tour of the building site, the metropolitan chief executive and his team from the TMA were briefed by the contractor, Mrs Rejoice E. Dorcoo. She gave an assurance that the project she was working on would be completed in less than 10 months.

"Following assurances of the availability of funds, we are hopeful of delivering the project far ahead of schedule," she said.

Mr Odamtten said an early completion of the project would be welcomed since it was needed to enhance accessibility to education in the metropolis. The early delivery of the project notwithstanding, the MCE tasked the contractors to do a quality job.

Other Development Projects

Mr Odamtten said the assembly was also involved in other undertakings aimed at responding to the infrastructural and social needs of residents. In this direction, he said, markets in the city were being refurbished to give traders more room and space to ply their trade. 

He said as part of that commitment, in July this year the assembly cut the sod for the construction of market stores for the Tema Manhean community. He said the project had progressed very quickly and was about 65 per cent complete.

He said initially the Tema Manhean market project was designed to take 17 stores but with ongoing re-engineering and redesigning works, the facility had been expanded to contain 21 shops.

He was optimistic that the project would be completed by November this year.

PPP Initiative

Mr Odamtten said the Tema Manhean Market project was the first phase of the TMA’s relationship with the private sector under a public-private partnership initiative.

He explained that when the market stores were completed, they would be leased out to raise funds for the next phase of expansion works in the Tema Manhean market.

Even distribution

According to Mr Odamtten, to ensure that development projects were spread evenly in the metropolis, the TMA was constructing a Community Health Planning Service Centre (CHPS) at Adjei Kojo, a kitchen for the Bastonaa Cluster Of Schools, and another at the Anglican Cluster Of Schools in Tema Manhean.

The Tema MCE said further that the assembly had made efforts to improve the road network in Klagon and Lashibi and, in conjunction with the MP for Tema Central, rehabilitate and re-grass the Prisco Park in Tema Community Four as part of efforts to promote sports in the area.

He said the assembly had further rehabilitated a number of streetlights in the metropolis to improve visibility at night and enhance security. He has, however, appealed to residents to keep a close eye on the lights and inform the assembly should there be any fault on them. 

Challenges

Mr Odamtten conceded that Tema still faced an uphill challenge with regard to sanitation management. He attributed the difficulties the city was having with its sewage systems to their old nature, as some of them were over half a century old.  

He said the sewage facility in the city was originally designed to carry waste from a few households but was now overstretched because of an ever increasing population.

Mr Odamtten said notwithstanding that, the assembly was exploring options to overhaul the system. In the meantime, he said, the waste management department of the assembly had been adequately resourced and equipped to deal with the occasional sewer explosions.

- See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/31360-tma-to-meet-developmet-needs-of-tema.html#sthash.gRZ0fVJZ.dpuf

GHANA to benefit from Netherlands Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project.

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Amsterdam  

The Government of Ghana and Netherlands Embassy have embarked on a multi-annual programme in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH). The Ghana-Netherlands WASH Programme (GNWP) focuses on integrated urban water and sanitation in selected municipalities.

The total budget of the programme is €180 million up to  the year 2020.

Objective

The GNWP aims at improving and increasing access to drinking water and sanitation services in urban areas of Ghana including schools.

In a brief interview with Daily Graphic at the Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Julius Debrah said the GNWP is focusing on providing sustainable and innovative solutions to the challenging water and sanitation problems in Ghana.

Mr Debrah, who was leading a trade mission to the Netherlands made up up public and private private sector companies and organizations from Ghana to facilitate partnerships and strengthen business relations said trade mission was in the Netherlands for match making and and meet with potential private sector firms and NGOs in the Netherlands.

He explained that in motivating and leveraging private sector involvement and inclusion an amount of €30 million has been allocated for a Public Private Partnership facility called the Ghana WASH Window (GWW).

"The GWW serves as a catalyst for private sector/non-Governmental organizations in Ghana to forge partnerships with the private sector in the Netherlands through making making to come up with innovative and sustainable proposals to be considered for funding." He said 

He indicated that the delegation while in the Netherlands will meet with potential private sector firms and NGOs in the Netherlands and also explore other business opportunities with the private sector.

Delegation 

Members of the Ghana delegation were  Ag. Director, Environmental Health and Sanitation Directorate of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Municipal Chief Executives  of the  Ga West Municipal Assembly, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Kpando Municipal Assembly, and the  Ashaiman Municipal Assembly

He said the private sector was represented by Waste Landfills Company, Youth and Social Enterprise Fund (Y-SEF) & GWF, Plastic Waste Collectors Association of Ghana, Multi Hydro Technology Company Limited, Environmental Services Providers Association, Jospong Group of companies led by its Chairman, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong,  Rockshell Engineering Limited J. Stanley-Owusu &Company Ltd, Del Ronna Co,  ECMP Gh. Limited, Dynamite Communications Limited, Safe Water Network, Dutch Water Partners,  Opportunities Industrialization Centers Int (OICI), Dominion Waste, Unik Restroom. With the team is Ms Elsie Appau , Policy Advisor with the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana.

End 

Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Injunction against NDC constituency election unnecessary-Ade Coker

The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Joseph Ade Coker, has slammed the decision of some party members to resort to the courts to secure injunctions and stop some constituencies from holding elections.
Some constituencies in the Greater Accra Region have been hit by a series of court injunctions, thereby putting their elections on hold.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Ashaiman Constituency elections of the party held at the weekend, Mr Ade Coker said the failure by those individuals to exhaust all the internal systems to resolve their disagreements meant those persons could not be entrusted with positions.

Court injunctions

Some members of the NDC in the Greater Accra Region have secured court injunctions restraining some constituencies, notably La Dadekotopon, Madina, Ayawaso West Wuogon and Tema Central from holding elections.

"I do not see why people are rushing to court. I ask myself what is the motivation for seeking redress in court? If you are disqualified, there is room for you to avail yourself of other opportunities. The party is a big party and there is a lot of room for people to do other things, not necessarily becoming an executive member. You can play your role in different and diverse ways. There is no need to resort to the courts," he said.

Influence

Mr Ade Coker denied rumours that he was influencing and handpicking persons who favoured his second term bid for election at the constituency level.

"I do not sit on the vetting panel. That constituency vetting committee is made up of three people, two of whom are from the constituency who know those who are actively involved in party activities, hence know who qualifies to contest. They conduct their independent work and only submit their report which is implemented. How then can I be accused of influencing the process?" he querried.

Mr Ade Coker advised all party members to abide by the laid- down procedure and avoid acts that could bring the name of the party into disrepute.


Outcome of elections

Meanwhile, Mr Shaddad Omar Jallo has been elected the Chairman of the Ashaiman Constituency branch of the NDC for another four-year term. He polled 472 votes out of 617 tohis contenders.

In an election conducted and supervised by officials of the Ashaiman Municipal Directorate of the Electoral Commission, Mr Hudu Alhassan was elected Vice- Chairman, while Mr Allen Quansah DeGraft annexed the post of Secretary.
Other executive members elected were: Mr Mohammed M. Jada, Youth Organiser; Mr Mark Afetor, Deputy Youth Organiser; Madam Peace Kakraba, Women's Organiser and Hajia  Ajara Baba, Deputy Women's Organiser.

Others were: Mr Frank Joe Mensah, Treasurer; Mr Wisdom Tetteh, Deputy Treasurer; Mr Veejay Agbogedem, Constituency Organiser; Mr Mumuni Ansah, Deputy Constituency Organiser, Ms Lucy Rio Sabbie, Propaganda Secretary and Mr Richard Haliga as Deputy Constituency Propaganda Secretary

Mr Shaddad Jallo, on behalf of the elected leaders, expressed appreciation to the delegates and pledged they would not betray their trust and confidence reposed in them

http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/30688-injunction-against-election-unnecessary-ade-coker.html

NGO embarks on clean-up exercise in Ashaiman

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, ASHAIMAN

In a bid to check the recent cholera outbreak in some parts of the country, a Non Governmental Organization, Lamix Foundation Ghana based in Ashaiman have embarked on a cleanup exercise to clear the municipality of filth.

Members of the NGO were joined by people within the community including the congregation of Generating Fire Ministries and staff of Zoom Lion Ghana took part in the cleanup exercise.

Coordinator of the NGO, Evangelist Bobie Bright mentioned that cholera is a product of filth and urged residents to practice good sanitation habits.

He appealed to residents of the municipality to ensure that the clean up exercise becomes a regular activity among the entire people of the Metropolis stressing that a clean environment will reduces their risk to poverty. " By keeping our surroundings clean, we save towards medical care"

He also appealed to all Ghanaians to be very conscious about personal hygiene in order to prevent cholera, especially cleaning and washing of hands with soap, as well as tidying their immediate environment.

Work progresses on Tema Ebola Isolation Centre

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA

WORK on an Isolation centre for Ebola at the Tema General Hospital is progressing steadily.

The 11 bed facility when completed the facility will have holding rooms for any anticipated Ebola case. Work is expected to be completed in on September 8 this year.

When the Daily Graphic visited the construction site, the contractor had laid blocks and erected a specialized tent while artisans were busily fixing other installations to get the project ready.

The foreman at the site who would not give out his name was optimistic that the deadline will be met. He added further that they have been working to meet the target.

The Tema General Hospital is one of three centres earmarked as Ebola isolation centres in the country. It will serve the southern sector, while the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi will handle cases for the middle belt and the Tamale Teaching Hospital for the northern sector.

With the scare of the Ebola epidemic becoming heightened, many have raised concern over the preparedness of the various health facilities to handle any suspected case.

Deaths

According to the World Health Organization, as of August 26 2014, the cumulative number of cases attributed to Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the four countries stands at 3069, including 1552 deaths.

The WHO said gave the distribution and classification of the cases as follows: Guinea, 647 cases (482 confirmed, 141 probable, and 25 suspected), including 430 deaths; Liberia, 1378 cases (322 confirmed, 674 probable, and 382 suspected), including 694 deaths; Nigeria, 17 cases (13 confirmed, 1 probable, and 3 suspected), including 6 deaths; and Sierra Leone, 1026 cases (935 confirmed, 37 probable, and 54 suspected), including 422 deaths.

Princess Royal Creche and Nursery School holds 16th graduation

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA

Princess Royal Creche and Nursery School has held its 16th graduation on parents to develop interest in their children education and spend time with them. In all, six students graduate graduated from the school to pursue basic education. The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Vida Ofosuhene of the school stressed that education plays a key role in the development of the child hence the establishment of early child care and development centers however, parents complement the roles of teachers hence the need to show interest in what their children do at school, help them, encourage them and spend quality time with them at home. She also urged the graduates to ensure that the quality education they received from the school would be evident in their daily lives. Mrs Ofosuhene also commended the teachers for the role they have played in molding and encouraged them to identify their short falls in the classroom in order to make improvements. Mrs Agnes Bossman Armah , a parent, urged fellow parents to develop interest in their children education and spend time with them. “Parents should not leave the development of their children solely to teachers or educational authorities,” he added.

She urged the graduates to continue working hard to advance in their education. Special awards for academic excellence were given to the deserving pupils and students. Princess Royal Creche and Nursery School started in January 12, 1998 with only one child but has to date contributed to the training of several children with the first graduands currently in level 100 of university studying various subjects including Medicine, Law, Engineering among other subjects.

Government takes steps to sanitise fishing industry

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has introduced new control measures on Ghanaian-flagged vessels that intend to fish in both within and in neighboring countries Under the new measures no Ghanaian semi-industrial and industrial trawlers will be issued with a license to fish without a Vessel Monitoring System, (VMS) The Head of Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Division of the Fisheries Commission Mr Godfrey Baidoo-Tsibu who disclosed this at a meeting with industrial trawler owners at Tema, warned that any Ghanaian registered tuna and trawl vessels that proceed to sea without a functioning VMS face possible sanctions in the future for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). He said of the 106 semi-industrial and industrial Ghanaian fishing vessels, including trawlers targeted for registration and installation of the VMS by the deadline of September 5, 2014, only 79 have met fully complied with the law. The remaining 27, he said could not meet the deadline and as such have been debarred from proceeding to sea. The VMS is equipped with a global positioning system and allows the Fisheries Monitoring Center (FMC) to monitor position, course and speed of a boat through a satellite network. The requirement for VMS as a condition for fishing vessels proceeding to sea and fishing is a cardinal provision under the Fisheries At 2002 (ACT 925) the fisheries Regulations 2010 and forms part of the obligations under the international market access conditions. He said the project was embarked on in collaborating with the World Bank and Global Environmental Facility to improve the fishing industry. Penalties and Regulations Baidoo-Tsibu said penalties for such offenders will include suspension and revocation of fishing licenses, confiscation of vessel and possible delisting from the Ghanaian registry. He encouraged owners of trawlers and vessels equipped with the system to ensure that the device is fully operational at all times and also instruct the Master of the vessel transmit data to the FMC. Mr Baidoo-Tsibu said took the participants through a number of regulations covering the VMS among which he said the Master of every vessel is to ensure that the catch data is not altered adding that in the event of a technical failure or non-functioning of a monitoring device, the Master or the owner of the vessel or their representatives should communicate to the FMC every two hours or at shorter interval as specified by the centre any information required from the time of notification of failure of the device. He noted that with the current increase in activities pirates, kidnappers, drug traffickers, illegal fishing, among others in maritime domain on the Gulf of Guinea there was the need for vessel monitoring system (VMS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS), to check vessel movements and curtail the increasing rate of piracy and other illegal activities in the coast of West Africa He appealed to all owners of tuna and trawl vessels to comply with the regulations in order to avoid suspension and revocation of fishing licensing, confiscation of vessel and possible delisting from the Ghanaian registry. The President of National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), Flt Lt M.G. Tackie, urged all tuna and trawl vessel owners to make full use of the facility to help boost the industry. -End- Effective September 5, 2014, any Ghanaian large scale tuna fishing vessels without a functioning vessel monitoring system will not be permitted to proceed to sea. The move is a cardinal provision under the Fisheries At 2002 (ACT 925) the fisheries Regulations 2010 and forms part of the obligations under the international market access conditions Any vessels which fail to comply with the regulations risk been suspended, revocation of fishing licensing, confiscation of vessel and possible delisting from the Ghanaian registry.

Road construction hinder water supply in Ashaiman municipality

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, ASHAIMAN

Water supply in parts of the Ashaiman municipality have been disrupted owing to the breakage of pipelines as a results construction works was being carried out on the stretch of road between Ashaiman township to Adjei Kojo under Bridge. As a result of this, many residents are without constant supply of drinking water to some parts of the municipality. Residents of the area have therefore has appealed to the agencies in charge provide them with an alternative water supply system during the period of road construction. Residents Complain

A cross section of residents who spoke to the Daily Graphic said for a period between two-weeks and one month, water had not flowed through their taps, a situation which has forced many residents to resort to the use of untreated water including water from dams for both domestic and other uses. Mr Ibrahim Musah, a resident of Ashaiman told this paper that some people are also taking advantage of the situation to exploit residents by filling small water containers with the dam water and selling each for between GH¢1 and GH¢ 2.

Another resident, Hajia Memunatu Alhassan expressed worry that with the recent spread of cholera outbreak in the country, delay in restoring water supply may exposed many more resident to the disease. Project site When the paper visited the project site, contractors of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) were spotted relocating the direction of the water pipelines that had been ruptured due to road constructions works, they said. The contractors were however not clear when water supply has been disrupted in parts of municipality will be fully restored. An official of the GWCL who declined to disclose his identity told the Daily Graphic at the project site that all efforts are being made to relocate all the broken pipelines to enhance regular water supply to start to minimize the impact of the shutdown.

Shai-Osudoku District Assembly makes strides

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, DODOWA

The Shai-Osudoku District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region has for the fourth time since 2011 qualified for the Functional Organizational Assessment Tool (FOAT), the District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel A. O. Lartey has disclosed. He said the Assembly qualified in 2011, 2012, and 2013 however the assembly is yet to receive the allocated funds for the three consecutive years. Mr Lartey explained that the delay in the release of the funds has affected the execution of development projects in the area. “We assume that much of the left uncompleted in the respective electoral areas will see remarkable levels of improvements” he said Mr Lartey was addressing assembly members, heads of departments and units at the 2nd Ordinary Meeting of the Assembly at the Guggisberg Memorial Hall at Dodowa. FOAT is a donor fund comprising the District Development Facility (DDF) and Urban Development Grant (UDG) for the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to undertake investments and capacity building projects. The DDF is meant for all the MMDAs while the UDG is for the Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) alone. Finances The DCE said the delay in the release of funds notwithstanding, the assembly has made strides with its revenue generation efforts adding that the Assembly was able to mobilize GH¢ 843,999.00 as Internally Generated Fund (IGF) as at June 2014 out of GH¢1, 517,600. 00 projected for the year 2014. He hinted that the amount was an improvement in collection compared to GH¢522,987.19 collected the same period last year. Mr Lartey attributed the improvement in the revenue collection to stringent measures introduced at quarries. He said to the Assembly will improve on its monitoring and supervision of the collectors and not hesitate to deal with any revenue collector who engages in unacceptable behavior at any revenue collection point. The DCE said due to inconsistent trickling in of funds from the Central government, the Executive Committee has recommended that a minimum of 15 percent of IGF is set aside to fund infrastructural projects in the district.

Development projects Mr Lartey enumerated a number of development projects embarked on by the assembly to improve on living standards in the district. He said in collaboration with the District Health Directorate they have upgraded the CHIPS Compound at Agomeda to the status of health centre, while constructions works is ongoing for four additional CHIPS compound at Tokpo, Kadjanya, Sota and Ayikuma communities respectively. Mr Lartey said the Assembly was undertaking a street lighting project from Lanor Junction to Osuwem adding that same facility will be extended to the Asutsuare committee to enhance security. He said the Assembly further disbursed GH¢ 14,000.00 as financial support to organize holiday classes for 157 girls in JHS Two with the view of preparing them for their final examinations at the Basic Education Certificate level. In addition, he said the Assembly released an amount of GH¢6,000.00 to the Education Directorate to support the Regional Science Technology and Mathematics Education. He explained that these initiatives were aimed at improving the quality of education in the District.

Agriculture He disclosed that the Assembly in its efforts to achieve food sufficiency and security has assisted in streamlining the leadership of the Osudoku Cooperative Framers Association to assist the farmers effectively utilize the irrigation facility in the area and help increase their yields. This he said will lead to jobs for the youth and ultimately reduce the poverty levels in the district through the cultivation of rice. Mr Lartey also announced that the Assembly was going to provide accommodation for teachers to curb teacher absenteeism and lateness to school. The DCE gave assurance of the assembly’s preparedness to put the district on a higher pedestal. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to members for their invaluable roles they have been playing within their various electoral areas and communities and commended the departments and units’ heads for their dedicated services. Presiding Member The Presiding Member, Mr Emmanuel Adjartey said he was pleased with the harmonious relationship among assembly members, which, he stressed, was a necessary tonic for accelerated growth. He lauded the Assembly for implementing the street naming project and the mounting of signages on the various streets in the district capital. -End- Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

Greater Accra NPP endorse Nana Akufo Addo @ Tema

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA The Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addd for 2016 campaign for flagbearership for the New Patriotic Party received another bolster when executives of the Greater Accra Region branch of the party endorsed his candidature and pledged to give him resounding margin of victory at the party’s ahead of the August 31 Special Congress to elect five out of the seven flag bearer aspirants to lead the NPP in the December 2016 general elections. The Regional Chairman of the Party, Mr. Ishmael Ashitey was very emphatic when he declared that from his interaction with the 34 constituency chairmen, it was evident that Nana Akufo-Addo was going to marshal 100 percent votes from Greater Accra come Sunday. “We need 100 percent votes from Greater Accra Region for Nana Akufo-Addo and I called on the other constituency executives to speak to their respective chairmen to rally behind Nana Akufo Addo, this is not the time to play, we are serious. Ghanaians are calling on us to give them power and we cannot fail them.” He said. This declaration took place at the Our Lady of Mercy (OLAMS) Senior High School when Nana Akufo-Addo took his campaign to seek the mandate of the party ahead of the 2016 elections to Tema. According to Mr. Ashitey it is time for the NPP to come back to power and urged the delegates to make a wise decision by voting massively for Nana Akufo-Addo. MPs back Nana Akufo-Addo The Regional Chairman and his constituency Chairperson were not alone in declaring their support for Nana Akufo-Addo. Members of Parliament from Tema East, Mr Titus Glover Tema Central, Kofi Brako, Ablekuma North, Justice Joe Appiah, Trobo Amasaman, Ablekuma West, Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful and Ayawaso West Wuogon, Mr Emmanuel Kwabena Agyarko all pledged their support for Nana Akufo-Addo The MP for Tema East, Mr Titus Glover announced that 13 out of the 14 NPP MPs in parliament have all thrown their support behimd the candidature of Nana Akufo-Addo hence there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Boakye Agyarko The 2012 Presidential Campaign Manager of the NPP, Mr Boakye Agyarko, in addressing the delegates, said all across the country, Ghanaians were tired of the current Mahama-led National Democratic Congress government, are were desirous of a change. “They are calling on the NPP to put its acts together to rescue the country from the hardship that the country find itself in. Our response to that cry must be equally loud and clear that hat we in the NPP are ready and standing firmly behind one candidate to rescue them from all the hardship that they tell us about.” He said He said having worked with Nana-Akufo, he was firmly convinced in his mind that Nana Akufo-Addo is the best man for Ghana if NPP truly wants power in 2016 and urged all others in the race to forget about it .Mr. Boakye Agyarko scoffed claims by some opponents that Nana Akufo-Addo is too old to lead the party into power come 2016 stressing that Nana Akufo-Addo is best placed to lead the party. “We shouldn’t think that the work to be done at Flagstaff House requires breaking of stones. It is work that requires knowledge, intelligence, intellect, courage and a level of maturity that comes with age and Nana Akufo Addo measures up to that.” He added. Dr. Bawumia The Vice-Presidential Candidate for the NPP in 2012, Dr Mahammudu Bawumia said Ghana finds itself at a very important crossroads its development which requires change of leadership. He urged members of the party to remain united and rally behind the candidature of Nana Akufo-Addo to secure victory come 2016. “The management of this economy by the NDC has largely been by propaganda. “They told us about their unprecedented achievement, when we told them that those unprecedented achievements were built on very weak foundation, they ignored us. Today the evidence is on the wall, and those achievements have all collapsed. We told them that you cannot use propaganda to manage an economy because if you do that, the exchange rates will expose you. Today we have an economy which is in crisis”, he said He therefore called on delegates and Ghanaians to vote for Nana Akufo –Addo as the next President of the country to transform this country. Nana Addo Nana Akufo-Addo said if given the opportunity within the NPP and outside it, he will assembly a first class team of men and women to give this country an effective government that can deliver for the prosperity of the Ghanaian people. He said he has prepared himself well to lead this country adding that age will not be an inhibiting factor. According to him if the President of Cote d’Ivoire, Mr Alhassane Oauttara at his age has been able to transform that country and put them on the road to transformation after years of conflict, them nothing stops him Nana Akufo-Addo to lead and bring prosperity to Ghana like what President Kufuor did and even more. “Give me the opportunity to do for Ghana what Alhassane Ouattara is doing for Cote d’Ivoire” he said. He acknowledged the recent confusion within the party and the unfortunate incidence at the party headquarters and gave the assurance that he would do whatever is necessary to keep the NPP together and ensure the party wins power in 2016.

Lions Club, Tema General Hospital holds health screening exercise

By Benjamin Xornam Glover, SAKUMONO

Following an outbreak of cholera that has hit the Greater Accra Region; the Tema General Hospital has intensified public education about cholera to avoid spreading. So far, the hospital has recorded 160 suspected cholera cases most of the patients treated and discharged. The Principal Nursing Officer, Public Health at the Tema General Hospital, Mrs. Monica Owusua Afoakwah, who led a team of health workers to conduct public education and screening exercise for residents of the coastal town of Sakumono near Tema disclosed this to the Daily Graphic. The Cholera outbreak in the Greater Accra Region has claimed over 50 lives with over 6,150 cases recorded as at August, 2014. Mrs. Afoakwah who also sensitized the residents on the Ebola outbreak, educated the residents on personal hygiene practices and entreated them to keep their surroundings clean. She said cholera can be prevented by maintain strict personal hygiene such washing of hands with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and before handling food. The public education and health screening exercise was initiated the Tema Lions Club and the Accra Ultimate Lions Club, in collaboration with the Tema General Hospital to help improve the general sanitation and health of the people and to prevent cholera outbreak. There was also free health screening exercise including physical, dental, and hearing and eye examinations while toddlers were also immunized. Over 200 residents benefitted from the exercise. Mrs. Afoakwah said the issue of cleanliness should be the concern of everybody in the communities, since cholera could affect anybody. The President, Tema Lions Club Mr Charles Ninsing explained that the free health fair is part of activities of the club’s youth wing, the Leo club, which affords the young members the opportunity to interact with other young people in the community. According to him, such social projects will help promote volunteerism and an opportunity to help young people develop skills while emphasizing the role of the youth in community development as they identify needs within the community and work together to find solutions. The President of the Accra Ultimate Lions Club, Dr. Sebastian Nafrah said the club is privileged to be partnering this year’s annual health fair as a way of identifying with the less fortunate and those who cannot afford have access seeking medical care.

Ashaiman holds beads bazaar

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, ASHIAMAN The first ever Ashaiman International Beads Bazaar has been held with a call on all stakeholders to ensure that beads making in the municipality grow into a permanent market and industry to create employment. The Municipal Chief Executive for Ashaiman, Mr Ibrahim Baidoo who made the call said the Assembly is committed at working to position the Municipality as a preferred destination for beads and creative products to enable the area attract buyers and investment. The bazaar was organised by the SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Programme in partnership with the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, the Federation of Ashaiman Youth. More than twenty beads designers in and around Ashaiman displayed various types of beads and educated the public about their cultural, medical and sensual significance Objective The one-day bazaar provided a unique opportunity for youth within and outside the Ashaiman municipality to learn practical skills of bead making, have the confidence to start their own small-scale business and contribute to improving their livelihoods and that of their community. It witnessed the showcasing of beads, wire sculpture and paintings. Visitors to the bazaar also had the opportunity to actively engage with exhibitors and also had the opportunity try their hands on simple beads making techniques. The Business Development Advisor at the SOS Children’s Villages, Mr Charles Cobbina said Ashaiman is a huge market place for big business and income generation for any service or product provider. He noted that though the population is very large, unemployment, especially among the young people is very visible, hence the need to create an avenue for income generation and also provide an employment opportunity for the youth through bead making. Mr Cobnina said the initiative is intended to lay the foundation for the establishment of a permanent Ashaiman Arts and Creative Products Centre.

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- writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh

9,924 drug related cases reported in four hospitals

26/6/2014

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