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

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-