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