TMA FETES SENIOR CITIZENS

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

Ghana, Dutch Tax and Customs authorities exchange knowledge

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

Ghana, Dutch Tax and Customs authorities exchange knowledge

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

TMA cuts sod to kick start market project at Tema Manhean

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

GRIDCo engineers trained on effective transmission system

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

Queensland International School honors JHS Graduates

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

Mt Zion School holds career day

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