THE Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye –Marfo, has given the assurance that, work will soon begin on the Atebubu- Kwame Danso road and beyond, which has been in a deplorable state for a considerable number of years now.
According to Mr Nyamekye-Marfo, the contractor was currently having discussions with the consultants of the project on the cost component and when the deal was finally concluded, the construction company would quickly move in to commence work.
The assurance by the Regional Minister, followed agitations and concerns raised by some traditional authorities in the Atebubu/Amantin district, stating unequivocally that, even though the people in the area had constantly shown faith and commitment to the past and present National Democratic Congress (NDC) governments they had not been fairly treated, especially, regarding the deteriorated nature of their road network.
Nana Adu Atta Ababio, the Omanhene of Wiase Traditional Area, Nana Yaw Owusu, the acting President of the Dwan Traditional Council and Nana Osei Atuahene, the acting President of the Bassa Traditional Council, expressed their separate sentiments when the Regional Minister paid courtesy calls at their palaces as part of his three-day working visit to the area.
The Regional Minister was accompanied by Mr Felix B. Chaahaah, the Regional Co-ordinating Director and some members of the NDC.
Arguing out their case, the chiefs explained that, the district was endowed with a lot of resources, including food and other crops, fish and others but noted that, it was difficult to transport those items from the farms to the commercial centres for sale, a situation they said, had aggravated the poverty level of the people.
They said, owing to the bad nature of the road, there had been an increase in maternal deaths, since those who were normally referred, lost their lives midway to the bigger health facility they had been referred for further observation or treatment.
Besides, the chiefs noted that business people were scared to come to the area to do business while teachers and other government officials either felt reluctant to accept postings and transfers or blatantly refused to honour such movements at all.
It was in response to these sentiments that the Regional Minister gave the assurance that all was set for work to start on the road in earnest and that, the government was committed to ensuring that, the road was tarred to the admiration of the people.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo appealed to the chiefs to release land for the planting of trees as part of the government’s greening Ghana programme, adding that, those who parted with their parcels of land would benefit from a percentage share of the final product when it matured.
Earlier in the Atebubu/Amantin District, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Sanja Nanja, led the regional minister to inspect a number of ongoing and completed projects that had been undertaken by the assembly and also interacted with the staff of the Atebubu District health facility as well as the Atebubu traditional council members.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
MEDIDCL ASSISTANTS END SEMINAR AT KINTAMPO (PAGE 54, JUNE 28, 2010)
MORE than 200 practising medical assistants and students at the Kintampo Rural Health Training School (KRHTS) in the Brong Ahafo Region and their physician assistant counterparts from the University of Utah in the United States of America, have attended a seminar to update their knowledge on various health issues.
The participants treated topics, including Traumatology, Burn and Pain Management, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Diabetes, Hypertension, Paediatric Dermatology, Urinary Tract Infection, Drug Development, Dermatology Emergency, Breast Cancer, Nutrition, Mental Health, Depression, Men’s Health Issues such as Prostrate Cancer and Impotence.
For about four years now, the KRHTS has been collaborating with the University of Utah to exchange ideas and build knowledge on varied health matters by organising seminars.
The theme for the seminar was, “Exchanging Ideas, Exploring Possibilities”.
Speaking at the end of the four-day seminar, the Director of KRHTS, Dr E.T. Adjase, advised the participants to go back to their various communities to share the knowledge they had acquired with those who did not benefit and also use the skills they had acquired professionally.
He urged them to use their values to transform the lives of the people in the communities and exhibit a high sense of professionalism humility but not pomposity.
He said the training school was established about 40 years ago to produce middle-level healthcare professionals to serve in the deprived communities, adding that medical assistants were found throughout the country providing invaluable healthcare delivery to the people.
Dr Adjase noted with regret that trauma cases were killing a lot of people in the country while most preventable accidents were also claiming innocent lives, adding that with the knowledge acquired from the trauma sessions, the medical assistants would be able to manage the situation in their respective areas.
Dr Adjase disclosed that in the quest to transform the KRHTS into a health college, the authorities had acquired about 3,000 acres of land to embark on expansion works, saying, “We all have a duty to protect our land from encroachment in the interest of posterity”.
The leader of the Utah team, Madam Nadia Miniclier, who is also the Director of Clinical Evaluation of the Physician Assistant Programme at the University of Utah, said clinical practice by medical assistants was a remarkable work and expressed the hope that the partnership between the two institutions would continue.
Dr Michael Magill, the Head of Family Health Division of the university, commended the participants for the enthusiasm they showed throughout the programme and called for the sustenance of the programme.
The participants treated topics, including Traumatology, Burn and Pain Management, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Diabetes, Hypertension, Paediatric Dermatology, Urinary Tract Infection, Drug Development, Dermatology Emergency, Breast Cancer, Nutrition, Mental Health, Depression, Men’s Health Issues such as Prostrate Cancer and Impotence.
For about four years now, the KRHTS has been collaborating with the University of Utah to exchange ideas and build knowledge on varied health matters by organising seminars.
The theme for the seminar was, “Exchanging Ideas, Exploring Possibilities”.
Speaking at the end of the four-day seminar, the Director of KRHTS, Dr E.T. Adjase, advised the participants to go back to their various communities to share the knowledge they had acquired with those who did not benefit and also use the skills they had acquired professionally.
He urged them to use their values to transform the lives of the people in the communities and exhibit a high sense of professionalism humility but not pomposity.
He said the training school was established about 40 years ago to produce middle-level healthcare professionals to serve in the deprived communities, adding that medical assistants were found throughout the country providing invaluable healthcare delivery to the people.
Dr Adjase noted with regret that trauma cases were killing a lot of people in the country while most preventable accidents were also claiming innocent lives, adding that with the knowledge acquired from the trauma sessions, the medical assistants would be able to manage the situation in their respective areas.
Dr Adjase disclosed that in the quest to transform the KRHTS into a health college, the authorities had acquired about 3,000 acres of land to embark on expansion works, saying, “We all have a duty to protect our land from encroachment in the interest of posterity”.
The leader of the Utah team, Madam Nadia Miniclier, who is also the Director of Clinical Evaluation of the Physician Assistant Programme at the University of Utah, said clinical practice by medical assistants was a remarkable work and expressed the hope that the partnership between the two institutions would continue.
Dr Michael Magill, the Head of Family Health Division of the university, commended the participants for the enthusiasm they showed throughout the programme and called for the sustenance of the programme.
DESIST FROM DIVERTING AGRICULTURAL INPUTS (PAGE 43, JUNE 28, 2010)
STOREKEEPERS of the Cocoa Inputs Company Limited (CICL) have been advised to desist from any attempt or inducement to sell fertilisers and other agricultural inputs meant for farmers to prospective smugglers.
They have also been urged to be more vigilant and expose those who are involved in the smuggling of dried cocoa beans to neighbouring Cote d’ Ivoire and across other borders.
The Managing Director of CICL, Mr Samuel Amuzu, who gave the advice in Sunyani, explained that the sale of inputs meant for the production of cocoa and the smuggling of the cocoa beans would negatively hamper the expected attainment of 1,000,000 tonnes of the commodity by 2012.
Addressing the fifth national awards ceremony organised by the company for 20 deserving hardworking and honest storekeepers, Mr Amuzu urged them to expose economic saboteurs and their collaborators to the appropriate quarters for them to be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land’.
He pointed out that, in spite of the fact that some motivational package had been put in place to encourage staff to offer their best, some storekeepers kept on embezzling sales proceeds belonging to the company, adding that while some of those miscreants had been arrested, others had absconded.
‘‘I wish to make a passionate appeal to all to volunteer relevant information which will lead to the arrest of those on the run.It is an open secret that some of you know their hideouts,as well as what they have used the stolen money for,” he noted.
Mr Amuzu, however, disclosed that the company increased its turnover by 27.8 per cent over that of 2008 and also exceeded its budget by 18.8 per cent.
Mr Kwame Obeng Adjinah,the National Co-ordinator of the cocoa diseases and Pests Control Project of the COCOBOD appealed to the storekeepers to ensure that fertilisers which had been subsidised by the government by 57 percent even at the new price of GH¢25.00 per bag,are sold to only genuine farmers.
They have also been urged to be more vigilant and expose those who are involved in the smuggling of dried cocoa beans to neighbouring Cote d’ Ivoire and across other borders.
The Managing Director of CICL, Mr Samuel Amuzu, who gave the advice in Sunyani, explained that the sale of inputs meant for the production of cocoa and the smuggling of the cocoa beans would negatively hamper the expected attainment of 1,000,000 tonnes of the commodity by 2012.
Addressing the fifth national awards ceremony organised by the company for 20 deserving hardworking and honest storekeepers, Mr Amuzu urged them to expose economic saboteurs and their collaborators to the appropriate quarters for them to be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land’.
He pointed out that, in spite of the fact that some motivational package had been put in place to encourage staff to offer their best, some storekeepers kept on embezzling sales proceeds belonging to the company, adding that while some of those miscreants had been arrested, others had absconded.
‘‘I wish to make a passionate appeal to all to volunteer relevant information which will lead to the arrest of those on the run.It is an open secret that some of you know their hideouts,as well as what they have used the stolen money for,” he noted.
Mr Amuzu, however, disclosed that the company increased its turnover by 27.8 per cent over that of 2008 and also exceeded its budget by 18.8 per cent.
Mr Kwame Obeng Adjinah,the National Co-ordinator of the cocoa diseases and Pests Control Project of the COCOBOD appealed to the storekeepers to ensure that fertilisers which had been subsidised by the government by 57 percent even at the new price of GH¢25.00 per bag,are sold to only genuine farmers.
EFFICIENT CREDIT UNIONS CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT (PAGE 43, JUNE 28, 2010)
THE Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Yaw Osei Agyei has stated that efficient credit unions and loans and savings schemes in the various parts of the country have transformed the lives of many people.
He also noted with satisfaction that some religious bodies had set up schools at all levels, which were massive contributions towards the growth of the economy and a relief to the government.
“‘In Ghana today, our churches have gone into education, trading, transport, medicine and all sorts of physical development issues, that make them assume total development of the human being,” he stated.
The MCE made the observation when he addressed the seventh Annual Synod of the Wenchi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, on the theme ‘‘Oneness in Diversity’’.
In the Wenchi town itself, Mr Agyei noted that the Methodist Church was rubbing shoulders with the Municipal Assembly and for that matter the government, saying, ‘‘We cannot talk about our health without the mention of the famous Wenchi Methodist Church”.
Mr Agyei explained that the church sought the spiritual uplift or welfare of the person, while the state concerned itself with the physical development of the people, adding however that recent developments had shifted those positions, with the church having taken upon itself some gigantic physical development of the person, while the state had embarked on programmes to dignify the individual.
He further pointed out that the state had crossed into the spiritual realm by ensuring that Ghanaians had the peace of mind to go about their normal duties without any fear whatsoever, adding that the government had provided a sound security for the people which he said had ensured healthy minds in healthy bodies.
The government, the MCE said, had ensured that democracy and the rule of law thrived in the country, stressing ‘‘Ghanaians are happier today and are living and walking about peacefully’’.
Mr Agyei said in spite of the numerous achievements of the church and state, there were still more to be done, since more people continued to engage in crimes and other immoral activities, and therefore, used the occasion to advise both Christians and Moslems not to relent in their efforts but to pray for God’s divine intervention.
The Rt Rev. Sampson Yamoah spoke against division in the church and implored the congregation to remain one in Christ, pointing out that, ‘‘Oneness in diversity underscores the acknowledgement and maintenance of individual uniqueness or difference”.
He also noted with satisfaction that some religious bodies had set up schools at all levels, which were massive contributions towards the growth of the economy and a relief to the government.
“‘In Ghana today, our churches have gone into education, trading, transport, medicine and all sorts of physical development issues, that make them assume total development of the human being,” he stated.
The MCE made the observation when he addressed the seventh Annual Synod of the Wenchi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, on the theme ‘‘Oneness in Diversity’’.
In the Wenchi town itself, Mr Agyei noted that the Methodist Church was rubbing shoulders with the Municipal Assembly and for that matter the government, saying, ‘‘We cannot talk about our health without the mention of the famous Wenchi Methodist Church”.
Mr Agyei explained that the church sought the spiritual uplift or welfare of the person, while the state concerned itself with the physical development of the people, adding however that recent developments had shifted those positions, with the church having taken upon itself some gigantic physical development of the person, while the state had embarked on programmes to dignify the individual.
He further pointed out that the state had crossed into the spiritual realm by ensuring that Ghanaians had the peace of mind to go about their normal duties without any fear whatsoever, adding that the government had provided a sound security for the people which he said had ensured healthy minds in healthy bodies.
The government, the MCE said, had ensured that democracy and the rule of law thrived in the country, stressing ‘‘Ghanaians are happier today and are living and walking about peacefully’’.
Mr Agyei said in spite of the numerous achievements of the church and state, there were still more to be done, since more people continued to engage in crimes and other immoral activities, and therefore, used the occasion to advise both Christians and Moslems not to relent in their efforts but to pray for God’s divine intervention.
The Rt Rev. Sampson Yamoah spoke against division in the church and implored the congregation to remain one in Christ, pointing out that, ‘‘Oneness in diversity underscores the acknowledgement and maintenance of individual uniqueness or difference”.
GNL CONTRIBUTES TO RURAL DEVELOPMEDNT (PAGE 43, JUNE 28, 2010)
THE private sector has been constantly described as the engine of growth of the economy since the sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. In fact,the private sector has provided and continues to offer employment to a reasonable percentage of the country’s young population.
But for this sector, a lot of young people would have led wayward lives by becoming criminals.
By getting involved in criminal activities, some of our young men and women would have either ended their lives prematurely, gone to jail, sustained some degrees of injury or contracted various diseases, a phenomenon which is not healthy for the country.
While admitting that the private sector plays its part to the growth of the Ghanaian economy, it is an undeniable fact that most of these business ventures are concentrated in the cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Takoradi.
It is against this background that it is refreshing and commendable to see the establishment of a company known as Ghana Nuts Limited (GNL) at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region, which operates as a commodity trader in Soya, Groundnuts, Cashew, Sheanuts and Sesame for local consumption and export.
The company was established in 2001 as an agro-processing centre of excellence within the West African Sub- Region, with emphasis on effective rural wealth creation, promote health and vitality, sustainable food security, human resource development and good corporate social responsibility.
GNL operates under the Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) and is a registered member of the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) and since 2003, the company has received awards of Gold and Platinum from the GEPC.
The company has a plant capacity of 75,000 tonnes for Soya beans, 31,000 tonnes for Shea Cake and 36,000 for the Oil Refinery, and during its peak season engages a total of 336 people made up of 238 men and 98 women as permanent workers, 433 casuals, comprising 194 men and 239 female.
For the company’s indirect workforce, a total of 7,603 constitute out-growers in Soya beans production in northern Ghana and the Brong Ahafo Region, while over 5,000 families are engaged through the procurement of Shea and Pea nuts, all of whom enjoy free transport service, meals, medicare and vitality services.
GNL recognises that it has a significant stake in the prosperity, health, vitality and quality of life of the society in which it operates and as a community stakeholder, the company views its support as both a sound investment and primary responsibility, which it has been doing through donations of various kinds.
As part of GNL’s corporate social responsibility portfolio, the company has adopted and renovated the Children’s Ward of the Techiman Holy Family Hospital, as well as the developed a modern laundry service at the same hospital.
In line with its vision of good health and vitality, the company has donated a fully automated and comprehensively insured ambulance to the Chiraa Health Centre in the Sunyani West District, with a professional driver contracted to ensure efficient operation.
Besides, the company has procured three combined harvesters for Soya bean farmers through its wealth creation programme to encourage the youth in agriculture, while it has also transformed the Fiaso Church of Pentecost in the Nkoranza North District.
The GNL has also assisted the Community Nurses Training School at Tanoso, near Sunyani, by donating 200 bags of cement worth GH¢3,000 to support development projects being embarked upon by the school authorities, including the fencing of the acquired land area to avoid encroachment.
Making the presentation, the Human Resource and Administrative Manager of GNL, Mr Evans Annor, expressed the hope that the donation would facilitate the projects that were under construction or was yet to start, saying his outfit would not renege on its social responsibility programmes which were geared towards the enhancement of the well-being of the people.
The District Director of Health Services for Tano North, Dr Yakubu Bayayinah, observed that the government alone could not handle the development needs of the country and it behoved on all well meaning individuals, organisations and institutions to assist in that direction.
Mrs Josephine Koranteng-Asare, the Principal of the school, who received the gift, indicated that, the one-storey building which was originally constructed to serve as a classroom block was now being used for other purposes, pointing out that there were a number of problems confronting the school which needed immediate attention.
Within a brief period of its existence, GNL has sought to, and succeeded in extending its influence to the length and breadth of the country and has remained focused on its core competencies with the installed state of the art processing machines to process what the company terms as, Refined, Bleached and Deodorised (RBD) Soya and Cotton seed cooking oil.
The company has become a household name in the vicinity of the Techiman Municipality as a world class producer of Soya bean oil and Soy bean meal, Cotton seed meal and Cotton seed oil, as well as Shea butter.
But for this sector, a lot of young people would have led wayward lives by becoming criminals.
By getting involved in criminal activities, some of our young men and women would have either ended their lives prematurely, gone to jail, sustained some degrees of injury or contracted various diseases, a phenomenon which is not healthy for the country.
While admitting that the private sector plays its part to the growth of the Ghanaian economy, it is an undeniable fact that most of these business ventures are concentrated in the cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Takoradi.
It is against this background that it is refreshing and commendable to see the establishment of a company known as Ghana Nuts Limited (GNL) at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region, which operates as a commodity trader in Soya, Groundnuts, Cashew, Sheanuts and Sesame for local consumption and export.
The company was established in 2001 as an agro-processing centre of excellence within the West African Sub- Region, with emphasis on effective rural wealth creation, promote health and vitality, sustainable food security, human resource development and good corporate social responsibility.
GNL operates under the Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) and is a registered member of the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) and since 2003, the company has received awards of Gold and Platinum from the GEPC.
The company has a plant capacity of 75,000 tonnes for Soya beans, 31,000 tonnes for Shea Cake and 36,000 for the Oil Refinery, and during its peak season engages a total of 336 people made up of 238 men and 98 women as permanent workers, 433 casuals, comprising 194 men and 239 female.
For the company’s indirect workforce, a total of 7,603 constitute out-growers in Soya beans production in northern Ghana and the Brong Ahafo Region, while over 5,000 families are engaged through the procurement of Shea and Pea nuts, all of whom enjoy free transport service, meals, medicare and vitality services.
GNL recognises that it has a significant stake in the prosperity, health, vitality and quality of life of the society in which it operates and as a community stakeholder, the company views its support as both a sound investment and primary responsibility, which it has been doing through donations of various kinds.
As part of GNL’s corporate social responsibility portfolio, the company has adopted and renovated the Children’s Ward of the Techiman Holy Family Hospital, as well as the developed a modern laundry service at the same hospital.
In line with its vision of good health and vitality, the company has donated a fully automated and comprehensively insured ambulance to the Chiraa Health Centre in the Sunyani West District, with a professional driver contracted to ensure efficient operation.
Besides, the company has procured three combined harvesters for Soya bean farmers through its wealth creation programme to encourage the youth in agriculture, while it has also transformed the Fiaso Church of Pentecost in the Nkoranza North District.
The GNL has also assisted the Community Nurses Training School at Tanoso, near Sunyani, by donating 200 bags of cement worth GH¢3,000 to support development projects being embarked upon by the school authorities, including the fencing of the acquired land area to avoid encroachment.
Making the presentation, the Human Resource and Administrative Manager of GNL, Mr Evans Annor, expressed the hope that the donation would facilitate the projects that were under construction or was yet to start, saying his outfit would not renege on its social responsibility programmes which were geared towards the enhancement of the well-being of the people.
The District Director of Health Services for Tano North, Dr Yakubu Bayayinah, observed that the government alone could not handle the development needs of the country and it behoved on all well meaning individuals, organisations and institutions to assist in that direction.
Mrs Josephine Koranteng-Asare, the Principal of the school, who received the gift, indicated that, the one-storey building which was originally constructed to serve as a classroom block was now being used for other purposes, pointing out that there were a number of problems confronting the school which needed immediate attention.
Within a brief period of its existence, GNL has sought to, and succeeded in extending its influence to the length and breadth of the country and has remained focused on its core competencies with the installed state of the art processing machines to process what the company terms as, Refined, Bleached and Deodorised (RBD) Soya and Cotton seed cooking oil.
The company has become a household name in the vicinity of the Techiman Municipality as a world class producer of Soya bean oil and Soy bean meal, Cotton seed meal and Cotton seed oil, as well as Shea butter.
Friday, June 25, 2010
DEMOCRACY WILL BE UNDERMINED WITHOUT YOUTH...Argues Prof Sawyerr (PAGE 13, JUNE 25, 2010)
A FORMER interim President of Liberia, Professor Amos C. Sawyer, has said the foundations of participatory democracy would be compromised if the voices of the youth, who institute the largest group of citizens of every African country are not taken into account in the councils of governance.
“We cannot pretend to be planning for the future if the interest, concerns and challenges of the youth are not central to the planning process. Moreover, if the youth are to be governors of the future, they must help shape that future,” he said.
Prof. Sawyer pointed out that the burden rested on the shoulders of both current leaders of Africa, as well as the youth leaders of Africa to develop the vision and the programme to claim the 21st century as the African Century.
The former President made the statement when he delivered the keynote address at the Strategic Future Leaders Conference 2010, organised by the Foundation for Future Leaders International (FFLI) in Sunyani, the capital of the Brong Ahafo Region, last Saturday.
About 2,000 members of the foundation, mainly from secondary and tertiary educational institutions, and non-members, from all over the country, attended the three-day conference which was on the theme: “The African Youth as Architects and Builders of the New Africa.”
Prof. Sawyer said he was happy at the fact that the youth in Africa were now gaining a place of prominence in the African governance and development agenda.
He recalled that in July 2006, the heads of states and government of the African Union endorsed the African Youth Charter with provisions meant to protect and promote four categories of rights of the African youth and spell out the duties African Youth had in Africa.
Among those rights, Prof. Sawyer said, were the right to participate in the institutions of governance in Africa, the right to education and skill development, sustainable livelihood and good and well-being, adding that, the participation of the youth in the institutions of political, social and economic governance was very important in every conceivable measure.
Thus he declared: “We have an obligation to fashion our parliaments, province and town councils, our executives and judicial institutions in ways that allow for the participation of the youth. We are here to fashion our policies such that the interest and challenges that confront the youth are placed at the centre stage.”
The Former Interim President of Liberia further said the youth should also be prepared to participate in the process of political, social and economic governance at local, regional, national and international levels in 21st century Africa.
Such preparation, Prof. Sawyer explained, ought to take into account the range of challenges that confronted Africa, saying: “We live in Africa which is connected to the global; we live in Africa in which many areas are emerging from conflict and yet others are still mired in conflict.”
Prof. Sawyer further advised: “You, the leaders of the 21st century Africa, must cultivate democratic values of tolerance and respect for others and must appreciate diversity. You must have personal values of honesty. You must develop skills for consensus building and skills for peace making and peace building, especially in conflict and post-conflict areas. You must be trans-national in outlook and transformational in vision.”
He said the youth were the true architects in the development of the country and without them, Ghana and Africa could not develop meaningfully, adding that the fundamental problem in Africa was leadership, hence the need to invest in the youth to take the leadership position.
The General Manager in charge of Newspapers at the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Yaw Ayeboafo, who represented the Managing Director of the company, Mr Ibrahim Awal, as the Chairman for the occasion, advised the youth to prepare themselves sufficiently to take up leadership positions in the country.
He urged the participants to make good use of the opportunities that were available to them and take the right step at the right time, saying that: “You are the people we are going to depend on in future. Let us make Africa the shinning star of the world.”
Other speakers at the function were Mrs Victoria Opoku, a Director of Ghana Education Service in charge of Senior High Schools; Mr L. B Antwi, the Dean of the Faculty of Forest Resources Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Sunyani Campus and Mr Samuel Gyimah, Deputy Director of the Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, who represented the Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo.
“We cannot pretend to be planning for the future if the interest, concerns and challenges of the youth are not central to the planning process. Moreover, if the youth are to be governors of the future, they must help shape that future,” he said.
Prof. Sawyer pointed out that the burden rested on the shoulders of both current leaders of Africa, as well as the youth leaders of Africa to develop the vision and the programme to claim the 21st century as the African Century.
The former President made the statement when he delivered the keynote address at the Strategic Future Leaders Conference 2010, organised by the Foundation for Future Leaders International (FFLI) in Sunyani, the capital of the Brong Ahafo Region, last Saturday.
About 2,000 members of the foundation, mainly from secondary and tertiary educational institutions, and non-members, from all over the country, attended the three-day conference which was on the theme: “The African Youth as Architects and Builders of the New Africa.”
Prof. Sawyer said he was happy at the fact that the youth in Africa were now gaining a place of prominence in the African governance and development agenda.
He recalled that in July 2006, the heads of states and government of the African Union endorsed the African Youth Charter with provisions meant to protect and promote four categories of rights of the African youth and spell out the duties African Youth had in Africa.
Among those rights, Prof. Sawyer said, were the right to participate in the institutions of governance in Africa, the right to education and skill development, sustainable livelihood and good and well-being, adding that, the participation of the youth in the institutions of political, social and economic governance was very important in every conceivable measure.
Thus he declared: “We have an obligation to fashion our parliaments, province and town councils, our executives and judicial institutions in ways that allow for the participation of the youth. We are here to fashion our policies such that the interest and challenges that confront the youth are placed at the centre stage.”
The Former Interim President of Liberia further said the youth should also be prepared to participate in the process of political, social and economic governance at local, regional, national and international levels in 21st century Africa.
Such preparation, Prof. Sawyer explained, ought to take into account the range of challenges that confronted Africa, saying: “We live in Africa which is connected to the global; we live in Africa in which many areas are emerging from conflict and yet others are still mired in conflict.”
Prof. Sawyer further advised: “You, the leaders of the 21st century Africa, must cultivate democratic values of tolerance and respect for others and must appreciate diversity. You must have personal values of honesty. You must develop skills for consensus building and skills for peace making and peace building, especially in conflict and post-conflict areas. You must be trans-national in outlook and transformational in vision.”
He said the youth were the true architects in the development of the country and without them, Ghana and Africa could not develop meaningfully, adding that the fundamental problem in Africa was leadership, hence the need to invest in the youth to take the leadership position.
The General Manager in charge of Newspapers at the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Yaw Ayeboafo, who represented the Managing Director of the company, Mr Ibrahim Awal, as the Chairman for the occasion, advised the youth to prepare themselves sufficiently to take up leadership positions in the country.
He urged the participants to make good use of the opportunities that were available to them and take the right step at the right time, saying that: “You are the people we are going to depend on in future. Let us make Africa the shinning star of the world.”
Other speakers at the function were Mrs Victoria Opoku, a Director of Ghana Education Service in charge of Senior High Schools; Mr L. B Antwi, the Dean of the Faculty of Forest Resources Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Sunyani Campus and Mr Samuel Gyimah, Deputy Director of the Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, who represented the Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
CIVIL SERVANTS MUST COMMIT TO GOVT'S POLICIES (PAGE 14, JUNE 23, 2010)
The Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr Felix B. Chaahaah, has called on the civil servant to dedicate themselves towards the effective implementation of the policies of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said it was incumbent on all civil servants to diligently implement the policies and programmes of the government of the day.
He pointed out that, currently, it was the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party that was in government and so all officers of the Civil Service had to dedicate themselves towards meeting the goals of the NDC.
Mr Chaahaah made the statement when he addressed a meeting of heads of decentralised departments of the Pru District Assembly at Yeji.
The Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo was in the area as part of a three-day working visit to the district as well as the Atebubu/Amantin and Sene districts.
The Regional Co-ordinating Director explained that of all the manifestoes of the various political parties in the country, the people decided to choose that of the NDC and eventually voted the party into power and so whether they liked it or not, all civil servants had no option than to ensure that they committed themselves towards the successful implementation of the NDC policies.
‘‘Our vision and mission is to serve any government that the people decides to select and in this present situation, it is the NDC party that our people have chosen and so we must all strive to ensure that all that is stated in the NDC manifesto comes to fruition. We serve the government of the day and the NDC constitutes the government of the day,’’ Mr Chaahaah emphasised.
The regional minister for his part stressed the need for civil servants to be time conscious, disciplined and eschew laziness in order to impress upon their subordinates to maintain those values.
He pointed out that the Pru district was among the newly created ones and as such was confronted with a lot of challenges, including the lack of accommodation, health and educational facilities, water and sanitation problems, among others.
‘‘You have a herculean task to perform since you also have people with different backgrounds and diverse cultures and I think that, you need to be circumspect in dealing with them,’’ Mr Nyamekye–Marfo observed.
He noted with regret the inhuman treatment that some of the heads meted out to their subordinates and, therefore, urged them to establish a cordial relationship with those they were working with.
He appealed to the heads to assist the government to achieve its ‘‘Better Ghana’’ agenda, saying that, they should not allow their political coloration to show up in the discharge of their official duties as civil servants.
‘‘If you want to be a politician, then just drop your identity and go into full time politics. I want to urge you to promote the agenda of the government that aims at improving the lives of the people’’, Mr Nyamekye-Marfo advised.
The regional minister said discussions were ongoing towards the establishment of a military base at Yeji to deal with armed robbery and other criminal cases in the area, however, he urged the security personnel to continue with their night patrols so as to keep the peace in the district.
Mr Nyamekye- Marfo inspected a number of development projects being undertaken by the district assembly and paid courtesy calls on traditional authorities in the area, including the Omanhene of the Yeji Traditional Area, Pemampem Kabrose, who appealed to the regional minister to use his good office to see to the improvement of the road network in the district and the construction of a befitting district assembly offices and other infrastructural works.
He said it was incumbent on all civil servants to diligently implement the policies and programmes of the government of the day.
He pointed out that, currently, it was the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party that was in government and so all officers of the Civil Service had to dedicate themselves towards meeting the goals of the NDC.
Mr Chaahaah made the statement when he addressed a meeting of heads of decentralised departments of the Pru District Assembly at Yeji.
The Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo was in the area as part of a three-day working visit to the district as well as the Atebubu/Amantin and Sene districts.
The Regional Co-ordinating Director explained that of all the manifestoes of the various political parties in the country, the people decided to choose that of the NDC and eventually voted the party into power and so whether they liked it or not, all civil servants had no option than to ensure that they committed themselves towards the successful implementation of the NDC policies.
‘‘Our vision and mission is to serve any government that the people decides to select and in this present situation, it is the NDC party that our people have chosen and so we must all strive to ensure that all that is stated in the NDC manifesto comes to fruition. We serve the government of the day and the NDC constitutes the government of the day,’’ Mr Chaahaah emphasised.
The regional minister for his part stressed the need for civil servants to be time conscious, disciplined and eschew laziness in order to impress upon their subordinates to maintain those values.
He pointed out that the Pru district was among the newly created ones and as such was confronted with a lot of challenges, including the lack of accommodation, health and educational facilities, water and sanitation problems, among others.
‘‘You have a herculean task to perform since you also have people with different backgrounds and diverse cultures and I think that, you need to be circumspect in dealing with them,’’ Mr Nyamekye–Marfo observed.
He noted with regret the inhuman treatment that some of the heads meted out to their subordinates and, therefore, urged them to establish a cordial relationship with those they were working with.
He appealed to the heads to assist the government to achieve its ‘‘Better Ghana’’ agenda, saying that, they should not allow their political coloration to show up in the discharge of their official duties as civil servants.
‘‘If you want to be a politician, then just drop your identity and go into full time politics. I want to urge you to promote the agenda of the government that aims at improving the lives of the people’’, Mr Nyamekye-Marfo advised.
The regional minister said discussions were ongoing towards the establishment of a military base at Yeji to deal with armed robbery and other criminal cases in the area, however, he urged the security personnel to continue with their night patrols so as to keep the peace in the district.
Mr Nyamekye- Marfo inspected a number of development projects being undertaken by the district assembly and paid courtesy calls on traditional authorities in the area, including the Omanhene of the Yeji Traditional Area, Pemampem Kabrose, who appealed to the regional minister to use his good office to see to the improvement of the road network in the district and the construction of a befitting district assembly offices and other infrastructural works.
Monday, June 14, 2010
BLACK STARS PARTICIPATION IN WORLD CUP: EXPECTATIONS FROM KUMASI, SUNYANI (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, BACK PAGE, JUNE 14, 2010)
Interviews: David Owusu-Antwi, Kumasi and Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah Sunyani
Pictures; David Owusu-Antwi, Kumasi James K. Baah, Sunyani
The Black Stars are set to make history again at the FIFA World Cup which started in South Africa from June 11-July 11 and Coach Milo’s squad are expected to make Ghana proud at the event, which will keep the world excited for a whole month.
Grpahic Nsempa brings you the expectations on their participation from the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions. This was before the Ghana-Serbia match
I think the players in camp are good enough to carry the country very far in the competition but I have a little problem about our preparation. Our preparation for the World Cup was nothing compared to what we did for Germany 2006.
I however, have high expectations of the Black Stars ability to progress from our group, which also comprise Germany, Serbia, and Australia.
Going beyond the round of 16 is something I want to be very careful in making any predictions about. However, let me encourage our charges to work hard and stay united to be able to take out any opposition that we may meet.
Ghanaians must not see this World Cup as something for the players alone to execute but pray for the Lord’s favour and grace.May God be our helper.
The coach’s selection is okay because he has worked with them and knows those who will best execute his strategy to qualify the stars for the next stage of the competition.
We only have to pray to God to guide and guard the team and also direct the coach to do the proper thing.
The rest of us Ghanaians are laymen and so what we think is not what the coach as a professional thinks. The team has not really hit their peak but we are sure they will do their best during the tournament.
Let me tell you. Even though I don’t see anything wrong with the the playing body, my prediction is that the Black Stars would not cross the group stage encounters.
I have no hope in the team because most of the boys are not matured to face the highly fancied teams from across the world. The exclusion of Laryea and Eric Addo, was not the best decision taken by Coach Milo.
Laryea is a utility material, especially when it comes to effecting free kicks and so on and it is one of Milo’s serious mistakes. I wish for a miracle to happen.
The coach’s selection of the 23-man squad is perfect. He has the mandate to select the best team he believes will deliver the goods for him. After all, it’s his head that will roll if things (God forbid) did not go well for the team.
For me, I don’t see anything wrong with the 23 boys he selected since he knows the caliber of all the players who are with him. The squad is good but the only person who is not in South Africa which hurts, is Michael Essien and probably Agyeman Badu”.
Ghanaians should pray for the protection of the team. The Black Stars can be unpredictable and can perform better when the odds are against the team. Let’s pray for them.
I strongly believe that our team will reach the semi-finals of this World Cup. Our preparations for the competition has been a suspect and of course, we have missed some of our big stars but I still have a lot of hope in the team.
Have Ghanaians forgotten so soon of this same team’s exploits during the CAN 2010 in Angola and how they qualified for this World Cup, having two matches to spare?
The same God who did it for us in Africa, will lead us to victory in this World Cup.
Many people look at the Serbians, Germans and the Australians and think Ghana will be a no march for them but I believe that any team at the tournament can be beaten. That notwithstanding, I suggest our charges must be more serious and work extra hard if they are to make any meaningful impart in the competition.
I still cannot fathom why we are playing a tournament in Africa and yet Ghana opted to spend more money camping at areas where the weather conditions are not the same as what pertains in the venue of the competition.
All the same, I trust our players to bring glory to Ghana.
There’s nothing wrong with the selection, the individual players are hungry to chalk successes and would wish to achieve something for themselves and their relations.
The team spirit is very high and that is a panacea for reaping results. We will get there with the kind of confidence they show on the field of play
I urge the boys never to be complacent but to go all out to face any team. Ghana can spring a surprise in South Africa by the end of the tournament.
Ghana’s least level in the competition will be the semi-final. Young players such as Dede Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Samuel Inkoom and latest inclusion, Kevin Prince Boateng have gained a lot of experience having played elite football in Europe and therefore, could march any opposition boot for boot in the competition.
Our friendly games did a lot of degeneration to the confidence of Ghanaians, especially when Holland walloped us 4-1 but Ghanaians must know that it was just a friendly game and the players needed to protect themselves against injuries.
Already, our solid midfielder, Michael Essien has been ruled out because of injury, Sulley Muntari’s form has taken a serious dip and Skipper Stephen Appiah cannot be said to be fully ready for this competition.
I think it was very wise that the other players decided to protect themselves and give off their best in the main event.
The Black Stars will bring the trophy home. The Satellites showed the way when they conquered the world last year and won the world youth championship in Egypt.
My only prayer is that the coach will make the right selection for the games so that the team will gel. God will surely be with us, Ghanaians should only pray and trust the Lord for His grace.
Pictures; David Owusu-Antwi, Kumasi James K. Baah, Sunyani
The Black Stars are set to make history again at the FIFA World Cup which started in South Africa from June 11-July 11 and Coach Milo’s squad are expected to make Ghana proud at the event, which will keep the world excited for a whole month.
Grpahic Nsempa brings you the expectations on their participation from the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions. This was before the Ghana-Serbia match
I think the players in camp are good enough to carry the country very far in the competition but I have a little problem about our preparation. Our preparation for the World Cup was nothing compared to what we did for Germany 2006.
I however, have high expectations of the Black Stars ability to progress from our group, which also comprise Germany, Serbia, and Australia.
Going beyond the round of 16 is something I want to be very careful in making any predictions about. However, let me encourage our charges to work hard and stay united to be able to take out any opposition that we may meet.
Ghanaians must not see this World Cup as something for the players alone to execute but pray for the Lord’s favour and grace.May God be our helper.
The coach’s selection is okay because he has worked with them and knows those who will best execute his strategy to qualify the stars for the next stage of the competition.
We only have to pray to God to guide and guard the team and also direct the coach to do the proper thing.
The rest of us Ghanaians are laymen and so what we think is not what the coach as a professional thinks. The team has not really hit their peak but we are sure they will do their best during the tournament.
Let me tell you. Even though I don’t see anything wrong with the the playing body, my prediction is that the Black Stars would not cross the group stage encounters.
I have no hope in the team because most of the boys are not matured to face the highly fancied teams from across the world. The exclusion of Laryea and Eric Addo, was not the best decision taken by Coach Milo.
Laryea is a utility material, especially when it comes to effecting free kicks and so on and it is one of Milo’s serious mistakes. I wish for a miracle to happen.
The coach’s selection of the 23-man squad is perfect. He has the mandate to select the best team he believes will deliver the goods for him. After all, it’s his head that will roll if things (God forbid) did not go well for the team.
For me, I don’t see anything wrong with the 23 boys he selected since he knows the caliber of all the players who are with him. The squad is good but the only person who is not in South Africa which hurts, is Michael Essien and probably Agyeman Badu”.
Ghanaians should pray for the protection of the team. The Black Stars can be unpredictable and can perform better when the odds are against the team. Let’s pray for them.
I strongly believe that our team will reach the semi-finals of this World Cup. Our preparations for the competition has been a suspect and of course, we have missed some of our big stars but I still have a lot of hope in the team.
Have Ghanaians forgotten so soon of this same team’s exploits during the CAN 2010 in Angola and how they qualified for this World Cup, having two matches to spare?
The same God who did it for us in Africa, will lead us to victory in this World Cup.
Many people look at the Serbians, Germans and the Australians and think Ghana will be a no march for them but I believe that any team at the tournament can be beaten. That notwithstanding, I suggest our charges must be more serious and work extra hard if they are to make any meaningful impart in the competition.
I still cannot fathom why we are playing a tournament in Africa and yet Ghana opted to spend more money camping at areas where the weather conditions are not the same as what pertains in the venue of the competition.
All the same, I trust our players to bring glory to Ghana.
There’s nothing wrong with the selection, the individual players are hungry to chalk successes and would wish to achieve something for themselves and their relations.
The team spirit is very high and that is a panacea for reaping results. We will get there with the kind of confidence they show on the field of play
I urge the boys never to be complacent but to go all out to face any team. Ghana can spring a surprise in South Africa by the end of the tournament.
Ghana’s least level in the competition will be the semi-final. Young players such as Dede Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Samuel Inkoom and latest inclusion, Kevin Prince Boateng have gained a lot of experience having played elite football in Europe and therefore, could march any opposition boot for boot in the competition.
Our friendly games did a lot of degeneration to the confidence of Ghanaians, especially when Holland walloped us 4-1 but Ghanaians must know that it was just a friendly game and the players needed to protect themselves against injuries.
Already, our solid midfielder, Michael Essien has been ruled out because of injury, Sulley Muntari’s form has taken a serious dip and Skipper Stephen Appiah cannot be said to be fully ready for this competition.
I think it was very wise that the other players decided to protect themselves and give off their best in the main event.
The Black Stars will bring the trophy home. The Satellites showed the way when they conquered the world last year and won the world youth championship in Egypt.
My only prayer is that the coach will make the right selection for the games so that the team will gel. God will surely be with us, Ghanaians should only pray and trust the Lord for His grace.
Monday, June 7, 2010
GHANA NUTS LIMITED CONTRIBUTES TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, PAGE 14, JUNE 7, 2010)
By Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah
The private sector has been constantly described as the engine of growth of the economy, since the sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. In fact, the private sector has provided and continues to provide employment for a reasonable percentage of the young population in the country.
But for this sector, a lot more young people, would have led wayward lives by becoming criminals, and would have also engaged in other social vices, including drug addiction, alcoholism and homo sexualism, among other bad practices.
While admitting that, the private sector plays its part in the growth of the Ghanaian economy, it is an undeniable fact that, most business ventures are concentrated in the cities of the country, mainly Accra, Kumasi, Tema, Takoradi and the bigger towns in southern Ghana.
It is against this background that the establishment of a company known as Ghana Nuts Limited (GNL) at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region, which operates as a commodity trader in soya, groundnuts, cashew, sheanuts and sesame for local consumption and export is commendable.
The company was established in 2001 as an agro-processing centre of excellence within the West African Sub-Region, with emphasis on effective rural wealth creation, health promotion and melting pot for the Ghanaian economy for sustainable food security, human resource development and good corporate social responsibility.
GNL operates under the Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) and is a registered member of the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) and since 2003, the company has received awards of Gold and Platinum from the GEPC.
The company has a plant capacity of taking, 75,000 Metric Tons (Mt) of soya beans; 31,000 Mt of Shea Cake; and refine, 36,000 Mt of oil. During the peak season, the company engages a total of 336 people made up of 238 men and 98 women as permanent workers with a total of 433 casuals, comprising 194 men and 239 females, making a grand total of 769. Its direct employees programme is made up of 337 women and 432 men.
For the company’s indirect workforce, a total of 7,603 constitute out-growers in soya beans production in Northern Ghana and the Brong Ahafo Region, while over 5,000 families are engaged through the procurement of sheanuts and peanuts, all of who enjoy free transport service, free meals, free medicare and vitality services.
As part of GNL’s corporate social responsibility portfolio, the company has adopted and renovated the Children’s Ward of the Techiman Holy Family Hospital as well as the development of a modern laundry service at the same hospital.
In line with its vision of good health and vitality, the company has donated a fully automated and comprehensively insured ambulance to the Chiraa Health Centre in the Sunyani West District, and employed a professional driver to ensure efficient operations.
The company has also procured three combined harvesters for soya bean farmers through its wealth creation programme to encourage the youth in agriculture.
The GNL has also recently given aid to the Community Nurses Training School at Tanoso, near Sunyani by donating 200 bags of cement worth GH¢3,000 to support development projects being embarked upon by the school authorities, including the fencing of the acquired total land area to avoid encroachment and invasion by social miscreants.
Making the presentation, the Human Resource and Administrative Manager of GNL, Mr Evans Annor, expressed the hope that the donation would facilitate whatever projects that were under construction or was yet to start, saying that his outfit would not renege on its social responsibility programmes, which were geared towards the enhancement of the well being of the people.
The District Director of Health Services for Tano North, Dr Yakubu Bayayinah, observed that, the government alone could not handle the development needs of the country and so it was important that all well meaning individuals, organisations and institutions assisted in government.
Mrs Josephine Koranteng-Asare, the Principal of the school, who received the gift, indicated that, one story building, which was originally constructed to serve as a classroom block was now being used for other purposes, pointing out that there were a number of problems confronting the school, which needed immediate attention.
The private sector has been constantly described as the engine of growth of the economy, since the sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. In fact, the private sector has provided and continues to provide employment for a reasonable percentage of the young population in the country.
But for this sector, a lot more young people, would have led wayward lives by becoming criminals, and would have also engaged in other social vices, including drug addiction, alcoholism and homo sexualism, among other bad practices.
While admitting that, the private sector plays its part in the growth of the Ghanaian economy, it is an undeniable fact that, most business ventures are concentrated in the cities of the country, mainly Accra, Kumasi, Tema, Takoradi and the bigger towns in southern Ghana.
It is against this background that the establishment of a company known as Ghana Nuts Limited (GNL) at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region, which operates as a commodity trader in soya, groundnuts, cashew, sheanuts and sesame for local consumption and export is commendable.
The company was established in 2001 as an agro-processing centre of excellence within the West African Sub-Region, with emphasis on effective rural wealth creation, health promotion and melting pot for the Ghanaian economy for sustainable food security, human resource development and good corporate social responsibility.
GNL operates under the Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) and is a registered member of the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) and since 2003, the company has received awards of Gold and Platinum from the GEPC.
The company has a plant capacity of taking, 75,000 Metric Tons (Mt) of soya beans; 31,000 Mt of Shea Cake; and refine, 36,000 Mt of oil. During the peak season, the company engages a total of 336 people made up of 238 men and 98 women as permanent workers with a total of 433 casuals, comprising 194 men and 239 females, making a grand total of 769. Its direct employees programme is made up of 337 women and 432 men.
For the company’s indirect workforce, a total of 7,603 constitute out-growers in soya beans production in Northern Ghana and the Brong Ahafo Region, while over 5,000 families are engaged through the procurement of sheanuts and peanuts, all of who enjoy free transport service, free meals, free medicare and vitality services.
As part of GNL’s corporate social responsibility portfolio, the company has adopted and renovated the Children’s Ward of the Techiman Holy Family Hospital as well as the development of a modern laundry service at the same hospital.
In line with its vision of good health and vitality, the company has donated a fully automated and comprehensively insured ambulance to the Chiraa Health Centre in the Sunyani West District, and employed a professional driver to ensure efficient operations.
The company has also procured three combined harvesters for soya bean farmers through its wealth creation programme to encourage the youth in agriculture.
The GNL has also recently given aid to the Community Nurses Training School at Tanoso, near Sunyani by donating 200 bags of cement worth GH¢3,000 to support development projects being embarked upon by the school authorities, including the fencing of the acquired total land area to avoid encroachment and invasion by social miscreants.
Making the presentation, the Human Resource and Administrative Manager of GNL, Mr Evans Annor, expressed the hope that the donation would facilitate whatever projects that were under construction or was yet to start, saying that his outfit would not renege on its social responsibility programmes, which were geared towards the enhancement of the well being of the people.
The District Director of Health Services for Tano North, Dr Yakubu Bayayinah, observed that, the government alone could not handle the development needs of the country and so it was important that all well meaning individuals, organisations and institutions assisted in government.
Mrs Josephine Koranteng-Asare, the Principal of the school, who received the gift, indicated that, one story building, which was originally constructed to serve as a classroom block was now being used for other purposes, pointing out that there were a number of problems confronting the school, which needed immediate attention.
METHODIST CHURCH HOLDS 7TH ANNUAL SYNOD AT WENCHI (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, PAGE 15, JUNE 7, 2010)
By Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Wenchi
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Yaw Osei Agyei has observed that, the establishment and operation of the most efficient credit unions as well as loans and savings schemes in various parts of the country have positively turned around, the lives of many of their members and non-members.
He also noted with satisfaction that, some of the religious bodies had set up schools at all levels, including Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and Senior High as well as Universities which according to him, were good contributions towards the growth of the economy and a relief to the government.
“In Ghana today, our churches have gone into education, trading, transportation, medicine and all sorts of businesses, that make them assume the total development of the human being. In the area of medicine, the least said about it, the better, as Mission hospitals are dotted all over the country, which has had a big impact on Ghanaians, since they are able to meet their health needs’’, Mr Agyei further noted.
The MCE made the observation when he addressed the 7th Annual Synod of the Wenchi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, which was on the theme ‘‘Oneness in Diversity’’.
In the Wenchi township itself, Mr Agyei admitted that, the Methodist Church was rubbing shoulders with the Municipal Assembly and for that matter, the government, saying, ‘‘We cannot talk about our health without mentioning the famous Wenchi Methodist Church and our secondary school. You have capped your efforts with a university’’.
Indeed, the MCE stressed that the church was a force to reckon with in the municipality, not only in its achievements but also in other areas that were numerous to mention, emphasising however that, the assembly on its part, had also constructed schools, clinics, provided water and markets among other initiatives, to ensure a decent living for the people,
Mr Agyei explained that, the church sought the spiritual uplift or welfare of the person, while the state concerned itself with the physical development of the people. He said, recent developments had however shifted those positions, with the church having taken upon itself some gigantic physical development of the person, while the state had embarked on programmes to dignify the individual.
He further pointed out that, the state had crossed into the spiritual realm by ensuring that Ghanaians had the peace of mind to go about their normal duties without any fear whatsoever, adding that, the government had provided sound security for the people which he said, had ensured healthy minds in healthy bodies.
The government, the MCE said, had again ensured that democracy and the rule of law thrived in the country, stressing that, ‘‘Ghanaians are happier today and are living and walking about peacefully’’.
Mr Agyei said, in spite of the numerous achievements of the church and the state, there were still more to be done, since more people continued to engage in crimes and other immoral activities, and therefore, used the occasion to advise both Christians and Moslems not to relent in their efforts but to pray for God’s divine intervention.
The Rt Rev. Sampson Yamoah in his sermon spoke against divisionism in the church and implored the congregation to remain as one people in Christ, pointing out that, ‘‘Oneness in diversity underscores the acknowledgement and maintenance of individual uniqueness or difference and still remaining in unity of purpose’’.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr Yaw Osei Agyei has observed that, the establishment and operation of the most efficient credit unions as well as loans and savings schemes in various parts of the country have positively turned around, the lives of many of their members and non-members.
He also noted with satisfaction that, some of the religious bodies had set up schools at all levels, including Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and Senior High as well as Universities which according to him, were good contributions towards the growth of the economy and a relief to the government.
“In Ghana today, our churches have gone into education, trading, transportation, medicine and all sorts of businesses, that make them assume the total development of the human being. In the area of medicine, the least said about it, the better, as Mission hospitals are dotted all over the country, which has had a big impact on Ghanaians, since they are able to meet their health needs’’, Mr Agyei further noted.
The MCE made the observation when he addressed the 7th Annual Synod of the Wenchi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, which was on the theme ‘‘Oneness in Diversity’’.
In the Wenchi township itself, Mr Agyei admitted that, the Methodist Church was rubbing shoulders with the Municipal Assembly and for that matter, the government, saying, ‘‘We cannot talk about our health without mentioning the famous Wenchi Methodist Church and our secondary school. You have capped your efforts with a university’’.
Indeed, the MCE stressed that the church was a force to reckon with in the municipality, not only in its achievements but also in other areas that were numerous to mention, emphasising however that, the assembly on its part, had also constructed schools, clinics, provided water and markets among other initiatives, to ensure a decent living for the people,
Mr Agyei explained that, the church sought the spiritual uplift or welfare of the person, while the state concerned itself with the physical development of the people. He said, recent developments had however shifted those positions, with the church having taken upon itself some gigantic physical development of the person, while the state had embarked on programmes to dignify the individual.
He further pointed out that, the state had crossed into the spiritual realm by ensuring that Ghanaians had the peace of mind to go about their normal duties without any fear whatsoever, adding that, the government had provided sound security for the people which he said, had ensured healthy minds in healthy bodies.
The government, the MCE said, had again ensured that democracy and the rule of law thrived in the country, stressing that, ‘‘Ghanaians are happier today and are living and walking about peacefully’’.
Mr Agyei said, in spite of the numerous achievements of the church and the state, there were still more to be done, since more people continued to engage in crimes and other immoral activities, and therefore, used the occasion to advise both Christians and Moslems not to relent in their efforts but to pray for God’s divine intervention.
The Rt Rev. Sampson Yamoah in his sermon spoke against divisionism in the church and implored the congregation to remain as one people in Christ, pointing out that, ‘‘Oneness in diversity underscores the acknowledgement and maintenance of individual uniqueness or difference and still remaining in unity of purpose’’.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
GOVT IS COMMITTE TO TRUE DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE (PAGE 13, JUNE 1, 2010)
THE Constitution Review Commission (CRC) has organised community consultation fora at Wamfie and Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region to solicit inputs for the review of the 1992 Constitution.
The meetings, which were organised in collaboration with the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) were attended by representatives of the various political parties in the area, traditional authorities, heads of department, market women and other women groups, the security agencies, religious leaders, assembly members and other identifiable bodies.
Speaking at the function at Wamfie, the Dormaa East District Chief Executive, Mr I. K. Kyereme, said the review process was a laudable idea and that by taking such a step, the government had demonstrated its commitment to ensuring true democracy and good governance.
He, therefore, urged the participants to get involved in the process by making their individual or collective views available to the CRC to enable it make the appropriate recommendations, which would finally strengthen the constitution and make democracy vibrant in the country.
Mr Roland Atta-Kesson, Counsel and Lead Researcher for the commission, who spoke at the two functions, educated the participants on the various articles, sections and clauses in the constitution, after which group studies were organised.
The various groups then made their submissions which were meant to be factored into the amendment of the constitution.
Mr Atta-Kesson appealed to the general public to submit their views to either the district assembly or the office of the NCCE for onward submission to the CRC in Accra.
Mr Justice E.K. Twum, a retired Supervising High Court Judge, who chaired the function, also urged the government to adequately resource the NCCE to enable it carry out its constitutional mandate and added that without the NCCE, the quest for true democracy would be a mirage.
At Dormaa Ahenkro, the Municipal Chief Executive for Dormaa West, Mr Vincent Oppong, pointed out that society was dynamic and the decision by the government to effect changes in the Constitution was in the right direction.
‘‘The review of the constitution represents nothing more than good housekeeping for the nation and an attempt by the people of Ghana to fashion out solutions to our governance challenges’’, he observed.
The meetings, which were organised in collaboration with the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) were attended by representatives of the various political parties in the area, traditional authorities, heads of department, market women and other women groups, the security agencies, religious leaders, assembly members and other identifiable bodies.
Speaking at the function at Wamfie, the Dormaa East District Chief Executive, Mr I. K. Kyereme, said the review process was a laudable idea and that by taking such a step, the government had demonstrated its commitment to ensuring true democracy and good governance.
He, therefore, urged the participants to get involved in the process by making their individual or collective views available to the CRC to enable it make the appropriate recommendations, which would finally strengthen the constitution and make democracy vibrant in the country.
Mr Roland Atta-Kesson, Counsel and Lead Researcher for the commission, who spoke at the two functions, educated the participants on the various articles, sections and clauses in the constitution, after which group studies were organised.
The various groups then made their submissions which were meant to be factored into the amendment of the constitution.
Mr Atta-Kesson appealed to the general public to submit their views to either the district assembly or the office of the NCCE for onward submission to the CRC in Accra.
Mr Justice E.K. Twum, a retired Supervising High Court Judge, who chaired the function, also urged the government to adequately resource the NCCE to enable it carry out its constitutional mandate and added that without the NCCE, the quest for true democracy would be a mirage.
At Dormaa Ahenkro, the Municipal Chief Executive for Dormaa West, Mr Vincent Oppong, pointed out that society was dynamic and the decision by the government to effect changes in the Constitution was in the right direction.
‘‘The review of the constitution represents nothing more than good housekeeping for the nation and an attempt by the people of Ghana to fashion out solutions to our governance challenges’’, he observed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)