THE Catholic Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, Most Reverend Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, has urged members of the church, particularly the body of Knights and Ladies to get involved in politics since it is not a dirty game.
“Seek positons in parliament, in cabinet and ministerial appointment as well as other posts, continue to get involved in decision making at the local, national and international levels because in this way you are able to bring the message of Christ to bear on socio-economic and political issues,” he explained.
Most Rev. Gyamfi gave the advice when he delivered the keynote address at the 7th Bienniel of the Cape Coast Commandery convention of the Knights and Ladies of St. John International, a para military organization within the Catholic Church in Sunyani.
The theme for the five-day meeting is, “Go The Mass is Ended: Commission to Evangilisation — The Role of Knights and Ladies”.
He declared, “Evangelise politics because it is sick and do things as Christ did. Let us feel the touch of the Catholic moral and social teachings in the Presidency, if you become the president of Ghana, in parliament, Cabinet, in the Ministries, in your business and in all sectors of the society where you find yourself”.
The Bishop further pointed out that, as Knights and Ladies, “You are called to become agents of change in society through the exercise of justice and truth in all sphere of life and it is to help you do this that we urge you to actively get involved in politics”.
He said, however that, as they struggle to become defenders of truth and justice, they ought not to lose sight of the high ideals they were committed to pursue which he said, centred on love, compassion, honour and moral integrity.
Most Rev. Gyamfi, indicated that, the bishops would be grateful if the Knights and Ladies would openly support and even explain further the position of the church on issues such as the handing over of mission schools back to the management of the church, the computerisation of the Senior High School, abortion, same sex marriage, fidelity in marriage and abstinence as the only sure ways to prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
He said as a body and as individuals, they could prudently and respectfully draw the attention of the church hierarchy to certain things that they need to know but which they were apparently unaware of, saying, “That is also part of your responsibility in evangelisation”.
Bishop Gyamfi pointed out that, it was a matter of urgent concern for the church in Ghana that some members of the Knights and Ladies were also members of other secular Knighthood, such as the Freemasons and Odd Fellows.
“It is important to note here that, one cannot be a Catholic and belong to a Knighthood that is outside the church. Your allegiance as a Knight to Jesus and his Church must be complete and unequivocal. You cannot serve two masters and you know as well as I do that the Vatican has issued a statement since 1732 that makes it clear that Catholics cannot be members of orders, such as Odd Fellows and Freemasons or any secular orders outside the C atholic Church,” he cautioned.
According to him, the call of the time was to promote instead of defending the faith in the midst of cynism, faithlessness and godlessness, adding that, Knights of today were summoned to a renewed vocation of promotking and protecting the faith through genuine witnessing of their lives, both in word and in deed.
“Your role as Knights in the commission to evangelisation is to constantly carry the church with you to all areas of your life-family, politics, friendhips, work and business, among other areas”.
The outgoing Grand President, Noble Sr. Brigadier General Dennis Adjei, directed all district and local commandery exercutives to ensure that, no member of the Knights and Ladies belonged to any Masonic association since the church would not entertain such a person.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
ENSURE TRANSPARENCY IN DISCHARGE OF DUTIES — BEDIAKO (PAGE 15)
THE District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jaman South, Mr Julius Ata Bediako, has advised heads of departments to ensure transparency, accountability and exhibit a high sense of responsibility and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
That, he said, would promote and create a congenial atmosphere for an effective socio-economic development of the area.
Mr Bediako pointed out that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government strongly believed in probity, accountability and transparency, and therefore, cautioned them to eschew corrupt practices and rather focus on the development agenda of the district.
Mr Bediako, who gave the advice when he interacted with the departmental heads of the district assembly at Drobo in the Brong Ahafo Region, further urged them to be disciplined and lead exemplary lives for their subbordinates to emulate.
He said the practice where some people would rush to FM stations on trivial matters was not in tune with any serious development objectives, saying that they should not hesitate to approach one another on issues that beat their minds.
The DCE pointed out that, since he was operating an open-door policy, the heads should also feel free to educate him on any matter they were well versed in rather than attempt to undermine his administration, saying, “Let us all see ourselves as working partners to achieve the better Ghana we are craving for”.
The District Co-ordinating Director, Mr M.M. Saani, also called for the spirit of team- work among the various departments and asked them to rededicate themselves to the programmes and policies of the new government which were geared towards the overall development of the country.
Mr Saani stressed the need for the heads to promptly submit reports on their activities so that the assembly could quickly take the necessary actions on them, and also charged them to attend their quarterly meetings to compare notes that would result in the improvement of their delivery.
In another development, the Jaman South District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, has embarked on an intensive HIV and AIDS awareness campaign, aimed at preventing the spread of the disease in the district.
The theme for the campaign is, “Know your HIV Status”.
Addressing a mini durbar of the chiefs and people of Gonasua, the acting District Director of Health Services, Madam Grace N. Vire, noted that since the HIV and AIDS were detected in 1986, many people had suffered in various forms.
She, therefore, urged the churches, chiefs, other opinion leaders and all stakeholders to join hands in the crusade against the spread of the pandemic.
The acting director appealed to the chiefs to collaborate with the district assembly to pass a bye-law that would limit or prevent students from attending festivals and dances in the night, which she noted were the avenues of contracting the disease.
Mr Daniel Owusu-Amponsah, the Jaman South District HIV/AIDS Co-ordinator, observed that, in view of the fact that the area shared a boundary with La Cote d’Ivoire, the prevalence of the disease was high, disclosing that out of 216 pregnant women screemed between January and March this year, six tested positve.
That, he said, would promote and create a congenial atmosphere for an effective socio-economic development of the area.
Mr Bediako pointed out that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government strongly believed in probity, accountability and transparency, and therefore, cautioned them to eschew corrupt practices and rather focus on the development agenda of the district.
Mr Bediako, who gave the advice when he interacted with the departmental heads of the district assembly at Drobo in the Brong Ahafo Region, further urged them to be disciplined and lead exemplary lives for their subbordinates to emulate.
He said the practice where some people would rush to FM stations on trivial matters was not in tune with any serious development objectives, saying that they should not hesitate to approach one another on issues that beat their minds.
The DCE pointed out that, since he was operating an open-door policy, the heads should also feel free to educate him on any matter they were well versed in rather than attempt to undermine his administration, saying, “Let us all see ourselves as working partners to achieve the better Ghana we are craving for”.
The District Co-ordinating Director, Mr M.M. Saani, also called for the spirit of team- work among the various departments and asked them to rededicate themselves to the programmes and policies of the new government which were geared towards the overall development of the country.
Mr Saani stressed the need for the heads to promptly submit reports on their activities so that the assembly could quickly take the necessary actions on them, and also charged them to attend their quarterly meetings to compare notes that would result in the improvement of their delivery.
In another development, the Jaman South District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, has embarked on an intensive HIV and AIDS awareness campaign, aimed at preventing the spread of the disease in the district.
The theme for the campaign is, “Know your HIV Status”.
Addressing a mini durbar of the chiefs and people of Gonasua, the acting District Director of Health Services, Madam Grace N. Vire, noted that since the HIV and AIDS were detected in 1986, many people had suffered in various forms.
She, therefore, urged the churches, chiefs, other opinion leaders and all stakeholders to join hands in the crusade against the spread of the pandemic.
The acting director appealed to the chiefs to collaborate with the district assembly to pass a bye-law that would limit or prevent students from attending festivals and dances in the night, which she noted were the avenues of contracting the disease.
Mr Daniel Owusu-Amponsah, the Jaman South District HIV/AIDS Co-ordinator, observed that, in view of the fact that the area shared a boundary with La Cote d’Ivoire, the prevalence of the disease was high, disclosing that out of 216 pregnant women screemed between January and March this year, six tested positve.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME MAKES PROGRESS (PAGE 15, NSEMPA)
By Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah
THE Asutifi District is one of the 22 districts in the Brong Ahafo Region. It is located at the South Western part of the region, which shares boundaries with the Sunyani Municipality in the North, Tano South District in the northeast and Ahafo Ano North in the Ashanti Region.
The district, which has Kenyasi as its capital and about 50 kilometers from the regional capital, Sunyani, has an estimated land areas of 1,500 square kilometers.
Its population, according to the 2,000 Population and Housing Census is about 84,475 but the current figure is believed to hover around 92,475.
The people are predominantly farmers with about 77.6 per cent of the labour force engaged in agriculture that is crop farming and animal rearing. The major items produced are cocoa, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoyam and maize.
Activities of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) currently operating the Ahafo Mine have in a way brought some fortune to some major towns in the area, namely Kenyasi, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso.
Healthcare providers
Thanks to the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS), healthcare in the district has been tremendously boosted. A number of mutual health schemes, have been created and they are offered at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital at Hwediem, Kenyasi, Acherensua, Gyedu and Dadiesoaba Health Centres, The Gambia and Sienchem clinics as well as a number of CHPS compounds and maternity homes.
There are three main referral providers, namely the St John of God Hospital at Duayaw Nkwanta, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi and the Regional Hospital in Sunyani.
According to a recent report on the Asutifi District Health Insurance Scheme (ADHIS), as at December 31, 2008, the total enrolment figure for both new registrations and renewals, increased from 47,301 in 2007 to 70,812, representing 52.0 per cent and 76.6 per cent respectively. The coverage for the district from 2005 to 2008 stood at 77.98 per cent of the total population.
In terms of gender, 33,990 of males registered, while 36,822 females enrolled in 2008, representing 48 per cent and 52 per cent respectively, as indicated in the report. However, in 2005, 17,896 people representing 19.4 percent registered while 25,097 representing 27.1 per cent joined in 2006.
New registrations and renewals
Enrolment analysis under new registrations indicates that 25,551 children under 18 years representing 54.85 per cent registered, Informal (18-69), 15,164, representing 32.55 per cent; SSNIT contributors 738, (1.58 per cent), SSNIT Pensioners, 56 (0.2 per cent), Aged 2,755 (5.91 per cent), indigents 38 (0.08 per cent) and pregnant women 2,280 (4.89 per cent).
For Renewals, 15,328 children under 18 years renewed their cards, representing 63.26 per cent, Informal, 4,617 (19.05 per cent), SSNIT contributors 1,525 (6.29 per cent), SSNIT pensioners 81 (0.33 per cent), Aged 2,651 (10.94 per cent) and Indigents, 28 (0.12 per cent).
The total income for the scheme in 2007 stood at GH¢ 350, 046.31 while the figure rose to GH¢ 924,825.23 with expenditure totaling GH¢ 195,311,36 for 2007 and GH¢ 1,808, 645.45 in 2008.
Attendance
For both Out-Patients Department (OPD) and In-Patients Departments (IPD) as at the end of December 2008, the attendance of insured clients of the Scheme who utilised the accredited health facilities was OPD - 311,550 and IPD - 7, 505, totaling 319,055.
The cost incurred for the insured clients covering the same period were, GH¢2,736,743.85 (OPD), GH¢592,314.45, totaling GH¢3,329,058.30.
The scheme has also adopted very cordial and excellent relations with its publics by ensuring that all matters are resolve in an amicable manner.
Challenges
The ADHIS has observed that the processing of the national ID cards took a long time, which therefore, caused frustrations for clients. The scheme is also calling for a review of the drug list to include some basic medicines, which had been excluded.
Way forward
It is expected that, at least 90 per cent of members will renew their membership each year for the next five years and that, all monthly claims from the various health providers will be thoroughly vetted and payments made by the middle of every ensuing month.
The scheme also expects that, fraud control measures would be instituted by the end of June 2009 and claims administration computerised by 2010.
THE Asutifi District is one of the 22 districts in the Brong Ahafo Region. It is located at the South Western part of the region, which shares boundaries with the Sunyani Municipality in the North, Tano South District in the northeast and Ahafo Ano North in the Ashanti Region.
The district, which has Kenyasi as its capital and about 50 kilometers from the regional capital, Sunyani, has an estimated land areas of 1,500 square kilometers.
Its population, according to the 2,000 Population and Housing Census is about 84,475 but the current figure is believed to hover around 92,475.
The people are predominantly farmers with about 77.6 per cent of the labour force engaged in agriculture that is crop farming and animal rearing. The major items produced are cocoa, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoyam and maize.
Activities of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) currently operating the Ahafo Mine have in a way brought some fortune to some major towns in the area, namely Kenyasi, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso.
Healthcare providers
Thanks to the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS), healthcare in the district has been tremendously boosted. A number of mutual health schemes, have been created and they are offered at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital at Hwediem, Kenyasi, Acherensua, Gyedu and Dadiesoaba Health Centres, The Gambia and Sienchem clinics as well as a number of CHPS compounds and maternity homes.
There are three main referral providers, namely the St John of God Hospital at Duayaw Nkwanta, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi and the Regional Hospital in Sunyani.
According to a recent report on the Asutifi District Health Insurance Scheme (ADHIS), as at December 31, 2008, the total enrolment figure for both new registrations and renewals, increased from 47,301 in 2007 to 70,812, representing 52.0 per cent and 76.6 per cent respectively. The coverage for the district from 2005 to 2008 stood at 77.98 per cent of the total population.
In terms of gender, 33,990 of males registered, while 36,822 females enrolled in 2008, representing 48 per cent and 52 per cent respectively, as indicated in the report. However, in 2005, 17,896 people representing 19.4 percent registered while 25,097 representing 27.1 per cent joined in 2006.
New registrations and renewals
Enrolment analysis under new registrations indicates that 25,551 children under 18 years representing 54.85 per cent registered, Informal (18-69), 15,164, representing 32.55 per cent; SSNIT contributors 738, (1.58 per cent), SSNIT Pensioners, 56 (0.2 per cent), Aged 2,755 (5.91 per cent), indigents 38 (0.08 per cent) and pregnant women 2,280 (4.89 per cent).
For Renewals, 15,328 children under 18 years renewed their cards, representing 63.26 per cent, Informal, 4,617 (19.05 per cent), SSNIT contributors 1,525 (6.29 per cent), SSNIT pensioners 81 (0.33 per cent), Aged 2,651 (10.94 per cent) and Indigents, 28 (0.12 per cent).
The total income for the scheme in 2007 stood at GH¢ 350, 046.31 while the figure rose to GH¢ 924,825.23 with expenditure totaling GH¢ 195,311,36 for 2007 and GH¢ 1,808, 645.45 in 2008.
Attendance
For both Out-Patients Department (OPD) and In-Patients Departments (IPD) as at the end of December 2008, the attendance of insured clients of the Scheme who utilised the accredited health facilities was OPD - 311,550 and IPD - 7, 505, totaling 319,055.
The cost incurred for the insured clients covering the same period were, GH¢2,736,743.85 (OPD), GH¢592,314.45, totaling GH¢3,329,058.30.
The scheme has also adopted very cordial and excellent relations with its publics by ensuring that all matters are resolve in an amicable manner.
Challenges
The ADHIS has observed that the processing of the national ID cards took a long time, which therefore, caused frustrations for clients. The scheme is also calling for a review of the drug list to include some basic medicines, which had been excluded.
Way forward
It is expected that, at least 90 per cent of members will renew their membership each year for the next five years and that, all monthly claims from the various health providers will be thoroughly vetted and payments made by the middle of every ensuing month.
The scheme also expects that, fraud control measures would be instituted by the end of June 2009 and claims administration computerised by 2010.
WORKSHOP ON CHIEFTAINCY ACT ENDS (PAGE 34)
A three-day workshop on the Chieftaincy Act, 2008, Act 759 and Code of Ethics for Nananom the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs has been held in Sunyani.
The meeting, which is the first in a series for members of Regional Houses of Chiefs in the country, is being supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
The Chieftaincy Act 759 of 2008, which amended the previous Act of 1971, Act 370, came into effect in June last year and provides for the administration of the chieftaincy institution, starting from the National and the Regional Houses of Chiefs to the various Traditional Councils.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Alex Asum-Ahensan, expressed regret that the document which was expected to guide Nananom in the execution of their functions in the areas of their installation, proceedings during adjudication of land and family issues, custody of stool properties and administration of finances, among other matters, had not been disseminated adequately to the traditional authorities.
He urged Nananom to formulate regulations as required in Section 71 of the Act to give full effect in the administration of the document, since such regulations made it expedient for the Act to be administered effectively.
Mr Asum-Ahensan, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jaman North Constituency, noted that the regulations would help Nananom to formulate their Standing Orders, prescribe fees, fines and other issues pertaining to the administration of the institution of chieftaincy.
He pointed out that some chieftaincy conflicts had dragged on for a long time owing to the fact that some of the parties to those conflicts were unable to pay the fees which were sometimes determined arbitrarily by members of the constituted judicial panels.
“Such challenges will be addressed if adequate regulations are made for transparency in our chieftaincy judicial process. I will, therefore, be anxiously looking forward to proposals to be submitted to my ministry in this respect in due course,” the minister said.
He expressed the hope that at the end of the meeting Nananom would appreciate the immense benefits to be derived from the Act and feel very confident to use it as a reference material in all chieftaincy issues.
Naba Pugansoa, Naa (Prof.)John S. Nabila, the President of the National House of Chiefs, explained that before the passage of the new chieftaincy Act 2008, the repealed Act of 1971 was not in conformity with the 1992 Constitution.
For instance, he noted that, Article 89 (2) (b) provides that the President of the National House of Chiefs shall be a member of the Council of State and while the tenure of office of Members of the Council of State is four years, the tenure of office of the President of the House under the now repealed act, was three years, saying that there were several of such inconsistencies.
He said the National House of Chiefs therefore initiated processes towards the revision of Act 370 which finally led to the passage of the new Act 759.
The president expressed his heartfelt gratitude to KAS which he said had been supporting the chieftaincy institution generally and in particular the National House of Chiefs to organise the series of workshops.
In his welcoming address, Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, the President of the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, observed with satisfaction that all governments of the country had recognised the existence of the chieftaincy institution and provided the necessary support to Nananom.
Mr Klaus D. Loetzer, the Resident Representative of KAS, pointed out that as a foundation that had worked in the country for 43 years, helping to promote socio-economic development, “We recognise the role of our indigenous institutions and bodies in the socio-economic growth of the country”.
He noted that the requisite legal framework to regulate the manner and conduct of Nananom in modern times reflected the dynamic nature of the chieftaincy institution, adding that through the efforts of the various stakeholders, the new chieftaincy Act had now been passed.
The meeting, which is the first in a series for members of Regional Houses of Chiefs in the country, is being supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
The Chieftaincy Act 759 of 2008, which amended the previous Act of 1971, Act 370, came into effect in June last year and provides for the administration of the chieftaincy institution, starting from the National and the Regional Houses of Chiefs to the various Traditional Councils.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Alex Asum-Ahensan, expressed regret that the document which was expected to guide Nananom in the execution of their functions in the areas of their installation, proceedings during adjudication of land and family issues, custody of stool properties and administration of finances, among other matters, had not been disseminated adequately to the traditional authorities.
He urged Nananom to formulate regulations as required in Section 71 of the Act to give full effect in the administration of the document, since such regulations made it expedient for the Act to be administered effectively.
Mr Asum-Ahensan, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jaman North Constituency, noted that the regulations would help Nananom to formulate their Standing Orders, prescribe fees, fines and other issues pertaining to the administration of the institution of chieftaincy.
He pointed out that some chieftaincy conflicts had dragged on for a long time owing to the fact that some of the parties to those conflicts were unable to pay the fees which were sometimes determined arbitrarily by members of the constituted judicial panels.
“Such challenges will be addressed if adequate regulations are made for transparency in our chieftaincy judicial process. I will, therefore, be anxiously looking forward to proposals to be submitted to my ministry in this respect in due course,” the minister said.
He expressed the hope that at the end of the meeting Nananom would appreciate the immense benefits to be derived from the Act and feel very confident to use it as a reference material in all chieftaincy issues.
Naba Pugansoa, Naa (Prof.)John S. Nabila, the President of the National House of Chiefs, explained that before the passage of the new chieftaincy Act 2008, the repealed Act of 1971 was not in conformity with the 1992 Constitution.
For instance, he noted that, Article 89 (2) (b) provides that the President of the National House of Chiefs shall be a member of the Council of State and while the tenure of office of Members of the Council of State is four years, the tenure of office of the President of the House under the now repealed act, was three years, saying that there were several of such inconsistencies.
He said the National House of Chiefs therefore initiated processes towards the revision of Act 370 which finally led to the passage of the new Act 759.
The president expressed his heartfelt gratitude to KAS which he said had been supporting the chieftaincy institution generally and in particular the National House of Chiefs to organise the series of workshops.
In his welcoming address, Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, the President of the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, observed with satisfaction that all governments of the country had recognised the existence of the chieftaincy institution and provided the necessary support to Nananom.
Mr Klaus D. Loetzer, the Resident Representative of KAS, pointed out that as a foundation that had worked in the country for 43 years, helping to promote socio-economic development, “We recognise the role of our indigenous institutions and bodies in the socio-economic growth of the country”.
He noted that the requisite legal framework to regulate the manner and conduct of Nananom in modern times reflected the dynamic nature of the chieftaincy institution, adding that through the efforts of the various stakeholders, the new chieftaincy Act had now been passed.
ENSURE REP PROJECTS SUCCEED — MS TETTEH (PAGE 16)
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, has thrown a challenge to Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) whose areas have been selected to participate in the Rural Enterprises Project (REP) to ensure that the project was successfully implemented in their respective communities.
She maintained that the success or collapse of the REP, which was an integrated rural development package aimed at improving the living conditions in the rural areas and contribute to the reduction of poverty through increased self employment, depended largely on the beneficiary municipal and district assemblies.
Ms Tetteh threw the challenge at a day’s orientation seminar for new MDCEs and coordinating directors of participating districts of the REP at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.
The REP, which is in its second phase of implementation, is mainly funded by the Government of Ghana (GoG), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), at a cost of about $29 million.
Currently, the project is being implemented actively in 53 districts countrywide and in all the regions. Since its inception in 1995, the REP has gradually evolved to become a strong force in employment generation and poverty reduction efforts in the country and achieving its objective of building a competitive micro and small scale enterprises sector in the participating district.
The minister pointed out that the main drivers of the REP were the districts while the ministry only acted as an overseer, adding that the commitment on the part of the MDCEs was the panacea to the success or otherwise of the project.
Ms Tetteh reminded the participants that during the run-up to the 2008 general election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made a lot of promises to the people of Ghana and that the pivot of all those promises was to make the country a better one.
She said Ghana could only be better when the people had jobs and subsequently had money in their pockets, and it was when they were satisfied with that, that they would acknowledge that indeed, the NDC government they voted for had brought a change into their lives.
I know your passion to make these promises work and I trust that you will create the opportunities for the people to have jobs and I know your qualities and capabilities and I want you to think about the promises that we made,” the minister stressed.
Ms Tetteh emphasised that “we as a government have the responsibility to show to Ghanaians that we meant what we said and that we would deliver better lives for the people and so we need to move away from mere rhetorics to realities”.
She urged the MDCEs to pay much more attention to the project by committing the needed resources towards its implementation in their respective districts since she said, the REP had a lot to show, adding that,“Your reward will be in the people having their lives changed to a better one”.
The minister declared, “Be at the forefront of making the project work and do not only make it work but also patronise the products of the REP to encourage your people to do same and let all of us give priority to made in Ghana goods but not to disregard or discard them”.
Mr Kwasi Atta-Antwi, the Project Coordinator, in a welcoming address disclosed that, the current phase of the project which started in 2003, was expected to end in 2011, saying that with about 58 per cent physical achievement and 45 per cent level of disbursement of donor funds as of March this year, there was a lot to be done in the few months ahead to complete the entire project.
He indicated that the institutional framework for the implementation of the project, had now been firmly established and a lot of impact was already being achieved in the areas of operation.
According to him, at the district level, Business Advisory Centres had been set up in each district with the full support and contribution from the district assembly and the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
Similarly, Mr Atta-Antwi said, 18 Rural Technology Facilities were being established at some selected districts and that, those centres and facilities were being resourced by the REP to serve as a one-stop shop for all Micro and Small Enterprise activities within the districts.
“From our experience, the sustainable functioning of these two main district-based implementing units can only be attained with the strong commitment, dedication, ownership and leadership of the district assemblies”, the project coordinator said.
She maintained that the success or collapse of the REP, which was an integrated rural development package aimed at improving the living conditions in the rural areas and contribute to the reduction of poverty through increased self employment, depended largely on the beneficiary municipal and district assemblies.
Ms Tetteh threw the challenge at a day’s orientation seminar for new MDCEs and coordinating directors of participating districts of the REP at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.
The REP, which is in its second phase of implementation, is mainly funded by the Government of Ghana (GoG), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), at a cost of about $29 million.
Currently, the project is being implemented actively in 53 districts countrywide and in all the regions. Since its inception in 1995, the REP has gradually evolved to become a strong force in employment generation and poverty reduction efforts in the country and achieving its objective of building a competitive micro and small scale enterprises sector in the participating district.
The minister pointed out that the main drivers of the REP were the districts while the ministry only acted as an overseer, adding that the commitment on the part of the MDCEs was the panacea to the success or otherwise of the project.
Ms Tetteh reminded the participants that during the run-up to the 2008 general election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made a lot of promises to the people of Ghana and that the pivot of all those promises was to make the country a better one.
She said Ghana could only be better when the people had jobs and subsequently had money in their pockets, and it was when they were satisfied with that, that they would acknowledge that indeed, the NDC government they voted for had brought a change into their lives.
I know your passion to make these promises work and I trust that you will create the opportunities for the people to have jobs and I know your qualities and capabilities and I want you to think about the promises that we made,” the minister stressed.
Ms Tetteh emphasised that “we as a government have the responsibility to show to Ghanaians that we meant what we said and that we would deliver better lives for the people and so we need to move away from mere rhetorics to realities”.
She urged the MDCEs to pay much more attention to the project by committing the needed resources towards its implementation in their respective districts since she said, the REP had a lot to show, adding that,“Your reward will be in the people having their lives changed to a better one”.
The minister declared, “Be at the forefront of making the project work and do not only make it work but also patronise the products of the REP to encourage your people to do same and let all of us give priority to made in Ghana goods but not to disregard or discard them”.
Mr Kwasi Atta-Antwi, the Project Coordinator, in a welcoming address disclosed that, the current phase of the project which started in 2003, was expected to end in 2011, saying that with about 58 per cent physical achievement and 45 per cent level of disbursement of donor funds as of March this year, there was a lot to be done in the few months ahead to complete the entire project.
He indicated that the institutional framework for the implementation of the project, had now been firmly established and a lot of impact was already being achieved in the areas of operation.
According to him, at the district level, Business Advisory Centres had been set up in each district with the full support and contribution from the district assembly and the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
Similarly, Mr Atta-Antwi said, 18 Rural Technology Facilities were being established at some selected districts and that, those centres and facilities were being resourced by the REP to serve as a one-stop shop for all Micro and Small Enterprise activities within the districts.
“From our experience, the sustainable functioning of these two main district-based implementing units can only be attained with the strong commitment, dedication, ownership and leadership of the district assemblies”, the project coordinator said.
Monday, July 13, 2009
WORK ON ROAD PROGRESSING (PAGE 3)
REHABILITATION work on the 60-kilometre Techiman-Kintampo trunk road and the reconstruction of the 30-km Techiman-Wenchi road in the Brong Ahafo Region are progressing steadily.
The Techiman-Kintampo road, which is an integral part of the national route linking the northern and southern parts of the country and also provides a transit corridor for Ghana’s landlocked neighbours, is expected to be completed by March 1, 2011 with asphaltic concrete at a cost of GHҐ 36,058,579.20.
It is being jointly financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Fund and executed by Messrs Shinsung Engineering and Construction Corporation Limited of South Korea. The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) is the implementing agency with Conterra Limited as the engineers.
When completed, the road will increase economic activities, facilitate marketing of agricultural produce, generate employment and subsequently reduce poverty in the area.
It will also reduce travelling time and cost of transportation of goods and generate higher transit traffic, thereby encouraging increased economic activity in the local service.
Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, last Thursday inspected the project, as well as the Techiman-Wenchi road, which was solely being funded by the GoG at a cost of GHҐ 15,310,888.64, with the GHA as the implementing agency and Messrs P & W Ghanem Limited as the local contractor. The project is expected to be completed by May, 2010.
Briefing the Regional Minister, who was accompanied by the Regional Director of the GHA , Mr Emmanuel Pireku, the Resident Engineer, Mr William Owusu-Banahene, pointed out that since the project was purely rehabilitation, the work component involved bush clearing, earthworks, widening the road from 0.9 metres to 12.3 metres and pavement finishing.
According to Mr Owusu-Banahene, the major problems facing the contractor were the failure of drivers to obey road directional signs within the constructional area, and suggested that the contractor should adopt stiffer measures to check those recalcitrant drivers.
He also indicated that some chiefs and landowners were making high demands for royalties, a situation which he said had become difficult for the contractor.
The Regional Minister underscored the importance of that stretch of road not only to Ghana but also to the neighbouring countries, giving the assurance that the government would provide the necessary assistance towards successful completion of the project.
Nana Fosu Gyeabour, a representative of the contractor working on the Techiman-Wenchi road, conducted the Regional Minister to inspect the road, which he said was 58 per cent complete.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo commended the two contractors for a good work done, and urged them to continue in that spirit of commitment.
The Techiman-Kintampo road, which is an integral part of the national route linking the northern and southern parts of the country and also provides a transit corridor for Ghana’s landlocked neighbours, is expected to be completed by March 1, 2011 with asphaltic concrete at a cost of GHҐ 36,058,579.20.
It is being jointly financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Fund and executed by Messrs Shinsung Engineering and Construction Corporation Limited of South Korea. The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) is the implementing agency with Conterra Limited as the engineers.
When completed, the road will increase economic activities, facilitate marketing of agricultural produce, generate employment and subsequently reduce poverty in the area.
It will also reduce travelling time and cost of transportation of goods and generate higher transit traffic, thereby encouraging increased economic activity in the local service.
Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, last Thursday inspected the project, as well as the Techiman-Wenchi road, which was solely being funded by the GoG at a cost of GHҐ 15,310,888.64, with the GHA as the implementing agency and Messrs P & W Ghanem Limited as the local contractor. The project is expected to be completed by May, 2010.
Briefing the Regional Minister, who was accompanied by the Regional Director of the GHA , Mr Emmanuel Pireku, the Resident Engineer, Mr William Owusu-Banahene, pointed out that since the project was purely rehabilitation, the work component involved bush clearing, earthworks, widening the road from 0.9 metres to 12.3 metres and pavement finishing.
According to Mr Owusu-Banahene, the major problems facing the contractor were the failure of drivers to obey road directional signs within the constructional area, and suggested that the contractor should adopt stiffer measures to check those recalcitrant drivers.
He also indicated that some chiefs and landowners were making high demands for royalties, a situation which he said had become difficult for the contractor.
The Regional Minister underscored the importance of that stretch of road not only to Ghana but also to the neighbouring countries, giving the assurance that the government would provide the necessary assistance towards successful completion of the project.
Nana Fosu Gyeabour, a representative of the contractor working on the Techiman-Wenchi road, conducted the Regional Minister to inspect the road, which he said was 58 per cent complete.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo commended the two contractors for a good work done, and urged them to continue in that spirit of commitment.
Friday, July 3, 2009
HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL COMPLETES REHABILITATION (PAGE 43)
WORK on four projects at the Holy Family Hospital at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region has been completed at a total cost of GH¢251,750.16.
The projects involve the extension and refurbishment of the paediatric ward, reconditioning of the operating theatre and the construction of a physiotherapy complex and a surgical ward.
Ghana Nuts Limited (GNL), a Techiman-based company, financed the paediatric ward project while the remaining three were sponsored by Foundation Medical Help of Holland, through the instrumentality of Dr H. H. J. Wegdam, a retired surgical specialist from Holland, who worked at the hospital for about 12 years.
In addition, GNL donated and installed two industrial washing machines and two dryers to improve on the sanitary conditions at the hospital.
All the projects were dedicated and inaugurated by the Catholic Bishop of Techiman, Most Reverend Dominic Yeboah Nyarko, at a ceremony at the hospital’s premises last Monday, during a send-off party for Dr Wegdam and another retiree, Ms Rita Wilson, the former matron.
Speaking at the function, Most Rev. Nyarko lauded the outgoing surgical specialist, and acknowledged that through his efforts, many medical officers and nurses had come to work and train at the hospital.
“His personal and collaborative contribution to the infrastructural development of the Holy Family Hospital is phenomenal,” the Bishop said of Dr Wegdam.
“We would have liked to keep him for many more years, but life demands, personal health and family issues require that he retires at this stage of his life,” Most Rev. Nyarko stressed.
He asked for God’s blessing for him and Ms Wilson, who he said, had also served the hospital with a lot of commitment and dedication for the past 13 years.
Most Rev. Nyarko noted that the central location of Techiman in the country made it challenging to all workers at the hospital, adding that such a challenge called for due diligence to ensure that they rendered the best services in a very professional manner.
He pointed out that supervision, customer-centred attitude, professionalism, discipline, cleanliness and maintenance culture were a few areas that needed very serious attention by the management team and the diocesan health directorate.
The Bishop announced that work on the proposed Nurses Training College at the hospital would soon begin since a lot of preparation had already been done.
Rev. Fr. Dominic Yaw Assuahene, Director of the Diocesan Health Services, said as a Catholic health institution, it was the vision and ultimate goal of the hospital to give to those who were ill, a reason of hope by showing them God’s love and compassion.
“For us as a Catholic healthcare provider, service to the sick is service to God and what is left is the assistance all of us can give to the hospital just as our able sponsors for these projects have done,” he added.
The Managing Director of GNL, Mr Obed Asante, pointed out that the company had a firm belief in good corporate citizenship and had expressed its commitment to set aside a significant proportion of the company’s budget for the society in which it operated.
“We appreciate the immense contribution of this community to the survival and growth of our company and hereby affirm our unwavering commitment to a partnership with Holy Family Hospital,” he stated.
Mr. Asante expressed the hope that the existing partnership between GNL and the hospital would be strengthened for the ultimate benefit of the community that they mutually cherish and were committed to serve.
A letter from the donors read by Dr Wegdam said in part that, “We as a donor are only interested in good use of all items we bring to you. We have done our part the last twelve and a half years and we pray you will be able to match our efforts in also doing your part in maintaining a good surgical programme that can make good use of our donation.”
The projects involve the extension and refurbishment of the paediatric ward, reconditioning of the operating theatre and the construction of a physiotherapy complex and a surgical ward.
Ghana Nuts Limited (GNL), a Techiman-based company, financed the paediatric ward project while the remaining three were sponsored by Foundation Medical Help of Holland, through the instrumentality of Dr H. H. J. Wegdam, a retired surgical specialist from Holland, who worked at the hospital for about 12 years.
In addition, GNL donated and installed two industrial washing machines and two dryers to improve on the sanitary conditions at the hospital.
All the projects were dedicated and inaugurated by the Catholic Bishop of Techiman, Most Reverend Dominic Yeboah Nyarko, at a ceremony at the hospital’s premises last Monday, during a send-off party for Dr Wegdam and another retiree, Ms Rita Wilson, the former matron.
Speaking at the function, Most Rev. Nyarko lauded the outgoing surgical specialist, and acknowledged that through his efforts, many medical officers and nurses had come to work and train at the hospital.
“His personal and collaborative contribution to the infrastructural development of the Holy Family Hospital is phenomenal,” the Bishop said of Dr Wegdam.
“We would have liked to keep him for many more years, but life demands, personal health and family issues require that he retires at this stage of his life,” Most Rev. Nyarko stressed.
He asked for God’s blessing for him and Ms Wilson, who he said, had also served the hospital with a lot of commitment and dedication for the past 13 years.
Most Rev. Nyarko noted that the central location of Techiman in the country made it challenging to all workers at the hospital, adding that such a challenge called for due diligence to ensure that they rendered the best services in a very professional manner.
He pointed out that supervision, customer-centred attitude, professionalism, discipline, cleanliness and maintenance culture were a few areas that needed very serious attention by the management team and the diocesan health directorate.
The Bishop announced that work on the proposed Nurses Training College at the hospital would soon begin since a lot of preparation had already been done.
Rev. Fr. Dominic Yaw Assuahene, Director of the Diocesan Health Services, said as a Catholic health institution, it was the vision and ultimate goal of the hospital to give to those who were ill, a reason of hope by showing them God’s love and compassion.
“For us as a Catholic healthcare provider, service to the sick is service to God and what is left is the assistance all of us can give to the hospital just as our able sponsors for these projects have done,” he added.
The Managing Director of GNL, Mr Obed Asante, pointed out that the company had a firm belief in good corporate citizenship and had expressed its commitment to set aside a significant proportion of the company’s budget for the society in which it operated.
“We appreciate the immense contribution of this community to the survival and growth of our company and hereby affirm our unwavering commitment to a partnership with Holy Family Hospital,” he stated.
Mr. Asante expressed the hope that the existing partnership between GNL and the hospital would be strengthened for the ultimate benefit of the community that they mutually cherish and were committed to serve.
A letter from the donors read by Dr Wegdam said in part that, “We as a donor are only interested in good use of all items we bring to you. We have done our part the last twelve and a half years and we pray you will be able to match our efforts in also doing your part in maintaining a good surgical programme that can make good use of our donation.”
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