THE Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, at the weekend, launched this year’s Greening Ghana Day at Yefri, near Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region, with a call on the youth and key institutions to start engaging in a massive tree planting exercise throughout the country to help resuscitate the depleted and degraded forest resources.
The theme for the launch was; “The role of the youth in Greening Ghana”.
The minister disclosed that there were about 5,170,916 schoolchildren in the primary, junior high and senior high levels and that, if each of those children were encouraged to plant at least one tree per quarter per year, it meant that Ghana would have about 20,683,664 trees every year. In that regard, he said his ministry was making the necessary arrangements for schools and their pupils/students who would do well in the planting of more trees to be given awards.
“I, therefore, call on the heads of schools to join me to encourage schoolchildren to learn the culture of growing trees, because it is important to encourage the youth who form a greater proportion of the working population of Ghana to engage in tree planting exercise,” Alhaji Dauda appealed.
The minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, explained that in the current circumstances of high youth unemployment rate, the Greening Ghana programme provided a good opportunity to offer greater employment to the youth, and consequently, generate wealth, thereby reducing poverty in many communities.
According to the minister, the devastating effects of forest degradation, especially during the past two decades, were beginning to manifest in the seeming extinction of premium timber species, such as Odum, Mahogany, Sapele and many others, resulting in the drastic reduction in the raw material base of the timber industry, loss of biodiversity, drying up of water bodies as well as the loss of tourist sites, which were all important sources of national revenue.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission (FC), Mr Alhassan N. Attah, disclosed that the FC, under the supervision of the ministry, was pursuing major programmes in addressing the problems of forest and wildlife resource depletion and environment degradation in the country.
The programmes, he said, were focused primarily towards securing the national resource base, developing the natural resource base and optimising the flow of benefits from the resource to the country and, particularly, to the resource owners.
Mr Attah explained that the Greening Ghana Day was actually to announce to the general public about the suitable period for tree planting and to encourage as many people as possible to plant trees each day.
Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, in his welcoming address, condemned the activities of chainsaw operators in the country, saying that such nefarious activities had contributed significantly to the depletion of the country’s forest resources while bush and wild fires were also contributory factors as well as continuous farming activities.
A Member of the Council of State, Mr J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, who chaired the function, also appealed to heads of institutions, opinion leaders and all other stakeholders to spearhead the crusade to plant more trees, since that was the only way the Greening Ghana programme could be realised.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
ASUNAFO NORTH NIHIS SCHEME MANAGER ORDERED TO STEP ASIDE (PAGE 35)
THE newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr Sylvester A. Mensah, has ordered the manager of the Asunafo North District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, Mr J. Appau, to step aside immediately to pave way for an investigation into his alleged gross misconduct.
Consequently, he has set up a three-member committee chaired by a representative of the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, to investigate the matter and report to the NHIA within 21 days.
The other members of the committee are Mr Nicholas Afram Osei, the National Claims Manager of the NHIA, who is to move to the region to act as the regional manager and also take responsibility of the Asunafo North scheme, together with Mr Aimee Yuori, the head of the Legal Department of the authority.
As part of his decision to restructure the scheme in the region, Mr Mensah also directed that the scheme managers of Tano North and Berekum, Messrs Amankona Diawuo and Stephen Kankam, respectively, were to report to the regional office of the scheme to be re-assigned by the acting regional manager.
He described the transfer of the two as promotions.
Furthermore, Mr Mensah directed that the current Regional Manager, Mr William Sabi, should move to the national headquarters of the scheme in Accra to take temporary responsibility of the claims department.
Again, Mr Mensah ordered that the Public Relations Officer of the scheme in the region, Mr Michael Appiah Sarpong, should move to the Corporate Affairs Department of the NHIA in Accra.
The CEO made the changes when he addressed the core management staff of the 19 schemes in the region at the Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani as part of his nationwide familiarisation tour.
He also announced that forensic audit would be conducted in all the schemes throughout the country to determine whether or not they were operating effectively.
According to Mr Mensah, some of the schemes were applying their premiums on administrative and overhead expenses.
Accompanied by other directors and consultants of the NHIA, Mr Mensah said clinical audit would also be conducted on all claims paid previously to service providers to ascertain their veracity.
He, therefore, advised the scheme managers to get their records ready as a team would soon embark on random checks.
The CEO observed that some of the schemes had as many as 15 members constituting the board of directors superintending over between six and seven core management staff.
He alleged that in some cases, some of the board members took loans which were eating into the accounts of the scheme, a situation he said would not be tolerated.
Mr Mensah noted with concern the laxity on the part of the staff, especially those responsible for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sections, saying that in certain cases, those responsible for data entries were reluctant to do the work at the expense of subscribers.
He, therefore, charged the scheme managers to effectively supervise their staff or else be held responsible.
Mr Mensah again alleged that fraud had been detected in some instances and warned that whoever was caught for that offence would face the full rigours of the law.
He emphasised that it was not the intention of the government to sack any staff, since they were all public servants, but cautioned them to do the right thing.
Mr Mensah also identified delays in the printing of identification cards for clients as a teething problem, stressing that the issuance of temporary ID cards to subscribers had some cost implications which the authority was putting in place mechanisms to address.
According to him, the campaign promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before the 2008 general election to institute a one-time payment of premium by subscribers would become a reality by the end of next year.
Mr Mensah said the entire NHIS needed a rethinking and, therefore, the NHIA was conducting legal review of the system to make it more viable, efficient and effective.
He observed that some of the schemes had poor office accommodation, improper layouts and lack of space.
According to him, the various assemblies and the Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCCs) had critical and central roles to play in the operations of the schemes, especially in the areas of housing the schemes in their respective districts.
The CEO announced that 120 medicines had now been added to the essential drug list, and expressed the hope that the measure would address the problem clients faced in accessing the required medication when they attended health facilities.
Mr Mensah gave the assurance that the conditions of service of the staff would be looked at to bridge any disparities.
The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, urged the scheme managers to discharge their work professionally and avoid politicisation of the programme, for which some of them were noted.
“Do not read politics into the scheme and insulate yourself from politics because a change of government does not affect you as public servants,” he stressed.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo appealed to the authority to ensure that subscribers were issued with their cards promptly and to also improve upon the quality of pictures on them.
Consequently, he has set up a three-member committee chaired by a representative of the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, to investigate the matter and report to the NHIA within 21 days.
The other members of the committee are Mr Nicholas Afram Osei, the National Claims Manager of the NHIA, who is to move to the region to act as the regional manager and also take responsibility of the Asunafo North scheme, together with Mr Aimee Yuori, the head of the Legal Department of the authority.
As part of his decision to restructure the scheme in the region, Mr Mensah also directed that the scheme managers of Tano North and Berekum, Messrs Amankona Diawuo and Stephen Kankam, respectively, were to report to the regional office of the scheme to be re-assigned by the acting regional manager.
He described the transfer of the two as promotions.
Furthermore, Mr Mensah directed that the current Regional Manager, Mr William Sabi, should move to the national headquarters of the scheme in Accra to take temporary responsibility of the claims department.
Again, Mr Mensah ordered that the Public Relations Officer of the scheme in the region, Mr Michael Appiah Sarpong, should move to the Corporate Affairs Department of the NHIA in Accra.
The CEO made the changes when he addressed the core management staff of the 19 schemes in the region at the Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani as part of his nationwide familiarisation tour.
He also announced that forensic audit would be conducted in all the schemes throughout the country to determine whether or not they were operating effectively.
According to Mr Mensah, some of the schemes were applying their premiums on administrative and overhead expenses.
Accompanied by other directors and consultants of the NHIA, Mr Mensah said clinical audit would also be conducted on all claims paid previously to service providers to ascertain their veracity.
He, therefore, advised the scheme managers to get their records ready as a team would soon embark on random checks.
The CEO observed that some of the schemes had as many as 15 members constituting the board of directors superintending over between six and seven core management staff.
He alleged that in some cases, some of the board members took loans which were eating into the accounts of the scheme, a situation he said would not be tolerated.
Mr Mensah noted with concern the laxity on the part of the staff, especially those responsible for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sections, saying that in certain cases, those responsible for data entries were reluctant to do the work at the expense of subscribers.
He, therefore, charged the scheme managers to effectively supervise their staff or else be held responsible.
Mr Mensah again alleged that fraud had been detected in some instances and warned that whoever was caught for that offence would face the full rigours of the law.
He emphasised that it was not the intention of the government to sack any staff, since they were all public servants, but cautioned them to do the right thing.
Mr Mensah also identified delays in the printing of identification cards for clients as a teething problem, stressing that the issuance of temporary ID cards to subscribers had some cost implications which the authority was putting in place mechanisms to address.
According to him, the campaign promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before the 2008 general election to institute a one-time payment of premium by subscribers would become a reality by the end of next year.
Mr Mensah said the entire NHIS needed a rethinking and, therefore, the NHIA was conducting legal review of the system to make it more viable, efficient and effective.
He observed that some of the schemes had poor office accommodation, improper layouts and lack of space.
According to him, the various assemblies and the Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCCs) had critical and central roles to play in the operations of the schemes, especially in the areas of housing the schemes in their respective districts.
The CEO announced that 120 medicines had now been added to the essential drug list, and expressed the hope that the measure would address the problem clients faced in accessing the required medication when they attended health facilities.
Mr Mensah gave the assurance that the conditions of service of the staff would be looked at to bridge any disparities.
The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, urged the scheme managers to discharge their work professionally and avoid politicisation of the programme, for which some of them were noted.
“Do not read politics into the scheme and insulate yourself from politics because a change of government does not affect you as public servants,” he stressed.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo appealed to the authority to ensure that subscribers were issued with their cards promptly and to also improve upon the quality of pictures on them.
STRENGTHEN SUPERVISORY ROLES OVER DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES (PAGE 15, JULY 17)
THE Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, has called on the various Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCC) to strengthen their supervisory roles over the district assemblies.
He said the RCCs should be empowered to apply sanctions against non-performing and errant assemblies.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo made the call when he gave an address during the inauguration of the re-constituted Brong Ahafo RCC in Sunyani.
The Regional Minister suggested that a separate cost centre be created for the RCCs so that their programmes and activities could be budgeted for and funded adequately to enable them to perform their functions satisfactorily.
He disclosed that, “We have no development budget to undertake development activities, such as the provision of office and residential accommodation for public officers who are posted to the region to work”.
According to him, the RCC subsisted on the funds allocated to the office of the President under government machinery and had to apply to that office for the funds to run the secretariat, which he said sometimes delayed unduly, thereby frustrating the programmes and activities of the secretariat.
The Regional Minister pointed out that by the Constitution the role of the RCC was to facilitate co-ordination, monitoring, supervision and backstopping of the assemblies and to provide a forum for representatives from local authorities and the chiefs.
However, he said, the RCC performed several functions which, he noted, were not captured in the legislation and that the most significant functions, in so far as they accounted for a sizeable proportion of the RCC’s resources, were, protocol function, involving the hosting of dignitaries and the celebration of national and regional events.
“We are also expected to co-ordinate and monitor the activities of decentralised ministeries departments and agencies (MDAs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that operate at the regional level and that is the reason why regional heads of MDAs are ex-officio members of the RCC,” he explained.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo said it was disheartening to observe that in spite of these extensive responsibilties assigned to the RCC by the legislation, the regulatory environment, as presently conceived, neither recognised the region as a decision-making body within the local government structure nor provided the RCCs with the means of enforcement and the sanctions that were necessary to ensure the districts’ compliance with central government policies and programmes.
He declared, “No provision is made for the funding of the assigned functions beyond ad hoc arrangements through warrants, the two per cent of total District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation to the region and in recent past, HIPC Funds”.
The regional minister observed that sanitation in the municipalities and districts, especially in the urban communities, had been deteriorating and that the assemblies appeared to have been overwhelmed by the filth that had engulfed almost every major town in the region.
He further noted that drainage systems meant purposely for the free flow of waste water were chocked with silt and refuse while communities did not have proper places of convenience, and that, the management of both liquid and solid wastes was not up to standard and for some places, liquid waste was dumped indiscriminately on the ground.
He said most municipal/district assemblies did not even have technically engineered final disposal sites.
He said the RCCs should be empowered to apply sanctions against non-performing and errant assemblies.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo made the call when he gave an address during the inauguration of the re-constituted Brong Ahafo RCC in Sunyani.
The Regional Minister suggested that a separate cost centre be created for the RCCs so that their programmes and activities could be budgeted for and funded adequately to enable them to perform their functions satisfactorily.
He disclosed that, “We have no development budget to undertake development activities, such as the provision of office and residential accommodation for public officers who are posted to the region to work”.
According to him, the RCC subsisted on the funds allocated to the office of the President under government machinery and had to apply to that office for the funds to run the secretariat, which he said sometimes delayed unduly, thereby frustrating the programmes and activities of the secretariat.
The Regional Minister pointed out that by the Constitution the role of the RCC was to facilitate co-ordination, monitoring, supervision and backstopping of the assemblies and to provide a forum for representatives from local authorities and the chiefs.
However, he said, the RCC performed several functions which, he noted, were not captured in the legislation and that the most significant functions, in so far as they accounted for a sizeable proportion of the RCC’s resources, were, protocol function, involving the hosting of dignitaries and the celebration of national and regional events.
“We are also expected to co-ordinate and monitor the activities of decentralised ministeries departments and agencies (MDAs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that operate at the regional level and that is the reason why regional heads of MDAs are ex-officio members of the RCC,” he explained.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo said it was disheartening to observe that in spite of these extensive responsibilties assigned to the RCC by the legislation, the regulatory environment, as presently conceived, neither recognised the region as a decision-making body within the local government structure nor provided the RCCs with the means of enforcement and the sanctions that were necessary to ensure the districts’ compliance with central government policies and programmes.
He declared, “No provision is made for the funding of the assigned functions beyond ad hoc arrangements through warrants, the two per cent of total District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation to the region and in recent past, HIPC Funds”.
The regional minister observed that sanitation in the municipalities and districts, especially in the urban communities, had been deteriorating and that the assemblies appeared to have been overwhelmed by the filth that had engulfed almost every major town in the region.
He further noted that drainage systems meant purposely for the free flow of waste water were chocked with silt and refuse while communities did not have proper places of convenience, and that, the management of both liquid and solid wastes was not up to standard and for some places, liquid waste was dumped indiscriminately on the ground.
He said most municipal/district assemblies did not even have technically engineered final disposal sites.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS — REVEREND GYAMFI (PAGE 16)
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.
“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.
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.
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