THE Business Advisory Centre (BAC) of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) has organised a five-day workshop for physically challenged persons in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The workshop, which attracted 25 participants, treated topics such as marketing, credit management and business planning.
Others were characteristics of entrepreneurship and understanding the business environment.
Closing the workshop, the Upper West Regional Head of the BAC, Mr Gabriel Fiatui, expressed the hope that the knowledge the participants had acquired would assist them to achieve financial independence.
He was worried that most entrepreneurs failed to keep records of their activities, which made monitoring and performance of their businesses difficult.
"I can assure you that when you put the knowledge acquired into practice, your businesses will see tremendous improvement", he told the participants.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
LANDOWNERS CALL FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT (PAGE 20)
A Number of landowners have appealed to the government for support following changes in the approval procedures in land management in the country.
So far, 10 out of 23 landowners have been selected for support in the form of technical expertise, capacity building, provision of office equipment, among other things.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Rita Iddi, announced this at the inauguration of a customary land secretariat (CLS) in Wa in the Upper West Region.
She said similar secretariats had been opened at Bekwai, Nkawie, Toase, Mampong, Agogo, Ejisu in Ashanti and Beyin in the Western Region.
According to Mrs Iddi, between October 2004 and June 2007, the government based its support to customary authorities for the establishemnt or strengthening of their land secretariats on a supply-led approach.
Under this approach, public land agencies selected areas without adequate consultation with the landowners.
"This approach to implementation resulted in the lack of ownership and commitment, suspicion, high expectation from the government for funding activities," she added.
The deputy minister said currently, assistance for the project was only available to stools, skins, families and other landowners who requested for such support.
Mrs Iddi said it was required that such requests came with a clear demonstration of ownership and commitment to support and sustain the secretariats.
She emphasised that the governemnt was not just interested in the establishement of the CLSs, and that the overall success of the customary land administration reform could only be achieved when the secretariats had strong and reliable database and were financially and technically sustainable.
She, therefore, encouraged all customary landowners of Wa and all stakeholders to sustain the goodwill and commitment that had been exhibited so far.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yakah, appealed to chiefs in the region to assist in the implementation of the Land Administration Project (LAP).
She also called on all land-user agencies to ensure proper use of land through a well-co-ordinated team work.
The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, expressed the hope that the establishment of the secretariat in the municipality would minimise land disputes.
So far, 10 out of 23 landowners have been selected for support in the form of technical expertise, capacity building, provision of office equipment, among other things.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Rita Iddi, announced this at the inauguration of a customary land secretariat (CLS) in Wa in the Upper West Region.
She said similar secretariats had been opened at Bekwai, Nkawie, Toase, Mampong, Agogo, Ejisu in Ashanti and Beyin in the Western Region.
According to Mrs Iddi, between October 2004 and June 2007, the government based its support to customary authorities for the establishemnt or strengthening of their land secretariats on a supply-led approach.
Under this approach, public land agencies selected areas without adequate consultation with the landowners.
"This approach to implementation resulted in the lack of ownership and commitment, suspicion, high expectation from the government for funding activities," she added.
The deputy minister said currently, assistance for the project was only available to stools, skins, families and other landowners who requested for such support.
Mrs Iddi said it was required that such requests came with a clear demonstration of ownership and commitment to support and sustain the secretariats.
She emphasised that the governemnt was not just interested in the establishement of the CLSs, and that the overall success of the customary land administration reform could only be achieved when the secretariats had strong and reliable database and were financially and technically sustainable.
She, therefore, encouraged all customary landowners of Wa and all stakeholders to sustain the goodwill and commitment that had been exhibited so far.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yakah, appealed to chiefs in the region to assist in the implementation of the Land Administration Project (LAP).
She also called on all land-user agencies to ensure proper use of land through a well-co-ordinated team work.
The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, expressed the hope that the establishment of the secretariat in the municipality would minimise land disputes.
WA POLYTECHNIC GETS COSMETOLOGY DEPT (PAGE 20)
A NEW cosmetology department for the Wa Polytechnic in the Upper West Region has been inaugurated by the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson.
The facility, the first of its kind in the country's polytechnics, is estimated at $20,000.
In a brief remark, Mr Hikah Benson commended the polytechnic for being the pacesetter in polytechnic education in the country.
He urged the management of the institution to take good care of the facility, and expressed the hope that the purpose for which it was established would be achieved.
The Vice Rector of Wa Polytechnic, Mr Solomon Danzie, said the institution would collaborate with beauticians in the region to organise seminars for their members on modern methods in cosmetology.
He thanked the Teaching and Learning Fund (TALIF) and the Saskachuan Institute of Applied Sciences in Canada for their support in the establishment of the facility.
The facility, the first of its kind in the country's polytechnics, is estimated at $20,000.
In a brief remark, Mr Hikah Benson commended the polytechnic for being the pacesetter in polytechnic education in the country.
He urged the management of the institution to take good care of the facility, and expressed the hope that the purpose for which it was established would be achieved.
The Vice Rector of Wa Polytechnic, Mr Solomon Danzie, said the institution would collaborate with beauticians in the region to organise seminars for their members on modern methods in cosmetology.
He thanked the Teaching and Learning Fund (TALIF) and the Saskachuan Institute of Applied Sciences in Canada for their support in the establishment of the facility.
METTEW GETS HEALTH PLANNING SERVICES (PAGE 20)
METTEW is a small farming community in the Wa West District in the Upper West Region.
Being an isolated area, this community lacks a lot of social amenities. Social amenities such as potable water, electricity and others to improve their standard of living are not available in the community.
When the people are sick, they have to go to the nearest community called Gurungu, which is quite a distance.
Just recently, through the benevolence of Plan Ghana, a child-centred non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mettew has been provided with a community-based health planning services (CHPS) compound to cater for the health needs of the people.
The smiles, joy and happiness demonstrated by the people, amidst drumming and dancing, clearly indicated that at long last God had answered their prayers.
Inaugurating the CHPS compound, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, described the occasion as unique as it sought to bring health care delivery to the doorstep of the people.
He observed that health was wealth as no group of people could develop in the absence of health.
"It is, therefore, refreshing that this facility is being provided to serve as first point of call for all cases of ailment in and around the Mettew community," he said.
Mr Benson expressed the hope that the facility would contribute to the eventual reduction in both mortality and morbidity rates among the people.
According to him, the greatest challenge to health delivery in the region was the high maternal and under five mortality rates of 208 per 1,000 live births.
He said efforts to address those issues were yet to achieve the desired results, adding that soon a forum would be convened to discuss the problems in order to find a lasting solution to them.
The regional minister said the government in its quest to reduce infant mortality had unveiled a programme to provide free ante-natal care to all pregnant women.
He urged communities in the Wa West District to ensure that pregnant women registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The District Director of Health Services, Miss Phoebe Balaguutime, announced that eight out of the 32 CHPS compounds earmarked for the district had been completed.
She thanked Plan Ghana and other stakeholdders for their contribution in the provision of the facility.
The Northern Sector Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr William Agyekum-Acquah, expressed the hope that the people would make maximum use of the GH¢5,004 facility.
Being an isolated area, this community lacks a lot of social amenities. Social amenities such as potable water, electricity and others to improve their standard of living are not available in the community.
When the people are sick, they have to go to the nearest community called Gurungu, which is quite a distance.
Just recently, through the benevolence of Plan Ghana, a child-centred non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mettew has been provided with a community-based health planning services (CHPS) compound to cater for the health needs of the people.
The smiles, joy and happiness demonstrated by the people, amidst drumming and dancing, clearly indicated that at long last God had answered their prayers.
Inaugurating the CHPS compound, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, described the occasion as unique as it sought to bring health care delivery to the doorstep of the people.
He observed that health was wealth as no group of people could develop in the absence of health.
"It is, therefore, refreshing that this facility is being provided to serve as first point of call for all cases of ailment in and around the Mettew community," he said.
Mr Benson expressed the hope that the facility would contribute to the eventual reduction in both mortality and morbidity rates among the people.
According to him, the greatest challenge to health delivery in the region was the high maternal and under five mortality rates of 208 per 1,000 live births.
He said efforts to address those issues were yet to achieve the desired results, adding that soon a forum would be convened to discuss the problems in order to find a lasting solution to them.
The regional minister said the government in its quest to reduce infant mortality had unveiled a programme to provide free ante-natal care to all pregnant women.
He urged communities in the Wa West District to ensure that pregnant women registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The District Director of Health Services, Miss Phoebe Balaguutime, announced that eight out of the 32 CHPS compounds earmarked for the district had been completed.
She thanked Plan Ghana and other stakeholdders for their contribution in the provision of the facility.
The Northern Sector Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr William Agyekum-Acquah, expressed the hope that the people would make maximum use of the GH¢5,004 facility.
PARENTAL NEGLECT AND SAFETY OF WA SCHOOLCHILDREN (PAGE 20)
ABU Paul is a motorist in the Wa Municipality. Recently, while riding his Yamaha motorbike at Kpaguri in the municipality, he knocked down a six-year- old child, who died instantly.
Abu made all efforts to trace the parents of the child until he went to a local FM radio station to make an announcement before the child’s parents came to identify her.
The question on the lips of people was why should the parents of the child be so irresponsible in the upkeep of their child, such that her whereabouts were not known until the radio announcement.
The above scenario is what most often pertains in Wa. At times, one sees three or four year old children walking to school without any grown-up accompanying them. They are, therefore, exposed to serious risks from road users, especially motor-riders.
For those who do not know, this is perhaps the only part of the country where regard for road regulations is non-existent.
Kids often act on impulse. If this happens while they are walking, riding bicycles or playing near traffic, the risk of injury or even death is always inevitable. They are very vulnerable by themselves.
Parents and children are now being taught about safety on the roads and how to avoid dangerous situations.
Research shows that in some countries, road accidents are the major causes of death for young children. People between one and 15 years as well as those around 20 are killed while those around 40 years get seriously injured in road accidents in each year.
One parent at Wa, who wants to remain anonymous, said the reason why some of the children were left on their own to go to school was that parents thought road users would be sensible and wise enough to give the children the opportunity to cross the roads to and from school.
"We are also faced with the issue of transportation as some of us do not either have bicycles or motor-bikes" she told the Daily Graphic.
According to her, two of her children were nearly killed at a zebra crossing when a motorbike rider ignored the children, but for a good Samaritan who shouted at the rider, the kids might have died.
She, therefore, appealed to the police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) to constantly position their men at various points to assist schoolchildren.
The community police personnel who are doing a good job must be commended. However, there is more room for improvement.
They must be given the support to perform their duties instead of the hostile attitude towards them by road users.
Parents must also take keen interest in their children since they are the future leaders of the country. Adequate measures should be put in place to protect them from bad road users.
Young children cannot use the roads safely on their own until they have been taught how to see dangerous situations and how to act.
Although all adults and caretakers can help protect young children from harm, parents have the primary responsibility and the most direct influence. There are many practical ways that parents can help as one must not be a road safety expert to do so.
Children in Wa are at risk because they do not have the skills and judgement that come with increasing age and experience. Parents can help children to use the roads safely in many day-to-day situations, such as:
-Child restraints
-Walking
-Riding bicycles
-Using wheeled devices and toys
They must be occupied in the house for them to be at home after school hours instead of wandering and trying to fend for themselves.
Abu made all efforts to trace the parents of the child until he went to a local FM radio station to make an announcement before the child’s parents came to identify her.
The question on the lips of people was why should the parents of the child be so irresponsible in the upkeep of their child, such that her whereabouts were not known until the radio announcement.
The above scenario is what most often pertains in Wa. At times, one sees three or four year old children walking to school without any grown-up accompanying them. They are, therefore, exposed to serious risks from road users, especially motor-riders.
For those who do not know, this is perhaps the only part of the country where regard for road regulations is non-existent.
Kids often act on impulse. If this happens while they are walking, riding bicycles or playing near traffic, the risk of injury or even death is always inevitable. They are very vulnerable by themselves.
Parents and children are now being taught about safety on the roads and how to avoid dangerous situations.
Research shows that in some countries, road accidents are the major causes of death for young children. People between one and 15 years as well as those around 20 are killed while those around 40 years get seriously injured in road accidents in each year.
One parent at Wa, who wants to remain anonymous, said the reason why some of the children were left on their own to go to school was that parents thought road users would be sensible and wise enough to give the children the opportunity to cross the roads to and from school.
"We are also faced with the issue of transportation as some of us do not either have bicycles or motor-bikes" she told the Daily Graphic.
According to her, two of her children were nearly killed at a zebra crossing when a motorbike rider ignored the children, but for a good Samaritan who shouted at the rider, the kids might have died.
She, therefore, appealed to the police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) to constantly position their men at various points to assist schoolchildren.
The community police personnel who are doing a good job must be commended. However, there is more room for improvement.
They must be given the support to perform their duties instead of the hostile attitude towards them by road users.
Parents must also take keen interest in their children since they are the future leaders of the country. Adequate measures should be put in place to protect them from bad road users.
Young children cannot use the roads safely on their own until they have been taught how to see dangerous situations and how to act.
Although all adults and caretakers can help protect young children from harm, parents have the primary responsibility and the most direct influence. There are many practical ways that parents can help as one must not be a road safety expert to do so.
Children in Wa are at risk because they do not have the skills and judgement that come with increasing age and experience. Parents can help children to use the roads safely in many day-to-day situations, such as:
-Child restraints
-Walking
-Riding bicycles
-Using wheeled devices and toys
They must be occupied in the house for them to be at home after school hours instead of wandering and trying to fend for themselves.
Friday, July 25, 2008
WA WESST NDC DENIES DEFECTION STORY (PAGE 17)
THE Wa West Constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied that the entire constituency executive has defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a statement to the media, it accused a former interim chairman of the party, Mr Seidu Jaladeen, who had now joined the NPP, of stage-managing those "defections" to destabilise the NDC.
"Mr Jaladeen has a history of jumping from party to party. It is, therefore, no news if he again says he has defected to the elephant party in Wa West, since that is the beauty of democracy," the statement added.
It, therefore, urged its members and supporters not to panic but remain calm, since the alleged defection was totally false.
"Our members should treat it with the contempt it deserves, as it is a fabricated ploy to cause disaffection among the rank and file of our great party," the statement, signed by the constituency Secretary, Iddrisu Abdulai, said.
According to the statement, since August 20, 2005 when the constituency held its maiden delegates conference and elected its executive, no single member had defected.
The statement wished Mr Jaladeen well in his position as the campaign manager of the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Wa West, Mr Daniel Dari.
In a statement to the media, it accused a former interim chairman of the party, Mr Seidu Jaladeen, who had now joined the NPP, of stage-managing those "defections" to destabilise the NDC.
"Mr Jaladeen has a history of jumping from party to party. It is, therefore, no news if he again says he has defected to the elephant party in Wa West, since that is the beauty of democracy," the statement added.
It, therefore, urged its members and supporters not to panic but remain calm, since the alleged defection was totally false.
"Our members should treat it with the contempt it deserves, as it is a fabricated ploy to cause disaffection among the rank and file of our great party," the statement, signed by the constituency Secretary, Iddrisu Abdulai, said.
According to the statement, since August 20, 2005 when the constituency held its maiden delegates conference and elected its executive, no single member had defected.
The statement wished Mr Jaladeen well in his position as the campaign manager of the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Wa West, Mr Daniel Dari.
COCOBOD ASKED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO SHEANUT (BACK PAGE)
The Upper West branch of the Sheanut Dealers Association has appealed to the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) to make the sheanut industry viable for the country to earn more foreign exchange from it.
The association’s call stems from the fact that Cocobod has failed to give sheanut the needed attention and support.
The Regional Secretary of the association, Mr Moses Yuoni, made the appeal at a press conference in Wa in the Upper West Region.
He observed that as a result of the little attention being given to sheanut production, Cocobod did not even know the real stakeholders operating in the three northern regions.
He alleged that any time the board had to have a meeting or stakeholders workshop on sheanut, it handpicked participants most of whom were not in sheanut production.
"The result of this total neglect of sheanut production in the three northern regions by Cocobod is that during the sheanut season, it is a free-for-all event."
According to Mr Youni, anytime the price of sheanut began to rise, companies left the market because they had alternative sources of sheanut in other African countries.
He said most of the companies did not know when exactly sheanut was ready for sale so they came in when the nuts were hardly matured on the trees.
He was of the belief that if the sheanut business was properly organised it could go a long way to alleviate poverty in northern Ghana.
Touching on a recent advertisers announcement published in the July 11, 2008, edition of the Daily Graphic, Mr Yuoni denied that the association did not challenge the publication.
The publication accused the association, among other things, of organising an illegal workshop on the sheanut industry at which various sums of money were collected from Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).
Mr Yuoni debunked the publication and said it was a deliberate attempt to mislead Ghanaians.
He admitted, however, that the association organised a workshop in Wa to sensitise its members to the right methods of producing sheanut to meet international standards for export.
The association’s call stems from the fact that Cocobod has failed to give sheanut the needed attention and support.
The Regional Secretary of the association, Mr Moses Yuoni, made the appeal at a press conference in Wa in the Upper West Region.
He observed that as a result of the little attention being given to sheanut production, Cocobod did not even know the real stakeholders operating in the three northern regions.
He alleged that any time the board had to have a meeting or stakeholders workshop on sheanut, it handpicked participants most of whom were not in sheanut production.
"The result of this total neglect of sheanut production in the three northern regions by Cocobod is that during the sheanut season, it is a free-for-all event."
According to Mr Youni, anytime the price of sheanut began to rise, companies left the market because they had alternative sources of sheanut in other African countries.
He said most of the companies did not know when exactly sheanut was ready for sale so they came in when the nuts were hardly matured on the trees.
He was of the belief that if the sheanut business was properly organised it could go a long way to alleviate poverty in northern Ghana.
Touching on a recent advertisers announcement published in the July 11, 2008, edition of the Daily Graphic, Mr Yuoni denied that the association did not challenge the publication.
The publication accused the association, among other things, of organising an illegal workshop on the sheanut industry at which various sums of money were collected from Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).
Mr Yuoni debunked the publication and said it was a deliberate attempt to mislead Ghanaians.
He admitted, however, that the association organised a workshop in Wa to sensitise its members to the right methods of producing sheanut to meet international standards for export.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CHIEF OF DUORI WANTS ALIU AS RUNNING MATE (PAGE 16)
THE jostling for a running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is getting interesting as the paramount chief of the Duori Traditional Area in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region has passionately appealed for Vice-President Aliu Mahama to be nominated to partner Nana Akufo-Addo.
According to Naa S.D. Dombo II, the only person who could unite the people and bring total victory to the NPP was Alhaji Mahama.
Addressing a press conference at Duori, the chief, who is the son of the late Chief S.D. Dombo I, one of the founder members of the Danquah-Busia tradition, observed with satisfaction that the Vice-President had performed creditably as an assistant to President J.A. Kufuor.
He said Alhaji Mahama, with his unblemished credentials, would be readily acceptable in all parts of the country, as he had already marketed himself to the Ghanaian electorate.
“I, therefore, appeal to Nana Akufo-Addo to consider the matter seriously, as it will be in the interest of the party and Mother Ghana,” he added.
Naa Dombo said “Nana Akufo-Addo becoming President will be historic but that of Alhaji Mahama will be more historic and unprecedented in the political history of Ghana”.
“I say this because it will be the first time an incumbent vice-president has been chosen by a candidate of his party to partner him in a general election and also a sitting President handing over to the flag bearer of his party,” he said.
Naa Dombo, therefore, appealed to Vice-President Mahama not to hesitate to be Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate should he be chosen.
With two weeks to go for the NPP flag bearer to select a running mate, a number of names have come up and these include Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs; Alhaji N. D. Jawula, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abubakar Saddick Boniface, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, among others.
According to Naa S.D. Dombo II, the only person who could unite the people and bring total victory to the NPP was Alhaji Mahama.
Addressing a press conference at Duori, the chief, who is the son of the late Chief S.D. Dombo I, one of the founder members of the Danquah-Busia tradition, observed with satisfaction that the Vice-President had performed creditably as an assistant to President J.A. Kufuor.
He said Alhaji Mahama, with his unblemished credentials, would be readily acceptable in all parts of the country, as he had already marketed himself to the Ghanaian electorate.
“I, therefore, appeal to Nana Akufo-Addo to consider the matter seriously, as it will be in the interest of the party and Mother Ghana,” he added.
Naa Dombo said “Nana Akufo-Addo becoming President will be historic but that of Alhaji Mahama will be more historic and unprecedented in the political history of Ghana”.
“I say this because it will be the first time an incumbent vice-president has been chosen by a candidate of his party to partner him in a general election and also a sitting President handing over to the flag bearer of his party,” he said.
Naa Dombo, therefore, appealed to Vice-President Mahama not to hesitate to be Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate should he be chosen.
With two weeks to go for the NPP flag bearer to select a running mate, a number of names have come up and these include Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs; Alhaji N. D. Jawula, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abubakar Saddick Boniface, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, among others.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Regulate price of sheanut...KPERISI FARMERS APPEAL TO GOVT (PAGE 21)
FARMERS at Kperisi in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region have appealed to the government to regulate the price of sheanut in the country.
According to them, that would save farmers from being cheated by unscrupulous people who bought the product at very low prices.
“It would be appreciated if the government will pay the same attention to the sheanut industry as being done for cocoa,” they added.
The farmers made the appeal at an advocacy programme sponsored by the BUSAC Fund. The programme, organised by the Sunbawira Sheabutter Producers Association, was attended by 300 farmers.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Imoro Ayittey, who made the appeal on behalf of the farmers, said the advocacy programme was being undertaken with the objective of getting the government to regulate the price of sheabutter and also include it in the President’s Special Initiative (PSI).
He observed that poverty had resulted in the cutting down of economic trees like shea for charcoal production.
Mr Ayittey was of the view that early intervention and support for the industry would enable it to flourish like cocoa.
He commended the landlords in the Kperisi area for their decision to release 400 acres for a shea-nut plantation.
A service provider to the BUSAC Fund, Mr George Acheampong, urged the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to establish a scholarship scheme for large-scale shea butter producers in northern Ghana.
He also called for a research into the sheanut industry to develop varieties that would mature earlier instead of the present situation where it takes about 10 years for a single tree to mature.
According to them, that would save farmers from being cheated by unscrupulous people who bought the product at very low prices.
“It would be appreciated if the government will pay the same attention to the sheanut industry as being done for cocoa,” they added.
The farmers made the appeal at an advocacy programme sponsored by the BUSAC Fund. The programme, organised by the Sunbawira Sheabutter Producers Association, was attended by 300 farmers.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Imoro Ayittey, who made the appeal on behalf of the farmers, said the advocacy programme was being undertaken with the objective of getting the government to regulate the price of sheabutter and also include it in the President’s Special Initiative (PSI).
He observed that poverty had resulted in the cutting down of economic trees like shea for charcoal production.
Mr Ayittey was of the view that early intervention and support for the industry would enable it to flourish like cocoa.
He commended the landlords in the Kperisi area for their decision to release 400 acres for a shea-nut plantation.
A service provider to the BUSAC Fund, Mr George Acheampong, urged the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to establish a scholarship scheme for large-scale shea butter producers in northern Ghana.
He also called for a research into the sheanut industry to develop varieties that would mature earlier instead of the present situation where it takes about 10 years for a single tree to mature.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
BRAVO, ALL STARS (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 17)
Playing in Ghana’s premier soccer league is not an easy task, particularly for newly-promoted clubs. Before the just-ended league season started, soccer pundits gave Wa All Stars Football Club no dog chance to remain in the premiership.
It appeared that all along crowd violence had been expected in this “remote” area of the country, and by natural consequence a possible ban of the stadium. Chief among reasons openly expressed in the media was the assertion that “Wa is too far”.
But All Stars have proven those so-called pundits wrong. Gone are the days when after church service on Sundays, the only place to seek solace in the Wa township was the drinking bar. However, today every other Sunday is the most cherished moment in most people’s lives as they wait patiently to see their darling club perform against visiting teams.
The seventh position of All Stars in the standings in the premiership was no fluke. It was through hardwork from management/technical bench and most often the well-behaved supporters who brought the team this far.
Never has there been an occasion for crowd violence although at times the supporters disagree with the decisions of match officials.
Having remained in the league, it is hoped that the team would be strengthened with more experienced players to enable them to demolish all oppositions in future campaigns.
Aside these, there are issues which when not tackled could lead to the collapse of the club. These problems include ticket racketeering and under-declaration of proceeds at the gates.
During matches, those entrusted with collecting gate proceeds gleefully pocket the money as there is no effective mechanism to check them.
In addition to this, the number of people who enter the stadium free of charge is too much for a young club like All Stars.
Stringent measures must be put in place to check all these anomalies.
Last but not least, conscious effort must be made to put up an additional stand to serve fans who throng the stadium since the only one available is woefully inadequate.
Finally, let us congratulate Wa All Stars for making the Upper West Region proud, after all, they had proven that good things can come from the region. Bravo All Stars!
It appeared that all along crowd violence had been expected in this “remote” area of the country, and by natural consequence a possible ban of the stadium. Chief among reasons openly expressed in the media was the assertion that “Wa is too far”.
But All Stars have proven those so-called pundits wrong. Gone are the days when after church service on Sundays, the only place to seek solace in the Wa township was the drinking bar. However, today every other Sunday is the most cherished moment in most people’s lives as they wait patiently to see their darling club perform against visiting teams.
The seventh position of All Stars in the standings in the premiership was no fluke. It was through hardwork from management/technical bench and most often the well-behaved supporters who brought the team this far.
Never has there been an occasion for crowd violence although at times the supporters disagree with the decisions of match officials.
Having remained in the league, it is hoped that the team would be strengthened with more experienced players to enable them to demolish all oppositions in future campaigns.
Aside these, there are issues which when not tackled could lead to the collapse of the club. These problems include ticket racketeering and under-declaration of proceeds at the gates.
During matches, those entrusted with collecting gate proceeds gleefully pocket the money as there is no effective mechanism to check them.
In addition to this, the number of people who enter the stadium free of charge is too much for a young club like All Stars.
Stringent measures must be put in place to check all these anomalies.
Last but not least, conscious effort must be made to put up an additional stand to serve fans who throng the stadium since the only one available is woefully inadequate.
Finally, let us congratulate Wa All Stars for making the Upper West Region proud, after all, they had proven that good things can come from the region. Bravo All Stars!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
GHANAIANS URGED TO PRAY FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS (PAGE 16)
THE Presiding Prelate of the Western-West Africa Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Right Rev. Dr Kenneth Monroe, has urged Ghanaians to be strong and prayerful as the country approaches the December elections.
The Presiding Bishop said it was only through prayers that peace and unity would prevail among the leaders during and after the elections, adding that every Ghanaian had to take up this responsibility.
Bishop Monroe said that when he delivered the sermon at the thanksgiving service to round off activities marking the 109th Session of the East Ghana Conference of the church, held at the Aggrey A.M.E. Zion Church at Mamprobi in Accra.
He spoke on the theme “Making the Impossible Possible with God, Discovering our Future”.
He charged the leaders of the nation and all political parties to bury their differences and forge forward.
Bishop Monroe noted that since the beginning of the year, the country had gone through a lot of good and bad experiences and cited the recent accident on the Takoradi-Komenda road that claimed 17 lives as one of the tragedies, adding that Ghanaians should continue to build their faith in God and embrace the opportunities God gives them to make the impossible possible.
He also commented on the increased food crisis, and advised that the country should concentrate more on adding value to its exports.
Bishop Monroe urged Christians to change their behaviour towards God, explaining that most Christians had the tendency to forget God and ended up pleasing themselves instead of God.
The Co-ordinator of Episcopal Affairs and Presiding Elder of the Accra North District of the church, Rev. Peter E. T. Sefogah, who hosted the conference, challenged the members to change their attitude towards social activities. According to Rev. Sefogah, Christians should not forget their role in the larger society since God was everywhere and judges us according to our deeds in the church, at home and workplaces.
He used the occasion to appeal for funds towards the church’s new project.
Rev. Sefogah encouraged the members to also participate in the elections and pray without ceasing to ensure that the poll which falls on a Sunday is devoid of conflict that can undermine the success chalked up in democratic governance since 1992.
As part of the 109th Session, four pastors were elevated as elders and two others as deacons. The elders are Rev Eva Mensah, Rev. Jerry Tagbor, Rev. David Mensah and Rev. Ayayee. The deacons are Rev Albert Hukportsi and Rev. Philip Hlordzie. The ceremony was graced by Mrs Sheila W. Monroe, Missionary Supervisor, Rev. Dr Godfred N. Zormelo, Senior Bishop’s Deputy and Rev. Charles K. Gbagbo, Bishop’s Administrative Assistant.
The Presiding Bishop said it was only through prayers that peace and unity would prevail among the leaders during and after the elections, adding that every Ghanaian had to take up this responsibility.
Bishop Monroe said that when he delivered the sermon at the thanksgiving service to round off activities marking the 109th Session of the East Ghana Conference of the church, held at the Aggrey A.M.E. Zion Church at Mamprobi in Accra.
He spoke on the theme “Making the Impossible Possible with God, Discovering our Future”.
He charged the leaders of the nation and all political parties to bury their differences and forge forward.
Bishop Monroe noted that since the beginning of the year, the country had gone through a lot of good and bad experiences and cited the recent accident on the Takoradi-Komenda road that claimed 17 lives as one of the tragedies, adding that Ghanaians should continue to build their faith in God and embrace the opportunities God gives them to make the impossible possible.
He also commented on the increased food crisis, and advised that the country should concentrate more on adding value to its exports.
Bishop Monroe urged Christians to change their behaviour towards God, explaining that most Christians had the tendency to forget God and ended up pleasing themselves instead of God.
The Co-ordinator of Episcopal Affairs and Presiding Elder of the Accra North District of the church, Rev. Peter E. T. Sefogah, who hosted the conference, challenged the members to change their attitude towards social activities. According to Rev. Sefogah, Christians should not forget their role in the larger society since God was everywhere and judges us according to our deeds in the church, at home and workplaces.
He used the occasion to appeal for funds towards the church’s new project.
Rev. Sefogah encouraged the members to also participate in the elections and pray without ceasing to ensure that the poll which falls on a Sunday is devoid of conflict that can undermine the success chalked up in democratic governance since 1992.
As part of the 109th Session, four pastors were elevated as elders and two others as deacons. The elders are Rev Eva Mensah, Rev. Jerry Tagbor, Rev. David Mensah and Rev. Ayayee. The deacons are Rev Albert Hukportsi and Rev. Philip Hlordzie. The ceremony was graced by Mrs Sheila W. Monroe, Missionary Supervisor, Rev. Dr Godfred N. Zormelo, Senior Bishop’s Deputy and Rev. Charles K. Gbagbo, Bishop’s Administrative Assistant.
STAGE-MANAGED DEFECTIONS WON'T WEAKEN NDC — YAKUBU (PAGE 15)
THE Upper West regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed that no amount of what it described as stage-managed defections by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would weaken the support of the NDC in the region.
It said the support base of the party in the Upper West Region was very intact as people in the region had vowed to remain loyal to the party.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Yahaya Yakubu, Secretary to the Regional Research Committee of the party.
He was reacting to the defections by people who claimed to be supporters of the NDC to the NPP.
According to him, following the alleged defections in Kojokpere, Goripie, Manwe, among others, the committee went to those areas to verify things and realised that the defections were all false.
‘The 2004 general election result showed that the NDC has a total of 513 votes for the presidential election at Goripie and Chaihaamuni polling stations and to say that out of this number 300 have defected to the NPP at this difficult moment of their reign is untenable”, he said.
Mr Yakubu said instead many NPP supporters were defecting to the NDC in Bihee, Kperisi and Dobile in the Wa Central Constituency.
Touching on the Kojokperi defections, Mr Yakubu was of the view that the political situation in that area rather favoured the NDC.
He said the fact that the NDC had re-elected all of its incumbent members of parliament to contest the forthcoming general election spoke volumes about the unity and cohesion that existed in the party.
It said the support base of the party in the Upper West Region was very intact as people in the region had vowed to remain loyal to the party.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Yahaya Yakubu, Secretary to the Regional Research Committee of the party.
He was reacting to the defections by people who claimed to be supporters of the NDC to the NPP.
According to him, following the alleged defections in Kojokpere, Goripie, Manwe, among others, the committee went to those areas to verify things and realised that the defections were all false.
‘The 2004 general election result showed that the NDC has a total of 513 votes for the presidential election at Goripie and Chaihaamuni polling stations and to say that out of this number 300 have defected to the NPP at this difficult moment of their reign is untenable”, he said.
Mr Yakubu said instead many NPP supporters were defecting to the NDC in Bihee, Kperisi and Dobile in the Wa Central Constituency.
Touching on the Kojokperi defections, Mr Yakubu was of the view that the political situation in that area rather favoured the NDC.
He said the fact that the NDC had re-elected all of its incumbent members of parliament to contest the forthcoming general election spoke volumes about the unity and cohesion that existed in the party.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
ELECTIONS MUST NOT DIVIDE US — BISHOP ARONGO (PAGE 47)
THE Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Tamale, Right Reverend Emmanuel Arongo, has called on Ghanaians to let this year be a reconciliatory one.
He said being an election year there was the need for reconciliation in the body polity of the country so as to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
He said it was sad that politics had divided Ghanaians to the extent that people belonging to different ideologies were seen as enemies.
Bishop Arongo made the call at the launch of the national outreach programme of the National Union of Anglican Students (NUAS) in Wa.
Bishop Arongo noted that instead of fighting one another, this was the time to convince people to vote for their party instead of seeing themselves as enemies.
“When people are not reconciled they smear themselves with mud and this goes a long way to sow seeds of discord which continue for generations,” he added.
He advised young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to achieve their selfish aims.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pointed out the important position the chieftaincy institution occupied in society and said it positively influenced majority of people.
This, he said, was manifested in the long-standing partnership between chiefs and the government in the nation’s development.
Mr Benson, however, expressed concern about the number of chieftaincy conflicts in the region, saying that the region was too small for such number of disputes.
He stressed the need for proper documentation of chieftaincy lineage, since the availability of such a document would go a long way to facilitate the settlement of such disputes.
The President of the Regional House of Chiefs and a member of the Council of State, Kuoro Kuri Butie Limann IV, commended the government for passing the Chieftaincy Bill into an Act.
He warned against the use of chieftaincy issues as political propaganda and mentioned that “chieftaincy is based on lineage and should not be used on such platforms”.
Kuoro Buktie Limann said the region was confronted with eleven chieftaincy disputes, five of which were at the paramountcy level with six at the divisional level.
He further gave the assurance that the house was doing all within its powers to resolve them.
Kuoro Limann also appealed to the minister to assist the house to complete its permanent office complex which was at a standstill.
He also called on the media to be very circumspect in its reportage in order not to create unnecessary tension in the country.
In a speech read for him, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, commended the Anglican Church for its role in the development of the country.
He said the government was very appreciative of the complementary role of the church in nation building.
The President of NUAS, Mr David Kpakpo Mingle, thanked the church for the support being given to the association.
He said being an election year there was the need for reconciliation in the body polity of the country so as to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
He said it was sad that politics had divided Ghanaians to the extent that people belonging to different ideologies were seen as enemies.
Bishop Arongo made the call at the launch of the national outreach programme of the National Union of Anglican Students (NUAS) in Wa.
Bishop Arongo noted that instead of fighting one another, this was the time to convince people to vote for their party instead of seeing themselves as enemies.
“When people are not reconciled they smear themselves with mud and this goes a long way to sow seeds of discord which continue for generations,” he added.
He advised young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to achieve their selfish aims.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pointed out the important position the chieftaincy institution occupied in society and said it positively influenced majority of people.
This, he said, was manifested in the long-standing partnership between chiefs and the government in the nation’s development.
Mr Benson, however, expressed concern about the number of chieftaincy conflicts in the region, saying that the region was too small for such number of disputes.
He stressed the need for proper documentation of chieftaincy lineage, since the availability of such a document would go a long way to facilitate the settlement of such disputes.
The President of the Regional House of Chiefs and a member of the Council of State, Kuoro Kuri Butie Limann IV, commended the government for passing the Chieftaincy Bill into an Act.
He warned against the use of chieftaincy issues as political propaganda and mentioned that “chieftaincy is based on lineage and should not be used on such platforms”.
Kuoro Buktie Limann said the region was confronted with eleven chieftaincy disputes, five of which were at the paramountcy level with six at the divisional level.
He further gave the assurance that the house was doing all within its powers to resolve them.
Kuoro Limann also appealed to the minister to assist the house to complete its permanent office complex which was at a standstill.
He also called on the media to be very circumspect in its reportage in order not to create unnecessary tension in the country.
In a speech read for him, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, commended the Anglican Church for its role in the development of the country.
He said the government was very appreciative of the complementary role of the church in nation building.
The President of NUAS, Mr David Kpakpo Mingle, thanked the church for the support being given to the association.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)