From Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Kumasi
A police patrol team last Monday night killed a suspected armed robber, while three other members of his gang managed to escape after a gun battle at Sepe-Doti, a suburb of Kumasi.
In their bid to escape, the robbers left behind one single-barrelled gun, a pump action gun with three cartridges and the vehicle they used in the operation.
The deceased, identified as Kwame Adongo and described by the police as a “notorious ex-convict”, died from multiple gunshots in the abdomen.
The body has since been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue.
Briefing newsmen at the Regional Police Headquarters, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Mr Kwaku Ayensu Opare-Addo, said the police received a message at 10.00 p.m. that some armed robbers had snatched a car from its owner, a student of the Winneba College of Education.
Mr Opare-Addo said when the police got to the scene, they signalled the robbers to stop but they refused and started shooting at the police, who also opened fired in retaliation.
The Regional Police Commander said in spite of the fact that the service was constrained in view of the forthcoming elections, “we still think of the society and the people and will deal with anyone who tries to create problems or rob others”.
He called on the public to provide information on the activities of robbers to enable the police to be on top of security.
In another development, Kasapa Telecom Limited has presented 20 mobile phones with GH¢100 airtime to the police in the Ashanti Region.
The Northern Sector Sales Manager of Kasapa, Mr Alex Opare Nyanteh, making the presentation, said the donation was to help the police to check crime, adding that no country could develop when robbery was at its peak.
The Regional Police Commander received the phones and thanked the donors for the support.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
FARMERS URGED TO PRACTICE INTERNAL LIBERALISATION (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, PAGE 23)
By Collins Agyekum Gyasi, Fomena-Adansi
THE Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, has urged farmers to practice internal liberalisation rather than external liberalisation in order to make farming and profitable.
“The problem of processing, storage and marketing especially export-led commodities along the valley chain are being tackled in order to make farming more profitable,” the minister said.
Mr Assibey Antwi was speaking on the occasion of the 24th Ashanti Regional Farmers day celebration at Fomena where about 24 farmers including one institution were awarded.
At the same function, 20 farmers from the district were also awarded for their various roles of feeding the nation.
Mr Osei Kwaku, staff of Adansi Rural Bank was declared the District best farmer while the regional best farmer award, went to Mr Anthony Kofi Gyamfi, who took home a corn-mill machine, 10 machetes, Wellington boot, wax print, radio cassette player, motorised spraying machine, sawing machine, a catapult and assorted chemicals.
Interventions
Plantation resource limited, a private company was also adjudged the best in the area of fisheries.
Mr Assibey Antwi observed that, since the future of any country depended on the strength, ability and capacity of the youth, appropriate interventions were therefore being put in place to entice the youth into agriculture.
“Their interest will also help minimise rural-urban migration and replace the aging farmers.”
He therefore urged them to work in collaboration with Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to upgrade their knowledge on mechanisation and irrigation, which were steadily being improved upon in the country.
The Deputy Minister saluted Ghanaian farmers and appealed to them to help make the forthcoming general elections peaceful and successful.
He said Ghanaians should think of what the NPP administration had done for them in terms of education, health, farming and other social infrastructures and vote accordingly.
Mr George Badu Yeboah, Regional Director of Agriculture commended producers, processors, marketers and consumers for their immense sweat and contribution, to the maintenance and sustenance of life.
“Food is life, but hunger leads to sickness, death, poverty and slavery.”
Contributions
“Your contributions became significant and evident when Ghana was able to absorb all the external shocks that crumpled some bigger economies elsewhere,” he added.
“We thank farmers for their hard work, Ayekoo,” he stressed.
He said agriculture “is the biggest employer offering 70 percent of the population jobs with about 80 percent of agricultural production coming from small holder family-operated farms.”
Mr Assibey Antwi pointed out that the government’s sustainable agricultural growth and development, targeted at small-scale farmers would be promoted, in order to bridge the technological and information gaps between small-holder farming systems.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Peter Kwabena Ameyaw said though the district was created only four years ago, its ability to host the programme had demonstrated that, they could face all challenges and deliver.
He mentioned that since the establishment of the district, the assembly had grown from strength to strength out running her contemporaries.
The DCE mentioned that, many deplorable feeder roads had bounced back to life and that would ease the burden of farmers in carting their produce to the market centres.
The chairman, Nana Sarfo Agyeman, Ahensanhene and the acting President of the Adansi Traditional Council, commended the government for the various interventions introduced into the agricultural industry, health, education and for making social life easier for Ghanaians.
However, as a farmer, he suggested that silos should be built for storage of farm produce, so that during the lean season, the populace would not feel any food shortage.
THE Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, has urged farmers to practice internal liberalisation rather than external liberalisation in order to make farming and profitable.
“The problem of processing, storage and marketing especially export-led commodities along the valley chain are being tackled in order to make farming more profitable,” the minister said.
Mr Assibey Antwi was speaking on the occasion of the 24th Ashanti Regional Farmers day celebration at Fomena where about 24 farmers including one institution were awarded.
At the same function, 20 farmers from the district were also awarded for their various roles of feeding the nation.
Mr Osei Kwaku, staff of Adansi Rural Bank was declared the District best farmer while the regional best farmer award, went to Mr Anthony Kofi Gyamfi, who took home a corn-mill machine, 10 machetes, Wellington boot, wax print, radio cassette player, motorised spraying machine, sawing machine, a catapult and assorted chemicals.
Interventions
Plantation resource limited, a private company was also adjudged the best in the area of fisheries.
Mr Assibey Antwi observed that, since the future of any country depended on the strength, ability and capacity of the youth, appropriate interventions were therefore being put in place to entice the youth into agriculture.
“Their interest will also help minimise rural-urban migration and replace the aging farmers.”
He therefore urged them to work in collaboration with Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to upgrade their knowledge on mechanisation and irrigation, which were steadily being improved upon in the country.
The Deputy Minister saluted Ghanaian farmers and appealed to them to help make the forthcoming general elections peaceful and successful.
He said Ghanaians should think of what the NPP administration had done for them in terms of education, health, farming and other social infrastructures and vote accordingly.
Mr George Badu Yeboah, Regional Director of Agriculture commended producers, processors, marketers and consumers for their immense sweat and contribution, to the maintenance and sustenance of life.
“Food is life, but hunger leads to sickness, death, poverty and slavery.”
Contributions
“Your contributions became significant and evident when Ghana was able to absorb all the external shocks that crumpled some bigger economies elsewhere,” he added.
“We thank farmers for their hard work, Ayekoo,” he stressed.
He said agriculture “is the biggest employer offering 70 percent of the population jobs with about 80 percent of agricultural production coming from small holder family-operated farms.”
Mr Assibey Antwi pointed out that the government’s sustainable agricultural growth and development, targeted at small-scale farmers would be promoted, in order to bridge the technological and information gaps between small-holder farming systems.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Peter Kwabena Ameyaw said though the district was created only four years ago, its ability to host the programme had demonstrated that, they could face all challenges and deliver.
He mentioned that since the establishment of the district, the assembly had grown from strength to strength out running her contemporaries.
The DCE mentioned that, many deplorable feeder roads had bounced back to life and that would ease the burden of farmers in carting their produce to the market centres.
The chairman, Nana Sarfo Agyeman, Ahensanhene and the acting President of the Adansi Traditional Council, commended the government for the various interventions introduced into the agricultural industry, health, education and for making social life easier for Ghanaians.
However, as a farmer, he suggested that silos should be built for storage of farm produce, so that during the lean season, the populace would not feel any food shortage.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
RURAL BANKS NEED MORE SUPPORT (PAGE 64)
THE Managing Director of the ARB APEX Bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, has noted that for rural banks to continue to perform the crucial function of rural financial intermediation, they will need continuous support from stakeholders, regulatory authorities, customers and the general public.
He said rural banks had more to do by way of organisational restructuring, effective credit administration, cost control and reduction to meet the challenges of the changing competitive business environment that would lead to economic and social development and transformation.
This was contained in an address read on his behalf by Mr E. Y. Sarpong, the Head of Banking Operations of the ARB APEX Bank at the 18th annual general stakeholders meeting of the Adanse Rural Bank at Fomena in the Adanse North District of the Ashanti Region at the weekend.
Despite the challenging economic environment, the bank recorded a 21.43 per cent increase in profit and declared a dividend of GH¢0.017 per ordinary share, against GH¢0.014 for the 2006 financial year.
Mr Osei-Bonsu said for rural and community banks to improve upon their operations, internal control systems should be tightened.
He also advised them to create internal audit units to help oversee the implementation of their systems and controls and report directly to the boards or board sub-committees.
Presenting his report and financial statement, Mr Ahmed Kwame Boakye, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, said at the beginning of 2007 inflation stood at 10.99 per cent but it started an upward movement and ended the year at 12.7 per cent as a result of high crude oil prices, increases in tariffs of utilities and food prices.
He said with the vulnerability of women and their exclusion from credit facilitation in mind, the bank sought to empower them by granting 3,970 women credit to the tune of GH¢1803.055
Nana Sarfo Agyeman, III, the acting President of the Adansi Traditional Council and chairman for the meeting, urged the management of the bank to seek ways of strengthening and developing its operations.
He appealed to the ARB APEX Bank to help heal the distressed Atobiase Rural Bank to enable it to bounce back. He also urged the general public not to keep their money on ceilings and under mattresses but save it with the Adanse Rural Bank.
He said rural banks had more to do by way of organisational restructuring, effective credit administration, cost control and reduction to meet the challenges of the changing competitive business environment that would lead to economic and social development and transformation.
This was contained in an address read on his behalf by Mr E. Y. Sarpong, the Head of Banking Operations of the ARB APEX Bank at the 18th annual general stakeholders meeting of the Adanse Rural Bank at Fomena in the Adanse North District of the Ashanti Region at the weekend.
Despite the challenging economic environment, the bank recorded a 21.43 per cent increase in profit and declared a dividend of GH¢0.017 per ordinary share, against GH¢0.014 for the 2006 financial year.
Mr Osei-Bonsu said for rural and community banks to improve upon their operations, internal control systems should be tightened.
He also advised them to create internal audit units to help oversee the implementation of their systems and controls and report directly to the boards or board sub-committees.
Presenting his report and financial statement, Mr Ahmed Kwame Boakye, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, said at the beginning of 2007 inflation stood at 10.99 per cent but it started an upward movement and ended the year at 12.7 per cent as a result of high crude oil prices, increases in tariffs of utilities and food prices.
He said with the vulnerability of women and their exclusion from credit facilitation in mind, the bank sought to empower them by granting 3,970 women credit to the tune of GH¢1803.055
Nana Sarfo Agyeman, III, the acting President of the Adansi Traditional Council and chairman for the meeting, urged the management of the bank to seek ways of strengthening and developing its operations.
He appealed to the ARB APEX Bank to help heal the distressed Atobiase Rural Bank to enable it to bounce back. He also urged the general public not to keep their money on ceilings and under mattresses but save it with the Adanse Rural Bank.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
5,000 SEKYERE EAST FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM MIDA (PAGE 35)
ABOUT 5,000 farmers in the Sekyere East District in the Ashanti Region are to benefit from the farmer-based organisations (FBOs) under the second phase of the Millennium Development Authority (MIDA) programme.
The programme is designed to reduce poverty through sustained support for the agricultural sector.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samuel Konadu, announced this during the inauguration of the district advisory committee and a sod-cutting ceremony for the rehabilitation of schools under MIDA at Ahwerewa near Effiduase.
He said as of now 30 FBOs had been formed under the first phase of the programme with a total of 1,500 farmers sensitised and handed over to a consultant for training.
"Another 45 FBOs are currently being sensitised and it is expected that not less than 2,250 farmers will be mobilised under the phase two for training," Mr Konadu stated.
He said rehabilitation of school blocks had begun in five schools as part of the programme.
The beneficiary schools were Anyinofi Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) kindergarten and primary school, Kumawu Presbyterian Primary School (block B), Ananaagya Methodist Primary (Afram Plains), Seniagya Methodist Primary and Ahwerewa District Assembly primary school.
The Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, Mr Martin Eson-Benjamin, explained that the main goal of MIDA programmes was to reduce rural poverty through agricultural transformation.
He said to achieve success in agriculture and to reduce the incidence of poverty in the farming communities, certain infrastructural services and benefits should be brought closer to the people.
"Good roads, good schools, electricity for commercial use, proper sanitation facilities, good drinking water, irrigation and post harvest facilities must come alongside credit offered to farmers," Mr Eson-Benjamin stated.
He stressed that schools being rehabilitated under phase one of the programme would benefit from additional support in phase two, which was due to start in early 2009.
"Programme funds will be used to construct and furnish entirely new schools. Facilities to be provided include classrooms and furniture, teachers’ quarters and auxiliary facilities," Mr Eson- Benjamin said.
A 26-member district Advisory Committee (DAC) including the DCE, presiding member and the Member of Parliament, was inaugurated to give advice and direction on the millennium projects in the district.
The programme is designed to reduce poverty through sustained support for the agricultural sector.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samuel Konadu, announced this during the inauguration of the district advisory committee and a sod-cutting ceremony for the rehabilitation of schools under MIDA at Ahwerewa near Effiduase.
He said as of now 30 FBOs had been formed under the first phase of the programme with a total of 1,500 farmers sensitised and handed over to a consultant for training.
"Another 45 FBOs are currently being sensitised and it is expected that not less than 2,250 farmers will be mobilised under the phase two for training," Mr Konadu stated.
He said rehabilitation of school blocks had begun in five schools as part of the programme.
The beneficiary schools were Anyinofi Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) kindergarten and primary school, Kumawu Presbyterian Primary School (block B), Ananaagya Methodist Primary (Afram Plains), Seniagya Methodist Primary and Ahwerewa District Assembly primary school.
The Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, Mr Martin Eson-Benjamin, explained that the main goal of MIDA programmes was to reduce rural poverty through agricultural transformation.
He said to achieve success in agriculture and to reduce the incidence of poverty in the farming communities, certain infrastructural services and benefits should be brought closer to the people.
"Good roads, good schools, electricity for commercial use, proper sanitation facilities, good drinking water, irrigation and post harvest facilities must come alongside credit offered to farmers," Mr Eson-Benjamin stated.
He stressed that schools being rehabilitated under phase one of the programme would benefit from additional support in phase two, which was due to start in early 2009.
"Programme funds will be used to construct and furnish entirely new schools. Facilities to be provided include classrooms and furniture, teachers’ quarters and auxiliary facilities," Mr Eson- Benjamin said.
A 26-member district Advisory Committee (DAC) including the DCE, presiding member and the Member of Parliament, was inaugurated to give advice and direction on the millennium projects in the district.
Monday, August 18, 2008
WORKSHOP FOR TRANSPORT OWNERS, DRIVERS NSEMPA PAGE 20)
By Collins Agyekum Gyasi, Obuasi.
THE Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) for the Upper Denkyira Civic Union and Dunkwa on Offin Kumasi Co-operative Transport Society have completed a successful two-week advocacy-training workshop for transport owners and drivers at Dunkwa On Offin.
Over 70 members, drawn from the two groups, were taken through Introduction To Advocacy, The Importance of the Private Sector and Economic Development, The Roles and Obligation of Government as well as Regulations and The Businesses Environment.
Mr John Gershon Koomson, a consultant and facilitator of the sector, noted that BUSAC sought to help people in the private sector to manage their business effectively.
He said the decision by BUSAC to sponsor the workshop was to offer participants the requisite skills needed to effectively run and manage their businesses and to amicably resolve conflicts whenever they occurred.
“If conflicts are not properly handled, they have the tendency of collapsing an organisation, society or group,“ Mr Koomson observed.
The participants were also taken through How To Form and Organise A Strong and Effective Group, Effective Leadership and Functions Of The Various Leaders In A Group.
The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Officer, Mr Philip Lutterodt, charged participants to use the knowledge acquired to judiciously run their associations and businesses to improve their living standards.
He lauded BUSAC for sponsoring what he described as a very important workshop, which would go a long way to boost the nation’s human resource base, and enhance the development of the people.
The participants, at the end of the workshop, pledged to use the knowledge acquired, to contribute their quota to the development of the country.
Certificates of participation were issued at the end of workshop.
THE Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) for the Upper Denkyira Civic Union and Dunkwa on Offin Kumasi Co-operative Transport Society have completed a successful two-week advocacy-training workshop for transport owners and drivers at Dunkwa On Offin.
Over 70 members, drawn from the two groups, were taken through Introduction To Advocacy, The Importance of the Private Sector and Economic Development, The Roles and Obligation of Government as well as Regulations and The Businesses Environment.
Mr John Gershon Koomson, a consultant and facilitator of the sector, noted that BUSAC sought to help people in the private sector to manage their business effectively.
He said the decision by BUSAC to sponsor the workshop was to offer participants the requisite skills needed to effectively run and manage their businesses and to amicably resolve conflicts whenever they occurred.
“If conflicts are not properly handled, they have the tendency of collapsing an organisation, society or group,“ Mr Koomson observed.
The participants were also taken through How To Form and Organise A Strong and Effective Group, Effective Leadership and Functions Of The Various Leaders In A Group.
The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Officer, Mr Philip Lutterodt, charged participants to use the knowledge acquired to judiciously run their associations and businesses to improve their living standards.
He lauded BUSAC for sponsoring what he described as a very important workshop, which would go a long way to boost the nation’s human resource base, and enhance the development of the people.
The participants, at the end of the workshop, pledged to use the knowledge acquired, to contribute their quota to the development of the country.
Certificates of participation were issued at the end of workshop.
ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN ENDS IN OBUASI (NSEMPA, PAGE 3)
By Collins Agyekum Gyasi, Obuasi
THE Obuasi Office of the Veterinary Services has completed the first phase of a three-year anti–rabies free eradication campaign. The other phase would begin in April and end in May 2009.
Dr A.H. Kwansah Filson, the municipal veterinary officer, said it took three weeks to visit all the 30 electoral areas and immunized 3,156 pets against rabies, the highest in the country.
The exercise was aimed at drastically reducing the number of rabid animals in the municipality where the Veterinary Services had recorded an average number of four cases a day.
He said from January to June this year, 20 confirmed rabid cases in animals had been detect, hence the exercise.
Dr Filson added that, “Rabies is caused by a virus, which affects mainly the central nervous system.” The saliva of a rabid animal, not only dogs but also cats and bats, causes it.
“Children are at greater risk because of their short stature, fearlessness of animals and also their inability to protect themselves.”
He explained that the time between a bite from a rabid animal may be as short as nine days or as long as seven days and before the specific sign of rabies sets in, the patient, may have pain, hoarse voice, itchiness, and numbness of the place of bite.
The municipal Veterinary Officer, said, “human beings with rabies are also infectious” and could transmit rabies a week before the onset of the symptoms and advised the public to report bites immediately to a hospital, or veterinary officer for management such as Post Exposure Prophylaxis (P.E.P)
Again, he also advised that pets or dogs, which were immunised could be given another dose after a year adding that dogs, cats and rodents would remain a faithful companion to us and it behoved us to keep them safe.
He commended the Anglogold Ashanti (A.G.A), for the quick response to donate GH¢1,632.00 and also the Municipal Assembly’s contribution.
Dr Kwansah Filson, nonetheless appealed to the all Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies, to always set aside some funds from their budget to help the vet services to undertake such exercises.
THE Obuasi Office of the Veterinary Services has completed the first phase of a three-year anti–rabies free eradication campaign. The other phase would begin in April and end in May 2009.
Dr A.H. Kwansah Filson, the municipal veterinary officer, said it took three weeks to visit all the 30 electoral areas and immunized 3,156 pets against rabies, the highest in the country.
The exercise was aimed at drastically reducing the number of rabid animals in the municipality where the Veterinary Services had recorded an average number of four cases a day.
He said from January to June this year, 20 confirmed rabid cases in animals had been detect, hence the exercise.
Dr Filson added that, “Rabies is caused by a virus, which affects mainly the central nervous system.” The saliva of a rabid animal, not only dogs but also cats and bats, causes it.
“Children are at greater risk because of their short stature, fearlessness of animals and also their inability to protect themselves.”
He explained that the time between a bite from a rabid animal may be as short as nine days or as long as seven days and before the specific sign of rabies sets in, the patient, may have pain, hoarse voice, itchiness, and numbness of the place of bite.
The municipal Veterinary Officer, said, “human beings with rabies are also infectious” and could transmit rabies a week before the onset of the symptoms and advised the public to report bites immediately to a hospital, or veterinary officer for management such as Post Exposure Prophylaxis (P.E.P)
Again, he also advised that pets or dogs, which were immunised could be given another dose after a year adding that dogs, cats and rodents would remain a faithful companion to us and it behoved us to keep them safe.
He commended the Anglogold Ashanti (A.G.A), for the quick response to donate GH¢1,632.00 and also the Municipal Assembly’s contribution.
Dr Kwansah Filson, nonetheless appealed to the all Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies, to always set aside some funds from their budget to help the vet services to undertake such exercises.
COURT FINES FEUDING CO-TENANTS (PAGE 3)
By Collins Agyekum Gyasi, Obuasi
TWO co-tenants from Odumasi (Adansi) near Obuasi who bit each other’s lip because of a misunderstanding over payment of electricity bill have been fined GH¢200 each by the Obuasi Circuit Court. In default, each will serve six-month jail term.
Frimpong Bugyei 48, a driver and Frank Adjei, 38, a mechanic, were charged with acts, which tended to disturb the peace.
Again, Adjei was charged for a second count of causing unlawful damage to Bugyei’s property. Both pleaded guilty to the charges, and Agyei was granted a bail of GH¢500.
Presenting the facts of the case to the court, Sergeant Badu said, a misunderstanding over the payment of accumulated electricity bills, from the Electricity Company of Ghana ECG, arose when their staff disconnected electricity in the whole house.
Adjei the mechanic had acquired his own metre, within that same period. When Bugyei went to Adjei to collect money for the electricity bill, in the presence of the ECG worker he promised to pay, without giving any specific day.
This infuriated the collector and he went ahead to disconnect the line till the money was paid.
After the disconnection, a misunderstanding ensued between the two co-tenants, which led to a fight.
They ended up biting each other’s lips, one on the lower lip and the other on the upper lip resulting in both of them reporting at the hospital to have their lips sutured.
After Bugyei left to report the incidence to the police, Adjei entered the former’s room and caused damage to a standing fan, a turn over amplifier and a rechargeable lamp with an inbuilt television all valued at GH¢80.
TWO co-tenants from Odumasi (Adansi) near Obuasi who bit each other’s lip because of a misunderstanding over payment of electricity bill have been fined GH¢200 each by the Obuasi Circuit Court. In default, each will serve six-month jail term.
Frimpong Bugyei 48, a driver and Frank Adjei, 38, a mechanic, were charged with acts, which tended to disturb the peace.
Again, Adjei was charged for a second count of causing unlawful damage to Bugyei’s property. Both pleaded guilty to the charges, and Agyei was granted a bail of GH¢500.
Presenting the facts of the case to the court, Sergeant Badu said, a misunderstanding over the payment of accumulated electricity bills, from the Electricity Company of Ghana ECG, arose when their staff disconnected electricity in the whole house.
Adjei the mechanic had acquired his own metre, within that same period. When Bugyei went to Adjei to collect money for the electricity bill, in the presence of the ECG worker he promised to pay, without giving any specific day.
This infuriated the collector and he went ahead to disconnect the line till the money was paid.
After the disconnection, a misunderstanding ensued between the two co-tenants, which led to a fight.
They ended up biting each other’s lips, one on the lower lip and the other on the upper lip resulting in both of them reporting at the hospital to have their lips sutured.
After Bugyei left to report the incidence to the police, Adjei entered the former’s room and caused damage to a standing fan, a turn over amplifier and a rechargeable lamp with an inbuilt television all valued at GH¢80.
TWO IN TROUBLE FOR KILLING TAXI DRIVER (PAGE 3)
By Collins Agyekum Gyasi
TWO persons suspected to be members of a gang, which killed an Obuasi taxi driver and made away with the cab have been arrested and remanded in police custody for further investigations.
Kwabena Minta, 21 a driver and Kofi Owusu, 22 were suspected to be among the group, which killed Isaac Boampong and sped off with the cab.
The two were arrested at Gbawe near Mallam in Accra and later handed over to the Obuasi police. They were arrested upon a tip off while they were using the cab for taxi services.
A police source said Isaac’s cab with registration No AS 3418 Z was chartered by a group of people from Obuasi towards Anhwia Nkwanta on the Obuasi Kumasi highway on June 17, 2008.
However, at the outskirts of the Akrokerri Teacher Training College, the passengers attacked and murdered the driver in cold blood.
The sources said the body was dumped in a nearby bush and was found by a tutor from the college two days after the incident, with severe and deep cuts on the head and bruises all over his body. Also a butcher’s knife was found beside the body.
The case was initially reported as that of a missing person until the body was found and identified by a brother of Isaac, one Yaw Antwi by the attire and shoes he wore before setting out on that journey.
The body was transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for autopsy.
TWO persons suspected to be members of a gang, which killed an Obuasi taxi driver and made away with the cab have been arrested and remanded in police custody for further investigations.
Kwabena Minta, 21 a driver and Kofi Owusu, 22 were suspected to be among the group, which killed Isaac Boampong and sped off with the cab.
The two were arrested at Gbawe near Mallam in Accra and later handed over to the Obuasi police. They were arrested upon a tip off while they were using the cab for taxi services.
A police source said Isaac’s cab with registration No AS 3418 Z was chartered by a group of people from Obuasi towards Anhwia Nkwanta on the Obuasi Kumasi highway on June 17, 2008.
However, at the outskirts of the Akrokerri Teacher Training College, the passengers attacked and murdered the driver in cold blood.
The sources said the body was dumped in a nearby bush and was found by a tutor from the college two days after the incident, with severe and deep cuts on the head and bruises all over his body. Also a butcher’s knife was found beside the body.
The case was initially reported as that of a missing person until the body was found and identified by a brother of Isaac, one Yaw Antwi by the attire and shoes he wore before setting out on that journey.
The body was transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for autopsy.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
BEWARE OF FAKE POULTRY PRODUCTS (PAGE 54)
Mr Ernest Owusu-Afari, Managing Director of Maridav, a poultry feed company, has warned poultry farmers against counterfeit poultry products on the Ghanaian market.
He said there were a number of both positive and negative developments in the field which farmers should be aware of in view of the rising cost of poultry feed and energy the world over.
Mr Owusu-Afari was addressing more than 50 poultry and livestock farmers, veterinarians and feed millers at a seminar at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi.
It was the second forum held by the Austria-based BIOMIN company, producers of poultry products.
He stressed that recently there had been an attempt to pass some DSM layer pre-mix (a powdered product for poultry birds) as a DSM product.
Mr Owusu-Afari, therefore warned poultry farmers to be alert not to patronise those products, since one negative development in the poultry market could be disastrous for the entire nation.
The resource person and Managing Director of BIOMIN, Mr Erich Erber, explained how micro-toxins such as fla-toxins had become a serious threat to livestock production around the world.
He said BIOMIN realised the extent of the problem in the tropical regions of the world and invested in research and development “to develop products that will neutralise the harmful effects of mycotoxins in livestock feeds”.
Mr Erber outlined in detail, the socio-economic, political and technological trends that would affect the future of the livestock industry globally over the next 20 years.
Another resource person, Mr Norbert Tratter, Area Manager of BIOMIN for sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, said fish meal was on the increase all over the world and for replacement and to find a solution, farmers had to depend on global-proven feeds and additives.
This, he observed, would depend on performance enhancement, good quality material and quality veterinary programme.
The chairman at the forum, Mr Seth Bekoe Appiah, Managing Director of Agricare Limited, said Agricare Limited would continue to use Lysine, methionine, layer premixes and carophyll materials from Maridav in the production of quality feeds and also recommended animal drugs supplied by Maridav to poultry and livestock farmers all over the country.
“Agricare will continue to recommend input materials supplied by Maridav Ghana limited to the poultry and livestock farmers because of the positive results we have experienced from the use of their materials supplied.”
He said there were a number of both positive and negative developments in the field which farmers should be aware of in view of the rising cost of poultry feed and energy the world over.
Mr Owusu-Afari was addressing more than 50 poultry and livestock farmers, veterinarians and feed millers at a seminar at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi.
It was the second forum held by the Austria-based BIOMIN company, producers of poultry products.
He stressed that recently there had been an attempt to pass some DSM layer pre-mix (a powdered product for poultry birds) as a DSM product.
Mr Owusu-Afari, therefore warned poultry farmers to be alert not to patronise those products, since one negative development in the poultry market could be disastrous for the entire nation.
The resource person and Managing Director of BIOMIN, Mr Erich Erber, explained how micro-toxins such as fla-toxins had become a serious threat to livestock production around the world.
He said BIOMIN realised the extent of the problem in the tropical regions of the world and invested in research and development “to develop products that will neutralise the harmful effects of mycotoxins in livestock feeds”.
Mr Erber outlined in detail, the socio-economic, political and technological trends that would affect the future of the livestock industry globally over the next 20 years.
Another resource person, Mr Norbert Tratter, Area Manager of BIOMIN for sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, said fish meal was on the increase all over the world and for replacement and to find a solution, farmers had to depend on global-proven feeds and additives.
This, he observed, would depend on performance enhancement, good quality material and quality veterinary programme.
The chairman at the forum, Mr Seth Bekoe Appiah, Managing Director of Agricare Limited, said Agricare Limited would continue to use Lysine, methionine, layer premixes and carophyll materials from Maridav in the production of quality feeds and also recommended animal drugs supplied by Maridav to poultry and livestock farmers all over the country.
“Agricare will continue to recommend input materials supplied by Maridav Ghana limited to the poultry and livestock farmers because of the positive results we have experienced from the use of their materials supplied.”
Thursday, July 17, 2008
MILLS GETS SUPPORT FROM OBUASI (PAGE 16)
There was heavy vehicular traffic in Obuasi when the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Atta Mills and his team arrived from Kumasi on their way to the northern part of the Central Region on Tuesday.
They were welcomed by a larged crowd as well as party executives from Kunka, Bogobiri, Obuasi Zongo and Obuasi Central Market. Along the route from Dove House to AngloGold Ashanti Club House at Wawase, the crowds swelled all the way.
The stopover was part of Prof. Mills’ house-to-house campaign to canvass for votes in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections towards the December elections.
He urged those aged 18 years who did not have identity cards to endeavour to register when the registration exercise began at the end of July.
Prof. Mills urged Ghanaians to vote for the NDC, since they had now experienced life under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He said Ghanaians had seen the difference between the NDC and NPP administrations and expressed the hope that they would vote for the NDC because it was only God who chose kings.
He said he did not accept the state award because he realised it could not unite Ghanaians and added that the exercise was a financial loss to the state.
Earlier, Madam Ama Benyiwa Doe, National Women’s Organiser, had told the people that only a privileged few were enjoying themselves in the country though living conditions in the country before 2000 was better.
She said the NPP had brought more difficulties on the nation and urged the electorate not to be scared or be intimidated but vote according to the dictates of their conscience.
They were welcomed by a larged crowd as well as party executives from Kunka, Bogobiri, Obuasi Zongo and Obuasi Central Market. Along the route from Dove House to AngloGold Ashanti Club House at Wawase, the crowds swelled all the way.
The stopover was part of Prof. Mills’ house-to-house campaign to canvass for votes in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections towards the December elections.
He urged those aged 18 years who did not have identity cards to endeavour to register when the registration exercise began at the end of July.
Prof. Mills urged Ghanaians to vote for the NDC, since they had now experienced life under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He said Ghanaians had seen the difference between the NDC and NPP administrations and expressed the hope that they would vote for the NDC because it was only God who chose kings.
He said he did not accept the state award because he realised it could not unite Ghanaians and added that the exercise was a financial loss to the state.
Earlier, Madam Ama Benyiwa Doe, National Women’s Organiser, had told the people that only a privileged few were enjoying themselves in the country though living conditions in the country before 2000 was better.
She said the NPP had brought more difficulties on the nation and urged the electorate not to be scared or be intimidated but vote according to the dictates of their conscience.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
OBUASI CPP MARKS NKRUMAH'S ANNIVERSARY (PAGE 14)
THE Obuasi Branch of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) has celebrated the 59th anniversary of the founding of the party by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, calling on beneficiaries of both the erstwhile Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute and the Young Pioneer Movement to explain the ideas, policies and doctrines of the founder to the Ghanaian public.
Dr Nkrumah, who was the Secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), resigned to form the CPP on June 12, 1949 and declared Positive Action for Independence from the colonial authority.
Mr Baafour Awuah (alias Opanin Beekye), 81, the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the CPP, who explained how the party was formed, the imprisonment of its leader, Dr Nkrumah, and how he became the leader of Government Business, advised the party’s followers to open their hearts to serve the party and the nation.
Mr Atta Gyekye, a member of the Council of Elders, said people had criticised Nkrumah in his bid to construct the Akosombo Dam but said “now it is the greatest legacy bequeathed to Ghanaians.”
He added that all the factories Nkrumah built, the state farms and the Workers Brigade had been left at the mercy of the weather and others closed down, hence the problem of unemployment facing our able youth.
“There’s no profit from our independence. We have political independence but not economic. It is now armed robbers independence,” he said.
The parliamentary aspirant of the CPP for Obuasi, Mr David Kenyah, said no government after Dr Nkrumah could equal his record, saying the party had come to teach the people “how to fish, not fish for them every time”.
He urged Ghanaians not to consider degrees or educational qualifications only before they voted for a candidate and referred the public to Mr Krobo Edusei and Mr Kwame Kwakye who performed creditably in their respective fields, adding that there was the need for attitudinal change, for Ghana to move forward.
He assured residents of Obuasi that if they voted for him, there would be a three-month general prayer for Obuasi, the Member of Parliament, the municipal chief executive and assembly members, for God to help re-cloth the municipality.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Dr Nkrumah and other departed souls of the CPP.
Dr Nkrumah, who was the Secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), resigned to form the CPP on June 12, 1949 and declared Positive Action for Independence from the colonial authority.
Mr Baafour Awuah (alias Opanin Beekye), 81, the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the CPP, who explained how the party was formed, the imprisonment of its leader, Dr Nkrumah, and how he became the leader of Government Business, advised the party’s followers to open their hearts to serve the party and the nation.
Mr Atta Gyekye, a member of the Council of Elders, said people had criticised Nkrumah in his bid to construct the Akosombo Dam but said “now it is the greatest legacy bequeathed to Ghanaians.”
He added that all the factories Nkrumah built, the state farms and the Workers Brigade had been left at the mercy of the weather and others closed down, hence the problem of unemployment facing our able youth.
“There’s no profit from our independence. We have political independence but not economic. It is now armed robbers independence,” he said.
The parliamentary aspirant of the CPP for Obuasi, Mr David Kenyah, said no government after Dr Nkrumah could equal his record, saying the party had come to teach the people “how to fish, not fish for them every time”.
He urged Ghanaians not to consider degrees or educational qualifications only before they voted for a candidate and referred the public to Mr Krobo Edusei and Mr Kwame Kwakye who performed creditably in their respective fields, adding that there was the need for attitudinal change, for Ghana to move forward.
He assured residents of Obuasi that if they voted for him, there would be a three-month general prayer for Obuasi, the Member of Parliament, the municipal chief executive and assembly members, for God to help re-cloth the municipality.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Dr Nkrumah and other departed souls of the CPP.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
LIONS WIN AT OBUASI (BACK PAGE)
Visiting Kpando Heart of Lions yesterday pulled off a major upset when they ‘roared’ to beat much fancied home team, Ashantigold, 2-1 at their favourite backyard, the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi.
Lying second on the league table, Lions left the die-hard Obuasi fans with long faces when they stole the show with a win before a fairly large home crowd.
The visitors first opened the score on the 40th minute from a powerful grounder from the foot of enterprising Edmund Owusu Ansah which goalkeeper Fatau Dauda could do very little about.
However, Ashgold pulled even on the stroke of half time through Owusu Sefah to calm the home fans.
On resumption both teams made substitutions which raised the standard of the game, but it was the Lions who looked more determined upfront and as if by miracle, Dominic Adiyiah fetched the much anticipated second goal in the 70th minute.
Lying second on the league table, Lions left the die-hard Obuasi fans with long faces when they stole the show with a win before a fairly large home crowd.
The visitors first opened the score on the 40th minute from a powerful grounder from the foot of enterprising Edmund Owusu Ansah which goalkeeper Fatau Dauda could do very little about.
However, Ashgold pulled even on the stroke of half time through Owusu Sefah to calm the home fans.
On resumption both teams made substitutions which raised the standard of the game, but it was the Lions who looked more determined upfront and as if by miracle, Dominic Adiyiah fetched the much anticipated second goal in the 70th minute.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
RTU HOST ASHGOLD (BACK PAGE)
Coach Abdul Razak’s RTU split the points with Ashantigold yesterday in their Onetouch Premiership encounter played at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Opash of RTU pulled off some extraordinary saves most especially in the dying minutes of the game.
It was an exciting game of wits by the two sides as the visitors played defensively with one top against the homesters who were all out in droves but could not make good the chances they created.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Opash of RTU pulled off some extraordinary saves most especially in the dying minutes of the game.
It was an exciting game of wits by the two sides as the visitors played defensively with one top against the homesters who were all out in droves but could not make good the chances they created.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
NKRANFO-NKWANTA ELECTORAL AREA NEEDS TEACHERS (PAGE 11)
Story: Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Obuasi
THE Assembly member for Nkranfo-Nkwanta Electoral Area, in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, Mr Thomas Attafuah, has appealed to the district assembly and the Adansi South District Education Directorate to assign teachers to the area.
He said even though the Ghana Education Service (GES) had assigned three teachers and a head teacher to the area, the number was woefully inadequate.
Mr Attafuah, who made the appeal at an assembly meeting at New Edubiase, said because of the lack of teachers in the electoral area, only 35 students wrote last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the area.
He said by the end of the 2007 academic year, the communities had employed 10 teachers for both primary and junior high schools, and were paying them GH¢ 20 each and providing them free accommodation.
Mr Attafuah regretted that five of the teachers suddenly left, complaining that the money was insufficient.
“We are, therefore, appealing to the assembly to assist us in paying their salaries, so that it will entice them to stay at post and teach,” Mr Attafuah said.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Francis Dorpenyoh, expressed grave concern about such distressed issues in the district, and noted that only two schools were captured under the School Feeding Programme in the district.
The GH¢ 30 per pupil per day puts too much stress on the matrons, he stated.
Mr Dorpenyoh, however, appealed to the government to increase the number of schools captured in the School Feeding Programme and increase the grant to reflect the cost of living.
He said the district administration had been paying the allowances of the matrons, since January 2007.
Additionally, he said the assembly was supporting the beneficiary communities to put up kitchens and dining rooms.
THE Assembly member for Nkranfo-Nkwanta Electoral Area, in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, Mr Thomas Attafuah, has appealed to the district assembly and the Adansi South District Education Directorate to assign teachers to the area.
He said even though the Ghana Education Service (GES) had assigned three teachers and a head teacher to the area, the number was woefully inadequate.
Mr Attafuah, who made the appeal at an assembly meeting at New Edubiase, said because of the lack of teachers in the electoral area, only 35 students wrote last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the area.
He said by the end of the 2007 academic year, the communities had employed 10 teachers for both primary and junior high schools, and were paying them GH¢ 20 each and providing them free accommodation.
Mr Attafuah regretted that five of the teachers suddenly left, complaining that the money was insufficient.
“We are, therefore, appealing to the assembly to assist us in paying their salaries, so that it will entice them to stay at post and teach,” Mr Attafuah said.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Francis Dorpenyoh, expressed grave concern about such distressed issues in the district, and noted that only two schools were captured under the School Feeding Programme in the district.
The GH¢ 30 per pupil per day puts too much stress on the matrons, he stated.
Mr Dorpenyoh, however, appealed to the government to increase the number of schools captured in the School Feeding Programme and increase the grant to reflect the cost of living.
He said the district administration had been paying the allowances of the matrons, since January 2007.
Additionally, he said the assembly was supporting the beneficiary communities to put up kitchens and dining rooms.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
BISHOP COMMENDS GOVT (NSEMPA, PAGE 15)
By Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Obuasi
THE Obuasi Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church Rt. Rev. Benjamin K Asare has commended the President of the Republic, Mr J A Kufour’s government for stabilising the economy of this country since the past seven years.
“It is unbelievable that the Ghana cedi is now higher than a dollar. It is a great achievement.”
He made the commendation when addressing the 11th Annual Synod of the church at Chapel Square at Anyinam near the Ofori Stadium, Obuasi on Thursday.
The theme for the Synod was “Come Holy Spirit, Empower your Church for Mission.”
Speaking on the mission of God to bring others into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, Bishop Asare also thanked the government saying, “I am happy he has listened to the religious bodies to bring back religious and moral training on the schools curriculum,” in the country. The government is a listening government, we are grateful.
Touching on the micro economy however, Bishop Asare urged the government to sit up, if it doesn’t want to lose all the economic gains the nation had been boasting of, because inflation was now on the ascendancy, which could erode every gain.
“Of late, it seems things are changing and we are going backwards. The inflation rate is now going up again. It is the beginning of the planting season but already prices of the basic commodities like cereals, are up over 100 per cent.”
From his own market survey here, the Bishop observed that a bunch of plantain, which was sold at GH¢1.80, now cost GH¢4.00 whereas a bag of rice, which formerly sold at GH¢12.50 is now up at GH¢25.55.
The clergyman said it was obvious that there was a hike, and interestingly, in such inflationary situations, the poor and the marginalized always suffered and mentioned the current fuel increases on the world market and the down nosing of the weaker dollar, as the two major indicators for the appalling situation, and asked if the economy of Ghana could stand those external shocks?
He said the signs were on the wall therefore the government should act and act quickly since we are in an election year.
“Political analysts see the situation as precarious for the government. Most Ghanaians find it difficult to endure hardship and immediately hardship comes they turn and desert even their popular government,” he stressed.
He reminded the government that they “should not forget that the same people who shouted hosanna, hosanna on that faithful Sunday, turned their voices to crucify him, crucify him” just six days later.
Nana Boafour Kyei, Gyasehene of Fomena who represented the Adansi Traditional Council (Adansiman) appealed to Christians, mostly women, to desist from invoking curses on others.
He also advised the general public to receive politicians who call on them and vote according to their conscience rather than the “ whom you know syndrome.”
The Member of Parliament for Obuasi, Mr Edward Ennin, for his part, appealed to them to shun insults and register so that they could vote.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel A Owusu Ansah in an address read for him, said the synod of a diocese serve as an appraisal since an unexamined life was not worth living.
THE Obuasi Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church Rt. Rev. Benjamin K Asare has commended the President of the Republic, Mr J A Kufour’s government for stabilising the economy of this country since the past seven years.
“It is unbelievable that the Ghana cedi is now higher than a dollar. It is a great achievement.”
He made the commendation when addressing the 11th Annual Synod of the church at Chapel Square at Anyinam near the Ofori Stadium, Obuasi on Thursday.
The theme for the Synod was “Come Holy Spirit, Empower your Church for Mission.”
Speaking on the mission of God to bring others into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, Bishop Asare also thanked the government saying, “I am happy he has listened to the religious bodies to bring back religious and moral training on the schools curriculum,” in the country. The government is a listening government, we are grateful.
Touching on the micro economy however, Bishop Asare urged the government to sit up, if it doesn’t want to lose all the economic gains the nation had been boasting of, because inflation was now on the ascendancy, which could erode every gain.
“Of late, it seems things are changing and we are going backwards. The inflation rate is now going up again. It is the beginning of the planting season but already prices of the basic commodities like cereals, are up over 100 per cent.”
From his own market survey here, the Bishop observed that a bunch of plantain, which was sold at GH¢1.80, now cost GH¢4.00 whereas a bag of rice, which formerly sold at GH¢12.50 is now up at GH¢25.55.
The clergyman said it was obvious that there was a hike, and interestingly, in such inflationary situations, the poor and the marginalized always suffered and mentioned the current fuel increases on the world market and the down nosing of the weaker dollar, as the two major indicators for the appalling situation, and asked if the economy of Ghana could stand those external shocks?
He said the signs were on the wall therefore the government should act and act quickly since we are in an election year.
“Political analysts see the situation as precarious for the government. Most Ghanaians find it difficult to endure hardship and immediately hardship comes they turn and desert even their popular government,” he stressed.
He reminded the government that they “should not forget that the same people who shouted hosanna, hosanna on that faithful Sunday, turned their voices to crucify him, crucify him” just six days later.
Nana Boafour Kyei, Gyasehene of Fomena who represented the Adansi Traditional Council (Adansiman) appealed to Christians, mostly women, to desist from invoking curses on others.
He also advised the general public to receive politicians who call on them and vote according to their conscience rather than the “ whom you know syndrome.”
The Member of Parliament for Obuasi, Mr Edward Ennin, for his part, appealed to them to shun insults and register so that they could vote.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel A Owusu Ansah in an address read for him, said the synod of a diocese serve as an appraisal since an unexamined life was not worth living.
GT'S VISION FOR GHANA (NSEMPA, PAGE 18)
By Collins Agyekum-Gyasi,
Dunkwa-on-Offin
MR Joseph Frimpong, Customer Care Manager, Ghana Telecom (GT), in the Central Region, has said the company’s vision of “linking people every where,” was on course and as the leading telecommunication company in the country, it would continue to work hard to ensure its services reach all parts of the country.
He added that GT sponsors most of the major events that took place in the country in the areas of health, sports, education and culture.
Mr Frimpong was speaking at a forum during a “Town Hall meeting with customers,” to foster the growth of the landline usage.
He announced that prudent and pragmatic measures were being put in place to ensure that Broadband services were extended to the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, to enhance the use of the Internet in the realisation of customers’ goals and aspirations and also be part of the global age of business.
“This is GT’s new entry-level package and is ideal for heavy dial up users. In fact the Broadband Lite is GT’s product, designed with you (customers) in mind.”
Commending customers of the company for patronising and supporting his outfit at all times and keeping it in business to enable them deliver quality services, Mr Frimpong also urged customers to dial the hot line 100, for enquiries or lodge complaints about their operations.
He assured them that such concerns would be treated with some degree of care.
“GT is committed to easing the financial burden on its customers at reduced cost of extending and installing landline by 50 per cent so that more people will have access for various purposes,” he said.
The programme, which was well attended by workers, traders, businessmen and students, during an open forum asked questions concerning GT’s services.
Some of the questions touched on the extension of OneTouch services to most parts of the country, poor network services and other excuses on their services among others.
The chief of Dunkwa, Nana Obeng Nuako III and linguist, Okyeame Donkor, the Dunkwa Municipal Police Commander, Mr S Buabin, and Nana Kwaw Nkrumah, Board Chairman of the Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and other personalities attended the programme.
Dunkwa-on-Offin
MR Joseph Frimpong, Customer Care Manager, Ghana Telecom (GT), in the Central Region, has said the company’s vision of “linking people every where,” was on course and as the leading telecommunication company in the country, it would continue to work hard to ensure its services reach all parts of the country.
He added that GT sponsors most of the major events that took place in the country in the areas of health, sports, education and culture.
Mr Frimpong was speaking at a forum during a “Town Hall meeting with customers,” to foster the growth of the landline usage.
He announced that prudent and pragmatic measures were being put in place to ensure that Broadband services were extended to the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, to enhance the use of the Internet in the realisation of customers’ goals and aspirations and also be part of the global age of business.
“This is GT’s new entry-level package and is ideal for heavy dial up users. In fact the Broadband Lite is GT’s product, designed with you (customers) in mind.”
Commending customers of the company for patronising and supporting his outfit at all times and keeping it in business to enable them deliver quality services, Mr Frimpong also urged customers to dial the hot line 100, for enquiries or lodge complaints about their operations.
He assured them that such concerns would be treated with some degree of care.
“GT is committed to easing the financial burden on its customers at reduced cost of extending and installing landline by 50 per cent so that more people will have access for various purposes,” he said.
The programme, which was well attended by workers, traders, businessmen and students, during an open forum asked questions concerning GT’s services.
Some of the questions touched on the extension of OneTouch services to most parts of the country, poor network services and other excuses on their services among others.
The chief of Dunkwa, Nana Obeng Nuako III and linguist, Okyeame Donkor, the Dunkwa Municipal Police Commander, Mr S Buabin, and Nana Kwaw Nkrumah, Board Chairman of the Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and other personalities attended the programme.
FARMER IN COURT FOR RAPE (NSEMPA, PAGE 3)
By Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Obuasi
A 41-YEAR-old farmer at New Ayaase near Fomena in the Adansi North District has been arraigned before an Obuasi Circuit Court charged with rape.
Akwasi Stephen was arrested for raping a 25-year-old woman (name withheld) on October 18, 2007 at about 8am at New Ayaase.
No plea was taken by the court, which ruled that the police should bring him back on May 27, 2008.
According to Graphic Nsempa sources, the woman went out that night to buy bread from a nearby shop. On her return, however, she walked into Stephen who told her that he wanted to discuss an issue with her.
The victim, without any suspicion, stopped for the discussion. But, taking advantage of the quietness of the area, the accused asked that they move a distance away from the road, to which she agreed.
At a spot which Stephen viewed as congenial, he stopped and grabbed her. Holding her tight, he demanded for sex, which the woman refused and started struggling to free herself.
In rage he pounced on her, forcibly tore her pants into pieces had sex with the victim, ignoring her shouts for help.
After he satisfied himself and released her, she reported her ordeal to the police at Fomena where she was given a medical form for medical examination.
When the news made the rounds that the incident had been reported to the police, the accused person went into hiding. He, however, re-surfaced on May 8, 2008 and upon a tip-off, Stephen was arrested.
Mr Emmanuel Larweh, who claimed to be the husband of the victim, chipped in that it was the habit of the accused in the area.
For his part, Stephen admitted hitting her when he demanded his money, (GH¢25) from her.
He also claimed that the woman was his wife and he had even impregnated her and also prepared a farm for her.
A 41-YEAR-old farmer at New Ayaase near Fomena in the Adansi North District has been arraigned before an Obuasi Circuit Court charged with rape.
Akwasi Stephen was arrested for raping a 25-year-old woman (name withheld) on October 18, 2007 at about 8am at New Ayaase.
No plea was taken by the court, which ruled that the police should bring him back on May 27, 2008.
According to Graphic Nsempa sources, the woman went out that night to buy bread from a nearby shop. On her return, however, she walked into Stephen who told her that he wanted to discuss an issue with her.
The victim, without any suspicion, stopped for the discussion. But, taking advantage of the quietness of the area, the accused asked that they move a distance away from the road, to which she agreed.
At a spot which Stephen viewed as congenial, he stopped and grabbed her. Holding her tight, he demanded for sex, which the woman refused and started struggling to free herself.
In rage he pounced on her, forcibly tore her pants into pieces had sex with the victim, ignoring her shouts for help.
After he satisfied himself and released her, she reported her ordeal to the police at Fomena where she was given a medical form for medical examination.
When the news made the rounds that the incident had been reported to the police, the accused person went into hiding. He, however, re-surfaced on May 8, 2008 and upon a tip-off, Stephen was arrested.
Mr Emmanuel Larweh, who claimed to be the husband of the victim, chipped in that it was the habit of the accused in the area.
For his part, Stephen admitted hitting her when he demanded his money, (GH¢25) from her.
He also claimed that the woman was his wife and he had even impregnated her and also prepared a farm for her.
Friday, May 16, 2008
ENNIN, APPIAH-PINKRAH WIN NPP SLOTS (PAGE 17)
Story: Collins Agyekum-gyasi, Obuasi
The two sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) for Obuasi and Akrofuom-Adansi in the Adansi South District have won their respective constituency primaries of the New Patriotic Party for the 2008 general election.
Mr Edward Ennin won the tension-packed Obuasi primary by simple majority with 65 votes to defeat Mr Kwaku Kwarteng, Government Spokesperson on Finance, who obtained 64 votes.
The election was supervised by the Municipal Electoral Commissioner, Mr Francis Addai Boateng.
The Akrofuom primary was easier as Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah polled 41 votes against Mrs Comfort Ampong’s nine votes.
As policemen wanted to avoid any clash in view of the volatile situation, entry into the hall was strictly by invitation.
Among those who witnessed the election were the former MP, Mr Boadi Mensah; Nana Bonsra (MP, Fomena), Mr Francis Dorpenyoh (DCE, Adamso South) and the regional executives.
At about 11:15 a.m. Mr Ennin arrived at the Assembly Hall (Obuasi Urban Council) in a convoy of three Ford cars and a Nissan Frontier Pick-up with brass band music. There was another band from the Abrempong group which supported Mr Kwarteng.
Before voting started, the Regional Chairman, Mr Robert Owusu Amankwa, pleaded with the aspirants not to consider those who would not vote for a particular candidate as their enemies. Rather, as NPP “is one family”, all should open up their hearts to support the winner for the development of the party and constituency.
In a speech, Mr Kwarteng conceded defeat and urged his supporters to accept the results.
He promised to rally behind Mr Ennin to ensure victory in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
He also thanked all the delegates and pleaded with all the members of the party to work in harmony to enable the party retain power.
The two sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) for Obuasi and Akrofuom-Adansi in the Adansi South District have won their respective constituency primaries of the New Patriotic Party for the 2008 general election.
Mr Edward Ennin won the tension-packed Obuasi primary by simple majority with 65 votes to defeat Mr Kwaku Kwarteng, Government Spokesperson on Finance, who obtained 64 votes.
The election was supervised by the Municipal Electoral Commissioner, Mr Francis Addai Boateng.
The Akrofuom primary was easier as Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah polled 41 votes against Mrs Comfort Ampong’s nine votes.
As policemen wanted to avoid any clash in view of the volatile situation, entry into the hall was strictly by invitation.
Among those who witnessed the election were the former MP, Mr Boadi Mensah; Nana Bonsra (MP, Fomena), Mr Francis Dorpenyoh (DCE, Adamso South) and the regional executives.
At about 11:15 a.m. Mr Ennin arrived at the Assembly Hall (Obuasi Urban Council) in a convoy of three Ford cars and a Nissan Frontier Pick-up with brass band music. There was another band from the Abrempong group which supported Mr Kwarteng.
Before voting started, the Regional Chairman, Mr Robert Owusu Amankwa, pleaded with the aspirants not to consider those who would not vote for a particular candidate as their enemies. Rather, as NPP “is one family”, all should open up their hearts to support the winner for the development of the party and constituency.
In a speech, Mr Kwarteng conceded defeat and urged his supporters to accept the results.
He promised to rally behind Mr Ennin to ensure victory in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
He also thanked all the delegates and pleaded with all the members of the party to work in harmony to enable the party retain power.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
GT ORGANISES FORUM FOR CUSTOMERS ...At Dunkwa-On-Offin (PAGE 21)
Story: Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Dunkwa-On-Offin
THE Customer Care Manager of Ghana Telecom (GT) in charge of the Central Region, Mr Joseph Frimpong, has stated that the company’s vision of “linking people everywhere” is on course.
He said as the leading telecommunication company in the country, it would continue to work hard to ensure that its services reached all parts of the country.
Mr Frimpong was speaking at a forum attended by the company’s customers at Duakwa-on-Offin.
GT, he said, was not only concerned with extending its services to all parts of the country, but was also focusing on its social responsibilities to the people.
He added that GT had been sponsoring a number of major events taking place in the country, especially in the areas of health, sports, education and culture.
Mr Frimpong announced that the company was adopting some prudent and pragmatic measures to ensure that broadband services were extended to the Upper Denkyira East Municipality to enhance the use of the Internet in the area to meet the customers’ aspirations to be part of the global age business.
“This is GT’s new entry-level package and is ideal for heavy dial- up users. In fact, the Broadband Lite is GT’s product designed with customers in mind,” he explained.
Mr Frimpong commended customers of the company for patronising its products at all times. He urged the customers to dial the hot line 100 for enquiries or lodge complaints about the company’s operations, assuring them that such concerns would be treated with a lot of care.
“GT is committed to easing the financial burden on its customers at reduced cost of extending and installing land line by 50 per cent so that more people could have access for various purposes,” he said.
During an open forum, the customers asked questions concerning GT services.
Some of the questions touched on the extension of Onetouch services to most parts of the country, poor network services and others.
The chief of Dunkwa, Nana Obeng Nuako III, and his linguist, Okyeame Donkor, the Dunkwa Municipal Police Commander, Mr S. Buabin, and Nana Kwaw Nkrumah, the Board Chairman of the Dunkwa Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and other personalities, attended the programme.
THE Customer Care Manager of Ghana Telecom (GT) in charge of the Central Region, Mr Joseph Frimpong, has stated that the company’s vision of “linking people everywhere” is on course.
He said as the leading telecommunication company in the country, it would continue to work hard to ensure that its services reached all parts of the country.
Mr Frimpong was speaking at a forum attended by the company’s customers at Duakwa-on-Offin.
GT, he said, was not only concerned with extending its services to all parts of the country, but was also focusing on its social responsibilities to the people.
He added that GT had been sponsoring a number of major events taking place in the country, especially in the areas of health, sports, education and culture.
Mr Frimpong announced that the company was adopting some prudent and pragmatic measures to ensure that broadband services were extended to the Upper Denkyira East Municipality to enhance the use of the Internet in the area to meet the customers’ aspirations to be part of the global age business.
“This is GT’s new entry-level package and is ideal for heavy dial- up users. In fact, the Broadband Lite is GT’s product designed with customers in mind,” he explained.
Mr Frimpong commended customers of the company for patronising its products at all times. He urged the customers to dial the hot line 100 for enquiries or lodge complaints about the company’s operations, assuring them that such concerns would be treated with a lot of care.
“GT is committed to easing the financial burden on its customers at reduced cost of extending and installing land line by 50 per cent so that more people could have access for various purposes,” he said.
During an open forum, the customers asked questions concerning GT services.
Some of the questions touched on the extension of Onetouch services to most parts of the country, poor network services and others.
The chief of Dunkwa, Nana Obeng Nuako III, and his linguist, Okyeame Donkor, the Dunkwa Municipal Police Commander, Mr S. Buabin, and Nana Kwaw Nkrumah, the Board Chairman of the Dunkwa Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and other personalities, attended the programme.
TRAFFIC AT STANDSTILL AT OBUASI (PAGE 3)
Story: Collins Agyekum-Gyasi
TRAFFIC came to a standstill at Obuasi yesterday afternoon moments after Asante Kotoko drowned the visiting Dolphins in their second leg CAF confederations cup.
It was like the Obuasi Municipality was the venue of the match as large groups of people gathered in the streets and lanes discussing the “magic” of the Fabulous club that they refer to as “The Manchester United of Ghana”
Cars tooted their horns, others were wrapped in the red and white colours of Kotoko while drinking bars were busy as people trooped in their numbers to express their joy over some bottles of beer.
However, there were some regretable moments in Obuasi. Early on Saturday, the rumour that made the round was that with the exit of Hearts and Ashgold from the continental assignment, non-supporters of Kotoko moved heaven and earth to see Kotoko were kicked out of the competition.
And really when Kotoko scored an own goal, some known supporters began jubilating that the club’s end had come.
TRAFFIC came to a standstill at Obuasi yesterday afternoon moments after Asante Kotoko drowned the visiting Dolphins in their second leg CAF confederations cup.
It was like the Obuasi Municipality was the venue of the match as large groups of people gathered in the streets and lanes discussing the “magic” of the Fabulous club that they refer to as “The Manchester United of Ghana”
Cars tooted their horns, others were wrapped in the red and white colours of Kotoko while drinking bars were busy as people trooped in their numbers to express their joy over some bottles of beer.
However, there were some regretable moments in Obuasi. Early on Saturday, the rumour that made the round was that with the exit of Hearts and Ashgold from the continental assignment, non-supporters of Kotoko moved heaven and earth to see Kotoko were kicked out of the competition.
And really when Kotoko scored an own goal, some known supporters began jubilating that the club’s end had come.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
SHUN BACKBITING, RUMUOR MONGERING — NANA AMOAKO (PAGE 14)
Story: Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Dunkwa-On-Offin
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Upper Denkyira East, Nana Amoako, has charged his constituents to shun back- biting and rumour mongering which impact negatively on and retard development in the constituency.
He said the nation’s development agenda could be achieved if everyone played his or her part and placed premium on working to raise living standards.
Nana Amoako, who made the call in a speech at the municipal assembly meeting in Dunkwa-on-Offin, urged assembly members to adopt innovative ways to generate revenue for the assembly.
The Upper Denkyira East MP, who was unopposed in his bid to contest the 2008 elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), charged members of the assembly to co-ordinate with political heads in the area to develop the municipality.
He urged them to work hard to ensure that the assembly's budget for 2008 was met.
Nana Amoako hinted that he, together with the MCE, was working hard to ensure that the police in the municipality attain the status of divisional headquarters .
He also assured assembly members that plans were in place to get a nursing training college for the municipality.
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Upper Denkyira East, Nana Amoako, has charged his constituents to shun back- biting and rumour mongering which impact negatively on and retard development in the constituency.
He said the nation’s development agenda could be achieved if everyone played his or her part and placed premium on working to raise living standards.
Nana Amoako, who made the call in a speech at the municipal assembly meeting in Dunkwa-on-Offin, urged assembly members to adopt innovative ways to generate revenue for the assembly.
The Upper Denkyira East MP, who was unopposed in his bid to contest the 2008 elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), charged members of the assembly to co-ordinate with political heads in the area to develop the municipality.
He urged them to work hard to ensure that the assembly's budget for 2008 was met.
Nana Amoako hinted that he, together with the MCE, was working hard to ensure that the police in the municipality attain the status of divisional headquarters .
He also assured assembly members that plans were in place to get a nursing training college for the municipality.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
GHANAIANS MUST NOT SELL THEIR CONSCIENCE ...(PAGE 17)
Story: Collins Agyekum-Gyasi, Obuasi
THE Most Reverend Thomas Mensah, Archbishop of Kumasi, has challenged Ghanaians not to sell their conscience to politicians as the general election draws near.
He said Ghanaians must elect right, discerning leaders to promote national development.
The Archbishop said that this would enable politicians to uphold the values of truth and accountability which is required to sustaining democracy and good governance.
He was speaking on the occasion of the installation of the second Diocesan Bishop of Obuasi, Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, a former Auxiliary Bishop of Kumasi.
The President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, government functionaries, archbishops, bishops, the Apostolic Prefect, the Apostolic Nunclature in Ghana and chiefs graced the installation held at the Christ the King College at Akaparise, Obuasi.
Archbishop Mensah said politics and democratisation were aimed at ensuring the welfare of people because democracy aimed at ensuring the welfare of all citizens, paying particular attention to the weak and vulnerable, irrespective of race, tribe and economic inequality.
"We, as people of the nation and people of God, are the custodians and beneficiaries of the democratic process and governance. And as good citizens, we offer people the chance to serve. We elect servants and not kings nor queens who would lord it over us", he said.
He explained that Ghanaians must choose leaders not out of selfish interest or based on party affiliation but on the principle of truth to set us free.
“It is our duty to search for leaders who would see humans as both sacred and social; expressing love to humanity as Christ did. After all, holy lives are more persuasive than narratives", he advised.
In his short address delivered by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, President Kufuor reminded Bishop Anokye to strive hard to continue the good work of Archbishop Mensah to promote the development of the diocese, Obuasi and the nation as a whole.
President Kufuor prayed that the good Lord would continue to shower his blessings upon Most Rev. Anokye so that whatever he spoke would be a blessing to the nation.
Touching on the heavy workload of the church, he said "I envision a diocese where all will rise up and build upon the foundation solidly laid by the first Bishop; a diocese where all will pool their resources together and claim collective ownership of our common evangelising mission".
Bishop Anokye said he hoped to intensify and promote all existing programmes for the clergy, religious and lay faithful and enhance the training of the youth so that they come out as competent adult leaders and credible witnesses who would further the evangelistic mission of the church.
THE Most Reverend Thomas Mensah, Archbishop of Kumasi, has challenged Ghanaians not to sell their conscience to politicians as the general election draws near.
He said Ghanaians must elect right, discerning leaders to promote national development.
The Archbishop said that this would enable politicians to uphold the values of truth and accountability which is required to sustaining democracy and good governance.
He was speaking on the occasion of the installation of the second Diocesan Bishop of Obuasi, Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, a former Auxiliary Bishop of Kumasi.
The President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, government functionaries, archbishops, bishops, the Apostolic Prefect, the Apostolic Nunclature in Ghana and chiefs graced the installation held at the Christ the King College at Akaparise, Obuasi.
Archbishop Mensah said politics and democratisation were aimed at ensuring the welfare of people because democracy aimed at ensuring the welfare of all citizens, paying particular attention to the weak and vulnerable, irrespective of race, tribe and economic inequality.
"We, as people of the nation and people of God, are the custodians and beneficiaries of the democratic process and governance. And as good citizens, we offer people the chance to serve. We elect servants and not kings nor queens who would lord it over us", he said.
He explained that Ghanaians must choose leaders not out of selfish interest or based on party affiliation but on the principle of truth to set us free.
“It is our duty to search for leaders who would see humans as both sacred and social; expressing love to humanity as Christ did. After all, holy lives are more persuasive than narratives", he advised.
In his short address delivered by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, President Kufuor reminded Bishop Anokye to strive hard to continue the good work of Archbishop Mensah to promote the development of the diocese, Obuasi and the nation as a whole.
President Kufuor prayed that the good Lord would continue to shower his blessings upon Most Rev. Anokye so that whatever he spoke would be a blessing to the nation.
Touching on the heavy workload of the church, he said "I envision a diocese where all will rise up and build upon the foundation solidly laid by the first Bishop; a diocese where all will pool their resources together and claim collective ownership of our common evangelising mission".
Bishop Anokye said he hoped to intensify and promote all existing programmes for the clergy, religious and lay faithful and enhance the training of the youth so that they come out as competent adult leaders and credible witnesses who would further the evangelistic mission of the church.
UPPER DENKYIRA EAST ASSEMBLY ELECTS PM (PAGE 15)
Story: Collins Agyekum Gyasi, Obuasi
A THIRTY-ONE-YEAR-old teacher, Richmond Duodo, has been elected the Presiding Member (PM) of the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly in the Central Region.
That was after he had obtained two-thirds of the total votes cast by the assembly members. The assembly was elevated after the old district had been divided into two.
He obtained 22 votes, as against seven by his closest competitor, Joseph Obeng Ahinapong, in an election which travelled into a third round and involved four Assembly members.
The election was supervised by the Municipal Electoral Commissioner, Mr E.T. Odonko.
At the end of the first round, Mr Duodo could not obtain the two-thirds majority required out of 29 votes cast to be declared winner.
Mr Paul Danquah and Mr Francis Yaw Boadi polled two and three votes respectively, while Mr Ahinapong and Richmond Duodo pulled 11 and 13 in that order.
The second round contest could not produce a clear-cut winner, with Duodo and Ahinapong obtaining 20 and nine votes respectively.
Duodo polled 22 votes in the third round to obtain the required two-thirds of the total votes cast to be declared the winner of the contest.
Mr Duodo lauded his colleague assembly members for electing him as the PM of the assembly.
He called for the support of all members in making the work of the assembly easier and development-oriented.
For his part, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Richard Anane Adabor, commended the assembly members for making the keenly contested election very peaceful.
He appealed to members to play their collective roles by ensuring that the municipality maintained its pride and position as the cleanest in the Central Region.
A THIRTY-ONE-YEAR-old teacher, Richmond Duodo, has been elected the Presiding Member (PM) of the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly in the Central Region.
That was after he had obtained two-thirds of the total votes cast by the assembly members. The assembly was elevated after the old district had been divided into two.
He obtained 22 votes, as against seven by his closest competitor, Joseph Obeng Ahinapong, in an election which travelled into a third round and involved four Assembly members.
The election was supervised by the Municipal Electoral Commissioner, Mr E.T. Odonko.
At the end of the first round, Mr Duodo could not obtain the two-thirds majority required out of 29 votes cast to be declared winner.
Mr Paul Danquah and Mr Francis Yaw Boadi polled two and three votes respectively, while Mr Ahinapong and Richmond Duodo pulled 11 and 13 in that order.
The second round contest could not produce a clear-cut winner, with Duodo and Ahinapong obtaining 20 and nine votes respectively.
Duodo polled 22 votes in the third round to obtain the required two-thirds of the total votes cast to be declared the winner of the contest.
Mr Duodo lauded his colleague assembly members for electing him as the PM of the assembly.
He called for the support of all members in making the work of the assembly easier and development-oriented.
For his part, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Richard Anane Adabor, commended the assembly members for making the keenly contested election very peaceful.
He appealed to members to play their collective roles by ensuring that the municipality maintained its pride and position as the cleanest in the Central Region.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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