Regional Minister denies allegation of shortage of funds for cocoa purchases

Enchi (W/R), Jan. 27 – GNA- Mr. Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, on Thursday denied allegations that there is not enough funds in the system to pay for cocoa purchases and bonus to cocoa farmers. The Regional Minister, who was speaking at a Peoples’ Assembly at Enchi in the Aowin-Suaman District, he said the government has made funds available for payment of bonus and cocoa purchases.
Mr. Amoah said, “nobody who says there is no money to pay the bonus and cocoa purchases is lying”.
He said, the payment of bonus has started, but the problem is that some cocoa farmers do not have passbooks to indicate the amount of cocoa purchased.

Mr. Amoah said there is no evidence to indicate that chemicals meant for the mass cocoa spraying exercise in the area have been diverted. He said the government is prepared to investigate cases of diversion of chemicals for the spraying exercise if people could substantiate their allegations.Mr. Amoah said the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has embarked on a nation-wide tree-planting project.
He said people who participate in the project would be given food rationing and token allowance. Mr. Amoah urged the youth to take advantage of the project as well as the National Youth Employment Programme and other avenues to get organised to assist in national development.
He spoke against illegal felling of trees in forest reserves and advised chiefs, Members of Parliament and District Assemblies to identify those involved to enable them arrange meetings to discuss payment of royalties and social obligations.
Mr. Amoah announced that the 56 kilometre Enchi-Asankrangwa road has been awarded to a Chinese Company, Top Construction Limited, at a cost of about 1 point 2 million dollars. Mr. Kingsley Ofori-Asante, the District Chief Executive, said development has come to the area and this would be sustained. He said the assembly with support from its development partners have undertaken numerous educational and social projects.
These included construction of 58 hand-dug in 47 communities and 82 bore-holes in 65 communities, Mr. Ofori-Asante said. Many people who attended the assembly complained contractors working in the area are not performing.
GNA
27 Jan. 07

Church raises funds for construction of Kindergarten

Akim Osino (E/R), Jan. 27, GNA – The Akim Osino Anglican church raised 12.1 million cedis at their annual harvest to construct a kindergarten for the pupils of the Anglican School at Akim Osino.The People Warden of the Church, Mr Jonas Darko Ampaw told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the church had acquired a site to put up a six-unit classroom block, an office and store for the project.
He said work has started and the project was expected to be completed early to enable the pupils to use the building at the beginning of next academic year.Mr Ampaw said in addition to voluntary contributions and donations from some philanthropists the youth of the church would support the project with communal labour.
GNA
28 Jan. 07

Eastern region records low crime rate

Koforidua, Jan.27, GNA- The Eastern Region recorded low cases in crime related activities last year as compared to 2005. While in 2005, the region recorded 462 crime cases including highway and residential robberies, rape and defilement cases, murder and reported narcotic offences, the cases reduced to 368 in 2006. The Eastern Regional Commander of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Felix Asare-Darko, said these on Friday, at the annual WASSA, held for members of the Ghana Police Service in the Eastern Region, on Friday at Koforidua.DCOP Asare-Darko, noted that there was an increase in workplace robberies including those that occurred at filling stations in the region.He commended police personnel in the region for their hard work and vigilance that resulted in the reduction in the crime rate.
DCOP Asare-Darko appealed to the people to cooperate with the police to ensure that criminals were flushed out from the region.He said chieftaincy disputes and the activities of nomadic Fulani herdsmen created some level of insecurity in the region during the year under review.DCOP Asare-Darko cited the Kitase Chieftaincy dispute, trouble at the funeral of the late Queenmother of New Juaben and the invasion of Fulanis of the Afram Plains as a result of which two persons died.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Yaw Barimah, commended the police for their prompt response to security threatening issues and urged them to discharge their duties professionally in order to win the public’s confidence.He pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the police and all other security agencies to enable them ensure peace and security for development.The District and Divisional Police Commanders, heads of other security agencies, members of the Regional Coordinating Council and the Regional Security Coordinator attended the WASSA.
GNA
28 Jan. 07

Weak disciple affecting schools-Nsowah

Accra, Jan. 27, GNA- Growing weak discipline in Ghanaian schools has been identified as a major cause of loss of valuable instruction time in schools, Mr Michael Nsowah, immediate past Director-General of the Ghana Educational Service (GES) on Saturday observed. He said recent study by an international donor agency on 25 senior secondary schools has confirmed the assertions, adding that actual contact hours were only about 65 per cent of the instruction time. Mr Nsowah was speaking at 79th Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Achimota Secondary School, on the occasion of the school’s 80th birthday.
He said with only three years of senior secondary school education, it was obvious that time lost for organized instruction could affect the progress of students.Mr Nsowah said indiscipline has become a canker in educational institutions and it was even becoming widespread in strong traditional areas where such  misbehaviour was previously unknown.    He said “Unfortunately, many students have became architects of unimaginable social vices such as armed robbery, drug trafficking and drug abuse.”
Mr Nsowah observed that drug abuse was the underlying causes of many of the crimes that threatened life and property in schools.
He said the youth needed to understand that a highly respected school was one that combined academic excellence with moral integrity.
“Sound moral upbringing of students, helps them individually to develop an exemplary character worthy of emulation and a clear sense of identity, integrity and what they believe to be excellent virtues in life, Mr Nsowah said.
He said discipline and hard work were essential tools that students could not overlook.
Mr Nsowah, however, noted that unfortunately sometimes, the misbehaviour of teachers such as absenteeism, alcoholism, improper dressing and other unprofessional conduct sent the wrong signals for the students.

Mr Michael Wilson, a Swiss-based business consultant and former student of the school, said he was dispirited because Achimota was no longer seen to be creating a culture in which great leaders could emerge.
He said “Something in our spirit has left us, something in our values has been surrendered, something in our standards has abandoned us almost to the soft bigotry of low expectation.
We do not seem to produce solemnly respectable young men and women of pleasing manners, conservative in social life, in fact gentlemen and ladies to the last degree”.
Mr Wilson said that all was not lost and called on the school authorities and past students of the school to consider the occasion of Ghana’s 50th anniversary as an opportunity to make Achimota shine once again, and even brighter.
He urged the students to be courageous, perseverant, self-knowledgeable and visionary, just and above all to become future good leaders of the country.
Giving an overview of the school activities for the year 2005/2006, Mrs Flora Ivy Mensah, Acting Headmistress of Achimota, said the period saw a significant improvement in the performance of students in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations.
She said with 100 per cent passes, 320 students out of a total of 485 candidates had grades A and B in core Mathematics, 400 had grades A and B in Integrated Science whilst 401 had grades A and B in Social Studies.
Mrs Mensah said with the advent of private universities in the country, many students felt that it was no longer necessary to compete for limited vacancies in public universities.
She, therefore, called on the GES to endorse repetition for students would not deserve to be promoted to the next class.
Prizes and various categories of awards were given to students who excelled in various subjects to teachers and other past staff of the school for their meritorious service.
GNA
28 Jan. 07

25 TV sets for Kwaebibirem schools

Kade, Jan. 27, GNA – Kwaebibirem District Assembly has began distributing television sets to Junior Secondary Schools(JSS) in the district to enable them to benefit from the President’s Special Initiative(PSI) on Distance Education.Fifteen out the twenty-five, 29-inch colour television sets have been distributed to beneficiary schools.
Mr Yaw Yiadom-Boakye, District Chief Executive said this at a ceremony to present a TV set to the Kade Presbyterian JSS on Saturday.He said government was desirous of improving educational standards and has directed all district assemblies to acquire the TV sets for students at the JSS level to access the PSI on distance education.He expressed the hope that the sets would improve the quality of teaching and learning and also assists them in their performance.Mr Yiadom-Boakye said the sets were not meant to supplement the teachers’ effort at imparting knowledge to students.
The DCE said the criteria for choosing beneficiary schools was based on the availability of electricity and security in the school.The District Director of Education, Mr Jonathan Akakpo called on recipient schools to make the best use of the sets and take good care of them.Mr Akakpo expressed the hope that the school would top the chart in the district Basic Education Certificate examination. Mr S. M. Kwakye, Headmaster of the school who received the set thanked  the district assembly and promised the set would be used for the intended purpose.
GNA
27 Jan 07

Bawku West Communities undertake self help projects

Zebilla (UE/R) Jan 27, GNA- Six communities in the Bawku West District last year initiated a number of development projects including education to enhance their living standards.
The projects included nutrition centres at Komaka, Gbere and Bulenga, a three-unit classroom block at Zeroga community, two teachers’ quarters at Yarigu and Komaka and for Tanga- Kpalsako, a school kitchen.
Mr. Moses Appiah Abaare, the District Chief Executive said this when he addressed the District’s People’s Assembly at Zebilla on Saturday.
He explained that the communities usually identified what they needed and then seeks technical advice from the District Assembly for the provision of the building materials.
Mr Abaare said the assembly usually contracts the Kusanaba Vocational Institute in the district to provide work on the roofing, plastering and painting.
He said since the people were mainly farmers, the Assembly acquired three tractors, which is rented to them at a low fee to prepare the land for farming.
Twelve other groups were given water pumps to enable them undertake dry season faring and gardening.
Mr. Abaare said three dams had also been constructed at Boya, Apotdabogo and Widnaba, whist the Sako dam has been rehabilitated for irrigation purposes.
“Work on two small scale dams at Googo and Yarigu is currently being constructed, adding, that last year, 34 youth groups were assisted with credit and seed to cultivate about 180 hectares of Soya bean”.
GNA.
27 Jan 07

Veep leads Government delegation to Ga Mantse funeral

Accra, Jan. 27, GNA – A large number of people clad in the traditional black and red mourning apparel, besieged the forecourt of Ga Mantse Palace on Saturday to bid farewell to the Overlord of the Ga Traditional Area, Boni Nii Amugi II, who died two years ago.
Security personnel at the premises, which was adorned with the traditional symbol of an antelope on an elephant, had a hectic time pushing back the ecstatic crowd that was surging towards the dais where the Government delegation, led by Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, was seated.
The delegation comprised the First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufuor; Ministers of State; Members of Parliament and some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
The presence of representatives of the main opposition, National Democratic Congress, led by Former President, Jerry John Rawlings and the Party’s Flagbearer for Election 2008, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills attracted deafening cheers that failed to fizzle out even when tributes were being read in honour of Nii Amugi, who was lying in State in a closed casket, amidst musketry.
Osagyefo Amotia II, Okyenhene was among the number of chiefs and traditional elders, who paid their last respects to Ga Mantse, who was eulogised for championing peace and stability in the National capital during his 39 years reign.
Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, who read a tribute on behalf of the Government, said the Ga State was at peace during the reign of Nii Amugi.
“He understood leadership to be about service to one’s people… It is true to say that we have been at peace in Accra all these years largely because we had Nii Amugi II for a Ga Mantse.”
A tribute read on behalf of Former President Rawlings said the Nii Amugi used his youthfulness and wisdom to hold the Ga State together until his death.
“My personal hope and prayer is that his life, beliefs and achievements will continue to provide guidance to royalty and the rest of us to ensure survival of traditions, customs and good governance throughout Ghana.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a tribute read on his behalf said Nii Amugi has been his friend since the 1970s when he was a student at the Institute for Professional Studies.
“I pray to Almighty God that as Nii Amugi goes home, we shall preserve the warm relationship that we established between the two traditional systems of Ga State and the Asanteman.”
Odeneho Gyapong Ababio, President of the National House of Chiefs, appealed to the kingmakers of the Ga State to stick to tradition and to choose the right candidate to succeed Nii Amugi.
Delivering the sermon, The Most Reverend Robert Okine, Immediate-Past Anglican Bishop of Koforidua, also called on the Ga Traditional Elders to choose a befitting successor, who would not compromise national peace and cohesion.
Born on June 8, 1940, Nii Amugi, known in private life as Simon Nii Yarboi Yartey died on December 10, 2004.
He was survived by his wife, eight children and 11 grandchildren.
GNA
27 Jan. 07

Rawlings steals show at Ga Mantse funeral

Accra, Jan 27, GNA – A near stampede, loud cheers and a sea of waving hands with red handkerchiefs and cloths characterized the scene at the Ga Mantse Palace when Former President Jerry John Rawlings entered the funeral grounds on Saturday.
Spotting a shirt sown with the official funeral cloth with elephant symbols, Former Rawlings and his entourage, which included the NDC flag bearer for Election 2008, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, were escorted by men on horseback to the entrance of the funeral grounds.
Prof. Atta Mills and Former President Rawlings’ entourage went round to greet the chiefs and people of the Ga State after which they were led to sit among the dignitaries.     Also present at the funeral were the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II; some Ministers of State; Members of Parliament; political party leaders; Members of the Diplomatic Corps and heads of some State and private institutions.
Prior to Former President Rawlings’ arrival, several Chiefs and Asafo groups (warriors) from various communities in the Ga State, filed past the body amidst drumming, dancing, singing, shouting and musketry.
Amazingly some of the groups were accompanied by brass bands playing gospel songs instead of the usual cultural troupes that accompanied such groups.
The biggest stir was caused by the Osu Alata Asafo Group, who entered the central arena of the funeral ground wielding muskets, which they fired on the orders of their commander as part of the funeral activities.
Another major attraction on the funeral groups was a large banner, which captured the migration of the Ga people, led by Nikoi Olai from Israel to Ghana.
The banner chronicled the Biblical history of the Nicholitans, referred to as Nikoi Olai We Bii, as recorded in various portions of the Bible and the original Jewish book of Psalms.
The Ga people, according to what was displayed on the banner migrated from Israel through Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, Benin, Togo and finally to Ghana.
The funeral brochure captured a brief life history of the late Ga Mantse, who until his enstoolment was an Accountant at CFAO and an organist at the Anglican Church.
The brochure had a list of 13 officiating ministers for the funeral; 14 tributes; a poem on and pictures of the Ga Mantse and some local and international dignitaries; including President John Agyekum Kufuor; Ex-President Rawlings; two former Nigerian Heads of States, Sani Abacha and Ibrahim Babangida; Pope John Paul II and Otumfuor Osei Tutu II.
GNA
27 Jan. 07

NSC pledges to support Beach Sports

Accra, Jan 27, GNA – Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Sports Council (NSC) has pledged the Council’s support for Beach Sports to make it one of the attractive disciplines in the country.
He said this is to ensure that the sport comes to par with other established disciplines in the country.Prince Oduro-Mensah said providing the sport with the needed support will also ensure the realisation of the needed revenue from beach sports. The NSC boss said this when he inaugurated the Ghana Beach Sports Association (GBSA) in Accra on Friday.
Prince Oduro-Mensah tasked the executives of the Association to see to the proper running of the sport and assured them of the Council’s support at all times.He said the Council will also explore other venues that will be suitable for beach sports to make it popular in the country.He reminded them not to make the GBSA to become a duplication of associations but to rather enhance the nation’s quest to dominate sports on the continent.
Nii Odotei Adjei, Gyasehene of La, who chaired the ceremony commended the NSC for accepting the GBSA as a member of the Council and urged that all support be made to achieve the desired goals.He envisaged that Ghana’s dominance in football will reflect in beach football so that the country can have another group of Abedi Pele’s, Anthony Yeboah’s and Michael Essien’s among others.Nii Amasah Namoale, Member of Parliament of Dade Kotopon Constituency appealed to corporate bodies to support beach sport, which he said would help prevent the youth from engaging in social vices.
The ten-member executive officers of the Association made up Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, David Nana Anim, Ataa Kofi Mensah, Rashid Boiu Nai and Alhaji Tanko were inaugurated into office.The rest are Frank Nwokolo Nelson, Christopher Opoku, Albert Asante and Albert Frimpong
GNA
27 Jan. 07

Attram to end his career at Olympics

Accra, Jan 27, GNA – Godwin Attram, a former national captain of the Black Satellites has said that he will return to his mother club, Accra Great Olympics before retiring from active football.
The former PSV Eidhoven player believes that is the only way to bid farewell to the Club that brought him to the limelight.
Attram who plies his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab told the GNA Sports that “I will end my international career after the next five years and join Olympics for a season before I quit football”.
Attram revealed this when he presented some equipment to the Club at their Teshie training grounds last Friday.
The items consisted of two sets of Adidas jerseys, six footballs and two goalkeepers’ gloves.
Attram said his gesture was in fulfilment of an earlier promise made to the team at a similar function two years ago.
“I promised them that I will provide some equipment when they return to the Premiership and I’m here to fulfil that promise.”
He assured the Club of his unflinching support to the team anytime he is called upon to do so.
Mr. Eric Afotey Odai, Chairman of Olympics commended the former national star for his effort and urged other former players of the Club to emulate the player for his gesture.
He said the player’s donation will go a long way to boost the Club’s performance in the remaining matches of the Onetouch Premier League.
Earlier, Mr. Tetteh Odjidja, a fan of Great Olympics resident in the United States also presented a set of jerseys to the Club.
GNA
27 Jan. 07