Kumasi News

Trials and tribulations of a Kumasi man denizen in Accra

2011-10-14T11:32:00.001Z

Article: Enoch Darfah Frimpong

I was just about to move the car out of the drive way of the house on a Sunday at about 5:30 p.m. when the telephone rang.

The caller’s ID indicated that the call was from the newsroom in Accra. My immediate reaction was why the News Editor would be calling me at this time of the day. Had he forgotten I was on holiday?

I hope he was not calling to give me an assignment because I was on my way out for an evening with my wife, and wouldn’t want my plans to be disrupted.

As a journalist working in Kumasi with the leading daily newspaper in the country, my private life has always been disrupted in similar manner and fashion, all in the name of the job of getting the news for the public, which sometimes cannot be fun,
but that is the acceptable nature of the job.

When I answered the call, the voice on the other side was that of the General Manager of Newspapers, Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh.

“Darfah, how are? Management has decided to transfer you to Accra. We want to improve upon our website and we have decided that you should be transferred there as part of the team. Tell your family and prepare to move to Accra.” This was how the
General Manager gave me the news of my transfer to Accra from Kumasi.

My immediate reaction was, “Oh God, I am dead.” My wife simply could not understand my attitude as I informed her that “my employers have just handed me my punishment.”

What even worsened my plight was when I eventually received an official letter a few days later dated February 21, 2011. Management had asked that I report to my new station on March 21, 2011, meaning I had just a month to prepare to face the trials and tribulations of Accra.

But why is a transfer to Accra viewed as a punishment?

Some people may jump to such an opportunity to work in the capital city, but for someone like me who was born, ‘bread’ and ‘buttered’ in Kumasi, I would certainly not pop champagne over such news.

I had spent some time in Accra for academic purposes, as a student journalist at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) where I spent two years for my journalism training and apart from that I have occasionally visited the capital city, either to visit friends and family, for official business or passing through to the airport for international travel but none of those visits had exceeded a one-month stay.

Even though I had thought of being transferred to work in Accra in the future, never had I imagined that the situation would be this immediate. This could somehow be translated as the “Kumasi Thing being too much in me,” with all regards to Deputy Minister Mr Kobby Acheampong.

From my past experiences, coupled with that of colleagues, friends and family and comparing Kumasi to Accra in terms of cost of living, human and vehicular congestion and accommodation problems, I would certainly choose to work in Kumasi over Accra.

A professor friend of mine interpreted the spelling of Accra as, “A-All, C-crazy, C-citizens, R-rehabilitation, A-Area” based on his experiences with the problems of the city.

Most Ghanaians are familiar with the problems of Accra, which is peculiar with that of other cities in developing countries - human and vehicular congestion, accommodation problems and a high cost of living.

Accra is the capital city of Ghana, with a population of about five million. It is also the home base for the government and where most businesses have their head offices. Almost every household in Ghana has some member of the family living in the bustling city.

Before independence, the majority of the population in Ghana were farmers and petty traders but when Ghana became independent in 1957, the government rightly made education its priority and the same has been maintained over the years.

There were only a few secondary schools and just one university before independence but now there are over 500 higher institutions made up of secondary schools, colleges, polytechnics and universities for a population of about 24 million.

Economic reasons and the centralised nature of the government in the capital have compounded the problems of Accra. Uncontrolled migration is the order of the day.

The result is that most people do not want to live in their towns and villages anymore because there are no jobs in these places for the vocations they have trained for and the fact that the lack of basic infrastructure such as electricity or pipe-borne water supplies encourage many a youth to migrate to the centre.

Because everyone wants to live in Accra, the place is overpopulated and expanding fast by the day. The centre, however, cannot hold, because of the population explosion.

This is the reason why I do not want to contribute to worsening the congestion in Accra but to stay in the ‘kooko ase’ and enjoy the peace of living in Kumasi.

The cost of food is reasonable in Accra as compared to major cities in other countries but compared to Kumasi where GH¢4 to GH¢6 could get you a bowl of fufu with bush meat from a local restaurant, you would get a similar dish at GH¢10 or GH¢15 in Accra.

To find a place to rent is a headache. This is made worse by the fact that in almost all places, the rent usually is paid two years in advance just like Kumasi, but Kumasi rates are cheaper. The average rent per month is sometimes more than 30 per cent of one’s income.

I spent the first six months of my stay in Accra perching in a friend’s apartment with his wife and children trying to raise funds to rent my own accommodation. I was able to find a place of my own at Kasoa, courtesy of my father-in-law’s assistance.

While searching for accommodation, I came across single-room apartments on offer at between GH¢70 and GH¢100 as monthly rent, two-bedroom apartments at ranges of GH¢150 to GH¢200 and three-bedrooms at GH¢300 and above in various locations some of which
were in waterlogged areas. In some of the areas, one needs to find a safe haven either in someone’s house, fuel station or a school to park one’s car for the night and walk home.

The two-bedroom apartment I succeeded in securing at Kasoa in the Central Region was offered at a monthly rent of GH¢200 and I had to make a two-year advance payment of GH¢4,800. And this is Kasoa ooo!, not Adabraka, Labone, Dansoman, East Legon or Spintex road.

In Kumasi, I stayed in a four-bedroom apartment in a plush area of the city, Parakuo Estates, near Santasi, at a monthly rent of GH¢180.

Many people have had to live outside Accra and commute on a daily basis because of accommodation problems. This is where the traffic congestion situation comes in.

Back in Kumasi, the taxi drivers refer to it as “go slow.” On the average, I spend five hours each working day in traffic commuting between Kasoa and the Graphic road, but Mondays are extreme. On some days, it takes three to four hours one way, either in the morning or evening.

This traffic problem is not peculiar to only the Mallam junction area but widespread in the entire city from the Spintex road, Nungua road, Achimota-Ofankor, 37 Hospital to Airport, just to mention a few.

On a daily basis, commuters are seen dozing in vehicles because their day starts as early 4.00 a.m. and ends late. Schoolchildren are not spared this menace.

Surprisingly, no one is calculating the man hours lost in traffic which could have been put to productive use.

I remember one Friday evening, I left the office at Graphic road at 6.00 p.m. en route to Kasoa, a distance of about 28km. My wife who had just boarded a bus from Kumasi around 5.00 p.m. was able to get to Kasoa at 10.00 p.m. via Nsawam and Bawjiase, a distance of about 270km, before I got to Kasoa, simply because I was stuck in traffic at Mallam junction.

Another example, again from Kumasi. I was able to wake up at 5:30 a.m. or 6.00 a.m. and within two hours l was able to drive from Parakuo Estates to the gym at Yegoala Hotel at Nhyiaeso for morning exercises, get back to the house for a shower, eat breakfast and get to the office at either 8.00 a.m., or latest by 8:15 a.m. I was able to get back home early, take dinner before 6.00 p.m., either go back to town for an evening out with friends or continue with work if I have an evening assignment.

That is not to say there is no traffic in Kumasi, but the city has been planned such that commuters who have nothing doing in the centre of the city are able to use the ring road which goes round the city in the outskirts to avoid traffic congestion in the city centre during rush hour. Besides, there is not much congestion in the Kumasi as compared to Accra.

In Accra, if one wants to engage in exercises, as doctors have been prescribing for many people in recent times, and if the person’s work schedule is the same as mine, the person can only exercise on weekends.

And considering that I was transferred to Accra without my conditions of service changing, technically I have become worse off than I was in Kumasi as living expenses in Accra are rather astronomical.

Travelling to Kumasi to visit my family on weekends has also become worse considering that road construction works at the Suhum section of the Accra-Kumasi road have delayed. The journey, which previously took four hours, has now increased to an average of six hours because of the bad nature of the road on the Nsawam to Suhum stretch of the highway, and the usual traffic congestion at Nsawam and Nkawkaw.

These reasons are what accounted for my exclamation “I am dead” when news of my transfer from Kumasi to Accra was given. I envisaged that the cool, relaxed and routine mornings with physical exercises were going to elude me in Accra and indeed that has surely been the case as my weight has jumped from an average of 82 kilos to 90 kilos within seven months of no exercises.

That is not to say that it is not fun working in Accra, which is proud of its cosmopolitan nature. Working in the headquarters is far different from being in the regions where no one gets to see you and responds to your needs instantly aside the myriad of opportunities available for growth on the job and exposure to experience from senior colleagues.

There are a lot of other African immigrants living in the city, who are from as far as Zimbabwe in the south, Libya in the north and from our nearest neighbours: Togo, Ivory Coast and our Nigerian brothers and sisters, most of whom feel at home.

There are some beautiful places in Accra, nice entertainment centres and restaurants, some of which are in the city and others in the outskirts. But of course, there are some 'not so nice' sites as well.

New buildings seem to be springing up everywhere but the average salary earners are priced out of these accommodation facilities. They are just too expensive and the builders claim that one of the reasons for the high cost is because most of the building materials have to be imported.

And there is often no mortgage system by which the purchase of a house can be spread over so many years. So before one moves into his/her new home, one must have paid the total price or almost 50 per cent of it.

Now there are new schemes to enable middle class families to own their own homes. The scheme is rudimentary but it is hoped that in the near future, people with regular traceable employment may also be able to qualify for mortgages.

One of the downsides in the city is that there are not many jobs and it is worrying to see young men and women hanging around the streets; usually selling whatever they can lay their hands on in order to have their daily bread.

Most of these young people usually sell on the main roads in areas where they know traffic lights can stop the flow of traffic for a few minutes and then they will rush to the drivers or passengers in the vehicles hoping to make a sale. This hawking is risky business and hardly a week passes without somebody sustaining serious injuries or even being killed. This situation is also common in Kumasi.

Accra was congested around year 2000 when I was in the city for my journalism training and between that period and now, a number of road projects, expansion of roads and the construction of interchanges have been done to help reduce the traffic congestion but the problem still persists.

It is likely that irrespective of how we try to solve the problem, we may not be able to succeed because of the lack of land space.

This is the reason why we need to start making concrete plans of looking at a new capital city away from Accra. Some people have suggested Kintampo, which is located in the centre of Ghana, others have suggested Sunyani and Tamale.

In all these, the fact remains that Accra would not be able to cope with the pressure in future. The time to act and get a concrete plan going is now.

Let’s build consensus on biometric registration

2011-10-10T08:15:00.005Z

Article: Enoch Darfah Frimpong

The Electoral Commission has initiated processes to use the biometric mechanism to capture data in the preparation of the voters register for the 2012 General Elections.
This was after all political parties, civil society groups and the Electoral Commission itself had identified the biometric system of voter registration as a key mechanism against multiple voting and impersonation in Ghana’s electoral system.
According to them, it is very necessary to deal authoritatively with cases of multiple voting and impersonation that tend to undermine public confidence in declared election results. The biometric system is therefore the best.
Biometrics, according to Wikipedia, is the science that compares human biological features with an automated machine either to identify or authenticate them. Biometric products remove the need for passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN). They rather record an individual’s features such as fingerprint or proximity identification and are fast in the recording of features.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana is currently preoccupied with the procurement processes of biometric equipment and is yet to explain how this system would work to the public.
The Public Relations Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Christian Parry, told the Daily Graphic that the commission was putting together a detailed document on how the biometric registration would be done and could not give details until that document was ready.
In this regard, the EC scheduled a meeting with the political parties on Friday at which some details of the biometric registration was made public.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Professor Ken Attafuah, a criminologist and human rights lawyer ,who once worked as Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), which is using similar biometric equipment to capture data on citizens, explained that under the new system, the fingerprints and photographs of voters had to be captured by an automated machine during the registration of voters.
What this means is that, this system which functions just like the e-Zwich system, would ensure that only the registered person with a matching fingerprint and photograph could vote in an election. A biometric register, therefore, would solve many of the problems associated with the regular paper voting system, he said.
Explaining further, he said biometric voting was where you touch an electronic device with your thumb and it instantly registers in a national data bank, crosschecks it in seconds, gives a feedback, and you are cleared to vote. The machine registers the information across the country so that you cannot vote a second time.
“That would be the ultimate we have to do but even that, of course, is not entirely foolproof but it is a significant advancement and we must go for that”, Professor Attafuah said.
“It will serve as a deterrent to those individuals who would not have registered biometrically before the voting date because you know that if you present yourself, you will not be cleared to vote. So in that sense, only those who are genuinely registered voters would present themselves”.
“And I think that is a huge advantage. You cannot go and vote in another place because once you vote in one place the electronic register designates you as being eligible to vote only as appointee”.
Since the advent of the 4th Republic, there have been agitations by the political parties for a systematic improvement of the electoral system; from the days of opaque ballot boxes and voter ID cards without photographs which generated massive allegations of ballot stuffing, impersonation and multiple voting.
The process has improved over the years with the introduction of the transparent ballot boxes and photo ID cards in the 1996 elections, thereby earning international praise for the manner in which elections have been conducted.
Giving a background to the introduction of the biometric system, Prof. Attafuah said a conference on a voting system for Ghana organised by the Justice and Human Rights Institute and the Danquah Institute on February 8, 2010 in Accra gave impetus for the recent interest in the biometric register and voting system.
He also said all political parties as well as the Electoral Commission attended that conference and at that time the EC stated that, “we cannot do this and that there was not enough time and it was basically too complicated”.
According to Prof. Attafuah, the government’s position, presented by the Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, was that biometric voting would be too expensive, especially as “we don’t have rural electrification and that the equipment may be subject to power failure aside difficulties associated with logistics”.
“But we pointed out at the conference that the equipment does not necessarily require electricity and that there are solar versions of the biometric voting device and so one could easily do that. Of course it has significant cost overlay”, Prof. Attafuah said.
He said both the EC and the government were concerned about the high illiteracy level in the country and the difficulty of introducing such a high-tech facility into the voting system.
“It was on that occasion that we pointed out that even in India and other larger democracies which are less literate than Ghana the biometric voting system has been successfully implemented”.
On how the automated machines would be powered in rural areas where there was no electricity, Prof. Attafuah said there would be no problems if we go for solar energy-propelled machines considering that there is abundant sunshine in the country and added that the equipment, when adequately charged, could be used for over 24hours.
“We don’t need generators because by and large we vote during the daytime and we don’t have multiple time zones with different daylight and dark times.
The New Patriotic Parry (NPP) particularly, in various letters to the Electoral Commission, signed by its Chairman, Mr Jake Obetsebe Lamptey, has complained about the manner in which the EC is conducting the procurement process for the biometric equipment and called on the EC to convene an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to discuss arrangements for the voter registration exercise and other matters affecting the 2012 elections.
The NPP raised concerns about the technical quality of the equipment that the EC is seeking to procure for the exercise, the timing for its conduct and the manner in which the registration and voting will be conducted, including how the machines would be used to make verifications on voting day.
According to the NPP, it would not be suitable if a biometric registration was done but there would not be a system on how those voter registration cards would be authenticated to match with the right voter on Election Day.
The Electoral Commission is yet to respond to these concerns.
Asked whether there was the need for the Electoral Commission to involve the political parties in the processes for the biometric system, Prof Ken Attafuah said it was a good governance principle to ensure transparency and accountability to involve the political parties in the biometric process but they could not be involved in everything.
“But of course, if you do that you get rid of superstition and conjecture”, he said.
He said even though the Electoral Commission was constitutionally free to do its work and not subject itself to the control and direction of any authority, it was advisable to involve the political parties in its deliberations to build broad consensus and a wider acceptance of the instruments or mechanisms adopted by it, since the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings had proven to be very a useful platform.

(Back Page) - British parliamentary team visits cocoa farms

2011-03-08T11:52:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Tuesday March 8, 2011 (Back Page)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Senfi
A cross-party British Parliamentary group with keen interest in Agriculture has paid a working visit to Ghana and called for the need for government to focus more on Agricultural extension.
According to the group it was only through agric extension services that farmers could increase their production.
The seven-member group which was led by Lord Cameron of Dilington visited a cocoa farm at Senfi in the Bekwai Municipality of Ashanti and noted that there was a gap between agric extension services in Ghana.
“We need to put more resource into exchange of knowledge and that is why all governments in the world need to revise their strategy and focus more on agric extension”, Lord Cameron said.
The cross-party British Parliamentary group has concerns about the heightened food crisis and steady decline in the importance given to agricultural development and food security at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
It is composed of over 70 MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum and is based in London and co-chaired by Tony Baldry, a Conservative Member of Parliament and Lord Cameron of Dilington, a cross-bench Peer.
Lord Cameron explained that the group seeks to bring together Parliamentarians concerned with agriculture and wider food security in the developing world.
He said it was the aim of group to raise awareness on these issues and engender progressive and informed debate within Westminster and beyond by bridging the gap between policy makers and practitioners in the field whilst also giving a voice to the 700 million small holder farmers worldwide.
“Ghana has good reputation and that is why we chose to visit here to see how the projects work. See how modern technology is exchanged with farmers”, he said.
He said the potential of agriculture was enormous in raising the quality of life in Ghana.
He noted that agric extension in Ghana looks good as training and teaching has been effective with Farmer Field Schools (FFS) but said “we need to put more resources into exchange of knowledge so that everybody benefits”.
“We need to get the information to the farmers so that they can double, triple and quadruple returns”, Lord Cameron observed.
“Farmers do not only need information on how to grow but how to market as well”, he said.
The visit afforded the delegation the opportunity to learn at first hand the procedure and functions of Farmer Field Schools (FES).
Mr Sylvanus Agordorku, a Participating Extension Specialist of the Sustainable Tree Crops Programme (STCP) briefed the delegation on the farmer field school at Senfi in the Bekwai Municipality of Ashanti.
The STCP is an innovation platform that aims to improve the economic and social well being of tree crop farmers and the environmental sustainability of their systems in West and Central Africa.
Activities in Ghana include building the capacity of cocoa farmers and the public/private institutions through the Farmer Field School, Video Viewing Club and Farmer Learning Group methodologies.
So far 7806 farmers have been trained through the FFS in eight districts in the country by building their capacity in local institutions for the training of advisors to guide farmers to better organize themselves to access services, farm inputs and credit for improved farming.
The delegation also visited the Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

(Page 55) - SG SSB holds first delegates congress

2011-03-04T11:31:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Friday March 4, 2011 (Page 55)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU) of SG-SSB has held its first delegates congress and elected new officers to stir the affairs of the union.
The congress which was held at Ejisu in the Ashanti region saw Mr Alfred Twum Barimah being elected as chairman. Other elected executives were Isaac Quartey, Vice Chairman, Victor Owusu, Secretary and Kafui Agozie, Assistant Secretary.
Others were Charles Baiden, First Trustee, Charles Nii Addo Maclean, Second Trustee and Sylvester Kpodo, Executive Member.
The congress was on theme: “Ghana’s oil find, the impact on the banking industry and the role of SG SSB in achieving her mission”.
Addressing the delegates, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr Gilbert Hie said plans were underway to construct a new 7-storey Head Office building at the Ring Road Central, to house all the scattered different head offices under one roof to promote efficiency and good supervision.
He said the bank’s outlook and challenges were to increase its market shares in the fast growing economy and called for operational efficiency from the staff.
“Fortunately in Ghana things are not so bad such that the worldwide crisis as a result of the recession has not affected the country that much”.
The Managing Director also said plans were underway to develop new software and tools for better networking and good of customers.
Mr Solomon Kotei, Acting Deputy General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) called on management to be explicit in setting targets for staff.
“Management should be able to support whatever targets that are set to bring out the kind of productivity they are looking forward to”, he said.
Mr Willaim Adu Asare, Chairman of PMSU of SG SSB urged the newly elected officers to work hard for the well being of staff.

(Page 12) - Contest for Ashanti NPP MPs generate interest

2011-03-02T13:01:00.000Z

Daily Graphic Wednesday March 2, 2011 (Page 12)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The contest for members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) aspiring to represent the party as Members of Parliament (MP) in the 2012 elections has generated a lot of interest in the Ashanti region following the opening of nominations last Monday.
But for Bekwai and Bosome Freho constituencies where the sitting MPs are independent and the party intends to organise primaries at a later date, aspirants have started picking forms in the remaining 37 constituencies.
They have up to Sunday March 6, 2011 where opening of nominations would be closed. A process of vetting and certification would commence afterwards before the elections on April 30, 2011.
In constituencies such as Asokwa, Kwadaso, Kwabre West, Asante Akyem South and Bantama the incumbents are being keenly contested by strong opponents.
At Asokwa former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive Patricia Appiagyei and Charles Asomaning have picked forms to contest the incumbent, Maxwell Kofi Jumah who has also picked forms.
Nana Ama Serwah Nyarko has also picked forms to contest the incumbent Dr Richard Anane at Nhyiaeso.
At Asante Akyem South the incumbent Gifty Ohene Konadu is coming up against five other contestants Alex Korankye, a former MP for the area, Nana Yaw Osei, Assembly Member for Tokwai Electoral Area, Eric Aboagye, Nketia Sakyi and Asante Boateng.
The Minority Leader Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu has picked forms at Suame and as of Tuesday no other person had picked forms to contest him.

The five aspirants for Kwabre West are William Aidoo, a businessman, Jones Sarkodie, Millicent Boateng, Stephen Amoah and Kofi Karikari Apau.
At Ejisu-Juaben, the incumbent Kofi Owusu Aduomi had picked forms whilst Akwasi Osei Adjei former MP for the area was expected to pick forms later on Tuesday at the national headquarters in Accra.
At Subin, the incumbent Isaac Osei was the only one who had picked forms as of Tuesday.
Former Kwadaso MP Hilda Addo also picked forms on Monday to contest the incumbent Dr Owusi Afriyie Akoto.
Elizabeth Agyemang, the incumbent MP for Oforikrom, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) for Manhyia and Dr Akoto Osei incumbent for Tafo Pankrono picked their forms on Monday.
Alhaji S. M. Sheriff, the Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman of the party and Nana Okyere Tawiah Antwi had also picked forms to contest at Asawasi as of Tuesday.
At Ejura Sekyeredumasi Salisu Bamba has also picked forms. The incumbent for Nsuta Kwamang Beposo, Osei Prempeh has indicated he would not contest the seat again.
At Kwabre East Adjei Sefa had also picked forms by Tuesday.
Mr Samuel Pyne, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NPP told the Daily Graphic that a lot more people were expected to pick forms before the exercise ends on March 6, 2011.
After that aspirants who satisfied article 94 of the 1992 constitution as well as articles 3, 11 and 17 of the NPP’s constitution would be eligible the primaries.
Article 94 of the 1992 constitution talks about entrenched conditions one must satisfy before being eligible to contest parliamentary polls in the country, whereas articles 3, 11, 17 of the NPP constitution spells out conditions like membership, conduct and other directives of the party.

Muslim sects clash again in Kumasi

2011-02-28T15:31:00.000Z

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

One person got injured today (Wednesday) and some properties were destroyed as the Tijanniya and Al Sunna Muslim sects at Aboabo in Kumasi clashed for the second time in six days over differences in beliefs.
The police were once again called in to prevent the incident from degenerating into a severe bloody situation.
The person who got injured was identified as Abdul Halim Baisha. He sustained a cut under his right eye and some bruises on his hands. He was said to have been attacked by members of the Tijanniya with sticks.
The Al Sunna sect accused the Tijanniya of launching the latest attack.
They were said to have hurled stones at the Mosque of the Al Sunna destroying one of the glass sliding windows. A Nissan Patrol vehicle parked infront of the Al Sunna mosque was also dented on the sides as a result of the attack. A wooden kiosk belonging to one Karim was also partly destroyed.
The two Muslim sects are generally not good bedfellows and there have been records of bloody clashes between them in the past over differences in their religious belief.
Last Friday there was a similar clash but the police responded swiftly and curbed the situation.
When the Daily Graphic visited the scene of the latest incident police personnel deployed to the area were still patrolling whilst some members from both sects had congregated in front of each other’s mosque discussing the issue.
Tempers were once again high at the densely populated Islamic community at Aboabo where the two sects have their mosques.
Each one accused the other of being at fault. Leaders of the Al Sunna were around and were appealing to their members to exercise restraint but those of the Tijanniya had dispersed.
Wednesday’s incident was said to have started around 11am when some youth from the Tijanniya sect were said to have attacked one Karim infront of the Al Sunna mosque.
The youth were said to have expressed displeasure over a demeaning comment about their Imam and hence decided to attack the Al Sunna.
It would be recalled that last Friday there was a similar incident at the area over a demeaning comment which some members of the Al Sunna were said to have made about the Imam of the Tijanniya sect.
Tempers flared up and they armed and organised themselves to attack and defend each other during Friday’s congregational prayers but the police were called in to curb a breach of the peace in the area.
There were however no injuries to any of the parties.
At the time of filing this report it was gathered that the Ashanti Regional Security Council was arranging a meeting with both sides for a peaceful settlement of the impa
sse to ensure that peace prevailed in the area.
There had been a long standing rift between the two Muslim sects and according to Islamic scholars, the Al Sunna refers to the strict adherence to the teachings and practices of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) whereas the Tijjaniyas have besides, the five cannons of Islam certain optional practices those dubbed Al Sunnas condemn such additions as not conforming to the strict practice of the religion.
The Tijjaniyas also recognise certain Islamic personalities whom they regard as saints. The disagreement has often resulted in bloody clashes both in Ghana and Nigeria.

Page 13 - Isaac Osei to contest unopposed?

2011-02-28T09:15:00.000Z

Daily Graphic Saturday February 26, 2011 (Page 13)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Member of Parliament for Subin Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Mr Isaac Osei has indicated willingness to contest for another four years and from current indications he was likely to get the nod of his constituents in the New Patriotic Party as an unopposed candidate.
The NPP goes to congress on April 30 to elect new Member of Parliament contestants for the 2012 elections but as of now, no one has publicly declared to contest Mr Osei for the Subin seat.
Mr Osei confirmed to the Daily Graphic that he was seeking re-election. He maintained that the people of Subin needed development and as their representative in Parliament, he was committed to ensuring that legislations were made for the executive to provide the needed development projects.
His competitors in the last primaries in 2008, Mr Eugene Antwi and Mr George Ayisi-Boateng have thrown their support behind him thus giving the Former Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom a likely safe passage to Parliament for another term.
Mr Antwi the former UK and Ireland branch Secretary of the NPP declared in January that he would not re-contest the seat whilst Mr Ayisi Boateng has stated that he would continue to play his role as party man and support whoever.
“Mr Osei has performed as MP and if, as incumbent he is contesting again, fair enough. All of us have to give him the support to avoid wrangling and pettiness”, Mr Ayisi Boateng, a founder member of the NPP in Ashanti said.
He explained the ultimate was to ensure that Nana Addo “win massively” in 2012 and expressed the hope that other constituencies would emulate the Subin example.
Speculations were rife at the beginning of the year that Mr Osei was not going to seek re-election because he was not sure of his fate in the constituency on the background that he could not even win in that constituency during presidential primaries as Nana Addo won against him.
Some party members argued that since the incumbent MP failed woefully to pass a popularity test in his constituency during the party’s presidential primary, it was an indication that he could face tough challenge in seeking re-election.
But that seems no problem as of now as he could thus now heave a sigh of relief and be rest assured that his political career as a legislator could still be intact, following the decision by his prospective challengers not to engage him in any battle.
Last Monday Mr Osei held a forum with his constituents to report to them proceedings of parliamentary sittings, and also educate them on some of the procedures of the House as well as brief them on political issues.
Also at the forum to address the constituents were Nana Akomea, MP for Okaikoi South, Catherine Afeku, MP for Evalue Dwira, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, MP for Manhyia and Dominic Adiyiah, MP for Ahafo Ano North.
Addressing the Subin constituents Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh accused the NDC administration of mismanaging the country’s economy and said the current budget deficit was 23percent.

Nsempa - Ashanti makes progress in health care delivery

2011-02-28T09:13:00.004Z

Graphic Nsempa Monday February 28, 2011 (Page 10)

Nsempa - Our leaders must demonstrate transparency - Rev Odame

2011-02-28T09:13:00.003Z

Graphic Nsempa Monday February 28, 2011 (Page 3)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Rev Edward Cudjoe Odame, General Overseer of the King’s Church Ghana has called on the country’s leaders to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He noted that good leadership could guarantee the effective utilization of state resource and that it was high time, “our leaders eschewed negative tendencies like bribery, greed, arrogance, nepotism and lukewarm attitude towards work”.
The Rev Odame was delivering the sermon at a service at the end of a 30-day fasting and prayer session held by the church at Suntreso in Kumasi.
It was under the theme: “God is able” and formed part of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the church.
He observed that sustainable socio-economic development of the nation should not be seen as the responsibility of government alone and called on other stakeholders including chiefs, Muslims as well as non-governmental organisations (NGO) to collaborate with government to initiate more projects to improve the living conditions of the people.
The General Overseer said the occasion was significant win the church’s history, stressing that it would therefore be used by the leadership of the church of the church to renew its commitment to God and society.
Rev Odame said they have planned to intensify the propagation of the gospel to save more souls whiles increasing its membership.
He warned Ghanaians to avoid negative tendencies like smuggling, back-biting, rumour-mongering and others which impede the development.
The General Overseer further stressed the need for Ghanaians to unite with each other with love to ensure stability and progress of the country.
He called on Ghanaians to act together to fight corruption and other social evils that impede socio-economic progress.
He said they should have the courage to expose offenders and bring them to justice.
Rev Odame said it was important for all to accept to live within the law and put the nation ahead of individual comfort and selfish interest.
It should not be lost on the people that everybody has a part to play to put the nation on the pasth of real economic growth and prosperity.
He also reminded them to have more faith in God in the face of growing economic difficulties, saying they should have trust in His abundance mercies.
The Rev Odame urged Christians to work hard to spread the gospel to help transform society.
They should become good examples to the rest of the population by upholding the values of self discipline, decency and integrity.
Special prayers were said for the peace, stability and development of the nation.

Nsempa - Fire outbreaks reduce in Ashanti

2011-02-28T09:11:00.002Z

Graphic Nsempa Monday February 28, 2011 (Page 10)

Police avert clash between Muslim sects (Front Page)

2011-02-21T09:50:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Saturday February 19, 2011 (Front Page)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Police were on Friday called in to curb a bloody clash between the Al Sunna and Tijanniya Muslim sects at Aboabo in Kumasi.
The two Muslim sects are generally not good bedfellows and there have been records of bloody clashes between them in the past over differences in their religious belief.
Last Friday’s incident was said to have been ignited by a demeaning comment which some members of the Al Sunna were said to have made about a deceased Imam of the Tijanniya sect.
Members of the Tijanniya claimed they overheard members of the Al Sunna passed the demeaning comment whilst on their way to the cemetery to bury the deceased Imam last Tuesday.
Tempers flared up and they were said to have armed and organised themselves to attack each other during Friday’s congregational prayers but the police were called in to curb a breach of the peace in the area.
DSP Nana Kumi, Police Commander of the Asawasi Division told the Daily Graphic their response was timely and that there were no injuries to any of the parties.
When the Daily Graphic visited the scene police personnel deployed to the area were patrolling whilst the Al Sunna were in the mosque worshipping.
The police had to remain at post whilst both sides congregated for Friday prayers.
Tempers were high at the densely populated Islamic community at Aboabo where the two sects have their mosques.
DSP Nana Kumi assured that the police were in control of the situation.

There had been a long standing rift between the two Muslim sects and according to Islamic scholars, the Al Sunna refers to the strict adherence to the teachings and practices of the Holy Prophet Mohammed whereas the Tijjaniyas have besides, the five cannons of Islam certain optional practices those dubbed Al Sunnas condemn such additions as not conforming to the strict practice of the religion.
The Tijjaniyas also recognise certain Islamic personalities whom they regard as saints. The disagreement has often resulted in bloody clashes both in Ghana and Nigeria.

Page 18 - Sachet water producers in Ashanti increase prices

2011-02-18T11:26:00.003Z

Daily Graphic Friday February 18, 2011 (Page 18)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

A bag of purified sachet water, popularly known as 'pure water' is now to be sold in the Ashanti region at ten Ghana pesewas.
The hike from 5pesewas to 10pesewas represents a 100percent increment.
The Sachet Water Producers Association in Ashanti which made the announcement said the increment was to take effect from Monday February 21, 2011.
They blamed the hike on an increased cost of production which they said was draining them. Almost all producers in the region run transport services which distributes the product.
“Our cost of distribution has gone up drastically due to increases in fuel prices and vehicle spare parts”, Mr Eric Forson a member of the producers association told the Daily Graphic.
He argued that prices or sachet water have not been increased since 2007 even though prices of other commodities kept going up.
In 2007 it was increased from 2pesewas to 5pesewas.
“For the moment we are dying as cost of spares have gone up”, Mr Kofi Antwi-Adjei Secretary of the producers association said.
He said if prices were not increased many producers may be forced to lay off some of their workers in the coming months.
The producers currently offload the commodity to retailers at 70pesewas per a sack of 30pieces. The retailers in turn sell at 5pesewas and make a commission of 70pesewas.
They now intends to offload a sack of 30pieces at GH¢1.50p to retailers for them to sell at 10pesewas per sachet.
For the ordinary consumer on the street some think that the new price would be too expensive to afford.
Mr Akwasi Agyemang, a former player of Kumasi Cornerstones told the Daily Graphic it would be unbearable on his pocket.
He said the conventional method of selling iced water in cups which had to make way for the sachet ones for reasons bothering on hygiene may have to come back if prices were to be increased this way.
“What is happening is not good for us. How can common water be this expensive”, he questioned.
He argued that government may have to step in and said this explains why free markets were sometimes not good for consumers.
Yaw Afrifa, a Kumasi resident on his part also thinks that even though the new price would be expensive, he felt the producers have no alternative as a result of the increased production cost.
“When there was no sachet water, we were drinking our natural water, and non of us died and if pure water producers say they are not ready to reduce the price of pure water, we are ready to go back to our normal water. It is not compulsory for us to drink pure water and we will not die” Maame Akosua Pokua from Santasi said.
“Our natural water is what our fore-fathers gave to us, we never died and I believe that there will not be any health problem as the case may be. It is even this pure water that has caused lots of health hazards in us”, she added.
Before the advent of pure water in Ghana, there was a great patronage for ‘ice water’ by people who could not afford bottled water. It was sold in cups and when concerns of hygiene were raised, the sellers started putting them in plastic bags (wraps).
When further hygiene concerns were raised, the sealed sachet method was introduced and the former was referred to as “panyin de panyin”.
Those who patronised ice water in cups and in plastic wraps were not concerned about standard even as glaring as it was that drinking bad water had its consequences until the sachet method completely took over the market.

(Showbiz) - Abrantie, others win Kumasi for Valentine

2011-02-17T15:23:00.005Z

Graphic Showbiz February 17, 2011

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The weather men predicted correctly that it was going to rain in Kumasi on Saint Valentine’s Day but that did not deter lovers of highlife music from defying the downpour to enjoy the night.
It was the successive umpteenth time since 2004, where rains had miraculously disrupted outdoor events to commemorate the chocolate day in Kumasi.
But with Abrantie Amakye Dede and his Apollo Hikings Band performing live at the Miklin Hotel, there was no way patrons would have allowed the rains to disrupt the super fantastic showmanship exhibited by one of the leading practitioners of highlife music in Ghana. They danced amidst light rain.
Earlier on Saturday, in what was termed as a Pre-Valentine Highlife Concert, five music heavy weights in the persons of George Darko, A. B. Crentsil, Pat Thomas, Gyedu Blay Ambulley and Dr Paa Bobo were on stage in a similar splendid performance at the True Vine Hotel.
The organisers of the pre-Valentine show had wanted to be smart in avoiding the recent usual downpour on February 14, but they were not spared. The rains equally disrupted the show but patrons equally defied it to enjoy the night. Both the elderly and young folks danced their hearts out in light rain.
Kumasi had not witnessed such fine highlife concerts in a long time and as public enthusiasm had been raised prior to the shows, not even the rains could deter people from trooping to the various concerts.
On Monday the rains began in certain areas in the metropolis at 4pm. At 8pm the Miklin Hotel area was experiencing a downpour and some patrons who had already arrived at the venue had to run for cover under canopies and in parked vehicles.
Dramatically, the intermittent rains did not scare the enthusiastic patrons who had to rush in and out of their cover.
Everyone waited patiently till 11pm when Kofi Nti, K. K. Fosu and Kwesi Pee took turns to warm the stage for Abrantie.
Amakaye Dede in a red suit was “seriously” good after midnight when he mounted the stage and started to hit his audience with one song after another and for much of the time that he was on his feet many among those who had come to enjoy the show were on their feet with him as it continued to drizzle.
For over two hours Abrantie who has a very long time not performed to such an audience in Oseikrom showed his class as a musician who deserves a tag more than the praise he has received over the span of his illustrious career.
He lovingly interspersed each song with his famous phrase, “Yie-e-e-e-e!!! se-e-e-r-r-i-i-o-o-u-u-s-s!!!” and his trademark dance of squat-jump.
For the entire period he unleashed familiar songs like Dabi Dabi, Sokoo Na Mmaa Pe, Kose Kose, Bebrebe Yi', M’ani Agyina, Mma Wo Were Mfi, Me Monfa Nto Me So, Handkerchief, Seniwa, To Be A Man Na War, Mensuro, Broken Promises, Nsuo Amuna, Mefre Wo, Okyena Sesei, Odo Nfonii, Iron Boy, Odo Kasa, Nka Akyi just to mention a few.
Amakye Dede’s concert was organised by Red and White Consult in collaboration with Bebeto Industries Limited.
The pre-valentine highlife concert organised by Nhyira FM in collaboration with True Vine Hotel was equally well attended.
Pat Thomas, Dr Paa Bobo, A.B. Crentsil, Gyedu Blay Ambulley and George Darko thrilled patrons with songs from yesteryears which inspired both old and new generations.
Pat Thomas was first on stage and after about 45minutes, he handed the baton to Gyedu Blay.
As usual Gyedu Blay was at his usual best doing his break dancing, back and side paddling. It was a delight watching him do his own thing.
As if that was not enough, A.B. Crentsil as usual had his dondo under his armpit. Songs like Atia, Moses, Juliana, Angelina and the likes flowed freely and vibrated the audience.
In a white apparel with red jacket on top, Dr Paa Bobo unleashed “osrobrokyee” and the likes.
George Darko, the master brain behind the show was last on stage. With his guitar, he rocked the stage and sent patrons to shake the dance floor.
Both concerts ended around 3am and indeed everyone looked delighted and wished to have more of such concerts in Kumasi.

(Front Page) - Osei Tutu SHS closed down

2011-02-14T11:57:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Monday Feb 14, 2011 (Front Page)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Akropong

Authorities of Osei Tutu Senior High School in Ashanti have closed down the school following a violent demonstration by the students.
The students were aggrieved about their abysmal performance at the ongoing Ashanti Regional inter schools athletics competition at the Baba Yara Stadium.
They failed to win a slot in their zone to compete in the Super Zonals scheduled for February 24 and 25.
They accused the headmaster of not providing the necessary logistics and support to enhance the school’s chances in sports because of what they said was his lack of interest in sports.
But the headmaster, Very Rev Yeboah Peprah told the Daily Graphic that the students have no reason for what they did.
He said the authorities decided to close down the school for peace to prevail and that it was only a handful of the students who were causing trouble.
The students used stones to smash the Headmaster’s car and some other vehicles on campus as well as louvre blades in some bungalows on the campus.
The whole incident started on Tuesday night but it was not until Thursday that the authorities decided to close down the school.
It was gathered that some of the students started the rampage on Tuesday night after returning to the campus from stadium. The police were brought in to control affairs.
On Wednesday the District Director of Education intervened to speak to the students after which it looked like calm had prevailed but they went on rampage again hence the authorities decided to close down the school on Thursday.

The headmaster explained that, the school’s management will soon meet to appoint a committee to investigate the causes of the disturbances and recommend how to avoid future recurrences.
He said the meeting will also decide when to recall the students for classes to resume but said final year students who are preparing for their examination in April would however report to school on Tuesday February 15.

(Front Page) - Osei Tutu SHS closed down

2011-02-14T11:57:00.001Z

(Page 12) - 5 to contest Kwabre West NPP seat

2011-02-08T11:12:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Tuesday February 8, 2011 (Page 12)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kodie

Five persons including a woman have indicated interest to contest the Kwabre West constituency parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ashanti.
The NPP goes to congress on April 30 to elect new Members of Parliament contestants for the 2012 elections.
The five aspirants at Kwabre West include Stephen Amoah, a former President of the KNUST branch of Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON), Millicent Boateng, a teacher at Serwah Nyarko Senior High School and Kofi Karikari Apau also a teacher.
The others are Jones Sarkodie, a lecturer at Ghana Institute of Management and Pubic Administration (GIMPA) and William Aidoo, a businessman.
The aspirants were last Sunday introduced to party members at a special thanksgiving service organised at Kodie to commemorate a year’s anniversary of the peaceful settlement of a prolonged disagreement among the party leadership in the constituency.
Conspicuously missing at the service was the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu Ansah whom some party members told the Daily Graphic he would not be seeking re-election.
When contacted on telephone Mr Owusu Ansah, a former Ashanti Regional Minister declined to confirm or deny his intentions not to seek re-election.
“I need to consult with some leaders in the party before coming out publicly on my intentions. Give me more time and at the appropriate time I will publicly make my intentions known”, he said.
Mr Owusu Ansah has been MP for the area on two terms, 2005 to 2008 and 2009 up till now.
The Kwabre West constituency which was created in 2004 by the Electoral Commission had witnessed a prolonged leadership power struggle among the fold of the NPP since its inception.
The power struggle was amicably brought to an end in January 2010 with the election of new constituency executives.
Last Sunday’s thanksgiving service offered the party members the opportunity to celebrate the peace in the constituency.
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, the constituency chairman in an address asked the party members to inculcate a selfless attitude in other to move the party forward.
“If we don’t organise the primaries to elect our MP aspirants well, we could continue to stay in opposition”, he cautioned.
He called on the party members to help each other and be committed to securing victory for the party in 2012.
Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, a former MP for Offinso North and Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba, National Women’s Organiser of the NPP who took turns to address the party members called on them to unite to be able to win the 2012 elections.
“A house divided against itself cannot hold”, Dr Apraku advised.
Very Rev Charles Kingsley Coffie, Superintendent Minister of the Maakro Circuit of the Methodist Church who administered the sermon at the service urged party members to ensure a healthy competition among their fold and in the fight for power in 2012.

(Page 12) - 5 to contest Kwabre West NPP seat

2011-02-08T11:12:00.001Z

Page 55 - Prices of chocolates to shoot up

2011-02-07T14:08:00.004Z

Daily Graphic Monday January 31, 2011 (Page 55)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Hilversum - Holland

International cocoa prices are rising after a call for a ban on cocoa from Ivory Coast. Civic organisations are asking chocolate manufacturers to take up their responsibilities as many of these companies are not transparent on where they stand.
Internationally recognised President Allassane Ouattara’s call to put a ban on export of cocoa from Ivory Coast is being heard. The Dutch Green Party (GroenLinks) has asked the Dutch government to support Ouattara’s call for the embargo.
The Dutch capital Amsterdam is the largest trans-shipment port of cocoa in the world. Cargill, one of the biggest global trading companies of cocoa, have already made an announcement this week that it is suspending cocoa purchases from Ivory Coast. However a ban on importing from the world’s largest cocoa producer could have some long term effects on the global cocoa trade.
Bob Stuurman of the Dutch cocoa importer Huyser Möller ensures that the consumer will still be able to buy chocolate. “There will be enough chocolate bars in the shops next week and even in the weeks ahead,” Mr. Stuurman says. “I don’t see an immediate problem in the weeks to come. Forward sales and productions are all based on contracts which were concluded earlier so the price for that is set.”
However, prices for cocoa have been rising rapidly since the tumult in Ivory Coast. Traders now pay US$3394.56 per tonne compared to US$2910.31 per tonne in November last year when Ivorians went to the polls. Dutch chocolate manufacturer Verkade expects that, if there is a significant increase of cocoa prices, prices for consumer will have to rise too at one point. So consumers may have to pay a higher price for a simple chocolate bar in the second half of 2011 when new contracts between traders and manufactures will be concluded.
Cocoa importers like Mr. Stuurman say that the bulk of the Ivory Coast’s crop have already been exported as we are in the middle of the harvest season. “Quite a number of cocoa has already been registered before Ouattara’s announcement was made.” This cocoa will probably be released so there will be still a flow of cocoa from ships heading to Amsterdam.
It is rather ironic that the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland which started this week is co-chaired by one of the world’s largest manufacturer of chocolate, Nestlé. Avaaz, an international civic organisation, hopes that Nestlé will address the issue at the forum. “We have started an online petition to persuade multinationals to ban the cocoa from Ivory Coast,” says Alex Wilks, campaign director of Avaaz.
Wilks: “We have been trying to contact Nestlé, but they have not given us an answer yet. Many of these companies are not transparent on where they stand. All we are calling for is the head of Nestlé to take the honest and principle approach that he is advocating at Davos and extent that to his own operation in Ivory Coast.”
A month-long ban on cocoa exports is likely to fuel smuggling into neighbouring countries like Ghana. But according to the spokesperson of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Noah Amenyah, any company found to have purchased smuggled cocoa would be sanctioned.“We will not accept any such practice especially because it could compromise the quality of the Ghanaian bean,” Amenyah says.

Page 51 - Court orders survey of Essuowin Stool Lands

2011-02-07T14:02:00.004Z

Daily Graphic Thursday January 13, 2011 (Page 51)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

A Kumasi High Court has directed the National Director of Surveys and the Lands Commission Secretariat to carry out survey exercise on portions of the Essuowin Stool Lands in the Twenedurase area of Kotwi in Ashanti, which have been at the centre of litigation between the Scripture Union of Ghana, the chiefs of the area and some private developers.
The survey report is to enable the court presided over by Justice George K. Koomson take informed decision to be able to give judgment in the case which has lingered for some time now.
There has been confusion between the Ashanti regional branch of the Scripture Union (SU) led by its chairman, Professor Samuel K. Afranie, the chiefs of the area and some private developers, following the decision by the SU in October 2009, to demolish six buildings on the land without a court order.
One of the private developers, Emmaniel Fred Ansong, whose property was at risk filed a writ in court and sought a perpetual injunction to restrain the SU from entering the land to demolish his building.
The court referred the matter to the Asantehene’s Secretariat for amicable resolution, but following a breakdown in the settlement, the case was referred back to court.
The background of the case is that in 1991, the chiefs of the Essuowin Stool Lands in the Twenedurase area of Kotwi, allocated an 11-acre land to the Ashanti regional branch of the Scripture Union (SU) for the construction of a multi-purpose camp.
Subsequently, the SU was granted a deed of lease in 1996 and put up buildings on portions of the land, including a conference hall and two dormitory blocks, but suspended the project mid-way.
The chiefs later claimed that the SU had erroneously occupied more than the 11-acre land stipulated in the title document and took steps to recover the excess land.
Together with the leadership of the SU, the parties agreed in 1998 for the Ashanti Regional Surveyor to re-measure the land, after which it was reported that, the entire area of 14.52 acres, occupied by the SU, was over and above the 11-acres stipulated in the title document.
The chiefs then took possession of the excess 3.52 acres and sold it to private developers, some of whom have since put up buildings on them.
The building developments had been ongoing until October 2009 when the SU, led by its current Chairman Professor S. K. Afranie carried out a demolition of six buildings on the 3.52 acres without a court order, insisting that, the entire area legally belongs to the SU.
One of the developers, Emmanuel Fred Ansong took the matter to court to seek a perpetual injunction to restrain the SU from entering the land and demolishing his building.
The court referred the matter to the Asantehene’s Secretariat for amicable resolution following a plea by the Kontihene of the Essuowin Stool Lands, Nana Akyena Kwagyan Nuama V for the matter to be taken to Manhyia.
Mr Emmanuel Fred Ansong told the Daily Graphic that at the Asantehene’s secretariat, a private independent surveyor was appointed to measure the land and it came out with the report that the entire area occupied by the SU, was 14.36 acres.
He said copies of the report were made available to both parties, but when the case came up for hearing in court on November 3, 2010, the defendants counsel took advantage of the absence of the plaintiff’s counsel in court due to ill health to inform the court that both parties had agreed for the Director of Surveys to re-measure the land and deliberately decided not to mention the settlement at the Manhyia Palace.
The court subsequently issued an order for the Director of Surveys to measure the land.
A motion filed by the plaintiff, clearly explaining the different steps taken by both parties and praying the court to set aside the new order till the outcome of the Manhyia settlement, was however denied.
Meanwhile the Scripture Union has also filed a writ in the high court seeking a declaration of title to all that piece of land, damages for trespass, recovery of possession of the said land, and perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants, their agents from entering the upon, remaining or in anyway deal with the land in dispute.
The defendants are Nana Akyena Kwan Gyan Nuama V representing the Essouwin Stool and 18 others.

PBC supports Odwira Festival

2011-02-07T14:01:00.003Z

PBC supports Odwira Festival
The Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited has supported the chiefs and people of the Denkyira Traditional area of the Central region with GH¢800 to enable them celebrate the Odwira festival.
The Regional Manager of the PBC, Mr G. S. Kpikpitse on behalf of the Managing Director of the PBC handed the cheque for the money over to Nana Kwadwo Binfo, Kyekyewerehene of Denkyira, Chairman of the planning committee
Mr Kpikpitse said the donation was part of the social responsibility activities of the company aside investments made in repair of broken down bridges and reshaping of roads in the area.
Nana Kwadwo Binfo, Kyekyewerehene, Chairman planning committee expressed appreciation for the kind gesture from the company.
Picture shows
Nana Kwadwo Binfo receiving the cheque for the money from Mr G. S. Kpikpitse

FDB destroy fake and expired food items in Ashanti

2011-02-07T13:59:00.001Z

FDB destroy fake and expired food items in Ashanti
Story and Picture: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi
The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) in Ashanti has seized and destroyed fake and expired food items valued at GH¢51,200.
The items included fake “Starkist” tuna and “Bell’s Olive oil” which according to the board had been imported into the country.
The board has consequently alerted the public to be on the lookout for the fake items which have found their way onto shelves in the market.
Mr Joseph Bennie, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Zonal Officer who supervised the destruction of the items at the Oti Landfill site in Kumasi at the weekend said they were seized by personnel from the post market surveillance unit of the board.
He urged the public not to patronise such products since their safety could not be guaranteed because it had not been registered with the Board.
He explained that the modus operandi of the importers yet to be identified was to make photocopies of leaflets of the original Starkist Tuna and Bell’s Olive oil and paste them on the fake ones.

To differentiate between them, Mr Bennie said the producers of the original Starkist tuna had introduced a new label which is imprinted on the can with the expiry date and Starkist embossed on top of the can.

He advised retailers and wholesalers to ensure that they obtained their supplies from original sources and urged traders and the public to return old stocks of the product to wholesalers to be replaced.
With regards to the olive oil, he said the fake ones are filled with ordinary cooking oil and sold at GH¢1 (one cedi) as against the original one’s price of GH¢3. He said irrespective of the bottle size, the label indicates a 70ml quantity.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the items were imported from neighbouring countries and urged the public to be on the lookout since their exercise was a collaborative one.
With regards to the expired goods, the FDB officer said whilst some of items were seized from shelves of supermarkets in the Kumasi and other districts of Ashanti, some were also surrendered to the board for destruction by their manufacturers.
Among the expired items were tomato paste, cooking spices and soft drinks.
Picture shows
1. A compactor at the Oti landfill site destroying the seized items
2. The fake Bell’s olive oil

Page 29- Ashanti poultry farmers launch bulk SMS as business tool

2010-11-30T18:17:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Saturday November 27, 2010 (Page 29)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Poultry farmers in the Ashanti region have come together to develop and utilise a bulk short messaging service (SMS) platform as a business tool.

The integrated information platform aims at facilitating communication of relevant information to about 3000 farmers with regards to notifying them on price changes, payment schedules, terms of payment and start and ending of season.

It is also to assist the farmers to share knowledge on costing of poultry products so as to be able to harmonise pricing in the industry for their mutual benefit.

About 1182 poultry farmers have so far registered their phone numbers on the system.

The service was initiated by Boris B Farms and World Ventures with support from the ICT firm, Softtribe Limited and the Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE) programme being funded by USAID.

The SMS platform was launched in Kumasi on Tuesday.

One of the challenges to achieving competiveness within the various agricultural value chains in the country is to effectively integrate stakeholders as a key part of the supply base.

Smallholders who are noted for being far apart from each other produce and buy in small quantities and as such the result is that conducting transactions with them as either suppliers or consumers was expensive in terms of transport, organisation, drop off, collection and management.

Mr Boris Baidoo, Chief Executive of Boris B Ventures said at the launching ceremony that it was one of these reasons that motivated him to initiate the SMS platform which has unanimously been embraced by his colleagues in the industry.

He said it was worrying that the bulk of the country’s chicken products were imported and that it was about time local poultry farmers enhanced their capacities to be able to supply more chicken to discourage imports.

He said they were still collecting data from various poultry farmers and that the service would be extended to the Brong Ahafo region.

“This service would be very helpful to us especially as we heard towards Christmas and that it was to prepare us to fight for a ban on imported chicken”, he said.

He called for support from financial institutions to help push the poultry industry forward.

Mr Collins Kyei Boafo, an outreach specialist with the ADVANCE programme said his outfit decided to facilitate the process to help improve the way organisations organise and interact with each other by encouraging the use of newly emerged information communications technology platforms and services.

He said the goal of his outfit was to contribute to the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector to achieve increased competitiveness in both regional and domestic markets.

Mr Boafo expressed the hope that the technology would increase information flow and enhance effective business transactions between the farmers, leading to better business relations and profitability.

He explained that ADVANCE was playing the facilitation and coordination role to ensure value for money.

Madam Karen Hendrickson, from Softtribe Limited who explained how the bulk SMS platform works to the poultry farmers said the service would enable them to turn their mobile phones into a business tool and help reduce expenses of communicating to their customers.

“This would enable you use technology to let your customers know when you have new stock, remind customers of important events and keep in touch with them”, she said.

She said the service has many advantages which included maintaining loyal customers, increased revenue, lower costs, keeping in touch with customers.

Page 19 - SRI-CSIR develops fertiliser for cassava

2010-11-19T11:15:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Friday November 19, 2010 (Page 19)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Soil Research Institute (SRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has successfully conducted trials to determine the optimum fertilizer regimes that producers of cassava could use for increased starch yield and quality cassava.
This was revealed at a farmers’ field trip day at the Kwadaso Agricultural College in Kumasi.
Dr. Joseph Cobbina, a Technical Specialist at the CSIR who made this known said poultry manure and nitrogen phosphorous potassium were used in the research.
He said the research was still underway but the results were expected to be shared by all member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Explaining Dr Cobinna said the research was being undertaken under the auspices of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (WAAPP), which was being implemented in the country by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).
He said WAAPP was being funded by the World Bank to strengthen research institutions in three countries – Ghana, Mali and Senegal – to generate improved technologies to increase agricultural productivity of priority crops in line with regional priorities.
He said the aim of the project was to fund demand driven technologies, generate and disseminate improved technologies in priority sectors of the region and to create enabling conditions for regional collaboration and integration.
The field trip day at the Kwadaso Agric College formed part of efforts to deepen visibility of WAAPP and deepen dissemination of increased cassava technologies in general as well as offer the platform to showcase the nature of the technologies for cassava and their efficacy.
Among the participants of the field trip were farmers and Mphil students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) who had the opportunity to see, share and experience the yields from the research as well as criticise and provide guidelines.
Dr Cobbina said in accordance with the WAAPP framework, Mali was conducting research into rice, Senegal for cereals whilst Ghana was improving root and tubers (cassava, yam, cocoyam and sweet potato) and that the results of all these researches were to be shared among member countries of ECOWAS.
Giving a background to the project, he said in 2003 it was realized that even though governments in West Africa were supposed to devote 10percent of their budgets to agriculture, that was not being done and thus research was under funded.
He said the WAAPP was then developed for it to generate and disseminate improved agricultural technology in the participating countries focusing on roots and tubers in Ghana, rice in Mali and cereals in Senegal.
He said the focus of the project was to improve export competitiveness, biodiversity, land administration and management, technology diffusion, trade facilitation and market access.
He said in Ghana even though various varieties of cassava had been released by the CSIR, it was realised that without any improvement in soil fertility, farmers could not achieve the expected results of the varieties, hence the research.

Graphic Business - Two firms to introduce mobile money transfer in 21 countries

2010-11-16T12:55:00.003Z

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Cape Town, South Africa. Courtesy Reporting Development Network Africa (rDNA)
The MTN Group, the leading mobile operator in Africa and the Middle East and Western Union, a leader in global payment services have announced a commercial agreement to introduce international mobile remittance services in the 21 countries where MTN operates.
This is to enable Western Union remittances from abroad to be routed through the MTN MobileMoney for users at anytime and anywhere.
The deal followed the signing of an agreement between the two companies to introduce cross-border Mobile Money Transfer Service.
Once introduced, the service will allow MTN subscribers to conveniently send and receive Western Union Money Transfer transactions using their MTN MobileMoney accounts.
The service is to be first introduced in Uganda, where MTN’s MobileMoney service already boasts over one million registered users, making it one of the most successful mobile wallet deployments in the world.
According to the World Bank, Uganda receives nearly US$500 million in remittances every year, making up three percent of the country’s GDP.
When the new international remittance service is activated, MTN subscribers registered for MobileMoney will be able to receive Western Union Money Transfer transactions in their mobile accounts. In addition, MobileMoney users in certain countries will be able to send Western Union Money Transfer transactions directly from their mobile phones for payout at one of Western Union’s 386,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories around the world.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Cape Town, South Africa during the 2010 Africa Telecoms Conference (AfricaCom), Mr Khalid Fellahi, a Senior Vice President at Western Union and Head of Mobile Transaction Services said the Western Union Mobile Money Transfer service was a key part of a multi-channel strategy to offer consumers numerous ways to send and receive money.
“This alliance with MTN – one of the world’s most successful mobile operators – will introduce cross-border remittances to an entirely new segment of customers by allowing them to send and receive money using just their mobile phones”, he said.
Mr Pieter Verkade, MTN Executive of MobileMoney on his part said an MTN subscriber who receives a Western Union Money Transfer transaction in his MobileMoney account will be able to use the funds to pay bills, top-up airtime, send money domestically and internationally, or withdraw cash at MobileMoney Agents or any participating ATM.
“After bringing domestic financial services to many of our customers, we will now enable customers to receive money from abroad on their mobile phones to take out at their convenience with their local merchant, send it to family or pay a bill”, he said.
The MTN MobileMoney service is currently available in Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda, with pilots underway in several other markets.
The service offers consumers a convenient, secure and affordable way to send money within the same country (domestically), buy airtime and make basic utility payments using their MTN mobile phones. MTN offers the service in partnership with local banks.
Western Union on its part offers the Mobile Money Transfer service in the Philippines with Smart Communications and Globe Telecom; in Kenya with Safaricom; and in Malaysia with Maxis. The company also recently announced an agreement with EnStream in Canada and State Bank of India in India and has other agreements for Mobile Money Transfer with banks in Tunisia, Libya and South Africa.
Picture Shows
Enoch Darfah Frimpong interviewing Mr Khalid Fellahi, a Senior Vice President at Western Union and Head of Mobile Transaction Services in Cape Town, South Africa

Front Page - Polytechnic teachers back

2010-11-16T12:53:00.002Z

From Kumasi Enoch Darfah Frimpong reports that

Lectures resumed at the campus of the Kumasi Polytechnic on Monday following the suspension of the nationwide five-week industrial action by the Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG).
The lectures were not however effective in the morning as local POTAG members were in a meeting but it peaked in the afternoon.
Mr Solomon Adu Frimpong, the local POTAG chairman told the Daily Graphic that they were returning to the lecture halls because their students were very “worried” about the situation.
“We felt there was the need to go back to the classroom and test the sincerity of all those asking us to go back”, he said.
“You know we have seven days by which time the National Labour Commission has to appoint a mediator so we are going back to test their sincerity”, he said.
Mr Frimpong said since Tuesday was a holiday normal lectures were expected to be very effective on Wednesday.

drift

2010-11-16T12:52:00.006Z

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Page 29 - MTN Western Union sign pact

2010-11-16T12:52:00.005Z

Daily Graphic Saturday Nov 13, 2010 (Page 29)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Cape Town, South Africa. Courtesy Reporting Development Network Africa (rDNA)

The MTN Group, the leading mobile operator in Africa and the Middle East and Western Union, a leader in global payment services have announced a commercial agreement to introduce international mobile remittance services in the 21 countries where MTN operates.
This is to enable Western Union remittances from abroad to be routed through the MTN MobileMoney for users at anytime and anywhere.
The deal followed the signing of an agreement between the two companies to introduce cross-border Mobile Money Transfer Service.
Once introduced, the service will allow MTN subscribers to conveniently send and receive Western Union Money Transfer transactions using their MTN MobileMoney accounts.
The service is to be first introduced in Uganda, where MTN’s MobileMoney service already boasts over one million registered users, making it one of the most successful mobile wallet deployments in the world.
According to the World Bank, Uganda receives nearly US$500 million in remittances every year, making up three percent of the country’s GDP.
When the new international remittance service is activated, MTN subscribers registered for MobileMoney will be able to receive Western Union Money Transfer transactions in their mobile accounts. In addition, MobileMoney users in certain countries will be able to send Western Union Money Transfer transactions directly from their mobile phones for payout at one of Western Union’s 386,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories around the world.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Cape Town, South Africa during the 2010 Africa Telecoms Conference (AfricaCom), Mr Khalid Fellahi, a Senior Vice President at Western Union and Head of Mobile Transaction Services said the Western Union Mobile Money Transfer service was a key part of a multi-channel strategy to offer consumers numerous ways to send and receive money.
“This alliance with MTN – one of the world’s most successful mobile operators – will introduce cross-border remittances to an entirely new segment of customers by allowing them to send and receive money using just their mobile phones”, he said.
Mr Pieter Verkade, MTN Executive of MobileMoney on his part said an MTN subscriber who receives a Western Union Money Transfer transaction in his MobileMoney account will be able to use the funds to pay bills, top-up airtime, send money domestically and internationally, or withdraw cash at MobileMoney Agents or any participating ATM.
“After bringing domestic financial services to many of our customers, we will now enable customers to receive money from abroad on their mobile phones to take out at their convenience with their local merchant, send it to family or pay a bill”, he said.
The MTN MobileMoney service is currently available in Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda, with pilots underway in several other markets.
The service offers consumers a convenient, secure and affordable way to send money within the same country (domestically), buy airtime and make basic utility payments using their MTN mobile phones. MTN offers the service in partnership with local banks.
Western Union on its part offers the Mobile Money Transfer service in the Philippines with Smart Communications and Globe Telecom; in Kenya with Safaricom; and in Malaysia with Maxis. The company also recently announced an agreement with EnStream in Canada and State Bank of India in India and has other agreements for Mobile Money Transfer with banks in Tunisia, Libya and South Africa.

shaft

2010-11-16T12:51:00.002Z

shaft

draft

2010-11-16T12:50:00.002Z

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First Capital Plus extend services to Kumasi

2010-11-09T16:32:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Sat Nov 6, 2010 (Page)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

First Capital Plus Savings and Loans Limited has extended its operations outside Accra with the commissioning of an office complex in Kumasi.
The move according to the company is to help enroll the significant number of people who have continuously remained unbanked into the formal banking system.
Commissioning the office complex, Dr Mensa Otabil, Board Chairman of First Capital Plus said he was happy that the company was extending services to Kumasi on its first anniversary.
The company commenced operations as a savings and loans company in October 2009 but prior to that it operated as a financial non-governmental organisation (NGO) for two years.
The Kumasi branch brings to six, the number of branches of the company - four in Accra and one in Kasoa.
Dr Otabil said the company had witnessed steady growth in operations in its short period of existence.
He noted that the relevance of First Capital Plus to the financial services industry in Ghana and Kumasi in particular cannot be underestimated because of the significant number of people who remain unbanked.
He explained that notwithstanding the competitive environment and the growing number of formal financial institutions, it was estimated that significant amount of money in circulation still lies beyond formal financial system.
He said the strategic agenda of the company was not to compete but to complement the efforts of existing institutions by providing uncomplicated banking solutions to all and especially the unbanked population.
Dr Otabil said the commissioning of the Kumasi office was to pave way for expansion in the entire Ashanti region and beyond.
“In the coming years we expect to find new branches within the Kumasi metropolis, providing flexible, creative and time-bound banking solutions to the public”, he said.
Mr William Ato Essien, Chief Executive Officer of the First Capital Plus said it was the vision of the company to become a leading provider of banking solutions in Africa and that it has positioned itself as a committed and custom-driven institution.
He said the company was committed to offer flexible, innovative, timely and secured banking products and services.
“We will be careful not to impose an unadulterated style and brand of banking from elsewhere”, he said.
Nana Owusu Nyanin, the chief of Kwamo who represented the Asantehene urged First Capital Plus to be transparent in their operations and follow financial regulations as stipulated by the Bank of Ghana.
He also urged the company to inject monies into trading activities in Kumasi in other to help stimulate economic activities in the region and Ashanti region as a whole.

Malaria Ambassador visits Obuasi

2010-11-09T16:30:00.000Z

Daily Graphic Saturday November 6, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Obuasi

Mr Kingsley Holgate, the South African author and humanitarian ambassador on malaria has visited the Obuasi Municipality in the Ashanti region as part of an expedition to create awareness about malaria and encourage people to use insecticide treated nets to fight the disease in Africa.
Dubbed the “All Afrika Expedition”, Mr Holgate interacted with school children and community members to educate them and create awareness about malaria.
With support from the mining company, Anglogold Ashanti (AGA), Mr Holgate distributed 1000 mosquito nets to the community members at Binsere and Dokyiwaa in the Obuasi area.
A soccer game between school pupils of Binsere and Anglogold Ashanti Basic School was also held as part of the malaria campaign.
Mr Holgate undertook the expedition under the banner of United Against Malaria, a partnership of football teams, corporations, celebrities among others.
It is estimated that every 30 seconds, a child in Africa dies from Malaria, while 91 per cent of malaria deaths occur in Africa.
Experts have indicated that insecticide treated nets could help counter the resistance built by the parasitic insects.
It is based on this that Mr Holgate was undertaking his expedition. He praised Anglogold for the excellent work in combating malaria with a control programme which has contributed immensely to the reduction of the disease.
He said he was proud to see the commitment in the fight against malaria in Obuasi.
Mr Kwesi Enyan, the Managing Director of the Obuasi Mine of Anglogold Ashanti said malaria prevalence in the Obuasi area had reduced by 75percent since the launch of the malaria control programme in the area in 2006.
He said the mining company has so far spent US$8.3million on the programme and that school attendance has increased with a reduced malaria medical bills to AGA.
Mr Enyan said it was based on this good news that the Global Fund had made available US$130million for the programme to be up-scaled and extended to 40 other districts in the country based on the Obuasi module.
Dr Samuel Osei Somuah, the medical superintendent of the Obuasi Government Hospital said there was the need to do another prevalence study on the issues of the disease as of now.
Giving statistics on the disease in the Obuasi municipality, Dr Somuah said 119,607 cases were recorded in 2005 but reduced to 84,671 after the launch of the programme in 2006.
In 2007 89,518 cases were recorded but reduced to 79,438 in 2008 and further reduced to 74,012 in 2009.
The Medical Superintendent said the integrated spraying exercise of spraying indoors and clearing breeding sites had contributed immensely to the reduction of the disease.

Spread - CJ advocates financial autonomy of law school

2010-11-05T08:58:00.005Z

Daily Graphic Friday November 5, 2010 (Spread)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Theodore Wood says it is time to wean the Ghana School of Law (GSL) off its financial dependence on the government.
She argued that the GSL, being a centre for professional training should be able to operate on a sound and independent financial footing by charging appropriate and realistic fees and organising relevant para-legal courses.
This, according to her would enable the school generate adequate funds to support the recruitment and retention of top class lecturers and provide excellent facilities and services to students in all aspects of professional legal education.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the Kumasi campus of the Ghana School of Law, which is being hosted on the campuses of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Chief Justice said she was of the belief that the time had come for stakeholders to critically examine the question.
“GIMPA has shown the way, and today GIMPA is a success story. Avenues for assisting bright students who may find themselves financially handicapped in one way or the other can always be worked out”, the Chief Justice said.
The inauguration of the Kumasi campus of the GSL is to pave way for the provision of professional legal education to students in the northern part of Ghana.
This is because it has become increasingly difficult for the GSL in Accra to admit the large numbers of Ghanaians desirous of becoming lawyers and LLB graduates from across the country and beyond.
Last year for instance the school received about 450 applications from qualified Ghanaian LLB graduates who wanted to train to become Lawyers.
Regrettably, the school and its lecture room facilities could offer admission to only about 200 LLB graduates. The rest, about 250 students, were forced to stay at home.
According to the Chief Justice, the General Legal Council was determined to find a solution to the gnawing problem hence, the establishment of the Kumasi and Legon campuses which is deemed as the most pragmatic solution to the problem of back-log of students anxiously waiting to qualify to join the learned profession.
She praised the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, whom, she said had been working to place the GHANA SCHOOL OF LAW BILL before Cabinet for consideration and approval and subsequently to Parliament to obtain statutory backing for the School as an autonomous and financially independent body.
Mrs Wood said the Kumasi City Campus like its Legon counterpart will provide tuition for the courses designated by the General Legal Council as requirements for enrolment at the Bar, with students writing the same examinations as their counterparts at the main Accra campus.
She said as an interim measure, the KNUST was offering offices and classroom facilities for use by the School and has also allocated a land for the construction of permanent facilities
She said mounting the programme in Kumasi requires resources in terms of lecturers, some of whom have to be airlifted to and from Accra to teach in Kumasi, classroom and library facilities, staff office accommodation and facilities for the academic staff, vehicles of transport to convey students to and from the courts and others.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II who is also Vice Chancellor of the KNUST on his part called on the General Legal Council to consider re-introducing the Qualifying Certificate in Law (QCL) for admissions to the GSL.
He said this would enable other professionals who seek to study law to acquire additional training.
The Asantehene said the KNUST was proud to host the law school on its campuses considering the myriad of challenges that preceded the establishment of the school.
“I feel deeply fulfilled that and happy to be part of today’s occasion”, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said.
He noted that general knowledge of law was very vital in safeguarding citizens rights and bringing about order.
He said the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism at the Manhyia Palace was a resource students and lecturers at the Kumasi campus of the GSL could rely on.
The Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor E. O. Ellis general knowledge of law was undoubtedly beneficial to society and that was why ignorance of the law was no excuse.
He said one needs to have a legal education to be able to secure fundamental human rights and build harmonies society.
He expressed appreciation about the confidence the General Legal Council had reposed in the KNUST by allowing it to host the GSL.
In attendance was the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Barton Odro, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, the Director of Legal Education at the GSL, Mr George Sarpong and members of the General Legal Council.

Front Page - Speak against insults. Bishops urged

2010-11-03T17:07:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Tuesday November 2, 2010 (Front Page)

Story: Kwame Asiedu Marfo and Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Sefwi Wiawso

The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev Gabriel Palmer Buckle has added his voice to the call for an end to what has been said to be a “culture of insults” which had entered the Ghanaian society.
“I think the church will have to call to order the traditionally and culturally unacceptable culture of insults being perpetrated on our airwaves”.
Most Rev Palmer Buckle who was speaking at the official opening of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ conference at Sefwi Wiawso on Monday said what was happening was very dangerous for the political development of the country which was known to be peaceful and its people, known to be peace-loving.
“We cannot allow the noble art of politics to be dragged into the quagmire of insults, character assassinations and threats of violence”, he noted
“Surely, if we want to cultivate peace, we shall have to protect the dignity of this nationa and of each and every person in it, we also have to tutelage the sacredness of the various political high offices of national services in the country”.
Speaking on the theme, “If you want to cultivate peace protect creation”, Bishop Palmer Buckle said the yearly problems that parents and their wards face to get admission into Senior High Schools was an issue which should engage the attention of all.
He said last April the Catholic Church organised the first national forum on education where it dealt with the many problems and challenges facing the delivery of education in the country and especially obstacles the church finds in the development and delivery of education.
“We shall have to revisit this sector once again in the face of the present hue and cry”.
Bishop Palmer Buckle said the spate of news of armed robbery, murder and crime such as rape, defilement, fraud and corruption was also disturbing.
“Are we losing our moral compass? We have cause to worry about our human and social ecology. We have to work at protecting creation, namely human beings if we are to have lasting peace in this country”
Touching on the theme, he said the church have repeatedly and unceasingly called the attention of all and sundry especially government and people to the mindless exploitation and natural resources which was resulting in the wanton degradation and destruction of the environment all in the name of development.
He said from the present state of things, the Sefwi area for instance which is endowed with many natural resources was being made a “destroyed paradise” as a result of human greed and indiscipline in how people are exploiting the God-given wealth and heritage.
He said God had endowed Ghana with many natural resources in the form of gold, manganese, diamond, bauxite and recently rich deposits of oil and gas off-shore and inland.
“We have to protect all these as stewards and custodians”
Adding his voice to the destruction of natural resources in the country, the Western regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo said with such attack on natural conservations, the balance between nature and human existence was endangered.
“The end result is diseased, hunger and all the ills that plague society due to our disregard for the protection of nature’s creation”.
He called on the church to make its voice heard on issues of this nature since it was an institution that people respect and therefore expect a lot of discipline and decorum from it.
“It is the epitome of morality and a beacon of hope to the hopeless in society”.
The Regional Minister said many churches have rather become a money making organisation filled with all kinds of quacks and charlatans who unashamedly, parade themselves as men of God.
“People who call themselves men of God with all kinds of titles and ranks have invaded the house of God and committing all manner of unthinkable sins”.
He said there were a lot of radio and television evangelists who are all over the place spewing venom and sometimes deceptive messages to their followers who blindly follow them and go to the extent of defending their nefarious sins.
Mr Aidoo called on the church not to relent in playing its supportive role to government by praying for the nation and its leadership and preaching against vice in society.
The Bishop of Wiawso Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev Francis Kwaku Essien expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the Sefwi area for their support to the church.
The Bishop specifically expressed appreciation to the Mr Godfred Andoh, Chief Executive of Andoh Cottage at Sefwi Wiawso for sponsoring and hosting the Catholic Bishops at no cost to the church.

Page 3 - Two cocaine dealers in K’si jailed 20years

2010-11-03T17:02:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Sat Oct 30, 2010 (Page 3)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

TWO men in Kumasi have been handed a total of 20years prison sentences for supplying cocaine to potential patrons at the Kumasi Abatoir area.
Sebastian Avegaye, 19 and Ali Mumuni, 21 were handed 10 years each with hard labour.
They were arrested by the Police on August 5, 2009 and subsequently charged in court.
Sebastian was charged with possession of narcotic drugs whilst Mumuni was charged with engaging in prohibitive business in relation to narcotics. They both pleaded not guilty.
The Kumasi Circuit Court One presided over by Justice Amo Yartey handed them the sentences after a hearing which lasted one year.
The court heard that the police at Asokwa had a tip off that the suspects were engaged in supplying cocaine to patrons in the Kumasi Abatoir and Kaase area.
Upon a swoop in the area, Sebastian Avegaye was found in possession of 127 wrappers of whitish substance suspected to be cocaine with a street value of GH¢160.
Sebastian mentioned Ali Mumuni as the one who supplied him with the substance and Mumuni was subsequently arrested.
According to the police Mumuni admitted ownership of the substance and said he bought them from some sellers in Accra.
They were both put before court and when the substances were tested they proved to be cocaine.

Front Page - 3 Burnt to death in K'si

2010-10-26T09:05:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Tuesday October 26, 2010 (Front Page)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

THREE people were trapped to death in a blazing fire that swept through parts of the Race Course slum of Kumasi in the early hours of Monday. The fire consumed some wooden structures at the place, causing pandemonium as the hundreds of people who lived in the area run for safety. The deceased, able bodied men were burnt beyond recognition. They were identified by eyewitnesses as Baba Ali, 35, Kwame Odame and an 18-year-old man who was only known in the area as “Shine”. "Shine" was said be a shoe shine boy who had moved to Kumasi to “struggle” for a living whilst Odame was said to be a driver’s mate. Eyewitnesses said Baba Ali recently relocated his pregnant wife from the slum but continued to live there himself. The deceased were all sleeping in the same wooden structure at the time of the incident and were trapped and burnt beyond recognition by the fire. Their charged bodies were discovered crammed together with burnt wood. Police have since deposited their remains at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) morgue. In all seven wooden structures were completely burnt by the fire. 12 other persons who were sleeping in some of the wooden structures escaped unhurt. The slum dwellers were said to have taken to their heels and run helter skelter as the fire raged through the wooden structures. Eyewitnesses said the incident happened at around 12:30am after a downpour at which time many of the slum dwellers were asleep. The cause of the fire was not immediately known but whilst some eyewitnesses said they suspected an electric fault as a result of many illegal electric connections in the area others said they suspected it was from a burning candle. It was observed that an electric wire which supplied electricity to the wooden structures had been haphazardly connected crisscrossing each other when reporters from the Daily Graphic visited the scene. The race course slum noted as a hub for criminals had been earmarked for a multi-billion dollar project comprising an amusement park, a recreational centre, shopping malls, hotels and business centre. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II infact is spearheading the project which witnessed a sod cutting ceremony just last week to signify commencement of work on the project. There are plans to eject all the slum dwellers from the place.

Page 11 - College of Agric to introduce Biological Sciences

2010-10-25T15:29:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Monday October 23, 2010 (Page 11)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Mampong

The Asante Mampong College of Agriculture Education of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) has planned to introduce a new Bachelor’s degree programme in Biological Sciences Education in the 2011/2012 academic year.
This would bring the number of diploma, bachelor and graduate programmes at the college to 10.
The Vice Chancellor of UEW, Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw who made this known at the sixth congregation ceremony of the college said the move was part of efforts at reviewing and overhauling the academic structures of the university to ensure efficient and effective delivery of programmes to be able to meet the teaching requirement of educational institutions.
He said a new Faculty of Science Education was established in the College of Agric Education this year and that the faculty has a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Science Education, Diploma as well as Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and Sanitation Education under it.
In the area of research, he said the college was undertaking two major research projects in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the West African Agriculture Production Programme (WAAPP.
The research projects were on integration of Chicken (poultry) manure and Inorganic fertilizer for the sustainable production of sweet potato and drying of cassava and sweet potato chip using locally constructed solar dryer.
The Vice Chancellor said the findings of the research may help in contributing to sustainable food production and alleviation of poverty in the country.
A total of 358 deserving students were presented with degrees and diplomas at the sixth congregation of the College of Agriculture Education at Mampong on Thursday.
Out of the total number of graduates, only two were at the postgraduate level.
Professor Asabere-Ameyaw said female graduates constituted 15.5percent of the graduating class and said the percentage was certainly very low.
He said that was why the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming at the university was continuing to support females to pursue programmes in the sciences and applied sciences.
“UEW gender policy on admissions continues and would continue to encourage females to enroll on our science based programmes to enable us obtain the national aspiration of 1:1 male-female ratio in our students’ population”, he said.
On infrastructural development the Vice Chancellor said a library and resource complex and hostel complex were at various stages of completion at the College of Agric Education and that the facilities would be completed for use before the beginning of next academic year.
He said the biggest challenge of the College was inadequate funding for investment activities and therefore called for assistance from all stakeholders and well-wishers.
The Vice Chancellor advised the graduates to strive to be team players as they move into the working environment.
He congratulated the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) for supporting infrastructure development efforts of the college.
He said at the beginning of the year, the SRC undertook the rehabilitation of the woodlot and it was renamed SRC square and has also handed over to the administration a solar energy back-up system project to provide continuous energy supply to parts of the campus.
The Chairman of the University Governing Council, Okofo Amoako Bondam III, who is also the Omanhene of Enyam-Maim Traditional Area told the graduates that winning the degrees and diplomas were not an end in itself, rather just a means to an end.
He said as fresh graduates, the university was releasing them to the larger society where they are expected to make a meaningful contribution to the development as professional educators and agents of change.
Awards were presented to some deserving students and staff of the college.
Messrs Francis Atoesi and Shadrach Nuamah both students of the college who emerged first in the 2009 and 2010 World Food Day What do you know competition were presented with cash prizes of GH¢500 each and certificates.
An accounts clerk of the college, Mr Samuel Tenge was also given an award as the best worker for the year.

Nsempa - 358 graduate from UEW College of Agric Education

2010-10-25T15:28:00.000Z

Nsempa October 25 - 31, 2010 (Page 12)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Mampong

A total of three hundred and fifty eight deserving students were presented with degrees and diplomas at the sixth congregation of the College of Agriculture Education of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) at Mampong last Thursday.
Out of the total number of graduates, only two were at the postgraduate level.
Addressing the ceremony the Vice Chancellor, Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw said the female graduates constituted 15.5percent of the graduating class and said the percentage was certainly very low.
He explained that it was for that reason why the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming at the university was continuing to support females to pursue programmes in the sciences and applied sciences.
“UEW gender policy on admissions continues and would continue to encourage females to enroll on our science based programmes to enable us obtain the national aspiration of 1:1 male-female ratio in our students’ population”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor explained that even though this years’ congregation of UEW was the 15th the ceremony was the sixth to be held at the Mampong campus ever since the management of the university decided to decentralise congregation ceremonies to ensure that the colleges under it participate fully in all academic ceremonies intended to confer degrees, diplomas and certificates to deserving students.
He said UEW was continuing to fulfill its mandate of meeting the teaching staff requirement of educational institutions in the country at both pre-tertiary and tertiary levels by reviewing the existing programmes in addition to introducing new ones.
He said a new Faculty of Science Education was established in the College of Agric Education this year and that the faculty has a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Science Education, Diploma as well as Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and Sanitation Education under it.
The Vice Chancellor said it was intended that a new Bachelor’s degree programme in Biological Sciences Education would be introduced in the 2011/2012 academic year.
“If this is fulfilled, the College would be running 10 programmes at the diploma, bachelor and graduate levels”.
He said in the area of research, the college was undertaking two major research projects in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the West African Agriculture Production Programme (WAAPP.
He said the research projects were on integration of Chicken (poultry) manure and Inorganic fertilizer for the sustainable production of sweet potato and drying of cassava and sweet potato chip using locally constructed solar dryer.
Prof Asabere-Ameyaw said the findings of the research may help in contributing to sustainable food production and alleviation of poverty in the country.

On infrastructural development the Vice Chancellor said a library and resource complex and hostel complex were at various stages of completion at the College of Agric Education and that the facilities would be completed for use before the beginning of next academic year.
He said the biggest challenge of the College was inadequate funding for investment activities and therefore called for assistance from all stakeholders and well-wishers.
The Vice Chancellor advised the graduates to strive to be team players as they move into the working environment.
He said most the behaviours whilst they were students may not be acceptable at the work place.
“Be a team player and as much as possible be simple without compromising standards and I am optimistic that would be successful adults.
He congratulated the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) for supporting infrastructure development efforts of the college.
He said at the beginning of the year, the SRC undertook the rehabilitation of the woodlot and it was renamed SRC square and has also handed over to the administration a solar energy back-up system project to provide continuous energy supply to parts of the campus.
The Chairman of the University Governing Council, Okofo Amoako Bondam III, who is also the Omanhene Enyam-Maim Traditional Area told the graduates that winning the degrees and diplomas were not an end in itself, rather just a means to an end.
He said as fresh graduates, the university was releasing them to the larger society where they are expected to make a meaningful contribution to the development as professional educations and agents of change.
Awards were presented to some deserving students and staff of the college.
Messrs Francis Atoesi and Shadrach Nuamah who emerged first in the 2009 and 2010 World Food Day What do you know competition were presented with cash prizes of GH¢500 each and certificates.
An accounts clerk of the college, Mr Samuel Tenge was also given an award as the best worker for the year.

Page 23 - Task force to ensure sanity on roads

2010-10-25T12:18:00.003Z

Nsempa - Unibank assists church to purchase bus

2010-10-25T12:14:00.003Z

Nsempa Monday October 23 - 31, 2010 (Page 10)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Unibank Limited has assisted the Living Waters Assemblies of God English Church in Kumasi to purchase a 33-seater bus valued at GH¢108,731 to assist with evangelical outreach programmes of the church.
According to Mr John Nsiah, a sales coordinator at Unibank at the Adum branch, traditional sources of raising funds for church projects had become slow and uncertain.
He said church projects however needs to be undertaken irrespective of the fundraising challenges and must not last long for them to be finished.
He said it was for such a reason that Unibank had introduced the Unichurch Credit facility product to assist churches with funds to complete projects.
Mr Nsiah said it was through such a facility that the bank assisted the Living Waters Assemblies of God English Church in Kumasi to purchase a 33-seater bus to enable it embark on evangelical outreach programmes.
The bus was handed over to the church though Rev Tony Godwyn Amoakohene, head pastor of the church by Mr John Nsiah, Sales Coordinator at Unibank, Adum branch.
Rev Amoakohene expressed appreciation to the bank for the assistance.
Picture shows
Mr John Nsiah (left) presenting the keys of the bus to Rev Tony Godwyn Amoakohene.

Page 14 - Don't politicise health, education

2010-10-25T12:11:00.004Z

Page 19 - Unibank assist church to purchase a bus

2010-10-25T12:06:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Saturday October 23, 2010 (Page 19)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Unibank Limited has assisted the Living Waters Assemblies of God English Church in Kumasi to purchase a 33-seater bus valued at GH¢108,731 to assist with evangelical outreach programmes of the church.
According to Mr John Nsiah, a sales coordinator at Unibank at the Adum branch, traditional sources of raising funds for church projects had become slow and uncertain.
He said church projects however needs to be undertaken irrespective of the fundraising challenges and must not last long for them to be finished.
He said it was for such a reason that Unibank had introduced the Unichurch Credit facility product to assist churches with funds to complete projects.
Mr Nsiah said it was through such a facility that the bank assisted the Living Waters Assemblies of God English Church in Kumasi to purchase a 33-seater bus to enable it embark on evangelical outreach programmes.
The bus was handed over to the church though Rev Tony Godwyn Amoakohene, head pastor of the church by Mr John Nsiah, Sales Coordinator at Unibank, Adum branch.
Rev Amoakohene expressed appreciation to the bank for the assistance.
Picture shows
Mr John Nsiah (left) presenting the keys of the bus to Rev Tony Godwyn Amoakohene.

Mirror - Sekyedumasi farmers go into plaintain processing

2010-10-25T11:43:00.001Z

The Mirror Saturday October 22, 2010 (Page 36)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Sekyedumasi

A Project to process plantain into flour has taken off at Sekyedumasi, one of the largest plantain-producing areas in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District of the Ashanti Region. A collaboration among the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Food Research Institute (FRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), the project is to enable farmers in the area to store the crop in the form of flour for multiple uses, as well as for export. Twenty-five farmers have initially been selected for training in plantain flour processing to serve as trainers of trainers for their colleagues. It is said to be the brainchild of a female final year Bachelor of Science (Agriculture Extension) student of UCC, Ivy Jones, who identified the problem of plantain glut in the Sekyedumasi area and decided to use it as a school research project work. As part of her research, Ivy identified that during lean seasons, farmers in the Sekyedumasi area were able to sell a bunch of plantain at about GH¢8 but sell the same bunch at GH¢2 during the bumper harvest periods. Again, because of lack of storage and processing facilities in the area, a greater quantity of the produce always went bad during the bumper harvest because the quantity produced was more than the market for it. This, Ivy explained, motivated her to assist the farmers, especially the youth, to learn how to process plantain into flour. Processing plantain into flour and using the flour recipes appeared to be the best preservation option as the produce contains high nutritional value such as vitamin A, iron and potassium as against cassava which contains only carbohydrate but is currently more popular than plantain when it comes to processing them into flour. Plantain is generally consumed boiled, deep-fried, roasted or pounded as fufu. Rev Mrs Nyuieme Adiepena, a Deputy Director of the Women in Agriculture Development, who is facilitating the training of the farmers, said agro-processing was one of the components of the Youth in Agriculture programme of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP). She expressed appreciation that Ivy had undertaken the project at the right time and place, adding that the project was being absorbed under the NYEP as a component of Youth in Agriculture. The Ejura Sekyedumasi District Director of Agriculture, Mr James Garh Adjornor, expressed appreciation for the commencement of the training project. The Ejura Sekyedumasi District Chief Executive, Madam Martha Bruckner, and the Member Parliament for the area, Alhaji Issifu Pangabu Mohammed, pledged to support the project to ensure its success.

Back Page - Sekyedumasi farmers go into plantain processing

2010-10-22T13:56:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Thursday October 21, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Sekyedumasi

A Project to process plantain into flour has taken off at Sekyedumasi, one of the largest plantain-producing areas in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi District of the Ashanti Region. A collaboration among the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Food Research Institute (FRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), the project is to enable farmers in the area to store the crop in the form of flour for multiple uses, as well as for export. Twenty-five farmers have initially been selected for training in plantain flour processing to serve as trainers of trainers for their colleagues. It is said to be the brainchild of a female final year Bachelor of Science (Agriculture Extension) student of UCC, Ivy Jones, who identified the problem of plantain glut in the Sekyedumasi area and decided to use it as a school research project work. As part of her research, Ivy identified that during lean seasons, farmers in the Sekyedumasi area were able to sell a bunch of plantain at about GH¢8 but sell the same bunch at GH¢2 during the bumper harvest periods. Again, because of lack of storage and processing facilities in the area, a greater quantity of the produce always went bad during the bumper harvest because the quantity produced was more than the market for it. This, Ivy explained, motivated her to assist the farmers, especially the youth, to learn how to process plantain into flour. Processing plantain into flour and using the flour recipes appeared to be the best preservation option as the produce contains high nutritional value such as vitamin A, iron and potassium as against cassava which contains only carbohydrate but is currently more popular than plantain when it comes to processing them into flour. Plantain is generally consumed boiled, deep-fried, roasted or pounded as fufu. Rev Mrs Nyuieme Adiepena, a Deputy Director of the Women in Agriculture Development, who is facilitating the training of the farmers, said agro-processing was one of the components of the Youth in Agriculture programme of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP). She expressed appreciation that Ivy had undertaken the project at the right time and place, adding that the project was being absorbed under the NYEP as a component of Youth in Agriculture. The Ejura Sekyedumasi District Director of Agriculture, Mr James Garh Adjornor, expressed appreciation for the commencement of the training project. The Ejura Sekyedumasi District Chief Executive, Madam Martha Bruckner, and the Member Parliament for the area, Alhaji Issifu Pangabu Mohammed, pledged to support the project to ensure its success.

Page 29 - Use mining royalties for development

2010-10-19T15:28:00.000Z

Daily Graphic Tuesday October 19, 2010 (Page 29)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has reiterated the call for mineral royalties to be used to provide specific infrastructure that promote development in mining communities.
It explained that providing infrastructure such as roads, electricity and schools had the potential of opening avenues for other economic activities alongside mining in the communities.
Speaking at an interaction with journalists in Kumasi, Dr Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Mines argued the need to channel a greater percentage of mineral royalties to mining communities to enhance and promote development.
“If you don’t do it the mining companies become the only major activity in the area and when mining was over, those communities would not have any major economic activity to depend on”, Dr Aryee said.
She said the significantly high proportion of mineral revenue returned to the country underscored the extent to which the mining industry positively affected the local economy.
Giving an overview of performance of the mining sector in year 2009, Dr Aryee said total mineral revenue was US$2,384,836,583 as against a total royalty of US$73,411,657.
Out of this, 76percent was returned to the country through the Bank of Ghana and the commercial banks representing an increase on the 63percent returned in 2008 and the aggregate average of 20percent companies are required to return to Ghana.
She said the mining industry spent US$1billion representing 40percent of its total funds to procure inputs locally and of this, US$677million was spent on local inputs and US$340million on diesel and power.
She said the industry also deployed US$311million of its funds for labour related costs and US$512 on capital expenditure.
Producing member companies also paid to the state and voluntarily contributed to host communities and general public a total amount of US$166million and directly employed 12,294 people 98percent of which were Ghanaians and the remaining 2percent expatriates.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning the mining sector performed quite creditably in 2009 as it grew at a remarkable rate of 8percent compared to 5.5percent growth in 2008 She said mineral revenue represented 48percent of the country’s gross export earnings in 2009.
Dr Aryee said the sector contributed about GH¢319million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) representing 18percent of total IRS collections in 2009.
The sector also paid GH¢125million in corporate tax to the IRS representing 17percent of the total company tax collected in 2009 and retained its ranking as the 3rd highest payer of corporate tax in 2009 after the communication and the financial sectors respectively.
Making a case for the need to increase the percentage of royalties to mining communities, Dr Aryee explained that the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) for instance, which has been in existence since 1991 is meant to make available a portion of the mineral royalties to be used directly for the benefit of mining communities for research and other projects related to mining.
However, she noted that only 10percent of the mineral royalties paid by mining companies goes into the MDF, whilst another 9percent is paid to host communities.
The 9percent is divided into three as 55percent to district assemblies, 20percent to traditional councils and 25percent to stools.
Dr Aryee said the proportion of the total mineral revenue which goes directly to all district assemblies in mining areas represented only 5.5percent of the total mineral royalty payments.
“This amount is woefully inadequate for the stimulation of infrastructural development in the mining communities”.
And this is why the Chamber of Mines was advocating for 30percent of the royalties to be returned to mining areas over a specific period of time and channel it into specific infrastructural projects in order to catalyse the socio-economic development of mining districts.

Nsempa - Wangara chief advised against partisan politics

2010-10-18T09:34:00.002Z

Nsempa October 18 - 24, 2010 (Page 10)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

A former Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Manhyia Constituency, Alhaji Abuba has called on the head of the Wangara community in Ashanti, Chief Ahmed Ibrahim to desist from meddling in partisan politics.
He said Chief Ahmed Ibrahim should be reminded that the constitution debars traditional leaders and chiefs from meddling in partisan politics.
Reacting to a publication in the Graphic Nsempa in which Chief Ibrahim called for support for the NDC in the Asawasi constituency to ensure that the party retained power in the 2012 elections, Alhaji Abuba said the traditional leader was over stepping his boundaries and meddling in partisan politics.
“He should allow us to do our politics and should be reminded that as leader of the Wangara community, not everyone in the Wangara community was an NDC supporter”.
Last week, Chief Ahmed Ibrahim who is also the President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi spoke to the Graphic Nsempa and urged inhabitants of zongo communities to make themselves available for the national census which was still underway.
He urged them to ensure that each person was counted saying the exercise was very useful for national development planning.
He also expressed appreciation to President J.E.A. Mills for his continuous support to members of zongo communities and went ahead to say that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was doing everything possible in an attempt to win the Asawasi parliamentary seat but said with unity among the fold of the NDC, it could retain the seat.
But responding, Alhaji Abuba said the traditional leader was betraying the spirit of the constitution.
“If he want to openly come out and declare his support for the NDC, he should do so and relinquish his position as head of the Wangara community instead of hiding behind that position to play partisan politics”, Alhaji Abuba said.
“He should be reminded that he cannot decide on which party the people of Asawasi should vote for and should rather concentrate on his duties as leader of Wangara community”, he said.

Page 3 - Two in court over GH¢359,153 theft

2010-10-18T09:15:00.002Z

Front Page - Schools Improvise. As SHS freshers report

2010-10-18T08:59:00.002Z

2010-10-12T09:54:00.002Z

The management of Coca-Cola Company, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will soon launch a major safe drinking water and sanitation initiative, at the cost of 1.5 million dollars, to provide improved access to some communities in Ghana.
Mr. Philippe Ayivor, Franchise Manager, Coca-Cola Equatorial Africa, said the company was aware that, lack of access to clean, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is the source of a lot of health problems in many communities in the country.
He was speaking at the first Coca-Cola media soiree organised by the company in Kumasi, on Friday.
The meeting was in a way to enable management to begin a line up of engagements with journalists that it hoped, would consolidate a much closer relationship, to bring satisfaction and excitement to consumers and Ghanaians as a whole.
He noted that “it is estimated that 40 per cent of the Ghanaian population lacks access to safe drinking water and 80 per cent lacks access to basic sanitation facilities”.
Mr Ayivor announced that the company in May and June this year, purchased and distributed 1,000 mosquito treated nets, worth one million dollars, to people in the Eastern Region of the country.
The Franchise Manager said they have over the years implemented a number of HIV and malaria education and prevention programmes, as part of their key social missions targeted at health matters.
“If people are not healthy, the nation’s development would come to a standstill saying, “we will not have a healthy workforce and we will be spending more on health as a nation, at the neglect of other needs.
“It is therefore important that we bring the health needs of the people to the fore for the appropriate attention and focus”, he added.
He commended the media for the information and education it had imparted to Ghanaians over the last few years, which had not only shaped perceptions, but has also helped to build an informed people, who are debating issues rather than look on passively.
Mr Ayivor said the company would continue to sponsor the Ghana Journalists Association Best Health Reporting award because they believe that health of any nation is its wealth.
Mr Antwi, Public Affairs Communication Manager of the Company said the Coca-Cola has a variety of quality products on the world market and would continue to make investments to get more products for consumers.
He said there is no manufacturing power in the world today and therefore welcomed complaints from consumers for investigations.
Nana Yaw Osei, Ashanti Regional chairman of the GJA urged the Company to roll out a programme to sponsor members of the Association, to upgrade their skills and performance.

Nsempa - Make yourself available for census. Urges zongo chief

2010-10-12T09:45:00.001Z

Nsempa Monday 11 - 17, 2010 Page 10

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, Chief Ahmed Ibrahim has urged inhabitants of zongo communities to make themselves available for the national census which was currently underway.
He urged them to ensure that each person was counted saying the exercise was very useful for national development planning.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Kumasi, Chief Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also the head of the Wangara community in Kumasi said his information was that many people in zongo communities did not patronise the last census in year 2000.
“This time around we want to encourage everyone to make himself available for the exercise irrespective of the logistic constraints facing the enumerators”, he said.
Chief Ahmed Ibrrahim expressed appreciation to President J.E.A. Mills for his continuous support to members of zongo communities.
He said the members in the zongo communities were grateful to the President for supporting them with food items during this year’s Muslim fasting period and also commended the Ashanti Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He therefore called for support for the NDC in the Asawasi constituency to ensure that the party retained power in the 2012 elections.
He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was doing everything possible in an attempt to win the Asawasi parliamentary seat but said with unity among the fold of the NDC, it could retain the seat.

Page 13 - MMDCEs must be innovative in generating revenues

2010-10-07T10:16:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Thursday October 7, 2010 (Page 13)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

A former Member of Parliament for Ejura-Sekyedumasi in Ashanti, Mr Peter Boakye-Ansah has called on metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives to be innovative on ways to generate funds from within their districts instead of solely relying on the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
He said there were a number of avenues available for internally generated funds in various district assemblies but many chief executives were reluctant to plug such opportunities and rather solely rely on the DACF.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Kumasi, Mr Boakye-Ansah asked district chief executives to form strong ally with traditional rulers in their various areas since strong collaborations of that nature ensures progress in the development agenda.
He said it was surprising for him recently as he saw two district chief executives in a TV news item calling on government to come to their aid to construct a feeder road in their area.
“This was a clear indication that those two chief executives did not understand their role as the President’s representative in their areas”.
Mr Boakye-Ansah said it was the responsibility of the chief executive as the President’s representative at the local level to look for avenues for funding to construct the feeder roads and not to call on government through the media to come to their aid, forgetting that they themselves were the government.
Explaining further, the former MP who also served as District Chief Executive said he resorted to internally generated funds during his tenure and was able to impact immensely on communities in the area with various development projects.
He also called for proper collaboration between Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives on the usage of the MPs Common Fund to ensure that the monies were used judiciously for development projects.
Mr Boakye-Ansah who was recently given an award by the chiefs and people of the Sekyedumasi traditional area said communities were desperately looking for development projects and it was the responsibility of the DCEs to act proactively and look for funds from within to provide projects.
A shield and a citation for the meritorious services the former MP rendered to the area during his tenure as District Chief Executive and Member of Parliament was presented to him at the 10th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Nana Antwi Boasiako I, Sekyedumasihene.
Nana Antwi Boasiako I in a citation recounted the various development projects the former MP brought to the area which included electricity, Sekyedumasi Secondary School, a health centre, a bore-hole and tarred roads.
Commenting on the award, the former MP who was in parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from 1992 to 2000 said during his tenure as a DCE of the area in 1990 the chief of Ejura, Nana Kwaku Sarfo I presented a similar award to him and made him a development chief.
Similarly he said a basic school at Sekyedumasi was named after him.
He explained he was able to make impact in the community simply because he did not solely rely on the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), rather he devised ways to generate funds internally at the district level.

Spread - Support road repair module of NYEP - Ashanti Regional Minister

2010-10-07T09:16:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Thursday October 7, 2010 (Spread)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu has called for support for the road maintenance and repair module of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) since it will serve as an avenue for job creation for unskilled youth. He said the module was very critical in government’s quest at job creation and hence needed to be fully supported since it would help reduce cost of road maintenance. Speaking at an orientation seminar for regional coordinators of the NYEP on the implementation of the newly launched road maintenance and repair module in Kumasi, Mr Opoku-Manu said government wanted to make the module a strong activity to offer jobs to the youth.
“Using our manpower, we can be able to reduce cost of maintenance to the government”, the Regional Minister said. The road maintenance and repair module of the NYEP is targeting to offer 10,000 jobs to the youth nationwide by the close of the year with 1000 from each region. It is being implemented as a public/private sector collaboration between the government and Zeera Group, a private road and building construction firm based in Accra. Beneficiaries of the Youth in Road Maintenance and Repair module would be tasked with the general maintenance of roads in the country, including filling up potholes, desilting drainages and clearing bushes at roadsides and to alert Roads and Highways authorities of works required on the roads. The orientation seminar for the regional coordinators in Kumasi was to pave way for the beginning of large scale recruitment and training under the programme, which the NYEP is undertaking in collaboration with the Ministries of Roads and Highways, Local Government and Rural Development, and a number of private sector organisations. Mr Opoku-Manu advised the regional coordinators not to be partisan in the selection of beneficiaries and ensure that the best of materials were used in the programme. He said the majority of problems confronting government were not being created by the elderly rather it was from the youth since they constituted the chunk of the population. “It means we have a lot to do for them in terms of job creation since they make noise because they are craving for jobs and survival”, he said. “I would urge you to see how far we can give some hope to the youth”, the Regional Minister told the regional coordinators and described the initiative as a very important intervention particularly when the rains have set in and are growing potholes into manholes.
Turning his attention on prospective beneficiaries, he advised them to be disciplined so that no ill testimonies would be given of them.
He maintained that the initiative was an indication that government was committed to its election campaign promise of finding solutions to the unemployment situation among the youth in the country.
The Deputy National Coordinator of the NYEP, Mr Nuhu Hamidu said the module would have a positive effect on efforts for sustainable job creation because the beneficiaries would be equipped with multiple skills to enhance their livelihoods.
He stressed the importance of the new initiative to national development, saying it would translate into savings from the high cost of road maintenance and reduction in road accidents.
He promised fairness in the recruitment exercise, with the national interest being the paramount consideration.

Page 12 - MP's Common Fund irrelevant - Provost

2010-10-07T09:04:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Thursday October 7, 2010 (Page 12)

Page 13 - Zongo communities must support census exercise

2010-10-06T09:38:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Wednesday October 6, 2010 (Page 13)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, Chief Ahmed Ibrahim has urged inhabitants of zongo communities to make themselves available for the national census which was currently underway.
He urged them to ensure that each person was counted saying the exercise was very useful for national development planning.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Kumasi, Chief Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also the head of the Wangara community in Kumasi said his information was that many people in zongo communities did not patronise the last census in year 2000.
“This time around we want to encourage everyone to make himself available for the exercise irrespective of the logistic constraints facing the enumerators”, he said.
Chief Ahmed Ibrrahim expressed appreciation to President J.E.A. Mills for his continuous support to members of zongo communities.
He said the members in the zongo communities were grateful to the President for supporting them with food items during this year’s Muslim fasting period and also commended the Ashanti Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He therefore called for support for the NDC in the Asawasi constituency to ensure that the party retained power in the 2012 elections.
He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was doing everything possible in an attempt to win the Asawasi parliamentary seat but said with unity among the fold of the NDC, it could retain the seat.

Page 13 - Zongo communities must support census exercise

2010-10-06T09:38:00.000Z

Spread - Commission directs UTAG to call off strike

2010-10-06T09:35:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Tueday October 5, 2010 (Spread)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Academic work was disrupted on Monday at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Kumasi Campus of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) following the strike action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
Members of UTAG at a meeting last Friday decided to withdraw their services to teach at public universities in the country unless the government honoured the payment schedule for the salary arrears of its members.
When the Daily Graphic visited the campuses of the two universities in Kumasi on Monday morning students were found loitering as lecturers had abandoned the lecture halls and were rather in their offices.
Some of the students said they were not aware of the strike and only got the lecture rooms to learn about it.
They appealed to the government to meet the demands of UTAG to prevent a possible disruption of the smooth academic work since if the strike action was not immediately dealt with, it could bring about enormous repercussions.
UTAG decided to embark on the strike action at a crisis meeting of the executives of seven out of eight branches of the association held at the University of Ghana last Friday.
In a statement released by UTAG and signed by the presidents of UTAG: UG, KNUST, UCC, UDS, UMaT, IPS and GIJ, the association noted with dismay “the failure of government to respond positively to their grievances.
The Association also noted with disappointment the failure of the Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor to respond to its letter on the subject dated September 21, 2010.

It said its members would not return to the lecture theaters until the restoration of the actual value of the entry-level salary of the university teacher, as agreed upon in the government-UTAG ‘salary road map’ in 2008 and payment of arrears for the restoration of the value of the entry level salary of the university teacher from January 2009 to the present.

Page 29 - New lorry park for North Patasi

2010-10-04T10:27:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Monday Oct 4, 2010 (Page 29)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has planned to construct a new lorry park at North Patasi near the Parks and Gardens offices in Kumasi.
The move, according to the KMA forms part of a general effort at creating satellite lorry terminals and markets with the intention of decongesting the Kejetia lorry terminal in the central business district (CBD) of the metropolis.
Mr Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive who made this known said the assembly had initiated negotiations with stakeholders and maintained that the talks were far advanced for the project to take off.
Addressing members of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Kumasi on the effects of the decongestion exercise on commercial activities in the metropolis, Mr Sarpong said the traffic congestion problem at Kejetia was very unbearable, hence the need to create alternative lorry parks.
The Mayor said there was no proper demarcation as “in” and “out” at Kejetia hence the confusion among motorists.
“I have given the urban roads department an ultimatum to urgently demarcate an “in” and “out” at the entrance to help mitigate the problem”.
Mr Sarpong cautioned owners of container shops dotted along principal streets in the metropolis and asked them to remove them as the demolishing team would soon extend their operations to the principal streets.
He made particular reference to the Ahodwo roundabout area near the BNI offices where he said container shops were gradually filling up the entire place.
He expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce for offering him the opportunity to explain the essence of the decongestive exercise in the central business district and added that measures were being instituted to ensure that commercial activities in the central business area were successful.
Mr Sarpong said prior to the decongestion exercise traders had taken over all the walkway and pavements in the CBD doing brisk business activities in the area with some even selling food on the road meant for vehicular transport.
He said the menace were militating against commercial activities hence the need to introduce the decongestive exercise.
“Many were those who thought the entire exercise was a fluke when we started the operation. We are aware that it has created inconveniences for people but we plead with them to bear with us since the whole exercise is a necessary evil”.
He called for suggestions from the public on ways to ensure that the entire exercise became successful.
The Mayor said congestion in the CBD created compounded traffic situation coupled with anti-social vices like pick pocketing, excessive generation of refuse which made the city unattractive but said frantic efforts made over the years for a similar decongestion exercise proved futile.
He said since the inception of the exercise, conditions have improved tremendously in the CBD for free vehicular and pedestrian movement and reduction of anti-social vices.
Mr Sarpong said the assembly has instituted structures to ensure smooth running of the exercise and that a supervisory team has been tasked to oversee it.
He said even though the exercise was faced with a myriad of challenges which threaten the effectiveness and sustainability, the KMA was still committed to ensuring its sustainability.
He said many people have hailed the exercise and some companies have even pledged to provide logistical support for the team.
He called for support from the Chamber of Commerce to ensure the success of the exercise since it is to their advantage in the long run.

Nsempa - Egg sellers' association launched in K'si

2010-10-04T10:26:00.002Z

Nsempa Monday Oct 4 - 10, 2010 (Page 12)
Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi
A business advocacy association to promote the production, trading and consumption of healthy eggs as a way of growth for the poultry industry in the country has been officially launched in Kumasi.
It forms part of efforts by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to strengthen producers and marketing associations for the growth of the poultry sector as well help to stop the spread of poultry diseases under the project, ”STOP Avian Influenza (AI)”.
Known as the Kumasi Egg Sellers Association (KESA), it has planned to promote the prevention and spread of poultry diseases from one farm to other parts of the country.
According to the National Consultant of Stop Avian Influenza Project, Dr. Anthony Akunzule, the growth of the poultry industry would be stagnant without a vibrant egg sellers association, which is at the end of the poultry value chain.
He explained that members of the association are to collaborate with other stakeholders in the poultry industry such as the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers and the Ghana Association of Feed millers to act as an advocacy group.
Dr Akunzule explained that the idea of forming the Kumasi Egg Sellers Association (KESA) had existed for a long time however the trigger for the formation and registration came about only after the visit of the USAID STOP AI (Avian Influenza) team in February 2010 to egg sellers at the Kumasi Railway station.
He said the USAID team discovered that the egg sellers faced two major challenges of how to safely transport eggs from one part to another and safe storage of eggs before they are transported.
He said the team saw that the present transport system of using taxi, trotro and open vans does not allow for long shelf life of the eggs for the final consumer and therefore supported the idea of forming the association to collaborate and provide safe transport system to convey eggs from Kumasi to other parts of the country as well as provide hygienic and clean rooms for storage of eggs.
He said the STOP AI project would assist in upgrading facilities in transporting and storing eggs for sellers.
“Where they sell the eggs and the means in which they carry the eggs is key for efficient production and distribution. We are going to have regular meetings with them and see how we can improve where they store the eggs and whether we can secure a cold van that can transport the egg”, Dr. Akunzule said.
Dr Akunzule urged the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers to work closely with the Kumasi Egg Sellers Association so that together, they can find ways of solving the challenges in the poultry industry.
He said the formation of the association has come at a time the government was placing emphasis on o promote the poultry industry cannot grow because the egg sellers are at the end of the poultry value chain.
Dr Timothy Obi, a member of the STOP AI project in West Africa said experience has shown that when government provides a programme and people don’t own it, it does not work hence the need to support formation of associations.
The executives for the association Grace Asante, chairperson, Nana Adwoa Saah, Vice Chairperson and Hajia Amina Haruna, Secretary were sworn into office.
The Secretary, Hajia Amina Haruna called on poultry farmers to involve the association in fixing prices of eggs since she said the sellers bear most of the suffering especially during the off-seasons when market was very bad

Nsempa - New lorry park at North Patasi

2010-10-04T10:24:00.001Z

Nsempa Monday Oct 4 - 10, 2010 (Page 12)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has planned to construct a new lorry park at North Patasi near the Parks and Gardens offices in Kumasi.
The move, according to the KMA forms part of a general effort at creating satellite lorry terminals and markets with the intention of decongesting the Kejetia lorry terminal in the central business district (CBD) of the metropolis.
Mr Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive who made this known said the assembly had initiated negotiations with stakeholders and maintained that the talks were far advanced for the project to take off.
Addressing members of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Kumasi on the effects of the decongestion exercise on commercial activities in the metropolis, Mr Sarpong said the traffic congestion problem at Kejetia was very unbearable, hence the need to create alternative lorry parks.
The Mayor said there was no proper demarcation as “in” and “out” at Kejetia hence the confusion among motorists.
“I have given the urban roads department an ultimatum to urgently demarcate an “in” and “out” at the entrance to help mitigate the problem”.
Mr Sarpong cautioned owners of container shops dotted along principal streets in the metropolis and asked them to remove them as the demolishing team would soon extend their operations to the principal streets.
He made particular reference to the Ahodwo roundabout area near the BNI offices where he said container shops were gradually filling up the entire place.
He expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce for offering him the opportunity to explain the essence of the decongestive exercise in the central business district and added that measures were being instituted to ensure that commercial activities in the central business area were successful.
Mr Sarpong said prior to the decongestion exercise traders had taken over all the walkway and pavements in the CBD doing brisk business activities in the area with some even selling food on the road meant for vehicular transport.
He said the menace were militating against commercial activities hence the need to introduce the decongestive exercise.
“Many were those who thought the entire exercise was a fluke when we started the operation. We are aware that it has created inconveniences for people but we plead with them to bear with us since the whole exercise is a necessary evil”.
He called for suggestions from the public on ways to ensure that the entire exercise became successful.
The Mayor said congestion in the CBD created compounded traffic situation coupled with anti-social vices like pick pocketing, excessive generation of refuse which made the city unattractive but said frantic efforts made over the years for a similar decongestion exercise proved futile.
He said since the inception of the exercise, conditions have improved tremendously in the CBD for free vehicular and pedestrian movement and reduction of anti-social vices.
Mr Sarpong said the assembly has instituted structures to ensure smooth running of the exercise and that a supervisory team has been tasked to oversee it.
He said even though the exercise was faced with a myriad of challenges which threaten the effectiveness and sustainability, the KMA was still committed to ensuring its sustainability.
He said many people have hailed the exercise and some companies have even pledged to provide logistical support for the team.
He called for support from the Chamber of Commerce to ensure the success of the exercise since it is to their advantage in the long run.

Nsempa - Baptist University College holds matriculation

2010-10-04T10:20:00.003Z

Nsempa Mond

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC) in Kumasi has held its fourth matriculation ceremony with a call on students to avoid ostentatious lifestyles and arrogance.
Rev. Dr Kojo Osei-Wusuh, President of the university who gave the advice rather urged students to seek to be humble to learn from others and live within their means.
He said things like pride, selfishness, sexual promiscuity and money consciousness were mere worldly choices which do not serve any good purpose.
Rather, he urged students to avoid such practices and seek to work closer with others in teams, study from one another and avoid greed in anything including money so that they don’t fall prey to evil doers.
He maintained that things that bring quick results like greed, bribe, occultism, cheating at examinations were also mere worldly choices and advised the students to be discerning and analytical in thinking to avoid apparent mishaps.
Out of a total number of 527 students who applied to pursue courses in Business Administration at the university, 324 were admitted for the 2010/2011 academic year.
Rev Dr Osei-Wusuh said the focus of GBUC was not just to give tuition to students who enroll to enable them pass examinations and receive paper certificates but the objective was to ultimately educate, nurture and develop the students into excellent servant-leaders and skilled professionals, responsible citizens of the world who will influence and impact society by adding value to life in general.
He urged the fresh students to be purposeful at all times to be able to succeed in achieving something useful considering current cost of fees in private universities in the country.
The President urged the fresh students to plan their time well, be diligent and unrelenting at studies, targeting not just success but significant success in their pursuit of excellence.
He observed that there was the need for fresh students to be well oriented mentally to be able to fit in well into the university life for full benefit.
“Students must understand that studying in the university, like life is not competition and yet competitive in some aspects. You should not allow yourself to be intimidated by other students’ lifestyle or academic performance. Just be focused, be yourself and do the best you can”.
“Do not depend solely on lecturers’ notes rather complement that with your own research findings since that is the only way to broaden your knowledge and be sure to pass out of the university not just with a paper certificate but truly equipped for life in the world.

Nsempa - Baptist University College holds matriculation

2010-10-04T10:20:00.002Z

Nsempa Monday Oct 4 - 10, 2010 (Page 14)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC) in Kumasi has held its fourth matriculation ceremony with a call on students to avoid ostentatious lifestyles and arrogance.
Rev. Dr Kojo Osei-Wusuh, President of the university who gave the advice rather urged students to seek to be humble to learn from others and live within their means.
He said things like pride, selfishness, sexual promiscuity and money consciousness were mere worldly choices which do not serve any good purpose.
Rather, he urged students to avoid such practices and seek to work closer with others in teams, study from one another and avoid greed in anything including money so that they don’t fall prey to evil doers.
He maintained that things that bring quick results like greed, bribe, occultism, cheating at examinations were also mere worldly choices and advised the students to be discerning and analytical in thinking to avoid apparent mishaps.
Out of a total number of 527 students who applied to pursue courses in Business Administration at the university, 324 were admitted for the 2010/2011 academic year.
Rev Dr Osei-Wusuh said the focus of GBUC was not just to give tuition to students who enroll to enable them pass examinations and receive paper certificates but the objective was to ultimately educate, nurture and develop the students into excellent servant-leaders and skilled professionals, responsible citizens of the world who will influence and impact society by adding value to life in general.
He urged the fresh students to be purposeful at all times to be able to succeed in achieving something useful considering current cost of fees in private universities in the country.
The President urged the fresh students to plan their time well, be diligent and unrelenting at studies, targeting not just success but significant success in their pursuit of excellence.
He observed that there was the need for fresh students to be well oriented mentally to be able to fit in well into the university life for full benefit.
“Students must understand that studying in the university, like life is not competition and yet competitive in some aspects. You should not allow yourself to be intimidated by other students’ lifestyle or academic performance. Just be focused, be yourself and do the best you can”.
“Do not depend solely on lecturers’ notes rather complement that with your own research findings since that is the only way to broaden your knowledge and be sure to pass out of the university not just with a paper certificate but truly equipped for life in the world.

Mirror - Obuasi Mines wins Healh and Safety competition

2010-10-04T10:18:00.001Z

Page 18 - Kumasi Egg Sellers Association launched

2010-10-01T10:03:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Friday October 1, 2010 (Page 18)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

A business advocacy association to promote the production, trading and consumption of healthy eggs as a way of growth for the poultry industry in the country has been officially launched in Kumasi.
It forms part of efforts by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to strengthen producers and marketing associations for the growth of the poultry sector as well help to stop the spread of poultry diseases under the project, ”STOP Avian Influenza (AI)”.
Known as the Kumasi Egg Sellers Association (KESA), it has planned to promote the prevention and spread of poultry diseases from one farm to other parts of the country.
According to the National Consultant of Stop Avian Influenza Project, Dr. Anthony Akunzule, the growth of the poultry industry would be stagnant without a vibrant egg sellers association, which is at the end of the poultry value chain.
He explained that members of the association are to collaborate with other stakeholders in the poultry industry such as the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers and the Ghana Association of Feed millers to act as an advocacy group.
Dr Akunzule explained that the idea of forming the Kumasi Egg Sellers Association (KESA) had existed for a long time however the trigger for the formation and registration came about only after the visit of the USAID STOP AI (Avian Influenza) team in February 2010 to egg sellers at the Kumasi Railway station.
He said the USAID team discovered that the egg sellers faced two major challenges of how to safely transport eggs from one part to another and safe storage of eggs before they are transported.
He said the team saw that the present transport system of using taxi, trotro and open vans does not allow for long shelf life of the eggs for the final consumer and therefore supported the idea of forming the association to collaborate and provide safe transport system to convey eggs from Kumasi to other parts of the country as well as provide hygienic and clean rooms for storage of eggs.
He said the STOP AI project would assist in upgrading facilities in transporting and storing eggs for sellers.
“Where they sell the eggs and the means in which they carry the eggs is key for efficient production and distribution. We are going to have regular meetings with them and see how we can improve where they store the eggs and whether we can secure a cold van that can transport the egg”, Dr. Akunzule said.
Dr Akunzule urged the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers to work closely with the Kumasi Egg Sellers Association so that together, they can find ways of solving the challenges in the poultry industry.
He said the formation of the association has come at a time the government was placing emphasis on o promote the poultry industry cannot grow because the egg sellers are at the end of the poultry value chain.
Dr Timothy Obi, a member of the STOP AI project in West Africa said experience has shown that when government provides a programme and people don’t own it, it does not work hence the need to support formation of associations.
The executives for the association Grace Asante, chairperson, Nana Adwoa Saah, Vice Chairperson and Hajia Amina Haruna, Secretary were sworn into office.
The Secretary, Hajia Amina Haruna called on poultry farmers to involve the association in fixing prices of eggs since she said the sellers bear most of the suffering especially during the off-seasons when market was very bad.

Page 29 - KNUST gets modern office

2010-10-01T10:01:00.001Z

Page 11 - College of Technology admits more females

2010-10-01T09:44:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Wednesday September 29, 2010 (Page 11)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The proportion of female student intake at the College of Technology Education (COLTEK) of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) in Kumasi has been increasing steadily over the years.
Out of a total number of 2509 students admitted for the 2010/2011 academic year, 29.6percent of them were females as against the total number of 2091 students admitted in the 2009/2010 academic year where 27.9percent were females.
Addressing the 17th matriculation ceremony of the university in Kumasi at the weekend, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw said it was the desire of the university to have equal numbers of both females and males assessing the various programmes on offer.
He explained that with regards to graduate programmes, out of the 148 students admitted for the 2010/2011 academic year, 23.6percent were females.
“We shall consciously and systematically improve female intake for our graduate programmes to improve on the balance between female and male students”, the Vice Chancellor assured.
He explained to the fresh students that the matriculation ceremony signified their formal admission to the university and urged them to be of good behaviour and obedient to all constituted authority of the university.
Professor Asabere-Ameyaw reminded the fresh students that they have the right to protection through fair procedures and against arbitrary and capricious academic evaluations.
“However, by our culture, you are expected to express your sentiments in a reasonable and courteous manner. You are expected equally to examine and discuss all questions that are of interest to you”, he added.
He advised the fresh students to show academic integrity and don’t cheat on examinations.

Page 23 - Zoomlion interacts with journalists in Kumasi

2010-09-27T13:51:00.004Z

Daily Graphic Monday Sept 27, 2010 (Page 23)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has planned to establish a waste management institute in 2011 to undertake fulltime courses in waste management, sanitation and hygiene.
According to the company it was currently instituting structures to kick start the institute that would have its main campus in Accra.
Mr Oscar Provencal, Public Relations Officer of Zoomlion in an interaction with journalists in Kumasi said the institute would be the first of its kind in Africa and was expected to serve the sub-region and other African countries.
He explained that the institute, which would be an addition to Zoomlion’s strings of policies, would offer a high level educational training to students on technological approaches to waste management in the country.
He said the institute would start admitting students by the middle of next year and would collaborate with some universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
Mr Provencal explained that Zoomlion's agenda was to help keep Ghana clean by adopting workable strategies through partnership with stakeholders.
He called for a complete change of attitude on the part of Ghanaians towards environmental sanitation and added that was the only way through which effective waste management could be achieved.
The media interaction by Zoomlion in Kumasi was aimed at highlighting the activities of the company, its achievements, challenges, and policies instituted to ensure the effective management of waste and sanitation in the country.
While commending the media for contributing in diverse ways to ensuring the campaign against poor sanitation in the country, Mr Provencal said the time had come for the media to play an active role in conscientising Ghanaians on sanitation issues.
He called for support from the media in the crusade of reshaping peoples’ attitudes and the need to do self-regulation to ensure that the menace of waste in the country was effectively dealt with.
He said the problem of sanitation should be a matter of concern to every Ghanaian, because of the debilitating effects of poor sanitation on the economy and health of the citizens, stressing that each and everyone stands the risk of being affected in one way or the other, as a result of bad sanitation habits.
Zoomlion since its establishment in 2005 has been the leading waste management company in the country, offering various forms of environmental sanitation services, agriculture and other social services, which have gone a long way to improve the social and economic lifestyles of many Ghanaians.
Currently, it has a workforce of over 58,300, including those in the sanitation module of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and Zoil.
Its various services include waste management, establishment of Zoom farms to boost food production, manufacture of composite for farmers, control of malaria through the spraying of mosquito-prone areas, and its subsidiary company, Zoil Ghana, which is into offering auxiliary services in oil waste management.
The company has also established Eco brigade and sanitation clubs in schools and other communities with the aim of educating students on the need to ensure effective sanitation in their respective communities.
Mr. Lawrence Laryea, Operations Manager of the Company said a total of 10,000 unskilled personnel has been engaged under the agricultural project of the company whilst 1000skilled personnel has been engaged.
He said the company faces a number of challenges including the dumping of refuse at unauthorised places, poor sanitation habits, and irregular payment of fees from its clients, sourcing for funds, and the emergence of other waste management firms in the country.

Page 23 - Zoomlion interacts with journalists in Kumasi

2010-09-27T13:51:00.003Z

Daily Graphic Monday Sept 27, 2010 (Page

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has planned to establish a waste management institute in 2011 to undertake fulltime courses in waste management, sanitation and hygiene.
According to the company it was currently instituting structures to kick start the institute that would have its main campus in Accra.
Mr Oscar Provencal, Public Relations Officer of Zoomlion in an interaction with journalists in Kumasi said the institute would be the first of its kind in Africa and was expected to serve the sub-region and other African countries.
He explained that the institute, which would be an addition to Zoomlion’s strings of policies, would offer a high level educational training to students on technological approaches to waste management in the country.
He said the institute would start admitting students by the middle of next year and would collaborate with some universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
Mr Provencal explained that Zoomlion's agenda was to help keep Ghana clean by adopting workable strategies through partnership with stakeholders.
He called for a complete change of attitude on the part of Ghanaians towards environmental sanitation and added that was the only way through which effective waste management could be achieved.
The media interaction by Zoomlion in Kumasi was aimed at highlighting the activities of the company, its achievements, challenges, and policies instituted to ensure the effective management of waste and sanitation in the country.
While commending the media for contributing in diverse ways to ensuring the campaign against poor sanitation in the country, Mr Provencal said the time had come for the media to play an active role in conscientising Ghanaians on sanitation issues.
He called for support from the media in the crusade of reshaping peoples’ attitudes and the need to do self-regulation to ensure that the menace of waste in the country was effectively dealt with.
He said the problem of sanitation should be a matter of concern to every Ghanaian, because of the debilitating effects of poor sanitation on the economy and health of the citizens, stressing that each and everyone stands the risk of being affected in one way or the other, as a result of bad sanitation habits.
Zoomlion since its establishment in 2005 has been the leading waste management company in the country, offering various forms of environmental sanitation services, agriculture and other social services, which have gone a long way to improve the social and economic lifestyles of many Ghanaians.
Currently, it has a workforce of over 58,300, including those in the sanitation module of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and Zoil.
Its various services include waste management, establishment of Zoom farms to boost food production, manufacture of composite for farmers, control of malaria through the spraying of mosquito-prone areas, and its subsidiary company, Zoil Ghana, which is into offering auxiliary services in oil waste management.
The company has also established Eco brigade and sanitation clubs in schools and other communities with the aim of educating students on the need to ensure effective sanitation in their respective communities.
Mr. Lawrence Laryea, Operations Manager of the Company said a total of 10,000 unskilled personnel has been engaged under the agricultural project of the company whilst 1000skilled personnel has been engaged.
He said the company faces a number of challenges including the dumping of refuse at unauthorised places, poor sanitation habits, and irregular payment of fees from its clients, sourcing for funds, and the emergence of other waste management firms in the country.

Page 23 - Zoomlion interacts with journalists in Kumasi

2010-09-27T13:51:00.001Z

Nsempa Page 3 - Zoomlion to establish waste management institute

2010-09-27T13:49:00.001Z

Nsempa Monday Sept 27 - Oct 3, 2010 (Page 3)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has planned to establish a waste management institute in 2011 to undertake fulltime courses in waste management, sanitation and hygiene.
According to the company it was currently instituting structures to kick start the institute that would have its main campus in Accra.
Mr Oscar Provencal, Public Relations Officer of Zoomlion in an interaction with journalists in Kumasi said the institute would be the first of its kind in Africa and was expected to serve the sub-region and other African countries.
He explained that the institute, which would be an addition to Zoomlion’s strings of policies, would offer a high level educational training to students on technological approaches to waste management in the country.
He said the institute would start admitting students by the middle of next year and would collaborate with some universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
Mr Provencal explained that Zoomlion's agenda was to help keep Ghana clean by adopting workable strategies through partnership with stakeholders.
He called for a complete change of attitude on the part of Ghanaians towards environmental sanitation and added that was the only way through which effective waste management could be achieved.
The media interaction by Zoomlion in Kumasi was aimed at highlighting the activities of the company, its achievements, challenges, and policies instituted to ensure the effective management of waste and sanitation in the country.
While commending the media for contributing in diverse ways to ensuring the campaign against poor sanitation in the country, Mr Provencal said the time had come for the media to play an active role in conscientising Ghanaians on sanitation issues.
He called for support from the media in the crusade of reshaping peoples’ attitudes and the need to do self-regulation to ensure that the menace of waste in the country was effectively dealt with.
He said the problem of sanitation should be a matter of concern to every Ghanaian, because of the debilitating effects of poor sanitation on the economy and health of the citizens, stressing that each and everyone stands the risk of being affected in one way or the other, as a result of bad sanitation habits.
Zoomlion since its establishment in 2005 has been the leading waste management company in the country, offering various forms of environmental sanitation services, agriculture and other social services, which have gone a long way to improve the social and economic lifestyles of many Ghanaians.
Currently, it has a workforce of over 58,300, including those in the sanitation module of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and Zoil.
Its various services include waste management, establishment of Zoom farms to boost food production, manufacture of composite for farmers, control of malaria through the spraying of mosquito-prone areas, and its subsidiary company, Zoil Ghana, which is into offering auxiliary services in oil waste management.
The company has also established Eco brigade and sanitation clubs in schools and other communities with the aim of educating students on the need to ensure effective sanitation in their respective communities.
Mr. Lawrence Laryea, Operations Manager of the Company said a total of 10,000 unskilled personnel has been engaged under the agricultural project of the company whilst 1000skilled personnel has been engaged.
He said the company faces a number of challenges including the dumping of refuse at unauthorised places, poor sanitation habits, and irregular payment of fees from its clients, sourcing for funds, and the emergence of other waste management firms in the country.

Nsempa Page 3 - KNUST architecture students on field trip to KATH

2010-09-27T13:47:00.001Z

Nsempa Page 3 - Sept 27 - Oct 3, 2010

Story and Picture: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

A day’s field trip has been organised for architecture students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at the construction site of a modern two-storey with basement Eye Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The trip was to enable the students appreciate foundation systems of multi-storey construction.
Mr Edward Botchway, a lecturer at the College of Architecture and Planning at the KNUST who is also a consultant with ABT & CAN Limited, supervisors of the Eye Centre project organised the field trip for the students.
The GH¢1million modern eye centre project for KATH is being jointly sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and KATH. USAID is providing two-thirds of the finance whilst KATH is taking care of the remaining one-third from its internally generated funds (IGF).
The project is expected to be completed within one year.
Mr Botchway explained that the field trip was a continuation of lectures in the classroom for the third year architecture students.
He said it was very important for the architecture students to understand practically, the different stages of multi-storey buildings.
He said the students were currently studying foundation systems and that it was therefore prudent for them to appreciate the KATH project before the foundation was covered up.
Some of the students after the trip expressed appreciation for the exposure.

Nsempa - Cocoa production in Ashanti decrease

2010-09-27T13:41:00.003Z

Nsempa Page 10, September 27-October 3, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Bekwai

Cocoa production in the Ashanti region has been decreasing in the last three years.
Figures available suggest that production has declined steadily over the last three seasons and calls for urgent measures to address the negative trend.
Out of a total of about 230,000 bags produced in the 2007/2008 main cocoa season, the figure decreased to 170,000 bags in the 2008/2009 cocoa season.
Stakeholders have attributed the decrease to lack of maintenance of old cocoa trees, non usage of fertilizers and rainfall which affects proper drying of cocoa beans and thereby cause them to rot.
According to Mr Akpah Eduku, a Senior Quality Control Officer of the Quality Control Division (QCD) of the COCOBOD, production was however expected to increase slightly in the 2009/2010 season.
“We expect production to go up slightly this year because there was not much rains in July this year”, he said.
Mr Eduku who spoke to the Daily Graphic after addressing a farmers forum at Bekwai advised farmers not to hesitate to cut their old cocoa trees and plant new ones.
This, he said would ensure an increased production.
The farmers forum was organised by the Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations on listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).
The theme for the celebration was, “Maintaining the leadership role of PBC Ltd in cocoa and sheanut business”.
Mr Kwaku A. Gaisie, Ashanti Regional Manager of the PBC said the decreasing production rate was very worrying and therefore urged cocoa farmers to ensure proper cocoa fermentation and drying of their cocoa beans so as to enable the country earn attractive offers on the international market.
He said some farmers were also reluctant in using fertilizers and don’t also want to cut down and plant new cocoa trees.
Mr Gaisie said it was the vision of the PBC to develop and maintain the company as the most attractive dealer in cocoa, sheanut and other cash crops in the West African sub region.
This, he said was to be achieved through the purchase of high quality cocoa and sheanut from farmers, prepare, store and ensure prompt delivery of the graded and sealed stocks to designated take over centres in the most efficient and profitable manner.
Mr Gaisie said from the 2007/2008 to the 2009/2010cocoa season, PBC has progressed steadily from a market share of 30.6percent to 36.8percent.
“In Ashanti, we have moved from 32percent to 36.5percent within the same period”.
He explained that the PBC in its determination to maximise revenue and profitability has diversified into new areas of viable investment such as haulage, vehicle parking lot at Tema Port and Sheanut Processing Plant at Buipe in the north.
The Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Noah Asante Manu urged licensed buying companies to introduce incentives for farmers who abide by certification and dry their beans well.
He said dried beans fetched the country good prices in the world market and urged farmers to continue to ferment their cocoa beans for six days with two turnings on the second and the fourth days to ensure high quality beans.
Awards were presented to deserving farmers and staff of the PBC.

Nsempa - Cocoa production in Ashanti decrease

2010-09-27T13:41:00.002Z

Nsempa - Jewellery training centre inaugurated

2010-09-27T13:39:00.002Z

Nsempa - Road Fund inspects ongoing projects in Ashanti

2010-09-27T13:38:00.001Z

Front Page - 'Reschedule reopening date for SHS freshers'

2010-09-27T13:31:00.001Z

Page 18 - Grace Baptist gices scholarship to 60 needy students in Kumasi

2010-09-27T13:29:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Sat September 25, 2010 (Page 18)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The Grace Baptist Church in Kumasi has given scholarships to sixty needy students in Kumasi to pursue senior high school and tertiary education.
In all a total of GH¢15,000 was distributed among the students, 20 of whom were in the senior high school level whilst the remaining were in various tertiary institutions across the country.
The monies covered school fees as well as pocket monies for the students. Each of the senior high school students received GH¢250 whilst the tertiary students received GH¢300. The very needy ones received additional monies different from what their colleagues received.
Head Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Kumasi, Rev Robert K. Asante explained the church had an obligation to ensure that needy students were supported to undertake their education.
He said the Bible enjoins the church as a holistic ministry to support the needy in society. He explained that the church had been offering the scholarship on yearly basis and that last year a similar amount was distributed among the needy students.
Mr Prince Ayizemi, a second-year student at the Abetifi Training College on behalf of his colleagues expressed appreciation to the church for the support.

Page 18 - Grace Baptist gices scholarship to 60 needy students in Kumasi

2010-09-27T13:29:00.000Z

Page 18 - Grace Baptist gives scholarship to 60 needy students in Kumasi

2010-09-27T13:23:00.002Z

(Back Page) - Cocoa Production declines in Ashanti

2010-09-24T10:26:00.000Z

Daily Graphic Friday September 24, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Bekwai

Cocoa production in the Ashanti region has been decreasing in the last three years.
Figures available suggest that production has declined steadily over the last three seasons and calls for urgent measures to address the negative trend.
Out of a total of about 230,000 bags produced in the 2007/2008 main cocoa season, the figure decreased to 170,000 bags in the 2008/2009 cocoa season.
Stakeholders have attributed the decrease to lack of maintenance of old cocoa trees, non usage of fertilizers and rainfall which affects proper drying of cocoa beans and thereby cause them to rot.
According to Mr Akpah Eduku, a Senior Quality Control Officer of the Quality Control Division (QCD) of the COCOBOD, production was however expected to increase slightly in the 2009/2010 season.
“We expect production to go up slightly this year because there was not much rains in July this year”, he said.
Mr Eduku who spoke to the Daily Graphic after addressing a farmers forum at Bekwai advised farmers not to hesitate to cut their old cocoa trees and plant new ones.
This, he said would ensure an increased production.
The farmers forum was organised by the Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations on listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).
The theme for the celebration was, “Maintaining the leadership role of PBC Ltd in cocoa and sheanut business”.
Mr Kwaku A. Gaisie, Ashanti Regional Manager of the PBC said the decreasing production rate was very worrying and therefore urged cocoa farmers to ensure proper cocoa fermentation and drying of their cocoa beans so as to enable the country earn attractive offers on the international market.
He said some farmers were also reluctant in using fertilizers and don’t also want to cut down and plant new cocoa trees.
Mr Gaisie said it was the vision of the PBC to develop and maintain the company as the most attractive dealer in cocoa, sheanut and other cash crops in the West African sub region.
This, he said was to be achieved through the purchase of high quality cocoa and sheanut from farmers, prepare, store and ensure prompt delivery of the graded and sealed stocks to designated take over centres in the most efficient and profitable manner.
Mr Gaisie said from the 2007/2008 to the 2009/2010cocoa season, PBC has progressed steadily from a market share of 30.6percent to 36.8percent.
“In Ashanti, we have moved from 32percent to 36.5percent within the same period”.
He explained that the PBC in its determination to maximise revenue and profitability has diversified into new areas of viable investment such as haulage, vehicle parking lot at Tema Port and Sheanut Processing Plant at Buipe in the north.
The Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Noah Asante Manu urged licensed buying companies to introduce incentives for farmers who abide by certification and dry their beans well.
He said dried beans fetched the country good prices in the world market and urged farmers to continue to ferment their cocoa beans for six days with two turnings on the second and the fourth days to ensure high quality beans.
Awards were presented to deserving farmers and staff of the PBC.

Back Page - Cocoa production declines in Ashanti

2010-09-24T09:55:00.002Z

(Page 51) - KNUST architecture students embark on field trip at KATH

2010-09-23T10:59:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Thursday September 23, 2010(Page 51)

Story and Picture: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi
A day’s field trip has been organised for architecture students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at the construction site of a modern two-storey with basement Eye Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The trip was to enable the students appreciate foundation systems of multi-storey construction.
Mr Edward Botchway, a lecturer at the College of Architecture and Planning at the KNUST who is also a consultant with ABT & CAN Limited, supervisors of the Eye Centre project organised the field trip for the students.
The GH¢1million modern eye centre project for KATH is being jointly sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and KATH. USAID is providing two-thirds of the finance whilst KATH is taking care of the remaining one-third from its internally generated funds (IGF).
The project is expected to be completed within one year.
Mr Botchway explained that the field trip was a continuation of lectures in the classroom for the third year architecture students.
He said it was very important for the architecture students to understand practically, the different stages of multi-storey buildings.
He said the students were currently studying foundation systems and that it was therefore prudent for them to appreciate the KATH project before the foundation was covered up.
Some of the students after the trip expressed appreciation for the exposure.
PICTURE SHOWS
Mr Edward Botchway conducting the students round the Eye Centre construction site.

(Page 51) - KNUST architecture students embark on field trip at KATH

2010-09-23T10:38:00.004Z

Page 42 - UNIBANK organises peer education on HIVAIDS

2010-09-23T10:35:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Thursday September 23, 2010 (Page 42)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The management of Unibank in Kumasi has organised a day’s peer education exercise on HIV/AIDS for staff of the Adum branch of the bank.
The programme was to abreast staff of the bank on the disease and the need to practice safe sex.
Across the African continent, experts have noted that one of the biggest barriers to the prevention of new HIV/AIDS infections is the denial of the reality and existence of the infection.
Mr John Nsiah, Sales Coordinator at Unibank and who is the peer educator on the disease at the Adum branch said although stigma and discrimination were major issues, denial that the disease exists is a huge barrier towards preventing its spread.
He said employers needed to involve themselves with prevention because when staff acquired the disease, they would be spending time attending hospital at the expense of work.
He gave a presentation on basic facts on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the mode of transmission and also urged his colleagues to strive to know the HIV/AIDS status of their sexual partners.
This, he said would enable them not to necessarily shun their partners, but adopt safe sex measures and prevent contracting the disease.
According to him, the first approach to changing attitudes towards HIV/AIDS is to provide accurate information about the disease.
Mr Nsian noted that poverty and certain cultural practices also make it difficult for people to accept that they can play a role in stopping HIV/AIDS.
He called for more education among peers who would not be intimidated discussing sex. “There is the need for more discussions at our offices”, he said.
Condoms and leaflets on the disease were distributed to staff after the presentation.

Page 46 - Jewellery design centre inaugurated at KNUST

2010-09-23T10:31:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Wednesday September 22, 2010 (Page 46)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong and Joseph Kyei-Boateng, Kumasi

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has planned to support local goldsmith artisans with the provision of equipment, design capability, marketing, knowhow and managerial skills.
This, according to the Chamber was to help revive the local jewellery industry which was on the verge of collapse.
Dr Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive of the chamber said in towns like Obuasi, Kumasi and Tarkwa where gold smiting was a very vibrant business, the trade has almost grounded to a halt as a result of lack of innovations, marketing and managerial skills.
Speaking at the commissioning of a Jewellery Design and Technology Centre for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Friday Dr Aryee said the chamber was currently reviewing plans to support goldsmiths on value addition.
She said the chamber intends to assist those who are willing and capable to upgrade their production set up and produce high quality jewellery to resuscitate the local industry,
She noted that the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies obviously through training was critical to improve performance of jewellery enterprises, upgrade the quality of their products and manufacture new and innovative products.
“Today enterprises which ignore the importance of training run the risk of losing their survival advantages”.
Dr Aryee said as the country moved towards a more liberal trading environment, the traditional way of producing goods and services and doing business had to change and that it was only through training in new concepts, techniques and methodologies and fundamental changes that one could confront the new business environment.
She noted that the Ghanaian local jewellery industry was on the verge of collapse because local enterprises were small and still “inward-oriented”, mainly producing for the domestic market.
According to Dr Aryee, the production of jewellery was an old activity where Ghanaians had used their traditional skills, craftsmanship and dexterity to transform precious metals like gold into ornaments.
Ghanaian ingenuity she said had not been fully utilised to develop a strong export oriented industry or even sell to the growing number of tourists visiting the country.
She said in a country like Mauritius, where mineral wealth in comparative terms was nowhere near Ghana, jewellery and processed diamond was the third most important export product-group after textile and clothing and fish products.
She therefore commended the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) at the KNST for the laudable initiative in launching the training centre.
She said that the centre was the first of its kind in the country and that the training it would provide presented a great opportunity for the country to revive its jewellery industry.
She gave the assurance that the chamber of mines would work together with the centre for achievable results in the jewellery industry.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa said even though Ghana was noted for its production of minerals such as gold and diamonds, minerals were not affordable to most Ghanaians.
“We are aware that buying jewels for occasions such as weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, is not affordable to most of us”, he said.
He added “in our world of today which is highly being influenced by the phenomenon of fashion, jewellery has become part of our life; it is either a necklace, an ear ring, a bangle, a cufflink or a tie pin”.
Prof Adarkwa said the centre would serve as a training workshop for the Department of the Industrial Art to transform theories of design and fabrication into practical lessons and output.
He commended the Provost of the CASS, his Deans and Heads of Department for making everything possible for the project.
He expressed the hope that the facility would be managed from the business point of view to ensure its sustainability.
He called on stakeholders to ensure that minerals became affordable for ordinary Ghanaians to benefit from the natural resources in a visible way.
Present at the ceremony were the Provost of the CASS Prof Dr Dr Daniel Buor, the Dean of the Faculty of Art, Prof Daniel A Ohene-Adu, the Director of the DDL, Joseph K. Arthur and other Heads of Institution.

Page 18 - Eye Clinic opens at Ksi South Hospital

2010-09-23T10:25:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Tuesday September 21, 2010, (Page 18)

Nsempa - Pastors should be concerned with issues affecting the people – Rev Minister

2010-09-20T13:47:00.001Z

Nsempa - Monday September 20 - 26, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Afrancho

Pastors and other ministers of the gospel should always concern themselves with issues affecting members of the society.
According to Very Reverend Dr C. K. Coffie, Superintendent Minister in charge of the Gethsemane Society of the Methodist Church at Afrancho, near Kumasi, the gospel ministry should be holistic affecting people spiritually, economically and politically whiles also tackling environmental issues.
Preaching the sermon at a thanksgiving service organised by the Kwabre West constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Afrancho, Very Rev Dr Coffie said it was sad that some people want gospel ministers to always concern themselves with the salvation of mankind and remain silent over political and economic issues affecting members of their congregation.
He said gospel ministers were the mouthpiece of the people and there was the need for them to take part in public debates on economic, political and environmental issues affecting members of the people.
Rev Coffie advised gospel ministers to always put their ears to the ground and listen to the problems of members of their congregation and try to help address them.
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, Kwabre West constituency chairman of the NPP said the service was to thank God for His mercies which ensured the smooth and violent free election of the party’s flagbearer.
He said Ghanaians were currently facing severe economic hardships due to bad governance and appealed to gospel ministers to be bold and rise up and speak against bad governance in the country.
END

Page 19 - tiGO opens customer service office in Obuasi

2010-09-20T13:44:00.001Z

tiGO opens customer service office in Obuasi
Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Obuasi
Millicom Ghana Limited, operators of the tiGO network has opened a customer care office in the Obuasi Municipality of Ashanti to enable the mobile company provide clients in the gold mining town with better services.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, Mr John Alexander Ackon and the Gyaasehene of Akrokerri Nana Kofi Baakyi cut the tape to officially open the new office located at Kwabrafoso in Obuasi at the weekend.
In an address, Mr Samuel Sarpong, the Territory Manager said the opening of the Obuasi office was part of a general strategy to get closer to customers and make communication services affordable.
“Our presence in Obuasi is a clarion call to customers that we are here to stay”, Mr Sarpong said.
Mrs Vivian Odametey, the Customer Care Manager in charge of the Northern Territory said the office was to provide clients with hi-tech and quality communication services.
The Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr John Alexander Ackon expressed appreciation that corporate organisations were recognising Obuasi as a second capital in Ashanti in terms of commercial activities and opening offices there.
He said the mobile technology has made life easier in terms of communication.
He said the presence of tiGO in Obuasi would help create an enabling environment for businesses to grow.

Front Page - Prison officers in demonstration. But FWSC says it has no merit

2010-09-20T13:41:00.001Z

Thursday September 16, 2010 (Front Page)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong and Robert Kyei-Gyau, Kumasi

Prison officers in Kumasi on Wednesday embarked on a demonstration to register their dissatisfaction with what they described as inadequate upward adjustment in their salaries as compared to what their colleagues in the Police Service receives far as the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) was concerned.
Wearing red arm bands the officers abandoned their duty posts, locked the main gate of the central prison, blocked all entry points and vowed to prevent visitors from visiting their relatives in the prison.
In apparent destruction of national property and in the full glare of Police Officers across the road, at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters, the demonstrators burnt tyres on the asphalted road in front of the Prisons, to register their protest.
While smoke from the tyres they were burning billowed in the skies of the Kumasi Central Business District, the inmates were heard shouting from their cells, apparently due to the lack of care or solidarity with their caretakers.
The officers said they would not admit new inmates and accused the Fair Wages Commission (FWC) and the government of unfair treatment under the SSSS.
They restricted their demonstration to the in front of the Central Prisons and held placards, some of which read “FWC, be fair to the Prison Service”, “SSSS – Prisons is victimised”, “Single Spine, OH! Who will save us from the lions’ den”, “Dissolve prisons if you can’t pay us well” and “What is single spine”,
Others read “Pay us well”, “Come again, this is cheating”, “We are being cheated”.
The demonstrating officers sang war songs and refused to carry out their normal duties unless their concerns over the SSSS were addressed by the appropriate authorities.
“Even a constable in the Police has their pay increased from ¢150 per month to about ¢750 per month when the SSSS came in but a prison officer of a higher rank receives just about ¢450 which is unfair to us prison officers,” a demonstrating officer said.
Mr Peter Kwasi Boafo said prison officers had fared worse off compared to the Police Service and the Armed Forces under the SSSS but the leadership of the Prisons Service had failed to act in their favour.
They vowed to refuse any new admissions of inmates into the various prisons but said they would not hesitate to release any prisoner who was due for release.
The demonstrating officers thwarted all attempts by their leadership to address them and refused to call off the demonstrations unless the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, on behalf of President J. E. A. Mills, came personally to assure them of finding a lasting solution to their complaints.
They called for parity in wages with their counterparts in the Police Service and the Army, who they claimed to have gotten a far better deal from the Fair Wages Commission with regards to the SSSS.
One officer invoked the Antoa Nyama god to curse anybody who attempted to prevent officers in the Prison Service from enjoying same salaries as their colleagues in the police as far as the SSSS was concerned.
ADP Stephen Coffie, in charge of legal services in the northern sector of the service tried to call on his colleagues to exercise restraint, but they refused to heed to his advice.
“Please be reminded that in spite of your complaints, you are not civilians and still remain prison officers and therefore your actions should not go beyond legality”, he told them.
He called on them to cease all activities and resume work, adding, that the government has heard their cries.
However his pleadings fell on deaf ears and as of the time the Daily Graphic was leaving the premises in the morning, the demonstration was still ongoing

Graphic Sports - Honour us with stars job - Abdul Razak

2010-09-20T13:38:00.001Z

Graphic Sports Front Page Friday September 17, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Coach Abdul Razak Karim thinks it would be a great honour for a Ghanaian to be handed the Black Stars coaching job after Milovan Rajevac’s exit.
Razak has indicated his interest in the job and consequently submitted an application letter to the Ghana Football Association (GFA). He sent the application letter together with his curriculum vitae (CV) today (Tuesday).
Making a strong case for his proposal, he told the Graphic in Kumasi that it was about time a local coach was given the Stars job to end the usual wild-goose chase for white coaches who only use Ghana as a platform to shoot themselves into fame and leave us midstream after a small success.
"I'd be honoured to have the job. It would be an opportunity and a prestige to serve the country at that level", he said.
Razak argued that many African countries were currently fed with white coaches and turning to “their own”.
“We need to prove to the world that given the nod, we can perform with our own countrymen instead of always looking up to white coaches”.
“It is even baffling that many of these white coaches we often turn to are no achievers in their home countries”.
Razak stressed that his knowledge of the local terrain coupled with his playing career would help him to excel in the job in addition to his experience both at home and abroad.
The sudden departure of Black Stars’ Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac has not only taken FA officials by surprise, but has also put them into an uncomfortable situation of finding a quick replacement before Ghana’s next Africa Nations Cup group qualifier against The Sudan in Accra.
A number of names such as former French international Marcel Desailly, current assistant coach of the Black Stars Kwasi Appiah, Herbert Addo, David Duncan and Bashiru Hayford have come up but the GFA has indicated that it would not be rushed into getting a new coach for the team.
Abdul Razak thinks that given the same support and motivation offered white coaches, local coaches could also excel in the job.
He cited the example of the Egyptian coach, Hassan Shehata whom he said had chalked successes with the national team as a local coach.
Razak 49-year-old is currently without a club after parting ways with Real Tamale United in 2008 as head coach.
The former midfielder played for several clubs in the 1970s and 1980s, notably local club Asante Kotoko and the New York Cosmos in the defunct North American Soccer League (NASL).
Popularly called the "Golden Boy", he also played for the Black Stars, helping the team win the 1978 African Cup of Nations. He was named African Footballer of the Year later that year.
Razak, who also played for clubs in the UAE, Egypt, and Côte d'Ivoire, was ranked by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2007 as one of the confederation's 30 best footballers of the previous 50 years.
After retiring from playing, Razak, who had become a player-coach while at Al Ain, started his coaching career, being in charge of several semi-professional Togolese clubs, before moving to Benin's AS Dragons FC de l'Ouémé.
In 2000, he had a short spell as an assistant coach of the Ghana national team. After leaving the Ghanaian side, Razak went to Mali, where he won the Malien Premiere Division and cup double with Stade Malien. The club did not lose any matches on its way to winning the title.
In 2003, he was appointed the coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and helped the club win their first local league in ten years. He discharged of his post after the 2003-04 league season, eventually returning to Stade Malien for two additional seasons.
END

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2010-09-20T13:37:00.005Z

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2010-09-20T13:37:00.004Z

Graphic Business - tiGO opens customer service office in Obuasi

2010-09-20T13:31:00.002Z

Foundation donate to Childrens Home

2010-09-20T13:25:00.001Z

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi
The Rose Whittaker Foundation has presented items worth GH¢800 to the Kumasi Children’s Home. A cash donation of GH¢700 was also presented to the home for the upkeep of the inmates.
The trustees of the estate of the late Rose Whittaker handed over the items to Madam Theresa Tengey, a principal child care officer at the home at the weekend.
The late Mrs Rose Whittaker who unfortunately passed away 15 years ago directed the trustees of her estate to institute an educational fund which offers a scholarship to one female student yearly pursuing a course in physics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), donate to the children’s home as well as play a golf competition in her honour.
The management of Vienna City in Kumasi which forms part of the trustees provided cash of GH¢500 for the donation
Making the presentation, Mr Solomon Quandzie, spokesperson of the trustees said it was the will of Mrs Whittaker that inmates of the home were constantly assisted in their upkeep hence the donation.
Mrs Theresa Tengey expressed appreciation for the donation. Among the items were cooking oil, bags of rice, sugrar, detergents, milk and fruit juice.

Graphic Sports - Donkor-Baahs win Rose Whittaker Golf

2010-09-14T11:37:00.002Z

Pictures shows Mr and Mrs Donkor Baah displaying the trophies they won
Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

Mr and Mrs Donkor-Baah of Kumasi shared honours in the men’s and ladies main event of the 2010 Rose Whittaker Memorial Golf competition, which was held on Saturday at the Royal Golf Course in Kumasi.
Mr F. Donkor-Baah won the men’s event with 46points over K. O. Agyemang who placed second with 39points. The third position was taken by S. Nixon with 38points, whilst Michael Boateng and Prince Boateng placed fourth and fifth with 37 and 36 points respectively.
Mrs J. Donkor-Baah came first in the ladies event with 39points over Nelly Hage’s 35points and H. Muller’s 33points for the second and third positions respectively.
C. K. Kusi the only player in the seniors’ event scored 16points.
Kojo Barnni scored 71 net to win the professional event whilst James Larry came second with 73 net followed by P. Korsah with 74 net.
About 60 golfers took part in memorial golf tournament which was played in honour of the late Mrs Rose Whittaker who was a staunch golfer and a member of the Royal Golf club but unfortunately passed away in 1995.
In her will she directed the trustees of her estate which inlude Roses Guest House to institute an educational fund which offers a scholarship to one female student yearly pursuing a course in physics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), donate to the children’s home as well as play a golf competition in her honour.
Mr Solomon Quandzie, spokesperson of the trustees said the tournament was going to be held every other year from hence.
Mrs Irene Shandorf on behalf of the trustees presented trophies to the winners

Graphic Sports - Donkor-Baahs win Rose Whittaker Golf

2010-09-14T11:18:00.005Z

Page 12 - USAG defends NUGS Treasurer accused of signature forgery

2010-09-13T12:02:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Monday September 13, 2010 (Page 12)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) has stated that Mr Bonaventure Anane-Queba, the treasurer of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) who has been accused of forging the signature of the NUGS President to withdraw monies from the union’s account at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) was innocent.
Members of the USAG has consequently thrown their support for the treasurer and pledged to defend him in solidarity.
According to USAG, they were convinced that Anane-Quebah was innocent of the charge of forgery and that they suspect the NUGS President, Mr Wonder Madilo of “framing up the charge to cover up his inability to organise a smooth national congress of NUGS at Wa recently and his inability to render a proper account to the union”.
A statement signed and issued in Kumasi by Mr Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, President of USAG said they were aware that Mr Madilo signed an open cheque and asked Mr Anane-Quebah to check on the amount in the account in the bank before the withdrawal.
They said Mr Anane-Quebah disbursed the monies involved after withdrawing it and has receipts to cover all the payments made.
“The treasurer used the money to pay for souvenirs such as T-shirts, bags and exercise books, which were distributed at the just ended congress”, USAG said.
According to members of USAG, the treasurer has always opposed attempts by the NUGS President to sell the conscience of the union “to his pay masters who want to control affairs of the union”, hence the rift between them.
In addition to that the President has consistently denied the treasurer the space to perform his constitutional obligation, they said.
They said the whole issue of the alleged forgery was a ploy to ensure that all those who oppose Mr Madilo and his cohorts are dealt with “using powers that are above the imagination of the student front”.
They said Mr Wonder Madilo has had a chequered leadership at the helm of affairs at NUGS and “indeed he must be quiet and seek a silent exit from his shameful leadership rather than the rattling and venomous utterances which does nothing but disrepute the hard won image of NUGS”.
They said due to the inefficiency and irresponsible conduct of the President of NUGS at the just ended 44th congress, one of their colleagues Adoba Acquah Abraham met his untimely death through an accident during the congress.
They said Abraham, a second year computer science student of the UEW in Kumasi had been sent by the union to go and print more ballot papers when he met his untimely death through an accident.
They said as part of his diabolic moves to rig the elections in favour of his preferred candidate, Mr Madilo printed a few ballot papers but in an attempt to prevent him and his political functionaries from hijacking the elections in favour of their political cohort, Abraham had to be sent to print more ballot papers and met his death.
“One would have expected a level-headed president to lead a high-powered delegation to empathise and sympathise with the bereaved family and take interest in the funeral arrangement thereof.”
They said they were expecting the NUGS President to wait for the outcome of the investigations into the alleged signature forgery instead of “jumping into the serious character assassination we have witnessed against Mr Bonaventure and the coordinating secretary.
“We, with cautious optimism, hope to trust the professional judgment of the Ghana Police Service to dutifully execute their civic duties”.
“If there is any business Wonder Madilo and his followers must concern themselves with now, it should be to give the departed colleague and friend a befitting burial and prepare his handing over notes for a smooth transfer of the mantle and submit an audited financial statement for the year ending”.
They said they were of the opinion that Mr Madilo has some hidden faces which were always giving him ungodly counsel and advised that political parties, the government and civil society to consider the plight and challenges of students and formulate policies to help accelerate the developmental agenda instead of attempting to massage the student front for their selfish gains.

Mirror - Ice cream seller jailed 10years for defilement

2010-09-13T12:00:00.001Z

Mirror - Sat September 11, 2010

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

An attempt by a twenty-year-old ice cream seller in Kumasi to abort a four-month-old pregnancy with the “cytotec” drug has landed him in trouble.
John Appiah, 20, had been secretly dating a 14-year-old girl with whom he had been having sexual intercourse on many occasions.
The young girl became pregnant and in an effort to prevent her parents from discovering the pregnancy, Appiah administered the “cytotec” drug to her on the fourth month of the pregnancy to terminate it.
After taking the drug, the girl started experiencing severe abdominal pains and confessed to her father, a carpenter.
The father later reported the matter to the police and Appiah was subsequently arrested and charged in court with the offence of defilement and causing illegal abortion.
He pleaded guilty and the court presided over by Mr Justice D.P.W. Amedior sentenced him to 10years imprisonment on the charge of defilement and two years on the charge of causing illegal abortion.
The prosecutor, ASP Doris Amewu told the court that Appiah, a resident of Pampaso in Adum sold ice cream in the central business district of Adum.
She said on August 3, 2010 the father of the young girl detected that she was in severe pains and confronted her.
After confessing, the father reported the matter to police and a medical form was issued to the girl attend hospital where doctors treated her.
Appiah was arrested and he confessed to committing the offence.

Page 46 - Asantehene worried over frequent breakdown of equipment at KATH

2010-09-09T10:01:00.001Z

Daily Graphic Thursday September 9, 2010 (Page 46)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Kumasi

The founder of Cable News Network (CNN) in the United States of America (USA) Mr Robert Edward Turner has planned to visit the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in Kumasi in October 2010.
The American media mogul, philanthropist and businessman is expected to donate some money to help with development projects, especially at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital during his visit.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who made this known said Mr Ted Turner would be coming to Kumasi in the company of Mr Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General.
Otumfuo said if Mr Turner was able to donate US$1 billion as a gift to support UN causes, which created the United Nations Foundation, then he (Asantehene) ought to find a way to make him support a worthy project in Kumasi and precisely at KATH.
The Asantehene who visited KATH at the weekend as part of a duty tour to inspect ongoing development projects in the Kumasi metropolis said he particularly visited KATH to assess areas of need so that he could appeal to Mr Ted Turner to assist.
Addressing staff of the hospital Otumfuo Osei Tutu expressed concern about the early and frequent breakdown of newly procured equipment for the hospital (KATH) which he said was greatly hampering health delivery in the hospital’s quest to achieve a centre of excellence.
He said he has been informed that the breakdown of the equipment was due to the non-involvement of local technicians and experts who operate the equipment in the procurement process.
He therefore called for greater transparency in the procurement of equipment to ensure that the country derives maximum benefits.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said health and education were the major priority of most Ghanaians and charged health workers to be committed to their profession and do away with selfish personal interest and work to provide the needed services to the people.
He cited the breakdown of a number of recently installed modern machines and equipment at KATH and said it was unbelievable that some equipment procured for the hospital were not useful.
He said his information was that some contractors who supplied the equipment refused to provide spare parts and training to local technicians to repair them.
“Why should someone sit in Accra and decide to buy and deliver equipment that was not suitable for you. I know it makes you frustrated but you ought to give off your best as professionals”, he urged the hospital staff.
The Asantehene said the situation deprived the nation of huge revenue while patients were denied the maximum benefits of the machines.
Otumfuo said he was aware there were some people agitating against the leadership style of the Chief Executive and called for restraint and urged the staff to channel their grievances through laid down channels.
He charged professionals at health institutions to give off their best in their professional duties.
“We ought to be accountable to what we do here because if you think the hospital is where you can make money through dubious means then this is not the place for you. We all understand the pay is not good but we also need to understand that it is a call to duty”, Otumfuo said.
Professor Ohene Adjei, Chief Executive of KATH, mentioned ageing infrastructure, machines and equipment as well as land space for expansion as some of the challenges facing the hospital.
He said the location of the hospital in the heart of Ghana coupled with the dwindling financial support from the government has placed much stress on it and called for more support from both government and philanthropists to assist the hospital to provide quality health care to the people.
The Asantehene inspected the Special Wards at the Accident and Emergency Centre, Obstetric and Gynaecology, Child Health as well as the Mother and Child Unit project, which started in 1974 but has not been completed as of now.
He also inspected construction works on the KATH Roundabout-Abuakwa Road Redevelopment and the Oforikrom-Asokwa bypass projects to acquaint himself with the progress of works and challenges facing the contractors on site.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Kofi Opoku Manu, his Deputy, Ms Anima Wilson, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, Service Commanders and officials from the Regional Co-ordinating Council and the Department of Urban Roads accompanied the Asantehene.
Otumfuo also inspected progress of work on the KATH-Abuakwa project, Oforikrom-Asokwa-bypass, the Pedestrian Overhead Bridge linking the Kumasi Central Market to Adum and also visited the Sokoban Wood Village.

Nsempa - Asantehene inpects ongoing projects

2010-09-07T10:05:00.002Z

Nsempa - Anglogold to re-mine Pompora Tailings Dam

2010-09-07T10:03:00.002Z

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Obuasi

Anglogold Ashanti Limited (AGA) has proposed to commence re-mining in the Pompora Tailings Dam, one of the oldest tailings dam in the Obuasi municipality, but residents in the area have expressed concerns about the potential environmental implications of the project.
According to the residents they were not sure of the environmental implications of the project and have therefore called on Anglogold to make public a detailed programme of how they intend to comply with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations before commencing the project.
Tailings are the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable fraction (gold) from the worthless fraction of an ore. Tailings dams are often the most significant environmental liability for a mining company and the pond is generally impounded with a dam.
The Pompora Tailings Dam is located right in the heart of Obuasi and the mining company thinks that re-mining it is the best way to get rid of it from its current location in other to prevent a potential disaster in case it should collapse.
Besides the company stands to recoup a substantial amount of gold from the tailings dam since at the time the debris was dumped there, the mine did not have sophisticated equipment to extract all the gold from it.
According to officials of Anglogold, it would take an approximate of 20years to mine the entire tailings dam at Pompora and completely remove it from there.
In line with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 1990, Act 490 a public hearing on the proposed project was held at Obuasi on Wednesday where the residents expressed their reservations about the project.
The public hearing followed an Environmental Impact Statement which AGA sent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed project as required under Section 12(1) of the EPA Act.
The forum was chaired by Mr Ransford Sekyi, a Deputy Director and Head of Mining at the EPA who explained that the forum was to seek views and concerns of catchment communities so that every individual within the catchment would be informed.
Participants expressed appreciation that for the first time in the 100year lifespan of the mine such a forum was being organised in accordance with the Ghana Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures before a project of that nature was started.
They however accused Anglogold of reneging on their intention of taking over the Obuasi Mines which was to concentrate on deep mining.
“Why do they want to now concentrate on re-mining on tailings instead of focusing on deep mining to make the company more profitable”? Nana Asirifi Asare, chief of Adomanu questioned.
Some of the participants argued that Anglogold had embarked on similar projects in the past but reneged on their promise to abide by environmental regulations and instead brought problems and hardships on the people.
They said in spite of efforts outlined by the company on similar projects there remain significant environmental issues in Obuasi which has accrued through Ghana’s colonial era to the present day.
They said an issue of major concern was the discharge of untreated process water into the environment which, among other things compelled the EPA to stop operations at the mine’s two metallurgical plants for 12 days in September 2007 after the EPA had expressed concern about the mine’s lack of corrective action following earlier visits and inspections.
The chief of Sansu, Nana Bawuah on his part called on the mining company to explain in detail the social and environmental impact of the proposal and outline their measures to deal with it.
Other participants wanted Anglogold to collect data on health of the people in the area so that they could make comparisons at the end of the project.
Others explained that the mining company had maintained bad faith with the communities and mentioned a similar project at Boete, an Obuasi suburb where they said AGA created inconveniences and hardships for the people.
Some also wanted the mining company to outline a policy on employment for the indigenes before the project was started and also raised concerns about dust and chemicals.
Mr Oti Attakora from Anglogold explained that the town had expanded close to the tailings dam hence the need to remove it and said pipelines would be constructed to transport the soil to the Sulphide Treatment Plant (STP) at Sansu.
After treatment, the waste would be sent to the Sansu Tailings where a complete new tailings dam is to be constructed.
He said a trolley arrangement was to be constructed over the Obuasi-Accra road to hold the pipes overhead and also added that a containment pipe would be constructed around the main pipe to prevent leakages.
He explained that water would be used to pump the soil hence there would be any problem with dust.
He said the main focus of the project was to prevent risks in areas such as Kwabrafoso and Wawase in case there was a problem and added that they would need 20years to clean the Pompora.
Mr Attakora mentioned that there were a number of measures to mitigate the hazards and called on the residents to remain calm.

Page 28 - Obuasi residents not happy about mining in Pompora Tailings Dam

2010-09-07T10:01:00.002Z

Daily Graphic Sat Sept 4, 2010 (Page 28)

Story: Enoch Darfah Frimpong, Obuasi

Anglogold Ashanti Limited (AGA) has proposed to commence re-mining in the Pompora Tailings Dam, one of the oldest tailings dam in the Obuasi municipality, but residents in the area have expressed concerns about the potential environmental implications of the project.
According to the residents they were not sure of the environmental implications of the project and have therefore called on Anglogold to make public a detailed programme of how they intend to comply with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations before commencing the project.
Tailings are the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable fraction (gold) from the worthless fraction of an ore. Tailings dams are often the most significant environmental liability for a mining company and the pond is generally impounded with a dam.
The Pompora Tailings Dam is located right in the heart of Obuasi and the mining company thinks that re-mining it is the best way to get rid of it from its current location in other to prevent a potential disaster in case it should collapse.
Besides the company stands to recoup a substantial amount of gold from the tailings dam since at the time the debris was dumped there, the mine did not have sophisticated equipment to extract all the gold from it.
According to officials of Anglogold, it would take an approximate of 20years to mine the entire tailings dam at Pompora and completely remove it from there.
In line with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 1990, Act 490 a public hearing on the proposed project was held at Obuasi on Wednesday where the residents expressed their reservations about the project.
The public hearing followed an Environmental Impact Statement which AGA sent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed project as required under Section 12(1) of the EPA Act.
The forum was chaired by Mr Ransford Sekyi, a Deputy Director and Head of Mining at the EPA who explained that the forum was to seek views and concerns of catchment communities so that every individual within the catchment would be informed.
Participants expressed appreciation that for the first time in the 100year lifespan of the mine such a forum was being organised in accordance with the Ghana Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures before a project of that nature was started.
They however accused Anglogold of reneging on their intention of taking over the Obuasi Mines which was to concentrate on deep mining.
“Why do they want to now concentrate on re-mining on tailings instead of focusing on deep mining to make the company more profitable”? Nana Asirifi Asare, chief of Adomanu questioned.
Some of the participants argued that Anglogold had embarked on similar projects in the past but reneged on their promise to abide by environmental regulations and instead brought problems and hardships on the people.
They said in spite of efforts outlined by the company on similar projects there remain significant environmental issues in Obuasi which has accrued through Ghana’s colonial era to the present day.
They said an issue of major concern was the discharge of untreated process water into the environment which, among other things compelled the EPA to stop operations at the mine’s two metallurgical plants for 12 days in September 2007 after the EPA had expressed concern about the mine’s lack of corrective action following earlier visits and inspections.
The chief of Sansu, Nana Bawuah on his part called on the mining company to explain in detail the social and environmental impact of the proposal and outline their measures to deal with it.
Other participants wanted Anglogold to collect data on health of the people in the area so that they could make comparisons at the end of the project.
Others explained that the mining company had maintained bad faith with the communities and mentioned a similar project at Boete, an Obuasi suburb where they said AGA created inconveniences and hardships for the people.
Some also wanted the mining company to outline a policy on employment for the indigenes before the project was started and also raised concerns about dust and chemicals.
Mr Oti Attakora from Anglogold explained that the town had expanded close to the tailings dam hence the need to remove it and said pipelines would be constructed to transport the soil to the Sulphide Treatment Plant (STP) at Sansu.
After treatment, the waste would be sent to the Sansu Tailings where a complete new tailings dam is to be constructed.
He said a trolley arrangement was to be constructed over the Obuasi-Accra road to hold the pipes overhead and also added that a containment pipe would be constructed around the main pipe to prevent leakages.
He explained that water would be used to pump the soil hence there would be any problem with dust.
He said the main focus of the project was to prevent risks in areas such as Kwabrafoso and Wawase in case there was a problem and added that they would need 20years to clean the Pompora.
Mr Attakora mentioned that there were a number of measures to mitigate the hazards and called on the residents to remain calm.