THE Microsfere, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in collaboration with the Wild Life Division of the Forestry Commission, has set up two projects in the Central and the Western regions to support communities which fringe two forest reserves, to enhance biodiversity and wildlife protection.
The project areas are the ones which border the Kakum National Park in the Central Region and the Amansuri Wetland in the Western Region.
Under the project, 30 groups made up of 360 participants around the Kakum National Park would benefit from financial assistance from Microsfere.
Launching the project at Abeka Nkwanta, the Project Co-ordinator of Microsfere, Mr Senyo Mensah Buake, named the beneficiary communities around the Kakum National Park as Antwikwaa, Afiaso, Abeka Nkwanta, Adianom, Kenkuase and Brahabebome.
He said the financial assistance to the communities was being channelled through the Kakum Rural Bank.
Mr Buake said the project in the Western Nzema Traditional Area would be channelled through the Jomoro Rural Bank and mentioned Kengen, Benyin, Eloyin and Ngelekrzo as the beneficiary communities.
He added that the activities to be supported in the beneficiary communities included petty trading, vegetable farming, cash crop farming, palm fruits processing, traditional soap making, traditional catering, livestock and poultry, fish processing and other economic ventures.
Mr Buake stated that Microsfere and the Wild Life Division were collaborating in environmental awareness education and the conservation of biodiversity in the project areas.
The District Chief Executive for Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira, Mr Samuel Agyeibi Kessie commended Microsfere for initiating the programme.
He called on the beneficiary communities to support the project, since it would improve their livelihood.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
GOMOA RURAL BANK TO RAISE CAPITAL BASE (PAGE 22)
THE Gomoa Rural Bank Limited is to raise its capital base through the sale of additional shares to meet the requirement of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
A resolution to that effect was adopted at its 27th annual general meeting of the bank at Apam, where shares were floated for sale to the board of directors, shareholders and the general public.
Through the sale of shares, the bank is expected to raise GH¢44,000. The bank has already ploughed back from its own resources an amount of GH¢56,000 to offset part of the shortfall.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Andrew B. Simpson, said the bank computerised its operations during the re-denomination exercise, adding that additional computers would be needed to complete the computerisation process.
He commended the staff and customers of the bank for their co-operation which contributed to its success.
Mr Simpson advised shareholders and customers to patronise the share sales to sustain the operations of the bank.
The Manager of the Accra branch of the ARB Apex Bank Limited, Mr Seth Ankrah, who read a speech on behalf of the Managing Director of the bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, urged rural and community banks to set up an internal audit unit as part of their management structure to enable them to oversee the implementation of the bank's systems and controls and report directly to the board.
Reverend Peter Ohene Ansah, an Assistant Director of Education, was elected as a member of the Board of Directors to replace Mr Robert Mensah whose term of office expired.
A resolution to that effect was adopted at its 27th annual general meeting of the bank at Apam, where shares were floated for sale to the board of directors, shareholders and the general public.
Through the sale of shares, the bank is expected to raise GH¢44,000. The bank has already ploughed back from its own resources an amount of GH¢56,000 to offset part of the shortfall.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Andrew B. Simpson, said the bank computerised its operations during the re-denomination exercise, adding that additional computers would be needed to complete the computerisation process.
He commended the staff and customers of the bank for their co-operation which contributed to its success.
Mr Simpson advised shareholders and customers to patronise the share sales to sustain the operations of the bank.
The Manager of the Accra branch of the ARB Apex Bank Limited, Mr Seth Ankrah, who read a speech on behalf of the Managing Director of the bank, Mr Eric Osei-Bonsu, urged rural and community banks to set up an internal audit unit as part of their management structure to enable them to oversee the implementation of the bank's systems and controls and report directly to the board.
Reverend Peter Ohene Ansah, an Assistant Director of Education, was elected as a member of the Board of Directors to replace Mr Robert Mensah whose term of office expired.
PRAH ELECTED PRESIDING MEMBER OF KEEA (PAGE 22)
A FORTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD tutor of the Komenda Teacher Training College, Mr Andrew Prah, has been elected as the Presiding Member of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal Assembly.
Mr Prah, who is also the proprietor of the Oxford Preparatory School at Kissi, polled 36 votes as against 11 by his contestant, Mr Eben Obeng, also a teacher at Kissi.
Before the election, Mr Frank Appiah, who had served for two four-year terms, had tendered his resignation letter to the assembly.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Prah called for support from the members and gave the assurance that he would work diligently to ensure the success of the assembly.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr George Frank Asmah, said the assembly had by the end of August, this year, mobilised an amount of GH¢702,993.87 representing 78 per cent of its estimated revenue for the year.
He urged members of the assembly to help recruit credible revenue collectors who would be given commission, since most of the assembly’s revenue collectors had either retired of gone on transfer.
Mr Asmah said the twin-sister city relationship with the Gouda Municipality in The Netherlands and Ottawa in Canada were yielding good results.
He said the assembly was taking the necessary steps to check the declining rate of education in the municipality.
Mr Prah, who is also the proprietor of the Oxford Preparatory School at Kissi, polled 36 votes as against 11 by his contestant, Mr Eben Obeng, also a teacher at Kissi.
Before the election, Mr Frank Appiah, who had served for two four-year terms, had tendered his resignation letter to the assembly.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Prah called for support from the members and gave the assurance that he would work diligently to ensure the success of the assembly.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr George Frank Asmah, said the assembly had by the end of August, this year, mobilised an amount of GH¢702,993.87 representing 78 per cent of its estimated revenue for the year.
He urged members of the assembly to help recruit credible revenue collectors who would be given commission, since most of the assembly’s revenue collectors had either retired of gone on transfer.
Mr Asmah said the twin-sister city relationship with the Gouda Municipality in The Netherlands and Ottawa in Canada were yielding good results.
He said the assembly was taking the necessary steps to check the declining rate of education in the municipality.
30,000 TO RECIEVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (PAGE 22)
ABOUT 30,000 vulnerable people would benefit from the National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) by the end of the year.
Initially, 15,000 vulnerable people were earmarked for the project but the increase in figure was informed by the number of those who were not covered under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.
Briefing the press after the opening of a capacity-building workshop for the national technical committee of the NSPS at Elmina, Ms Angela Asante-Asare, the National Co-ordinator of the programme, said the NSPS was another government intervention to enhance the capacity of the poor and vulnerable persons.
It is aimed at assisting them to manage socio-economic risks, such as unemployment, sickness, disability and old age.
Ms Asante-Asare said the interventions were meant to improve the livelihood of the extremely poor by reducing the impact of risks and shocks confronting them.
She said the NSPS support would also give the extremely poor opportunities to acquire sustainable basic needs.
She said the programme would improve the ability of the very poor to contribute to economic development as well as assisting the country to meet the Millennium Development Goals and the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
Ms Asante-Asare stated that Cabinet approved the NSPS due to the inadequacies in the LEAP in reaching the poorest of the poor.
Initially, 15,000 vulnerable people were earmarked for the project but the increase in figure was informed by the number of those who were not covered under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.
Briefing the press after the opening of a capacity-building workshop for the national technical committee of the NSPS at Elmina, Ms Angela Asante-Asare, the National Co-ordinator of the programme, said the NSPS was another government intervention to enhance the capacity of the poor and vulnerable persons.
It is aimed at assisting them to manage socio-economic risks, such as unemployment, sickness, disability and old age.
Ms Asante-Asare said the interventions were meant to improve the livelihood of the extremely poor by reducing the impact of risks and shocks confronting them.
She said the NSPS support would also give the extremely poor opportunities to acquire sustainable basic needs.
She said the programme would improve the ability of the very poor to contribute to economic development as well as assisting the country to meet the Millennium Development Goals and the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
Ms Asante-Asare stated that Cabinet approved the NSPS due to the inadequacies in the LEAP in reaching the poorest of the poor.
Monday, November 24, 2008
FIRST PHASE OF PLASTIC RECYCLING PLANT COMPLETED (PAGE 54)
THE first phase of the 1.5 million euro plastic recycling plant for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal Assembly has been completed.
The Cyclus Elmina Plastic Recycling Plant, located at Aburansa, is the first ever in the country to recycle plastic waste into chips and then churn it into pavement blocks, roofing sheets, containers, cloth, among others, for both local and the international market.
It is a partnership between Cyclus Netherlands and Vanhold Construction Limited, a local Ghanaian company. The project is being executed under the twin-sister city relationship between the Gouda Municipality in Netherlands and the KEEA Municipal Assembly.
The first phase comprises the administration block and the factory.
The equipment, is however, expected in the country by January next year and work would start in March immediately after installation and test run.
In an address at its inauguration at Aburansa at the weekend, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiative, Papa Owusu Ankomah, underscored the benefits and the socio-economic impact on the livelihoods of the people in the community.
Papa Owusu Ankomah said since technology had made it possible to turn waste from industrialisation and population explosion into useful materials, waste should not be allowed to degrade the environment.
He noted that the operation of the company had generated so much interest that other companies in Accra and Kumasi had started transporting plastic waste to the factory site for recycling.
He said this would contribute to a clean environment in cities and villages, as well as provide employment for local people, and therefore advised management of the company to set up collection points in relevant locations to effectively manage the raw materials supply system.
He expressed the hope that such collaborative effort between the government and the Dutch government would be strengthened and expanded to other priority areas.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, who initiated the partnership whilst he was the District Chief Executive for KEEA five years ago, said the partnership had opened so many opportunities for the municipality.
He expressed the hope that the project would make a considerable contribution to consistent economic growth towards sustainable poverty reduction in the area.
He commended the untiring efforts of the Mayor of Gouda Municipality, Netherlands, Wim Cornelis, Messrs Jaap Warners, Hans Beltman, Leendart and all who contributed to the planning and the execution of the project.
He implored those who would be working at the factory to be dedicated and committed to ensure its success.
The Municipal Chief Executive of KEEA, Mr George Frank Asmah, said the factory was expected to create about 3000 direct and indirect jobs, as well as about 500 collectors.
He said the KEEA had earmarked Aburansa as the assembly's industrial zone, and cautioned the chiefs and people against litigation in order to attract the needed investors for job and wealth creation.
The Executive Director of Cyclus Elmina Plastic Recycling Limited, Mr Bless Kwame Darkey, said currently collectors had been trained to ensure regular supply of raw materials for the operations of the factory.
He said the collectors had also been trained in business management to enhance their business operations.
The Omanhen of Komenda Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Kru II, who chaired the function, commended all those whose efforts had contributed to the realisation of the project.
The Cyclus Elmina Plastic Recycling Plant, located at Aburansa, is the first ever in the country to recycle plastic waste into chips and then churn it into pavement blocks, roofing sheets, containers, cloth, among others, for both local and the international market.
It is a partnership between Cyclus Netherlands and Vanhold Construction Limited, a local Ghanaian company. The project is being executed under the twin-sister city relationship between the Gouda Municipality in Netherlands and the KEEA Municipal Assembly.
The first phase comprises the administration block and the factory.
The equipment, is however, expected in the country by January next year and work would start in March immediately after installation and test run.
In an address at its inauguration at Aburansa at the weekend, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiative, Papa Owusu Ankomah, underscored the benefits and the socio-economic impact on the livelihoods of the people in the community.
Papa Owusu Ankomah said since technology had made it possible to turn waste from industrialisation and population explosion into useful materials, waste should not be allowed to degrade the environment.
He noted that the operation of the company had generated so much interest that other companies in Accra and Kumasi had started transporting plastic waste to the factory site for recycling.
He said this would contribute to a clean environment in cities and villages, as well as provide employment for local people, and therefore advised management of the company to set up collection points in relevant locations to effectively manage the raw materials supply system.
He expressed the hope that such collaborative effort between the government and the Dutch government would be strengthened and expanded to other priority areas.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, who initiated the partnership whilst he was the District Chief Executive for KEEA five years ago, said the partnership had opened so many opportunities for the municipality.
He expressed the hope that the project would make a considerable contribution to consistent economic growth towards sustainable poverty reduction in the area.
He commended the untiring efforts of the Mayor of Gouda Municipality, Netherlands, Wim Cornelis, Messrs Jaap Warners, Hans Beltman, Leendart and all who contributed to the planning and the execution of the project.
He implored those who would be working at the factory to be dedicated and committed to ensure its success.
The Municipal Chief Executive of KEEA, Mr George Frank Asmah, said the factory was expected to create about 3000 direct and indirect jobs, as well as about 500 collectors.
He said the KEEA had earmarked Aburansa as the assembly's industrial zone, and cautioned the chiefs and people against litigation in order to attract the needed investors for job and wealth creation.
The Executive Director of Cyclus Elmina Plastic Recycling Limited, Mr Bless Kwame Darkey, said currently collectors had been trained to ensure regular supply of raw materials for the operations of the factory.
He said the collectors had also been trained in business management to enhance their business operations.
The Omanhen of Komenda Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Kru II, who chaired the function, commended all those whose efforts had contributed to the realisation of the project.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
2,000 BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL SCREENING (PAGE 26)
MORE than 2,000 people from a number of communities around Ajumako Bisease in the Central Region have benefited from a free medical screening organised by the Christian Faith Church (CFC), Ghana, in partnership with the Growing Discoveries Ministries, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The four-day exercise was undertaken by a 19-member medical missionary team from the Growing Discoveries Ministries in Atlanta.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic during the exercise at Ajumako Bisease, the leader of the team, Reverend Tracy Lewis, said the church had a medical missionaries team in the USA which offered free medical services to the needy.
She said the team had sent down medicines for various diseases for 2,000 people and 700 spectacles.
According to Rev. Lewis, the diseases the team diagnosed included asthma, high blood pressure, ear, nose, throat, dental and sight problems.
She said pregnant women were also taken care of with ultra-sound equipment.
The General Overseer of the CFC, Bishop Emmanuel Botwey, said the area was selected because it constituted the catchment area of the church, with 13 assemblies.
The National Administrative Secretary of CFC and Co-ordinator of the exercise, Reverend John Ashun, said the screening exercise was part of the church’s social responsibility to its members and the communities within which it had assemblies.
A member of the team, Dr Jeff Chapman, commended authorities of the Bisease Health Centre, especially Ms Philomena Aryee, for their co-operation in regard to the success of the exercise.
The team also donated the rest of the medicines to the health centre to enhance its work.
The four-day exercise was undertaken by a 19-member medical missionary team from the Growing Discoveries Ministries in Atlanta.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic during the exercise at Ajumako Bisease, the leader of the team, Reverend Tracy Lewis, said the church had a medical missionaries team in the USA which offered free medical services to the needy.
She said the team had sent down medicines for various diseases for 2,000 people and 700 spectacles.
According to Rev. Lewis, the diseases the team diagnosed included asthma, high blood pressure, ear, nose, throat, dental and sight problems.
She said pregnant women were also taken care of with ultra-sound equipment.
The General Overseer of the CFC, Bishop Emmanuel Botwey, said the area was selected because it constituted the catchment area of the church, with 13 assemblies.
The National Administrative Secretary of CFC and Co-ordinator of the exercise, Reverend John Ashun, said the screening exercise was part of the church’s social responsibility to its members and the communities within which it had assemblies.
A member of the team, Dr Jeff Chapman, commended authorities of the Bisease Health Centre, especially Ms Philomena Aryee, for their co-operation in regard to the success of the exercise.
The team also donated the rest of the medicines to the health centre to enhance its work.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
CAPE COAST WATER PROJECT COMPLETED (SPREAD)
The perennial water shortage that affects Cape Coast and its environs and sometimes leads to the interruption of academic work in second-cycle and tertiary institutions in the town will soon be over with the completion of the Sekyere Hemang headworks.
The scope of work at the new supply system, which taps water from the Pra river, involved the construction of a 30,000 cubic metres per day water treatment plant, laying of about 65 kilometres of water transport and distribution mains, construction of reservoirs and booster pumping station and the rehabilitation of the existing headworks at Brimsu.
The project is to improve water supply delivery in the Cape Coast area, especially Komenda, Elmina and Abrem Agona.
Other areas to benefit from the project include educational and health institutions, as well as the tourism industry.
Inaugurating the 40-million euro project, President John Agyekum Kufuor said since 2001, four out of the six major urban water systems planned for the Central Region had been completed.
The President said funding for the Assin Fosu water supply system was in the pipeline.
According to him, the project confirmed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's resolve to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.
He underscored the need for clean and safe drinking water in the socio-economic development of mankind and said it was for that reason that the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing had issued a national water policy to serve as a blueprint for water supply delivery in the country.
President Kufuor reminded the people of the numerous development projects embarked upon by the NPP government and urged them to vote massively to retain it for more development.
He also asked them to remain focused and maintain the peace during and after the elections.
He commended The Netherlands government, the contractor, Messrs Ballast Nedam B.V., and the consultants, Messrs Royal Haskoning, both of The Netherlands, for executing the project.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Siddique Boniface, advised communities within the project area to desist from polluting the river to ensure that the water from the treatment plant was clean and safe.
Earlier, the President had inaugurated expansion works on the Baifikrom water supply system.
He also cut the sod for work on the interconnection of Kasoa and environs to the Kwanyako water supply system.
The scope of work at the new supply system, which taps water from the Pra river, involved the construction of a 30,000 cubic metres per day water treatment plant, laying of about 65 kilometres of water transport and distribution mains, construction of reservoirs and booster pumping station and the rehabilitation of the existing headworks at Brimsu.
The project is to improve water supply delivery in the Cape Coast area, especially Komenda, Elmina and Abrem Agona.
Other areas to benefit from the project include educational and health institutions, as well as the tourism industry.
Inaugurating the 40-million euro project, President John Agyekum Kufuor said since 2001, four out of the six major urban water systems planned for the Central Region had been completed.
The President said funding for the Assin Fosu water supply system was in the pipeline.
According to him, the project confirmed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's resolve to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.
He underscored the need for clean and safe drinking water in the socio-economic development of mankind and said it was for that reason that the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing had issued a national water policy to serve as a blueprint for water supply delivery in the country.
President Kufuor reminded the people of the numerous development projects embarked upon by the NPP government and urged them to vote massively to retain it for more development.
He also asked them to remain focused and maintain the peace during and after the elections.
He commended The Netherlands government, the contractor, Messrs Ballast Nedam B.V., and the consultants, Messrs Royal Haskoning, both of The Netherlands, for executing the project.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Alhaji Siddique Boniface, advised communities within the project area to desist from polluting the river to ensure that the water from the treatment plant was clean and safe.
Earlier, the President had inaugurated expansion works on the Baifikrom water supply system.
He also cut the sod for work on the interconnection of Kasoa and environs to the Kwanyako water supply system.
PREZ INAUGURATES MALLAM-YAMORANSA HIGHWAY (PAGE 55)
President Kufuor on Tuesday inaugurated the 116-kilometre Mallam-Yamoransa Highway at a ceremony at Kasoa.
The road, which forms part of the trans-ECOWAS highway network, connects Aflao in the Volta Region to Elubo on the Ghana–Cote d'Ivoire border.
It was financed jointly by the Ghana government, the World Bank and the Japanese government.
While the World Bank provided a credit facility of $18 million, the Japanese government gave a grant of $54.68 million, with the government providing GH¢8.9 million as its contribution towards the construction of the road.
The project was executed in three phases, with the first phase involving the construction of the 18- km asphalted three-lane, dual carriageway from Mallam Junction to Dunkonaa and a dual section between Dunkonaa and Kasoa Junction.
The second phase covered the construction of the 41-km stretch from Kasoa to Winneba Junction, while the third phase covered the 57 km from about two km from Ankamu to Yamoransa.
The completion of the project has reduced travel time and the high spate of accidents on the Accra-Cape Coast road.
Addressing a durbar of the chiefs and people of Mankessim before cutting the tape to inaugurate the road, President Kufuor said on assumption of office, the government made the development of road infrastructure one of its priorities.
Over the period, he said, it had been able to increase the road infrastructure from 38,000 kilometres in 2001 to 64,000km in 2008 and the condition of roads had also improved significantly.
The President was hopeful that the completion of the road would enhance the economic conditions of the people.
He, however, expressed concern over the situation whereby some individuals were constructing temporary and permanent structures within 60 metres of the prohibited zone along the road.
President Kufuor directed the Ghana Highway Authority to ensure the prosecution of drivers whose vehicles exceeded the permitted axle load on the road.
He thanked the chiefs and people of the area for their co-operation during his almost eight years in office.
The Minister of Transportation, Dr Richard Anane, said the project had been executed within the contract period of four years, with a defect liability period of one year.
He said the defect liability period had elapsed, hence the inauguration of the road.
The Programme Manager of the World Bank in Ghana, Ms Kathrine Bain, said there was a positive relationship between the welfare of people and improved road infrastructure.
The Japanese Ambassador in Ghana, Mr Keiichi Katami, said the completion of the project was a testimony of the enhanced relation and co-operation between Ghana and Japan.
The road, which forms part of the trans-ECOWAS highway network, connects Aflao in the Volta Region to Elubo on the Ghana–Cote d'Ivoire border.
It was financed jointly by the Ghana government, the World Bank and the Japanese government.
While the World Bank provided a credit facility of $18 million, the Japanese government gave a grant of $54.68 million, with the government providing GH¢8.9 million as its contribution towards the construction of the road.
The project was executed in three phases, with the first phase involving the construction of the 18- km asphalted three-lane, dual carriageway from Mallam Junction to Dunkonaa and a dual section between Dunkonaa and Kasoa Junction.
The second phase covered the construction of the 41-km stretch from Kasoa to Winneba Junction, while the third phase covered the 57 km from about two km from Ankamu to Yamoransa.
The completion of the project has reduced travel time and the high spate of accidents on the Accra-Cape Coast road.
Addressing a durbar of the chiefs and people of Mankessim before cutting the tape to inaugurate the road, President Kufuor said on assumption of office, the government made the development of road infrastructure one of its priorities.
Over the period, he said, it had been able to increase the road infrastructure from 38,000 kilometres in 2001 to 64,000km in 2008 and the condition of roads had also improved significantly.
The President was hopeful that the completion of the road would enhance the economic conditions of the people.
He, however, expressed concern over the situation whereby some individuals were constructing temporary and permanent structures within 60 metres of the prohibited zone along the road.
President Kufuor directed the Ghana Highway Authority to ensure the prosecution of drivers whose vehicles exceeded the permitted axle load on the road.
He thanked the chiefs and people of the area for their co-operation during his almost eight years in office.
The Minister of Transportation, Dr Richard Anane, said the project had been executed within the contract period of four years, with a defect liability period of one year.
He said the defect liability period had elapsed, hence the inauguration of the road.
The Programme Manager of the World Bank in Ghana, Ms Kathrine Bain, said there was a positive relationship between the welfare of people and improved road infrastructure.
The Japanese Ambassador in Ghana, Mr Keiichi Katami, said the completion of the project was a testimony of the enhanced relation and co-operation between Ghana and Japan.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
NEW PRESIDENT FOR CR HOUSE OF CHIEFS (PAGE 23)
THE Omanhen of the Abease Dominase Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, has been elected as the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs.
At the election supervised by officials of the Electoral Commission, Daasebre Ewusi polled 15 votes as against nine by his predecessor, Nana Kwamena Ansah IV, the Omanhen of the Eguafo Traditional Council.
Otumfuo Amoah Sasraku III, Omanhene of Hemang, had only one vote. Okatakyi Dr Amenfi, the Omanhen of the Asebu Traditional Area was elected unopposed as the Vice-President of the house.
The house also elected five members to represent it at the National House of Chiefs.
They were the Oguaamanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II; the Omanhene of the Assin Apimanim Traditional Area, Barima Kwame Nkyi XII; Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, Okatakyi Dr Amenfi of the Asebu Traditional Area, and Nana Appiah-Nuamah II of the Twifo Traditional Area.
In his acceptance speech after being sworn in by a High Court Judge, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha, Daasebre Ewusi assured the house that he would build on the work done by his predecessors.
He admonished the chiefs to ensure that the December 7 general election was free, fair and peaceful.
At the same ceremony, the Omanhene of the Owerenkyim Traditional Area, Nana Prah Agyensim, who had been elevated to the status of a paramount chief, was sworn in as a member of the house.
At the election supervised by officials of the Electoral Commission, Daasebre Ewusi polled 15 votes as against nine by his predecessor, Nana Kwamena Ansah IV, the Omanhen of the Eguafo Traditional Council.
Otumfuo Amoah Sasraku III, Omanhene of Hemang, had only one vote. Okatakyi Dr Amenfi, the Omanhen of the Asebu Traditional Area was elected unopposed as the Vice-President of the house.
The house also elected five members to represent it at the National House of Chiefs.
They were the Oguaamanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II; the Omanhene of the Assin Apimanim Traditional Area, Barima Kwame Nkyi XII; Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, Okatakyi Dr Amenfi of the Asebu Traditional Area, and Nana Appiah-Nuamah II of the Twifo Traditional Area.
In his acceptance speech after being sworn in by a High Court Judge, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha, Daasebre Ewusi assured the house that he would build on the work done by his predecessors.
He admonished the chiefs to ensure that the December 7 general election was free, fair and peaceful.
At the same ceremony, the Omanhene of the Owerenkyim Traditional Area, Nana Prah Agyensim, who had been elevated to the status of a paramount chief, was sworn in as a member of the house.
OGUAA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL HONOURS COL BENARSKO (PAGE 22)
ANY nation that does not honour her heroes is not worth dying for, so goes the saying.
It was in this vein that the Oguaa Traditional Council honoured Colonel Frank George Bernasko (retd), to acknowledge his invaluable contribution towards the socio-economic development of Cape Coast.
Col. Bernasko, 78, known for his shrewd and strict discipline, served the Central Region as the Regional Commissioner in the era of the National Redemption Council (NRC) in 1972 and as Commissioner of Agriculture in 1973 and later as the Commissioner for Cocoa Affairs in 1975.
A citation signed by the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, described Col. Bernasco as a dedicated, selfless and disciplined person who worked tirelessly for the socio-economic development of the region as well as the country.
It continued that he would be remembered for his agricultural initiative “Operation Feed Yourself” (OFY), which was accepted as a national agricultural policy aimed at boosting food production and sufficiency when he was the Commissioner for Agriculture.
His administration also helped in inculcating the spirit of voluntarism in the youth, who engaged in communal work and clean-up exercises to improve health and sanitation in Cape Coast, as well as agricultural projects nation-wide.
The Dawhenya Irrigation Project and others under his agricultural revolution led to bumper harvests and the hosting of the first national agricultural show in 1974.
Apart from the improvement in the health and educational sectors, Col. Bernasko also promoted the tourism industry in the region.
In civilian life, he took up private legal practice, venturing into politics by forming the Action Congress Party (ACP) in 1979. It won 12 seats in the Parliament of the Third Republic.
As a member and chief patron of the Oguaa Akoto Association (UK), Col. Bernasko has been actively involved in all initiatives taken to develop Cape Coast, especially in education.
Born on December 7, 1930, Colonel Bernasko had his basic education in Cape Coast and Asante Mampong before attending Adisadel College from where he attended the University of Gold Coast (now University of Ghana).
After a stint as a teacher in that institution, “Uncle Berna” as he was affectionately called, enlisted in the Ghana Armed Forces and served as officer in charge of education at the Armed Forces Recruit Training Centre in Kumasi.
He also served as the Director of Studies of the Ghana Military Academy and Training School and later as the Director of Education of the Ghana Armed Forces.
In his acceptance speech, Col. Bernasko commended those who supported him for his success in those turbulent days.
He also called on people from the region to contribute their quota towards its development.
Col. Bernasco noted with regret that Cape Coast was now sinking and expressed the hope that efforts would be made by the chiefs and people to restore it to its past glory.
Osabarima Kwesi Atta commended Col. Bernasko for his forthrightness, dedication and discipline, which raised the image of Cape Coast and the country in the mid and the late 1970s.
It was in this vein that the Oguaa Traditional Council honoured Colonel Frank George Bernasko (retd), to acknowledge his invaluable contribution towards the socio-economic development of Cape Coast.
Col. Bernasko, 78, known for his shrewd and strict discipline, served the Central Region as the Regional Commissioner in the era of the National Redemption Council (NRC) in 1972 and as Commissioner of Agriculture in 1973 and later as the Commissioner for Cocoa Affairs in 1975.
A citation signed by the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, described Col. Bernasco as a dedicated, selfless and disciplined person who worked tirelessly for the socio-economic development of the region as well as the country.
It continued that he would be remembered for his agricultural initiative “Operation Feed Yourself” (OFY), which was accepted as a national agricultural policy aimed at boosting food production and sufficiency when he was the Commissioner for Agriculture.
His administration also helped in inculcating the spirit of voluntarism in the youth, who engaged in communal work and clean-up exercises to improve health and sanitation in Cape Coast, as well as agricultural projects nation-wide.
The Dawhenya Irrigation Project and others under his agricultural revolution led to bumper harvests and the hosting of the first national agricultural show in 1974.
Apart from the improvement in the health and educational sectors, Col. Bernasko also promoted the tourism industry in the region.
In civilian life, he took up private legal practice, venturing into politics by forming the Action Congress Party (ACP) in 1979. It won 12 seats in the Parliament of the Third Republic.
As a member and chief patron of the Oguaa Akoto Association (UK), Col. Bernasko has been actively involved in all initiatives taken to develop Cape Coast, especially in education.
Born on December 7, 1930, Colonel Bernasko had his basic education in Cape Coast and Asante Mampong before attending Adisadel College from where he attended the University of Gold Coast (now University of Ghana).
After a stint as a teacher in that institution, “Uncle Berna” as he was affectionately called, enlisted in the Ghana Armed Forces and served as officer in charge of education at the Armed Forces Recruit Training Centre in Kumasi.
He also served as the Director of Studies of the Ghana Military Academy and Training School and later as the Director of Education of the Ghana Armed Forces.
In his acceptance speech, Col. Bernasko commended those who supported him for his success in those turbulent days.
He also called on people from the region to contribute their quota towards its development.
Col. Bernasco noted with regret that Cape Coast was now sinking and expressed the hope that efforts would be made by the chiefs and people to restore it to its past glory.
Osabarima Kwesi Atta commended Col. Bernasko for his forthrightness, dedication and discipline, which raised the image of Cape Coast and the country in the mid and the late 1970s.
IMPROVE SERVICE CONDITIONS OF TEACHERS (PAGE 22)
THE Vice-chancellor of the University of Education Winneba (UEW), Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw has called on the government to improve the conditions of service of teachers to attract the best brains for the success of the new educational reform.
Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw said it should be the responsibility of the government to make the teaching profession very attractive to make it a profession of choice.
That, he said, called for the support of teacher trainees through scholarships and conducive teacher-learning environments.
Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw made the call at the 13th congregation of the UEW in Winneba.
He said the UEW had positioned itself to provide quality training for teachers for quality education, adding that it was incumbent on the government to offer the necessary support for it to meet its mission.
He said the new educational reform posed challenges to institutions such as the UEW, which was charged with the responsibility of training quality teachers.
The Vice-chancellor appealed to the Ghana Education Service to grant more scholarships with pay to teachers.
He further called for improvement in teaching and learning facilities, staff and students to enhance the programmes of the university.
Professor Asabere-Ameyaw also called for support to expand the facilities of the former Specialist Training College at Ajumako in the Central Region to enable the UEW to utilise the facility in the next academic year.
He commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the chiefs and the people of Gomoa Atetsedo, near Okyereko, the Techiman Traditional Council and the Mamponghene and the Students Representative Council for their support for the growth of the UEW.
The Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic K. Fobih urged the universities and the National Council for Tertiary Education to come up with appropriate recommendations to ensure the success of the new educational reform.
The Acting Chairman of the University Council, Reverend Dr Livingstone Buama noted that since education was not meant for decoration but to impart knowledge to others, teachers should ensure that the knowledge they acquired was placed at the disposal of others.
Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw said it should be the responsibility of the government to make the teaching profession very attractive to make it a profession of choice.
That, he said, called for the support of teacher trainees through scholarships and conducive teacher-learning environments.
Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw made the call at the 13th congregation of the UEW in Winneba.
He said the UEW had positioned itself to provide quality training for teachers for quality education, adding that it was incumbent on the government to offer the necessary support for it to meet its mission.
He said the new educational reform posed challenges to institutions such as the UEW, which was charged with the responsibility of training quality teachers.
The Vice-chancellor appealed to the Ghana Education Service to grant more scholarships with pay to teachers.
He further called for improvement in teaching and learning facilities, staff and students to enhance the programmes of the university.
Professor Asabere-Ameyaw also called for support to expand the facilities of the former Specialist Training College at Ajumako in the Central Region to enable the UEW to utilise the facility in the next academic year.
He commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the chiefs and the people of Gomoa Atetsedo, near Okyereko, the Techiman Traditional Council and the Mamponghene and the Students Representative Council for their support for the growth of the UEW.
The Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic K. Fobih urged the universities and the National Council for Tertiary Education to come up with appropriate recommendations to ensure the success of the new educational reform.
The Acting Chairman of the University Council, Reverend Dr Livingstone Buama noted that since education was not meant for decoration but to impart knowledge to others, teachers should ensure that the knowledge they acquired was placed at the disposal of others.
ASAMOAH-BOATENG CUTS SOD FOR KORMANTSE COMPLEX (BACK PAGE)
The Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, has cut the sod for the construction of a GH¢57,119.57 post office, library and Community Information Centre (CIC) complex at Kormantse in the Mfantseman municipality.
The project, which is being funded by Ghana Post, is to be completed within four months.
The CIC will have a capacity for 35 people, with the library accommodating 32.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Asamoah-Boateng, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West, urged the people to vote for him and the NPP presidential candidate to enhance the development of the area.
He said under the NPP government, the area had benefited from a number of projects in the areas of health, education, water and road.
He advised the people not to be swayed by the vague promises of people who could not deliver on their pledges and asked them to take into consideration the benefits they had derived from the various government interventions since the NPP assumed power.
Mr Asamoah-Boateng donated GH¢1,000 towards the construction of a community centre at Kormantse.
Mr Charles Asiedu of the Ghana Post called on the contractor to ensure that the project was executed on time and stressed the need for quality work.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Mfantseman,, Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, called on the people to remain loyal to the NPP and their Member of Parliament for the development of the area.
The Chief of Kormantse, Nana Kwame Akyen II, commended the NPP government and Mr Asamoah-Boateng for initiating a number of development projects in the area.
The project, which is being funded by Ghana Post, is to be completed within four months.
The CIC will have a capacity for 35 people, with the library accommodating 32.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Asamoah-Boateng, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West, urged the people to vote for him and the NPP presidential candidate to enhance the development of the area.
He said under the NPP government, the area had benefited from a number of projects in the areas of health, education, water and road.
He advised the people not to be swayed by the vague promises of people who could not deliver on their pledges and asked them to take into consideration the benefits they had derived from the various government interventions since the NPP assumed power.
Mr Asamoah-Boateng donated GH¢1,000 towards the construction of a community centre at Kormantse.
Mr Charles Asiedu of the Ghana Post called on the contractor to ensure that the project was executed on time and stressed the need for quality work.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Mfantseman,, Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, called on the people to remain loyal to the NPP and their Member of Parliament for the development of the area.
The Chief of Kormantse, Nana Kwame Akyen II, commended the NPP government and Mr Asamoah-Boateng for initiating a number of development projects in the area.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
RAWLINGS LEADS IN NDC KEEP-FIT EXERCISE (PAGE 16)
The former President, Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings, has stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is very prepared to wrest power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), come December 7.
Flt. Lt. Rawlings said from what he had seen during his campaign tours, the NDC had a brighter chance than its opponents.
Addressing a massive rally at the Victoria Park after he had joined supporters of the party on a keep fit march through some of the principal streets of Cape Coast on Sunday, he said the smiles of victory and signs of suffering on the faces of the supporters were indications that they really wanted a change for the better.
He described the NPP campaign as ‘a TV campaign’ and that the response of people who turned up for such campaigns was not as spontaneous as those who turned up for NDC campaigns.
He said this was a sign that the NPP was not firm on the ground and an indication of loss of support for it.
He therefore asked NDC supporters not to be complacent but remain vigilant to ensure a resounding victory.
He added that the NPP government was oppressive, unjust and not truthful, and that they had inflicted much suffering on Ghanaians.
The ex-President said the NPP government also did not respect the rights of choice for others and that was why they allegedly rigged the 2004 elections.
He pointed out that the NDC’s philosophy was based on collective strength and respect for human values and dignity and added that the leadership of the country should be driven by patriotism and nationalism.
The National Vice-Chairman of the party, Mr E.T. Mensah, described the NPP as corrupt and urged people to vote it out of office.
Others who spoke at the rally included Mr Ebo Barton Odro, the aspiring NDC MP for Cape Coast and other leading members of the party.
Flt. Lt. Rawlings said from what he had seen during his campaign tours, the NDC had a brighter chance than its opponents.
Addressing a massive rally at the Victoria Park after he had joined supporters of the party on a keep fit march through some of the principal streets of Cape Coast on Sunday, he said the smiles of victory and signs of suffering on the faces of the supporters were indications that they really wanted a change for the better.
He described the NPP campaign as ‘a TV campaign’ and that the response of people who turned up for such campaigns was not as spontaneous as those who turned up for NDC campaigns.
He said this was a sign that the NPP was not firm on the ground and an indication of loss of support for it.
He therefore asked NDC supporters not to be complacent but remain vigilant to ensure a resounding victory.
He added that the NPP government was oppressive, unjust and not truthful, and that they had inflicted much suffering on Ghanaians.
The ex-President said the NPP government also did not respect the rights of choice for others and that was why they allegedly rigged the 2004 elections.
He pointed out that the NDC’s philosophy was based on collective strength and respect for human values and dignity and added that the leadership of the country should be driven by patriotism and nationalism.
The National Vice-Chairman of the party, Mr E.T. Mensah, described the NPP as corrupt and urged people to vote it out of office.
Others who spoke at the rally included Mr Ebo Barton Odro, the aspiring NDC MP for Cape Coast and other leading members of the party.
Monday, November 10, 2008
REGIONS OBSERVE FARMERS DAY (PAGE 20)
The Chief of Dunkwa-On-Offin, Nana Obeng Nuako III, was selected as the Central Regional Best Farmer at the awards day which took place at Nsuaem-Kyekyewere, the capital of the Assin South District.
For his reward, he took home a corn-mill, a sewing machine, a pair of wellington boots, a knap-sack, wax print, a bicycle and cutlasses, among others.
Speaking at the function which was infused with some road safety tit-bits, the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur said about US$132.2 million donor assistance and investment was channelled into the country's agricultural sector.
He said, besides, the government had taken a number of important interventions to address the challenges facing farmers and the agricultural sector in general.
He said all these interventions had been implemented with the view to enabling the poor to manage the income that accrue to them from farming and to lead a decent lifestyle.
He advised farmers to form viable co-operatives to enable them to access credit from financial institutions and to also adopt an open-minded attitude to improve agro practices by the sector ministry in order to be abreast with the times and benefit from globalisation.
The Minister for Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic K. Fobih and the Assin South District Chief Executive, Ms Alice Millicent Korankye, commended the award winner for their hard work which has contributed towards food security and the national economy.
The Omanhene of the Assin Attandansu Traditional Area, Odeefuo Tsibu Asare, who chaired the function urged people not to consider farming as demeaning but a full fledged profession which could help create employment and generate wealth for economic boom.
For his reward, he took home a corn-mill, a sewing machine, a pair of wellington boots, a knap-sack, wax print, a bicycle and cutlasses, among others.
Speaking at the function which was infused with some road safety tit-bits, the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur said about US$132.2 million donor assistance and investment was channelled into the country's agricultural sector.
He said, besides, the government had taken a number of important interventions to address the challenges facing farmers and the agricultural sector in general.
He said all these interventions had been implemented with the view to enabling the poor to manage the income that accrue to them from farming and to lead a decent lifestyle.
He advised farmers to form viable co-operatives to enable them to access credit from financial institutions and to also adopt an open-minded attitude to improve agro practices by the sector ministry in order to be abreast with the times and benefit from globalisation.
The Minister for Education, Science and Sports, Professor Dominic K. Fobih and the Assin South District Chief Executive, Ms Alice Millicent Korankye, commended the award winner for their hard work which has contributed towards food security and the national economy.
The Omanhene of the Assin Attandansu Traditional Area, Odeefuo Tsibu Asare, who chaired the function urged people not to consider farming as demeaning but a full fledged profession which could help create employment and generate wealth for economic boom.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
WORK TO ENSURE SUCCESS OF ELECTIONS — MKAPA (PAGE 13)
The former President of Tanzania, Mr Benjamin William Mkapa, has called on all Ghanaians to work together to ensure the success of the December elections.
Mr Mkapa said Ghana had provided an inspirational leadership role in Africa, and that the rest of the continent was looking to her.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, last Thursday, Mr Mkapa said it was the responsibility of all to ensure a peaceful election.
He called on the Electoral Commission, political parties, chiefs, civil society, religious bodies and all stakeholders to ensure that nothing was done to derail the elections.
He reminded Ghanaians about the need for unity in diversity, and that each one should respect other people's rights.
He described power sharing as not the best for the continent, and said the opposition must wait for its chance.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, who briefed him on the local government system in the country said Africa was watching the country, as it went through the elections, and gave the assurance that the elections would be peaceful.
He said Ghana would need the experience and expertise of the former Tanzanian leader.
In a related development, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, George Maxwell Richards, who was in the country on an official visit, also held discussions on issues of bilateral relations with the minister.
Nana Ato Arthur, who briefed him on the local government system in the country, said Africa was watching Ghana as it went through the elections, and gave the assurance that the elections would be peaceful.
He said Ghana would need the experience and expertise of the former Tanzanian leader.
Mr Mkapa said Ghana had provided an inspirational leadership role in Africa, and that the rest of the continent was looking to her.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, last Thursday, Mr Mkapa said it was the responsibility of all to ensure a peaceful election.
He called on the Electoral Commission, political parties, chiefs, civil society, religious bodies and all stakeholders to ensure that nothing was done to derail the elections.
He reminded Ghanaians about the need for unity in diversity, and that each one should respect other people's rights.
He described power sharing as not the best for the continent, and said the opposition must wait for its chance.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, who briefed him on the local government system in the country said Africa was watching the country, as it went through the elections, and gave the assurance that the elections would be peaceful.
He said Ghana would need the experience and expertise of the former Tanzanian leader.
In a related development, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, George Maxwell Richards, who was in the country on an official visit, also held discussions on issues of bilateral relations with the minister.
Nana Ato Arthur, who briefed him on the local government system in the country, said Africa was watching Ghana as it went through the elections, and gave the assurance that the elections would be peaceful.
He said Ghana would need the experience and expertise of the former Tanzanian leader.
Monday, November 3, 2008
FISHERMEN SUFFER DISTRESS AT SEA (MIRROR, PAGE 34)
From Joe Okyere, Elmina. Fishermen
For the 16-man crew of the “Nana Ayaya” canoe, it was a normal fishing expedition when they set sail in the evening of Thursday, August 28 to return the next morning.
However, things turned sour as they spent five days on the high seas after their 40 horse power outboard motor developed a fault.
According to the captain of the crew, Kwamena Shaibu, 44, after they had not made enough catch, they continued with their expedition, with the hope of making some before they returned to defray the cost of the expedition and also make some money for their toil.
Shaibu said fortunately they made a handsome catch after casting the first net. But unknown to them, their outboard motor developed a fault.
He said crew from two other canoes which saw their catch approached them to find out where they had made the catch, with the intention of making a catch of their own.
He said it was after the crew in the two canoes had left them that they detected the fault, saying that since there was no canoe in sight they tried frantically to repair it and sail back to Elmina.
Shaibu said try as they did, they could not fix it and they, therefore, resigned themselves to their fate, as colleague fishermen who had seen them in desperation refused to assist them, let alone send the message to the owner of the canoe after those fishermen had returned.
He said since it was just a day’s expedition, they had carried food and the necessary items they used at sea for such short outings.
He said they had to throw away their catch into the sea when the ice cubes they carried melted and the fish was going bad.
All that while, the owner of the canoe, Mr Emmanuel Mensah, aka Aborokyir Wansan, kept waiting in anticipation that the crew would return.
Mr Mensah, who is also a former Assembly Member for the Liverpool Electoral Area in Elmina, said relatives of the crew kept trooping to his house to find out what had happened to their loved ones when they detected the unusual delay in their landing.
He said about 5.30 p.m. on Friday he received a distress call on his cell phone from the captain about their ordeal and that they desperately needed food, water and fuel.
He said he sent a rescue team with their request between 6.00-6.30 p.m. on Friday but the rescue team could not locate the distressed canoe because it was drifting with the wind.
He said under the circumstance, the rescue team returned around 2.00 a.m. Saturday.
Mr Mensah said he sent yet another rescue team, which could also not locate the distressed crew. He said he then sent messages to the fishing communities along the coastline to be on the look out for any strange canoe within their territorial waters.
Shaibu said after their pleas to other fishermen who saw their plight to assist them had failed, it was only divine intervention which saved them by drifting the canoe to the shore at Apam.
He said as if their ordeal was not enough, after picking a spare outboard motor at Apam to continue with the journey back to Elmina, they lost another vital part of that motor and had to be rescued by another canoe before fixing the machine to enable them to get to Elmina.
For the 16-man crew of the “Nana Ayaya” canoe, it was a normal fishing expedition when they set sail in the evening of Thursday, August 28 to return the next morning.
However, things turned sour as they spent five days on the high seas after their 40 horse power outboard motor developed a fault.
According to the captain of the crew, Kwamena Shaibu, 44, after they had not made enough catch, they continued with their expedition, with the hope of making some before they returned to defray the cost of the expedition and also make some money for their toil.
Shaibu said fortunately they made a handsome catch after casting the first net. But unknown to them, their outboard motor developed a fault.
He said crew from two other canoes which saw their catch approached them to find out where they had made the catch, with the intention of making a catch of their own.
He said it was after the crew in the two canoes had left them that they detected the fault, saying that since there was no canoe in sight they tried frantically to repair it and sail back to Elmina.
Shaibu said try as they did, they could not fix it and they, therefore, resigned themselves to their fate, as colleague fishermen who had seen them in desperation refused to assist them, let alone send the message to the owner of the canoe after those fishermen had returned.
He said since it was just a day’s expedition, they had carried food and the necessary items they used at sea for such short outings.
He said they had to throw away their catch into the sea when the ice cubes they carried melted and the fish was going bad.
All that while, the owner of the canoe, Mr Emmanuel Mensah, aka Aborokyir Wansan, kept waiting in anticipation that the crew would return.
Mr Mensah, who is also a former Assembly Member for the Liverpool Electoral Area in Elmina, said relatives of the crew kept trooping to his house to find out what had happened to their loved ones when they detected the unusual delay in their landing.
He said about 5.30 p.m. on Friday he received a distress call on his cell phone from the captain about their ordeal and that they desperately needed food, water and fuel.
He said he sent a rescue team with their request between 6.00-6.30 p.m. on Friday but the rescue team could not locate the distressed canoe because it was drifting with the wind.
He said under the circumstance, the rescue team returned around 2.00 a.m. Saturday.
Mr Mensah said he sent yet another rescue team, which could also not locate the distressed crew. He said he then sent messages to the fishing communities along the coastline to be on the look out for any strange canoe within their territorial waters.
Shaibu said after their pleas to other fishermen who saw their plight to assist them had failed, it was only divine intervention which saved them by drifting the canoe to the shore at Apam.
He said as if their ordeal was not enough, after picking a spare outboard motor at Apam to continue with the journey back to Elmina, they lost another vital part of that motor and had to be rescued by another canoe before fixing the machine to enable them to get to Elmina.
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