From Joe Okyere, Obidan, near Mankessim
The Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana has set in motion a programme to turn the infamous “Nanaanom pow” at Obidan near Mankessim into a retreat and religious tourism centre.
The parcel of land of about 38 acres was given to the diocese by the family of one Akwaasi, a hunter, who challenged the “borbor mfantse” elders over the sacredness of the forest which once served as the cemetery for the "borbor mfantse" emigrants from Takyiman, in the Brong Ahafo Region and settled at Mankessim under the leadership of three powerful chiefs, “Oson” (elephant), “Oburumankuma” (whale) and “Odapagyan” (eagle).
According to “ The Route of Ghana Methodism” these names represented the Fante people’s idea of such elemental powers as are demonstrated by the elephant, the whale and the eagle. Each was undisputed lord of its domain.
On the death of these three chiefs, their remains were buried in a grove near Mankessim, and their spirits, believed to be dwelling there, gave to the place an aura of awe and reverence. The spirits of these ancestors were called “nananom”, and regarded as the greatest source of power among the Fantes. The Fantes resorted to nananom in times of dangers and difficulties for purification and protection which gave rise to a powerful school of priests.
Speaking at a ceremony to launch the project, the Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Right Reverend Isaac K. Quansah, said the elders of Obidan decided to give the land to the church to use as its missionary expansion work.
Rev Quansah said the family of Akwaasi gave the land at no cost but what they demanded from the church was to see to the development of the site which would bring economic benefits to the Obidan community.
They also requested for a yearly scholarship to one pupil who would sit the BECE and qualify for senior secondary school and even to the university.
When fully developed, the facility will have a retreat centre comprising a hall with a capacity for 1,500, four chalets, catering facilities, orchards, plantations for teak, acacia and moringa.
Empty bottles of schnapps used to pacify the gods lay around the three stones which served as the revered spot for the gods and few metres away is a marshy grounds which served as a pond in which stubborn persons who challenged the gods during pacification were driven into to return no more.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
ARTHUR-BAIDEN TO CONTEST NPP PRIMARIES (PAGE 15)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
A Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Constituency, Mr William Kow Arthur-Baiden, has declared his intention to contest the party’s primary for the parliamentary seat in the December election.
Mr Arthur-Baiden, the Town Planning Officer for the Cape Coast Municipal Assembly, said he took the decision to save the seat for the NPP, because according to him, members of the party in the constituency had lost confidence in the current MP, Mr Isaac Edumadze.
He pledged that when elected, education and health would be his priority.
Mr Arthur-Baiden alleged that apart from the high-handedness of Mr Edumadze in handling the affairs of the party in the constituency, he had also antagonised the executives and had tried to hand-pick his own cronies to steer the affairs of the party to suit his personal interest and ambition.
He said Mr Edumadze had also resorted to intimidation and bullying of party executives who challenged his “one-man show”, and expressed support for those with the intention to contest him at the primary to save the party from losing the seat.
He said apart from losing the support of the people, he had resorted to unwarranted court action to sow seeds of discord amongst the membership of the party.
Sources at the constituency party office confirmed moves by the MP to contest the election unopposed, and that has led to his resort to such actions.
Mr Arthur-Baiden, 49, holds BSc. (Hons) Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Diploma in Rural Planning and Resource Management from PAID/WA, Cameroun, and Certificate in Project Planning and Management from GIMPA.
The has worked as a District Town Planning Officer for Asante-Akim North and South districts, officer in charge of Development Control in Tamale, Officer of Town and Country Planning Development, Town Planner (UNV Programme) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dakar and Bangladesh.
A Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Constituency, Mr William Kow Arthur-Baiden, has declared his intention to contest the party’s primary for the parliamentary seat in the December election.
Mr Arthur-Baiden, the Town Planning Officer for the Cape Coast Municipal Assembly, said he took the decision to save the seat for the NPP, because according to him, members of the party in the constituency had lost confidence in the current MP, Mr Isaac Edumadze.
He pledged that when elected, education and health would be his priority.
Mr Arthur-Baiden alleged that apart from the high-handedness of Mr Edumadze in handling the affairs of the party in the constituency, he had also antagonised the executives and had tried to hand-pick his own cronies to steer the affairs of the party to suit his personal interest and ambition.
He said Mr Edumadze had also resorted to intimidation and bullying of party executives who challenged his “one-man show”, and expressed support for those with the intention to contest him at the primary to save the party from losing the seat.
He said apart from losing the support of the people, he had resorted to unwarranted court action to sow seeds of discord amongst the membership of the party.
Sources at the constituency party office confirmed moves by the MP to contest the election unopposed, and that has led to his resort to such actions.
Mr Arthur-Baiden, 49, holds BSc. (Hons) Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Diploma in Rural Planning and Resource Management from PAID/WA, Cameroun, and Certificate in Project Planning and Management from GIMPA.
The has worked as a District Town Planning Officer for Asante-Akim North and South districts, officer in charge of Development Control in Tamale, Officer of Town and Country Planning Development, Town Planner (UNV Programme) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dakar and Bangladesh.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
CJ ATTENDS WEY GEY HEY SPEECH DAY (PAGE 31)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
The Chief Justice, Justice Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood, says she is pursuing a policy to make the judiciary more attractive to the
youth through what she described as a mentor programme.
She said under the policy, the judiciary would open its doors to the youth to visit the courts and observe proceedings and interact with the judiciary to encourage them to appreciate its role in ensuring justice, democracy and good governance.
At the Speech and Prize-giving day of the Wesley Girls High School (Wey Gey Hey) in Cape Coast at the weekend, Mrs Wood said she had been supported by her colleagues and peers at the bench since her appointment as Chief Justice and that she would continue to maintain close ties with them to enhance the work of the judiciary in dispensing justice.
She said the judiciary had had a good number of top female lawyers and it was time to encourage more young females to join the bench through the mentor policy.
Mrs Wood, who is an old student of the school, expressed the hope that the students would follow the footsteps of their predecessors who had contributed immensely to enhance the image of the judiciary.
Touching on the theme of the event, which emphasised partnership between stakeholders in education, Mrs Wood stressed the need for effective partnership and collaboration amongst all interested parties to ensure quality education.
She said effective partnership called for collaboration and teamwork devoid of suspicion and mistrust amongst stakeholders, that should be based on assigning roles to all so that no group claimed credit, success or failure.
She urged all to take collective responsibility in their endeavours for effective and quality education.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Betty Dzokoto, in her report said the school had made significant improvement in its academic performance and that it was making efforts to improve upon its performance to achieve the vision of the founders of the school for excellence in both academic and life skills of its products.
The Chief Justice, Justice Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood, says she is pursuing a policy to make the judiciary more attractive to the
youth through what she described as a mentor programme.
She said under the policy, the judiciary would open its doors to the youth to visit the courts and observe proceedings and interact with the judiciary to encourage them to appreciate its role in ensuring justice, democracy and good governance.
At the Speech and Prize-giving day of the Wesley Girls High School (Wey Gey Hey) in Cape Coast at the weekend, Mrs Wood said she had been supported by her colleagues and peers at the bench since her appointment as Chief Justice and that she would continue to maintain close ties with them to enhance the work of the judiciary in dispensing justice.
She said the judiciary had had a good number of top female lawyers and it was time to encourage more young females to join the bench through the mentor policy.
Mrs Wood, who is an old student of the school, expressed the hope that the students would follow the footsteps of their predecessors who had contributed immensely to enhance the image of the judiciary.
Touching on the theme of the event, which emphasised partnership between stakeholders in education, Mrs Wood stressed the need for effective partnership and collaboration amongst all interested parties to ensure quality education.
She said effective partnership called for collaboration and teamwork devoid of suspicion and mistrust amongst stakeholders, that should be based on assigning roles to all so that no group claimed credit, success or failure.
She urged all to take collective responsibility in their endeavours for effective and quality education.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Betty Dzokoto, in her report said the school had made significant improvement in its academic performance and that it was making efforts to improve upon its performance to achieve the vision of the founders of the school for excellence in both academic and life skills of its products.
Monday, February 11, 2008
METHODIST CHURCH LAUNCHES MORINGA PROJECT (Page 34)
Story: Joe Aggrey
THE Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana has launched a multi-purpose moringa project to boost the production of the plant for medicinal use.
When fully developed, the project is capable of generating about GH¢120,000 per annum.
The moringa plant has a high protein, vitamin and mineral content and is very beneficial medically.
The project will involve the use of the plant for three main products in the form of honey, drops and soap.
It would also be made into capsules in the future.
At the launch at Obidan, near Mankessim in the Mfantsiman District, the Right Reverend Isaac K. Quansah, the Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, said the diocese had started the cultivation of a four-acre moringa farm on a 38-acre land, which, known as the “Nananom Mpow”, was freely released to the church in 1998.
Rev. Quansah said the land was released by the Akwesi family to be developed into a religious tourist centre for the economic benefit of the people in the area.
He stated that the facility was to be developed into a retreat centre with a hall capable of seating 1,500 people and consisting of catering facilities, orchards, teak, acacia and moringa plantations.
According to Rev. Quansah, the project, which started in 2003 with the orchard, was unfortunately destroyed by a bush fire in 2006 and that the moringa project was settled on due to its economic value.
He said the resources from the project would be used to finance the infrastructure for the religious tourism and retreat centre.
The Director of Honey Centre at Saltpond, Mr Kwame Aidoo, who is in charge of the moringa project, said the project was conceived due to the economic and health benefits derived from the moringa plant.
He said among the health benefits, the moringa plant could be used to fight malnutrition in children when mixed with gari.
He advised church members to go into the commercial cultivation of the plant since it could be sold on both the local and international markets.
The Project Co-ordinator, Brother Kish Odum, said the project was to be operated according to the out-grower scheme, adding that the church would support any group or individuals with financial assistance to go into commercial cultivation of the plant and also purchase the products.
THE Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana has launched a multi-purpose moringa project to boost the production of the plant for medicinal use.
When fully developed, the project is capable of generating about GH¢120,000 per annum.
The moringa plant has a high protein, vitamin and mineral content and is very beneficial medically.
The project will involve the use of the plant for three main products in the form of honey, drops and soap.
It would also be made into capsules in the future.
At the launch at Obidan, near Mankessim in the Mfantsiman District, the Right Reverend Isaac K. Quansah, the Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, said the diocese had started the cultivation of a four-acre moringa farm on a 38-acre land, which, known as the “Nananom Mpow”, was freely released to the church in 1998.
Rev. Quansah said the land was released by the Akwesi family to be developed into a religious tourist centre for the economic benefit of the people in the area.
He stated that the facility was to be developed into a retreat centre with a hall capable of seating 1,500 people and consisting of catering facilities, orchards, teak, acacia and moringa plantations.
According to Rev. Quansah, the project, which started in 2003 with the orchard, was unfortunately destroyed by a bush fire in 2006 and that the moringa project was settled on due to its economic value.
He said the resources from the project would be used to finance the infrastructure for the religious tourism and retreat centre.
The Director of Honey Centre at Saltpond, Mr Kwame Aidoo, who is in charge of the moringa project, said the project was conceived due to the economic and health benefits derived from the moringa plant.
He said among the health benefits, the moringa plant could be used to fight malnutrition in children when mixed with gari.
He advised church members to go into the commercial cultivation of the plant since it could be sold on both the local and international markets.
The Project Co-ordinator, Brother Kish Odum, said the project was to be operated according to the out-grower scheme, adding that the church would support any group or individuals with financial assistance to go into commercial cultivation of the plant and also purchase the products.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
CENTRAL REGION NPP COMMENDS ATO ARTHUR (PAGE 14)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE Central Regional Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has commended the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, for his dedication and commitment to the cause of the party in the region, and his tireless drive and zeal for the execution of government policies and programmes in the region.
An executive committee meeting attended by regional officers and constituency chairmen expressed satisfied with the state of the party in the region and unanimously agreed that the situation had come about as a result of the initiative and drive of Nana Ato Arthur.
They, therefore, commended him for his good relationship with the party members, chiefs, opinion leaders and the rank and file of party and always making time to attend all meetings as well as showing support for the party’s programmes and activities.
He is also noted for his efforts at arbitration and reconciliation and creating a conducive platform to unite all the party members.
According to the members, it is during his tenure of office as the Regional Minister that the party is witnessing unprecedented levels of peace and unity within the party.
They therefore encouraged him to do more in this election year to enable the party to achieve its objective of protecting its 16 seats in Parliament.
and capturing the remaining three in the December 2008 general elections.
THE Central Regional Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has commended the Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, for his dedication and commitment to the cause of the party in the region, and his tireless drive and zeal for the execution of government policies and programmes in the region.
An executive committee meeting attended by regional officers and constituency chairmen expressed satisfied with the state of the party in the region and unanimously agreed that the situation had come about as a result of the initiative and drive of Nana Ato Arthur.
They, therefore, commended him for his good relationship with the party members, chiefs, opinion leaders and the rank and file of party and always making time to attend all meetings as well as showing support for the party’s programmes and activities.
He is also noted for his efforts at arbitration and reconciliation and creating a conducive platform to unite all the party members.
According to the members, it is during his tenure of office as the Regional Minister that the party is witnessing unprecedented levels of peace and unity within the party.
They therefore encouraged him to do more in this election year to enable the party to achieve its objective of protecting its 16 seats in Parliament.
and capturing the remaining three in the December 2008 general elections.
NDC ORGANISES PRIMARIES IN 13 OF 19 CONSTITUENCIES (Page 16)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE National Democratic Congress (NDC) has organised primaries in 13 out of the 19 constituencies in the region to select parliamentary candidates for the December 2008 election.
Nominations of candidates for the remaining six constituencies will re-open at the end of February and primaries will be organised in March when all the 94 NDC MPs nation-wide will organise primaries to select candidates.
The six constituencies where the primaries have not been held are Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Gomoa West, Upper Denkyira East, Upper Denkyira West, Mfantseman East and Atti Mokwaa.
The Central Regional Propaganda Secretary of the party, Mr Allotey Jacobs, made this known to the Daily Graphic at Cape Coast last Tuesday.
Mr Allotey Jacobs explained that primaries have not been held in Upper Denkyira West and Upper Denkyira East because the two constituencies were seen as a Waterloo for the NDC in terms of voting percentage and would need some research in order to build a solid foundation for the party and select the right calibre of candidates to contest the seats.
He said in the case of the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa Constituency, the party had 43.8 per cent of votes in the 2004 elections, there was therefore the need for re-organisation in the constituency, hence the delay.
He said the party had braced itself to win the election in the 19 constituencies and that a fact-finding team had presented its report on the declining fortunes of the party in the region and measures to turn its fortunes around.
Mr Allotey Jacobs said that one thing that had given assurance to the party was that the NPP had failed in its promises of providing employment for the youth.
He said fishermen along the coastal belt were going out of business due to the high prices of fishing inputs and the removal of subsidy on premix fuel.
He said the fishermen had complained that what had even made the fishing industry unattractive was the fact that foreign fishing trawlers which had been given the licence to fish in the country’s territorial waters had also been destroying their canoes and fishing nets.
He gave the names of the constituencies and those elected as Agona East, Theo Maranga, an immigration lawyer in New York; Agona West, Ibrahim Subaro, a lecturer at Accra Polytechnic; Gomoa East, James Okyere, an educationist; Awutu-Senya, Nana David Larbi, an immigration lawyer based in London; Effutu, Mike Hammah, a chartered surveyor; and for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Ato Forson, a security expert based in London.
The rest are Assin North, Isaac Antwi-Bosiako, a banker; Assin South, Sabina Appiah-Kubi, a contractor and businesswoman; Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Anthony Dadzie, an accountant; for Cape Coast, Ebo Barton Oduro, a lawyer; Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Dr J.S. Annan, a surgeon specialist and a consultant at the UN; and Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira, Foster Andoh, a chartered purchaser.
THE National Democratic Congress (NDC) has organised primaries in 13 out of the 19 constituencies in the region to select parliamentary candidates for the December 2008 election.
Nominations of candidates for the remaining six constituencies will re-open at the end of February and primaries will be organised in March when all the 94 NDC MPs nation-wide will organise primaries to select candidates.
The six constituencies where the primaries have not been held are Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Gomoa West, Upper Denkyira East, Upper Denkyira West, Mfantseman East and Atti Mokwaa.
The Central Regional Propaganda Secretary of the party, Mr Allotey Jacobs, made this known to the Daily Graphic at Cape Coast last Tuesday.
Mr Allotey Jacobs explained that primaries have not been held in Upper Denkyira West and Upper Denkyira East because the two constituencies were seen as a Waterloo for the NDC in terms of voting percentage and would need some research in order to build a solid foundation for the party and select the right calibre of candidates to contest the seats.
He said in the case of the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa Constituency, the party had 43.8 per cent of votes in the 2004 elections, there was therefore the need for re-organisation in the constituency, hence the delay.
He said the party had braced itself to win the election in the 19 constituencies and that a fact-finding team had presented its report on the declining fortunes of the party in the region and measures to turn its fortunes around.
Mr Allotey Jacobs said that one thing that had given assurance to the party was that the NPP had failed in its promises of providing employment for the youth.
He said fishermen along the coastal belt were going out of business due to the high prices of fishing inputs and the removal of subsidy on premix fuel.
He said the fishermen had complained that what had even made the fishing industry unattractive was the fact that foreign fishing trawlers which had been given the licence to fish in the country’s territorial waters had also been destroying their canoes and fishing nets.
He gave the names of the constituencies and those elected as Agona East, Theo Maranga, an immigration lawyer in New York; Agona West, Ibrahim Subaro, a lecturer at Accra Polytechnic; Gomoa East, James Okyere, an educationist; Awutu-Senya, Nana David Larbi, an immigration lawyer based in London; Effutu, Mike Hammah, a chartered surveyor; and for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Ato Forson, a security expert based in London.
The rest are Assin North, Isaac Antwi-Bosiako, a banker; Assin South, Sabina Appiah-Kubi, a contractor and businesswoman; Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Anthony Dadzie, an accountant; for Cape Coast, Ebo Barton Oduro, a lawyer; Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Dr J.S. Annan, a surgeon specialist and a consultant at the UN; and Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira, Foster Andoh, a chartered purchaser.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPT TAKES OVER CAPE VARS STUDENT'S CASE (Page 50)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE Attorney-General's Department has taken over the prosecution of a Level 400 student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), George Kusi-Adjei, 25, who is standing trial at a Cape Coast circuit court for defiling an eight-year-old primary two girl.
Kusi-Adjei pleaded not guilty when he first appeared before the court presided over by Mr Justice Beresford Acquah on January 16 and was granted bail. The case was adjourned to Wednesday, January 30.
The court, however, could not sit due to rehabilitation works on the premises and the case was therefore rescheduled for Monday, February 4.
However, Monday's hearing was done at the judge's chambers in order to protect the identity of the girl.
According to the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Augustine Amonoo, the accused, a non-resident student of the UCC, resides at the Capital 02 Hostel at Kokoado, which is located behind the house of the victim's parents.
Chief Inspector Amonoo said the victim's strange behaviour whilst urinating on December 30, last year, aroused the suspicion of the aunt and when she questioned the little girl, she told her that Kusi-Adjei had inserted his fingers into her vagina on so many occasions within that month.
The victim told the aunt that anytime Kusi-Adjei bought iced water from them, he asked her to send it to his hostel and that it was on one of those occasions that he forcibly had sex with her.
Chief Inspector Amonoo told the court that a medical report from the UCC Hospital confirmed that the little girl had been penetrated and that Kusi-Adjei, who was on holidays in Sunyani, denied the offence when he was initially contacted on phone about the victim's claim.
He said a complaint was lodged with the Police Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and on January 5, this year, Kusi-Adjei and his mother, accompanied by a pastor, travelled from Sunyani to Cape Coast to meet the victim's parents during which he again denied the offence.
He said Kusi-Adjei later admitted the offence after a meeting with the medical officer of the UCC Hospital, who examined the girl and pleaded that the case should be settled out of court.
He said it was in the process of settlement that the police, who had been alerted, moved in to arrest the culprit.
When the case came up for hearing again on Tuesday, February 5, Mr Anthony Wiredu, Principal State Attorney, told the court that the Attorney-General's Department had taken over the prosecution and that the police had been notified in a letter dated January 14.
Mr Wiredu said since he was in Accra on Monday, he could not be present at the sitting.
At the time of going to press, the next date for hearing was yet to be fixed.
THE Attorney-General's Department has taken over the prosecution of a Level 400 student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), George Kusi-Adjei, 25, who is standing trial at a Cape Coast circuit court for defiling an eight-year-old primary two girl.
Kusi-Adjei pleaded not guilty when he first appeared before the court presided over by Mr Justice Beresford Acquah on January 16 and was granted bail. The case was adjourned to Wednesday, January 30.
The court, however, could not sit due to rehabilitation works on the premises and the case was therefore rescheduled for Monday, February 4.
However, Monday's hearing was done at the judge's chambers in order to protect the identity of the girl.
According to the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Augustine Amonoo, the accused, a non-resident student of the UCC, resides at the Capital 02 Hostel at Kokoado, which is located behind the house of the victim's parents.
Chief Inspector Amonoo said the victim's strange behaviour whilst urinating on December 30, last year, aroused the suspicion of the aunt and when she questioned the little girl, she told her that Kusi-Adjei had inserted his fingers into her vagina on so many occasions within that month.
The victim told the aunt that anytime Kusi-Adjei bought iced water from them, he asked her to send it to his hostel and that it was on one of those occasions that he forcibly had sex with her.
Chief Inspector Amonoo told the court that a medical report from the UCC Hospital confirmed that the little girl had been penetrated and that Kusi-Adjei, who was on holidays in Sunyani, denied the offence when he was initially contacted on phone about the victim's claim.
He said a complaint was lodged with the Police Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and on January 5, this year, Kusi-Adjei and his mother, accompanied by a pastor, travelled from Sunyani to Cape Coast to meet the victim's parents during which he again denied the offence.
He said Kusi-Adjei later admitted the offence after a meeting with the medical officer of the UCC Hospital, who examined the girl and pleaded that the case should be settled out of court.
He said it was in the process of settlement that the police, who had been alerted, moved in to arrest the culprit.
When the case came up for hearing again on Tuesday, February 5, Mr Anthony Wiredu, Principal State Attorney, told the court that the Attorney-General's Department had taken over the prosecution and that the police had been notified in a letter dated January 14.
Mr Wiredu said since he was in Accra on Monday, he could not be present at the sitting.
At the time of going to press, the next date for hearing was yet to be fixed.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
YOUTH WING OF NDC BEHIND ATTA MILLS (Page 15)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE Youth Wing of the Central Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assured Ghanaians and members of the party that it is solidly behind its flag bearer, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.
This was contained in a release signed by the Regional Youth Organiser, Mr Samuel Ato Amoah, and Mr P. Kofi Ashice Owusu, Secretary, Youth Working Committee, and issued to the press in Cape Coast on Friday.
The release said Prof. Mills was the only flag bearer who could lead NDC to victory and, therefore, called on Ghanaians to support him to take the country out of the present economic doldrums.
The release said Prof. Mills was hale and hearty and was growing from strength to strength to contest the December 7 elections and win to become the President of Ghana.
It assured all that the Central Regional NDC had absolute faith and trust in Prof. Mills' capability to win the elections, irrespective of the rumours about his health, and called on Ghanaians to ignore and condemn all those rumours.
It debunked all false stories being peddled against Prof. Mills and said it would resist any attempt by anybody or a group of people to undermine the stability prevailing in the party and the undemocratic attempt to remove him as the flag bearer of the party.
The release called on all party members to remain calm in these turbulent times to undermine the victory of the NDC and that of Prof. Mills, adding that it was time for members of the party to stay focused and lend their support to Prof. Mills to win the election and restore smiles on the faces of Ghanaians.
THE Youth Wing of the Central Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assured Ghanaians and members of the party that it is solidly behind its flag bearer, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.
This was contained in a release signed by the Regional Youth Organiser, Mr Samuel Ato Amoah, and Mr P. Kofi Ashice Owusu, Secretary, Youth Working Committee, and issued to the press in Cape Coast on Friday.
The release said Prof. Mills was the only flag bearer who could lead NDC to victory and, therefore, called on Ghanaians to support him to take the country out of the present economic doldrums.
The release said Prof. Mills was hale and hearty and was growing from strength to strength to contest the December 7 elections and win to become the President of Ghana.
It assured all that the Central Regional NDC had absolute faith and trust in Prof. Mills' capability to win the elections, irrespective of the rumours about his health, and called on Ghanaians to ignore and condemn all those rumours.
It debunked all false stories being peddled against Prof. Mills and said it would resist any attempt by anybody or a group of people to undermine the stability prevailing in the party and the undemocratic attempt to remove him as the flag bearer of the party.
The release called on all party members to remain calm in these turbulent times to undermine the victory of the NDC and that of Prof. Mills, adding that it was time for members of the party to stay focused and lend their support to Prof. Mills to win the election and restore smiles on the faces of Ghanaians.
Friday, February 1, 2008
MDCC MEMBERS URGED TO UNITE (Page 20)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE Akatitibi II of the Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC), Prophetess Mathabinaia Jehu-Appiah, has called on members of the church to put the past behind them and unite for the realisation of the vision of the founders of the church.
Prophetess Jehu-Appiah made the call at the national victory crusade of the church at Mozano, near Gomoa Eshiem.
She said the church had gone through many turbulent periods, including court action, over the past five years, with the sceptics wrongly predicting its disintegration.
Prophetess Jehu-Appiah said many capitalised on the problems to cause trouble, saying that since peace had prevailed, all should prepare for sacrifices to revive the once vibrant church to offer spiritual guidance to its members and the country as a whole.
She stated that a meeting of consecrated workers and elders would soon be convened to identify the problems of the various stations to be used as the basis to begin its administrative restructuring to ensure lasting peace.
THE Akatitibi II of the Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC), Prophetess Mathabinaia Jehu-Appiah, has called on members of the church to put the past behind them and unite for the realisation of the vision of the founders of the church.
Prophetess Jehu-Appiah made the call at the national victory crusade of the church at Mozano, near Gomoa Eshiem.
She said the church had gone through many turbulent periods, including court action, over the past five years, with the sceptics wrongly predicting its disintegration.
Prophetess Jehu-Appiah said many capitalised on the problems to cause trouble, saying that since peace had prevailed, all should prepare for sacrifices to revive the once vibrant church to offer spiritual guidance to its members and the country as a whole.
She stated that a meeting of consecrated workers and elders would soon be convened to identify the problems of the various stations to be used as the basis to begin its administrative restructuring to ensure lasting peace.
NGO SETS UP COMPUTER CENTRE AT KOMENDA (Page 20)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE African Information Centre (AIM), a non-governmental organisation, is setting up a computer training centre at Komenda in the Central Region to train pupils to acquire skills in computer application, business management, ecology, nature conservation and tourism management.
The project will enhance the prospects of the youth and also support the formation of independent young and talented minds.
The Project Director, Mr Jorn Preub, made this known at a durbar to sensitise the people at Komenda.
Mr Preub said the objective of AIM was to produce an independent minded and socially responsible youth who had the ability to solve Ghanaian problems independently.
He said it would also help curb migration of the youth from the countryside so that they would recognise and be able to achieve more with their own available facilities.
The guest of honour for the function, Dr Mrs Linda Dzama Ford of the Educational Leadership of the University of Cape Coast, advised the youth to resist the pressure from peers to indulge in acts that had the potential to ruin their future.
The Project Manager, Mr Solomon Appiah, said AIM Youth Club, comprising school pupils in the area, had been formed to train the youth to use waste water sachet to produce bags to reduce the menace the sachet was causing the environment.
THE African Information Centre (AIM), a non-governmental organisation, is setting up a computer training centre at Komenda in the Central Region to train pupils to acquire skills in computer application, business management, ecology, nature conservation and tourism management.
The project will enhance the prospects of the youth and also support the formation of independent young and talented minds.
The Project Director, Mr Jorn Preub, made this known at a durbar to sensitise the people at Komenda.
Mr Preub said the objective of AIM was to produce an independent minded and socially responsible youth who had the ability to solve Ghanaian problems independently.
He said it would also help curb migration of the youth from the countryside so that they would recognise and be able to achieve more with their own available facilities.
The guest of honour for the function, Dr Mrs Linda Dzama Ford of the Educational Leadership of the University of Cape Coast, advised the youth to resist the pressure from peers to indulge in acts that had the potential to ruin their future.
The Project Manager, Mr Solomon Appiah, said AIM Youth Club, comprising school pupils in the area, had been formed to train the youth to use waste water sachet to produce bags to reduce the menace the sachet was causing the environment.
DWUMA ODDOM HONOURED FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP (Page 20)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE chiefs and people of Bepoben in the Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira District, in collaboration with the Peter Anne School Complex at Twifo Mampong have honoured the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Abraham Dwuma Odoom, for his immense contribution towards the development of the district.
Mr Odoom served as the district chief executive (DCE) for the area between 2000 and 2004, before being promoted as a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
During his tenure, the district, carved out of the Upper Denkyira District, went through a lot of transformation from being a deprived district to become one of the vibrant districts in the Central Region.
In a citation, Mr Kenneth Amprofi, the proprietor of the school, described Mr Odoom as an outstanding citizen of the district through whose efforts the district was connected to the national electricity grid, while a lot of infrastructure, including roads, health and educational facilities, potable water, among others, were provided in several communities in the district.
Mr Amprofi said apart from providing 22 students with scholarships, Mr Odoom had also sponsored 150 people to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme.
At the same function, two British volunteers, Mr Peter Hinchiffe and Mrs Anne Dixon, who taught in the Anne School Complex for four years and helped to build an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory for the school, were also honoured.
The two volunteers also made available a 10-year scholarship scheme for 24 brilliant, needy children in the school, apart from the provision of a three-classroom block for the school.
Mr Odoom, who will contest the Twifo Atii Morkwaa parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), thanked the people for their support and appealed to them to vote for him during the 2008 general election.
The DCE for the area, Mr Samuel Yaw Agyebie Kessie, said the district had reached a stage where the politics of deceit and lies should give way for development.
THE chiefs and people of Bepoben in the Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira District, in collaboration with the Peter Anne School Complex at Twifo Mampong have honoured the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Abraham Dwuma Odoom, for his immense contribution towards the development of the district.
Mr Odoom served as the district chief executive (DCE) for the area between 2000 and 2004, before being promoted as a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
During his tenure, the district, carved out of the Upper Denkyira District, went through a lot of transformation from being a deprived district to become one of the vibrant districts in the Central Region.
In a citation, Mr Kenneth Amprofi, the proprietor of the school, described Mr Odoom as an outstanding citizen of the district through whose efforts the district was connected to the national electricity grid, while a lot of infrastructure, including roads, health and educational facilities, potable water, among others, were provided in several communities in the district.
Mr Amprofi said apart from providing 22 students with scholarships, Mr Odoom had also sponsored 150 people to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme.
At the same function, two British volunteers, Mr Peter Hinchiffe and Mrs Anne Dixon, who taught in the Anne School Complex for four years and helped to build an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory for the school, were also honoured.
The two volunteers also made available a 10-year scholarship scheme for 24 brilliant, needy children in the school, apart from the provision of a three-classroom block for the school.
Mr Odoom, who will contest the Twifo Atii Morkwaa parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), thanked the people for their support and appealed to them to vote for him during the 2008 general election.
The DCE for the area, Mr Samuel Yaw Agyebie Kessie, said the district had reached a stage where the politics of deceit and lies should give way for development.
PATRONAGE OF PRAYER CAMPS, FACTOR TO MATERNAL MORTALITY (Page 20)
STORY: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE high patronage of prayer camps by pregnant women in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District is affecting efforts to reduce the high maternal mortality rate in the district.
The District Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Yaw Ofori-Yeboah, expressed the concern at an end-of-year review/awards ceremony jointly organised by the GHS-KEEA District Assembly at Elmina.
Dr Ofori-Yeboah said even though the GHS in collaboration with the KEEA and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for drivers to send women in labour who could not afford transport fares to health facilities, such women continued to patronise prayer camps.
The drivers are reimbursed later by the GHS and KEEA District Assembly.
Dr Ofori-Yeboah said such women stayed at the prayer camps and were rushed to the health facilities when there were complications in their conditions.
He said the collaboration had helped to save the lives of about 100 mothers and babies in the district.
Dr Ofori-Yeboah commended the KEEA for its support for the GHS in the district.
In all, six drivers received certificates and special commendations for conveying pregnant women to health facilities under the collaboration. Thirty others were also commended.
The Regional Director of the GHS, Dr Aaron Offei, said the MoU, which was signed in 2005, had now been extended to all the districts to reduce the high maternal mortality rate in the region.
He said more than 270 pregnant women had benefited from the programme since its inception, and stressed the need to deepen the collaboration.
The District Chief Executive for KEEA, Mr George Frank Asmah, advised drivers to be disciplined to help reduce accidents on the roads.
The District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Saaka Dramani, who chaired the function, commended the drivers for their efforts to help the health sector to meet its challenges.
THE high patronage of prayer camps by pregnant women in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District is affecting efforts to reduce the high maternal mortality rate in the district.
The District Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Yaw Ofori-Yeboah, expressed the concern at an end-of-year review/awards ceremony jointly organised by the GHS-KEEA District Assembly at Elmina.
Dr Ofori-Yeboah said even though the GHS in collaboration with the KEEA and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for drivers to send women in labour who could not afford transport fares to health facilities, such women continued to patronise prayer camps.
The drivers are reimbursed later by the GHS and KEEA District Assembly.
Dr Ofori-Yeboah said such women stayed at the prayer camps and were rushed to the health facilities when there were complications in their conditions.
He said the collaboration had helped to save the lives of about 100 mothers and babies in the district.
Dr Ofori-Yeboah commended the KEEA for its support for the GHS in the district.
In all, six drivers received certificates and special commendations for conveying pregnant women to health facilities under the collaboration. Thirty others were also commended.
The Regional Director of the GHS, Dr Aaron Offei, said the MoU, which was signed in 2005, had now been extended to all the districts to reduce the high maternal mortality rate in the region.
He said more than 270 pregnant women had benefited from the programme since its inception, and stressed the need to deepen the collaboration.
The District Chief Executive for KEEA, Mr George Frank Asmah, advised drivers to be disciplined to help reduce accidents on the roads.
The District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Saaka Dramani, who chaired the function, commended the drivers for their efforts to help the health sector to meet its challenges.
CHURCHES URGED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR TRAINING COLLEGES (PAGE 20)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE Dean of the Institute of Education of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Joseph Kingsley Aboagye, has called on churches to continue to support teacher training colleges to enable them to meet their challenges.
He said as training colleges had been upgraded to offer diploma certificates, they faced new challenges of offering quality education so it would be important to provide them with the needed support to face those challenges.
At the launch of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Komenda Training College at Komenda, Prof. Aboagye said the time had come for the churches to continue with their support, instead of providing Bibles and hymn books.
He said the college, which had been at the forefront of teacher education, still lacked adequate accommodation for both teaching staff and students, and also faced water shortage.
According to Prof. Aboagye, the college, which had trained about 6,000 teachers, currently had a population of 735 students with a staff of 47 tutors.
He said despite its problems and challenges, the college had maintained a high academic profile, adding that it ranked fourth out of the 38 teacher training colleges in the country in the first Diploma in Basic Education examination conducted by UCC’s Institute of Education.
A lecturer at the UCC, Dr Dora Edu-Buandoh, who chaired the function, commended the founding fathers of the college — the Methodist Missionaries, for their contribution towards the provision of quality education in the country.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Haruna Yakubu, who performed the launching ceremony, urged the authorities and students of the college to use the occasion to reflect on the past and chart a new course to meet the current challenges.
The Bishop of the Cape Coast Archdiocese of the Methodist Church, Rev I.K. Quansah, gave a brief history of the college, and commended the founding fathers for the vision.
THE Dean of the Institute of Education of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Joseph Kingsley Aboagye, has called on churches to continue to support teacher training colleges to enable them to meet their challenges.
He said as training colleges had been upgraded to offer diploma certificates, they faced new challenges of offering quality education so it would be important to provide them with the needed support to face those challenges.
At the launch of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Komenda Training College at Komenda, Prof. Aboagye said the time had come for the churches to continue with their support, instead of providing Bibles and hymn books.
He said the college, which had been at the forefront of teacher education, still lacked adequate accommodation for both teaching staff and students, and also faced water shortage.
According to Prof. Aboagye, the college, which had trained about 6,000 teachers, currently had a population of 735 students with a staff of 47 tutors.
He said despite its problems and challenges, the college had maintained a high academic profile, adding that it ranked fourth out of the 38 teacher training colleges in the country in the first Diploma in Basic Education examination conducted by UCC’s Institute of Education.
A lecturer at the UCC, Dr Dora Edu-Buandoh, who chaired the function, commended the founding fathers of the college — the Methodist Missionaries, for their contribution towards the provision of quality education in the country.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Haruna Yakubu, who performed the launching ceremony, urged the authorities and students of the college to use the occasion to reflect on the past and chart a new course to meet the current challenges.
The Bishop of the Cape Coast Archdiocese of the Methodist Church, Rev I.K. Quansah, gave a brief history of the college, and commended the founding fathers for the vision.
LEND SUPPORT TO NEW CHIEFTAINCY BILL (Page 20)
Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
THE Minister of State in charge of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr S.K. Boafo, has called on chiefs to support the new Chieftaincy Bill, which is currently before Parliament in order to reflect modern realities and address their concerns.
Mr Boafo said the numerous disputes that had affected the institution was the result of unqualified people who were enstooled or enskinned as chiefs.
He described Act 370, which dealt with the chieftaincy institution as completely outmoded and needed to be overhauled to reflect the realities of the day.
Mr Boafo was speaking at the end-of-year gathering of chiefs and people of the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District at Breman Asikuma.
He expressed regret at the installation of foreigners as "Nkosuohene" (Development Chiefs) and said that had had a negative impact on the chieftaincy institution.
He said some of those chiefs even tried to usurp and undermine the authority of the very chiefs who bestowed that honour on them.
The minister advised them to preserve the culture and values that promoted the institution.
An Accra-based consultant, Mr Joe Appiah, called for a leadership which would be accountable to the people, and urged the people to support the district administration and work hard in their own interest.
The Adontenhene of the Breman Asikuma Traditional Area, Nana Okor Yaw Abonyi IV, said the Stool Lands Administration had not served the interest of chiefs properly and, therefore, called on the government to streamline it to make it more beneficial to them.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Emmanuel Adjei-Domson, used the occasion to honour Mr Boafo and Mr John Kofi Mensah, General Manager (Client Services) of uniBank (Ghana) Limited, for their support for the district.
He also said a brochure on the district would be launched.
Mr Mensah, who chaired the function, commended Mr Adjei-Domson for spearheading the development of the area.
THE Minister of State in charge of Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr S.K. Boafo, has called on chiefs to support the new Chieftaincy Bill, which is currently before Parliament in order to reflect modern realities and address their concerns.
Mr Boafo said the numerous disputes that had affected the institution was the result of unqualified people who were enstooled or enskinned as chiefs.
He described Act 370, which dealt with the chieftaincy institution as completely outmoded and needed to be overhauled to reflect the realities of the day.
Mr Boafo was speaking at the end-of-year gathering of chiefs and people of the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District at Breman Asikuma.
He expressed regret at the installation of foreigners as "Nkosuohene" (Development Chiefs) and said that had had a negative impact on the chieftaincy institution.
He said some of those chiefs even tried to usurp and undermine the authority of the very chiefs who bestowed that honour on them.
The minister advised them to preserve the culture and values that promoted the institution.
An Accra-based consultant, Mr Joe Appiah, called for a leadership which would be accountable to the people, and urged the people to support the district administration and work hard in their own interest.
The Adontenhene of the Breman Asikuma Traditional Area, Nana Okor Yaw Abonyi IV, said the Stool Lands Administration had not served the interest of chiefs properly and, therefore, called on the government to streamline it to make it more beneficial to them.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Emmanuel Adjei-Domson, used the occasion to honour Mr Boafo and Mr John Kofi Mensah, General Manager (Client Services) of uniBank (Ghana) Limited, for their support for the district.
He also said a brochure on the district would be launched.
Mr Mensah, who chaired the function, commended Mr Adjei-Domson for spearheading the development of the area.
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