Story: Joe Okyere, Cape Coast
17/03/08
The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated that the country under the Kufour administration has made giant strides in her socio-economic and political development, which needed to be sustained.
He has, therefore, asked Ghanaians to vote for him to continue with the solid foundation laid by the Kufuor administration to ensure prosperity of Ghanaians.
Addressing a well-attended rally at the Chapel Square in Cape Coast as part of his two-day campaign visit to the Central Region at the weekend, Nana Akufo-Addo said the country was moving forward in a new era of economic prosperity which should be sustained.
He said the NPP government under his leadership would ensure that the gains and solid foundation laid under President Kufuor’s administration would be maintained for the rapid development of the country.
He called on Ghanaians who had attained 18 years to register when the voters register is re-opened to enable them to exercise their franchise to vote for the NPP to continue its socio-economic and political development of the country.
He, however, cautioned those below the voting age not to register, since it would be against the law.
He said the Kufuor administration had fulfilled its promises to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians and cited the improvement of the water supply and the road network in the country and the region as evidence of such promises.
He expressed the hope that the region, which was one of the strongholds of the NPP, would continue to maintain its loyalty and unflinching support for the party to retain power in the 2008 elections.
The Central Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Smith Danquah aka “Buttey,” described the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, as a wounded lion and urged members of the party to step up their campaign for the NPP to retain power.
Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman said the party remained united contrary to sceptics that it would disintegrate after its congress.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, who is contesting the seat for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem seat for the party, commended the government for establishing the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Cape Coast and raising the regional capital to the status of a metropolis.
Earlier, Nana Akufo-Addo addressed a forum at TESCON at the University of Cape Coast and paid courtesy calls on Zongo Chiefs and the Oguaa Omanhen, Nana Kwesi Atta I.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
KEEA, Netherlands partnership expanded
Story: Joe Okyere, Elmina
14/03/08
THE scope of the partnership between the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District and the Municipality of Gouda, The Netherlands, has been expanded to include a monthly pension scheme for needy aged women between 70 and 80 in the district.
The first 50 beneficiaries from Berase in the Abrem Traditional Area are receiving GH¢11.00 per month as their pension.
The beneficiaries need not contribute under the scheme, which is being implemented on purely humanitarian grounds.
To qualify for the scheme, one must have attained 70, besides proving that the beneficiary has no breadwinner.
Dubbed "Adopt a Granny Foundation", the project introduces the needy aged ones to interested sponsors in The Netherlands for adoption and monthly support.
Speaking at Berase where the first 50 beneficiaries received their pension, the initiator of the scheme and Mayor of the Municipality of Gouda, Mr Wim Cornelis, who led a three-member delegation, said the partnership would be expanded to embrace more aged women.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, commended Mr Cornelis for initiating the scheme, and advised the recipients to use the money judiciously.
He also praised the District Chief Executive (DCE) for KEEA, Mr George Frank Asmah, for striving hard to sustain and expand the partnership arrangement that began during the tenure of office of Nana Ato Arthur as the DCE.
Mr Asmah, said that currently, the partnership was yielding positive results in areas of sanitation and improvement in health with the provision of hospital equipment.
A 1.2 million euro plastic recycling factory is expected to be built at Essaman to tackle the plastic waste menace in the district and provide employment for about 3,000 people. The Omanhen of the Abrem Traditional Area, Nana Kyiriwia Kordie, thanked the KEEA District Assembly and the Municipality of Gouda for the introduction of the scheme and said it would go a long way to assist aged women in the area.
14/03/08
THE scope of the partnership between the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) District and the Municipality of Gouda, The Netherlands, has been expanded to include a monthly pension scheme for needy aged women between 70 and 80 in the district.
The first 50 beneficiaries from Berase in the Abrem Traditional Area are receiving GH¢11.00 per month as their pension.
The beneficiaries need not contribute under the scheme, which is being implemented on purely humanitarian grounds.
To qualify for the scheme, one must have attained 70, besides proving that the beneficiary has no breadwinner.
Dubbed "Adopt a Granny Foundation", the project introduces the needy aged ones to interested sponsors in The Netherlands for adoption and monthly support.
Speaking at Berase where the first 50 beneficiaries received their pension, the initiator of the scheme and Mayor of the Municipality of Gouda, Mr Wim Cornelis, who led a three-member delegation, said the partnership would be expanded to embrace more aged women.
The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, commended Mr Cornelis for initiating the scheme, and advised the recipients to use the money judiciously.
He also praised the District Chief Executive (DCE) for KEEA, Mr George Frank Asmah, for striving hard to sustain and expand the partnership arrangement that began during the tenure of office of Nana Ato Arthur as the DCE.
Mr Asmah, said that currently, the partnership was yielding positive results in areas of sanitation and improvement in health with the provision of hospital equipment.
A 1.2 million euro plastic recycling factory is expected to be built at Essaman to tackle the plastic waste menace in the district and provide employment for about 3,000 people. The Omanhen of the Abrem Traditional Area, Nana Kyiriwia Kordie, thanked the KEEA District Assembly and the Municipality of Gouda for the introduction of the scheme and said it would go a long way to assist aged women in the area.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
SACRED GROOVE TO BECOME RELIGIOUS TOURISM CENTRE (MIRROR, PAGE 30)
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.
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.
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.
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