From Samuel Agbewode, Ho

The  Mafi-Adidome Senior High School (SHS) in the Central Tongu  District is fast growing  and becoming one of the attractive SHS in the Volta region, as the school has integrated visually impaired students into its normal system, over the past years, to  address the discriminative practices against the physically challenged in society. The school authorities disclosed that the 25 visually impaired students offer General Arts programme. Ten of them are totally blind while the other 15 are partially blind.

The visually impaired students have demonstrated over the years that they could equally perform creditably in academic activities, just like the regular students.

The Adidome SHS, which was established in 1985 as a day school, with 57 students and seven teachers, now has a total student population of 1,663. Government absorbed the school into the public system in 1991. The school recorded excellent academic performance over the years and has scored one hundred percent at the WASSE continuously, for the past three years.

The Headmaster of the School, Mr. E. K Avor, was pleased with the performance of the visually impaired students, and advised parents to send such children to school, adding “These blind students are very intelligent, to the extent that whenever I am entering the school, they would be able to make me out, just by hearing my car engine. However, the environment needs to be made friendly for them to enjoy their education,” he said.

Mr. Avor stressed that the Adidome SHS is the only school in the Volta region that has taken the education of the visually impaired seriously, even though some other schools were also doing their best to encourage parents to send their physically challenged wards to school. The Adidome SHS is, therefore, requesting for a well equipped resource center for the visually impaired. The school authorities noted that a resource center for the visually impaired students would enable the school to admit more of such students, to enable them to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to nation building.

Touching on general infrastructure in the school, Mr. Avor commended government in its effort to develop the school as a model one in the District. He, however, bemoaned the fact that the project was not completed, which made the school lack key infrastructure that would promote effective teaching and learning.

The Headmaster of the School called on the government to complete the infrastructural project to help the school enhance effective teaching and learning. Some of these projects include the provision of more classroom blocks, kitchen, dining hall and teacher’s common hall among other facilities. Mr. Avor pointed out that as a result of inadequate classroom blocks, some students have been studying under sheds, which used to serve as the school’s kitchen and this is not the best, as well as the assembly hall being used as dining hall.

He expressed concern about the issue of transportation in the school, saying the two buses in the school were too old and frequently breaks down.  As at the time this reporter was conducting an interview with the headmaster, information came to him (headmaster) that a student was seriously sick and the headmaster had to release the only pick-up being used for administrative purpose to take the sick student to the Adidome hospital.

According to the headmaster, they find it difficult to transport the children on outreach and educational programmes outside the district. Mr. Avor also disclosed that lack of accommodation for teachers was another challenge confronting the school authorities, saying the 72 teachers and 48 non teaching staff live in rented premises in town, and appealed to government to help provide the needed accommodation for the teachers.

The access roads in the school also need to be tarred, to make it more comfortable especially during the rainy season, stressing that any time it rains, the access roads become muddy and movement from one place to the other is difficult. He called on the government and NGOs to come to the aid of the school. Mr. Avor said the school authorities are appreciative of the activities of the school’s Parents Teacher Association (PTA) for their contribution towards the development of the school over the years.

He continued that the PTA had engaged in a number of development activities, especially in the area of providing infrastructure, adding that the PTA had started a fence wall project in the school, because the open nature of the school made it possible for strangers, stray animals and motorists to enter the school. Mr. Avor said the PTA project, which cost GH¢ 350,000 was progressing gradually and when completed, would go a long way to protect the school from encroachment.

He pointed out that the PTA had provided a corn-mill for the kitchen and is also trying to address the accommodation problem. The PTA is currently renovating old structures at the former state farms in the district, to solve the accommodation problem for the teachers. According to the Headmaster, the Adidome community have also supported the school, as well as the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Joe Gidisu, who provided computers and books to the school.

The school’s computer lab is small and the headmaster called on government and other stakeholders to assist in expanding it.   Mr. Avor pointed out that one major problem confronting the smooth administration was the inability of parents to pay their ward’s school fees on time, and called on parents to show more commitment towards the education of their children.

By Bernice Bessey

The Ga West Municpal Assembly (GWMA), Amasaman, in collaboration with the community of Ofankor, have demolished a building, which according to them, poses as a threat to human lives. Other buildings have been marked by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for demolition.

According to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Samuel Atukwei Quaye, the Assembly demolished the building due to public out-cry and the risk it poses to human life.

In a telephone interview with The Chronicle, the MCE indicated that the owner of the building didn’t seek the Assembly’s approval before embarking on the supposed 5-storey building, which would house stores and residences.

Mr. Quaye said the Assembly was quick to demolish because passengers, traders, hawkers, drivers, school children and other people who visit the area seek refuge under the building, due to its closeness to the Accra-Nsawam road.

He noted that even without a technical eye, one could easily tell that the building was made up of sub-standard materials, noting: “the building was hazardous and poses security threat to the people.”

“Following complains from the community, the Assembly even invited the owner and explained to her the danger the building was posing to the public,” he added.

In a related development, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has identified another uncompleted storey building at Kissehman that poses danger to mankind.

The AMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, has ordered the said uncompleted building to be demolished within 48 hours to save lives that would perish as a result of poor works done by contractors.

According to the Metro Works Director, Victor Mensah, the said building belongs to one Mavis Akua Serwah, who was not present at the time the Mayor and Assembly members visited.

The building, as it stood, doesn’t need a technical expert or fortune teller to predict the future consequences it will bring to nearby residents.

The skeleton structure exposed iron rods, concrete stone, cracks on the walls and columns not in line, as well as decks caving in. The three-storey building would be pulled down due to its weak stature.

Dr. Vanderpuije told the media that the existence of the building was brought to his attention by the Works department of the Assembly, during their inspection of building in the metropolis.

He said the demolition of the edifice was a collective decision and advice by structural engineers.

“Developers must ascertain a permit before any development project. This building is not safe, it must be demolished within the next 48 hours,” he ordered.

The Mayor further inspected some buildings at Darkuma Nhakye, Vineyard and flattop and even made arrest of some labourers that were still at work at the respective sites, although the Assembly has issued ‘stop work’ notice.

The mayor closed down the Accra Royal School (ATECO) for not observing the ‘stop work’ instructions by the Assembly.

From Issah Alhassan, Kumasi

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES at the Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (KASS) in Kumasi has received a massive boost, following the acquisition of a brand new KIA Bus and the commissioning of a new Staff Common Complex to aid teaching and learning.

Both the Staff Common Complex and the Grandbird KIA Bus, which were acquired through the school’s own internally generated funds, with support from the Parents’ Teachers Association (PTA) and the Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank, were commissioned last Saturday, during the school’s 40th Anniversary Speech and Prize Giving day, organized to honour dedicated
staff and students for their excellent works.

The one-storey building is expected, amongst other things, to accommodate part of the ever increasing student population, including a Biology Laboratory, whilst the 50-seater bus will also assist in the transport of students and staff.

The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Alex Conduah, said at the occasion that the school had witnessed steady progress since 1987, upon the assumption of office of Mr. Andrews Evans Kyere aka Kontonkyi.

He said over the past three years, the school’s academic performance in the West African Senior High School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) had been impressive, with a record of 100% in 2011/12 and 99 in 2013, stressing that between 2004 and 2013, the total number of students from KASS who have gained admission to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) stood at 1,053.

He said apart from the internal academic achievements, the school has also excelled in other external academic and extra curricula activities including sports competition, National Maths and Science Quiz, Ghana Standards Authority Essay Competition and NCCE Project Citizens amongst others.

Mr. Conduah also commended the PTA for their continued support, in terms of provision of infrastructure and other incentives for learning and expressed gratitude to government, the Asantehene, the Anglican Diocese of Kumasi and old students for their support.

The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the school, Dr. Edward Prempeh stated at the occasion, which was celebrated under the theme: “KASS @ 40 – fulfilling the vision of our founding fathers”, that the vision of the founding fathers is academic excellence through discipline and the moulding of the character conduct and the behavior of the students so as to make them useful and upright citizens in the country.

He emphasized that academic achievement must go with integrity for the scholar to be respected, successful and useful to the society.

According to him, the challenge for teaching staff was how they would translate theory into practice for the students to appreciate their environment better and create innovative solutions for the challenges they face in the real world outside school.

Dr. Prempeh, noted that the good foundation laid by the forefathers was solidified by the school’s elevation to that of a model school in 2006 and since then the additional superstructure has been phenomenal.

He indicated that the School has made a giant stride in academic and extracurricular activities while a lot of girls have been admitted as boarders and hinted that efforts were being made to build structures to accommodate the ever increasing student population and some of the members of staff.

Dr. Prempeh congratulated Archbishop Yinkah Safo for being elected by his colleague Bishops to the highest position of PRIMATE OF CPWA in addition of his role as Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana and Bishop of the Kumasi Anglican Diocese.

The Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Samuel Yaw Adusei, on his part, expressed government’s commitment to continue to invest in quality education as evidenced by the proportion of national budget that goes into educational sector.

He said with the government’s expressed commitment in the construction of 200 new SHS across the country, the distribution of Better Ghana Agenda Laptops and the provisions of infrastructures to existing schools, it was expected that SHS education in the country would be highly improved and made accessible to all.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Hon. Isaac Osei, Member of Parliament for Subin Constituency were in attendance.

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi
ALHAJI A.B. Abubakarh, Headmaster of T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (Real AMASS), in Kumasi, has expressed the need for parents and stakeholders to partner School administrators to complement efforts by the government to deliver quality education and ensure better future for the school children.
According to him, Heads of schools and administrators alone cannot deliver quality education, hence the need for all concerned citizens to contribute their quota to help achieve the very aspirations of our future leaders.

In an interview with The Chronicle in Kumasi, the headmaster stated that parents are mandated to pay their wards school fees on time, especially before examinations, to enable students have the peace of mind to write exams.

Alhaji Abubakarh said it was not proper and in the interest of any Headmaster to prevent or stop a student from writing an examination, but sometimes the attitude of some parents and students force the school administrators to do so.

According to him, some of the students refuse to pay fees even when the parents had given them the money to pay.

The headmaster also pleaded with parents and stakeholders to take keen interest in the studies of their children after normal school hours to help improve their learning ability and ensure that they become friends with their books.

He also called on parents to collaborate with school authorities in giving professional guidance and counseling to guide students in choosing their career paths to conform to the developmental needs of the country from the basic schools through to the junior and senior High school levels.

Headmaster Abubakarh revealed that despite the challenges in the education system, T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School is still outstanding as the school stands tall both academically and in sports, as the records show.

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

THE YOUTH of Krom Adwafo in the Bosomtwe district of Ashanti region, are agitating for the installation of a new chief and queen to enhance development.

They claim the absence of a chief since 2001 has resulted in the wanton sale of stool lands without the consent of the Ekuona Royal family.

The head of the Ekuona Royal family, Abusuapanin Kwadwo Sarkodie has attributed the tensed situation in the community to the stance by the Kokofuhene, Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II who has installed one Osei Bannor as the Adontenhene of Adwafo community in disregard to a directive by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

According to an order by the Asanteman Council meeting of June 6, 2008 which was presided over by the Asantehene,  all esntoolment at Adwafo be cancelled. It was also indicated the Abusuapanin should not be sidelined in the choice of a chief.

Abusuapanin Sarkodie disclosed that the Royal family had since 2008 already selected one Nana Kwasi Dumgya as the next chief and is yet to be introduced to the Kokofuhene for the swearing in ceremony.

But According to Opanin Sarkodie, the Kokofuhene had refused to accept the drinks presented, as directed by the Asantehene.

When contacted, the Kokofuhene confirmed the installation of Adontenhene for Adwafo since 2008, and stated that it was only the Asantehene who can order the removal of the Adontenhene declining to comment any further.

The Abusuapanin has called on the youth to remain calm as Otumfuo’s intervention is being sought to settle the matter.

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

DCOP NATHAN Kofi Boakye, Ashanti Regional Police Commander has declared war on lawlessness in the city, especially Zongo communities, saying the days of lawlessness  is over.

He said the Police Command would no longer tolerate any acts of unruliness from any individual or group of persons.

The Regional Commander, who partook in the annual WASA ceremony of the Manhyia Divisional command to review the work of the Division and share ideas, said the Police are more committed and determined to make sure law and order is maintained in the city.

He said the Police are committed to rid the city generally, and Zongo communities in particular, of elements who indulge in acts of lawlessness, while protecting lives and property to ensure that the region remained peaceful and stable for residents to go about their businesses without any fear.

DCOP Boakye urged the public to provide vital information leading to the arrest of criminals for the police to deal decisively with them.  He said the Manhyia District Police would count on the co-operation of stakeholders in the area as the jurisdiction is predominantly Muslims communities.

Chief Superintendent Debora Addison-Campbell, Manhyia Divisional Commander commended stakeholders who supported the police in the maintenance of peace.

She also commended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for providing two police post and two motto bikes in assisting the Manhyia Division to fight crime in the area.

The Divisional Commander was happy that the Tech police station had been upgraded to a district status noting that it would step up security to deter criminal activities around KNUST, Bomso and Ayeduase communities.

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

THE CHIEF of Asokore Mampong, near Kumasi, Nana Boakye-Ansah Debrah, has been cited by six heads of Fanti Communities in Kumasi for interference in the selection and installation of a new head of the Fantse Community in Ashanti.

Nana Amamo Baidoo (Atonsu), Nana Odziamon II (Anwomaso), Nana Osam Dadzie (Kaase), Nana Boachie Okrodom (Asawase), Nana Baiden (Ayigya) and Nana  Akye Kojo (Ahinsan), all of Kumasi  as plaintiffs, have filed a  suit  before a Kumasi Circuit court  against  two of their colleagues.

The defendants, Nana Kwaw Akyen  (Dakwadwom) and Nana Annan (Ghana Nkabom Abusuapanyin), who also double as Krontihene and Gyasehene respectively of the Fantseman Council in Ashanti.

In a statement of claim, the Plaintiffs claimed that the death of Nana Akorful Owessie in September 2013 and the Queen mother, Nana Adwoa Kum a year ago,  has necessitated the  installation of a new chief and queen mother for which  two persons, Nana Kwasi Essel and Nana Egyir Aggrey put in their bids for vetting as chief, while Nana Amissah Okyi and Osam  Penianko also applied for installation as Queen mother subject  to vetting and  approval.

The plaintiffs stated that a 13-member Searching/Vetting Committee was selected  from the various Fantse communities to the vetting, but before the vetting committee could start work, the Chief of Asokore Mampong, who is the Nifahene of Kumasi and, therefore, the overlord of the Fantse community at the Kumasi Traditional Council, allegedly invited the kingmakers for negotiations on March 16, 2014, at his place, during which Nana  Egyir Aggrey, one of the  contestants, was disqualified and ordered that a chief be installed by the Fantse community  within three weeks.

The plaintiffs claim the Asokore Mampong chief is not a member of the kingmakers of the Fantse Community and as such lacks capacity to disqualify any contestant. By going to court, the plaintiffs hope to halt the order of the Asokore Mamponghene from being carried out against the provisions of the Constitution of the Mfansteman Council in Ashanti.

They believe  the defendants are bent on using the authority of Nana Boakye-Ansah Derbrah to install a new chief without recourse to the 13 Member Search Committee, headed by Nana Annan and selected by the Fantse Community, hence the court action.

The plaintiffs are, therefore, seeking a declaration that Nana Asokore Mamponghene is not a member of the kingmakers of the Fantse Community and that all pronouncements he allegedly made in disqualifying Nana Agyir Aggrey are null and void.

The suit is also seeking a declaration that the defendants, acting Head of Fantseman Council in Ashanti and Chairman of 13-Member Vetting Committee, are not the only kingmaker of the Fantse community and should be restrained from ever holding themselves as such.

They also want an order of the court compelling the defendants to follow the laid down procedure in installing a new chief and queen mother for the Fantse Community in Kumasi.

Stories from Isaac Akwetey-Okunor

The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested the regional General Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Kwabena Appiah, affectionately known as Amuzu, and Kwabena Osei Agyemang, a second hand cloth merchant for fraud.
The two suspects were arrested, following pieces of information received by the police on April 3rd, 2014, that they were collecting GH¢ 2,000 from people, under the pretext of getting them enlisted into the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and Nurses Training College (NTC) respectively.
Briefing the media on the arrest, General Sergeant Gideon Boateng, Deputy Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) disclosed that a police officer posed as a parent who wanted her son to be enlisted into the Police Service and called suspect Amuzu on his cell phone for help.
According to the Deputy Regional PRO, Amuzu, who demanded GH¢ 2, 000 as a goodwill,  directed the undercover police officer to his house at Effiduase, suburb of Koforidua, where he was arrested after receiving the money.
Amuzu then mentioned suspect Agyemang as an accomplice, leading to his subsequent arrest. A search conducted on him led to the discovery and recovery of 39 school certificates, with passport pictures of applicants.
The media was further told that a preliminary investigation conducted revealed that Agyemang had collected a total of GH¢ 7,600 from his victims, whilst second suspect, Amuzu, had received GH¢ 900.
The police have, therefore, called on the general public to desist from paying various sums of money to people who approach them for any form of assistance to secure jobs particularly enlisting them into the security services.

Stories from Isaac Akwetey-Okunor

Hebrews Mining Company, a Ghanaian owned small scale mining company has provided social amenities to improve the living condition of residents of Akyem Mampong, a farming community in Atiwa District of the Eastern Region.
The move forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Conducting a cross-section of media practitioners in the region to inspect some completed and ongoing projects undertaken by the company over the weekend, the Managing Director (MD) of the company, Ibrahim Mohammed, affectionately known as Rasta, said his outfit believes in investing in people.
Some of the projects include the construction of potable drinking water, a 10-Seater-Water Closet (WC) toilet facility and electrification for the town.
Ibrahim Mohammed explained that the inhabitants of the small farming community have depended on River Birim since its inception.
However, the appearance of illegal mining activities that have engulfed the Akyem Abuakwa State, leading to massive destruction of the forest and pollution of water bodies has denied the people access to good drinking water.
Rasta further mentioned that the activities of illegal mining in the area has not only polluted the only source of water for the people, but also brought about poor sanitation and dropout from school among others.
On his part, Opanin Kojo Boadu, an opinion leader and the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) chairman for the Presbyterian Primary and Junior High School paid a glowing tribute to management of the company.
He explained that the construction of the water project was timely and has averted a possible outbreak of diseases, since the state of the Birim River was not good enough for human consumption.

Stories from Isaac Akwetey-Okunor

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa in the Eastern Region, Mr. Abass Fusieni Sbaabe has expressed worry over the future of school going children in the district, following the recent poor performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Speaking at the official launch of Hope Star Foundation International (HSFI), a Begoro based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) last Friday, the DCE hinted that 10 schools, including five from the district capital, Begoro, scored zero in the recent BECE.
He, therefore, appealed to the chiefs, residents and other key stakeholders in the educational sector to put their shoulders to the wheel and to deal with the fallen standard of education in the area.
According to the DCE, education is the bedrock for the development of any serious society and in order to make the district a “paradise”, there was the need to halt the situation, as a matter of urgency.
Outlining some measures to deal with the situation, Hon Sbaabe said the Assembly, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service (GPS) are going to arrest and detain any child who is seen in town after 7:00pm.
The Assembly has subsequently banned the operation of video centres in the district and that any operator who defies this directive would be dealt with according to law.
Touching on the Foundation, Hon. Sbaabe assured management of his office’s readiness to team up with them to ensure that the NGO did not just function, but function effectively and efficiently.
The Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Annor Akwei, on his part stated that the foundation, which was established in April 16, 2010, seeks to inject life and hope into the lives of the less fortunate in society.
According to him, the mission and vision of the Foundation is geared towards the total development of the Ghanaian child, especially those in its operational areas.
This, he said, would be done through the promotion of sustainable education, provision of good infrastructure and logistics to basic and vocational schools, the aged, widows and training of the physically challenged  to be self-dependent.
The Begoro based NGO promised to collaborate with other sister NGOs and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide potable water and sanitation facilities for the rural schools and communities.
The Foundation, since its inception, has donated some learning materials and cash to support 50 needy children every academic year, established a learning and development centre which is currently enrolling needy children in kindergarten education.
The rest include the organization of an annual party for orphanages in its operational areas as well as embarking on education campaign on drug abuse.

Stephen Odoi-Larbi, Aflao

The new Development Chief of Aflao, Torgbui Adzagba I, known in private life as Hon. Kofi Osei Ameyaw has earmarked a GH¢20,000 investment drive for the construction of a youth resource center at Aflao.The gesture comes with one thousand bags of cement for the speedy construction of the facility, meant to train the youth with modern skills and to enable them develop their community, while also competing for businesses at the global level.
The resource center would have a hall for recreational and other social activities, as a well as a bank, an internet café, a clinic and shops.
The move by Torgbui Adzagba I, was in response to calls by the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, Torbui Adzangaga Amenya Fiti V, to come home and spearhead the development of his motherland and also assist the traditional authorities in their bid to woo investors into the area.
Hon. Osei Ameyaw, who is the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, was a fortnight ago installed as the new Development Chief of Aflao Traditional Area, a throne which was previously occupied by the late BBC anchor, Komla Dumor. He was subsequently outdoored to the general public at a colourful ceremony at Aflao last Saturday.
Torgbui Azagba I, affectionately called ‘Son of the Soil’, was born to the late Kwaku Osei, a native of Gyakiti, Akwamu, in the Eastern Region and Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region; and the late Madam Florence Abutu Tetevi, from Aflao in the Volta Region and Ada in the Greater Accra Accra Region.
Accompanied by his maternal and paternal family members, the renowned businessman and politician took the oath of allegiance before Torgbui Fiti V and his subjects, from the various Traditional areas.
Commenting on the honour done him, Torgbui Azagba I, promised among his priorities, to provide knowledge and leadership to help develop the Aflao Traditional Area
He urged the people of the Aflao Traditional Area to work assiduously to shed the perceived criminality associated with them and to also put their children on the right path, by giving them quality education and training, adding that these would be the benchmark to development and prosperity.
The Pearl of the East, as his title implies, promised to work hard to ensure that criminal elements had no place in the affairs of Aflao and its surrounding communities under the Traditional Area, unless they repent or reform.
Commenting on the event, the Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area, Torgbui Fiti V, described Torgbui Azargba I, as a man of substance. He said he personally invited Torgbui Azagba I to come home (his motherland) and help develop the area, like he had been doing in Akwamu, his fatherland.
He said he was convinced that the Pearl of the East will bring to bear his international business and political connections to help develop Aflao and its surrounding communities.
“We are fortunate to have Torgbui Adzagba I in our midst. This is his motherland and we want him to help develop the area as he had done in Akwamu. We believe that he will use his neutrality to bridge the differences, if any, between the Akans and the Ewes,” noted Torgbui Fiti V, in a speech to welcome him.
He told the crowd that the Traditional Area had already given a piece of land for the construction of the resource center and expressed the hope that all the sons and daughters of the area would give a helping hand.
Torgbui Fiti V and his entourage later escorted Torgbui Azagba I to the site chosen for the construction of a recreational center, where they laid the foundation stone.
Torgbui Fiti, in a brief statement to newsmen, bemoaned the fact that Aflao lacked a Senior High School and called on the sons and daughters of the area to lend a hand to help develop the town. Torgbui Azagba I, on his part, expressed the hope that he would get the support of the traditional elders of the area, to enable him discharge his duties effectively.

Compiled by Alfred Adams

THE Outgoing regional Minister, Mr. Ebenezer Teye Addo, has stated that unless the problem with poor road networks in the region was resolved, any attempt to develop the region would be a mirage. 

He added that the most critical problem hindering the region’s development was poor road network. For this reason, it was important that the roads were put in good shape to serve as conduit to the region’s development. According to him, he had discussed the issue with the president and that the latter had agreed to tackle the poor road network in the region.

Mr. E.K.T Addo, who was speaking at a ceremony to welcome the  incoming regional Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, added that the best hospitals could be built for the region, but if the issue of the poor road network was not addressed, the hospitals would become useless.

He expressed the hope that the incoming Minister would make road construction his priority. Mr. Teye Addo further expressed the hope that Paul Evans Aidoo would work to uplift the status of the region since he was not new to the region.

He said having served a year in the region as the Minister, he had come to realize the challenges confronting the region.

Mr. eye Addo thanked the staff of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) for helping to achieve his mission for the region. He added that if the RCC staff had sat on the fence, there was no way he could have achieved his mission.

Mr. Addo claims the RCC, in collaboration with the President, had managed to reduce the illegal mining menace in the region.

On his part, the Acting President of the regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kwesi Agyeman lauded the outgoing Minister for his contribution to the development of the region.

Nana Agyemang pointed out that the gathering of chiefs and others at the ceremony was an indication of respect the chiefs had for him, Teye Addo.

He said the Minister upon assumption of office moved to the palaces of the 26 paramount chiefs in the region to confer with them. This, Nana Agyemang believes, was a credit to the administration of the outgoing Minister.

On his part, the incoming Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo observed that the decision by the President to transfer regional Ministers had really borne fruit and made them learn lessons. Mr. Aidoo was accompanied to the ceremony by large entourage from the Brong Ahafo Region.

By Ishaque Agyei, Cape Coast

Sand winning at beaches in the Central Region is not only destroying the environment but also hotels, restaurants and other investments along the coast.  The inhabitants are, therefore, appealing to the Regional Police Command and the Environmental Protection Agency to assist in curbing the practice so as to save the Region from possible loss of beach front properties.

Sand mining occurs when people win sand from the beaches, mainly for construction purposes. This activity is considered as illegal, but the people have persisted.

In the Central Region, coastal tourism is perceived as a major potential for job creation, but the sector is being destroyed. 

From Moree in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District to Elmina in the Komenda Edna Eguafo-Abirem District, sand winning is on the ascendency.

Over 70 tipper trucks load sand from these beaches every day, thereby destroying the beauty of the beaches.

In Cape Coast and Elmina, as well as its surrounding coastal communities, where tourism is a major part of the local economy, sand mining has contributed to the degradation of the land that is evident on most of the beaches.

While the sand miners are making money, beach front tourism facility owners also have to spend huge sums of their revenue for ad-hoc sea defence projects, sometimes losing their entire investments.

Some of the investors who have invested along these beaches told The Chronicle that they are completely disappointed because their investments are going down the drain as a result of the sand winning activities. 

The investors noted that though the trucks collecting the sand pass through police barriers, they are not questioned. This, they continued, has emboldened the sand winners to continue with the environmental degradation.

Compiled by Alfred Adams
COCOA farmers at Enchi may not harvest their cocoa beans this season. This is because their cocoa trees, which would eventually bear fruits for harvesting are being sacrificed in the name of an electrification project. The farmers have had their cocoa trees cut down as a result of the electricity project. A total of 23,000 cocoa trees belonging to twenty two farmers have been destroyed without even informing them. To make matters worse, they have also not paid any compensation.

The electricity project, which has resulted in the destruction of the economic trees, is being sponsored by the Government of Ghana under the Worthy Lamb Project. Under the project, a total of 107 communities and villages in the Enchi District would be hooked onto the national grid. But before this happens, farmers who have their cocoa farms along the road, leading to the 107 communities and villages, would have to pay the price of sacrificing their cocoa trees to pave way for the project.

The cutting down of the cocoa trees started last two years when the Worthy Lamb project kick-started in the District. In that period, a total of sixty farmers had their cocoa trees cut down without compensation.  This year, the same project has resurfaced, leading to the continuous cutting down of the cocoa trees. One of the farmers, who have been leading the crusade for the District Assembly, which is supervising the project to pay compensation to the affected farmers is Opanin Paul Adjei Domfeh.

Speaking in an interview with The Chronicle, Mr. Domfeh expressed shock at the wanton cutting down of their cocoa trees. He said when the Contractor, working on the project began cutting down their cocoa trees, they petitioned the DCE of the Assembly to compel the Contractor to pay compensation to the affected farmers. He said the DCE refused and explained to them that the Worthy Lamb Project did not factor compensation to farmers whose cocoa trees would be cut down.

The DCE, Oscar Larbi, confirmed the cutting down of the cocoa trees belonging to the farmers, when he was contacted by The Chronicle. According to him, the farmers agreed that their cocoa trees should be cut down to pave way for the project. He added that a stakeholder conference was held with the farmers, where it was explained to them that their cocoa trees would be cut down as a result of the extension of electricity to their communities.

That, the DCE explained to this file, the farmers voluntarily agreed. “So for the farmers to turn round and complain about the cutting down of their cocoa trees is news to me,” Oscar Larbi told this reporter. According to the DCE, at the stakeholders’ conference, it was explained to the farmers that the Worthy Lamb Project did not factor compensation packages for cocoa trees they would cut down. He said the farmers who considered the electricity project as valuable, agreed that their cocoa trees should be cut down.

The leader of the aggrieved farmers, however, told The Chronicle that the DCE was being economical with the truth. Opayin Domfeh told this reporter that there was no stakeholders’ conference where the farmers agreed to the cutting down of their cocoa trees in the name of electricity project.

From Ernest Best Anane, Agona-Ashanti

MR. KWASI Oppong, Manager of K.O farms at Dawu in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region, has pleaded with government to subsidize poultry inputs to boost local production and cut down the country’s importation bill by the end of the year.

The 2013 District Best farmer said there are lots of policies the government could implement to boost local production and help the local farmer realizes his dreams.

Mr. Oppong was reacting to recent remarks by Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, Deputy Minister of Agriculture in charge of Livestock, that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) intends to apply strict enforcement policy of poultry and livestock importation as part of measures in reducing the importation of the products to boost local production and cut down the country’s importation bill by the end of the year.

He said the government must first consider the significant problems the local farmers are facing and address them to enable them have the capacity to produce sufficiently to feed the Ghanaian populace.

According to him, there was no ready market for the local farmers, yet the cost of poultry inputs are very expensive when compared with the foreign ones, which are cheaper, hence the patronage of imported products.

The chief farmer also entreated the government to assist farmers, by importing yellow maize at lower cost, but with high protein to boost the local maize farmers to produce more for the poultry industry.

Mr. Oppong, who is into Coconuts, Cassava, Yams, plantains and birds production revealed that he has now acquired 50 hectares of land at Bonoso near Mampong to enable him add cattle rearing to his production line.

He pleaded with the government to revive the Cocoa mass spraying programme, which is currently moribund to offset losses incurred by farmers after harvesting.

According to him, the exercise had declined and that it was conducted just twice the whole of last year.

He described manure as a best farming practice and advised colleague farmers to also practice the application of manure in lieu of fertilizer, when it is not available, to reduce the over dependence on fertilizer for production.

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

THE ASHANT Regional Police command over the past one week undertook a number of exercises, most of which are intelligence-led, to arrest criminals who are bent on making life difficult for law abiding citizens in the Ashanti Region.

DCOP Nathan Kofi Boakye, the Ashanti Regional Police command explained at a press briefing that a number of them have been rounded up.

He has described the arrests made so far made as “heartwarming”, explaining that most of them belong to the hard core criminal gangs on the wanted list of the police.

The Police Commander mentioned the suspects as Ernest Gyawu, Osei Kofi, Mathias Acqueson with one Kwaku Yeboah still at large. The suspects; Gyawu Ernest, Osei Kofi and Mathias Acqueson are excavator operator, mason and farmer respectively, based in Trabuom, near Ofoase.

He said on March 14, 2014, at about 6:00pm, at Trabuom, the suspects armed themselves with single barrel guns and other offensive weapons and attacked the complainant, a Kronom based taxi driver, Kwaku Tawiah, who drives a Hyundai Atos taxi Number AS 797-13.

The Police chief said the suspects boarded a KIA Avella taxi cab Number AS1588-10, driven by one Kwaku Yeboah, now at large, and blocked a section of the road between Trabuom and Ofoase.

They then attacked the complainant, then in charge of his taxi cab and some other vehicles and passengers who arrived at the scene from the opposite direction and robbed them of unspecified amount of monies and mobile phones, amidst firing of shots in the air.

DCOP Boakye stated that the complainant was robbed of GH¢60.00 being proceeds of the taxi cab and escaped with their booty in their taxi cab and headed towards Atwima Nkrong, during which their taxi developed a mechanical fault and started firing indiscriminately, and in the process injured four people who were rushed to the Emergency Unit of the Konfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and admitted for treatment.

The police boss added that the suspects abandoned their taxi at Atwima Nkrong and escaped, but its owner later mentioned suspect Kwaku Yeboah as the driver. On April 2, 2014, upon Police intelligence, the three suspects were arrested at their hideout at Trabuom and handed over to the Police Regional CID for investigations.

DCOP Boakye further revealed another development in which one Kwame Seidu of Asawasi had a scuffle on February 13, 2014, with accused person, Yaw Wiafe, alias Azule, now on trial at Ashtown Court.

He said on that fateful day, the late K. Boroto, the leader of criminal group, organized his guys namely; Banahene, Yaw Wiafe, alias Azule, Dead body, Obuasi and Sisco to attack Kwame Seidu and his family, but they did not meet them in the house and, therefore, set the house ablaze, which spread to other adjoining houses, after which they fled the scene.

On April 4, 2014, at about 2:00am, suspect Banahene was arrested on the street at Asawasi by the Asawasi police patrol team. Dead Body was also arrested by the Buffalo Unit on April 6, 2014, and placed in police custody.

The police boss also narrated how on March 24, 2014 at about 8:45am, Richard Nyame of Atwima Koforidua, while on his way to Koforidua Township on board a vehicle to work, was attacked by three armed men who assaulted and robbed him of GH¢5,000.00, Dell laptop computer and two mobile phones.

He said the complainant told the police that he knew one of them and so he will be able to identify him when seen. As a result, on the April 7, 2014, the victim spotted the suspect, George Mensah, 20, and arrested him, with the help of other young men and took him to Abuakwa police station.

The suspect admitted the offence during interrogation and mentioned one Kwabena as his accomplice. The suspect claimed he was given GH¢1, 000 as his share, out of which he had spent GH¢600 at the time of his arrest. A search in his room revealed 13 unserviceable mobile phones suspected to have been robbed or stolen.

Meanwhile, complaints by a Pastor, Businessman and a Public Servant, all residents of Achiase-Fawoade near Mamponteng in Ashanti, has led to the arrest of Godfred Yeboah, a mason apprentice; Augustine Obeng, a shoe maker; Barack Gyimah, alias Kwaku Tutu, a driver’s mate; Owusu Afriyie, a small scale miner and Boateng Augustine, all of Mamponteng-Ash.

On Saturday March 29, 2014, Godfred Yeboah and Augustine Obeng went to Asuofua and plotted with three other accomplices to embark on robbery operations at Mamponteng and its environs.

On April 1, 2014 at about 12:00hours, they organized themselves with three other accomplices from Asuofua-Ash with the aim of embarking on a robbery operation at Achiase near Mamponteng with three pump action guns, a pistol and other implements.

DCOP Boakye stated that they entered the house of Rev. Paul Atta Nti at Achiase near Mamponteng by scaling the fence wall and robbed him and other occupants of their money, the sum of GH¢900, a laptop computer, ipad and other properties.

He indicated that from there, the accused persons went to the residence of Gabriel Oduro, a businessman, fired severally and killed his dog and eventually robbed him of his two laptops computers, three ipads, and three mobile phones worth GH¢2,500 and the sum of GH¢2,000.

From there, the accused persons and their accomplices carried their operation to the house of Joseph Kyei Ankra, a Civil servant at the same area and succeeded in robbing him of his two laptop computers, one Samsung Tablet, four mobile phones, worth GHc1.200.00, a multi TV Decoder and cash of GH¢2,300 and other personal properties.

The police regional commander said the accused persons, after the robbery operation shared the booty after which the guns used were taken away by the three other accomplices now at large.

On April 3, 2014, however, Yeboah and Obeng were arrested by the Mamponteng police upon a tipoff leading to the arrest of others to assist in investigations.

DCOP Boakye Indicated that a  search conducted in their rooms revealed two laptop computers, one ipad, one mobile phone, a pen drive and a multi TV Decoder which were all identified by complainants as some of their properties being held by the police for continuous investigations

From Sebastian R. Freiku

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) expects to raise about GH¢91,796,829.00 from inflows and projected expenditure for 2014. The amount is expected to be generated from sources, including the Internally Generated Fund (IGF), District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DAFC), District Development Facility (DDF), Social Investment Fund (SIF) under the Government of Ghana funding  and donors.

About GH¢42,390,897.00 is expected to flow from donors, while the Assembly will have to provide GH¢18,386,329.00 from its Internally Generated Funds, while the central government would provide

GH¢19,133,912.00.

These were announced by the Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu, in his sessional address, in line with the Local Government Act 462 of 1993, at the first ordinary meeting of the Assembly last week Tuesday in

Kumasi.

The rest of the estimated expenditure is expected to be raised from the DDF of GH¢7,574,892.00 and DACF, under which GH¢4,310,798.00 is earmarked.

Outlining the Assembly’s performance in revenue mobilisation, the Mayor said the KMA raised GH¢13,431,250.50, representing 89.5% of the GH¢15,000,886.74 budgeted for in 2013.

Mr. Bonsu said with the sound financial standing, the Assembly had not relinquished its core duty of providing physical infrastructure under the various funding.

He disclosed that under the DDF, which is performance based, the Assembly implemented a total of 16 projects in areas such as education, health, sanitation, and security, with education sector topping the list with 10 projects, nine of which have been duly completed.

The Mayor also announced that under the Urban Development Grant 1 (UDG), which stemmed from the DDF, the KMA, as a torchbearer, received US$4.2 million, and used it to implement 25 projects across the metropolis.

The distribution of the projects spanned education 13, health six, roads two, sanitation three, and one water project, which comprised 32 boreholes for various communities.

Under the UDG II, the KMA received GH¢3,351,351,351.60 for 24 projects yet to be awarded on contract.

Mr. Bonsu disclosed further that the KMA expects to received GH¢5,010,373.03 from the UDG III, of which the Assembly had resolved to use for the implementation of the projects, including the expansion of the Kumasi Airport, the provision of CCTV under the Safe City Project, construction of two bus terminals (North and South), and procurement of 100 Skip Communal waste containers.

The Mayor announced that as a follow up to the night cleaning and street sweeping project, the KMA had introduced the Rapid Response Unit as an expansion to respond to indiscriminate dumping and littering of waste citywide.

He said the KMA was studying a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the Bunengi Group of South Africa on the implementation of a mass urban transport infrastructure project, to be known as the “Kumasi Sky Train Project”, which seeks to establish a safe, efficient, cost effective, and financially viable mass transportation system, capable of supporting the transit of citizens and visitors in the metropolis.

Meanwhile, Kojo Bonsu has proposed the need for the construction of a befitting City Hall Complex for the Assembly, as an important institution to champion the aspirations of the residents.

According to him, a site opposite the existing KMA premises had been negotiated for, and that a project brief on a “design and build” basis had been prepared to guide interested companies for their proposals.

Pix: Kojo Bonsu – Mayor of Kumasi

From Ernest Best Anane Kumasi
Mr. Kojo Bonsu, Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has inspected development projects initiated by the Assembly with Urban Development Grant (UDG) funding,  aimed at improving the living standards of residents of the metropolis.
Accompanied by heads of the various departments of the Assembly, the Mayor inspected various projects in the metropolis, including the Nwamase Community clinic, a completed police station at Atwima Techiman, a modern market at Kronom, and the construction of 4.5-kilometre Atafoa Road linking Kronum Abuohia to the Offinso main road.
The Mayor said the said projects were the government’s efforts to share the national cake for the benefit of every Ghanaian, irrespective of one’s political, religious, and tribal affiliations.
According to him, the government was determined to give quality healthcare, and would also do every possible to ensure that the basic needs of the electorate are provided, and pleaded with all concerned Ghanaians to rally behind the government to deliver on its promises to them, saying the only way the government could deliver was for all Ghanaians to give it their total support.
Kojo Bonsu indicated that the provision of the police station was the KMA’s social responsibility, while the clinic provided quality health care, with the road and marketing addressing connectivity and enhanced commercial activities.
The KMA boss expressed satisfaction at the progress of work on the projects he inspected, and assured residents of the metropolis that the KMA would ensure that the clinic was well equipped to begin operations, while his leadership would do what it takes in making sure that the equipment would soon be provided for the clinic to start operations, and also agave the assurance that the Atafoa road would be tarred soon.
The Mayor also visit a piece of land allocated for the construction of a police station and fire service station between Atafoa and Kronum Abuohia, which is being encroached upon by private developers.
Mayor Bonsu appealed to Nananom of the area to stop the encroachers and safeguard the land for the benefit of the entire members of the communities.
Nana Owusu Ansah (Chief of Atafoa) Atafoa Odikro, and Nana Addai Aniagyei II, Adumanya and Nwamasehene respectively, commended the government for the efforts it was putting in place to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Nana Aniagyei also pleaded with the Mayor to use his office and ensure that communities in the area were provided with a Community Day Senior High School under the 200 Senior High Schools promise by the government.
Nana Owusu Ansah commended the KMA for the road project, because it had come as a relief to residents in facilitating the movement of commercial vehicles in the area.

The Rohi Global Ministries (RGM) has marked its first anniversary with a health walk through the principal streets of Ashley Botwe at the Adenta Municipality in the Greater Accra Region. The church, which, aside preaching the gospel, also believes in physical exercise as a way to healthy living, brought together over 150 women, men, and children to participate in aerobics.

The Founder and Leader of the RGM, Bishop Chris Parsram, noted that many people don’t pay much attention to physical exercise, even though it is one of the ways to burn fats and calories from the body. Bishop Chris Parsram recommended regular exercise and physical activity to the general public when he interacted with the media after the health walk.  He noted that regular physical activity can help prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer, and arthritis as advised by health professionals.

“If we want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer, we must not look any further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore,” he said.

Rohi is a Greek word which means Shepherd, and Jehovah Rohi means “The Lord my Shepherd,” and even though a year old is in the preparation stage start Basic, Senior High and Tertiary institutions to help augment the educational system in the country.  Bishop Parsram further indicated that the church hoped to go into farming, banking and healthcare in the near future.

“In celebrating our 1^st Anniversary, our hearts are filled with gratitude to God for His abundant grace and mercy to us. We are destined to enlarge and spread abroad, and there will be no more limits to hold us back,” he happily said. The Leader and Founder added that the Church was being prepared for a massive church planting project across the country.

“As it is not written, no eye hath seen, nor ears heard, neither has it been perceived by the mind of man what God has in store for us as an organization. In the next few years, we will be a sign and a wonder, and our impact on society and the world at large will be very distinct.”

By Richard Kofi Attenkah

The Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA) has finally succeeded in retrieving a Ghanaian registered fishing vessel, MV Madamfo, owned by Ashanti Fisheries, at the Tema Port. The vessel sunk on Saturday, February 26, 2014, around 14:00 hours at berth four at the Tema Port.

At the time of the incident, the weight of the vessel, which had four hatches, two empty and the other two loaded with 70 tonnes of tuna, and other loose cargo was about 860 metric tonnes. Addressing members of the Tema press corps at Tema on Tuesday, Mr. Jacob Kwabla Adorkor, Director of the Tema Port, said the capsized vessel was simultaneously discharging 350 tonnes of tuna fish and loading 60 tonnes of salt, when the crew on board discovered it was taking in water.

According to him, the crew tried to seal the holes through which the water was flowing into MV Madamfo, but it was unsuccessful. Mr. Adorkor hinted that some foreign and local companies applied to be given the contract to salvage the sunken vessel, and fortunately, the port authorities decided to select a Ghanaian registered company, Jioe Complex Ghana Limited, which office is located in Tema Community Five.

The Director of Tema Port stated that they believed that by giving the local companies a little support and encouragement, they would be able to deliver, just like their foreign counterparts. He explained that some of the foreign companies, which applied to salvage the vessel, suggested that the plan should be to cut the vessel into pieces, which will take approximately six months to complete.

However, the management of Jioe Complex Ghana Limited disclosed that they had the expertise to float the vessel within a week for a fee of GH¢400,000, which was to be made available before the commencement of the job.

Mr. Adorkor disclosed that the salvaging of the vessel was done by a three-member team from the company, including, Mr. Lawrence Duho (leader), his partner, Nana Kojo, and Captain Sam Appiah, together with some marine and fire service personnel.

Explaining further, he said: “The vessel will be moved to a secured location at the Tema Drydock and observed for a day or two to ensure that it is safe to be towed through the access channel to the beach”.

Touching on plans to dredge the port, the Director observed that the dredger arrived in the country about a week ago, and work was currently ongoing, and that he was sure that the project would be completed as scheduled.

He revealed that the dredging of the port would cost the Authority about US$10,000. He said measures were being put in place to ensure that such an incident would not happen again, because at the time the incident happened, all the technical crew was in a meeting somewhere, and the people manning the berths knew nothing about the implications of the incident.

Mr. Adorkor urged Ghanaians to support our local companies, saying; “We have seen the capacity of the local companies, and it is about time we give them the necessary support to make them perfect”.