People developing parts of the large tract of land opposite the Kumasi Campus of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have appealed to the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) to expedite action on a dispute over the ownership of the land to enable them to continue with their developments.
The developers have been asked to stop further development of their lands until the determination of the matter before the council.
The chief of Atwima and the chief of Tanoso, both near Kumasi, are battling over the ownership of the land.
The Atwima chief, Nana Kwadwo Agyei Bi II, invoked the Great Oath of the Asantehene, “Ntamkesie” on the Tanosohene who sold the plots to the developers, to stop further development.
In line with Asante custom and usage, the invocation of the Great Oath meant the matter had to go before the Otumfuo and the Kumasi Traditional Council.
However, the developers said the invocation of the oath was a calculated attempt by the Atwima chief to stop them from developing their land.
They pointed out that cost of building materials was going up and stopping them from further developing their land would bring additional burden on them.
According to them, they bought the building plots from the Tanosohene and that some of them had even completed their buildings and were occupying them.
They expressed confidence that the KTC would go into the matter expeditiously so they could continue with their projects.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
CHECK INDISCIPLINE IN KUMASI (PAGE 29)
THE rate of indiscipline in the Kumasi metropolis seems to have reached a crescendo and unless the authorities move in to save the situation something terrible could happen to the city.
Incredibly, today, banku, a local delicacy, is prepared and sold on the pavement right in the heart of the city in the full glare of city guards.
I recently visited the area where the banku was being prepared and was alarmed at what I saw. There was smoke all over as the woman who sold the banku was busily attending to her customers and caring less about the human as well as vehicular traffic around.
Interestingly, patronage was very high as people queued up to be served. I was told this had been going on for some months now.
The preparation of banku on the pavement near the Kejetia traffic lights is one of the many terrible things happening in the city in the full glare of city authorities.
In many other parts of the city, especially within the city centre, things are very bad. Other food vendors are also battling for space with petty traders on other pavements.
However, the authorities are helpless, not knowing what to do to fight the problem.
No question, Kumasi has gone through some terrible times over the past year or so when the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) undertook a massive ‘decongestion’ exercise.
The KMA made everybody know that it cost them something in the region of GH¢300,000 to undertake the exercise. No one was there to challenge them but suffice it to say that the exercise was a complete waste of the taxpayer’s money as nothing positive and lasting came out of it.
Initially, the exercise brought some measure of discipline into the metropolis as the city centre was cleared and some slums wiped off.
However, when everything started to go haywire, many people started doubting the ability of the KMA to sustain any such future exercise.
They premised their argument on the fact that the metropolis had seen many of such exercises all of which failed to achieve the desired results.
Before the 2008 general election, the police were withdrawn from the city centre for unknown reasons, giving room for people to read all sorts of political meaning into the decision.
The withdrawal of the police allowed drivers, especially taxi and trotro drivers, to turn Kumasi into a near-chaotic city. With the decision by the regional police administration to bring back the police to the streets in the city, it was hoped that some discipline would be injected into the system but what we see today in Kumasi is the same old story.
Drivers still park anyhow. One simply has to go to the area around the Kejetia roundabout to verify things for oneself.
One wonders what signals the conduct of residents in this metropolis is sending out to the outside world if affairs in Ghana’s second biggest city continue to be run this way.
Isn’t it time for someone to stand up and firmly say enough is enough and that we have to take the bull by the horns? Or are we waiting for the new Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive to take up the matter?
To the one who will emerge as the next KMA Chief Executive, perhaps his biggest task will be how to deal with the indiscipline in the metropolis.
As I was writing this piece, interviews were going on at the Residency in Kumasi for the position of KMA Chief Executive. I pitied the candidates as I watched them vying for the position, wondering how they could effectively deal with what have now become the hydra-headed problems of Kumasi.
Something, however, struck me that, perhaps, it would take an NDC Metro Chief Executive to handle the thorny Kumasi situation. This is because Kumasi is already known to be an NPP stronghold and an NDC person may not consider the political repercussions when taking drastic measures to tidy up the city.
During his vetting, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, said ‘decongesting’ the city would be one of his priorities. The general belief is that he will keep to his word by getting the incoming KMA Chief Executive to deliver.
With the activities for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the enthronement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II already launched, we in Kumasi cannot take things for granted.
Everybody in the metropolis must do his or her part to keep the city clean to effectively welcome the thousands of guests who will be pouring in to celebrate the event with the Otumfuo.
Incredibly, today, banku, a local delicacy, is prepared and sold on the pavement right in the heart of the city in the full glare of city guards.
I recently visited the area where the banku was being prepared and was alarmed at what I saw. There was smoke all over as the woman who sold the banku was busily attending to her customers and caring less about the human as well as vehicular traffic around.
Interestingly, patronage was very high as people queued up to be served. I was told this had been going on for some months now.
The preparation of banku on the pavement near the Kejetia traffic lights is one of the many terrible things happening in the city in the full glare of city authorities.
In many other parts of the city, especially within the city centre, things are very bad. Other food vendors are also battling for space with petty traders on other pavements.
However, the authorities are helpless, not knowing what to do to fight the problem.
No question, Kumasi has gone through some terrible times over the past year or so when the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) undertook a massive ‘decongestion’ exercise.
The KMA made everybody know that it cost them something in the region of GH¢300,000 to undertake the exercise. No one was there to challenge them but suffice it to say that the exercise was a complete waste of the taxpayer’s money as nothing positive and lasting came out of it.
Initially, the exercise brought some measure of discipline into the metropolis as the city centre was cleared and some slums wiped off.
However, when everything started to go haywire, many people started doubting the ability of the KMA to sustain any such future exercise.
They premised their argument on the fact that the metropolis had seen many of such exercises all of which failed to achieve the desired results.
Before the 2008 general election, the police were withdrawn from the city centre for unknown reasons, giving room for people to read all sorts of political meaning into the decision.
The withdrawal of the police allowed drivers, especially taxi and trotro drivers, to turn Kumasi into a near-chaotic city. With the decision by the regional police administration to bring back the police to the streets in the city, it was hoped that some discipline would be injected into the system but what we see today in Kumasi is the same old story.
Drivers still park anyhow. One simply has to go to the area around the Kejetia roundabout to verify things for oneself.
One wonders what signals the conduct of residents in this metropolis is sending out to the outside world if affairs in Ghana’s second biggest city continue to be run this way.
Isn’t it time for someone to stand up and firmly say enough is enough and that we have to take the bull by the horns? Or are we waiting for the new Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive to take up the matter?
To the one who will emerge as the next KMA Chief Executive, perhaps his biggest task will be how to deal with the indiscipline in the metropolis.
As I was writing this piece, interviews were going on at the Residency in Kumasi for the position of KMA Chief Executive. I pitied the candidates as I watched them vying for the position, wondering how they could effectively deal with what have now become the hydra-headed problems of Kumasi.
Something, however, struck me that, perhaps, it would take an NDC Metro Chief Executive to handle the thorny Kumasi situation. This is because Kumasi is already known to be an NPP stronghold and an NDC person may not consider the political repercussions when taking drastic measures to tidy up the city.
During his vetting, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, said ‘decongesting’ the city would be one of his priorities. The general belief is that he will keep to his word by getting the incoming KMA Chief Executive to deliver.
With the activities for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the enthronement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II already launched, we in Kumasi cannot take things for granted.
Everybody in the metropolis must do his or her part to keep the city clean to effectively welcome the thousands of guests who will be pouring in to celebrate the event with the Otumfuo.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
MASSIVE CLEAN-UP IN KUMASI (PAGE 29)
Residents in the Kumasi metropolis responded positively to President John Evans Atta Mills' quest for clean environment by temporary suspending their commercial activities between 6a.m. and 12 noon last Saturday, to actively support the clean-up exercise intended to rid the Kumasi metropolis of filth.
The exercise which was organised by members of the Ashanti Regional Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly(KMA) and other organised groups in the metropolis, saw residents converging very early at the various streets, public places, car parks and market places to fully participate in the clean up exercise.
The exercise was also meant to promote environmental cleanliness in the metropolis as well as sensitise residents on the need to change their attitude towards the environment.
Indiscriminate littering of the environment with all forms of solid waste materials, promote the spread of diseases and the exercise also sought to educate residents on the need to do away with such habits.
Prior to the exercise, which was the first of its kind to be organised by the new government in Kumasi, Messrs J. Stanley Owusu, a Waste Management Company, provided a 24-hour service on Friday to work on the Dompoase Land fill site to create more space for refuse that would be dumped there on Saturday.
This was to reduce any form of congestion at the site by waste trucks that would transport garbage from the various suburbs to the landfill.
Waste Group, Anthoco Waste, Sakem, Zoomlion, Kumasi Waste Management, Measkworld, Osborn and ABC Waste also participated actively in the exercise.
The metropolis was divided into zones with each of the waste management companies and their members, concentrating on a particular zone assigned to it, thereby enhancing efficiency.
From Asuoyeboah through Kwadaso to Bantama and the central business district of Adum and Kajetia, as well as the Central Market, safe market and other suburbs, residents, most of whom were traders and voluntary groups, desilted choked gutters, swept the streets, and set fire to heaps of dried leaves and materials collected.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic later, a trader at the Morocco shoe house, Mr Osei Kwabena, commended the organisers of the exercise for their prompt intervention and urged them to regularise it.
This, he said, would keep Kumasi clean as the rains set in.
He pointed out that communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid fever among others, that thrive on filth, had always been on the spread, especially during the rainy season.
He pointed out that on such occasions, people spent a lot of money and time to treat diseases, and this undermined productivity and revenue generation.
Mr Osei Kwabena said it was equally important for the authorities to initiate educational programmes that would create awareness for the pubic to change their negative attitude of dumping liquid and solid waste into drains, public places and recreational grounds,
Earlier, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of ESPA, Nana Adu Asabre had told newsmen that as the umbrella body of solid and liquid waste management, the ESPA would be committed to the provision of clean environment to promote good health among residents.
“Ours is a call to duty, that is why representatives of the national executive came down to participate in the planning of this exercise after a similar exercise at Sekondi- Takoradi", he assured.
Stressing, Nana Asabre said, " This is just the beginning of a permanent collaboration to sustain the state of cleanliness in the city".
The exercise which was organised by members of the Ashanti Regional Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly(KMA) and other organised groups in the metropolis, saw residents converging very early at the various streets, public places, car parks and market places to fully participate in the clean up exercise.
The exercise was also meant to promote environmental cleanliness in the metropolis as well as sensitise residents on the need to change their attitude towards the environment.
Indiscriminate littering of the environment with all forms of solid waste materials, promote the spread of diseases and the exercise also sought to educate residents on the need to do away with such habits.
Prior to the exercise, which was the first of its kind to be organised by the new government in Kumasi, Messrs J. Stanley Owusu, a Waste Management Company, provided a 24-hour service on Friday to work on the Dompoase Land fill site to create more space for refuse that would be dumped there on Saturday.
This was to reduce any form of congestion at the site by waste trucks that would transport garbage from the various suburbs to the landfill.
Waste Group, Anthoco Waste, Sakem, Zoomlion, Kumasi Waste Management, Measkworld, Osborn and ABC Waste also participated actively in the exercise.
The metropolis was divided into zones with each of the waste management companies and their members, concentrating on a particular zone assigned to it, thereby enhancing efficiency.
From Asuoyeboah through Kwadaso to Bantama and the central business district of Adum and Kajetia, as well as the Central Market, safe market and other suburbs, residents, most of whom were traders and voluntary groups, desilted choked gutters, swept the streets, and set fire to heaps of dried leaves and materials collected.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic later, a trader at the Morocco shoe house, Mr Osei Kwabena, commended the organisers of the exercise for their prompt intervention and urged them to regularise it.
This, he said, would keep Kumasi clean as the rains set in.
He pointed out that communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid fever among others, that thrive on filth, had always been on the spread, especially during the rainy season.
He pointed out that on such occasions, people spent a lot of money and time to treat diseases, and this undermined productivity and revenue generation.
Mr Osei Kwabena said it was equally important for the authorities to initiate educational programmes that would create awareness for the pubic to change their negative attitude of dumping liquid and solid waste into drains, public places and recreational grounds,
Earlier, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of ESPA, Nana Adu Asabre had told newsmen that as the umbrella body of solid and liquid waste management, the ESPA would be committed to the provision of clean environment to promote good health among residents.
“Ours is a call to duty, that is why representatives of the national executive came down to participate in the planning of this exercise after a similar exercise at Sekondi- Takoradi", he assured.
Stressing, Nana Asabre said, " This is just the beginning of a permanent collaboration to sustain the state of cleanliness in the city".
TIMBER MILLERS, BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERS SIGN MOU (PAGE 31)
THE Ghana Timber Millers Organisation (GTMO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) for the supply of quality timber products for local projects at concessionary prices.
Under the agreement, in the event of a member of the ABCECG taking a job for the provision of public infrastructure or a private development project within Ghana, the millers will make available quality lumber and other wood products for the execution of the job.
Apart from the partnership facilitating quality work in the construction industry, it will also contribute significantly to reducing the production of illegal chain sawn lumber and its associated trade and use in Ghana.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kumasi last Friday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTMO, Mr E.E.K. Acquah-Moses, sad the GTMO was aware that the use of chain sawn lumber for local building projects most often resulted in poor work by contractors.
A number of public and private projects, he said, had suffered from poor work in the hands of some contractors because they tended to rely on cheap wood products from chainsaw operators.
Mr Acquah-Moses expressed the hope that the arrangement would reduce illegal logging and the wanton destruction of immature trees and the consequent degradation of the forest and depletion of timber resources.
He noted that the general improvement in the national economy had brought in its wake increased consumption of wood products.
The CEO noted the contributions the timber industry had made to national development over the years but said the sustainability of the benefits depended wholly on the availability of tree resources.
Mr Acquah-Moses said contrary to the perception in some circles, members of the GTMO were complying with the government’s regulation to sell 20 per cent of their wood products locally, adding that for some products they sold more than 50 per cent on the local market.
He said recent surveys indicated that the current demand for lumber for domestic consumption exceeded 500,000 cubic metres per annum, implying that the 20 per cent they were obliged to put on the market was inadequate.
He noted that against the background that the annual allowable supply of log inputs for processing into lumber and plywood was between 1.5 and two cubic metres, "it means that if the local market is to be serviced completely, there will be no exports".
Mr Acquah-Moses said to address that challenge, the GTMO had adopted some measures, including putting on the local market lumber from wawa, dahoma and ofram species which now constituted about 22 per cent of the standing tree stock and which were required in the housing and construction industry.
The National President of the ABCECG, Mr Kwame Afreh, admitted that a number of construction projects had suffered from the use of poor products purchased from chainsaw operators.
"That is why we approached the GTMO for support to enable us to come out with acceptable works," he noted.
He urged members of the association to take advantage of the partnership to enable them to give their clients quality work.
Under the agreement, in the event of a member of the ABCECG taking a job for the provision of public infrastructure or a private development project within Ghana, the millers will make available quality lumber and other wood products for the execution of the job.
Apart from the partnership facilitating quality work in the construction industry, it will also contribute significantly to reducing the production of illegal chain sawn lumber and its associated trade and use in Ghana.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kumasi last Friday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTMO, Mr E.E.K. Acquah-Moses, sad the GTMO was aware that the use of chain sawn lumber for local building projects most often resulted in poor work by contractors.
A number of public and private projects, he said, had suffered from poor work in the hands of some contractors because they tended to rely on cheap wood products from chainsaw operators.
Mr Acquah-Moses expressed the hope that the arrangement would reduce illegal logging and the wanton destruction of immature trees and the consequent degradation of the forest and depletion of timber resources.
He noted that the general improvement in the national economy had brought in its wake increased consumption of wood products.
The CEO noted the contributions the timber industry had made to national development over the years but said the sustainability of the benefits depended wholly on the availability of tree resources.
Mr Acquah-Moses said contrary to the perception in some circles, members of the GTMO were complying with the government’s regulation to sell 20 per cent of their wood products locally, adding that for some products they sold more than 50 per cent on the local market.
He said recent surveys indicated that the current demand for lumber for domestic consumption exceeded 500,000 cubic metres per annum, implying that the 20 per cent they were obliged to put on the market was inadequate.
He noted that against the background that the annual allowable supply of log inputs for processing into lumber and plywood was between 1.5 and two cubic metres, "it means that if the local market is to be serviced completely, there will be no exports".
Mr Acquah-Moses said to address that challenge, the GTMO had adopted some measures, including putting on the local market lumber from wawa, dahoma and ofram species which now constituted about 22 per cent of the standing tree stock and which were required in the housing and construction industry.
The National President of the ABCECG, Mr Kwame Afreh, admitted that a number of construction projects had suffered from the use of poor products purchased from chainsaw operators.
"That is why we approached the GTMO for support to enable us to come out with acceptable works," he noted.
He urged members of the association to take advantage of the partnership to enable them to give their clients quality work.
APPIAH-MENKA PREDICTS VICTORY DESPITE FIERCE RESISTANCE (PAGE 16)
IN the face of fierce resistance by the NDC to his candidature, an aspiring contestant to become the Ashanti Regional representative on the Council of State, Mr Akenten Appiah-Menkah, has predicted that he will make history today as the first founder of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to become a Council of State member in the NDC administration of President Mills.
The Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman, Mr Daniel Ohene-Agyekum, has vowed to use all available means to torpedo Mr Appiah-Menkah's moves to get onto the Council of State.
Mr Ohene-Agyekum had indicated that it was wrong in the first place for Mr Appiah-Menkah to attempt to get onto the Council of State because of his deep-seated roots with the NPP.
He alleged that when NPP supporters attacked him and NDC supporters in the run-up to the last presidential and parliamentary elections, Mr Appiah-Menkah did not say anything to condemn the acts of his party supporters and wondered how he could turn round to fight his way onto the Council of State.
He said the NDC had many qualified men and women to serve on the Council of State and did not think an NPP stalwart was the right person to be on the council.
But, in an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday, the octogenarian Mr Appiah-Menkah, who is also a renowned industrialist, said he was aware of the machinations by the NDC to scuttle his attempts to get onto the Council of State, "but I promise them that history will be made tomorrow".
He pointed out that he was not seeking an appointment from President Mills to become a member of the Council of State.
"I am going for an election which is open to any citizen of the land irrespective of one's political affiliation," he said.
He, therefore, called the bluff of Mr Ohene-Agyekum, stressing that "he knows I am going to win and that is why he is doing all that".
Mr Appiah-Menkah said since the constitution did not bar him in any way from contesting, he would go ahead to contest and win.
The Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman, Mr Daniel Ohene-Agyekum, has vowed to use all available means to torpedo Mr Appiah-Menkah's moves to get onto the Council of State.
Mr Ohene-Agyekum had indicated that it was wrong in the first place for Mr Appiah-Menkah to attempt to get onto the Council of State because of his deep-seated roots with the NPP.
He alleged that when NPP supporters attacked him and NDC supporters in the run-up to the last presidential and parliamentary elections, Mr Appiah-Menkah did not say anything to condemn the acts of his party supporters and wondered how he could turn round to fight his way onto the Council of State.
He said the NDC had many qualified men and women to serve on the Council of State and did not think an NPP stalwart was the right person to be on the council.
But, in an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday, the octogenarian Mr Appiah-Menkah, who is also a renowned industrialist, said he was aware of the machinations by the NDC to scuttle his attempts to get onto the Council of State, "but I promise them that history will be made tomorrow".
He pointed out that he was not seeking an appointment from President Mills to become a member of the Council of State.
"I am going for an election which is open to any citizen of the land irrespective of one's political affiliation," he said.
He, therefore, called the bluff of Mr Ohene-Agyekum, stressing that "he knows I am going to win and that is why he is doing all that".
Mr Appiah-Menkah said since the constitution did not bar him in any way from contesting, he would go ahead to contest and win.
PIROXICAN IS SAFE (PAGE 3)
THE management of Abyak Pharmacy Limited in Kumasi has stated that Piroxicam capsules USP 20mg used for the treatment of arthritis is a safe drug with certification from the Food and Drugs Board (FDB).
Reacting to a story in the Daily Graphic of Tuesday, February 17, 2009, headed "Clear fake drugs from market", the Managing Director of the company, Mr William Mensah, said his company went through all the legal processes for the distribution of the drugs.
According to him, the FDB had given temporary certification for the sale of the drug in the country and that very soon the final certification would be issued.
In the Daily Graphic story, a resident of Kumasi had complained that some Piroxicam capsules which he bought in Kumasi did not have an FDB registered number.
Abyak Pharmacy is Ghana's sole agent for the distribution of the drug, manufactured by XL Laboratories Pvt. Ltd of India, a company described by the FDB as one of the most credible pharmaceutical companies in the world.
The drug has been in many pharmacies and drug stores in Kumasi and its environs in recent times and it is on the prescription list of the Ghana Health Service.
Reacting to a story in the Daily Graphic of Tuesday, February 17, 2009, headed "Clear fake drugs from market", the Managing Director of the company, Mr William Mensah, said his company went through all the legal processes for the distribution of the drugs.
According to him, the FDB had given temporary certification for the sale of the drug in the country and that very soon the final certification would be issued.
In the Daily Graphic story, a resident of Kumasi had complained that some Piroxicam capsules which he bought in Kumasi did not have an FDB registered number.
Abyak Pharmacy is Ghana's sole agent for the distribution of the drug, manufactured by XL Laboratories Pvt. Ltd of India, a company described by the FDB as one of the most credible pharmaceutical companies in the world.
The drug has been in many pharmacies and drug stores in Kumasi and its environs in recent times and it is on the prescription list of the Ghana Health Service.
Monday, February 23, 2009
MORE STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM FINATRADE FOUNDATION (PAGES 8 & 9, GRAPHIC NSEMPA)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi
IN line with its policy of contributing positively towards Ghana’s agricultural development with the youth as the focus, Finatrade Foundation has added 20 more agriculture students to the list of beneficiaries of its scholarship scheme in four public universities in the country.
Last Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi where the students, all undergraduates from the KNUST, University of Ghana, University of Development Studies and the University of Cape Coast, were presented with their awards.
Each of them will receive financial support of GH¢600 every year for the period of their programmes of study.
So far106 agriculture students have benefited from the scholarship scheme, which was established about five years ago.
Before the current beneficiaries, all the previous beneficiaries received GH¢500 a year.
With financial support from its sponsors, Finatrade Group, Finatrade Foundation, instituted the award scheme for needy, brilliant students pursuing programmes in agriculture in the four universities.
In a speech at the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Finatrade Foundation, Ms Joyce Aryee, said the Foundation’s policy on agriculture was being pursued with all seriousness.
She said the fact that the youth held the key to improving the nation’s agriculture was unquestionable.
Ms Aryee disclosed that since the establishment of the scheme, two batches of beneficiaries had completed their programmes of study with many of them receiving first class honours.
“One significant feature of the scholarship scheme is that the students are given the opportunity to work as interns with the Finatrade Group during semester breaks to prepare them practically for future jobs”, she said.
She announced a collaborative initiative between the foundation and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) towards the institution of a programme with the focus of solving agricultural and industrial related problems confronting the country.
She also touched on the foundation’s model farm project initiated in collaboration with the College of Agriculture of the KNUST and said it was making progress.
She reiterated the importance of ICT in the modern day activities and said as a result the foundation was supporting the government to advance ICT education in second cycle institutions.
“In partnership with the Kofi Annan Centre for ICT Excellence, we, for the first time in the history of this country, successfully raised an ICT team at the Senior High School (SHS) level to participate in informatics in Egypt last year”, she said.
Ms Aryee also disclosed that the foundation also collaborated with the chiefs and people of Asante-Akim Wankyi in the Ashanti Region to put up a three-classroom computer complex in 2007.
The Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor K.K. Adarkwa, said the Finatrade example was worth commending.
The Vice-chancellor charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the assistance so that the nation would benefit from them in future.
The Guest Speaker at the ceremony was Dr A.B. Salifu who is the Director General of the CSIR. He said agriculture was the key to national growth and must be given all the support it deserves.
IN line with its policy of contributing positively towards Ghana’s agricultural development with the youth as the focus, Finatrade Foundation has added 20 more agriculture students to the list of beneficiaries of its scholarship scheme in four public universities in the country.
Last Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi where the students, all undergraduates from the KNUST, University of Ghana, University of Development Studies and the University of Cape Coast, were presented with their awards.
Each of them will receive financial support of GH¢600 every year for the period of their programmes of study.
So far106 agriculture students have benefited from the scholarship scheme, which was established about five years ago.
Before the current beneficiaries, all the previous beneficiaries received GH¢500 a year.
With financial support from its sponsors, Finatrade Group, Finatrade Foundation, instituted the award scheme for needy, brilliant students pursuing programmes in agriculture in the four universities.
In a speech at the ceremony, the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Finatrade Foundation, Ms Joyce Aryee, said the Foundation’s policy on agriculture was being pursued with all seriousness.
She said the fact that the youth held the key to improving the nation’s agriculture was unquestionable.
Ms Aryee disclosed that since the establishment of the scheme, two batches of beneficiaries had completed their programmes of study with many of them receiving first class honours.
“One significant feature of the scholarship scheme is that the students are given the opportunity to work as interns with the Finatrade Group during semester breaks to prepare them practically for future jobs”, she said.
She announced a collaborative initiative between the foundation and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) towards the institution of a programme with the focus of solving agricultural and industrial related problems confronting the country.
She also touched on the foundation’s model farm project initiated in collaboration with the College of Agriculture of the KNUST and said it was making progress.
She reiterated the importance of ICT in the modern day activities and said as a result the foundation was supporting the government to advance ICT education in second cycle institutions.
“In partnership with the Kofi Annan Centre for ICT Excellence, we, for the first time in the history of this country, successfully raised an ICT team at the Senior High School (SHS) level to participate in informatics in Egypt last year”, she said.
Ms Aryee also disclosed that the foundation also collaborated with the chiefs and people of Asante-Akim Wankyi in the Ashanti Region to put up a three-classroom computer complex in 2007.
The Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor K.K. Adarkwa, said the Finatrade example was worth commending.
The Vice-chancellor charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the assistance so that the nation would benefit from them in future.
The Guest Speaker at the ceremony was Dr A.B. Salifu who is the Director General of the CSIR. He said agriculture was the key to national growth and must be given all the support it deserves.
KINTAMPO CAN DO BETTER (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, PAGE 14)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kintampo
SOMETHING struck me during a recent visit I paid to Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo Region.
That the tourism potential of the area has still not been tapped to the full advantage of the people and the nation was unthinkable. Kintampo is synonymous with numerous tourism potentials and only pragmatic policies by the authorities would ensure a significant turn around.
I remember one of my days in class four at the Goaso Roman Catholic Primary School “A” when our class teacher, named Madam Konadu posed the question, “Where is the geographical centre of Ghana?”
As the class remained quiet for some time, the teacher called me to answer the question. You know why I was called? I was the most brilliant pupil in the class and the teacher believed I held the key to the answer.
I was barely 10 years of age, and even though I could not readily provide the answer to the question I knew the teacher would definitely repeat the question.
Consequently, when we closed from school, I went for a map of Ghana and while I made a fruitless attempt to locate where the centre of the country was, my senior in class six came to my aid and told me it was at Kintampo.
True to my prediction, the next day our teacher posed the same question to the class. I was the only person to raise a hand and I had it correct.
The real centre of the country is a small place in the town and it is one of the tourism attractions in Ghana. A monument has been erected at the spot.
Tourism cuts across socio-economic sectors and includes all the activities, attractions, facilities, services and infrastructure relating to people’s travels away from their homes on long day trips or for overnight stays.
As on one of the fastest growing sectors of the country, tourism has the potential of pushing Ghana to enable it obtain a good share of the world trade.
With the world economy changing by the day as a result of competition, the nation can no more rely on primary products as the economic bedrock of the country.
For Kintampo, and in this case the Kintampo North Municipality where most of the tourism attractions are located, unique primary tourist attractions have played a critical role in the Brong Ahafo Region’s tourism industry.
Among the attractions are the Kintampo Waterfalls located along the Kintampo-Tamale road and the Fulla Falls at Yabraso. Some small waterfalls are also found in the area.
Kintampo is historically remembered for its association with the British Military. Today, the burial ground of world war British Military officers who died in Kintampo is still intact and provides a unique attraction to tourists.
In the colonial days, Kintampo served as the seat of the commissioner of Ashanti. Many of the buildings occupied by the British still stand today.
Mention can also be made of attractions like the Pumpum River which flows through some beautiful rocky terrain to form the Kintampo Waterfalls. The river continues its flow towards the Black Volta at Buipe and to the Fuller Falls. There is also the slave market, saves and night lamp at Kunsu.
Besides these, the Bosomoa Forest Reserve with its flora and fauna and the conical hills and ridges located in the southern parts of the area also provide beautiful natural scenery.
The picture painted so far portrays Kintampo as a critical investment and tourism potentials.
It is for this reason that the municipal assembly must go the extra mile to bring the areas tourism potentials close to investors.
It is regrettable that today, the full potential of the Kintampo Falls, for instance, has not been harnessed. It could be a big revenue earner for the assembly and the nation.
There is the need for the potential areas and activities to be repackaged and marketed to ensure that the real benefits are accrued.
SOMETHING struck me during a recent visit I paid to Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo Region.
That the tourism potential of the area has still not been tapped to the full advantage of the people and the nation was unthinkable. Kintampo is synonymous with numerous tourism potentials and only pragmatic policies by the authorities would ensure a significant turn around.
I remember one of my days in class four at the Goaso Roman Catholic Primary School “A” when our class teacher, named Madam Konadu posed the question, “Where is the geographical centre of Ghana?”
As the class remained quiet for some time, the teacher called me to answer the question. You know why I was called? I was the most brilliant pupil in the class and the teacher believed I held the key to the answer.
I was barely 10 years of age, and even though I could not readily provide the answer to the question I knew the teacher would definitely repeat the question.
Consequently, when we closed from school, I went for a map of Ghana and while I made a fruitless attempt to locate where the centre of the country was, my senior in class six came to my aid and told me it was at Kintampo.
True to my prediction, the next day our teacher posed the same question to the class. I was the only person to raise a hand and I had it correct.
The real centre of the country is a small place in the town and it is one of the tourism attractions in Ghana. A monument has been erected at the spot.
Tourism cuts across socio-economic sectors and includes all the activities, attractions, facilities, services and infrastructure relating to people’s travels away from their homes on long day trips or for overnight stays.
As on one of the fastest growing sectors of the country, tourism has the potential of pushing Ghana to enable it obtain a good share of the world trade.
With the world economy changing by the day as a result of competition, the nation can no more rely on primary products as the economic bedrock of the country.
For Kintampo, and in this case the Kintampo North Municipality where most of the tourism attractions are located, unique primary tourist attractions have played a critical role in the Brong Ahafo Region’s tourism industry.
Among the attractions are the Kintampo Waterfalls located along the Kintampo-Tamale road and the Fulla Falls at Yabraso. Some small waterfalls are also found in the area.
Kintampo is historically remembered for its association with the British Military. Today, the burial ground of world war British Military officers who died in Kintampo is still intact and provides a unique attraction to tourists.
In the colonial days, Kintampo served as the seat of the commissioner of Ashanti. Many of the buildings occupied by the British still stand today.
Mention can also be made of attractions like the Pumpum River which flows through some beautiful rocky terrain to form the Kintampo Waterfalls. The river continues its flow towards the Black Volta at Buipe and to the Fuller Falls. There is also the slave market, saves and night lamp at Kunsu.
Besides these, the Bosomoa Forest Reserve with its flora and fauna and the conical hills and ridges located in the southern parts of the area also provide beautiful natural scenery.
The picture painted so far portrays Kintampo as a critical investment and tourism potentials.
It is for this reason that the municipal assembly must go the extra mile to bring the areas tourism potentials close to investors.
It is regrettable that today, the full potential of the Kintampo Falls, for instance, has not been harnessed. It could be a big revenue earner for the assembly and the nation.
There is the need for the potential areas and activities to be repackaged and marketed to ensure that the real benefits are accrued.
ASHANTI SUPER ZONALS FEB 26-27 (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, BACK PAGE)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi
THE Minister of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, will be the guest of honour at this year’s Ashanti Regional super zonals athletics competition at the Baba Yara Stadium from February 26 to 27.
It will the first major sports tournament in the region that the new sports minister will attend.
Alhaji Muntaka, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase in Kumasi, has vowed to revive sporting activities in schools to serve as grounds to unearth talents for the nation.
As usual, schools noted for their exploits in athletic have qualified for the competition.
They included Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS), Osei Tutu SHS, Prempeh College, Opoku Ware School, T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS and Kumasi Anglican SHS (KASS)
The rest are Nkawie Secondary School, Akomadan SHS, Afua Kobi Girls’ SHS, Yaa Asantewaa SHS and St Monica’s HSH among others.
This year’s competition is going to be highly competitive following the determination of the “lesser-known schools” to upset the established sports schools.
Special awards have been set aside for the winning schools and athletes who would excel.
THE Minister of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, will be the guest of honour at this year’s Ashanti Regional super zonals athletics competition at the Baba Yara Stadium from February 26 to 27.
It will the first major sports tournament in the region that the new sports minister will attend.
Alhaji Muntaka, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase in Kumasi, has vowed to revive sporting activities in schools to serve as grounds to unearth talents for the nation.
As usual, schools noted for their exploits in athletic have qualified for the competition.
They included Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS), Osei Tutu SHS, Prempeh College, Opoku Ware School, T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS and Kumasi Anglican SHS (KASS)
The rest are Nkawie Secondary School, Akomadan SHS, Afua Kobi Girls’ SHS, Yaa Asantewaa SHS and St Monica’s HSH among others.
This year’s competition is going to be highly competitive following the determination of the “lesser-known schools” to upset the established sports schools.
Special awards have been set aside for the winning schools and athletes who would excel.
KUMASI HEARTS FANS DISAPPOINTED (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, BACK PAGE)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi
SUPPORTERS of Accra Hearts of Oak in Kumasi are disappointed about the exclusion of the club from the special football tournament to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the enthronement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as Asantehene.
Hearts were initially billed to participate in the tournament, but the organisers decided to exclude the league leaders to allow only the four premiership sides in the Ashanti Region to fight for the cup.
No official reasons have been assigned for the decision to exclude Hearts, but reliable sources told the Graphic Nsempa that it was linked to the recent incidents at the Baba Yara Stadium during the Kotoko-Hearts league match, which led to the death of six people.
The sources said but for the investigations into the incident, the organisers would have included Hearts in the Otumfuo championship.
A number of supporters of Hearts who called in to various sports programmes on local radio stations said they would have wished to take part in the competition to play their part in honouring the Otumfuo.
The four clubs that would compete for honours are Kumasi Asante Kotoko, King Faisal, Ashanti Gold and Kessben F/C.
A date is yet to be fixed for the tournament.
Already, officials have met representatives of the four clubs to agree on the participating fees and other matters relating to the competition.
In spite of the absence of Hearts of Oak, organisers are prepared to do everything to make the tournament a worthy one especially as it was being used to honour the Asantehene.
It is expected that Otumfuo himself will be at the stadium at for final match to present the trophy to the winning team.
From all indications, Asante Kotoko are tipped to carry the trophy at stake, looking at their current strength.
However, the ability of King Faisal to spring a surprise is not beyond the Alhaji Gruzah boys.
SUPPORTERS of Accra Hearts of Oak in Kumasi are disappointed about the exclusion of the club from the special football tournament to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the enthronement of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as Asantehene.
Hearts were initially billed to participate in the tournament, but the organisers decided to exclude the league leaders to allow only the four premiership sides in the Ashanti Region to fight for the cup.
No official reasons have been assigned for the decision to exclude Hearts, but reliable sources told the Graphic Nsempa that it was linked to the recent incidents at the Baba Yara Stadium during the Kotoko-Hearts league match, which led to the death of six people.
The sources said but for the investigations into the incident, the organisers would have included Hearts in the Otumfuo championship.
A number of supporters of Hearts who called in to various sports programmes on local radio stations said they would have wished to take part in the competition to play their part in honouring the Otumfuo.
The four clubs that would compete for honours are Kumasi Asante Kotoko, King Faisal, Ashanti Gold and Kessben F/C.
A date is yet to be fixed for the tournament.
Already, officials have met representatives of the four clubs to agree on the participating fees and other matters relating to the competition.
In spite of the absence of Hearts of Oak, organisers are prepared to do everything to make the tournament a worthy one especially as it was being used to honour the Asantehene.
It is expected that Otumfuo himself will be at the stadium at for final match to present the trophy to the winning team.
From all indications, Asante Kotoko are tipped to carry the trophy at stake, looking at their current strength.
However, the ability of King Faisal to spring a surprise is not beyond the Alhaji Gruzah boys.
Friday, February 20, 2009
AVOID MAFIA GROUPS WHO SEEK POLITICAL INTERESTS (PAGE 17)
The people of the Volta Region have been advised to see the region as one entity and avoid the formation of “mafia” groups or cliques to seek their political interests, because that would not help the region.
“Volta is Volta, competence and trust should be the collective yardstick and not the power of a particular grouping,” the North Dayi Constituency Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr George Sika, stated.
He said the people in the region should rally behind the Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Zephenat Amenowode, and their leaders to enable them to organise the region effectively for development.
Mr Sika, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic, said the regional minister should be able to organise the region as a whole and must be prepared to work with everybody, adding that people would remember him for what he would live behind as a regional minister.
He also said the success of President John Evans Atta Mills and his government was the success of every citizen and so all must be ready to help, adding that people should stop grumbling over ministerial appointments.
According to him, people should rather assist the government in various capacities they found themselves, because there were other positions other than the ministerial ones where they could contribute their quota for national development.
Mr Sika congratulated Ms Sena Akua Dansua and Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah on their appointments as Ministers of Women and Children’s Affairs and Tourism respectively, adding that with the Minister of Roads and Highways coming from the region the tourism ministry should be able to co-ordinate to provide linkages between the roads and tourism sectors in the region.
According to him, the Volta Region has the highest number of tourism attractions in the country but many remained undeveloped, due mainly to unmotorable roads.
“Volta is Volta, competence and trust should be the collective yardstick and not the power of a particular grouping,” the North Dayi Constituency Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr George Sika, stated.
He said the people in the region should rally behind the Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Zephenat Amenowode, and their leaders to enable them to organise the region effectively for development.
Mr Sika, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic, said the regional minister should be able to organise the region as a whole and must be prepared to work with everybody, adding that people would remember him for what he would live behind as a regional minister.
He also said the success of President John Evans Atta Mills and his government was the success of every citizen and so all must be ready to help, adding that people should stop grumbling over ministerial appointments.
According to him, people should rather assist the government in various capacities they found themselves, because there were other positions other than the ministerial ones where they could contribute their quota for national development.
Mr Sika congratulated Ms Sena Akua Dansua and Mrs Juliana Azumah-Mensah on their appointments as Ministers of Women and Children’s Affairs and Tourism respectively, adding that with the Minister of Roads and Highways coming from the region the tourism ministry should be able to co-ordinate to provide linkages between the roads and tourism sectors in the region.
According to him, the Volta Region has the highest number of tourism attractions in the country but many remained undeveloped, due mainly to unmotorable roads.
CHIEFS APPEAL TO PREZ TO NOMINATE BOADU AS DCE (PAGE 17)
CHIEFS in the Sefwi Akontombra District of the Western Region have appealed to the President to consider the nomination of Mr Joseph Bernard Boadu, the defeated NDC parliamentary candidate for the Nhyiaeso Constituency in the Ashanti Region in the 2008 elections, as the District Chief Executive (DCE).
They described Mr Boadu as “trustworthy, hardworking and truthful” and said the district needed such a man to help advance the development agenda of the area.
A statement signed by 18 chiefs in the district said, “Nananom have endorsed the application of Mr Boadu for consideration for the post of DCE and believe that we will receive positive response”.
The statement said as a new district, Akontombra had many problems, which called for unity to solve them.
“It is in the light of this that we think Mr Boadu, who has proved to be a man for all, is the right person for the job,” the statement said.
The statement listed some of the positions held by Mr Boadu in the past, in which he excelled as Unit Committee Chairman for Ackaakrom, Zonal Chairman of NDC at Ackaakrom, assembly member for Ackaakrom-Kojokrom Electoral Area and Executive Member of the Sefwi Wiawso District Assembly.
“We assure you that accepting our proposal would go a long way for the young and energetic Mr Joseph Bernard Boadu to serve his people as he worked tirelessly for the NDC party at Nhyiaeso Constituency.”
Among the signatories to the statement were Nana Kwaw-Esiafam II, Chief of Sefwi Sikaneasem; Nana Kwame Boah, Asokwahene; Nana Kwarteng Ababio, Akontombrahene, and Nana Kwaku Nkuah, Asiekromhene.
They described Mr Boadu as “trustworthy, hardworking and truthful” and said the district needed such a man to help advance the development agenda of the area.
A statement signed by 18 chiefs in the district said, “Nananom have endorsed the application of Mr Boadu for consideration for the post of DCE and believe that we will receive positive response”.
The statement said as a new district, Akontombra had many problems, which called for unity to solve them.
“It is in the light of this that we think Mr Boadu, who has proved to be a man for all, is the right person for the job,” the statement said.
The statement listed some of the positions held by Mr Boadu in the past, in which he excelled as Unit Committee Chairman for Ackaakrom, Zonal Chairman of NDC at Ackaakrom, assembly member for Ackaakrom-Kojokrom Electoral Area and Executive Member of the Sefwi Wiawso District Assembly.
“We assure you that accepting our proposal would go a long way for the young and energetic Mr Joseph Bernard Boadu to serve his people as he worked tirelessly for the NDC party at Nhyiaeso Constituency.”
Among the signatories to the statement were Nana Kwaw-Esiafam II, Chief of Sefwi Sikaneasem; Nana Kwame Boah, Asokwahene; Nana Kwarteng Ababio, Akontombrahene, and Nana Kwaku Nkuah, Asiekromhene.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
FINATRADE FOUNDATION PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO 20 UNDERGRADUATES (SPREAD)
THE Finatrade Foundation has presented scholarships to 20 fresh agricultural students in four public universities in the country.
The universities are the University of Ghana, Legon, the University of Cape Coast, the University for Development Studies and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
They will receive financial support of GH¢600 every year until they complete their programmes of study.
This brings to 106 the number of students who had so far benefited from the scholarship scheme since its establishment about five years ago. The previous support was GH¢500 a year per student.
Finatrade Foundation, through its sponsors, the Finatrade Group, instituted the scholarship award to needy students pursuing programmes in agriculture in the four universities, with the overall objective of supporting the nation’s agricultural development with the youth as the focus.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the KNUST last Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Finatrade Foundation, Ms Joyce Aryee, said since the establishment of the scheme, two batches of the beneficiaries had graduated with many of them receiving first class honours.
“Indeed, eight students were honoured with first class out of the 23 Finatrade scholars who graduated in the year 2008,” she added.
Ms Aryee noted that one significant feature of the scholarship scheme was that the students were given the opportunity to work as interns with the Finatrade Group during semester breaks to prepare them practically for future jobs.
She said the Foundation, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will soon roll out a programme targeted at solving agricultural and industrial related problems in the country.
She gave the assurance that the Foundation would continue with such support as long as their sponsors, the Finatrade Group, continued with its support.
The Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, Prof. K.K. Adarkwa, commended Finatrade Foundation for its noble assistance to the needy.
He was confident that the students would make maximum use of the support to guarantee them a better future.
The Guest Speaker at the ceremony, Dr A.B. Salifu, who is the Director General of the CSIR, noted the importance of agriculture in the development of the economy and said the sector demanded all the necessary support to grow.
He, therefore, commended Finatrade Foundation for the initiatives it had taken to improve the sector.
The universities are the University of Ghana, Legon, the University of Cape Coast, the University for Development Studies and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
They will receive financial support of GH¢600 every year until they complete their programmes of study.
This brings to 106 the number of students who had so far benefited from the scholarship scheme since its establishment about five years ago. The previous support was GH¢500 a year per student.
Finatrade Foundation, through its sponsors, the Finatrade Group, instituted the scholarship award to needy students pursuing programmes in agriculture in the four universities, with the overall objective of supporting the nation’s agricultural development with the youth as the focus.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the KNUST last Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Finatrade Foundation, Ms Joyce Aryee, said since the establishment of the scheme, two batches of the beneficiaries had graduated with many of them receiving first class honours.
“Indeed, eight students were honoured with first class out of the 23 Finatrade scholars who graduated in the year 2008,” she added.
Ms Aryee noted that one significant feature of the scholarship scheme was that the students were given the opportunity to work as interns with the Finatrade Group during semester breaks to prepare them practically for future jobs.
She said the Foundation, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will soon roll out a programme targeted at solving agricultural and industrial related problems in the country.
She gave the assurance that the Foundation would continue with such support as long as their sponsors, the Finatrade Group, continued with its support.
The Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, Prof. K.K. Adarkwa, commended Finatrade Foundation for its noble assistance to the needy.
He was confident that the students would make maximum use of the support to guarantee them a better future.
The Guest Speaker at the ceremony, Dr A.B. Salifu, who is the Director General of the CSIR, noted the importance of agriculture in the development of the economy and said the sector demanded all the necessary support to grow.
He, therefore, commended Finatrade Foundation for the initiatives it had taken to improve the sector.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
SPEED UP TEPA HOSPITAL PROJECT (PAGE 21)
THE Medical Superintendent of the Tepa Government Hospital, Dr Akuamoah Boateng, has appealed to the government to speed up the establishment of the Ahafoman District Hospital at Tepa.
He noted that the establishment of the hospital would go a long way to bring sanity into health delivery in the area.
Speaking at the district's health performance review meeting at Tepa, Dr Boateng said Tepa Hospital lacked adequate facilities to meet the prevailing demands, and the establishment of the Ahafoman Hospital with modern facilities as announced by the government would save the situation.
He said since the inception of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the number of admissions and outpatient had increased drastically.
This was because patients regristered with the scheme did not encounter any financial problems when they reported at the hospital for treatment.
Dr Boateng urged Buruli ulcer patients to register with the NHIS to enable them benefit from the package.
The District Director of Health Services, Mrs Elizabeth Adentwi, said reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the district increased from 69 in 2007 to 140 in 2008.
She explained that more people were reporting the disease because of the introduction of a programme dubbed, "Know your status" by the district health directorate.
Mrs Adentwi also indicated that malaria cases increased from 17,141 in 2007 to 22,354 in 2008 while that for Buruli ulcer jumped from 35 cases in 2007 to 75 in 2008.
The Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services in charge of administration, Mr Kofi Poku, commended the health staff of the district for their good work in the past year and urged them to improve on it.
He announced that the regional health directorate would, this year, receive a number of motorbikes for distribution to health institutions in the district.
He appealled to chiefs and community leaders to support health staff in their respective areas with accommodation to entice them to remain in their areas.
Their District Coordinating Director, Mr Annin Yeboah, gave the assurance that the district assembly would continue to support the health sector to enable it deliver better services to the people.
He challenged the health staff in the various communities to rededicate themselves to their work.
He noted that the establishment of the hospital would go a long way to bring sanity into health delivery in the area.
Speaking at the district's health performance review meeting at Tepa, Dr Boateng said Tepa Hospital lacked adequate facilities to meet the prevailing demands, and the establishment of the Ahafoman Hospital with modern facilities as announced by the government would save the situation.
He said since the inception of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the number of admissions and outpatient had increased drastically.
This was because patients regristered with the scheme did not encounter any financial problems when they reported at the hospital for treatment.
Dr Boateng urged Buruli ulcer patients to register with the NHIS to enable them benefit from the package.
The District Director of Health Services, Mrs Elizabeth Adentwi, said reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the district increased from 69 in 2007 to 140 in 2008.
She explained that more people were reporting the disease because of the introduction of a programme dubbed, "Know your status" by the district health directorate.
Mrs Adentwi also indicated that malaria cases increased from 17,141 in 2007 to 22,354 in 2008 while that for Buruli ulcer jumped from 35 cases in 2007 to 75 in 2008.
The Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services in charge of administration, Mr Kofi Poku, commended the health staff of the district for their good work in the past year and urged them to improve on it.
He announced that the regional health directorate would, this year, receive a number of motorbikes for distribution to health institutions in the district.
He appealled to chiefs and community leaders to support health staff in their respective areas with accommodation to entice them to remain in their areas.
Their District Coordinating Director, Mr Annin Yeboah, gave the assurance that the district assembly would continue to support the health sector to enable it deliver better services to the people.
He challenged the health staff in the various communities to rededicate themselves to their work.
EBENEZER MIRACLE PRAYER MINISTRY SUPPORTS INSTITUTIONS (PAGE 29)
IN the true spirit of Valentine's Day, the Head of the Ebenezer Miracle Prayer Ministry in Kumasi, Rev. Dr Ebenezer Adarkwa-Yiadom, last Saturday donated cash totalling GH¢2,500 and assorted goods valued at about GH¢1,000 to two needy institutions in Kumasi to mark the occasion.
The institutions were the Kumasi Central Prisons, which received GH¢1,500 cash, and the Kumasi Children's Home, where cash of GH¢1,000, second-hand clothing and soft drinks were also donated.
Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom, who was at the two institutions with some members of his church, also offered prayers for the inmates. At the Kumasi Central Prisons, officials led him to some of the cells, where he interacted with the inmates and built their confidence, which was almost lost.
During the prayer service that he held for them, he said Valentine's Day was not an occasion for immoral activities as some people perceived it to be.
He noted that it was the time for people to show the Love of God to their fellow human beings, especially the needy ones. Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom advised them to allow the situation within which they found themselves to remind them that there was nothing good in walking in the ways of the devil.
He, however, expressed regret that young men who could have contributed to the development of the country had rather found themselves in prisons. He, therefore, urged the inmates to learn a great lesson from the situation, so that they would never return to the ways of the devil when they came out of the prisons.
He noted that the huge sums of money the government was spending on them could have been channelled to productive areas of national development if crime was reduced drastically and thus minimise the population at the prisons.
Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom commended the prison authorities for the sacrifices they were making in the face of the challenges facing them in their duties. He pledged to visit the prisons again during the Easter festivities to make another donation to the inmates.
Some of the inmates who spoke, praised the reverend minister for the visit and said his advice had informed them of the need to follow Christ. At the Children's Home, the reverend minister interacted with the children and commended the management of the Home for the good job that they were doing to give proper care to the children.
He condemned women who decided to dump their babies and said, "This is a big crime against God.”
He pointed out that some of the children at the Home could grow up to become very useful citizens of the nation, and that was why he took great interest in their welfare. The Supervisor of the Home, Madam Victoria Asumnya, commended Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom for his support and expressed the hope that others would emulate his example.
The institutions were the Kumasi Central Prisons, which received GH¢1,500 cash, and the Kumasi Children's Home, where cash of GH¢1,000, second-hand clothing and soft drinks were also donated.
Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom, who was at the two institutions with some members of his church, also offered prayers for the inmates. At the Kumasi Central Prisons, officials led him to some of the cells, where he interacted with the inmates and built their confidence, which was almost lost.
During the prayer service that he held for them, he said Valentine's Day was not an occasion for immoral activities as some people perceived it to be.
He noted that it was the time for people to show the Love of God to their fellow human beings, especially the needy ones. Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom advised them to allow the situation within which they found themselves to remind them that there was nothing good in walking in the ways of the devil.
He, however, expressed regret that young men who could have contributed to the development of the country had rather found themselves in prisons. He, therefore, urged the inmates to learn a great lesson from the situation, so that they would never return to the ways of the devil when they came out of the prisons.
He noted that the huge sums of money the government was spending on them could have been channelled to productive areas of national development if crime was reduced drastically and thus minimise the population at the prisons.
Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom commended the prison authorities for the sacrifices they were making in the face of the challenges facing them in their duties. He pledged to visit the prisons again during the Easter festivities to make another donation to the inmates.
Some of the inmates who spoke, praised the reverend minister for the visit and said his advice had informed them of the need to follow Christ. At the Children's Home, the reverend minister interacted with the children and commended the management of the Home for the good job that they were doing to give proper care to the children.
He condemned women who decided to dump their babies and said, "This is a big crime against God.”
He pointed out that some of the children at the Home could grow up to become very useful citizens of the nation, and that was why he took great interest in their welfare. The Supervisor of the Home, Madam Victoria Asumnya, commended Rev. Dr Adarkwa-Yiadom for his support and expressed the hope that others would emulate his example.
MUSLIM FORUM DEMONSTRATES AGAINST IRANIAN GOVERNMENT (PAGE 20)
THE Concerned Muslim Forum, a human rights organisation in Kumasi, has organised a demonstration in Kumasi against the human rights abuses going on in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to the group, the demonstration became necessary because in a globalised village “we cannot afford to remain oblivious of what happens to fellow Muslims in that part of the world”.
They pointed out with regret that basic human rights were constantly abused in Iran in the form of unfair trials, executions and amputations in the name of Islam.
The demonstrators carried placards some of which read “away with human rights abuses,” “no discrimination against women” and “The Iranian government should be responsible enough”.
They marched from the Asawasi M/A School Park and ended up at Aboabo where the spokesman for the group, Mr Hamdawei Awal, read out a statement to journalists.
He said it had become clear that students in Iran were suffering from systematic repression of basic human rights in the pursuit of their academic careers.
“The very imposition of a dress code upon the female segment of the student population in Iran is a show of hypocrisy contrary to the basic belief that Allah does not look at the outward appearance but in the heart and the sincerity therein,” he said.
Mr Awal stated that some Ghanaian Muslim women who visited Iran recently realised shockingly that women in that country were denied the voice to air their grievances in the face of the harsh treatments against them.
“Constant arrest and repression are their lot,” he said, and added that it was important that the situation was reversed.
Mr Awal said Ghana had chosen to live under a constitution based on freedom and the rule of law.
“We deem these to be in tandem with the true Islamic values and call on the Iranian authorities to learn from us,” he added.
According to the group, the demonstration became necessary because in a globalised village “we cannot afford to remain oblivious of what happens to fellow Muslims in that part of the world”.
They pointed out with regret that basic human rights were constantly abused in Iran in the form of unfair trials, executions and amputations in the name of Islam.
The demonstrators carried placards some of which read “away with human rights abuses,” “no discrimination against women” and “The Iranian government should be responsible enough”.
They marched from the Asawasi M/A School Park and ended up at Aboabo where the spokesman for the group, Mr Hamdawei Awal, read out a statement to journalists.
He said it had become clear that students in Iran were suffering from systematic repression of basic human rights in the pursuit of their academic careers.
“The very imposition of a dress code upon the female segment of the student population in Iran is a show of hypocrisy contrary to the basic belief that Allah does not look at the outward appearance but in the heart and the sincerity therein,” he said.
Mr Awal stated that some Ghanaian Muslim women who visited Iran recently realised shockingly that women in that country were denied the voice to air their grievances in the face of the harsh treatments against them.
“Constant arrest and repression are their lot,” he said, and added that it was important that the situation was reversed.
Mr Awal said Ghana had chosen to live under a constitution based on freedom and the rule of law.
“We deem these to be in tandem with the true Islamic values and call on the Iranian authorities to learn from us,” he added.
OMANHENE OF GOASO DENIES ALLEGATIONS (PAGE 17)
THE Omanhene of Goaso, Nana Akwasi Bosomprah, has denied media allegations that he has threatened to banish two New Patriotic Party (NPP) serial callers from the town.
He described the allegation as "malicious and baseless" and wondered how he could stoop so low to do such a thing in this era of democratic advancement.
The serial callers, popularly known as D.J. Omaale and Wayoosi, have reportedly accused the Omanhene of warning them to desist from making derogatory remarks against President Mills and his government or he will banish them from the town.
However, in a telephone interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday, Nana Bosomprah said even though he had spoken with the two young men, he never warned them because of their political affiliations.
He explained that it was on a communal labour day when he called the two young men, who are citizens of Goaso.
Nana Bosomprah said he told them that when they were sending their text messages to radio stations, they should try and remind the government that there was no ambulance at the Goaso Hospital and that apart from the need for an ambulance, the hospital also needed more doctors.
"I even added that when they needed money to send text messages on my concerns, I would be ready to provide it," he added.
The Omanhene stated that he was, therefore, surprised to hear on radio and read in some of the newspapers that he had warned the two men to desist from saying any negative things against the NDC.
He said the father of the two men, who are biological brothers, went to him and apologised to him (Omanhene) for all the negative twists that had been given the development.
The Omanhene said he was aware that some political figures in the town were behind what was going on.
He called for unity in the town to see the area advance its development agenda, instead of creating political divisions which would not help the people in any way.
He described the allegation as "malicious and baseless" and wondered how he could stoop so low to do such a thing in this era of democratic advancement.
The serial callers, popularly known as D.J. Omaale and Wayoosi, have reportedly accused the Omanhene of warning them to desist from making derogatory remarks against President Mills and his government or he will banish them from the town.
However, in a telephone interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday, Nana Bosomprah said even though he had spoken with the two young men, he never warned them because of their political affiliations.
He explained that it was on a communal labour day when he called the two young men, who are citizens of Goaso.
Nana Bosomprah said he told them that when they were sending their text messages to radio stations, they should try and remind the government that there was no ambulance at the Goaso Hospital and that apart from the need for an ambulance, the hospital also needed more doctors.
"I even added that when they needed money to send text messages on my concerns, I would be ready to provide it," he added.
The Omanhene stated that he was, therefore, surprised to hear on radio and read in some of the newspapers that he had warned the two men to desist from saying any negative things against the NDC.
He said the father of the two men, who are biological brothers, went to him and apologised to him (Omanhene) for all the negative twists that had been given the development.
The Omanhene said he was aware that some political figures in the town were behind what was going on.
He called for unity in the town to see the area advance its development agenda, instead of creating political divisions which would not help the people in any way.
CLEAR FAKE DRUGS FROM MARKET (PAGE 3)
SOME Kumasi residents have called on the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) to take concrete steps to rid the market of suspected fake drugs.
They said the FDB's own admission that fake drugs had flooded the market in Kumasi posed a serious threat to human lives, hence the need for an action by the authorities to correct the wrongs to save precious lives.
The call followed interviews the Daily Graphic had with some residents, after two people had called at the paper's offices in Kumasi to complain about a drug they bought from a pharmacy shop which had no FDB certification number.
The drug, called Piroxicam Capsules USP 20mg, with the brand name Abycam, has on its package XL Laboratories Pvt. Ltd of India as producers. Piroxicam capsules are meant for the treatment of arthritis.
On July 14, 2007, the FDB Zonal Officer for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, Mr Joseph Bennie, was quoted in an Accra daily as warning that fake drugs had flooded the market in Kumasi and asked the public to be wary of drugs that were not certified by the board.
One of the aggrieved persons, who gave his name as Kwame Osei Asare, said he bought 10 packets of the drug at the Oson's Chemist Limited in Kumasi on February 4, 2009 and realised that there was no FDB certification number embossed on them.
When the Daily Graphic contacted the FDB Boss, Mr Agyarko, on phone from Accra to ascertain the authenticity of the allegation that the drug was not registered, he directed this reporter to Mr Bennie, the zonal officer in Kumasi.
Mr Bennie stated that from FDB records, Piroxicam capsules was registered with the board. He was, however, not ready to disclose the registered number of the drug
On why there was no FDB number on the drug, the zonal officer explained that it was not on every drug that the board had its number.
According to him, it was not very important to put the FDB certification number on every imported drug because the market in Ghana was not large enough, He stated that the sale of fake drugs was usually associated with locally made drugs.
They said the FDB's own admission that fake drugs had flooded the market in Kumasi posed a serious threat to human lives, hence the need for an action by the authorities to correct the wrongs to save precious lives.
The call followed interviews the Daily Graphic had with some residents, after two people had called at the paper's offices in Kumasi to complain about a drug they bought from a pharmacy shop which had no FDB certification number.
The drug, called Piroxicam Capsules USP 20mg, with the brand name Abycam, has on its package XL Laboratories Pvt. Ltd of India as producers. Piroxicam capsules are meant for the treatment of arthritis.
On July 14, 2007, the FDB Zonal Officer for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, Mr Joseph Bennie, was quoted in an Accra daily as warning that fake drugs had flooded the market in Kumasi and asked the public to be wary of drugs that were not certified by the board.
One of the aggrieved persons, who gave his name as Kwame Osei Asare, said he bought 10 packets of the drug at the Oson's Chemist Limited in Kumasi on February 4, 2009 and realised that there was no FDB certification number embossed on them.
When the Daily Graphic contacted the FDB Boss, Mr Agyarko, on phone from Accra to ascertain the authenticity of the allegation that the drug was not registered, he directed this reporter to Mr Bennie, the zonal officer in Kumasi.
Mr Bennie stated that from FDB records, Piroxicam capsules was registered with the board. He was, however, not ready to disclose the registered number of the drug
On why there was no FDB number on the drug, the zonal officer explained that it was not on every drug that the board had its number.
According to him, it was not very important to put the FDB certification number on every imported drug because the market in Ghana was not large enough, He stated that the sale of fake drugs was usually associated with locally made drugs.
UNEASY CALM IN KOTOKO...As all await verdict of Manhyia (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
THERE is an uneasy calm in Asante Kotoko as all await the Manhyia Palace to make a statement on the developments in Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the aftermath of their league match against Hearts of Oak, which left four people dead.
Graphic Sports gathered yesterday that the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, and his team working under the authority of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had completed investigations into the incidents and would soon be submitting their report to the Life Patron of the club.
A source at Manhyia told this reporter that Otumfuo, who is the owner of the club, was concerned about the developments and was determined to put things in their right place.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu had taken several decisions about Asante Kotoko, which had gone a long way to give meaningful direction to the club.
But as happened in the past it is very difficult to conjecture what would come from Manhyia, as everybody keeps their fingers crossed waiting to hear from Otumfuo.
When he was handing over the club to the current management, Otumfuo Osei Tutu warned that he would not hesitate to take over his club anytime he realised that things were not going the right way.
He also cautioned against management using the airwaves to wash dirty linen in public.
Again Otumfuo indicated that he wanted continuity and would not want to dissolve management on any trivial issue.
Meanwhile, Graphic Sports can confirms that Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Sylvester Asare Owusu, did not pocket the moneys he received from people who were scaling the walls at the Baba Yara Stadium during the league match between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
The CEO actually handed the monies to the club the very day of the match, an inside source told this paper.
Four people died from suffocation following overcrowding in the stands and accusations and counter-accusations have been flying around over the cause of the incident.
Last Thursday, the CEO told Angel FM in Kumasi that he received GH¢820 from people who jumped the walls but the money were given to the club.
He explained that even though he did not personally take part in the collection of the moneys, he sanctioned it because under the circumstances that was the best thing to do.
Mr Asare-Owusu told the radio station that while some of the policemen collected moneys from fans to enter the stadium through unapproved routes, others looked on unconcerned while the fans jumped into the stadium.
Under the circumstances, the CEO said, he could not have sat down for the club to lose money.
The police, however, denied the allegation and rather accused the CEO as being behind the illegal collection.
However, investigations by this paper have revealed that Mr Asare-Owusu paid the stated amount to the club.
Some supporters of the club have accused some insiders of the club of being behind attempts to use the incidents at the Baba Yara Stadium to pursue their personal agenda against Mr Asare-Owusu.
Speaking on various radio stations in Kumasi yesterday, the supporters pointed out that Mr Asare-Owusu had not done anything wrong to warrant such baseless attack on the person of the CEO.
Graphic Sports gathered yesterday that the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, and his team working under the authority of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had completed investigations into the incidents and would soon be submitting their report to the Life Patron of the club.
A source at Manhyia told this reporter that Otumfuo, who is the owner of the club, was concerned about the developments and was determined to put things in their right place.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu had taken several decisions about Asante Kotoko, which had gone a long way to give meaningful direction to the club.
But as happened in the past it is very difficult to conjecture what would come from Manhyia, as everybody keeps their fingers crossed waiting to hear from Otumfuo.
When he was handing over the club to the current management, Otumfuo Osei Tutu warned that he would not hesitate to take over his club anytime he realised that things were not going the right way.
He also cautioned against management using the airwaves to wash dirty linen in public.
Again Otumfuo indicated that he wanted continuity and would not want to dissolve management on any trivial issue.
Meanwhile, Graphic Sports can confirms that Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Sylvester Asare Owusu, did not pocket the moneys he received from people who were scaling the walls at the Baba Yara Stadium during the league match between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
The CEO actually handed the monies to the club the very day of the match, an inside source told this paper.
Four people died from suffocation following overcrowding in the stands and accusations and counter-accusations have been flying around over the cause of the incident.
Last Thursday, the CEO told Angel FM in Kumasi that he received GH¢820 from people who jumped the walls but the money were given to the club.
He explained that even though he did not personally take part in the collection of the moneys, he sanctioned it because under the circumstances that was the best thing to do.
Mr Asare-Owusu told the radio station that while some of the policemen collected moneys from fans to enter the stadium through unapproved routes, others looked on unconcerned while the fans jumped into the stadium.
Under the circumstances, the CEO said, he could not have sat down for the club to lose money.
The police, however, denied the allegation and rather accused the CEO as being behind the illegal collection.
However, investigations by this paper have revealed that Mr Asare-Owusu paid the stated amount to the club.
Some supporters of the club have accused some insiders of the club of being behind attempts to use the incidents at the Baba Yara Stadium to pursue their personal agenda against Mr Asare-Owusu.
Speaking on various radio stations in Kumasi yesterday, the supporters pointed out that Mr Asare-Owusu had not done anything wrong to warrant such baseless attack on the person of the CEO.
Monday, February 16, 2009
ACHERENSUA COUNCL CONGRATULATES ALHAJI DAUDA (PAGE 15)
THE Acherensua Traditional Council has congratulated Alhaji Collins Dauda on his new position as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
The President of the Council, Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem, in a statement, said the council was proud that Alhaji Dauda had assumed position in an area he had a wealth of experience.
It said the entire traditional council was similarly happy that a son of Asutifi had assumed Cabinet position.
"Indeed, your appointment has brought hope and glory, not only to the Acherensua Traditional Council, but to the entire Asutifi area," the statement said.
It expressed confidence that Alhaji Dauda would perform creditably, as he was noted for, in his new role to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President.
The statement identified the many challenges facing the forest and land sectors of the country and expressed the hope that under Alhaji Dauda's administration, a beacon of hope would be brought into the sector.
The council also commended President Mills for the trust he had reposed in Alhaji Dauda.
The President of the Council, Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem, in a statement, said the council was proud that Alhaji Dauda had assumed position in an area he had a wealth of experience.
It said the entire traditional council was similarly happy that a son of Asutifi had assumed Cabinet position.
"Indeed, your appointment has brought hope and glory, not only to the Acherensua Traditional Council, but to the entire Asutifi area," the statement said.
It expressed confidence that Alhaji Dauda would perform creditably, as he was noted for, in his new role to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President.
The statement identified the many challenges facing the forest and land sectors of the country and expressed the hope that under Alhaji Dauda's administration, a beacon of hope would be brought into the sector.
The council also commended President Mills for the trust he had reposed in Alhaji Dauda.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
TECHIMAN PEACE COUNCIL TO SPREAD TENTACLES (PAGE 10, GRAPHIC NSEMPA)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Techiman
THE peace council set up by the Techiman Traditional Council beffore the December 7, 2008 elections is to spread its activities beyond conflicts resulting from politics.
The Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw, told Graphic Nsempa in an interview that there were other areas of potential conflict that needed to be addressed in the municipality.
He said it would be a mistake for anyone to think that peace councils should deal with political matters alone.
The traditional council set up the peace council in the heat of the electioneering campaign to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
With membership from the traditional council, Police, Fire Service, National Commission For Civic Education, local council of churches and the Muslim community, the peace council was tasked among other things to use dialogue, traditional arbitration systems and cooperation to resolve conflicts and prevent them from happening, as well as monitor the activities of political parties in the area to serve as early warning signals.
The peace council was also to inform the government about potential conflicts that were beyond them.
Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw said the peace council had been able to resolve “many conflicts” since its formation.
He added that with the political activities reduced drastically, it was important for the peace council to focus its attention on other areas that could bring trouble.
He pointed out that nananom would not allow the area to experience any conflict that could derail the development process.
The Omanhene stated that any community without peace could not see any meaningful development that was why the traditional council would do everything possible to unite the people so that together they could complement the efforts of the government to accelerate the pace of development of the area.
THE peace council set up by the Techiman Traditional Council beffore the December 7, 2008 elections is to spread its activities beyond conflicts resulting from politics.
The Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw, told Graphic Nsempa in an interview that there were other areas of potential conflict that needed to be addressed in the municipality.
He said it would be a mistake for anyone to think that peace councils should deal with political matters alone.
The traditional council set up the peace council in the heat of the electioneering campaign to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
With membership from the traditional council, Police, Fire Service, National Commission For Civic Education, local council of churches and the Muslim community, the peace council was tasked among other things to use dialogue, traditional arbitration systems and cooperation to resolve conflicts and prevent them from happening, as well as monitor the activities of political parties in the area to serve as early warning signals.
The peace council was also to inform the government about potential conflicts that were beyond them.
Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw said the peace council had been able to resolve “many conflicts” since its formation.
He added that with the political activities reduced drastically, it was important for the peace council to focus its attention on other areas that could bring trouble.
He pointed out that nananom would not allow the area to experience any conflict that could derail the development process.
The Omanhene stated that any community without peace could not see any meaningful development that was why the traditional council would do everything possible to unite the people so that together they could complement the efforts of the government to accelerate the pace of development of the area.
RAW SEX...Kumasi women at risk (GRAPHIC NSEMPA, LEAD STORY)
By Kwame Asare Boadu & David Owusu-Antwi, Kumasi
IT has been revealed that the gangs of rapists operating in Kumasi in recent times have been engaging in sex without using condoms.
This posed serious threat to their victims, in view of the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
A police source confirmed in an interview with Graphic Nsempa that many of the cases that were brought before it revealed that the rapists undertook their nefarious activities “raw”.
Investigations by this paper revealed that some of the women, for fear of divorce, refused to disclose their ordeals to their partners.
“My friend told me that two men, including the driver of a taxi she boarded at Nhyiaeso toKejetia at about 7pm on January 8, raped he,r but she was afraid to disclose that to her husband or report to the police because of fear of divorce.”, a lady of about 28 years told this paper spoke to.
The lady added that what was even more serious was that, her friend told her that the rapists did not use condom.
Meanwhile a 22-year-old second year student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was gang-raped by three suspected armed robbers. The men also robbed the lady of her two mobile phones and abandoned her at a section of the Mango Road on the university campus. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ashanti Regional Police has begun serious investigations into the case, according to Lance Corporal Godwin A. Ahianyo of the police public affairs unit. He hinted this paper that the only difficulty the police were facing was the victim's failure to keep in memory the made of the car and its registration number. That notwithstanding, he gave the assurance that the police would not rest on laurels until the suspects were arrested. Lance Corporal Ahianyo said at about 6.30p.m. on February 4, this year, the victim boarded the taxi from Ayeduase and was heading fowards Paa Joe, an area on the campus.
There was one person already with the driver in the car.
Instead of taking a straight course to Paa Joe, the driver suddenly diverted towards the secluded Mango Road on campus and picked up another person. After a few minute’s drive, the car stopped and the occupants demanded her mobile phones, which she readily handed over to them but that was not enough for them as they gang-raped her, left her in the dark and escaped.
She managed to make her way to the KNUST Police Station and made a report for investigations to commence in the case. Lance Corporal Ahianyo advised members of the public to, as much as possible, avoid getting on board taxis, especially those that do not have permanent stations. He said his outfit's investigations had shown that most of such robberies were connected with floating taxis.
IT has been revealed that the gangs of rapists operating in Kumasi in recent times have been engaging in sex without using condoms.
This posed serious threat to their victims, in view of the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
A police source confirmed in an interview with Graphic Nsempa that many of the cases that were brought before it revealed that the rapists undertook their nefarious activities “raw”.
Investigations by this paper revealed that some of the women, for fear of divorce, refused to disclose their ordeals to their partners.
“My friend told me that two men, including the driver of a taxi she boarded at Nhyiaeso toKejetia at about 7pm on January 8, raped he,r but she was afraid to disclose that to her husband or report to the police because of fear of divorce.”, a lady of about 28 years told this paper spoke to.
The lady added that what was even more serious was that, her friend told her that the rapists did not use condom.
Meanwhile a 22-year-old second year student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was gang-raped by three suspected armed robbers. The men also robbed the lady of her two mobile phones and abandoned her at a section of the Mango Road on the university campus. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ashanti Regional Police has begun serious investigations into the case, according to Lance Corporal Godwin A. Ahianyo of the police public affairs unit. He hinted this paper that the only difficulty the police were facing was the victim's failure to keep in memory the made of the car and its registration number. That notwithstanding, he gave the assurance that the police would not rest on laurels until the suspects were arrested. Lance Corporal Ahianyo said at about 6.30p.m. on February 4, this year, the victim boarded the taxi from Ayeduase and was heading fowards Paa Joe, an area on the campus.
There was one person already with the driver in the car.
Instead of taking a straight course to Paa Joe, the driver suddenly diverted towards the secluded Mango Road on campus and picked up another person. After a few minute’s drive, the car stopped and the occupants demanded her mobile phones, which she readily handed over to them but that was not enough for them as they gang-raped her, left her in the dark and escaped.
She managed to make her way to the KNUST Police Station and made a report for investigations to commence in the case. Lance Corporal Ahianyo advised members of the public to, as much as possible, avoid getting on board taxis, especially those that do not have permanent stations. He said his outfit's investigations had shown that most of such robberies were connected with floating taxis.
Friday, February 13, 2009
BODIES BROUGHT IN DEAD — KATH CEO (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
The management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) says the four football fans who lost their lives last Sunday did not die at the hospital as being alleged in some quarters.
“They were brought to the hospital dead,” Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Chief Executive of KATH, told the Graphic Sports in an interview in Kumasi yesterday.
Dr Nsiah-Asare said it was absolutely incorrect for anyone or group of people to blame the KATH in any way for the deaths.
He said it was a Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) ambulance that sent the fans to the hospital “and they were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital”.
Dr Nsiah-Asare said the hospital treated 66 people who collapsed at the stadium.
He expressed regret that some people were not ready to learn anything from the May 9, 2001 disaster at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
The Chief Executive was, for instance, not happy about the overcrowding at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday and said it was a major contributor to the suffocation and stampede.
“I think that people will have serious questions to answer in due course,” he said.
He noted that the management of the stadium should be given some professional touch to enable the nation benefit from the facility.
Dr Nsiah-Asare stated that it was also regrettable that it took the KATH ambulance about two hours to get the chance to enter the stadium.
He said he had persistently asked the management of Kotoko to support the hospital with some little funds to enable them effectively handle emergencies at the stadium during their matches, but nothing positive had come out of the appeal.
“They were brought to the hospital dead,” Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Chief Executive of KATH, told the Graphic Sports in an interview in Kumasi yesterday.
Dr Nsiah-Asare said it was absolutely incorrect for anyone or group of people to blame the KATH in any way for the deaths.
He said it was a Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) ambulance that sent the fans to the hospital “and they were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital”.
Dr Nsiah-Asare said the hospital treated 66 people who collapsed at the stadium.
He expressed regret that some people were not ready to learn anything from the May 9, 2001 disaster at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
The Chief Executive was, for instance, not happy about the overcrowding at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday and said it was a major contributor to the suffocation and stampede.
“I think that people will have serious questions to answer in due course,” he said.
He noted that the management of the stadium should be given some professional touch to enable the nation benefit from the facility.
Dr Nsiah-Asare stated that it was also regrettable that it took the KATH ambulance about two hours to get the chance to enter the stadium.
He said he had persistently asked the management of Kotoko to support the hospital with some little funds to enable them effectively handle emergencies at the stadium during their matches, but nothing positive had come out of the appeal.
Confessions of Kotoko CEO...I TOOK CASH FROM FANS...Who scaled Stadium walls (GRAPHIC SPORTS, LEAD STORY)
Coming events cast their shadows, so the sages say. So even before the Presidential Inquiry into the deaths at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday begins, interesting developments are emerging.
Yesterday, Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Sylvester Asare Owusu, said he received a total cash of GH¢820 from some fans who scaled the walls into the Baba Yara Stadium to watch the epic league match between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
He, however, explained that some supporters of the club, on his advice, did the actual collection of money and that the money was eventually handed over to him.
The police had accused the management of Asante Kotoko of contributing to the overcrowding at the stadium, which left four people dead and others hospitalised.
Police said, for instance, that the management blatantly refused their advice to close the gates when it was realised that the stadium was full.
Again, the police said they saw Mr. Asare -Owusu holding a Zoomlion dustbin collecting money from a large number of fans as they scaled the wall into the stadium at the area behind the scoreboard.
Police Inspector Yusif Mohammed Tanko, Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), told the Graphic Sports that the police also arrested one B. K. Asamoah, a supporter of the club, who was collecting money from fans jumping the wall into the stadium.
The PRO said when the police questioned Asamoah, he said he was working on the instructions of Mr. Asare-Owusu.
“Consequently, Asamoah led us to Mr. Asare-Owusu, who was also seen with a
similar litter bin collecting monies at unauthorised points”, he added.
But, reacting to the police allegation, Mr. Asare-Owusu told Kumasi-based Angel FM yesterday morning that, whilst in the stadium last Sunday, someone informed him that a number of fans were scaling the walls into the stadium behind the scoreboard.
“I quickly rushed to the area with four soldiers and realised that the information was true and what was even more disturbing was that the police personnel at the area looked on unconcerned.
He said he also had information that some of the policemen were engaged in illegal collection of gate proceeds from fans who were using unauthorised points to enter the stadium.
The Kotoko CEO pointed out that under the circumstances the best option was for some dedicated supporters to use te litterbins to collect the monies for the club because the fans would have entered the stadium free of charge.
In his reaction however, Inspector Tanko said Mr. Asare-Owusu himself was a player in the whole drama of overcrowding.
“I even doubt the GH¢820 he mentioned was realised because he himself and Asamoah were engaged in the exercise”. Inspector Tanko said.
He dismissed the assertion by Mr. Asare-Owusu that some policemen were seen collecting illegal monies from the fans asking, “If they indeed saw any policemen, did they report to any senior officer?”
Inspector Tanko said it had never been the duty of the police to collect gate fees saying the police go to the stadium to maintain law and order/.
He again wondered the logic in a statement by the Kotoko management that more than 10,000 tickets remained unsold last Sunday when even tickets bearing Kotoko-Kessben league match were sold at the gates.
“Meanwhile the Ashanti Regional Police Administration says it had launched it own investigations into the developments at the stadium last Sunday.
The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwaku Ayesu-Opare-Addo said the police took a very serious view of attempts by the Kotoko management to shift blame and welcomed the presidential inquiry into the matter.
Yesterday, Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Sylvester Asare Owusu, said he received a total cash of GH¢820 from some fans who scaled the walls into the Baba Yara Stadium to watch the epic league match between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
He, however, explained that some supporters of the club, on his advice, did the actual collection of money and that the money was eventually handed over to him.
The police had accused the management of Asante Kotoko of contributing to the overcrowding at the stadium, which left four people dead and others hospitalised.
Police said, for instance, that the management blatantly refused their advice to close the gates when it was realised that the stadium was full.
Again, the police said they saw Mr. Asare -Owusu holding a Zoomlion dustbin collecting money from a large number of fans as they scaled the wall into the stadium at the area behind the scoreboard.
Police Inspector Yusif Mohammed Tanko, Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), told the Graphic Sports that the police also arrested one B. K. Asamoah, a supporter of the club, who was collecting money from fans jumping the wall into the stadium.
The PRO said when the police questioned Asamoah, he said he was working on the instructions of Mr. Asare-Owusu.
“Consequently, Asamoah led us to Mr. Asare-Owusu, who was also seen with a
similar litter bin collecting monies at unauthorised points”, he added.
But, reacting to the police allegation, Mr. Asare-Owusu told Kumasi-based Angel FM yesterday morning that, whilst in the stadium last Sunday, someone informed him that a number of fans were scaling the walls into the stadium behind the scoreboard.
“I quickly rushed to the area with four soldiers and realised that the information was true and what was even more disturbing was that the police personnel at the area looked on unconcerned.
He said he also had information that some of the policemen were engaged in illegal collection of gate proceeds from fans who were using unauthorised points to enter the stadium.
The Kotoko CEO pointed out that under the circumstances the best option was for some dedicated supporters to use te litterbins to collect the monies for the club because the fans would have entered the stadium free of charge.
In his reaction however, Inspector Tanko said Mr. Asare-Owusu himself was a player in the whole drama of overcrowding.
“I even doubt the GH¢820 he mentioned was realised because he himself and Asamoah were engaged in the exercise”. Inspector Tanko said.
He dismissed the assertion by Mr. Asare-Owusu that some policemen were seen collecting illegal monies from the fans asking, “If they indeed saw any policemen, did they report to any senior officer?”
Inspector Tanko said it had never been the duty of the police to collect gate fees saying the police go to the stadium to maintain law and order/.
He again wondered the logic in a statement by the Kotoko management that more than 10,000 tickets remained unsold last Sunday when even tickets bearing Kotoko-Kessben league match were sold at the gates.
“Meanwhile the Ashanti Regional Police Administration says it had launched it own investigations into the developments at the stadium last Sunday.
The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwaku Ayesu-Opare-Addo said the police took a very serious view of attempts by the Kotoko management to shift blame and welcomed the presidential inquiry into the matter.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
4 DIE IN K'SI...After Hearts break hearts (GRAPHIC SPORTS, LEAD STORY)
ON a day that football was expected to be the winner, overcrowding and shock created another blot on Ghana football as four football fans died at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday.
Hearts of Oak had crushed their archrivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, 2-1 in a Glo Premier League top liner but the celebrations were overshadowed by the grief resulting from the deaths.
It was the second time in nine years that precious lives have been lost in a match involving the two giants.
On May 9, 2000, 127 souls were lost in a similar league match between the two teams at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra. Hearts won 2-1 on the day.
Only one of the dead from Sunday's match had been identified as of 10am yesterday. His name was given as Bruce Oteng, a young graduate of the University of Education, Winneba. Four others were on admission at the Casualty Ward and the Medical Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.
One of them said he collapsed after Hearts had scored the first goal in the 11th minute.
The Baba Yara Stadium was constructed to seat 44,120 but an estimated crowd of 60,000 jammed the stadium last Sunday, forcing fans to fight for space in the stand.
Officials said about 300 people collapsed in the midst of the heat from the scorching sun.
Gates were opened at 8am but as early as 7am long queues had been formed at the gates.
At 2pm an announcement was made in the stadium asking officials to close the gates, since the stadium was over-packed.
With the casualties growing in the stands, the Ghana National Fire Service saved the situation to some extent, as one of its fire engines sprayed water into the stands to reduce the heat.
On the game itself, Asante Kotoko would admit that a better side beat them.
Hearts showed a high level of technical approach and had they been focused in front of goal, they would have buried Kotoko with at least four goals in the first half.
Coach Kosta Papic played arguably the best midfield machine in the league with Kofi Abanga, Esme Mends and Obed Ansah in full glow.
The young lads left Kotoko bereft of ideas and as they spread the ball around, Kotoko struggled with an antidote to contain a Hearts team filled with much finesse.
Hearts' team manager, Sabahn Quaye, said Kotoko made too much noise before the match forgetting that Hearts of today were better than Kotoko.
"Today we have shown them the stuff we possess and there is no turning back," he said.
Some Kotoko supporters blamed their technical bench for what they call poor selection, questioning how a player like Charles Boateng be asked to play against Hearts.
To the supporters, Maurice Cooreman was the bane of the team and should be sacked by management.
Indeed, Kotoko's defence made up of Boateng, Inkoom, Louis Quainoo and Ofosu Appiah appeared not up to the task and Hearts had a field day terrorizing them.
But the Hearts' defence looked superb. Osei Bonsu was a pillar, doing a majestic job to render Alex Asamoah completely anonymous in the game.
Hearts of Oak had crushed their archrivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, 2-1 in a Glo Premier League top liner but the celebrations were overshadowed by the grief resulting from the deaths.
It was the second time in nine years that precious lives have been lost in a match involving the two giants.
On May 9, 2000, 127 souls were lost in a similar league match between the two teams at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra. Hearts won 2-1 on the day.
Only one of the dead from Sunday's match had been identified as of 10am yesterday. His name was given as Bruce Oteng, a young graduate of the University of Education, Winneba. Four others were on admission at the Casualty Ward and the Medical Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.
One of them said he collapsed after Hearts had scored the first goal in the 11th minute.
The Baba Yara Stadium was constructed to seat 44,120 but an estimated crowd of 60,000 jammed the stadium last Sunday, forcing fans to fight for space in the stand.
Officials said about 300 people collapsed in the midst of the heat from the scorching sun.
Gates were opened at 8am but as early as 7am long queues had been formed at the gates.
At 2pm an announcement was made in the stadium asking officials to close the gates, since the stadium was over-packed.
With the casualties growing in the stands, the Ghana National Fire Service saved the situation to some extent, as one of its fire engines sprayed water into the stands to reduce the heat.
On the game itself, Asante Kotoko would admit that a better side beat them.
Hearts showed a high level of technical approach and had they been focused in front of goal, they would have buried Kotoko with at least four goals in the first half.
Coach Kosta Papic played arguably the best midfield machine in the league with Kofi Abanga, Esme Mends and Obed Ansah in full glow.
The young lads left Kotoko bereft of ideas and as they spread the ball around, Kotoko struggled with an antidote to contain a Hearts team filled with much finesse.
Hearts' team manager, Sabahn Quaye, said Kotoko made too much noise before the match forgetting that Hearts of today were better than Kotoko.
"Today we have shown them the stuff we possess and there is no turning back," he said.
Some Kotoko supporters blamed their technical bench for what they call poor selection, questioning how a player like Charles Boateng be asked to play against Hearts.
To the supporters, Maurice Cooreman was the bane of the team and should be sacked by management.
Indeed, Kotoko's defence made up of Boateng, Inkoom, Louis Quainoo and Ofosu Appiah appeared not up to the task and Hearts had a field day terrorizing them.
But the Hearts' defence looked superb. Osei Bonsu was a pillar, doing a majestic job to render Alex Asamoah completely anonymous in the game.
BIG MATCH GROSSES GH¢190,000 (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
KUMASI Asante Kotoko may be brooding over their loss to Accra Hearts of Oak but they are laughing all the way to the bank.
Even in the midst of what appeared daylight ticket racketeering, Asante Kotoko realised a gross of GH¢190,000 from the gates in last Sunday's top liner against Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Last Sunday’s figure ranks lower than the GH¢220,000 recorded at the same venue last season when the two teams met in a similar league match that ended in a 3-3 draw.
Some of the fans were alleged to have found their way into the stadium last Sunday under mysterious circumstances.
Many jumped the walls while others bought fake tickets at the gates.
Indeed, officials say about 10,000 tickets remained unsold, buttressing the allegation of ticket racketeering.
The Kotoko management had planned to use part of the proceeds from last Sunday's match to finance the construction of training pitches at Adako-Jachie.
Regarding the match, Kototo's influential defender, Samuel Inkoom, admitted in a post-match interview that the team did not have their day but said, "We have to thank God for what happened."
Inkoom and his compatriots at the back never had things easy and when Hearts' defender Hassan Mohammed cut his cross in front of goal and followed up to connect home during the ensuing mix-up in the 11th minute, everything went wrong for Kotoko.
It was to the credit of the experienced Stephen Oduro that Kotoko beat down the score as he scored a great goal from some 25 yards out.
Even in the midst of what appeared daylight ticket racketeering, Asante Kotoko realised a gross of GH¢190,000 from the gates in last Sunday's top liner against Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Last Sunday’s figure ranks lower than the GH¢220,000 recorded at the same venue last season when the two teams met in a similar league match that ended in a 3-3 draw.
Some of the fans were alleged to have found their way into the stadium last Sunday under mysterious circumstances.
Many jumped the walls while others bought fake tickets at the gates.
Indeed, officials say about 10,000 tickets remained unsold, buttressing the allegation of ticket racketeering.
The Kotoko management had planned to use part of the proceeds from last Sunday's match to finance the construction of training pitches at Adako-Jachie.
Regarding the match, Kototo's influential defender, Samuel Inkoom, admitted in a post-match interview that the team did not have their day but said, "We have to thank God for what happened."
Inkoom and his compatriots at the back never had things easy and when Hearts' defender Hassan Mohammed cut his cross in front of goal and followed up to connect home during the ensuing mix-up in the 11th minute, everything went wrong for Kotoko.
It was to the credit of the experienced Stephen Oduro that Kotoko beat down the score as he scored a great goal from some 25 yards out.
KOTOKO COACH PROCEEDS ON LEAVE) (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
BEALEAGUERED Asante Kotoko coach, Maurice Cooreman, could be on his way out of the club as reports reaching the Graphic Sports as of press time yesterday spoke of a planned shake-up in the technical set up by management.
No details were given about the intended shake-up but indications were that the technical change might see Isaac Opeele Boateng as head coach. Opeele was appointed as assistant coach some three weeks ago.
The reports said the shake-up would properly position the club for the task ahead in both the national league and the CAF Champions' League.
Even though the league has not gone on break yet, the reports said the Belgian coach had sought permission to travel to Nigeria.
A management source yesterday confirmed that the coach asked for permission to travel just after last Sunday’s match when Hearts had outplayed and crushed Kotoko 2-1 in Kumasi.
For sometime now pressure has been on the Kotoko management to give Coach Cooreman the sack.
But two weeks ago, the CEO of Kotoko, Sylvester Asare Owusu, came out to say the club had confidence in the coach.
However, the defeat to Hearts appears to be forcing the management to capitulate.
Under his two-year contract with Kotoko, Coach Cooreman has been tasked to lead the club to retain the league and at least reach the money zone of the CAF Champions League.
No details were given about the intended shake-up but indications were that the technical change might see Isaac Opeele Boateng as head coach. Opeele was appointed as assistant coach some three weeks ago.
The reports said the shake-up would properly position the club for the task ahead in both the national league and the CAF Champions' League.
Even though the league has not gone on break yet, the reports said the Belgian coach had sought permission to travel to Nigeria.
A management source yesterday confirmed that the coach asked for permission to travel just after last Sunday’s match when Hearts had outplayed and crushed Kotoko 2-1 in Kumasi.
For sometime now pressure has been on the Kotoko management to give Coach Cooreman the sack.
But two weeks ago, the CEO of Kotoko, Sylvester Asare Owusu, came out to say the club had confidence in the coach.
However, the defeat to Hearts appears to be forcing the management to capitulate.
Under his two-year contract with Kotoko, Coach Cooreman has been tasked to lead the club to retain the league and at least reach the money zone of the CAF Champions League.
Monday, February 9, 2009
RURAL BANK EMBARKS ON MOBILISATION PROGRAMME (NSEMPA, PAGE 15)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Biemso
THE Ahafo Ano Premier Rural Bank with its headquarters at Wioso in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region has embarked on a community sensitisation programme to educate community members in the Ahafo Ano South and North Districts on the importance of saving with the bank.
Some of the communities visited included Mpraeso No. 1 and Mpraeso No. 2, Dotiem, Achiase, Barniekrom, Ohiapae, Nufuokrom, Nyamebekyere, Nyameadom, Bronikrom, Amakom, Kwadwokrom and Biemso No. 1.
Speaking at separate meetings, the supervising manager of the bank, Mr David Nee Kwatei Nunoofio, said the community members, through their individual contributions, established the bank in 1983.
He said the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Wioso last year revealed that the financial position of the bank was not encouraging.
Shareholders at the AGM, therefore, called on management to intensify their community sensitisation programme to enable more members buy shares and save with the bank.
Mr Nunoofio said the bank belonged to the communities and therefore all good citizens of the two districts should help raise the financial position of the bank.
He asked cocoa farmers in the area to cash their Akuafo Cheques at the bank to enable them benefit from loans.
On the introduction of a “susu” system, he said it would help petty traders to get loans to expand their small businesses.
Some cocoa farmers, in separate interviews complained about the refusal of cocoa purchasing clerks to issue Akuafo cheques to them to cash at the bank.
They said the purchasing clerks rather paid them cash and appealed to the government to come to their aid as the clerks were cheating them.
THE Ahafo Ano Premier Rural Bank with its headquarters at Wioso in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region has embarked on a community sensitisation programme to educate community members in the Ahafo Ano South and North Districts on the importance of saving with the bank.
Some of the communities visited included Mpraeso No. 1 and Mpraeso No. 2, Dotiem, Achiase, Barniekrom, Ohiapae, Nufuokrom, Nyamebekyere, Nyameadom, Bronikrom, Amakom, Kwadwokrom and Biemso No. 1.
Speaking at separate meetings, the supervising manager of the bank, Mr David Nee Kwatei Nunoofio, said the community members, through their individual contributions, established the bank in 1983.
He said the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Wioso last year revealed that the financial position of the bank was not encouraging.
Shareholders at the AGM, therefore, called on management to intensify their community sensitisation programme to enable more members buy shares and save with the bank.
Mr Nunoofio said the bank belonged to the communities and therefore all good citizens of the two districts should help raise the financial position of the bank.
He asked cocoa farmers in the area to cash their Akuafo Cheques at the bank to enable them benefit from loans.
On the introduction of a “susu” system, he said it would help petty traders to get loans to expand their small businesses.
Some cocoa farmers, in separate interviews complained about the refusal of cocoa purchasing clerks to issue Akuafo cheques to them to cash at the bank.
They said the purchasing clerks rather paid them cash and appealed to the government to come to their aid as the clerks were cheating them.
ADUANA STARS CONFIDENT OF QUALIFICATION (NSEMPA, BACK PAGE)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Dormaa Ahenkro
DORMAA Aduana Stars are confident that they will qualify for the premier division league next season.
The management of the club is injecting fresh limbs into the team to make it strong enough to impact on the upcoming national second division league.
Mr George Gyau, Director of Operations of the club, told Graphic Nsempa that players penciled for registration are hungry for success and when they team up with the old players, Aduana would be the best club in the first division league.
Aduana Stars, without doubt one of the fine sides in the national second division league, have made two fruitless attempts to gain promotion to the elite division.
The Director of Operations named some of the players joining the team as Benjamin Dodzie, formerly of Kumasi King Faisal and Richard Addai of Obuasi Ashanti Gold F/C.
Besides, other quality players are being taken on board for the next season.
The team, owned by the Dormaa Traditional Council, became very popular during what became known as the Kofi Abanga transfer saga.
That was when Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko were embroiled in a fight over the signature of the player.
But the management believes the club would soon ascend to top-flight local football because of the prudent management practices and commitment of the players.
“Everybody should look forward to a new Aduana Stars and there will be no turning back”, Mr Gyau said.
DORMAA Aduana Stars are confident that they will qualify for the premier division league next season.
The management of the club is injecting fresh limbs into the team to make it strong enough to impact on the upcoming national second division league.
Mr George Gyau, Director of Operations of the club, told Graphic Nsempa that players penciled for registration are hungry for success and when they team up with the old players, Aduana would be the best club in the first division league.
Aduana Stars, without doubt one of the fine sides in the national second division league, have made two fruitless attempts to gain promotion to the elite division.
The Director of Operations named some of the players joining the team as Benjamin Dodzie, formerly of Kumasi King Faisal and Richard Addai of Obuasi Ashanti Gold F/C.
Besides, other quality players are being taken on board for the next season.
The team, owned by the Dormaa Traditional Council, became very popular during what became known as the Kofi Abanga transfer saga.
That was when Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko were embroiled in a fight over the signature of the player.
But the management believes the club would soon ascend to top-flight local football because of the prudent management practices and commitment of the players.
“Everybody should look forward to a new Aduana Stars and there will be no turning back”, Mr Gyau said.
ASHANTI MOURNS RFA CHAIRMAN (NSEMPA, BACK PAGE)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi
THE football public in the Ashanti Region has been thrown into a state of mourning following the death of the Regional Football Association (RFA) Chairman, Mr C.K. Yeboah.
Mr Yeboah died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on January 30, 2009 after a short illness.
A number of staff at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Kumasi wore black to their workplaces in remembrance of the late Yeboah.
The one-week observation was organised at his hometown, Kyemfoso near Asante Mampong last Friday.
Hundreds of people, mostly football fans, from all over the region were at the one-week observation.
Mr Yeboah has been very instrumental in the running of football in the region over the years but his uncompromising stand against mediocrity and apathy did not go down well with some people who thought he was infringing on their rights.
However, any objective observer would realise that his leadership style helped in developing football in the region.
THE football public in the Ashanti Region has been thrown into a state of mourning following the death of the Regional Football Association (RFA) Chairman, Mr C.K. Yeboah.
Mr Yeboah died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on January 30, 2009 after a short illness.
A number of staff at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Kumasi wore black to their workplaces in remembrance of the late Yeboah.
The one-week observation was organised at his hometown, Kyemfoso near Asante Mampong last Friday.
Hundreds of people, mostly football fans, from all over the region were at the one-week observation.
Mr Yeboah has been very instrumental in the running of football in the region over the years but his uncompromising stand against mediocrity and apathy did not go down well with some people who thought he was infringing on their rights.
However, any objective observer would realise that his leadership style helped in developing football in the region.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS DENY CHILDREN GAMES (NSEMPA, BACK PAGE)
By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi
A NUMBER of schools, mostly the private ones in the Kumasi Metropolis, are operating without facilities for sports.
This is in spite of the fact that periods are allocated for sports for all classes.
The situation had arisen because of the location of the schools in buildings constructed as private residences.
Within the metropolis, people are turning their residences into schools without thinking of how the children would participate in sporting activities.
In the past, schools were the main grounds for unearthing talents for the various sporting disciplines.
This became possible partly because of the programme of “catching them young” at the basic level of education.
Physical Education, which we call P.E., was organised daily for every class in the morning and this formed the basis for unearthing some of the great sportsmen and sportswomen the country has produced.
Talk of athletics, football, table tennis and the like and names that made the disciplines tick were picked from the schools.
Those were the days when the public schools dominated the educational sector, especially at the basic level.
With the private schools coming into the picture, things have changed as less emphasis is placed on sports.
It is no wonder that schools are located anywhere without the thought of how the children would exercise their bodies through sporting activities.
Some of the private schools have arranged with public schools to make their pitches available to them for sporting programmes.
However, because the private schools have to transport the children daily, they sometimes forgo the sporting activities, to the detriment of the children.
When contacted the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ashanti Regional Office of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Owusu Agyemang, said by the regulations of the GES, the provision of sports pitch is one of the requirements for opening a new school.
However, because of difficulties in acquiring lands and the increasing number of children looking for admission in schools, the regulation is sometimes relaxed.
Mr Agyemang, however, said the GES encouraged authorities of such schools to look for nearby schools with the facilities to have their recreational activities there.
He said schools that failed to do that were sanctioned.
A NUMBER of schools, mostly the private ones in the Kumasi Metropolis, are operating without facilities for sports.
This is in spite of the fact that periods are allocated for sports for all classes.
The situation had arisen because of the location of the schools in buildings constructed as private residences.
Within the metropolis, people are turning their residences into schools without thinking of how the children would participate in sporting activities.
In the past, schools were the main grounds for unearthing talents for the various sporting disciplines.
This became possible partly because of the programme of “catching them young” at the basic level of education.
Physical Education, which we call P.E., was organised daily for every class in the morning and this formed the basis for unearthing some of the great sportsmen and sportswomen the country has produced.
Talk of athletics, football, table tennis and the like and names that made the disciplines tick were picked from the schools.
Those were the days when the public schools dominated the educational sector, especially at the basic level.
With the private schools coming into the picture, things have changed as less emphasis is placed on sports.
It is no wonder that schools are located anywhere without the thought of how the children would exercise their bodies through sporting activities.
Some of the private schools have arranged with public schools to make their pitches available to them for sporting programmes.
However, because the private schools have to transport the children daily, they sometimes forgo the sporting activities, to the detriment of the children.
When contacted the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ashanti Regional Office of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Owusu Agyemang, said by the regulations of the GES, the provision of sports pitch is one of the requirements for opening a new school.
However, because of difficulties in acquiring lands and the increasing number of children looking for admission in schools, the regulation is sometimes relaxed.
Mr Agyemang, however, said the GES encouraged authorities of such schools to look for nearby schools with the facilities to have their recreational activities there.
He said schools that failed to do that were sanctioned.
HEARTS STUN KOTOKO IN KUMASI (BACK PAGE)
ACCRA Hearts of Oak confused Kumasi Asante Kotoko with a 24-carat gold performance, and handed them with their first home defeat in the Glo Premier League.
Before a milling crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday, the Phobians upended their bitterest rivals 2-1 and widened the gap between them and their close challengers, Kotoko, on the league table by seven points.
The two bitter rivals illuminated their age-old rivalry in this ninth week encounter and the fans never regretted having paid to watch the match.
At least 100 football fans collapsed in the jammed stands from sweltering heat and a fire tender had to spray water into the stands to save lives.
The relatively young Hearts team were never overawed by the big names in the Kotoko set up and created so much panic in the Kotoko area that should have seen them score at least three goals in the first half.
However striker Samuel Afum, was a disaster, failing to put the ball into the net on three occasions when he came face to face with Soulama Abdoulaye in the Kotoko post.
Hearts seized the midfield right from kick-off with total display of fluid soccer from Esme Mends, Kofi Abanga and Francis Bossman, and overshadowed Kotoko’s midfield of Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Jordan Opoku and Daniel Nii Adjei.
As the game wore on it became evident that Kotoko were in for the match of their lives and on the 11th minute, Hearts fetched the first goal.
A Hassan Mohammed run down the right created trouble in the Kotoko area and Hassan took advantage of the situation to tuck the ball in.
The visiting team grew in confidence by the minute and kept their opponents under pressure.
At the rear, Godwin Osei Bonsu, Karim Alhassan, Hassan Mohammed and Eric Nyarko were in superb form shrugging off the little pressure from Alex Asamoah, Stephen Manu and Francis Coffie, while they pushed the team to launch their own attacks.
On the flip side, the Kotoko defence men were not rock solid, and the few times they fumbled and tumbled but striker Affum missed the opportunities.
The Porcupine Warriors came into the game briefly and managed to put the ball into the net on 37 minutes but assistant referee Haruna Ayuba's flag was up for offside positioning.
Samuel Inkoom was booked for dangerous play and as pressure mounted on the Kotoko technical bench, they pulled out Francis Coffie for Kwadwo Poku in the 38th minute and the home side came into the picture strongly in the second half.
Desperate not to drop points, Kotoko pressed for the equaliser forcing Hearts to make mistakes while Bossman was booked in the 50th minute.
When it appeared Kotoko were going to claw back the goal, Hearts caught them on the wrong foot again with the second goal.
A lightning counter-attack on 57 minutes saw play maker Obed Ansah running strongly with the ball to beat a hapless Soulama.
The goal sapped the spirit left in the Kotoko team and when strong defender Osei Bonsu persistently made light work of Alex Asamoah and left Kotoko bereft of ideas.
As Kotoko players kept falling in the Hearts area following tackles, Referee William Agbovi ignored appeals for penalty some of them much to the annoyance of the Kotoko supporters.
Hearts brought on Charles Taylor and Tawrick Jibril but the two failed to make the needed impact in the game.
Before a milling crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday, the Phobians upended their bitterest rivals 2-1 and widened the gap between them and their close challengers, Kotoko, on the league table by seven points.
The two bitter rivals illuminated their age-old rivalry in this ninth week encounter and the fans never regretted having paid to watch the match.
At least 100 football fans collapsed in the jammed stands from sweltering heat and a fire tender had to spray water into the stands to save lives.
The relatively young Hearts team were never overawed by the big names in the Kotoko set up and created so much panic in the Kotoko area that should have seen them score at least three goals in the first half.
However striker Samuel Afum, was a disaster, failing to put the ball into the net on three occasions when he came face to face with Soulama Abdoulaye in the Kotoko post.
Hearts seized the midfield right from kick-off with total display of fluid soccer from Esme Mends, Kofi Abanga and Francis Bossman, and overshadowed Kotoko’s midfield of Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Jordan Opoku and Daniel Nii Adjei.
As the game wore on it became evident that Kotoko were in for the match of their lives and on the 11th minute, Hearts fetched the first goal.
A Hassan Mohammed run down the right created trouble in the Kotoko area and Hassan took advantage of the situation to tuck the ball in.
The visiting team grew in confidence by the minute and kept their opponents under pressure.
At the rear, Godwin Osei Bonsu, Karim Alhassan, Hassan Mohammed and Eric Nyarko were in superb form shrugging off the little pressure from Alex Asamoah, Stephen Manu and Francis Coffie, while they pushed the team to launch their own attacks.
On the flip side, the Kotoko defence men were not rock solid, and the few times they fumbled and tumbled but striker Affum missed the opportunities.
The Porcupine Warriors came into the game briefly and managed to put the ball into the net on 37 minutes but assistant referee Haruna Ayuba's flag was up for offside positioning.
Samuel Inkoom was booked for dangerous play and as pressure mounted on the Kotoko technical bench, they pulled out Francis Coffie for Kwadwo Poku in the 38th minute and the home side came into the picture strongly in the second half.
Desperate not to drop points, Kotoko pressed for the equaliser forcing Hearts to make mistakes while Bossman was booked in the 50th minute.
When it appeared Kotoko were going to claw back the goal, Hearts caught them on the wrong foot again with the second goal.
A lightning counter-attack on 57 minutes saw play maker Obed Ansah running strongly with the ball to beat a hapless Soulama.
The goal sapped the spirit left in the Kotoko team and when strong defender Osei Bonsu persistently made light work of Alex Asamoah and left Kotoko bereft of ideas.
As Kotoko players kept falling in the Hearts area following tackles, Referee William Agbovi ignored appeals for penalty some of them much to the annoyance of the Kotoko supporters.
Hearts brought on Charles Taylor and Tawrick Jibril but the two failed to make the needed impact in the game.
Friday, February 6, 2009
CRUNCHY DUEL (GRAPHIC SPORTS, LEAD STORY)
WITHOUT a shred of doubt, Kumasi Asante Kotoko look better equipped against Accra Hearts of Oak in terms of quality materials for Sunday’s showdown.
Some good purchases in the off-season had added to the already fine side and when they find form, the Porcupine Warriors could be so venomous.
Kotoko are trailing four points behind leaders Hearts of Oak on the league table but ahead of the big match on Sunday, they start as favourites.
That notwithstanding, inconsistent domestic form this season should send strong signals to Asante Kotoko that possessing the materials alone does not necessarily make a good team.
In a potentially high tempo game against their arch rivals, the Porcupine Warriors can only profit from the quality available by getting on the job without any fuss.
From their base in Accra, Hearts of Oak have been firing warning shots at Kotoko and on Sunday when the two big fishes clash in the ninth week Glo premier match, the over 44,000 fans at the Baba Yara Stadium would surely be in for something special from the giants.
Both sides have strong traditions that make nonsense of form guide in their matches. Arguably, results of their matches have been determined by superior mental toughness and this would come to play on Sunday.
The pitch will be filled with players who have the capacity to change the course of the game. On Kotoko’s side, Samuel Inkoom, Alex Asamoah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Kwadwo Poku are great performers in their own right while Hearts of Oak come with Charles Taylor, Obed Ansah and Eric Gawu.
Taylor would have been a mammoth inclusion for Hearts in the past but the same cannot be said of him today as he had been bogged by injuries in recent times.
However, Taylor’s mere presence in the game having played for Kotoko some few years back after a rancorous transfer from Hearts would provide another interesting dimension to the game.
Samuel Inkoom will receive serious attention from the fans in the Kotoko set up today. He has been engineering space on the right to release the ball into firing range for the strikers while he scores himself.
The Hearts of Oak defence will have to work extra hard to contain the pressure from the Kotoko attack. Coach Kosta Papic is likely to play the experienced Daniel Coleman and Hassan Mohammed alongside the young but gritty Osei Bonsu and Karim Alhassan at the back.
How the defence fights it out with Stephen Manu, Alex Asamoah, and Agyemang Badu should the former Berekum Arsenal offensive midfielder be included in the Kotoko set up would be interesting.
Kotoko and Hearts have fought several pitch battles and one of the good things about the two sides is that any time they clash, they whet the appetite of lovers of the game.
But they also have their dark spot. Accusations and counter accusations tend to create unnecessary tensions and hecklings, which provide a blot on the local game.
That is why 36- year-old FIFA referee, William Agbovi, who accepted to handle the match after others had declined would have to be courageous to underline his status as one of the best on the continent.
It will be the fifth time Agbovi will handling a Kotoko-Hearts match, and as he did in the past, he must prove the critics wrong
That security personnel are bracing themselves for the task ahead to ensure that the match is played in an atmosphere of peace is appropriate, judging by past experiences.
Some good purchases in the off-season had added to the already fine side and when they find form, the Porcupine Warriors could be so venomous.
Kotoko are trailing four points behind leaders Hearts of Oak on the league table but ahead of the big match on Sunday, they start as favourites.
That notwithstanding, inconsistent domestic form this season should send strong signals to Asante Kotoko that possessing the materials alone does not necessarily make a good team.
In a potentially high tempo game against their arch rivals, the Porcupine Warriors can only profit from the quality available by getting on the job without any fuss.
From their base in Accra, Hearts of Oak have been firing warning shots at Kotoko and on Sunday when the two big fishes clash in the ninth week Glo premier match, the over 44,000 fans at the Baba Yara Stadium would surely be in for something special from the giants.
Both sides have strong traditions that make nonsense of form guide in their matches. Arguably, results of their matches have been determined by superior mental toughness and this would come to play on Sunday.
The pitch will be filled with players who have the capacity to change the course of the game. On Kotoko’s side, Samuel Inkoom, Alex Asamoah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Kwadwo Poku are great performers in their own right while Hearts of Oak come with Charles Taylor, Obed Ansah and Eric Gawu.
Taylor would have been a mammoth inclusion for Hearts in the past but the same cannot be said of him today as he had been bogged by injuries in recent times.
However, Taylor’s mere presence in the game having played for Kotoko some few years back after a rancorous transfer from Hearts would provide another interesting dimension to the game.
Samuel Inkoom will receive serious attention from the fans in the Kotoko set up today. He has been engineering space on the right to release the ball into firing range for the strikers while he scores himself.
The Hearts of Oak defence will have to work extra hard to contain the pressure from the Kotoko attack. Coach Kosta Papic is likely to play the experienced Daniel Coleman and Hassan Mohammed alongside the young but gritty Osei Bonsu and Karim Alhassan at the back.
How the defence fights it out with Stephen Manu, Alex Asamoah, and Agyemang Badu should the former Berekum Arsenal offensive midfielder be included in the Kotoko set up would be interesting.
Kotoko and Hearts have fought several pitch battles and one of the good things about the two sides is that any time they clash, they whet the appetite of lovers of the game.
But they also have their dark spot. Accusations and counter accusations tend to create unnecessary tensions and hecklings, which provide a blot on the local game.
That is why 36- year-old FIFA referee, William Agbovi, who accepted to handle the match after others had declined would have to be courageous to underline his status as one of the best on the continent.
It will be the fifth time Agbovi will handling a Kotoko-Hearts match, and as he did in the past, he must prove the critics wrong
That security personnel are bracing themselves for the task ahead to ensure that the match is played in an atmosphere of peace is appropriate, judging by past experiences.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
ASHANTI POLICE PROMISE TIGHT SECURITY (PAGE 55)
THE Police administration in the Ashanti Region says it will deploy 250 policemen at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday to help maintain peace during the epic Glo Premier League match between arch-rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kwasi Mensah Duku, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for Ashanti, told the Daily Graphic in Kumasi yesterday that the regional police took great interest in the match and would do everything possible to ensure that it was played in absolute peace.
He admitted that matches between the two sides were always characterised by tension but said that must not be allowed to degenerate into any form of trouble.
It was, therefore, important to take measures that would prevent any nasty incidents.
ACP Duku called on the thousands of football fans expected to watch the match to comport themselves on the day.
He also advised the leadership of the two sides to educate their supporters on the need for peace during the match.
He said Ghana needed peace to develop and the police administration in the region would always work towards achieving this objective.
Meanwhile, tension continues to build up in Kumasi towards the match and from all indications the stadium would witness a capacity crowd.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kwasi Mensah Duku, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for Ashanti, told the Daily Graphic in Kumasi yesterday that the regional police took great interest in the match and would do everything possible to ensure that it was played in absolute peace.
He admitted that matches between the two sides were always characterised by tension but said that must not be allowed to degenerate into any form of trouble.
It was, therefore, important to take measures that would prevent any nasty incidents.
ACP Duku called on the thousands of football fans expected to watch the match to comport themselves on the day.
He also advised the leadership of the two sides to educate their supporters on the need for peace during the match.
He said Ghana needed peace to develop and the police administration in the region would always work towards achieving this objective.
Meanwhile, tension continues to build up in Kumasi towards the match and from all indications the stadium would witness a capacity crowd.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
DAD KILLER PLACED IN PRISON CUSTODY (PAGE 3)
A CIRCUIT court in Obuasi has remanded the 19-year-old junior high school student who shot his father dead at Kunka, near Obuasi, into prison custody on a preliminary charge of murder.
Stephen Oppong, alias Kofi, shot his father, Nana Oppong Kyekyeku, who was the chief of Kunka, with his father’s own gun last Sunday night and was arraigned yesterday.
His plea was not taken and he will reappear on February 17, 2009.
Police prosecutor Mohammed Azuma told the court that investigations into the case were still ongoing and pleaded with the court to remand Stephen.
When the judge, Mr Gilbert Ayensu Addo, asked the suspect why he committed the offence, he said he did so because of his father’s refusal to cater for his needs.
Stephen told the court that his father had continuously refused to provide him money to buy books and shoes for school.
He said what hurt him most was that his father kept describing his (Stephen’s) late mother as a wicked person when she was alive and went ahead to strike a similarity between her and him.
The Daily Graphic, in its lead story of February 3, 2009, carried the shooting incident.
Stephen was alleged to have entered his father’s room to pick the gun and shot him following a brief quarrel.
The chief died on the spot, while the suspect fled into the bush, but he was arrested last Monday morning.
Stephen Oppong, alias Kofi, shot his father, Nana Oppong Kyekyeku, who was the chief of Kunka, with his father’s own gun last Sunday night and was arraigned yesterday.
His plea was not taken and he will reappear on February 17, 2009.
Police prosecutor Mohammed Azuma told the court that investigations into the case were still ongoing and pleaded with the court to remand Stephen.
When the judge, Mr Gilbert Ayensu Addo, asked the suspect why he committed the offence, he said he did so because of his father’s refusal to cater for his needs.
Stephen told the court that his father had continuously refused to provide him money to buy books and shoes for school.
He said what hurt him most was that his father kept describing his (Stephen’s) late mother as a wicked person when she was alive and went ahead to strike a similarity between her and him.
The Daily Graphic, in its lead story of February 3, 2009, carried the shooting incident.
Stephen was alleged to have entered his father’s room to pick the gun and shot him following a brief quarrel.
The chief died on the spot, while the suspect fled into the bush, but he was arrested last Monday morning.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
CHIEF SHOT DEAD ...By 19-year-old son (LEAD STORY)
A TRIVIA of a family feud which began with accusations of gambling and counter accusations of parental irresponsibility degenerated into horror when the Chief of Kunka, near Obuasi, was gunned down by his 19-year-old son last Sunday night.
In the course of the ugly turn of events, Stephen Oppong, a second-year junior high school (JHS) student of the Salvation Army School in Obuasi, sneaked into the room of his 64-year-old father, took his gun and shot him at close range.
Nana Oppong Kyekyeku, the chief, died on the spot.
Neighbours said the killing of the chief followed a brief quarrel that had ensued when the chief objected to Stephen wearing his younger brother’s shirt.
During the quarrel, Stephen was said to have accused the chief of neglecting his parental responsibilities towards him.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of the Obuasi District Police, Mr Matthew Asante, said after the bloody incident, the suspect escaped with the double-barrelled gun belonging to his father but he was arrested yesterday morning.
ASP Asante told the Daily Graphic that the gun had been retrieved, while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for autopsy.
Stephen is one of the three children the chief had with his deceased wife.
The chief, a retired employee of AngloGold Ashanti, lived in his own house at Kunka, also known as Dunkwa Junction, where Stephen was said to have had a quarrel with him because the chief objected to Stephen wearing a shirt belonging to his (Stephen’s) younger brother.
The district commander quoted neighbours as saying that the chief had persistently accused his son of gambling and joining bad company, a development which created bad blood between them.
In the course of the quarrel, neighbours were quoted as saying that Stephen had invoked the Ashanti deity, Antoa Nyamaa, to curse his father.
The district commander said Nana Kyekyeku had rubbished the curse, claiming that he had not done anything wrong against the suspect to fear being harmed.
Stephen then sneaked into his father’s room, picked his (father’s) gun and loaded it.
ASP Asante said the suspect then went out of the room and aimed the gun at his father, who was then sitting in front of his room.
Before the chief could ask his son not to kill him, the boy opened fire, killing his father at close range.
The chief died instantly, while Stephen fled into a teak plantation at the outskirts of Obuasi where he hid in the night until he was arrested yesterday morning.
In the course of the ugly turn of events, Stephen Oppong, a second-year junior high school (JHS) student of the Salvation Army School in Obuasi, sneaked into the room of his 64-year-old father, took his gun and shot him at close range.
Nana Oppong Kyekyeku, the chief, died on the spot.
Neighbours said the killing of the chief followed a brief quarrel that had ensued when the chief objected to Stephen wearing his younger brother’s shirt.
During the quarrel, Stephen was said to have accused the chief of neglecting his parental responsibilities towards him.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of the Obuasi District Police, Mr Matthew Asante, said after the bloody incident, the suspect escaped with the double-barrelled gun belonging to his father but he was arrested yesterday morning.
ASP Asante told the Daily Graphic that the gun had been retrieved, while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for autopsy.
Stephen is one of the three children the chief had with his deceased wife.
The chief, a retired employee of AngloGold Ashanti, lived in his own house at Kunka, also known as Dunkwa Junction, where Stephen was said to have had a quarrel with him because the chief objected to Stephen wearing a shirt belonging to his (Stephen’s) younger brother.
The district commander quoted neighbours as saying that the chief had persistently accused his son of gambling and joining bad company, a development which created bad blood between them.
In the course of the quarrel, neighbours were quoted as saying that Stephen had invoked the Ashanti deity, Antoa Nyamaa, to curse his father.
The district commander said Nana Kyekyeku had rubbished the curse, claiming that he had not done anything wrong against the suspect to fear being harmed.
Stephen then sneaked into his father’s room, picked his (father’s) gun and loaded it.
ASP Asante said the suspect then went out of the room and aimed the gun at his father, who was then sitting in front of his room.
Before the chief could ask his son not to kill him, the boy opened fire, killing his father at close range.
The chief died instantly, while Stephen fled into a teak plantation at the outskirts of Obuasi where he hid in the night until he was arrested yesterday morning.
Monday, February 2, 2009
INKOOM, BADU TO STRENGTHEN KOTOKO...In top-liner against Hearts (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
KUMASI Asante Kotoko are apparently lying in ambush, waiting for the rejuvenated old foes, Accra Hearts of Oak, to devour.
That Hearts of Oak are functioning at a relatively decent level against the backdrop of their rustiness last season can hardly be disputed. But the real test of their battle-readiness for the league title lies in Asante Kotoko.
Enjoying a four-point lead ahead of second-placed Asante Kotoko on the league table, Hearts can be said to be in shape for Sunday's epic battle, but similarly red-eyed are Kotoko that they are leaving nothing to chance to chalk a resounding victory.
From yesterday morning's training, they moved straight to camp to prepare for the grudge game against Hearts.
Predicting matches between the two sides is always difficult for the connoisseurs. Last season, Kotoko, then in great shape, nearly laughed at the wrong sides of their mouths, as they had to fight from behind twice to level 3-3 with Hearts at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Clearly, there is so much to fight for, both on the field and on the bench. That is why some see Sunday's clash as a game for the technical brains of the two sides.
The emergence of coach Isaac "Opeele" Boateng as assistant to Maurice Cooreman seems to have ignited the fire in the Kotoko team that had appeared moribund.
And with Kosta Papic moulding Hearts into an industrious side so far, there is no doubt that the technical direction would count very much in this ninth week Glo Premier League clash.
But in this potentially high tempo match between the giants, the twin ingredients of brain and brawn are essential, and it is from this angle that the players would sort things out.
Kotoko are not oblivious of the fact that only a win would revive their hope of retaining the trophy. This will demand extra effort to realise.
The Porcupine Warriors will enjoy the services of their trusted defender, Samuel Inkoom, for Sunday's match. The defender, who has been with the Black Satellites in Rwanda, will add extra spice to Kotoko's defensive play, which has been suspect in recent times.
Inkoom's contribution to Kotoko's performance has been unquestionable, and his return has raised hopes in Kumasi for a victory. His partnership with Ofosu Appiah, Godfred Yeboah and Samuel Nzemaba can provide a good protective cover for former Hearts goalkeeper, Sannie Mohammed, in post.
All eyes will be on Alex Asamoah who was a threat to Hearts when he played for Berekum Arsenals and Ashantigold.
But Hearts are not the side to wash away so easily especially when the stakes are so high. With determination to consolidate their position on the league table, expect the Phobians to come out with fury.
They will count on their most transformed player, Obed Ansah, to provide the fluidity in the middle, and if Eric Gawu and Ekow Ghansah find their lethal boots, the Kotoko rear will have to work extra hard to prevent any goals.
In other matches Ashgold play King Faisal at Obuasi, Hasaacas face All Blacks at Sekondi, Liberty host Kessben at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, Sporting Mirren and Arsenal also clash in Accra, Chelsea play Heart of Lions at Sunyani, Wa All Stars welcome Wise to Wa, while RTU engage Tema Youth at Tamale.
That Hearts of Oak are functioning at a relatively decent level against the backdrop of their rustiness last season can hardly be disputed. But the real test of their battle-readiness for the league title lies in Asante Kotoko.
Enjoying a four-point lead ahead of second-placed Asante Kotoko on the league table, Hearts can be said to be in shape for Sunday's epic battle, but similarly red-eyed are Kotoko that they are leaving nothing to chance to chalk a resounding victory.
From yesterday morning's training, they moved straight to camp to prepare for the grudge game against Hearts.
Predicting matches between the two sides is always difficult for the connoisseurs. Last season, Kotoko, then in great shape, nearly laughed at the wrong sides of their mouths, as they had to fight from behind twice to level 3-3 with Hearts at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Clearly, there is so much to fight for, both on the field and on the bench. That is why some see Sunday's clash as a game for the technical brains of the two sides.
The emergence of coach Isaac "Opeele" Boateng as assistant to Maurice Cooreman seems to have ignited the fire in the Kotoko team that had appeared moribund.
And with Kosta Papic moulding Hearts into an industrious side so far, there is no doubt that the technical direction would count very much in this ninth week Glo Premier League clash.
But in this potentially high tempo match between the giants, the twin ingredients of brain and brawn are essential, and it is from this angle that the players would sort things out.
Kotoko are not oblivious of the fact that only a win would revive their hope of retaining the trophy. This will demand extra effort to realise.
The Porcupine Warriors will enjoy the services of their trusted defender, Samuel Inkoom, for Sunday's match. The defender, who has been with the Black Satellites in Rwanda, will add extra spice to Kotoko's defensive play, which has been suspect in recent times.
Inkoom's contribution to Kotoko's performance has been unquestionable, and his return has raised hopes in Kumasi for a victory. His partnership with Ofosu Appiah, Godfred Yeboah and Samuel Nzemaba can provide a good protective cover for former Hearts goalkeeper, Sannie Mohammed, in post.
All eyes will be on Alex Asamoah who was a threat to Hearts when he played for Berekum Arsenals and Ashantigold.
But Hearts are not the side to wash away so easily especially when the stakes are so high. With determination to consolidate their position on the league table, expect the Phobians to come out with fury.
They will count on their most transformed player, Obed Ansah, to provide the fluidity in the middle, and if Eric Gawu and Ekow Ghansah find their lethal boots, the Kotoko rear will have to work extra hard to prevent any goals.
In other matches Ashgold play King Faisal at Obuasi, Hasaacas face All Blacks at Sekondi, Liberty host Kessben at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, Sporting Mirren and Arsenal also clash in Accra, Chelsea play Heart of Lions at Sunyani, Wa All Stars welcome Wise to Wa, while RTU engage Tema Youth at Tamale.
CONTROVERSY OVER OKYENHENE'S TITLE (SPREAD)
CONTROVERSY arose at the National House of Chiefs (NHC) meeting in Kumasi at the weekend over the title of Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who has been elected as one of the Eastern regional representatives in the House.
At the meeting of the House last Thursday, at which Osagyefo Ofori Panin was expected to swear the various oaths to make him a member of the House, his title was given as Akyem Abuakwahene.
Earlier, the House had received two letters, one from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs describing him as Akyem Abuakwahene, and another from the Omanhene himself, who gave his title as the Okyenhene.
The Akyem Abuakwa title makes him the occupant of one of the three paramountcies of the Akyem State, while the Okyenhene’s title refers to the overlord, who is the occupant of the Ofori Panin Stool.
The Registrar of the NHC, Mr S.R. Takyi, told the Daily Graphic that in the records of the House, Osagyefo Ofori Panin was recognised as the Omanhene of Akyem Abuakwa and not Okyenhene, as he is widely referred to.
According to the registrar, when the NHC received the letter from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs giving the list of their newly elected members to the NHC, Osagyefo Ofori Panin's title was given as Akyem Abuakwahene.
Mr Takyi said initially he thought it was a mistake from the Eastern Regional House because all the while the Omanhene was known as Okyenhene.
According to the registrar, his outfit had also received a letter from Osagyefo Ofori Panin, who insisted that he was Okyenhene and not Akyem Abuakwahene.
"Therefore, I made enquiries with the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in Koforidua, where it was confirmed that the title was Akyem Abuakwahene and not Okyenhene," Mr Takyi said.
He said the explanation given to him by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs was that there were three traditional areas in the Akyem area each headed by an Omanhene who is autonomous.
The registrar named the traditional areas as Akyem Kotoku with the capital as Oda, Akyem Bosome with Akim Swedru as the capital and Akyem Abuakwa, which has Kyebi as the capital.
Therefore, there was not a single chief in the Akyem area who bore the title Okyenhene, hence, the decision of NHC to give prominence to the letter from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
The Omanhene was, however, not present for the swearing in when the registrar of the House read out his name.
Later in his address to the House, the President of the House, Wuluga Naba Pusugansa, Naa Prof. John S. Nabila, urged members to co-operate with him to make the deliberations at their meetings fruitful.
When the Daily Graphic contacted Osagyefo Ofori Panin on the issue, he asked his Apagyahene, Nana Asante Bediatuo, to speak on his behalf.
Nana Bediatuo said there were no questions about the position of Osagyefo Ofori Panin as Okyenhene and said, "We will have to find a way of rectifying this anomaly".
He traced the history of the Akyems from Adansi Akrokerri Kokoben to their present abode over 800 years ago and said it was the direct ancestor of the present Okyenhene by name Appianin Kwaframoa, also known as Okyem, who led the people to settle at Akim Abuakwa before they spread to the other areas.
At the meeting of the House last Thursday, at which Osagyefo Ofori Panin was expected to swear the various oaths to make him a member of the House, his title was given as Akyem Abuakwahene.
Earlier, the House had received two letters, one from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs describing him as Akyem Abuakwahene, and another from the Omanhene himself, who gave his title as the Okyenhene.
The Akyem Abuakwa title makes him the occupant of one of the three paramountcies of the Akyem State, while the Okyenhene’s title refers to the overlord, who is the occupant of the Ofori Panin Stool.
The Registrar of the NHC, Mr S.R. Takyi, told the Daily Graphic that in the records of the House, Osagyefo Ofori Panin was recognised as the Omanhene of Akyem Abuakwa and not Okyenhene, as he is widely referred to.
According to the registrar, when the NHC received the letter from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs giving the list of their newly elected members to the NHC, Osagyefo Ofori Panin's title was given as Akyem Abuakwahene.
Mr Takyi said initially he thought it was a mistake from the Eastern Regional House because all the while the Omanhene was known as Okyenhene.
According to the registrar, his outfit had also received a letter from Osagyefo Ofori Panin, who insisted that he was Okyenhene and not Akyem Abuakwahene.
"Therefore, I made enquiries with the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in Koforidua, where it was confirmed that the title was Akyem Abuakwahene and not Okyenhene," Mr Takyi said.
He said the explanation given to him by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs was that there were three traditional areas in the Akyem area each headed by an Omanhene who is autonomous.
The registrar named the traditional areas as Akyem Kotoku with the capital as Oda, Akyem Bosome with Akim Swedru as the capital and Akyem Abuakwa, which has Kyebi as the capital.
Therefore, there was not a single chief in the Akyem area who bore the title Okyenhene, hence, the decision of NHC to give prominence to the letter from the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
The Omanhene was, however, not present for the swearing in when the registrar of the House read out his name.
Later in his address to the House, the President of the House, Wuluga Naba Pusugansa, Naa Prof. John S. Nabila, urged members to co-operate with him to make the deliberations at their meetings fruitful.
When the Daily Graphic contacted Osagyefo Ofori Panin on the issue, he asked his Apagyahene, Nana Asante Bediatuo, to speak on his behalf.
Nana Bediatuo said there were no questions about the position of Osagyefo Ofori Panin as Okyenhene and said, "We will have to find a way of rectifying this anomaly".
He traced the history of the Akyems from Adansi Akrokerri Kokoben to their present abode over 800 years ago and said it was the direct ancestor of the present Okyenhene by name Appianin Kwaframoa, also known as Okyem, who led the people to settle at Akim Abuakwa before they spread to the other areas.
IT'S POLITICALLY DANGEROUS TO ENDORSE AKUFO-ADDO NOW'
A Kumasi-based legal practitioner, Mr Yaw Boafo, has said it is too early for some people within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to call for the retention of their defeated presidential candidate as the party's flag bearer for the 2012 elections.
“Having failed to win elections less than two months ago, it is politically dangerous for some people within the NPP, especially leading members, to call for the retention of their defeated presidential candidate in the 2008 elections as the party's flag bearer for the 2012 elections,” he stated.
Mr Boafo, a member of the NPP and son of former Chieftaincy Minister, Mr S.K. Boafo, told the Daily Graphic that, "It is sheer naivety to think that Nana Akufo-Addo is the most popular person to lead the party to victory in 2012 and should therefore be the candidate at all cost.”
Already, party giants such as Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo and Prof. Mike Oquaye had publicly announced Nana Akufo-Addo as the best person to lead the party to battle in the next elections.
Mr Boafo, however, thought that such pronouncements were not in the interest of the party, stressing that, "We have to wait for the appropriate time, and not now.”
The legal practitioner emphasised that at any given period, there should be a contest to elect the presidential candidate.
He said the NPP needed to learn its lessons from the developments in the last presidential and parliamentary primaries, so that the mistakes were not repeated.
In selecting the presidential and parliamentary candidates for the party, the lawyer stated that parochial interests should be put aside.
"We should select flag bearers who should be able to win beyond the core NPP areas," he said.
Lawyer Boafo stressed the need for the amendment of the party's constitution to ensure that every card-bearing member in good standing should be able to vote in the presidential and parliamentary primaries.
He noted that the situation would be a fair reflection of the popularity of the candidate who won.
"It would also take away all those people who only woke up to say that they wanted one person or the other to become President," he added.
Mr Boafo said even though his suggestion could also be opened to abuses, they would be minimal, compared to the prevailing system.
On the party's failure to retain political power, Mr Boafo said that Nana Akufo-Addo and his campaign team should be held responsible.
"Let’s face facts. When generals go to war, they don't fight, but take the blame for defeat and the glory for victory," he explained.
Mr Boafo said any objective observer could easily establish from the beginning that the campaign strategies were bound to fail.
"It is, therefore, surprising that some people in high authority within the party blamed former President Kufuor for the party's defeat," Mr Boafo said.
He said some party members had gone to the extent of saying that some of the policies of the Kufuor administration were counterproductive, which contributed to the defeat of the NPP.
"This is absolutely false, and that if anything, we have to congratulate Mr Kufuor on the great efforts he put into the campaign, sometimes leaving his national assignments to be on the campaign trail for days," he said.
Mr Boafo said it was time for the party to sit down and have a dispassionate discussion on the way forward, adding that, "Now, we have to begin looking at things differently, because we have to fight for power from opposition.”
In looking at the way forward, the lawyer suggested that the party must tap into the experience of former President J.A. Kufuor.
"Kufuor is the greatest asset the NPP has now, and we can tap into his experience rather than destroy such an asset," he noted.
He emphasised that the name Kufuor had now become a tradition and suggested that the name be added to the old tradition to make it Danquah-Busia-Kufuor tradition.
He pointed out that while Danquah always lost elections to Dr Nkrumah, Busia could not hold on to power and was overthrown in a coup d’etat.
"It was only J.A. Kufuor who won election in opposition and went ahead to retain power four years later, so we have to give all due respect to the man," he said.
“Having failed to win elections less than two months ago, it is politically dangerous for some people within the NPP, especially leading members, to call for the retention of their defeated presidential candidate in the 2008 elections as the party's flag bearer for the 2012 elections,” he stated.
Mr Boafo, a member of the NPP and son of former Chieftaincy Minister, Mr S.K. Boafo, told the Daily Graphic that, "It is sheer naivety to think that Nana Akufo-Addo is the most popular person to lead the party to victory in 2012 and should therefore be the candidate at all cost.”
Already, party giants such as Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo and Prof. Mike Oquaye had publicly announced Nana Akufo-Addo as the best person to lead the party to battle in the next elections.
Mr Boafo, however, thought that such pronouncements were not in the interest of the party, stressing that, "We have to wait for the appropriate time, and not now.”
The legal practitioner emphasised that at any given period, there should be a contest to elect the presidential candidate.
He said the NPP needed to learn its lessons from the developments in the last presidential and parliamentary primaries, so that the mistakes were not repeated.
In selecting the presidential and parliamentary candidates for the party, the lawyer stated that parochial interests should be put aside.
"We should select flag bearers who should be able to win beyond the core NPP areas," he said.
Lawyer Boafo stressed the need for the amendment of the party's constitution to ensure that every card-bearing member in good standing should be able to vote in the presidential and parliamentary primaries.
He noted that the situation would be a fair reflection of the popularity of the candidate who won.
"It would also take away all those people who only woke up to say that they wanted one person or the other to become President," he added.
Mr Boafo said even though his suggestion could also be opened to abuses, they would be minimal, compared to the prevailing system.
On the party's failure to retain political power, Mr Boafo said that Nana Akufo-Addo and his campaign team should be held responsible.
"Let’s face facts. When generals go to war, they don't fight, but take the blame for defeat and the glory for victory," he explained.
Mr Boafo said any objective observer could easily establish from the beginning that the campaign strategies were bound to fail.
"It is, therefore, surprising that some people in high authority within the party blamed former President Kufuor for the party's defeat," Mr Boafo said.
He said some party members had gone to the extent of saying that some of the policies of the Kufuor administration were counterproductive, which contributed to the defeat of the NPP.
"This is absolutely false, and that if anything, we have to congratulate Mr Kufuor on the great efforts he put into the campaign, sometimes leaving his national assignments to be on the campaign trail for days," he said.
Mr Boafo said it was time for the party to sit down and have a dispassionate discussion on the way forward, adding that, "Now, we have to begin looking at things differently, because we have to fight for power from opposition.”
In looking at the way forward, the lawyer suggested that the party must tap into the experience of former President J.A. Kufuor.
"Kufuor is the greatest asset the NPP has now, and we can tap into his experience rather than destroy such an asset," he noted.
He emphasised that the name Kufuor had now become a tradition and suggested that the name be added to the old tradition to make it Danquah-Busia-Kufuor tradition.
He pointed out that while Danquah always lost elections to Dr Nkrumah, Busia could not hold on to power and was overthrown in a coup d’etat.
"It was only J.A. Kufuor who won election in opposition and went ahead to retain power four years later, so we have to give all due respect to the man," he said.
HERBALIST ESTABLISHES TRAINING SCHOOL (PAGE 29, JAN 29)
A herbalist in Kumasi, Mr B.D. Bonsu, is putting up a herbal training school to help build on herbal medical practice in the country.
The Sankofa Herbal Training School is being built to offer a conducive training environment for undergraduate and graduate students in herbal medicine at the College of Medical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Bonsu, who is the Managing Director of Sankofa Herbal Clinic at Ahensan in Kumasi, said the project was very dear to him because it would serve a useful purpose in the general community.
He, however, said the financial difficulties were hampering the completion of the project.
He, therefore, appealed to benevolent individuals and organisations to come to his aid to enable him to complete work on the project.
Mr Bonsu, who has been in herbal practice for about 50 years, stated that herbal medicine was not the preserve of fetish spiritualists as some people believed.
He said over the years he had cured many women of breast cancer with herbal medicine, which had received commendation from the Ministry of Health and other institutions.
The herbalist said he had established a herbarium, which had been put at the disposal of herbal practice students.
The Sankofa Herbal Training School is being built to offer a conducive training environment for undergraduate and graduate students in herbal medicine at the College of Medical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Bonsu, who is the Managing Director of Sankofa Herbal Clinic at Ahensan in Kumasi, said the project was very dear to him because it would serve a useful purpose in the general community.
He, however, said the financial difficulties were hampering the completion of the project.
He, therefore, appealed to benevolent individuals and organisations to come to his aid to enable him to complete work on the project.
Mr Bonsu, who has been in herbal practice for about 50 years, stated that herbal medicine was not the preserve of fetish spiritualists as some people believed.
He said over the years he had cured many women of breast cancer with herbal medicine, which had received commendation from the Ministry of Health and other institutions.
The herbalist said he had established a herbarium, which had been put at the disposal of herbal practice students.
NEW KMA BOSS SHOULD MEET OUR ASPIRATIONS (PAGE 29, JAN 29)
A number of residents of the Kumasi metropolis have been asking when the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will fulfil key promises to uplift the image of Kumasi.
It looks as if many are fed up with unfulfilled promises and are not ready to hear them any longer.
More than two years ago, the KMA received all the media attention when it announced moves to use garbage generated in the city to produce electricity.
Kumasi generates several thousand tonnes of solid waste a day and a project like this will surely not have problems succeeding if well planned.
The project was to be sited at the KMA’s final disposal site at Dompoase near Kumasi.
Newspapers, television and radio gave wide publicity to the KMA’s decision and some of the editorials heaped tonnes of praises on the KMA and particularly its Chief Executive, Ms Patricia Appiagyei, for their foresight.
Those were the days when Ghana was experiencing serious energy crisis and the general belief was that the execution of the project would help address the challenges in the energy sector.
A special launch of the proposed project was held in Kumasi, with the usual long speeches by dignitaries.
Since that period, nothing serious has been done to see the project become a reality.
The usual “plans are in the pipeline” is what the authorities tell you when you enquire about how far the proposed project has gone.
About seven years ago, the KMA again promised to develop the Kumasi Central Market into a first-class market to befit the status of Kumasi as the second largest city in Ghana.
The initial decision was to undertake the project on a build, operate and transfer basis. Again, over the years, the authorities have not done anything positive on the proposed project.
It is clear that Kumasi needs a new market. The congestion and haphazard development within the market pose a serious threat to lives and property in the event of any fire outbreak.
Several other promises in the areas of sanitation, renovation and construction of satellite markets, the provision of street lights, among others, have not been fulfilled, raising doubts about the sincerity of the authorities.
Today, it appears the KMA is in crisis of a sort, no question about that.
For now it looks as if nothing is working for the assembly, plunging the management of the metropolis into a state of confusion.
The withdrawal of government appointees to the assembly has contributed in crippling its activities, as major decisions cannot be taken.
Even though the MCE, Ms Patricia Appiagyei, is still in office pending further directives from President J.E.A. Mills, she is unable to sign cheques or take any major decisions.
The general cry is to President Mills to appoint an MCE without further delay to save the assembly from completely crumbling.
And even in appointing a new MCE, serious doubts are being cast as to how he or she would move to bring order into the city, looking at the rate at which indiscipline has taken root within it.
Signs that the assembly was getting into trouble started some time in September last year when it decided to allow hawkers back to the streets for political expediency.
Within the same period, the then Regional Minister, Mr E.O. Owusu-Ansah, was alleged to have written a letter to the assembly to suspend the decision to elect a new presiding member (PM) after the term of office of the incumbent had elapsed.
Some members of the assembly questioned the decision and, according to them, they were told that it was taken because of the approaching national elections.
Clearly, the KMA needs a massive shake-up to ensure normalcy in its development drive.
A lot depends on the assembly members and the chief executive to be appointed. On that score, President Mills should weigh his options before making a choice for the MCE.
The era when party loyalty alone was used as a yardstick for the appointment of the MCE is gone and one’s ability to perform should be the key word.
It looks as if many are fed up with unfulfilled promises and are not ready to hear them any longer.
More than two years ago, the KMA received all the media attention when it announced moves to use garbage generated in the city to produce electricity.
Kumasi generates several thousand tonnes of solid waste a day and a project like this will surely not have problems succeeding if well planned.
The project was to be sited at the KMA’s final disposal site at Dompoase near Kumasi.
Newspapers, television and radio gave wide publicity to the KMA’s decision and some of the editorials heaped tonnes of praises on the KMA and particularly its Chief Executive, Ms Patricia Appiagyei, for their foresight.
Those were the days when Ghana was experiencing serious energy crisis and the general belief was that the execution of the project would help address the challenges in the energy sector.
A special launch of the proposed project was held in Kumasi, with the usual long speeches by dignitaries.
Since that period, nothing serious has been done to see the project become a reality.
The usual “plans are in the pipeline” is what the authorities tell you when you enquire about how far the proposed project has gone.
About seven years ago, the KMA again promised to develop the Kumasi Central Market into a first-class market to befit the status of Kumasi as the second largest city in Ghana.
The initial decision was to undertake the project on a build, operate and transfer basis. Again, over the years, the authorities have not done anything positive on the proposed project.
It is clear that Kumasi needs a new market. The congestion and haphazard development within the market pose a serious threat to lives and property in the event of any fire outbreak.
Several other promises in the areas of sanitation, renovation and construction of satellite markets, the provision of street lights, among others, have not been fulfilled, raising doubts about the sincerity of the authorities.
Today, it appears the KMA is in crisis of a sort, no question about that.
For now it looks as if nothing is working for the assembly, plunging the management of the metropolis into a state of confusion.
The withdrawal of government appointees to the assembly has contributed in crippling its activities, as major decisions cannot be taken.
Even though the MCE, Ms Patricia Appiagyei, is still in office pending further directives from President J.E.A. Mills, she is unable to sign cheques or take any major decisions.
The general cry is to President Mills to appoint an MCE without further delay to save the assembly from completely crumbling.
And even in appointing a new MCE, serious doubts are being cast as to how he or she would move to bring order into the city, looking at the rate at which indiscipline has taken root within it.
Signs that the assembly was getting into trouble started some time in September last year when it decided to allow hawkers back to the streets for political expediency.
Within the same period, the then Regional Minister, Mr E.O. Owusu-Ansah, was alleged to have written a letter to the assembly to suspend the decision to elect a new presiding member (PM) after the term of office of the incumbent had elapsed.
Some members of the assembly questioned the decision and, according to them, they were told that it was taken because of the approaching national elections.
Clearly, the KMA needs a massive shake-up to ensure normalcy in its development drive.
A lot depends on the assembly members and the chief executive to be appointed. On that score, President Mills should weigh his options before making a choice for the MCE.
The era when party loyalty alone was used as a yardstick for the appointment of the MCE is gone and one’s ability to perform should be the key word.
OPEELE, TOAST OF KOTOKO FANS (PAGE 47, JAN 29)
NEWLY APPOINTED assistant coach, Isaac 'Opeele' Boateng, was the centre of praise as Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways, scoring three times in the final 20 minutes to clinch a sweet 3-0 victory over Real Tamale United (RTU) in a Glo Premier encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last Monday night.
Kotoko had not won a match in the previous three outings and the appointment of coach Opeele last week might have done the trick for the Porcupine Warriors.
The bespectacled former Tema Youth head coach was continuously on his feet directing affairs from the touchline, and as Kotoko banged in the goals in the closing minutes, shouts of "Opeele, Opeele" resounded through the stands.
Substitute striker, Alex Asamoah, hit a brace, with lanky Stephen Manu scoring one to move Kotoko up to the second spot of the league, four points adrift of bitterest rivals, Hearts of Oak.
The game was laced with superstition. The two sides started with ten men as Toffik Alolo of RTU and Kotoko's Francis Coffie sat on the touchline waiting for the other to enter the pitch first.
This went on for seven minutes before Coffie finally made his way to the pitch, followed by Alolo. It was a difficult task for Kotoko who found in RTU a huge opposition in the first half of the game. A back line of Peter Yakubu, Adam Baba Tahiru, Mohammed Baker and Kwame Adzagba showed great courage and resilience after an initial pressure on the visitors’ defence. Having kept the Kotoko attack at bay, the action remained in the middle with RTU slightly on top.
The first clear opportunity fell to Stephen Manu who, after treading his way into the RTU box, only ended up with a weak final delivery.
As the minutes ticked away in the first half of the game, it became clear that Kotoko would have to dig deep into their tactical arsenal to overcome RTU.
Alex Asamoah was introduced into the game on the 45th minute, replacing Louis Quainoo, and his inclusion, with that of Louis Agyemang on the 68th minute brought life into the Kotoko attack in the second half.
Just two minutes after Agyemang came on he headed a cross into the path of Asamoah who connected with a low left footer, the ball hitting the post before rolling into the net past the impressive keeper Charles Kipo. Stephen Manu was on hand on the 81st minute to double the score for Kotoko, rounding a defender before placing the ball past advancing keeper Kipo.
Ear-piercing shout greeted the goal and the RTU defence looked disabled, allowing Kotoko to dance around with the ball. The growing pressure triggered persistent breakdowns at the RTU back and the third goal from a brilliant Asamoah 30-yard sizzler typified the traditional fighting spirit of the Porcupine Warriors.
Kotoko had not won a match in the previous three outings and the appointment of coach Opeele last week might have done the trick for the Porcupine Warriors.
The bespectacled former Tema Youth head coach was continuously on his feet directing affairs from the touchline, and as Kotoko banged in the goals in the closing minutes, shouts of "Opeele, Opeele" resounded through the stands.
Substitute striker, Alex Asamoah, hit a brace, with lanky Stephen Manu scoring one to move Kotoko up to the second spot of the league, four points adrift of bitterest rivals, Hearts of Oak.
The game was laced with superstition. The two sides started with ten men as Toffik Alolo of RTU and Kotoko's Francis Coffie sat on the touchline waiting for the other to enter the pitch first.
This went on for seven minutes before Coffie finally made his way to the pitch, followed by Alolo. It was a difficult task for Kotoko who found in RTU a huge opposition in the first half of the game. A back line of Peter Yakubu, Adam Baba Tahiru, Mohammed Baker and Kwame Adzagba showed great courage and resilience after an initial pressure on the visitors’ defence. Having kept the Kotoko attack at bay, the action remained in the middle with RTU slightly on top.
The first clear opportunity fell to Stephen Manu who, after treading his way into the RTU box, only ended up with a weak final delivery.
As the minutes ticked away in the first half of the game, it became clear that Kotoko would have to dig deep into their tactical arsenal to overcome RTU.
Alex Asamoah was introduced into the game on the 45th minute, replacing Louis Quainoo, and his inclusion, with that of Louis Agyemang on the 68th minute brought life into the Kotoko attack in the second half.
Just two minutes after Agyemang came on he headed a cross into the path of Asamoah who connected with a low left footer, the ball hitting the post before rolling into the net past the impressive keeper Charles Kipo. Stephen Manu was on hand on the 81st minute to double the score for Kotoko, rounding a defender before placing the ball past advancing keeper Kipo.
Ear-piercing shout greeted the goal and the RTU defence looked disabled, allowing Kotoko to dance around with the ball. The growing pressure triggered persistent breakdowns at the RTU back and the third goal from a brilliant Asamoah 30-yard sizzler typified the traditional fighting spirit of the Porcupine Warriors.
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