Story: Matilda Attram
The Mukasahemaa of Akuapem, Nana Afuadu Kwadyan II, has cautioned women to keep their children who are minors away from polling stations during the December elections.
She said it was the responsibility of mothers to advise their husbands and children to be tolerant before, during and after the December elections.
She was speaking at a forum organised by the Greater Accra Regional branch of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) in Accra to sensitise them to the role of women in the development of the nation.
It was on the theme “Tolerance for Peaceful, Non-Violent Elections”.
She said as mothers they were in a good stead to influence their husbands and children on ensuring peace in the communities where they belonged.
Nana Kwadyan also urged women to ensure that there was friendship and unity among people of different political persuasions which served as factors for social integration and cohesion.
“The prospect of a future peace and prosperity largely depends on us. Elections should not be seen as a do or die affair, but rather a tool for development. We are all involved in creating peace in our country”, she said.
She therefore appealed to political leaders to be mindful of their utterances and to advice their followers to be tolerant in order not to incite violence.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, Mrs Doris Otiwa Archeampong, in her welcome address stated that, women were very important in the affairs of every nation, without which prosperity would not be attained.
“In spite of all the discrimination against women in our society, we still remain the latent power in whose bosom and hands lies the peace and prosperity of the nation” she said.
She said that women and children were mostly victims of conflict situations and bore the atrocities of all negativities such as rape, hunger and torture.
“ It is in the light of this concern that I urge you to gird your loins, so that together as one we will ensure that the forthcoming elections are held in a non-violent environment. It is therefore incumbent on us as women to take the destiny of our nation in our hearts and do all that is necessary to bring peace which will benefit us and our children”, she cautioned.
Mrs Archeampong stated that elections were a key component of democracy that enabled eligible citizens to exercise their franchise for the progress of the nation they belong to.
“Elections enable citizens to exercise their freedom of choice in electing their leaders to help develop the nation” she stated.
According to her, tolerance, fairness, transparency and obedience were components of friendship and unity which built social integration and cohesion.
She said everyone had the right to speak but noted that they must be responsible to show respect for each others sensibilities to maintain peace and harmony.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
‘Join Clean Election Campaign’
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Methodist Church of Ghana has called on individuals, organisations and churches to join its campaign, dubbed “Clean Election Campaign” aimed at inculcating in the youth the essence of clean, free and fair elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its fifth biennial and 43rd conference held in Winneba and made public during a news conference in Accra.
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Reverend Dr Robert Kwesi Aboagye Mensah, who read the communiqué, said the previous conference discussed issues of concern to the church, and also realised the need to address issues affecting the development of the nation.
“Having discussed issues affecting the church, the conference engaged in topical issues affecting the state, in relation to citizenry and said that every effort should be made by the government and people of Ghana to ensure a free, fair and transparent elections devoid of rancour and bitterness on the part of participating political parties”, the communiqué said.
It said the conference expressed the need to educate the electorate, especially the youth, to ensure free and credible elections during the December polls.
The communiqué also stated that the church welcomed the oil find in the country and appealed to the government to exploit and develop the resource in order to boost the country’s economy.
It expressed its gratitude for the discovery of oil in this country. “We, therefore, hope that the government would be determined in making good use of the oil find to benefit the country”, it added.
It articulated the church’s concern for the problems of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and streetism which were hindering the development of the country. “Conference appeals to the government, NGOs and organisations involved in managing the said evils in society to double efforts in providing answers that appropriately resolve the problems”, it said.
The discussions also conveyed the church’s total support for the government in its decision to encourage the study of Religious and Moral Education as a subject in the syllabus of primary and junior high schools (JHS).
“Conference appreciates the change of the government’s heart and prayed for the faithful implementation of the new policy, and provision of the reinstatement. We pledge to partner the government in the implementation of the said policy by strengthening its chaplaincy in schools”, it said.
The communiqué appealed to the public to support the church’s orphanage, the Rafiki Satellite Village, through the provision of funds and materials for the project.
It, therefore, pleaded with the government to assist in the rehabilitation of the existing Methodist institutions to reduce the incidence of youth unemployment by providing avenues for training in trades to support and complement formal academic education offered the youth in schools.
THE Methodist Church of Ghana has called on individuals, organisations and churches to join its campaign, dubbed “Clean Election Campaign” aimed at inculcating in the youth the essence of clean, free and fair elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its fifth biennial and 43rd conference held in Winneba and made public during a news conference in Accra.
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Reverend Dr Robert Kwesi Aboagye Mensah, who read the communiqué, said the previous conference discussed issues of concern to the church, and also realised the need to address issues affecting the development of the nation.
“Having discussed issues affecting the church, the conference engaged in topical issues affecting the state, in relation to citizenry and said that every effort should be made by the government and people of Ghana to ensure a free, fair and transparent elections devoid of rancour and bitterness on the part of participating political parties”, the communiqué said.
It said the conference expressed the need to educate the electorate, especially the youth, to ensure free and credible elections during the December polls.
The communiqué also stated that the church welcomed the oil find in the country and appealed to the government to exploit and develop the resource in order to boost the country’s economy.
It expressed its gratitude for the discovery of oil in this country. “We, therefore, hope that the government would be determined in making good use of the oil find to benefit the country”, it added.
It articulated the church’s concern for the problems of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and streetism which were hindering the development of the country. “Conference appeals to the government, NGOs and organisations involved in managing the said evils in society to double efforts in providing answers that appropriately resolve the problems”, it said.
The discussions also conveyed the church’s total support for the government in its decision to encourage the study of Religious and Moral Education as a subject in the syllabus of primary and junior high schools (JHS).
“Conference appreciates the change of the government’s heart and prayed for the faithful implementation of the new policy, and provision of the reinstatement. We pledge to partner the government in the implementation of the said policy by strengthening its chaplaincy in schools”, it said.
The communiqué appealed to the public to support the church’s orphanage, the Rafiki Satellite Village, through the provision of funds and materials for the project.
It, therefore, pleaded with the government to assist in the rehabilitation of the existing Methodist institutions to reduce the incidence of youth unemployment by providing avenues for training in trades to support and complement formal academic education offered the youth in schools.
‘Face election challenges with maturity’
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Presbyterian Church of Ghana has called on Ghanaians to face the challenges of the forthcoming general election with maturity in order to preserve the country’s democratic gains.
It urged all aspirants to admonish their supporters to refrain from the use of abusive language and other forms of provocation, including physical attacks on people with different political persuasions.
“Aspirants must pledge to accept the results as declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) and, where there are doubts, seek redress through judicial processes rather than show defiant, violent and destructive attitudes and declarations,” it said.
At a press conference in Accra to publicise a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its eighth General Assembly held in Sunyani recently, the Moderator of the church, the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the police and the other security agencies must not only be vigilant but also firm and neutral in dealing with the electorate and ensure that all rules and regulations, as well as established procedures, were strictly observed before, during and after the elections.
He reminded the presidential and parliamentary aspirants that since they saw themselves as having been called upon to serve God and His people, they were accountable to God and the electorate and must “put the well-being of all Ghanaians first and foremost in whatever they do”.
He noted with concern reports of malpractice involving the registration of minors and foreign nationals by some political parties, resulting in vehement confrontations in parts of the country.
“We also noted that the period given for the registration was too short and too close to the time for the elections. That gave rise to frantic efforts by many to register, resulting in avoidable conflicts,” he said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso suggested that appropriate procedures should be established to register persons attaining the voting age of 18 to avoid a backlog.
He, however, said that if the registration of newly qualified voters should be done in an election year, the EC should start such registration in January to ensure that all those qualified to register would have ample time to go through the exercise satisfactorily.
“The EC should examine various systems for voters registration elsewhere which are functioning well in order to develop a much better system for Ghana than what obtains at the moment,” he stressed.
Touching on the economy, Rt Rev Frimpong-Manso said the country was still experiencing double-digit inflation, contrary to expectation, adding that the problem of unemployment among the youth needed urgent consideration.
He said despite the positive measures by the government to promote good governance, the assembly had reservations about some aspects of government’s actions which must be seriously considered.
“In our attempts to establish democracy in this country, and within the context of our fledgling democratic structures, it may be prudent for the government to provide explanatory statements for some of its important actions, especially those that are most likely to cause dissension among the people,” he stated.
He articulated the church’s concern over recent incidents of gross disregard for law and order in certain parts of the country.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said obnoxious acts had taken the form of instant justice meted out to alleged criminals and the destruction of government and private property by irresponsible individuals.
“Armed robbery and indiscriminate killings have also been on the increase. Careless driving on our roads, resulting in needless deaths, seems to have become an everyday occurrence, as well as tribal strife leading to armed conflicts such as what recently happened in the north,” he said.
THE Presbyterian Church of Ghana has called on Ghanaians to face the challenges of the forthcoming general election with maturity in order to preserve the country’s democratic gains.
It urged all aspirants to admonish their supporters to refrain from the use of abusive language and other forms of provocation, including physical attacks on people with different political persuasions.
“Aspirants must pledge to accept the results as declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) and, where there are doubts, seek redress through judicial processes rather than show defiant, violent and destructive attitudes and declarations,” it said.
At a press conference in Accra to publicise a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its eighth General Assembly held in Sunyani recently, the Moderator of the church, the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the police and the other security agencies must not only be vigilant but also firm and neutral in dealing with the electorate and ensure that all rules and regulations, as well as established procedures, were strictly observed before, during and after the elections.
He reminded the presidential and parliamentary aspirants that since they saw themselves as having been called upon to serve God and His people, they were accountable to God and the electorate and must “put the well-being of all Ghanaians first and foremost in whatever they do”.
He noted with concern reports of malpractice involving the registration of minors and foreign nationals by some political parties, resulting in vehement confrontations in parts of the country.
“We also noted that the period given for the registration was too short and too close to the time for the elections. That gave rise to frantic efforts by many to register, resulting in avoidable conflicts,” he said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso suggested that appropriate procedures should be established to register persons attaining the voting age of 18 to avoid a backlog.
He, however, said that if the registration of newly qualified voters should be done in an election year, the EC should start such registration in January to ensure that all those qualified to register would have ample time to go through the exercise satisfactorily.
“The EC should examine various systems for voters registration elsewhere which are functioning well in order to develop a much better system for Ghana than what obtains at the moment,” he stressed.
Touching on the economy, Rt Rev Frimpong-Manso said the country was still experiencing double-digit inflation, contrary to expectation, adding that the problem of unemployment among the youth needed urgent consideration.
He said despite the positive measures by the government to promote good governance, the assembly had reservations about some aspects of government’s actions which must be seriously considered.
“In our attempts to establish democracy in this country, and within the context of our fledgling democratic structures, it may be prudent for the government to provide explanatory statements for some of its important actions, especially those that are most likely to cause dissension among the people,” he stated.
He articulated the church’s concern over recent incidents of gross disregard for law and order in certain parts of the country.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said obnoxious acts had taken the form of instant justice meted out to alleged criminals and the destruction of government and private property by irresponsible individuals.
“Armed robbery and indiscriminate killings have also been on the increase. Careless driving on our roads, resulting in needless deaths, seems to have become an everyday occurrence, as well as tribal strife leading to armed conflicts such as what recently happened in the north,” he said.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pro credit
Story: Matilda Attram & Esther Dede Tetteh
PRO CREDIT, a non-financial institution has introduced a package known as 'Agro Loan' to farmers in the country to enable them to expand their production.
The package is a soft loan facility to them as part of the company’s commitment to supporting farmers in the country.
The Managing Director of Pro Credit, Ms Etwige Takassi, speaking at an encounter with the media in Accra, said the move was in line with the company's objective of boosting the operations of farmers in Ghana.
She said the company also recognised the need for the private sector to support the government's drive at boosting agricultural activity in the country hence the package.
She noted that support from the private sector, particularly banks for farmers in the country, was insignificant hence the move by Pro Credit to augment government support.
Ms Takassi said the package was targeted at farmers in the area of livestock production, cash crops, vegetables, fruits, aqua culture, snail farming, and mushroom farming.
She said the country's agriculture sector was of equal value as other ventures hence the need for the support, which formed part of their corporate social responsibility.
She noted that as the first private non-financial institution in Ghana, Pro Credit was determined to become the leading provider of financial services to the agricultural sector.
The Deputy General Manager, Mr Philip Mensah, said the company had over the past year and a half trained officers who specialised in agribusinesses and had recently established a training centre to orient its clients on the adaptation of good farming practices.
He explained that the company was ready to reschedule payment of loans granted to its clients when they were faced with disasters.
He also advised farmers to adapt to good farming practices so that they could identify and prevent diseases.
He also stated that the minimum loan the company granted was GH¢50, which could not be secured from most banks.
Mr Mensah said before the loans were granted to clients, they must first have the basic requirements such as being an experienced farmer, after which the company would enquire about the operations of the farmer with performance mainly as the base.
PRO CREDIT, a non-financial institution has introduced a package known as 'Agro Loan' to farmers in the country to enable them to expand their production.
The package is a soft loan facility to them as part of the company’s commitment to supporting farmers in the country.
The Managing Director of Pro Credit, Ms Etwige Takassi, speaking at an encounter with the media in Accra, said the move was in line with the company's objective of boosting the operations of farmers in Ghana.
She said the company also recognised the need for the private sector to support the government's drive at boosting agricultural activity in the country hence the package.
She noted that support from the private sector, particularly banks for farmers in the country, was insignificant hence the move by Pro Credit to augment government support.
Ms Takassi said the package was targeted at farmers in the area of livestock production, cash crops, vegetables, fruits, aqua culture, snail farming, and mushroom farming.
She said the country's agriculture sector was of equal value as other ventures hence the need for the support, which formed part of their corporate social responsibility.
She noted that as the first private non-financial institution in Ghana, Pro Credit was determined to become the leading provider of financial services to the agricultural sector.
The Deputy General Manager, Mr Philip Mensah, said the company had over the past year and a half trained officers who specialised in agribusinesses and had recently established a training centre to orient its clients on the adaptation of good farming practices.
He explained that the company was ready to reschedule payment of loans granted to its clients when they were faced with disasters.
He also advised farmers to adapt to good farming practices so that they could identify and prevent diseases.
He also stated that the minimum loan the company granted was GH¢50, which could not be secured from most banks.
Mr Mensah said before the loans were granted to clients, they must first have the basic requirements such as being an experienced farmer, after which the company would enquire about the operations of the farmer with performance mainly as the base.
Micro credit support can transform lives
Story: Matilda Attram
Micro credit support can transform lives
OPPORTUNITY International, a savings and loans financial institution, has identified micro finance support and quality financial advice as the keys to increase income and transform the lives of individuals and communities.
"For Opportunity, micro-finance is an engine of poverty alleviation to sustain and transform the unbanked and under-banked sectors with respect, integrity and stewardship."
Ms Teresa Efia Cooke, Head of Human Resource of Opportunity International, stated this at the end of an internship programme organised by the company for 40 tertiary students on micro-finance in Accra.
The ceremony was aimed at providing opportunities for the students and for them also to share their experiences with the public during their stay with the company.
It was also aimed at explaining to the public, what the company had in offer for its customers.
Ms Cooke said the institution was committed to serving medium and small-scale entrepreneurs with loans, and other financial services to transform their businesses.
“It is believed that exposing students to these at the heart of commercial micro-finance would not only assist them in choosing a career but also equip them with tools which would enable them to impact on society what they had learnt,” she stated, and added that that was Opportunity International’s contribution to human resource development in Ghana.
Ms Cooke stated that the company had been working with its partners and donors to ensure that internship and National Service programmes continued in the coming years with exposure in other business and cultural environments to equip students with the global perspective of the industry.
“We endeavour to continue to provide this support to hundreds of tertiary students in the coming years and help bring the dream of economic transformation of the active poor in the country into reality,” she stated.
The Head of Credit Operations, Mr Dave Kofi Yeboah, cautioned the students to engage in productive activities that would contribute to the development of the country.
He also urged them to be committed in whatever profession they found themselves.
“I hope this experience has exposed you to the nature of the job market,” he said, and urged them to allow themselves to be used as vessels to transform others and their communities.
Certificates were presented to all the participants.
Micro credit support can transform lives
OPPORTUNITY International, a savings and loans financial institution, has identified micro finance support and quality financial advice as the keys to increase income and transform the lives of individuals and communities.
"For Opportunity, micro-finance is an engine of poverty alleviation to sustain and transform the unbanked and under-banked sectors with respect, integrity and stewardship."
Ms Teresa Efia Cooke, Head of Human Resource of Opportunity International, stated this at the end of an internship programme organised by the company for 40 tertiary students on micro-finance in Accra.
The ceremony was aimed at providing opportunities for the students and for them also to share their experiences with the public during their stay with the company.
It was also aimed at explaining to the public, what the company had in offer for its customers.
Ms Cooke said the institution was committed to serving medium and small-scale entrepreneurs with loans, and other financial services to transform their businesses.
“It is believed that exposing students to these at the heart of commercial micro-finance would not only assist them in choosing a career but also equip them with tools which would enable them to impact on society what they had learnt,” she stated, and added that that was Opportunity International’s contribution to human resource development in Ghana.
Ms Cooke stated that the company had been working with its partners and donors to ensure that internship and National Service programmes continued in the coming years with exposure in other business and cultural environments to equip students with the global perspective of the industry.
“We endeavour to continue to provide this support to hundreds of tertiary students in the coming years and help bring the dream of economic transformation of the active poor in the country into reality,” she stated.
The Head of Credit Operations, Mr Dave Kofi Yeboah, cautioned the students to engage in productive activities that would contribute to the development of the country.
He also urged them to be committed in whatever profession they found themselves.
“I hope this experience has exposed you to the nature of the job market,” he said, and urged them to allow themselves to be used as vessels to transform others and their communities.
Certificates were presented to all the participants.
Barclays Awards Loyal customers
Story: Matilda Attram
BARCLAYS Bank Ghana has rewarded five loyal customers in its promotional programme dubbed “Barclays Bank Wheel of Surprise”.
The winners who came from different branches of the bank across the country were presented with different prizes at a ceremony held at the Kasoa Branch in the Central Region.
The first prize winner, Evantius Kuatsinu, who saves at the Barclays- Makola branch, took a fully-installed DSTV dish and the second prize winner, Gilbert Gyasi Nkrumah, who saves with the Barclays- Spintex Road branch won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The third prize winner, Priscilla Akosua Adatsi, of the Spintex Road Branch - won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The fourth prize winner was Rose Mart Enterprise with the fifth prize winner being Gaoyan. They both took home a mobile phone each.
To qualify for the promotional draw customers were required to deposit a minimum amount of GH¢ 300 into their saving account from the month of July to the end of September when the grand draw would take place. The overall winner would be presented with a new Jaguar saloon car as the grand prize.
The Kasoa branch manager, Ms Rose Abbeyquay, in her welcome address said the purpose of the branch at Kasoa was to ensure a smooth running of financial businesses in the central region since Kasoa is a commercial place in the community.
The Head of Retail Banking Barclays Ghana, Mr. Henry Baye in his remarks stated that the company had set up branches very close to their customers at their doorstep.
According to the Director of Consumer Banking, Barclays Ghana Mr. Nana Dzwemoh Benneh, said Barclays bank has had a long distant relationship with Ghana which offered supreme quality services and hoped to deliver more to their customers.
The lucky winners of the promotion were not at the function but were called on their phones to be informed and to visit their branches for the prizes.
BARCLAYS Bank Ghana has rewarded five loyal customers in its promotional programme dubbed “Barclays Bank Wheel of Surprise”.
The winners who came from different branches of the bank across the country were presented with different prizes at a ceremony held at the Kasoa Branch in the Central Region.
The first prize winner, Evantius Kuatsinu, who saves at the Barclays- Makola branch, took a fully-installed DSTV dish and the second prize winner, Gilbert Gyasi Nkrumah, who saves with the Barclays- Spintex Road branch won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The third prize winner, Priscilla Akosua Adatsi, of the Spintex Road Branch - won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The fourth prize winner was Rose Mart Enterprise with the fifth prize winner being Gaoyan. They both took home a mobile phone each.
To qualify for the promotional draw customers were required to deposit a minimum amount of GH¢ 300 into their saving account from the month of July to the end of September when the grand draw would take place. The overall winner would be presented with a new Jaguar saloon car as the grand prize.
The Kasoa branch manager, Ms Rose Abbeyquay, in her welcome address said the purpose of the branch at Kasoa was to ensure a smooth running of financial businesses in the central region since Kasoa is a commercial place in the community.
The Head of Retail Banking Barclays Ghana, Mr. Henry Baye in his remarks stated that the company had set up branches very close to their customers at their doorstep.
According to the Director of Consumer Banking, Barclays Ghana Mr. Nana Dzwemoh Benneh, said Barclays bank has had a long distant relationship with Ghana which offered supreme quality services and hoped to deliver more to their customers.
The lucky winners of the promotion were not at the function but were called on their phones to be informed and to visit their branches for the prizes.
Presby YAF
Story by: Matilda Attram read by ho
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
Presby on Peaceful elections
Story by: Matilda Attram read by ho
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
Party leaders urged to be nationalistic
Story by: Matilda Attram read by ho
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
Students Plead on elections
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Chief Executive of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, Mr Ebenezer Adjei Osekre, has called on society to challenge cultures that inhibit the development of people, particularly children and the physically challenged.
He expressed concern about how some people hid behind obnoxious traditions and cultures and meted out dehumanising acts to children, adding that that would not augur well for the nation’s development.
Mr Osekre made the call when he addressed the African Child Day organised by the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly in Accra last Friday.
The celebration, which was on the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers of Physically Challenged’, was aimed at integrating the physically challenged into all that the society engaged in for them to be motivated to contribute their quota to development.
It was also to educate parents on good parental care, as well as enable children in the municipality to interact and share their problems with the Assembly.
Child rights are standards that recognise and protect the dignity, welfare and well-being of all children as stipulated by Act 560 and the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Osekre said the Assembly would seek to identify children, especially the physically challenged and the most vulnerable in the communities, to assist by providing some of their various needs in order to prevent them from engaging in negative activities.
“Children, despite the Act 560 that protects them, are still in great dangers, some of which are child trafficking and enslavement, child prostitution and severe beatings. If such issues are not tackled, then crime rate, unemployment and a lot of social vices will reach intolerable levels, which will pose a threat to the security of life and property,” he said.
“It’s about time society frowns on all these cultural and societal abuses meted to children to ensure their safety to enable these young ones to grow well in freedom to attain the possible heights in life,” he added.
He commended the Assembly for making provision for needy children to be supported through a common fund to make education accessible to all.
The Chairperson for the function, Benjamin Annum Odotei, stated that issues concerning African Child Day were significant since they gave the opportunity to highlight issues such as child trafficking, child prostitution and enslavement that undermined childrens’ future.
“Days such as today are deemed important since we are able to discuss issues concerning the lives of our children. They are the future leaders and therefore must be protected from negative activities,” he said.
The Deputy Regional Director of Social Welfare, Nii Trebi, said children were the greatest asserts of every foundation, if given the proper attention, education and care.
He said the physically challenged should not be discriminated against but involved in national programmes so that they did not feel marginalised.
THE Chief Executive of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, Mr Ebenezer Adjei Osekre, has called on society to challenge cultures that inhibit the development of people, particularly children and the physically challenged.
He expressed concern about how some people hid behind obnoxious traditions and cultures and meted out dehumanising acts to children, adding that that would not augur well for the nation’s development.
Mr Osekre made the call when he addressed the African Child Day organised by the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly in Accra last Friday.
The celebration, which was on the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers of Physically Challenged’, was aimed at integrating the physically challenged into all that the society engaged in for them to be motivated to contribute their quota to development.
It was also to educate parents on good parental care, as well as enable children in the municipality to interact and share their problems with the Assembly.
Child rights are standards that recognise and protect the dignity, welfare and well-being of all children as stipulated by Act 560 and the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Osekre said the Assembly would seek to identify children, especially the physically challenged and the most vulnerable in the communities, to assist by providing some of their various needs in order to prevent them from engaging in negative activities.
“Children, despite the Act 560 that protects them, are still in great dangers, some of which are child trafficking and enslavement, child prostitution and severe beatings. If such issues are not tackled, then crime rate, unemployment and a lot of social vices will reach intolerable levels, which will pose a threat to the security of life and property,” he said.
“It’s about time society frowns on all these cultural and societal abuses meted to children to ensure their safety to enable these young ones to grow well in freedom to attain the possible heights in life,” he added.
He commended the Assembly for making provision for needy children to be supported through a common fund to make education accessible to all.
The Chairperson for the function, Benjamin Annum Odotei, stated that issues concerning African Child Day were significant since they gave the opportunity to highlight issues such as child trafficking, child prostitution and enslavement that undermined childrens’ future.
“Days such as today are deemed important since we are able to discuss issues concerning the lives of our children. They are the future leaders and therefore must be protected from negative activities,” he said.
The Deputy Regional Director of Social Welfare, Nii Trebi, said children were the greatest asserts of every foundation, if given the proper attention, education and care.
He said the physically challenged should not be discriminated against but involved in national programmes so that they did not feel marginalised.
African Child Day
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Chief Executive of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, Mr Ebenezer Adjei Osekre, has called on society to challenge cultures that inhibit the development of people, particularly children and the physically challenged.
He expressed concern about how some people hid behind obnoxious traditions and cultures and meted out dehumanising acts to children, adding that that would not augur well for the nation’s development.
Mr Osekre made the call when he addressed the African Child Day organised by the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly in Accra last Friday.
The celebration, which was on the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers of Physically Challenged’, was aimed at integrating the physically challenged into all that the society engaged in for them to be motivated to contribute their quota to development.
It was also to educate parents on good parental care, as well as enable children in the municipality to interact and share their problems with the Assembly.
Child rights are standards that recognise and protect the dignity, welfare and well-being of all children as stipulated by Act 560 and the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Osekre said the Assembly would seek to identify children, especially the physically challenged and the most vulnerable in the communities, to assist by providing some of their various needs in order to prevent them from engaging in negative activities.
“Children, despite the Act 560 that protects them, are still in great dangers, some of which are child trafficking and enslavement, child prostitution and severe beatings. If such issues are not tackled, then crime rate, unemployment and a lot of social vices will reach intolerable levels, which will pose a threat to the security of life and property,” he said.
“It’s about time society frowns on all these cultural and societal abuses meted to children to ensure their safety to enable these young ones to grow well in freedom to attain the possible heights in life,” he added.
He commended the Assembly for making provision for needy children to be supported through a common fund to make education accessible to all.
The Chairperson for the function, Benjamin Annum Odotei, stated that issues concerning African Child Day were significant since they gave the opportunity to highlight issues such as child trafficking, child prostitution and enslavement that undermined childrens’ future.
“Days such as today are deemed important since we are able to discuss issues concerning the lives of our children. They are the future leaders and therefore must be protected from negative activities,” he said.
The Deputy Regional Director of Social Welfare, Nii Trebi, said children were the greatest asserts of every foundation, if given the proper attention, education and care.
He said the physically challenged should not be discriminated against but involved in national programmes so that they did not feel marginalised.
THE Chief Executive of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, Mr Ebenezer Adjei Osekre, has called on society to challenge cultures that inhibit the development of people, particularly children and the physically challenged.
He expressed concern about how some people hid behind obnoxious traditions and cultures and meted out dehumanising acts to children, adding that that would not augur well for the nation’s development.
Mr Osekre made the call when he addressed the African Child Day organised by the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly in Accra last Friday.
The celebration, which was on the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers of Physically Challenged’, was aimed at integrating the physically challenged into all that the society engaged in for them to be motivated to contribute their quota to development.
It was also to educate parents on good parental care, as well as enable children in the municipality to interact and share their problems with the Assembly.
Child rights are standards that recognise and protect the dignity, welfare and well-being of all children as stipulated by Act 560 and the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Osekre said the Assembly would seek to identify children, especially the physically challenged and the most vulnerable in the communities, to assist by providing some of their various needs in order to prevent them from engaging in negative activities.
“Children, despite the Act 560 that protects them, are still in great dangers, some of which are child trafficking and enslavement, child prostitution and severe beatings. If such issues are not tackled, then crime rate, unemployment and a lot of social vices will reach intolerable levels, which will pose a threat to the security of life and property,” he said.
“It’s about time society frowns on all these cultural and societal abuses meted to children to ensure their safety to enable these young ones to grow well in freedom to attain the possible heights in life,” he added.
He commended the Assembly for making provision for needy children to be supported through a common fund to make education accessible to all.
The Chairperson for the function, Benjamin Annum Odotei, stated that issues concerning African Child Day were significant since they gave the opportunity to highlight issues such as child trafficking, child prostitution and enslavement that undermined childrens’ future.
“Days such as today are deemed important since we are able to discuss issues concerning the lives of our children. They are the future leaders and therefore must be protected from negative activities,” he said.
The Deputy Regional Director of Social Welfare, Nii Trebi, said children were the greatest asserts of every foundation, if given the proper attention, education and care.
He said the physically challenged should not be discriminated against but involved in national programmes so that they did not feel marginalised.
GIJ Reacts to Entrance Exams
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has stated that the re-introduction of an entrance examination by the institute as part of its admission requirements is necessitated by the low standard of the English Language of many students.
The Acting Rector, Mr Kweku Rockson, was speaking to the Daily Graphic in reaction to concerns raised by the public about the re-introduction of the entrance examination.
Some members of the public had argued that the entrance examinations was not necessary, since the University of Ghana, which the institute is affiliated to, did not conduct an entrance examination for prospective students, apart from mature students.
They also argued that the condition could be a burden for applicants, especially those who lived outside Accra after submission of application forms.
Mr Rockson said the institute had realised that the quality of writing had declined as compared to former years, which reflects in reports produced by students in assignments and examinations.
"As a foremost undergraduate communication training institute on the African continent, we believe the least we can do is to produce people who will have complete command over the official language of the country," he said.
According to him, the institute's mission required of it to produce for the media industry in Ghana and other parts of the continent.
He said it would be wrong on the institute's part to ignore concerns raised by the media about the writing abilities and the quality of language skills of some of the institute’s graduates.
"Lecturers who have taught in this institution for years have expressed concern about the qualitative decline of the standards of students," he added.
He also explained that applicants for both the degree and diploma programmes would be required to write the entrance examinations.
Mr Rockson told the Daily Graphic that the institute had also made provision for continuing students to improve upon their proficiency in English language, creative writing skills and presentation.
"Internally, to further boost the grade for writing, we have increased the number of contact hours for English, dividing the programme into Grammar and English usage, thus providing more opportunities for students to improve on their writing skills and presentation".
He concluded that admission requirements now included a minimum of credits at the West African Senior Secondary Examination (WASSE), an entrance examination and an interview.
THE Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has stated that the re-introduction of an entrance examination by the institute as part of its admission requirements is necessitated by the low standard of the English Language of many students.
The Acting Rector, Mr Kweku Rockson, was speaking to the Daily Graphic in reaction to concerns raised by the public about the re-introduction of the entrance examination.
Some members of the public had argued that the entrance examinations was not necessary, since the University of Ghana, which the institute is affiliated to, did not conduct an entrance examination for prospective students, apart from mature students.
They also argued that the condition could be a burden for applicants, especially those who lived outside Accra after submission of application forms.
Mr Rockson said the institute had realised that the quality of writing had declined as compared to former years, which reflects in reports produced by students in assignments and examinations.
"As a foremost undergraduate communication training institute on the African continent, we believe the least we can do is to produce people who will have complete command over the official language of the country," he said.
According to him, the institute's mission required of it to produce for the media industry in Ghana and other parts of the continent.
He said it would be wrong on the institute's part to ignore concerns raised by the media about the writing abilities and the quality of language skills of some of the institute’s graduates.
"Lecturers who have taught in this institution for years have expressed concern about the qualitative decline of the standards of students," he added.
He also explained that applicants for both the degree and diploma programmes would be required to write the entrance examinations.
Mr Rockson told the Daily Graphic that the institute had also made provision for continuing students to improve upon their proficiency in English language, creative writing skills and presentation.
"Internally, to further boost the grade for writing, we have increased the number of contact hours for English, dividing the programme into Grammar and English usage, thus providing more opportunities for students to improve on their writing skills and presentation".
He concluded that admission requirements now included a minimum of credits at the West African Senior Secondary Examination (WASSE), an entrance examination and an interview.
Keep minors away from polling
Story: Matilda Attram
The Mukasahemaa of Akuapem, Nana Afuadu Kwadyan II, has cautioned women to keep their children who are minors away from polling stations during the December elections.
She said it was the responsibility of mothers to advise their husbands and children to be tolerant before, during and after the December elections.
She was speaking at a forum organised by the Greater Accra Regional branch of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) in Accra to sensitise them to the role of women in the development of the nation.
It was on the theme “Tolerance for Peaceful, Non-Violent Elections”.
She said as mothers they were in a good stead to influence their husbands and children on ensuring peace in the communities where they belonged.
Nana Kwadyan also urged women to ensure that there was friendship and unity among people of different political persuasions which served as factors for social integration and cohesion.
“The prospect of a future peace and prosperity largely depends on us. Elections should not be seen as a do or die affair, but rather a tool for development. We are all involved in creating peace in our country”, she said.
She therefore appealed to political leaders to be mindful of their utterances and to advice their followers to be tolerant in order not to incite violence.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, Mrs Doris Otiwa Archeampong, in her welcome address stated that, women were very important in the affairs of every nation, without which prosperity would not be attained.
“In spite of all the discrimination against women in our society, we still remain the latent power in whose bosom and hands lies the peace and prosperity of the nation” she said.
She said that women and children were mostly victims of conflict situations and bore the atrocities of all negativities such as rape, hunger and torture.
“ It is in the light of this concern that I urge you to gird your loins, so that together as one we will ensure that the forthcoming elections are held in a non-violent environment. It is therefore incumbent on us as women to take the destiny of our nation in our hearts and do all that is necessary to bring peace which will benefit us and our children”, she cautioned.
Mrs Archeampong stated that elections were a key component of democracy that enabled eligible citizens to exercise their franchise for the progress of the nation they belong to.
“Elections enable citizens to exercise their freedom of choice in electing their leaders to help develop the nation” she stated.
According to her, tolerance, fairness, transparency and obedience were components of friendship and unity which built social integration and cohesion.
She said everyone had the right to speak but noted that they must be responsible to show respect for each others sensibilities to maintain peace and harmony.
The Mukasahemaa of Akuapem, Nana Afuadu Kwadyan II, has cautioned women to keep their children who are minors away from polling stations during the December elections.
She said it was the responsibility of mothers to advise their husbands and children to be tolerant before, during and after the December elections.
She was speaking at a forum organised by the Greater Accra Regional branch of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) in Accra to sensitise them to the role of women in the development of the nation.
It was on the theme “Tolerance for Peaceful, Non-Violent Elections”.
She said as mothers they were in a good stead to influence their husbands and children on ensuring peace in the communities where they belonged.
Nana Kwadyan also urged women to ensure that there was friendship and unity among people of different political persuasions which served as factors for social integration and cohesion.
“The prospect of a future peace and prosperity largely depends on us. Elections should not be seen as a do or die affair, but rather a tool for development. We are all involved in creating peace in our country”, she said.
She therefore appealed to political leaders to be mindful of their utterances and to advice their followers to be tolerant in order not to incite violence.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, Mrs Doris Otiwa Archeampong, in her welcome address stated that, women were very important in the affairs of every nation, without which prosperity would not be attained.
“In spite of all the discrimination against women in our society, we still remain the latent power in whose bosom and hands lies the peace and prosperity of the nation” she said.
She said that women and children were mostly victims of conflict situations and bore the atrocities of all negativities such as rape, hunger and torture.
“ It is in the light of this concern that I urge you to gird your loins, so that together as one we will ensure that the forthcoming elections are held in a non-violent environment. It is therefore incumbent on us as women to take the destiny of our nation in our hearts and do all that is necessary to bring peace which will benefit us and our children”, she cautioned.
Mrs Archeampong stated that elections were a key component of democracy that enabled eligible citizens to exercise their franchise for the progress of the nation they belong to.
“Elections enable citizens to exercise their freedom of choice in electing their leaders to help develop the nation” she stated.
According to her, tolerance, fairness, transparency and obedience were components of friendship and unity which built social integration and cohesion.
She said everyone had the right to speak but noted that they must be responsible to show respect for each others sensibilities to maintain peace and harmony.
District Doctors refuse post
Story: Matilda Attram
The delay in posting doctors to the rural areas is the result of the refusal of junior doctors to work in such places when posted, Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, the Government Spokesperson for Social Services, has said.
He bemoaned the relatively few doctors presently serving in the rural areas of the country as against the growing number of patients who urgently needed medical attention.
He told the Daily Graphic that though the leadership of the Ghana Health Service was aware of that challenge and was working hard to address the situation the problem still persisted.
Mr Bediako, who expressed regret about the refusal of medical doctors to accept postings to the deprived areas of the country, noted that few doctors stayed at the district capitals whilst some refused transfer to regional hospitals.
“The delay in postings has exerted pressure on the few doctors at post, and currently the doctor-patient ratio in some district hospitals in the country has worsened due to delayed postings,” he remarked.
The government spokesperson, however, disclosed that a scheme named “Deprived Area Incentive Allowance” had been instituted to serve as an incentive for health personnel serving in the rural areas.
He said the Ghana Health Service was expected to act expeditiously with regard to postings of health personnel to forestall problems in district hospitals in particular.
The delay in posting doctors to the rural areas is the result of the refusal of junior doctors to work in such places when posted, Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, the Government Spokesperson for Social Services, has said.
He bemoaned the relatively few doctors presently serving in the rural areas of the country as against the growing number of patients who urgently needed medical attention.
He told the Daily Graphic that though the leadership of the Ghana Health Service was aware of that challenge and was working hard to address the situation the problem still persisted.
Mr Bediako, who expressed regret about the refusal of medical doctors to accept postings to the deprived areas of the country, noted that few doctors stayed at the district capitals whilst some refused transfer to regional hospitals.
“The delay in postings has exerted pressure on the few doctors at post, and currently the doctor-patient ratio in some district hospitals in the country has worsened due to delayed postings,” he remarked.
The government spokesperson, however, disclosed that a scheme named “Deprived Area Incentive Allowance” had been instituted to serve as an incentive for health personnel serving in the rural areas.
He said the Ghana Health Service was expected to act expeditiously with regard to postings of health personnel to forestall problems in district hospitals in particular.
BAD STENCH RAIDS ASYLUM DOWN
Published in the Daily Graphic on 6/08/08, Metro pg
Story: Matilda Attram.
Some residents at Asylum Down have turned a major uncovered drainage near the Christian Methodist High School, which is close to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, into a place of convenience though a public toilet is sited few metres from the drain.
Interestingly, some residents defecate anytime of the day without shame, ignoring cars that drive by.
Some also defecate into black plastic bags and throw them into the drain that directly connects the Odaw River, oblivious of the health hazards their action create.
Residents also dump used toilet paper and rubbish into the drain, thus choking it and causing the drain to overflow its banks anytime it rains compounding the sanitation situation in the area..
Passers-by are either spotted covering their noses or fleeing from the stench that emanates from the drain.
When the Daily Graphic inquired from residents as to why some people defecated into the drains, some said they could not afford to pay 25 pesewas each time they wanted to attend to the call of nature at the toilet facility in the area.
Mr Sebastian Nii Attram, a resident, said: “They complain that the 25 pesewas they are being asked to pay is too expensive hence they use the open drain which is free of charge. The behaviour is irresponsible but it seems the metropolitan authorities are too relaxed to enforce the assembly’s bye-laws on sanitation.”
It is so common to see adults and children squat closely at the edge of the drain without fear of falling into it.
A student at the Christian Methodist High School, Ms Amanda Wilson, described the situation as worrying.
“We always hurriedly climb the stairs and cross the street to the other side of the overhead bridge at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle when we close from school because the stench is unbearable. We have to cover our nostrils to stop inhaling bad air which emanates from the drain,” she said.
Some residents told the Daily Graphic that anytime it rained heavily, water from the overflowing drain carried human excreta into their homes.
A resident, who gave her name as Esi Nkansah, said the bad odour that wafted through their homes was unbearable.
“We cannot bear the stench especially in this rainy season; we can't sleep at night because we breathe in bad air. Please the metropolitan authorities must do something about our situation,” she said.
Some residents who pleaded anonymity claimed they had reported their plight to the assembly member of the area but nothing seemed to be done about the worrying situation.
They alleged that the assembly member was aware of the situation but had done nothing about it.
The Director of the Osu Klottey Sub-Metro, Mr Seth Nii Okpe, told Daily Graphic that there had been no official report to the assembly.
He, however, admitted that the situation was unpleasant. “It's a huge problem particularly since it is close to a school and residential homes. It is also worrying because it is close to a public toilet and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, which is a ceremonial area. We need to solve this problem holistically,” he said.
“We need to tackle the problem immediately. I plead with members of the community, assembly members, and security institutions particularly the police to help arrest offenders,” he added.
Story: Matilda Attram.
Some residents at Asylum Down have turned a major uncovered drainage near the Christian Methodist High School, which is close to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, into a place of convenience though a public toilet is sited few metres from the drain.
Interestingly, some residents defecate anytime of the day without shame, ignoring cars that drive by.
Some also defecate into black plastic bags and throw them into the drain that directly connects the Odaw River, oblivious of the health hazards their action create.
Residents also dump used toilet paper and rubbish into the drain, thus choking it and causing the drain to overflow its banks anytime it rains compounding the sanitation situation in the area..
Passers-by are either spotted covering their noses or fleeing from the stench that emanates from the drain.
When the Daily Graphic inquired from residents as to why some people defecated into the drains, some said they could not afford to pay 25 pesewas each time they wanted to attend to the call of nature at the toilet facility in the area.
Mr Sebastian Nii Attram, a resident, said: “They complain that the 25 pesewas they are being asked to pay is too expensive hence they use the open drain which is free of charge. The behaviour is irresponsible but it seems the metropolitan authorities are too relaxed to enforce the assembly’s bye-laws on sanitation.”
It is so common to see adults and children squat closely at the edge of the drain without fear of falling into it.
A student at the Christian Methodist High School, Ms Amanda Wilson, described the situation as worrying.
“We always hurriedly climb the stairs and cross the street to the other side of the overhead bridge at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle when we close from school because the stench is unbearable. We have to cover our nostrils to stop inhaling bad air which emanates from the drain,” she said.
Some residents told the Daily Graphic that anytime it rained heavily, water from the overflowing drain carried human excreta into their homes.
A resident, who gave her name as Esi Nkansah, said the bad odour that wafted through their homes was unbearable.
“We cannot bear the stench especially in this rainy season; we can't sleep at night because we breathe in bad air. Please the metropolitan authorities must do something about our situation,” she said.
Some residents who pleaded anonymity claimed they had reported their plight to the assembly member of the area but nothing seemed to be done about the worrying situation.
They alleged that the assembly member was aware of the situation but had done nothing about it.
The Director of the Osu Klottey Sub-Metro, Mr Seth Nii Okpe, told Daily Graphic that there had been no official report to the assembly.
He, however, admitted that the situation was unpleasant. “It's a huge problem particularly since it is close to a school and residential homes. It is also worrying because it is close to a public toilet and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, which is a ceremonial area. We need to solve this problem holistically,” he said.
“We need to tackle the problem immediately. I plead with members of the community, assembly members, and security institutions particularly the police to help arrest offenders,” he added.
Dysfunctional traffic lights to be rehabilitated.
Story: Matilda Attram
Dysfunctional traffic lights to be rehabilitated.
The Accra Metropolitan Roads Department is to carry out a major rehabilitation of all disfunctioning traffic lights in the Accra metropolis to save lives.
The rehabilitation works will involve the changing of underground cables that have become dysfunctional as a result of the load shedding exercise experienced in the country two years ago.
The Traffic Engineer of the Department of Urban Roads, Mr Theodore Quaye, attributed the malfunctioning of most traffic lights at intersections mainly to the load shedding exercise. He was answering questions posed by the Daily Graphic on the malfunctioning of most traffic lights in the metropolis.
He explained that the exercise affected the control buttons of the underground cables and resulted in the poor functioning of the lights.
Mr Quaye said apart from the load shedding exercise, the company also faced two other major problems, which needed to be addressed.
He also said some of the traffic lights had expired and the worn out underground cables had to be replaced with new ones.
“We had a major problem two years ago during the load shedding period and that affected most of our controllers. There is also the need for some of these lights to be replaced since the lifespan of the signal has come to an end,” he said.
He added that the company encountered problems of reckless drivers who hit the lights and ran away resulting in great losses to the company and the state.
“We also have the problem of hit-and-run incidents, the cost of which the government has to bear and this adds up to the problems being taken care of and which takes some time to repair”, he said.
He warned that reckless drivers who damaged any traffic light would be arrested and surcharged with the cost of replacement.
Mr Quaye again said some of the lights did not operate due to the absence of electric power from the Electricity Corporation of Ghana and that the security agencies were contacted to direct vehicles at the intersections in such situations.
He said the company had, therefore, instructed the contractors of Signals and Controllers Ghana and Facol Roads for the replacement and maintenance of the lights.
He emphasised that although all intersections were equally important, there were some which needed much attention because of the huge traffic which could cause serious problems.
“ We ensure that intersections like the Opeibia, Gold House and the Holy Spirit Cathedral areas work all the time, because they are key areas that encounter heavy vehicular traffic for a long period of time”, he explained.
Mr Quaye, therefore, said the relevant controllers would be imported into the country soon to save lives in the rampant accidents in the country.
Dysfunctional traffic lights to be rehabilitated.
The Accra Metropolitan Roads Department is to carry out a major rehabilitation of all disfunctioning traffic lights in the Accra metropolis to save lives.
The rehabilitation works will involve the changing of underground cables that have become dysfunctional as a result of the load shedding exercise experienced in the country two years ago.
The Traffic Engineer of the Department of Urban Roads, Mr Theodore Quaye, attributed the malfunctioning of most traffic lights at intersections mainly to the load shedding exercise. He was answering questions posed by the Daily Graphic on the malfunctioning of most traffic lights in the metropolis.
He explained that the exercise affected the control buttons of the underground cables and resulted in the poor functioning of the lights.
Mr Quaye said apart from the load shedding exercise, the company also faced two other major problems, which needed to be addressed.
He also said some of the traffic lights had expired and the worn out underground cables had to be replaced with new ones.
“We had a major problem two years ago during the load shedding period and that affected most of our controllers. There is also the need for some of these lights to be replaced since the lifespan of the signal has come to an end,” he said.
He added that the company encountered problems of reckless drivers who hit the lights and ran away resulting in great losses to the company and the state.
“We also have the problem of hit-and-run incidents, the cost of which the government has to bear and this adds up to the problems being taken care of and which takes some time to repair”, he said.
He warned that reckless drivers who damaged any traffic light would be arrested and surcharged with the cost of replacement.
Mr Quaye again said some of the lights did not operate due to the absence of electric power from the Electricity Corporation of Ghana and that the security agencies were contacted to direct vehicles at the intersections in such situations.
He said the company had, therefore, instructed the contractors of Signals and Controllers Ghana and Facol Roads for the replacement and maintenance of the lights.
He emphasised that although all intersections were equally important, there were some which needed much attention because of the huge traffic which could cause serious problems.
“ We ensure that intersections like the Opeibia, Gold House and the Holy Spirit Cathedral areas work all the time, because they are key areas that encounter heavy vehicular traffic for a long period of time”, he explained.
Mr Quaye, therefore, said the relevant controllers would be imported into the country soon to save lives in the rampant accidents in the country.
Ghana Railway Authority to replace coaches
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ghana Railways Company Limited is to bring five new coaches from the Takoradi station to augment its fleet on the Accra-Nsawam line.
Mr Anthony Arthur-Mends, the Area Traffic Manager at the Accra station, told the Daily Graphic that the move was intended to enable the company to meet the growing demand for rail transport in Accra.
He explained that as a result of a number of derailments of its coaches in Accra, they had become weak, hence the need to replace them to avoid future problems.
Within the last few years, the coaches of the company on the Accra-Nsawam route have derailed killing at least two persons and the coaches are not pulling their weight.
Mr Arthur-Mends acknowledged the complaints of the passengers with regards to congestion as a result of overcrowding caused by the fewer number of coaches on the tracks, and said efforts were underway to ensure that more coaches were brought in to meet the demand.
Reacting to concerns about the increase in fares, he explained that the decision was to enable the company to raise enough funds to support its maintenance programmes and the high cost of fuel used in running the coaches.
“We have charged 40Gp since 2004 and now we are making losses. Our fares have always been less than what GPRTU vehicles charge, so they should please bear with us,” he added.
About congestion, he attributed the cause to some passengers who sold their wares in the train while on board and noted that their activities rendered it virtually impossible for passengers to move around freely.
Mr Arthur-Mends said numerous attempts to get them to desist from such a practice had always fallen on deaf ears.
He appealed to those involved in such practice to desist from it to allow the free flow of passengers while on board.
Passengers who patronise the Accra-Nsawam train have complained about the inconveniences they go through on board. According to them, the coaches, which were 10 in number, had been reduced to seven in a shuttle.
Linda Ackah, a trader and a passenger on board, told Daily Graphic that “my problem is how congested this train becomes when its about moving from Nsawam to Accra and from Accra to Nsawam. It does not allow free movement when you are on board. I had a cut on my left leg because the train was overloaded”.
She also complained that the train sometimes moved with their goods because they would stop for just a short time without making sure their goods were in or out of the train.
“The ticket examiners only take the fares and do not help us offload our goods when we get to our destinations. If you are not smart, your goods would be taken away and might get lost.”
Others also said they sometimes could not alight at their destinations because the train did not stop at certain points. “I live at Alogboshie but would sometimes have to pick a car back to my destination because the train would not stop at that point,” a lady on board said.
Michael Osei, a student of the Accra Polytechnic and on board at the time of Daily Graphic’s trip, said he had a problem with the maintenance of the train. He said the authorities must provide more spare parts to maintain the train to ensure the convenience of its passengers.
“There are no lights and fans, the place of convenience on board is very bad and the taps do not flow. This encourages other young men to hang outside risking their lives, with the excuse that they want fresh air while the train would be moving.”
He also complained about the poor communication system used by the authorities in conducting the train. “Sometimes we are delayed to our destinations without being informed of anything. At least the authorities should grant us some respect by informing us on what goes wrong when we are delayed.”
Grace Abbey, a trader on board, told Daily Graphic that the fare that was formerly 40Gp had been increased to 60Gp, complaining that it was not easy for passengers. ”I’ll plead with the authorities to consider the economy and reduce the fare for us. Some of us with goods would have to pay double for our seats and our goods but do not get good places to pack them on board before the train sets off,” she added.
THE Ghana Railways Company Limited is to bring five new coaches from the Takoradi station to augment its fleet on the Accra-Nsawam line.
Mr Anthony Arthur-Mends, the Area Traffic Manager at the Accra station, told the Daily Graphic that the move was intended to enable the company to meet the growing demand for rail transport in Accra.
He explained that as a result of a number of derailments of its coaches in Accra, they had become weak, hence the need to replace them to avoid future problems.
Within the last few years, the coaches of the company on the Accra-Nsawam route have derailed killing at least two persons and the coaches are not pulling their weight.
Mr Arthur-Mends acknowledged the complaints of the passengers with regards to congestion as a result of overcrowding caused by the fewer number of coaches on the tracks, and said efforts were underway to ensure that more coaches were brought in to meet the demand.
Reacting to concerns about the increase in fares, he explained that the decision was to enable the company to raise enough funds to support its maintenance programmes and the high cost of fuel used in running the coaches.
“We have charged 40Gp since 2004 and now we are making losses. Our fares have always been less than what GPRTU vehicles charge, so they should please bear with us,” he added.
About congestion, he attributed the cause to some passengers who sold their wares in the train while on board and noted that their activities rendered it virtually impossible for passengers to move around freely.
Mr Arthur-Mends said numerous attempts to get them to desist from such a practice had always fallen on deaf ears.
He appealed to those involved in such practice to desist from it to allow the free flow of passengers while on board.
Passengers who patronise the Accra-Nsawam train have complained about the inconveniences they go through on board. According to them, the coaches, which were 10 in number, had been reduced to seven in a shuttle.
Linda Ackah, a trader and a passenger on board, told Daily Graphic that “my problem is how congested this train becomes when its about moving from Nsawam to Accra and from Accra to Nsawam. It does not allow free movement when you are on board. I had a cut on my left leg because the train was overloaded”.
She also complained that the train sometimes moved with their goods because they would stop for just a short time without making sure their goods were in or out of the train.
“The ticket examiners only take the fares and do not help us offload our goods when we get to our destinations. If you are not smart, your goods would be taken away and might get lost.”
Others also said they sometimes could not alight at their destinations because the train did not stop at certain points. “I live at Alogboshie but would sometimes have to pick a car back to my destination because the train would not stop at that point,” a lady on board said.
Michael Osei, a student of the Accra Polytechnic and on board at the time of Daily Graphic’s trip, said he had a problem with the maintenance of the train. He said the authorities must provide more spare parts to maintain the train to ensure the convenience of its passengers.
“There are no lights and fans, the place of convenience on board is very bad and the taps do not flow. This encourages other young men to hang outside risking their lives, with the excuse that they want fresh air while the train would be moving.”
He also complained about the poor communication system used by the authorities in conducting the train. “Sometimes we are delayed to our destinations without being informed of anything. At least the authorities should grant us some respect by informing us on what goes wrong when we are delayed.”
Grace Abbey, a trader on board, told Daily Graphic that the fare that was formerly 40Gp had been increased to 60Gp, complaining that it was not easy for passengers. ”I’ll plead with the authorities to consider the economy and reduce the fare for us. Some of us with goods would have to pay double for our seats and our goods but do not get good places to pack them on board before the train sets off,” she added.
Ghana has condusive business atmosphere
Story: Matilda Attram
A DEPUTY Minister of Trade, Industry, PSD and PSIs, Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, says there is a conducive business environment for investors in Ghana.
He said the country could boast “democratic government, political and economic stability, available and trainable manpower, competitive wages in the sub-region, government assistance in the form of investment incentives and easy transfer of foreign exchange to and from the country”.
Opening the Third Thailand Exhibition in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Agyeman-Manu said the ministry had also outlined a programme, dubbed “New Industrial Reform and Accelerated Growth Programme”, to rejuvenate the economy.
He said the programme was driven by an export-oriented industrialisation process, which focused on agro-processing and other manufacturing activities.
According to him, it was also centred on mass mobilisation of the country’s rural population and other vulnerable groups, particularly women.
Mr Agyeman-Manu said a second aspect of the programme was also on domestic industrialisation and targeted the production of a substantial amount of non-petroleum government imports, as well as a wide range of processed foods and agricultural products that were imported by private individuals and companies.
He said the government had come up with strategic interventions to boost Ghanaian exports, which would enable them to become more competitive on the international market.
He said he expected the exhibition to offer Ghanaian companies the opportunity to address their problems relating to market information, and to source finances from Thailand financial institutions in business.
“This exhibition is exceptional because the centre has for the first time accepted Ghanaian companies to exhibit their products that could lead to joint ventures to market products. This is an excellent opportunity to promote business activities,” he said.
The Director of Thai Trade Centre Ghana, Mr Pithya Boonying, said the event was aimed at promoting and facilitating trade investment between Ghana and Thailand.
He said the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand considered Ghana’s economy as a potential for business partnership, due to its favourable political stability and investment climate in West Africa.
He stated that trade between two countries should not only take one direction, since it was a two-way affair and involved two parties.
“This exhibition is not by any means encouraging imports of Thailand products to the Ghanaian market only but also to encourage exporting Ghanaian products to the Thailand market,” he stated.
Mr Boonying, therefore, encouraged Ghanaians to explore business collaboration with Thailand and to search for opportunities to export Ghanaian products to Thailand.
Some items displayed at the exhibition were construction and building materials, auto parts and accessories, houseware products, food items and cosmetics.
A DEPUTY Minister of Trade, Industry, PSD and PSIs, Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, says there is a conducive business environment for investors in Ghana.
He said the country could boast “democratic government, political and economic stability, available and trainable manpower, competitive wages in the sub-region, government assistance in the form of investment incentives and easy transfer of foreign exchange to and from the country”.
Opening the Third Thailand Exhibition in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Agyeman-Manu said the ministry had also outlined a programme, dubbed “New Industrial Reform and Accelerated Growth Programme”, to rejuvenate the economy.
He said the programme was driven by an export-oriented industrialisation process, which focused on agro-processing and other manufacturing activities.
According to him, it was also centred on mass mobilisation of the country’s rural population and other vulnerable groups, particularly women.
Mr Agyeman-Manu said a second aspect of the programme was also on domestic industrialisation and targeted the production of a substantial amount of non-petroleum government imports, as well as a wide range of processed foods and agricultural products that were imported by private individuals and companies.
He said the government had come up with strategic interventions to boost Ghanaian exports, which would enable them to become more competitive on the international market.
He said he expected the exhibition to offer Ghanaian companies the opportunity to address their problems relating to market information, and to source finances from Thailand financial institutions in business.
“This exhibition is exceptional because the centre has for the first time accepted Ghanaian companies to exhibit their products that could lead to joint ventures to market products. This is an excellent opportunity to promote business activities,” he said.
The Director of Thai Trade Centre Ghana, Mr Pithya Boonying, said the event was aimed at promoting and facilitating trade investment between Ghana and Thailand.
He said the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand considered Ghana’s economy as a potential for business partnership, due to its favourable political stability and investment climate in West Africa.
He stated that trade between two countries should not only take one direction, since it was a two-way affair and involved two parties.
“This exhibition is not by any means encouraging imports of Thailand products to the Ghanaian market only but also to encourage exporting Ghanaian products to the Thailand market,” he stated.
Mr Boonying, therefore, encouraged Ghanaians to explore business collaboration with Thailand and to search for opportunities to export Ghanaian products to Thailand.
Some items displayed at the exhibition were construction and building materials, auto parts and accessories, houseware products, food items and cosmetics.
Re-introduction of Religious, Moral Education in schools commended
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Presbyterian Church of Ghana has commended the government for re-introducing Religious and Moral Education (RME) in the curriculum of basic schools.
The church contended that the move would help to formally inculcate moral values in the youth.
At a press conference in Accra to publicise a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its eighth General Assembly held in Sunyani recently, the Moderator of the church, the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the church also commended the government for implementing the new educational reform programme.
It, however, called on the government to review the strategic plan on education to make its implementation practicable. That, it said, could be done with the consideration of available resources for the Ministry of Education.
"The General Assembly is appealing to the Ministry of Education to use its units and committees, such as the Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PBME) Division and the Educational Management Information Systems (EMIS), to periodically draw the government’s attention to any lapses for early correction,” it said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso also stated that the assembly was worried about the plight of the large number of unemployed youth and said the government needed to work on the expansion of the core programmes under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) with improved procedures to ensure success in its endeavours.
"To help tackle unemployment, we urge the government to speed up all measures necessary for increased job creation, such as the promotion of agro-processing industries, intensification of agricultural products and facilitating access to credit for farmers and entrepreneurs with appropriate tax incentives,” he added.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso noted that the country rested on the youth who needed to be trained for future responsibilities.
"Unemployment due to the lack of education, skills and lack of opportunities in the job market for the youth to acquire a requisite living will be harmful to the progress of the nation,” he concluded.
THE Presbyterian Church of Ghana has commended the government for re-introducing Religious and Moral Education (RME) in the curriculum of basic schools.
The church contended that the move would help to formally inculcate moral values in the youth.
At a press conference in Accra to publicise a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its eighth General Assembly held in Sunyani recently, the Moderator of the church, the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the church also commended the government for implementing the new educational reform programme.
It, however, called on the government to review the strategic plan on education to make its implementation practicable. That, it said, could be done with the consideration of available resources for the Ministry of Education.
"The General Assembly is appealing to the Ministry of Education to use its units and committees, such as the Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PBME) Division and the Educational Management Information Systems (EMIS), to periodically draw the government’s attention to any lapses for early correction,” it said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso also stated that the assembly was worried about the plight of the large number of unemployed youth and said the government needed to work on the expansion of the core programmes under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) with improved procedures to ensure success in its endeavours.
"To help tackle unemployment, we urge the government to speed up all measures necessary for increased job creation, such as the promotion of agro-processing industries, intensification of agricultural products and facilitating access to credit for farmers and entrepreneurs with appropriate tax incentives,” he added.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso noted that the country rested on the youth who needed to be trained for future responsibilities.
"Unemployment due to the lack of education, skills and lack of opportunities in the job market for the youth to acquire a requisite living will be harmful to the progress of the nation,” he concluded.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Let's not engage children in begging
Story: Matilda Attram
It is a sorry sight to see some children below the age of 10 assisting elderly people to beg for alms at various traffic intersections on the streets of Accra.
Out of curiosity, this reporter once asked a young boy who was helping an adult to beg for alms at the Holy Spirit Cathedral traffic intersection whether he would not go to school. He just stared at her and walked away, but another one told her that he was on the afternoon shift.
Some of the children, made up of refugees from the Sahelian countries, walk dangerously on the streets and approach drivers whose cars stop at the traffic lights for money, while their parents sit under trees by the roadside directing them.
Some people interviewed on the issue told the Daily Graphic that they were always forced to give money to the children, even if they had very little on them.
Sandra Ofori, a student at the University of Ghana, said she gave money to the children any time she passed through the Kwame Nkrumah Circle since she had pity on them.
However, she said, some children pestered and followed her when she was unable to give them some money.
“The parents of these kids direct them to harass people for money, while they sit under trees doing nothing. I sometimes give them money because I like kids and don’t want to see them go hungry. However, they sometimes go to the extreme and attack you as if you work for them and sometimes insult you if you don’t give them anything,” she said.
Another person, Ernest Sekyere, said he got very angry any time the ‘children beggars’ got closer to him because he perceived their parents to be lazy.
He said he formerly gave out money to them but stopped doing so, since he realised that they were sent by able-bodied people who could work to fend for themselves and their children.
“ I used to give them money any time I passed by. The economy these days is not good. The parents can carry loads for people and get paid because we can’t always feed them this way. And any time you try pulling the kids away, their parents find the need to follow you.”
A mother of set of twins, who was seen begging for alms on the pavements at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, complained that she was doing so because she had no one to help her take care of her children after the death of her husband.
“It is not my intention to beg for alms but I have to do so since I don’t have a job and money to take care of the children. My husband died two years ago without any property. My children and I have to sleep in front of shops in the night and come here early morning to seek for help from the public,” she said.
She, therefore, pleaded with the government and the public to come to her aid because she wanted her children to be educated.
The Director for International Desk (Children) of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOW), Mrs Marilyn Amponsah Annan, conceded that the use of children to beg for alms was a serious offence as it was a serious form of child labour.
She explained that the rights of children were abused if they were denied any form of education or vocational training and forced to work in an environment that put the life of the child at risk and endangered his or her health.
Mrs Annan explained that some of the parents of such children had turned begging into business.
“They believe begging is an easier way of getting money than working, but it is very wrong. Parents must not give up when they go through tough situations. They must have some confidence in themselves and push hard to enable them take care of their families,” she said.
Reacting to the situation of the refugees, she admitted the act was wrong since the government had established camps with schools as well as provided social safety nets and poverty alleviation programme for feeding them.
It is a sorry sight to see some children below the age of 10 assisting elderly people to beg for alms at various traffic intersections on the streets of Accra.
Out of curiosity, this reporter once asked a young boy who was helping an adult to beg for alms at the Holy Spirit Cathedral traffic intersection whether he would not go to school. He just stared at her and walked away, but another one told her that he was on the afternoon shift.
Some of the children, made up of refugees from the Sahelian countries, walk dangerously on the streets and approach drivers whose cars stop at the traffic lights for money, while their parents sit under trees by the roadside directing them.
Some people interviewed on the issue told the Daily Graphic that they were always forced to give money to the children, even if they had very little on them.
Sandra Ofori, a student at the University of Ghana, said she gave money to the children any time she passed through the Kwame Nkrumah Circle since she had pity on them.
However, she said, some children pestered and followed her when she was unable to give them some money.
“The parents of these kids direct them to harass people for money, while they sit under trees doing nothing. I sometimes give them money because I like kids and don’t want to see them go hungry. However, they sometimes go to the extreme and attack you as if you work for them and sometimes insult you if you don’t give them anything,” she said.
Another person, Ernest Sekyere, said he got very angry any time the ‘children beggars’ got closer to him because he perceived their parents to be lazy.
He said he formerly gave out money to them but stopped doing so, since he realised that they were sent by able-bodied people who could work to fend for themselves and their children.
“ I used to give them money any time I passed by. The economy these days is not good. The parents can carry loads for people and get paid because we can’t always feed them this way. And any time you try pulling the kids away, their parents find the need to follow you.”
A mother of set of twins, who was seen begging for alms on the pavements at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, complained that she was doing so because she had no one to help her take care of her children after the death of her husband.
“It is not my intention to beg for alms but I have to do so since I don’t have a job and money to take care of the children. My husband died two years ago without any property. My children and I have to sleep in front of shops in the night and come here early morning to seek for help from the public,” she said.
She, therefore, pleaded with the government and the public to come to her aid because she wanted her children to be educated.
The Director for International Desk (Children) of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOW), Mrs Marilyn Amponsah Annan, conceded that the use of children to beg for alms was a serious offence as it was a serious form of child labour.
She explained that the rights of children were abused if they were denied any form of education or vocational training and forced to work in an environment that put the life of the child at risk and endangered his or her health.
Mrs Annan explained that some of the parents of such children had turned begging into business.
“They believe begging is an easier way of getting money than working, but it is very wrong. Parents must not give up when they go through tough situations. They must have some confidence in themselves and push hard to enable them take care of their families,” she said.
Reacting to the situation of the refugees, she admitted the act was wrong since the government had established camps with schools as well as provided social safety nets and poverty alleviation programme for feeding them.
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