Published in the Daily Graphic on 30/12/2009, back pg
Story: Matilda Attram
The Value Added Tax (VAT) Service has introduced a new point of sale device to retailers who are on the VAT scheme to make the collection and payment of VAT easier.
Known as the Electronic Cash Register (ECR), the device, which is connected to the Internet, keeps records of all sales made by the trader within a particular time and enables him to submit his tax returns promptly.
This came to light at a one-day seminar organised by the local VAT office at Ringway Estates to educate its clients on its rules and regulations and their effect on their operations.
In a presentation, the Supervisor of the Enforcement Unit of the Ringway Estates VAT Office, Mr Alfred Adjah, explained that the device, which started operations in September with about 100 traders registered with the Ringway VAT Office, was on a pilot study in Accra and would be introduced to other parts of the country after a successful evaluation.
“VAT wants to be a modern tax agency in the business system to boost the economy. That is why the ECR has been introduced. It is a simple device that operates from an interactive menu to make operations with the VAT Service easier for our traders,” he said.
Mr Adjah indicated that the device was able to keep records of all sales made by the trader within a particular time and could be accessed when needed.
The officer in charge of Registration, Mrs Rebecca Howard, said businesses and individuals engaged in taxable supplies were qualified to register with the service to improve on their businesses, as well as the national economy.
She said the registration process with the VAT Service enabled it to educate its clients on their rights and responsibilities on the tax paying system.
“We also offer help on the completion of registration forms as we educate the businesses. The aim of VAT is to grow businesses to the benefit of all, not to collapse them,” she stated.
The acting Head of the Ringway Estates Local VAT office, Mr Nelson Dovoh, in his remarks, urged all registered VAT consultants and agents to comply with the rules of the service to enable smooth operation of their businesses.
“Don’t hesitate to lodge a complaint with any of our offices if you have any objection concerning our operations for further explanation,” he said.
He also advised participants to keep record of all documents for reference to avoid the payment of penalty.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Let's uproot ills that hinder development-Rt Revd Frimpong Manso
Published in the Daily Graphic on 24/12/2009, pg 16
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has called on Ghanaians to demonstrate a high level of commitment towards uprooting activities that hinder the development of the nation.
He said such activities, including bribery and corruption, dehumanisation and marginalisation of people, political incorrectness and greed, were part of some major practices obstructing the development process.
“Let us, as a nation, rise up and build our walls of fellowship, commonality and fellow-feeling to strengthen our welfare systems. We are to contribute our quota towards the building of the political, social, economic and religious walls of our nation,” he stated.
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso made this remark at a press conference in Accra to deliver his last Christmas and New Year message as a moderator of the Presbyterian Church.
It was on the theme: “Christ, The True Model of Leadership.
Rev Frimpong-Manso urged Ghanaians to reflect on past years and engage in activities that would encourage the youth to contribute to the development of the nation.
He said Ghanaians could do better in developing the nation, if the needed support was generously rendered to each other in all activities.
He added that the rebuilding process of development was a collective task in which all had special roles to play towards the success of the church and the nation.
Rev Frimpong-Manso provoked Ghanaians to reflect on the leadership roles of their various positions and emulate the example of Christ as a model of leadership, who worked to benefit others.
He pointed out that God blessed his people with a peaceful kingdom which needed to be nurtured and developed by its leaders through His spirit to fulfil their leadership mandate for the good of all.
"The world today is facing many challenges which need leaders who will emerge from humble beginnings and yet allow the spirit of God to use them in performing their roles. Let us therefore reflect on the type of kingdoms we are building as leaders," he said.
He further entreated Ghanaians to remember their responsibilities towards the aged, widows, orphans, the needy and the youth as they celebrated the birth of Christ in order to appreciate the vision of Christ that He came for all to have life.
"Of particular concern to me is the ever-increasing numbers of the aged, widows and orphans, who need our material and spiritual support in this time of our lives. Let us create a better welfare system that will take care of the weak and vulnerable in society," Rev Frimpong-Manso added.
He challenged Christians and the public to pray for peace, justice, integrity and righteous living in the new year as the nation prepared for her District Assembly and Unit Committee elections.
Lucy Adoma Yeboah reports that the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Accra, Most Reverend Dr Justice O. Akrofi, in a message, has said that the Christmas and the New Year period is time for reflection and for resolving to commit ourselves to important agenda, adding that “for in it shall we find our peace and security”.
He noted that Ghana had been under the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by President John Evans Atta-Mills for about a year and that the excitement of the presidential and parliamentary elections had now given way to reality and sobriety.
“State-building is working at what it takes to have a vibrant and vital nation-state, buoyant economy, good health system, and moral fibre. It is not the task of only the government; it is the task of all of us. Let all of us, no one excluded, commit to working at building a viable, vibrant and vital state,” he stated.
“At this Yuletide, our deepest prayer for this nation is for peace and reconciliation. Ghana is our only home. The painful experiences of Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone should warn us to so behave as not to destroy our nation or dispossess or disinherit anyone,” he added.
For his part, Reverend Derek Amanor, the Resident Pastor of the RoyalHouse Chapel International, wished all Ghanaians God’s blessings, goodwill and peace at homes, at workplaces, among their neighbours and members of the various political parties.
He recalled an earlier message to the church in which he indicated that in the coming year, God was going to favour Ghana with double blessings.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to live in peace with one another and work towards national development.
Rev Amanor observed that just as the angels sang when Christ was born, Christmas meant peace on earth and goodwill to all men and urged Ghanaians to ensure that they lived in peace throughout the coming year.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has called on Ghanaians to demonstrate a high level of commitment towards uprooting activities that hinder the development of the nation.
He said such activities, including bribery and corruption, dehumanisation and marginalisation of people, political incorrectness and greed, were part of some major practices obstructing the development process.
“Let us, as a nation, rise up and build our walls of fellowship, commonality and fellow-feeling to strengthen our welfare systems. We are to contribute our quota towards the building of the political, social, economic and religious walls of our nation,” he stated.
Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso made this remark at a press conference in Accra to deliver his last Christmas and New Year message as a moderator of the Presbyterian Church.
It was on the theme: “Christ, The True Model of Leadership.
Rev Frimpong-Manso urged Ghanaians to reflect on past years and engage in activities that would encourage the youth to contribute to the development of the nation.
He said Ghanaians could do better in developing the nation, if the needed support was generously rendered to each other in all activities.
He added that the rebuilding process of development was a collective task in which all had special roles to play towards the success of the church and the nation.
Rev Frimpong-Manso provoked Ghanaians to reflect on the leadership roles of their various positions and emulate the example of Christ as a model of leadership, who worked to benefit others.
He pointed out that God blessed his people with a peaceful kingdom which needed to be nurtured and developed by its leaders through His spirit to fulfil their leadership mandate for the good of all.
"The world today is facing many challenges which need leaders who will emerge from humble beginnings and yet allow the spirit of God to use them in performing their roles. Let us therefore reflect on the type of kingdoms we are building as leaders," he said.
He further entreated Ghanaians to remember their responsibilities towards the aged, widows, orphans, the needy and the youth as they celebrated the birth of Christ in order to appreciate the vision of Christ that He came for all to have life.
"Of particular concern to me is the ever-increasing numbers of the aged, widows and orphans, who need our material and spiritual support in this time of our lives. Let us create a better welfare system that will take care of the weak and vulnerable in society," Rev Frimpong-Manso added.
He challenged Christians and the public to pray for peace, justice, integrity and righteous living in the new year as the nation prepared for her District Assembly and Unit Committee elections.
Lucy Adoma Yeboah reports that the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Accra, Most Reverend Dr Justice O. Akrofi, in a message, has said that the Christmas and the New Year period is time for reflection and for resolving to commit ourselves to important agenda, adding that “for in it shall we find our peace and security”.
He noted that Ghana had been under the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by President John Evans Atta-Mills for about a year and that the excitement of the presidential and parliamentary elections had now given way to reality and sobriety.
“State-building is working at what it takes to have a vibrant and vital nation-state, buoyant economy, good health system, and moral fibre. It is not the task of only the government; it is the task of all of us. Let all of us, no one excluded, commit to working at building a viable, vibrant and vital state,” he stated.
“At this Yuletide, our deepest prayer for this nation is for peace and reconciliation. Ghana is our only home. The painful experiences of Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone should warn us to so behave as not to destroy our nation or dispossess or disinherit anyone,” he added.
For his part, Reverend Derek Amanor, the Resident Pastor of the RoyalHouse Chapel International, wished all Ghanaians God’s blessings, goodwill and peace at homes, at workplaces, among their neighbours and members of the various political parties.
He recalled an earlier message to the church in which he indicated that in the coming year, God was going to favour Ghana with double blessings.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to live in peace with one another and work towards national development.
Rev Amanor observed that just as the angels sang when Christ was born, Christmas meant peace on earth and goodwill to all men and urged Ghanaians to ensure that they lived in peace throughout the coming year.
New scheme for local industries
Published in the Daily Graphic on 24/12/2009, pg 35
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Trade and Industry is to introduce a new scheme for local industries to facilitate the promotion of locally manufactured goods.
The new scheme, known as the National Consumer Credit Scheme, is to ensure that manufacturers comply with the needs of consumers as well as enhance the credit given to made-in-Ghana goods.
This was made known by the Director of Domestic Trade and Distribution of the ministry, Mr Ben Peasah, at the launch of the Made-In-Ghana Magazine in Accra.
He said the scheme was also expected to enhance the standard of locally manufactured goods on the international market.
"The scheme will ensure that consumers are satisfied with the services of manufacturers. It will, therefore, enhance the rights of a consumer to be compensated if he is not satisfied with goods purchased over a period of time," he said.
Mr Peasah indicated that the scheme, which was expected to be introduced next year, would be first piloted in Accra to ensure its effectiveness before extending it to the other parts of the country.
He further stated that the Made-In-Ghana Magazine would complement the work of the ministry, since it would encourage local manufacturers to boost their capabilities to compete on the international market.
The Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of the magazine, Mr Emmanuel Adamitey, noted that the publication was initiated when his attention was drawn to the fact that locally manufactured goods were of better quality than some of the imported products.
He said Ghana would do better on the international market if the manufacture of local goods was promoted and patronised on a large scale.
He said the magazine sought to co-ordinate information flow and operations between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and local manufacturers.
He said it would offer measures and publicity campaigns to encourage Ghanaians to patronise made-in-Ghana goods and services.
Mr Adamitey further stated that the magazine targeted industries and individuals who were interested in manufacturing and promoting made-in-Ghana goods.
"The magazine is a platform to articulate the concerns of the trade industry in Ghana. It will also promote our locally manufactured products to the world so that we can perform on the international market,” he stated.
An industrialist and chairperson for the occasion, Mr Robert Akwesi Kwakye Nketia, expressed the hope that the magazine would serve as a platform to sensitise Ghanaians to promote locally manufactured goods to develop the nation.
The magazine contains information on all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fabrics and fashion, minerals, plastic products, oil, property development, technology, wood, art and craft, as well as travel and tourism.
It also contains adverts on locally manufactured goods.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Trade and Industry is to introduce a new scheme for local industries to facilitate the promotion of locally manufactured goods.
The new scheme, known as the National Consumer Credit Scheme, is to ensure that manufacturers comply with the needs of consumers as well as enhance the credit given to made-in-Ghana goods.
This was made known by the Director of Domestic Trade and Distribution of the ministry, Mr Ben Peasah, at the launch of the Made-In-Ghana Magazine in Accra.
He said the scheme was also expected to enhance the standard of locally manufactured goods on the international market.
"The scheme will ensure that consumers are satisfied with the services of manufacturers. It will, therefore, enhance the rights of a consumer to be compensated if he is not satisfied with goods purchased over a period of time," he said.
Mr Peasah indicated that the scheme, which was expected to be introduced next year, would be first piloted in Accra to ensure its effectiveness before extending it to the other parts of the country.
He further stated that the Made-In-Ghana Magazine would complement the work of the ministry, since it would encourage local manufacturers to boost their capabilities to compete on the international market.
The Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of the magazine, Mr Emmanuel Adamitey, noted that the publication was initiated when his attention was drawn to the fact that locally manufactured goods were of better quality than some of the imported products.
He said Ghana would do better on the international market if the manufacture of local goods was promoted and patronised on a large scale.
He said the magazine sought to co-ordinate information flow and operations between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and local manufacturers.
He said it would offer measures and publicity campaigns to encourage Ghanaians to patronise made-in-Ghana goods and services.
Mr Adamitey further stated that the magazine targeted industries and individuals who were interested in manufacturing and promoting made-in-Ghana goods.
"The magazine is a platform to articulate the concerns of the trade industry in Ghana. It will also promote our locally manufactured products to the world so that we can perform on the international market,” he stated.
An industrialist and chairperson for the occasion, Mr Robert Akwesi Kwakye Nketia, expressed the hope that the magazine would serve as a platform to sensitise Ghanaians to promote locally manufactured goods to develop the nation.
The magazine contains information on all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fabrics and fashion, minerals, plastic products, oil, property development, technology, wood, art and craft, as well as travel and tourism.
It also contains adverts on locally manufactured goods.
CSIR organises science contest to mark 60th anniversary
Published in the Daily Graphic on 30/12/2009, pg 19
Story: Matilda Attram
THE competition which gave opportunities to the public to explore their creativity in science and technological innovations involved 60 participants.
They included small-scale self-employed individuals with interest in innovation for development and researchers in any CSIR research institution in the country.
The competition was to raise recognition for science, technology and innovation, as well as encourage their importance for national development.
As part of the requirements for the competition, participants were expected to present innovative scientific equipment and documentaries in the form of engineering devices, electronic equipment, agricultural machinery, a new crop variety, a new animal breed, new process of production, among others, that would improve on development.
At an awards ceremony to climax the competition, the Director for Science, Technology and Policy Research of the CSIR, Dr George Owusu Essegbey, noted that the role of innovation in the socio-economic advancement of nations had become important in the 21st century, since innovation increased the pace of development.
He said Ghana’s efforts at attaining a middle-income status could be greatly facilitated when attention to innovation was considered in its socio-economic activities.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the government and stakeholders to ensure that socio-economic activities were fused with scientific and technological contents, as well as encourage innovation in all aspects of national life.
The Director-General of the CSIR, Mr Abdulai Baaba, in his remarks, said science and technology played important roles in the development of all nations and so they needed a major investment.
He said investment in science and technology promoted development in all activities and must be carefully considered.
He commended participants for their efforts and entreated all scientific institutions to establish science and technology fairs and activities in second-cycle institutions to enhance the potential of the youth for development.
Colonel Abakah Jackson, a scientist, received the first prize of a laptop and an unspecified amount of money for the invention of a flapping turbine to generate electricity.
Colonel Jackson shared the first position with Mr Nicholas Denwar, a researcher at CSIR, who also took home a laptop and an unspecified amount for a documentary on how to improve soya bean harvest in the country.
The second prize of an unspecified amount went to Mr Bawa Adulasi, another small-scale scientist, and Dr Kwesi Atokple, a researcher at CSIR, for inventing an incubator and producing a documentary on increasing cow pea production, respectively.
The third prize went to two people, Captain Victor Batse, a scientist, for the invention of a multi-purpose cook ware and a collapsible mosquito net, and Mr Samuel Obiri, a researcher at CSIR, for his documentary on how to control fluoride in Bongo.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE competition which gave opportunities to the public to explore their creativity in science and technological innovations involved 60 participants.
They included small-scale self-employed individuals with interest in innovation for development and researchers in any CSIR research institution in the country.
The competition was to raise recognition for science, technology and innovation, as well as encourage their importance for national development.
As part of the requirements for the competition, participants were expected to present innovative scientific equipment and documentaries in the form of engineering devices, electronic equipment, agricultural machinery, a new crop variety, a new animal breed, new process of production, among others, that would improve on development.
At an awards ceremony to climax the competition, the Director for Science, Technology and Policy Research of the CSIR, Dr George Owusu Essegbey, noted that the role of innovation in the socio-economic advancement of nations had become important in the 21st century, since innovation increased the pace of development.
He said Ghana’s efforts at attaining a middle-income status could be greatly facilitated when attention to innovation was considered in its socio-economic activities.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the government and stakeholders to ensure that socio-economic activities were fused with scientific and technological contents, as well as encourage innovation in all aspects of national life.
The Director-General of the CSIR, Mr Abdulai Baaba, in his remarks, said science and technology played important roles in the development of all nations and so they needed a major investment.
He said investment in science and technology promoted development in all activities and must be carefully considered.
He commended participants for their efforts and entreated all scientific institutions to establish science and technology fairs and activities in second-cycle institutions to enhance the potential of the youth for development.
Colonel Abakah Jackson, a scientist, received the first prize of a laptop and an unspecified amount of money for the invention of a flapping turbine to generate electricity.
Colonel Jackson shared the first position with Mr Nicholas Denwar, a researcher at CSIR, who also took home a laptop and an unspecified amount for a documentary on how to improve soya bean harvest in the country.
The second prize of an unspecified amount went to Mr Bawa Adulasi, another small-scale scientist, and Dr Kwesi Atokple, a researcher at CSIR, for inventing an incubator and producing a documentary on increasing cow pea production, respectively.
The third prize went to two people, Captain Victor Batse, a scientist, for the invention of a multi-purpose cook ware and a collapsible mosquito net, and Mr Samuel Obiri, a researcher at CSIR, for his documentary on how to control fluoride in Bongo.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Driver's Academy to be established by the National Road Safety Commission
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/12/2009, pg 29
Story: Matilda Attram
A Drivers’ Academy is to be established by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) to improve the skills and competences of drivers in the country.
When completed, drivers would be required to obtain certificates from the academy before they could obtain driver's licence from the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
The project is being initiated by the NRSC in collaboration with other transport organisations to improve on driving generally, thereby reducing the spate of accidents.
The Director for Planning and Programming of NRSC, Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah made this known during a road safety walk organised by the NRSC and the DVLA last Saturday.
The walk, which began from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended at the Ministry of Transport, was part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the NRSC and the DVLA in Accra.
The anniversary being celebrated throughout the country is intended to create awareness of the operations of the NRSC and the DVLA, and also to educate the public on road safety measures.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said the proposed drivers' academy would enhance safety on the roads. “We have realised the driving schools around only train drivers on the basic use of our roads that is why we are planning to introduce the drivers' academy to help equip themselves more with the regulations on our roads”, she added.
In her address, the Director of Administration of the Ministry of Transport, Ms Cecilia Ezra urged Ghanaians to take precautions on the roads.
“The road belongs to all of us and not drivers alone. Let us be careful anytime we use it because our nation needs us alive to develop”, she stated.
She therefore urged the public to co-operate with transport organisations and security personnel on the roads to ensure the safety of their lives.
A Retired Assistant Commander of Police of the Motor Traffic Transport Unit (MTTU), ACP Victor Tandoh stated that the initiatives of the NRSC and the DVLA had brought development to the nation since most drivers were cautious on the roads.
He entreated the public to take vehicles that would cause danger to the lives of others from the roads, and also to report registration numbers of vehicles whose drivers misbehave on the roads to any of the regional offices of the NRSC, DVLA and the MTTU.
Story: Matilda Attram
A Drivers’ Academy is to be established by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) to improve the skills and competences of drivers in the country.
When completed, drivers would be required to obtain certificates from the academy before they could obtain driver's licence from the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
The project is being initiated by the NRSC in collaboration with other transport organisations to improve on driving generally, thereby reducing the spate of accidents.
The Director for Planning and Programming of NRSC, Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah made this known during a road safety walk organised by the NRSC and the DVLA last Saturday.
The walk, which began from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended at the Ministry of Transport, was part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the NRSC and the DVLA in Accra.
The anniversary being celebrated throughout the country is intended to create awareness of the operations of the NRSC and the DVLA, and also to educate the public on road safety measures.
Mrs Obiri-Yeboah said the proposed drivers' academy would enhance safety on the roads. “We have realised the driving schools around only train drivers on the basic use of our roads that is why we are planning to introduce the drivers' academy to help equip themselves more with the regulations on our roads”, she added.
In her address, the Director of Administration of the Ministry of Transport, Ms Cecilia Ezra urged Ghanaians to take precautions on the roads.
“The road belongs to all of us and not drivers alone. Let us be careful anytime we use it because our nation needs us alive to develop”, she stated.
She therefore urged the public to co-operate with transport organisations and security personnel on the roads to ensure the safety of their lives.
A Retired Assistant Commander of Police of the Motor Traffic Transport Unit (MTTU), ACP Victor Tandoh stated that the initiatives of the NRSC and the DVLA had brought development to the nation since most drivers were cautious on the roads.
He entreated the public to take vehicles that would cause danger to the lives of others from the roads, and also to report registration numbers of vehicles whose drivers misbehave on the roads to any of the regional offices of the NRSC, DVLA and the MTTU.
Chase Petroleum supports Garrison School
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/12/2009, pg 24
Story: Matilda Attram
CHASE Petroleum Ghana Limited has unveiled and handed over a refurbished Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre to the Garrison Primary and Junior High Schools in Accra.
The refurbishment, which was done at the cost of $50,000, comes with a control room and instructor’s office, 28 pieces of flat screen computers, computer tables with chairs, a glass showcase with computer accessories and an Internet facility.
The company’s gesture is to facilitate teaching and learning of ICT in the school.
In a speech read on his behalf at the inauguration of the centre, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, stated that the use of ICT could improve on the quality of data available to students through the Internet and also allowed repetitive tasks to be carried out quickly and accurately.
The minister further indicated that the introduction of the national ICT policy — the ICT Accelerated Development— sought to transform the educational system to provide the requisite educational, and training services in an environment capable of producing the right skills and human resources required for the development of the nation and her knowledge-based economy.
“Our ICT Education Policy is to enable graduates from Ghanaian educational institutions — formal and informal — to confidently and creatively use ICT tools and resources to develop requisite skills and knowledge needed by Ghanaians to be active participants in the global knowledge economy by 2015,” he stated.
He added that the Ministry of Education was making efforts to use ICT to facilitate teaching and learning within the education system through the promotion of e-education project.
The minister expressed the hope that the facility would be used for the purpose for which it was provided.
In his welcoming address, the Director of Education of the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Osei Kojo, noted that the Ghana Armed Forces educational institutions were noted for their good performance in the educational sector of the country.
He said the garrison schools, which have trained most of the great personalities in the country, aimed at training the youth to become responsible citizens, who could contribute immensely to the country’s development.
He also advised parents to invest in the education of their children, adding that “It is better we invest in the education of our children to develop their full potentials for the future”.
The Chief Executive Officer of Chase Petroleum Ghana Limited, Mr Kwaku Bediako, indicated that the facility, which was refurbished within two weeks, was the company’s “widow’s mite” towards the development of society.
“ICT is a driver to economic development in current technological age and a solid foundation of it is crucial in the development of our children”, he said.
Mr Bediako, who is also an old student of the school, stated that it had been the company’s policy to share its worth with the society.
The Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Peter Augustine, commended the company for its gesture and challenged other organisations to invest in the education of the youth to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
“Helping to educate the today’s youth reduces the risk of unemployment and the attendant social vices that we all complain about. Ghana needs patriotism as has been amply demonstrated by Chase Petroleum Ghana Limited to move the nation forward,” he said.
Story: Matilda Attram
CHASE Petroleum Ghana Limited has unveiled and handed over a refurbished Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre to the Garrison Primary and Junior High Schools in Accra.
The refurbishment, which was done at the cost of $50,000, comes with a control room and instructor’s office, 28 pieces of flat screen computers, computer tables with chairs, a glass showcase with computer accessories and an Internet facility.
The company’s gesture is to facilitate teaching and learning of ICT in the school.
In a speech read on his behalf at the inauguration of the centre, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, stated that the use of ICT could improve on the quality of data available to students through the Internet and also allowed repetitive tasks to be carried out quickly and accurately.
The minister further indicated that the introduction of the national ICT policy — the ICT Accelerated Development— sought to transform the educational system to provide the requisite educational, and training services in an environment capable of producing the right skills and human resources required for the development of the nation and her knowledge-based economy.
“Our ICT Education Policy is to enable graduates from Ghanaian educational institutions — formal and informal — to confidently and creatively use ICT tools and resources to develop requisite skills and knowledge needed by Ghanaians to be active participants in the global knowledge economy by 2015,” he stated.
He added that the Ministry of Education was making efforts to use ICT to facilitate teaching and learning within the education system through the promotion of e-education project.
The minister expressed the hope that the facility would be used for the purpose for which it was provided.
In his welcoming address, the Director of Education of the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Osei Kojo, noted that the Ghana Armed Forces educational institutions were noted for their good performance in the educational sector of the country.
He said the garrison schools, which have trained most of the great personalities in the country, aimed at training the youth to become responsible citizens, who could contribute immensely to the country’s development.
He also advised parents to invest in the education of their children, adding that “It is better we invest in the education of our children to develop their full potentials for the future”.
The Chief Executive Officer of Chase Petroleum Ghana Limited, Mr Kwaku Bediako, indicated that the facility, which was refurbished within two weeks, was the company’s “widow’s mite” towards the development of society.
“ICT is a driver to economic development in current technological age and a solid foundation of it is crucial in the development of our children”, he said.
Mr Bediako, who is also an old student of the school, stated that it had been the company’s policy to share its worth with the society.
The Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Peter Augustine, commended the company for its gesture and challenged other organisations to invest in the education of the youth to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
“Helping to educate the today’s youth reduces the risk of unemployment and the attendant social vices that we all complain about. Ghana needs patriotism as has been amply demonstrated by Chase Petroleum Ghana Limited to move the nation forward,” he said.
MOWAC reviews Early Childhood Care Policy
Published in the Daily Graphic on 22/12/2009, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOW AC) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) has organised a one-day orientation workshop on early childhood development to give an overview of the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.
The workshop was also to promote other sector related plans and strategies established for the improvement of early childhood care in the country, and update district committee members of ECCD and the public on the progresses made in the implementation of the policy.
The workshop was also expected to generate new strategies that would improve on the implementation of the ECCD Policy.
The ECCD Policy is a document that sets out the vision and mission of early childhood care and development as the foundation of Ghana’s human resource development for her future .
It was initiated five years ago to promote and protect the survival, growth , development, and protection of all Ghanaian children. The implementation of the policy was done by MOWAC, acting as the co-ordinator, in partnership with the GES, the Ghana Health Service, the Department of Social Welfare, the Birth and Death Registry among other stakeholders.
In a presentation, the National Co-ordinator of the Early Childhood Development of MOWAC, Mrs Ruth Addison, stated that MOWAC and the Childhood Development Secretariat had put in place strategies such as the establishment of ECCD committee teams in the 10 regions of the country to improve on childhood care development in the country.
She said the organisations with support from their partners had also been organising programmes like conferences, workshops, study tours and seminars to help build the capacity of care takers at the ECCD centres in the country.
Mrs Addison mentioned the lack of budgetary allocations, inadequate training for care takers, difficulties in the implementation of laws and policies, overlapping roles and responsibilities of other sectors and the MOWAC and lack of comprehensive communication strategies as some of the challenges face by the ECCD organisations in the country.
“ We need a strong political will, commitment and good network for advocacy to effectively disseminate our duties. And we must involve our communities in the implementation process”, she stated.
In a welcome address, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Children, Mr Peter Akyea, noted that through the ECCD Policy an educational curriculum have been developed by the Ghana Education Service for kindergarten one and two children to guide teaching at that level.
He called on parents and stakeholders to recognise the need to contribute to the welfare of children in the country.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOW AC) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) has organised a one-day orientation workshop on early childhood development to give an overview of the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.
The workshop was also to promote other sector related plans and strategies established for the improvement of early childhood care in the country, and update district committee members of ECCD and the public on the progresses made in the implementation of the policy.
The workshop was also expected to generate new strategies that would improve on the implementation of the ECCD Policy.
The ECCD Policy is a document that sets out the vision and mission of early childhood care and development as the foundation of Ghana’s human resource development for her future .
It was initiated five years ago to promote and protect the survival, growth , development, and protection of all Ghanaian children. The implementation of the policy was done by MOWAC, acting as the co-ordinator, in partnership with the GES, the Ghana Health Service, the Department of Social Welfare, the Birth and Death Registry among other stakeholders.
In a presentation, the National Co-ordinator of the Early Childhood Development of MOWAC, Mrs Ruth Addison, stated that MOWAC and the Childhood Development Secretariat had put in place strategies such as the establishment of ECCD committee teams in the 10 regions of the country to improve on childhood care development in the country.
She said the organisations with support from their partners had also been organising programmes like conferences, workshops, study tours and seminars to help build the capacity of care takers at the ECCD centres in the country.
Mrs Addison mentioned the lack of budgetary allocations, inadequate training for care takers, difficulties in the implementation of laws and policies, overlapping roles and responsibilities of other sectors and the MOWAC and lack of comprehensive communication strategies as some of the challenges face by the ECCD organisations in the country.
“ We need a strong political will, commitment and good network for advocacy to effectively disseminate our duties. And we must involve our communities in the implementation process”, she stated.
In a welcome address, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Children, Mr Peter Akyea, noted that through the ECCD Policy an educational curriculum have been developed by the Ghana Education Service for kindergarten one and two children to guide teaching at that level.
He called on parents and stakeholders to recognise the need to contribute to the welfare of children in the country.
Work on remand inmates intensified
Published in the Daily Graphic on 22/12/2009, pg 3
Story: Matilda Attram
THE effort to rid the country’s prisons of the hundreds of remand inmates under the Justice for All Programme is to be intensified next year to meet the target of 50 per cent releases by June.
Towards that goal, the Ghana Prisons Service is working with other government agencies and stakeholders to reduce the population of remand prisoners by increasing the pace at which cases are reviewed under the criminal justice system.
The acting Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr Michael Kofi Bansah, disclosed this at the 2009 Greater Accra Regional West African Security Services Association (WASSA) get-together in Accra.
He said the criminal justice system, which is being implemented by the Prisons Service, the courts, the Police Service, among other governmental agencies, had been asked to review remand cases under its jurisdiction to ensure the enforcement of the Justice for All Programme.
The enforcement of the programme is expected to be sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enable the government to improve the conditions of prison staff and inmates.
Mr Bansah mentioned inadequate accommodation for prison staff, poor conditions of service for staff and lack of co-operation from the public as some major challenges facing the service.
“It is a fact that due to poor remuneration levels in the service, the financial situation of officers is not the best and officers who retire cannot live comfortable lives on retirement. But we hope to take advantage of the ongoing pension reforms and the operations of the credit union, benevolent and welfare funds to improve on our savings,” he said.
He indicated that the organisation was also expected to focus its attention on career development programmes to re-train its staff to professionally discharge their expected duties.
He encouraged all staff of the organisation to unite in discharging their duties and improve on their ICT knowledge to transform the operations of the service.
In her welcoming address, the Regional Commander of the Greater Accra Prisons Service, Mrs Elizabeth King, urged the staff to use the occasion to reflect on past activities, improve on successes chalked up, as well as make amends on failures.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE effort to rid the country’s prisons of the hundreds of remand inmates under the Justice for All Programme is to be intensified next year to meet the target of 50 per cent releases by June.
Towards that goal, the Ghana Prisons Service is working with other government agencies and stakeholders to reduce the population of remand prisoners by increasing the pace at which cases are reviewed under the criminal justice system.
The acting Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr Michael Kofi Bansah, disclosed this at the 2009 Greater Accra Regional West African Security Services Association (WASSA) get-together in Accra.
He said the criminal justice system, which is being implemented by the Prisons Service, the courts, the Police Service, among other governmental agencies, had been asked to review remand cases under its jurisdiction to ensure the enforcement of the Justice for All Programme.
The enforcement of the programme is expected to be sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enable the government to improve the conditions of prison staff and inmates.
Mr Bansah mentioned inadequate accommodation for prison staff, poor conditions of service for staff and lack of co-operation from the public as some major challenges facing the service.
“It is a fact that due to poor remuneration levels in the service, the financial situation of officers is not the best and officers who retire cannot live comfortable lives on retirement. But we hope to take advantage of the ongoing pension reforms and the operations of the credit union, benevolent and welfare funds to improve on our savings,” he said.
He indicated that the organisation was also expected to focus its attention on career development programmes to re-train its staff to professionally discharge their expected duties.
He encouraged all staff of the organisation to unite in discharging their duties and improve on their ICT knowledge to transform the operations of the service.
In her welcoming address, the Regional Commander of the Greater Accra Prisons Service, Mrs Elizabeth King, urged the staff to use the occasion to reflect on past activities, improve on successes chalked up, as well as make amends on failures.
Oil production demands quality hospitality service
Published in the Daily Graphic on 21/12/2009, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
THE positive steps and results by the country towards oil production requires quality in the hospitality services, the Chief Executive Officer of Naa Suma School of Excellence Hospitality, Mrs Theodora Anokye has stated.
She noted that the oil industry would bring in a lot of investors which demands that we build and maintain good status on the international market.
“The skills of quality hospitality services will be needed when Ghana begins to produce crude oil next year, and that is why I will plead with the Government and all stakeholders to pay attention to the needs of service providers in the hospitality industry,” she stated.
Mrs Anokye was speaking on the theme “Training in Excellence” at the first graduation ceremony of the Naa Suma School of Excellence Hospitality in Accra, over the weekend.
She said hospitality services which fell under the private sector business played a major role in complimenting the Government's efforts in the development of the nation and must be encouraged.
The chief executive pointed out that interest in the hospitality industry would reduce the level of unemployment in the country since it required people with interest in providing hospitality services to partake.
She said the Government was playing its part in creating jobs for the youth and those of them in the private sector had a major role to play.
Mrs Anokye entreated hospitality service providers to strive for quality produce to enhance the nation’s reputation on the international market.
She, finally, called on the Government and stakeholders to consider the needs of service providers in the nation’s hospitality industry.
Mrs Anokye announced that the school which was established in March this year, has currently enrolled 21 students.
She said the school aimed at training and equipping the youth with modern skills to acquire contribute to the hospitality industry of the nation.
The school offers six months training in cake decoration, floral, balloon and fabric designing, as well as issue NVTI and City and Guilds certificate.
The Chief Executive Officer of Mina’s Catering and Educational Centre, Mrs Wilhemina Duncan, explained that the use of technology was important in the development of every business and therefore, needed to be encouraged in the country.
She said technology enabled one to improve on acquired knowledge, as well as equip one to compete effectively on the job market.
Mrs Duncan entreated the graduands to upgrade their skills with the use of technology, adding, “Creativity will always pay eventually but you will have to do what the market wants”.
The Chairperson for the ceremony, Mrs Alice Addo-Danquah, advised students and graduands to be of good behaviour to set examples for others in the society.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE positive steps and results by the country towards oil production requires quality in the hospitality services, the Chief Executive Officer of Naa Suma School of Excellence Hospitality, Mrs Theodora Anokye has stated.
She noted that the oil industry would bring in a lot of investors which demands that we build and maintain good status on the international market.
“The skills of quality hospitality services will be needed when Ghana begins to produce crude oil next year, and that is why I will plead with the Government and all stakeholders to pay attention to the needs of service providers in the hospitality industry,” she stated.
Mrs Anokye was speaking on the theme “Training in Excellence” at the first graduation ceremony of the Naa Suma School of Excellence Hospitality in Accra, over the weekend.
She said hospitality services which fell under the private sector business played a major role in complimenting the Government's efforts in the development of the nation and must be encouraged.
The chief executive pointed out that interest in the hospitality industry would reduce the level of unemployment in the country since it required people with interest in providing hospitality services to partake.
She said the Government was playing its part in creating jobs for the youth and those of them in the private sector had a major role to play.
Mrs Anokye entreated hospitality service providers to strive for quality produce to enhance the nation’s reputation on the international market.
She, finally, called on the Government and stakeholders to consider the needs of service providers in the nation’s hospitality industry.
Mrs Anokye announced that the school which was established in March this year, has currently enrolled 21 students.
She said the school aimed at training and equipping the youth with modern skills to acquire contribute to the hospitality industry of the nation.
The school offers six months training in cake decoration, floral, balloon and fabric designing, as well as issue NVTI and City and Guilds certificate.
The Chief Executive Officer of Mina’s Catering and Educational Centre, Mrs Wilhemina Duncan, explained that the use of technology was important in the development of every business and therefore, needed to be encouraged in the country.
She said technology enabled one to improve on acquired knowledge, as well as equip one to compete effectively on the job market.
Mrs Duncan entreated the graduands to upgrade their skills with the use of technology, adding, “Creativity will always pay eventually but you will have to do what the market wants”.
The Chairperson for the ceremony, Mrs Alice Addo-Danquah, advised students and graduands to be of good behaviour to set examples for others in the society.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Oblogo chief implicated in destruction of properties
Published in the Daily Graphic on 15/12/2009, pg 29
Story: Matilda Attram
The Chief of Oblogo, Nii Kwaku Bibini, has been accused of destroying property belonging to some residents of Oblogo, a suburb of Accra, last Sunday night.
The property include four houses, a car, a motorbike and other valuable items, as well as cash of GH¢400.
According to the victims, the destruction was due to a protracted land dispute between the chief and the Muslim community in the town.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Stool Secretary of Oblogo, Abdul Karimu, alleged that Nii Kwaku Bibini sent his boys to destroy the properties of the Muslim youth in the community when he was questioned about engraving the Muslim cemetery for his personal reasons.
According to him, Nii Bibini had insisted on sending Muslim residents out of the land for questioning his actions.
He said Muslims had been living on the land for many years without provocation until the dispute.
He said the land dispute had already been reported to the Ga Traditional Council for investigations.
A 30-year-old hunter and victim of the incident, Awal Fuseni, who briefed the Daily Graphic about his ordeal, indicated that he was out when the incident happened and on his return, he met his house on fire.
He said he suspected that some young men in the community, believed to have been ordered by Kwaku Bibini, set his house ablaze.
He mentioned names of some of the youth living in the community suspected to have led a group to take part in the incident.
The wife of Rashid Agyin, who was also a victim of the incident, told the Daily Graphic that her husband had gone out to deliver a parcel to a friend at between 9 and 10pm when the incident took place.
“I was sleeping when I heard a neighbour’s voice from my backyard telling me my husband’s motor was on fire, but it would be better if I stay indoors to save my life so I waited for a while and only came out to see the motor on fire but did not see any trace of the one who did that, and before I could go back to the room, I saw people rushing to Awal’s end because there was another fire there,” she explained.
On a visit to the scene, the Daily Graphic met the absence of Nii Bibini who was alleged to have escaped from the town since the incident.
The Divisional Commander of the Kaneshie Police Station, Superintendent Michael Avadetsi, confirmed the incident to the Daily Graphic, saying that eight people including Nii Bibini had been arrested and would be arraigned.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Chief of Oblogo, Nii Kwaku Bibini, has been accused of destroying property belonging to some residents of Oblogo, a suburb of Accra, last Sunday night.
The property include four houses, a car, a motorbike and other valuable items, as well as cash of GH¢400.
According to the victims, the destruction was due to a protracted land dispute between the chief and the Muslim community in the town.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Stool Secretary of Oblogo, Abdul Karimu, alleged that Nii Kwaku Bibini sent his boys to destroy the properties of the Muslim youth in the community when he was questioned about engraving the Muslim cemetery for his personal reasons.
According to him, Nii Bibini had insisted on sending Muslim residents out of the land for questioning his actions.
He said Muslims had been living on the land for many years without provocation until the dispute.
He said the land dispute had already been reported to the Ga Traditional Council for investigations.
A 30-year-old hunter and victim of the incident, Awal Fuseni, who briefed the Daily Graphic about his ordeal, indicated that he was out when the incident happened and on his return, he met his house on fire.
He said he suspected that some young men in the community, believed to have been ordered by Kwaku Bibini, set his house ablaze.
He mentioned names of some of the youth living in the community suspected to have led a group to take part in the incident.
The wife of Rashid Agyin, who was also a victim of the incident, told the Daily Graphic that her husband had gone out to deliver a parcel to a friend at between 9 and 10pm when the incident took place.
“I was sleeping when I heard a neighbour’s voice from my backyard telling me my husband’s motor was on fire, but it would be better if I stay indoors to save my life so I waited for a while and only came out to see the motor on fire but did not see any trace of the one who did that, and before I could go back to the room, I saw people rushing to Awal’s end because there was another fire there,” she explained.
On a visit to the scene, the Daily Graphic met the absence of Nii Bibini who was alleged to have escaped from the town since the incident.
The Divisional Commander of the Kaneshie Police Station, Superintendent Michael Avadetsi, confirmed the incident to the Daily Graphic, saying that eight people including Nii Bibini had been arrested and would be arraigned.
Examination malpractice affects achievement of education policies
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/12/2009, pg.......
Story: Matilda Attram
Examination malpractice constitutes a serious impediment to the realisation of national education policies and objectives in the country, the Vice-President in charge of Academic Affairs at the Regent University College of Science and Technology, Dr Charles Owiredu, has stated.
He said it contributed to the high standard of corruption in every organisation in the country.
"Examination malpractice is a very dangerous monster that destroys the moral foundation of any society and this robs a nation of its dreams for development because, it plants the seed of unethical and criminal values in the fertile minds of the youth", he said.
Dr Owiredu was speaking at a press conference organised by the Exam Ethics International, Ghana, in Accra, as part of its two-day international conference to be held in the country.
It was on the theme, "Global Best Practices in Education: Imperatives for Domestication in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions".
The conference is expected to train self-recruited volunteer educational stakeholders who would individually and collectively promote best practices, examination ethics, campus safety and integrity of education for the foundation of building transformed leaders for the future.
In a speech, Dr Owiredu stated that Ghana would experience a free and fair educational society if attempts were made to eradicate the canker of examination malpractice in schools.
According to him, research conducted in some educational institutions indicated that some students prepared specifically to cheat during examinations due to their negative attitudes towards learning, while others took advantage of least opportunities in examination rooms to cheat.
Dr Owiredu, who is also the Board Director of Exam Ethics International, Ghana, further stated that examination malpractice involved stakeholders such as the administrators of examinations and parents who encouraged students to practise the negative exercise instead of urging them to learn and pass.
He said, “It is against this background that Exam Ethics was established in Ghana to help eradicate the unethical practices in education and help our students prepare for their examinations."
Exam Ethics International is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-partisan and charitable organisation which focuses on the promotion of best examination practices in education, examination ethics, campus safety and better the performance of students in public examinations.
The Country Director of the organisation, Mr Kofi Ashiboe-Mensah, indicated that the organisation was established to assist educational bodies and institutions in the supervision and invigilation of examinations, as well as monitor and defend the integrity of teaching and training, examinations evaluation and assessment systems.
He said the organisation sought to provide operational integrity training to bodies concerned with professionals and educational stakeholders such as parents, teachers, administrators and public servants from which institutions and examination bodies could receive supervisory support during examinations.
"The objectives of Exam Ethics include the provision of information on ethical best practices in academic, infrastructure and welfare standards in our schools and engage relevant stakeholders for improvements where necessary. We seek to develop and implement initiatives including projects, programmes, publications, promotional and training materials for building the moral foundation of the youth and students into ethics-friendly leaders for the future," he said.
Mr Ashiboe-Mensah also mentioned the inability of students to prepare towards examinations due to laziness, inadequate learning facilities in schools (with a large population of students, wide syllabi provided to schools, poor motivation and remuneration of teachers and corrupt invigilators and supervisors who received bribes from candidates to cheat in examination halls, as some of the causes of examination malpractice in the country.
He, therefore, advised educational institutions and stakeholders to consider the welfare of teachers among other causes to avoid examination malpractice in schools.
The conference would include participants from Ghana, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and would soon establish clubs in all schools in Ghana to train students to overcome the tendency to engage in examination malpractice.
Story: Matilda Attram
Examination malpractice constitutes a serious impediment to the realisation of national education policies and objectives in the country, the Vice-President in charge of Academic Affairs at the Regent University College of Science and Technology, Dr Charles Owiredu, has stated.
He said it contributed to the high standard of corruption in every organisation in the country.
"Examination malpractice is a very dangerous monster that destroys the moral foundation of any society and this robs a nation of its dreams for development because, it plants the seed of unethical and criminal values in the fertile minds of the youth", he said.
Dr Owiredu was speaking at a press conference organised by the Exam Ethics International, Ghana, in Accra, as part of its two-day international conference to be held in the country.
It was on the theme, "Global Best Practices in Education: Imperatives for Domestication in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions".
The conference is expected to train self-recruited volunteer educational stakeholders who would individually and collectively promote best practices, examination ethics, campus safety and integrity of education for the foundation of building transformed leaders for the future.
In a speech, Dr Owiredu stated that Ghana would experience a free and fair educational society if attempts were made to eradicate the canker of examination malpractice in schools.
According to him, research conducted in some educational institutions indicated that some students prepared specifically to cheat during examinations due to their negative attitudes towards learning, while others took advantage of least opportunities in examination rooms to cheat.
Dr Owiredu, who is also the Board Director of Exam Ethics International, Ghana, further stated that examination malpractice involved stakeholders such as the administrators of examinations and parents who encouraged students to practise the negative exercise instead of urging them to learn and pass.
He said, “It is against this background that Exam Ethics was established in Ghana to help eradicate the unethical practices in education and help our students prepare for their examinations."
Exam Ethics International is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-partisan and charitable organisation which focuses on the promotion of best examination practices in education, examination ethics, campus safety and better the performance of students in public examinations.
The Country Director of the organisation, Mr Kofi Ashiboe-Mensah, indicated that the organisation was established to assist educational bodies and institutions in the supervision and invigilation of examinations, as well as monitor and defend the integrity of teaching and training, examinations evaluation and assessment systems.
He said the organisation sought to provide operational integrity training to bodies concerned with professionals and educational stakeholders such as parents, teachers, administrators and public servants from which institutions and examination bodies could receive supervisory support during examinations.
"The objectives of Exam Ethics include the provision of information on ethical best practices in academic, infrastructure and welfare standards in our schools and engage relevant stakeholders for improvements where necessary. We seek to develop and implement initiatives including projects, programmes, publications, promotional and training materials for building the moral foundation of the youth and students into ethics-friendly leaders for the future," he said.
Mr Ashiboe-Mensah also mentioned the inability of students to prepare towards examinations due to laziness, inadequate learning facilities in schools (with a large population of students, wide syllabi provided to schools, poor motivation and remuneration of teachers and corrupt invigilators and supervisors who received bribes from candidates to cheat in examination halls, as some of the causes of examination malpractice in the country.
He, therefore, advised educational institutions and stakeholders to consider the welfare of teachers among other causes to avoid examination malpractice in schools.
The conference would include participants from Ghana, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and would soon establish clubs in all schools in Ghana to train students to overcome the tendency to engage in examination malpractice.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
National youth policy soon
Published in the Daily Graphic on 2/12/2009, pg 20
Story: Matilda Attram, Gomoa Fetteh
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will introduce a national youth policy in the country which will enable the youth to take part in the initiation and implementation of development policies.
The policy, which is expected to be launched in December this year, will focus on three developmental programmes -The Sense of Direction Grounding in National Agenda, Education for Employment and The Youth, Health and Environment.
This was made known by the National Youth Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr Sekou Nkrumah, at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Youth Africa Scout Forum.
Dr Nkrumah, who speaking on the theme: “Empowering Young Lives, Creating a better World”, said African youth had good talents which could be focused into generating wealth to eliminate poverty on the African continent.
“There is the need to channel our good talents and rich resources into generating wealth for our continent, no matter the country you belong to. Africa belongs to us and we can make it better if we want to”, he said.
He entreated participants to encourage one another through activities that would enrich the potentials of Africa.
“Each of us represents Africa; wherever we find ourselves in the world, we should emulate the example of Dr Kwame Nkrumah who stood for Africa in the world, although he was a native of Ghana.”
In a speech, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Reuben Nii Nortey Dua, said inculcating values and skills in the youth was a shared responsibility for all since the future of every nation depended on its youth who were the dynamic segment of the human resource base that guaranteed the continued existence of society.
“To empower the youth, therefore, affords all of us the rare and unique opportunity to prepare and shape their talents and abilities to meet the challenges of the future”, he said.
He added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports was ready to implement policies aimed at inculcating in the youth the spiritual and moral values that would help them to be responsible, self-reliant and patriotic citizens.
“The only way we can create a better world is by inculcating in our youth values, skills and knowledge that can withstand the test of the negative pressures of our times”.
Mr Nortey Dua commended the Ghana Scout Association for promoting values that required attitudes and skills that enabled the youth to be responsible and self-reliant citizens.
The Chairman of the forum and the Regional Youth Advisor, Mr Paul Muembi, indicated in his remarks that the forum, which was held every three years, provided opportunities for the youth in 37 African countries to come together to address social problems such as drug abuse, child trafficking, in addition to serving as training grounds for them to build their capabilities.
He said the youth constituted a large segment of the population of every country and needed to work together as a committed force to be able to take up the responsibilities and opportunities of creating a better future for the African continent.
“Our challenge is to find methods through which we can invest in what are possibly the world’s most dynamic demographic young people under the age of 30 who make up 70 per cent of the population of each African country”, he said.
The Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Scout Association, Ms Jemimah Nartey, indicated that the organisation was independent, non-profit-making and educated young people to play constructive roles in society.
She said it was established as a youth movement by a British veteran, Baden Powell, with the aim of helping young people to become responsible adults in life.
Ms Nartey said the organisation had since its establishment in Ghana in 1912 encouraged young people, educated and empowered about 10,000 youth by instilling in them the spirit of volunteerism, socialisation and policies that enabled them to be focused in life.
In her address, the Queen of Gomoa –Fetteh, Nana Abena Awusiwaa II, advised participants to rekindle the positive ideals instilled in them during the past years and to support each other’s ideas and activities to create a better environment for all.
Participants at the forum included delegates from Angola, Benin, Baukina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Niger, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
Story: Matilda Attram, Gomoa Fetteh
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will introduce a national youth policy in the country which will enable the youth to take part in the initiation and implementation of development policies.
The policy, which is expected to be launched in December this year, will focus on three developmental programmes -The Sense of Direction Grounding in National Agenda, Education for Employment and The Youth, Health and Environment.
This was made known by the National Youth Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr Sekou Nkrumah, at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Youth Africa Scout Forum.
Dr Nkrumah, who speaking on the theme: “Empowering Young Lives, Creating a better World”, said African youth had good talents which could be focused into generating wealth to eliminate poverty on the African continent.
“There is the need to channel our good talents and rich resources into generating wealth for our continent, no matter the country you belong to. Africa belongs to us and we can make it better if we want to”, he said.
He entreated participants to encourage one another through activities that would enrich the potentials of Africa.
“Each of us represents Africa; wherever we find ourselves in the world, we should emulate the example of Dr Kwame Nkrumah who stood for Africa in the world, although he was a native of Ghana.”
In a speech, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Reuben Nii Nortey Dua, said inculcating values and skills in the youth was a shared responsibility for all since the future of every nation depended on its youth who were the dynamic segment of the human resource base that guaranteed the continued existence of society.
“To empower the youth, therefore, affords all of us the rare and unique opportunity to prepare and shape their talents and abilities to meet the challenges of the future”, he said.
He added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports was ready to implement policies aimed at inculcating in the youth the spiritual and moral values that would help them to be responsible, self-reliant and patriotic citizens.
“The only way we can create a better world is by inculcating in our youth values, skills and knowledge that can withstand the test of the negative pressures of our times”.
Mr Nortey Dua commended the Ghana Scout Association for promoting values that required attitudes and skills that enabled the youth to be responsible and self-reliant citizens.
The Chairman of the forum and the Regional Youth Advisor, Mr Paul Muembi, indicated in his remarks that the forum, which was held every three years, provided opportunities for the youth in 37 African countries to come together to address social problems such as drug abuse, child trafficking, in addition to serving as training grounds for them to build their capabilities.
He said the youth constituted a large segment of the population of every country and needed to work together as a committed force to be able to take up the responsibilities and opportunities of creating a better future for the African continent.
“Our challenge is to find methods through which we can invest in what are possibly the world’s most dynamic demographic young people under the age of 30 who make up 70 per cent of the population of each African country”, he said.
The Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Scout Association, Ms Jemimah Nartey, indicated that the organisation was independent, non-profit-making and educated young people to play constructive roles in society.
She said it was established as a youth movement by a British veteran, Baden Powell, with the aim of helping young people to become responsible adults in life.
Ms Nartey said the organisation had since its establishment in Ghana in 1912 encouraged young people, educated and empowered about 10,000 youth by instilling in them the spirit of volunteerism, socialisation and policies that enabled them to be focused in life.
In her address, the Queen of Gomoa –Fetteh, Nana Abena Awusiwaa II, advised participants to rekindle the positive ideals instilled in them during the past years and to support each other’s ideas and activities to create a better environment for all.
Participants at the forum included delegates from Angola, Benin, Baukina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Niger, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
Teach African Studies in schools-Prof Williams urges
Published in the Daily Graphic on 7/12/2009 pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
A LECTURER at the Centre for African Studies at the African University College of Communcations (AUCC), Professor Michael Williams has stressed the need to teach African Studies in schools to develop the minds of the youth on the affairs of Africa.
He said this would influence the thoughts of students since they were the future leaders of the continent.
“African studies has to develop in our schools since we train future African leaders to emulate the examples of our forefathers”, he said.
Professor Williams made this remark at the launch of a journal, ‘Nkrumaist Review, Pan-African Perspectives on African Affairs’ in Accra.
Being the editor of the journal, Professor Williams noted that Africans, especially Ghana needed to emphasise on Pan-African Perspective on African affairs to clear the negative notion most people have of African history to enhance its culture.
He said the journal which targeted students and lecturers was to celebrate great people such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah as well as promote a sense of patriotism among the youth.
He urged the public to read more about African history to enable the continent grow in a positive direction.
“As we celebrate the memory of our great leaders , let us not forget to contribute in our own small ways to tell the good story of Africa”,he said.
A Senior Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LECIA), at the University of Ghana, Legon who was also the guest speaker for the occasion, Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso, pointed out that Africans were intellectuals who could develop the capabilities if a strong and active leadership was established.
He said Africa had all the resources it needed to enhance her development except the ability to understand each other and learn from past leaders.
“People must believe in the development of the country. We must bear in mind that Nkrumah left a legacy behind which has yet not been untapped. He wanted a tribeless society and means to establish institutions that would help govern us. Why don’t we go back and research on the activities of some of these leaders to help us move forward”,he expressed.
He, therefore, encouraged the public to participate in activities that would enhance unity among them to support in development.
The Vice President of the AUCC and the Chairman for the occasion, Professor Kofi Asare Opoku, said although the publication of the journal was an individual idea, it would benefit the whole nation through the exposition of ideas to educate the youth on African history,adding that “although there have been mistakes on our continent since independence, we can correct some of them and learn more as we forge ahead”.
He entreated the public especially students, to build on their capabilities which would help them to contribute immensely to the development of the nation.
The journal has in its contents an Nkrumaist testament on democracy, dictatorship and media landscape in Kenya, biography of Dr Kwame Nkrumah as an exemplary Afrocentric Pan Africanist, pictures of Pan Africanist Forerunners, contemporaries and successors of Kwame Nkrumahamong others.
Story: Matilda Attram
A LECTURER at the Centre for African Studies at the African University College of Communcations (AUCC), Professor Michael Williams has stressed the need to teach African Studies in schools to develop the minds of the youth on the affairs of Africa.
He said this would influence the thoughts of students since they were the future leaders of the continent.
“African studies has to develop in our schools since we train future African leaders to emulate the examples of our forefathers”, he said.
Professor Williams made this remark at the launch of a journal, ‘Nkrumaist Review, Pan-African Perspectives on African Affairs’ in Accra.
Being the editor of the journal, Professor Williams noted that Africans, especially Ghana needed to emphasise on Pan-African Perspective on African affairs to clear the negative notion most people have of African history to enhance its culture.
He said the journal which targeted students and lecturers was to celebrate great people such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah as well as promote a sense of patriotism among the youth.
He urged the public to read more about African history to enable the continent grow in a positive direction.
“As we celebrate the memory of our great leaders , let us not forget to contribute in our own small ways to tell the good story of Africa”,he said.
A Senior Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LECIA), at the University of Ghana, Legon who was also the guest speaker for the occasion, Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso, pointed out that Africans were intellectuals who could develop the capabilities if a strong and active leadership was established.
He said Africa had all the resources it needed to enhance her development except the ability to understand each other and learn from past leaders.
“People must believe in the development of the country. We must bear in mind that Nkrumah left a legacy behind which has yet not been untapped. He wanted a tribeless society and means to establish institutions that would help govern us. Why don’t we go back and research on the activities of some of these leaders to help us move forward”,he expressed.
He, therefore, encouraged the public to participate in activities that would enhance unity among them to support in development.
The Vice President of the AUCC and the Chairman for the occasion, Professor Kofi Asare Opoku, said although the publication of the journal was an individual idea, it would benefit the whole nation through the exposition of ideas to educate the youth on African history,adding that “although there have been mistakes on our continent since independence, we can correct some of them and learn more as we forge ahead”.
He entreated the public especially students, to build on their capabilities which would help them to contribute immensely to the development of the nation.
The journal has in its contents an Nkrumaist testament on democracy, dictatorship and media landscape in Kenya, biography of Dr Kwame Nkrumah as an exemplary Afrocentric Pan Africanist, pictures of Pan Africanist Forerunners, contemporaries and successors of Kwame Nkrumahamong others.
National youth policy soon
Published in the Daily Graphic on 2/12/2009, pg 9
Story: Matilda Attram, Gomoa Fetteh
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will introduce a national youth policy in the country which will enable the youth to take part in the initiation and implementation of development policies.
The policy, which is expected to be launched in December this year, will focus on three developmental programmes -The Sense of Direction Grounding in National Agenda, Education for Employment and The Youth, Health and Environment.
This was made known by the National Youth Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr Sekou Nkrumah, at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Youth Africa Scout Forum.
Dr Nkrumah, who speaking on the theme: “Empowering Young Lives, Creating a better World”, said African youth had good talents which could be focused into generating wealth to eliminate poverty on the African continent.
“There is the need to channel our good talents and rich resources into generating wealth for our continent, no matter the country you belong to. Africa belongs to us and we can make it better if we want to”, he said.
He entreated participants to encourage one another through activities that would enrich the potentials of Africa.
“Each of us represents Africa; wherever we find ourselves in the world, we should emulate the example of Dr Kwame Nkrumah who stood for Africa in the world, although he was a native of Ghana.”
In a speech, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Reuben Nii Nortey Dua, said inculcating values and skills in the youth was a shared responsibility for all since the future of every nation depended on its youth who were the dynamic segment of the human resource base that guaranteed the continued existence of society.
“To empower the youth, therefore, affords all of us the rare and unique opportunity to prepare and shape their talents and abilities to meet the challenges of the future”, he said.
He added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports was ready to implement policies aimed at inculcating in the youth the spiritual and moral values that would help them to be responsible, self-reliant and patriotic citizens.
“The only way we can create a better world is by inculcating in our youth values, skills and knowledge that can withstand the test of the negative pressures of our times”.
Mr Nortey Dua commended the Ghana Scout Association for promoting values that required attitudes and skills that enabled the youth to be responsible and self-reliant citizens.
The Chairman of the forum and the Regional Youth Advisor, Mr Paul Muembi, indicated in his remarks that the forum, which was held every three years, provided opportunities for the youth in 37 African countries to come together to address social problems such as drug abuse, child trafficking, in addition to serving as training grounds for them to build their capabilities.
He said the youth constituted a large segment of the population of every country and needed to work together as a committed force to be able to take up the responsibilities and opportunities of creating a better future for the African continent.
“Our challenge is to find methods through which we can invest in what are possibly the world’s most dynamic demographic young people under the age of 30 who make up 70 per cent of the population of each African country”, he said.
The Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Scout Association, Ms Jemimah Nartey, indicated that the organisation was independent, non-profit-making and educated young people to play constructive roles in society.
She said it was established as a youth movement by a British veteran, Baden Powell, with the aim of helping young people to become responsible adults in life.
Ms Nartey said the organisation had since its establishment in Ghana in 1912 encouraged young people, educated and empowered about 10,000 youth by instilling in them the spirit of volunteerism, socialisation and policies that enabled them to be focused in life.
In her address, the Queen of Gomoa –Fetteh, Nana Abena Awusiwaa II, advised participants to rekindle the positive ideals instilled in them during the past years and to support each other’s ideas and activities to create a better environment for all.
Participants at the forum included delegates from Angola, Benin, Baukina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Niger, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
Story: Matilda Attram, Gomoa Fetteh
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will introduce a national youth policy in the country which will enable the youth to take part in the initiation and implementation of development policies.
The policy, which is expected to be launched in December this year, will focus on three developmental programmes -The Sense of Direction Grounding in National Agenda, Education for Employment and The Youth, Health and Environment.
This was made known by the National Youth Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr Sekou Nkrumah, at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Youth Africa Scout Forum.
Dr Nkrumah, who speaking on the theme: “Empowering Young Lives, Creating a better World”, said African youth had good talents which could be focused into generating wealth to eliminate poverty on the African continent.
“There is the need to channel our good talents and rich resources into generating wealth for our continent, no matter the country you belong to. Africa belongs to us and we can make it better if we want to”, he said.
He entreated participants to encourage one another through activities that would enrich the potentials of Africa.
“Each of us represents Africa; wherever we find ourselves in the world, we should emulate the example of Dr Kwame Nkrumah who stood for Africa in the world, although he was a native of Ghana.”
In a speech, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Reuben Nii Nortey Dua, said inculcating values and skills in the youth was a shared responsibility for all since the future of every nation depended on its youth who were the dynamic segment of the human resource base that guaranteed the continued existence of society.
“To empower the youth, therefore, affords all of us the rare and unique opportunity to prepare and shape their talents and abilities to meet the challenges of the future”, he said.
He added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports was ready to implement policies aimed at inculcating in the youth the spiritual and moral values that would help them to be responsible, self-reliant and patriotic citizens.
“The only way we can create a better world is by inculcating in our youth values, skills and knowledge that can withstand the test of the negative pressures of our times”.
Mr Nortey Dua commended the Ghana Scout Association for promoting values that required attitudes and skills that enabled the youth to be responsible and self-reliant citizens.
The Chairman of the forum and the Regional Youth Advisor, Mr Paul Muembi, indicated in his remarks that the forum, which was held every three years, provided opportunities for the youth in 37 African countries to come together to address social problems such as drug abuse, child trafficking, in addition to serving as training grounds for them to build their capabilities.
He said the youth constituted a large segment of the population of every country and needed to work together as a committed force to be able to take up the responsibilities and opportunities of creating a better future for the African continent.
“Our challenge is to find methods through which we can invest in what are possibly the world’s most dynamic demographic young people under the age of 30 who make up 70 per cent of the population of each African country”, he said.
The Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Scout Association, Ms Jemimah Nartey, indicated that the organisation was independent, non-profit-making and educated young people to play constructive roles in society.
She said it was established as a youth movement by a British veteran, Baden Powell, with the aim of helping young people to become responsible adults in life.
Ms Nartey said the organisation had since its establishment in Ghana in 1912 encouraged young people, educated and empowered about 10,000 youth by instilling in them the spirit of volunteerism, socialisation and policies that enabled them to be focused in life.
In her address, the Queen of Gomoa –Fetteh, Nana Abena Awusiwaa II, advised participants to rekindle the positive ideals instilled in them during the past years and to support each other’s ideas and activities to create a better environment for all.
Participants at the forum included delegates from Angola, Benin, Baukina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Niger, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
AUCC inaugrates research centre for journalists
Published in the Daily Graphic on 9/12/2009, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
THE African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra, has inaugurated a new research centre for journalists to improve on their skills of reportage in communication technology.
The Centre for Radiocommunication Research and Development, is expected to train journalists on the characteristics of radio, how it works, its policies, laws and regulations involved in the use of radio spectrum.
It is also required to encourage journalists to take interest in communication technology research to help give accurate information to the public.
The centre through its seminars, workshops and courses will again train graduates and undergraduate students whose fields of study were related to radio communication studies.
The Director of the centre and Former Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Major John Ray Kwabena Tandoh, told the Daily Graphic that the centre was to provide training on accurate measurement of data on radiowaves propagation in the sub-Saharan West Africa.
He added that “Instead of relying on data obtained from different climate regions in the world, especially from Europe and America which has different climatic and atmospheric conditions which are quite different from us, the centre which is the first to be established in the sub-Saharan African region can help us measure ours”.
He further stated that AUCC in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Meteorological Agency and the International Communications Union was ready to establish itself as a research centre for radiowaves propagation measurement campaigns that would help acquire data for the successful planning and co-ordination of various radiocommunication services in the country and Africa.
In a remark, the President of AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah said the establishment of the centre was to identify research studies on climate change as well as enhance quality training on communicating the impact of climate change when necessary.
In his speech delivered during the launch of the centre, the Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, pointed out that radio spectrum was an important natural resource in the public domain which had enhanced the development of man in the twenty-first century.
He said the spectrum was used in many different ways but was common to broadcasting and mobile communication services adding that “The spectrum stands in constant readiness to continue fulfilling man’s increasing utilisation within its physical limitations”.
The minister, therefore, expressed the hope for the centre to help continue with the work of improving research in radio spectrum.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra, has inaugurated a new research centre for journalists to improve on their skills of reportage in communication technology.
The Centre for Radiocommunication Research and Development, is expected to train journalists on the characteristics of radio, how it works, its policies, laws and regulations involved in the use of radio spectrum.
It is also required to encourage journalists to take interest in communication technology research to help give accurate information to the public.
The centre through its seminars, workshops and courses will again train graduates and undergraduate students whose fields of study were related to radio communication studies.
The Director of the centre and Former Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Major John Ray Kwabena Tandoh, told the Daily Graphic that the centre was to provide training on accurate measurement of data on radiowaves propagation in the sub-Saharan West Africa.
He added that “Instead of relying on data obtained from different climate regions in the world, especially from Europe and America which has different climatic and atmospheric conditions which are quite different from us, the centre which is the first to be established in the sub-Saharan African region can help us measure ours”.
He further stated that AUCC in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Meteorological Agency and the International Communications Union was ready to establish itself as a research centre for radiowaves propagation measurement campaigns that would help acquire data for the successful planning and co-ordination of various radiocommunication services in the country and Africa.
In a remark, the President of AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah said the establishment of the centre was to identify research studies on climate change as well as enhance quality training on communicating the impact of climate change when necessary.
In his speech delivered during the launch of the centre, the Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, pointed out that radio spectrum was an important natural resource in the public domain which had enhanced the development of man in the twenty-first century.
He said the spectrum was used in many different ways but was common to broadcasting and mobile communication services adding that “The spectrum stands in constant readiness to continue fulfilling man’s increasing utilisation within its physical limitations”.
The minister, therefore, expressed the hope for the centre to help continue with the work of improving research in radio spectrum.
Love Community Chapel inaugurates hospital
Published in the Daily Graphic on 30/11/2009, pg 38
Story: Matilda Attram
The Head Pastor of the Love Community Chapel, Rev. George Ayiku, has said there is pressure on the delivery of health service in the country due to inadequate health facilities.
He said the healthcare provided by the private sector was less than 10 per cent, with about 10,000 people to a hospital.
Rev. Ayiku disclosed this at the inauguration ceremony of the Love Community Hospital in Accra, as part of the church’s social responsibility.
He said the nation’s health services would improve if more clinics and hospitals were established by the private sector. “For health service delivery to improve in our nation, we cannot and should not expect the government to do it alone , that is why Love Community Hospital has been established to deliver quality healthcare which would meet the increasing health demand of the country ”, he stated.
Rev. Ayiku called on the general public to support the hospital to achieve its aim of delivering quality health services to the community.
In his remarks, the Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South, Nana Akomea, encouraged the management of the hospital to enrol with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable all community members to benefit from the facility.
He congratulated the management and members of the church, and urged them to support towards the maintenance of the hospital.
The GH¢30,000 project started operations on Monday,October 26, 2009.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Head Pastor of the Love Community Chapel, Rev. George Ayiku, has said there is pressure on the delivery of health service in the country due to inadequate health facilities.
He said the healthcare provided by the private sector was less than 10 per cent, with about 10,000 people to a hospital.
Rev. Ayiku disclosed this at the inauguration ceremony of the Love Community Hospital in Accra, as part of the church’s social responsibility.
He said the nation’s health services would improve if more clinics and hospitals were established by the private sector. “For health service delivery to improve in our nation, we cannot and should not expect the government to do it alone , that is why Love Community Hospital has been established to deliver quality healthcare which would meet the increasing health demand of the country ”, he stated.
Rev. Ayiku called on the general public to support the hospital to achieve its aim of delivering quality health services to the community.
In his remarks, the Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South, Nana Akomea, encouraged the management of the hospital to enrol with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable all community members to benefit from the facility.
He congratulated the management and members of the church, and urged them to support towards the maintenance of the hospital.
The GH¢30,000 project started operations on Monday,October 26, 2009.
Resist presure to cover corruption issues for personal gain’
Published in the Daily Graphic on 30/11/2009, pg 38
Story: Matilda Attram
The Director of the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Dr Audrey Gadzekpo, has observed that although there is a high level of reportage on corruption-related issues, there is the need for the media to resist the pressure to report on what is only beneficial to political and private interest.
She said the Ghanaian media coverage of corruption-related issues was mostly tinged with political partnership which only manifested in one-sided articles that promoted a parochial political agenda rather than the larger public agenda.
Dr Gadzekpo made the observation at one-day workshop to enhance the capacity of journalists on investigative reporting and corruption reportage in Accra on Tuesday.
The workshop was organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) to assess the performance of the Ghanaian media on covering corruption related issues.
Dr Gadzekpo said: “Some stories, especially stories of allegations of corruption by and against politicians or government officials, lacked credibility because they were not evidenced-based. Not only because they reported only a single source but because few facts were provided to help readers to determine the veracity of claims being made in the story”.
Reacting to the release of the Corruption Perception Index with Ghana scoring 3.9 per cent in fighting corruption, Dr Gadzekpo encouraged participants to work hard to intensify strategies used in the fight against corruption.
She entreated journalists to build their capacity for follow-up stories, as well as build a stronger source base that would help them broaden their knowledge and perspectives to be credible in reporting corruption-related issues.
Dr Gadzekpo stressed the need to address resource constraints that were obstacles to effective investigative reporting in the country.
Addressing the opening session of the workshop, the Executive Secretary of GACC, Mrs Florence Dennis, revealed that the GACC was a cross-sectional group of public, private and civil society organisations which sought to build a national effort to confront the problem of corruption and which devised effective control measures to fight the cause.
She said as watchdogs of the society, the media was expected to monitor, inform and investigate the actions of those who were granted public trust and those who might be tempted to abuse their office for private gains.
She said as the fourth estate of the realm, the media should promote democracy, transparency and accountability.
Mrs Dennis said it was the major responsibility of the media to keep surveillance over society and ensure that both the Government and the governed who engaged in wrongdoing were exposed.
“In the anti-corruption movement, the media is considered as one of the “pillars of integrity. The media provides an important counterpoint to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, shedding light on the wrongdoing of public office holders and corporate executives alike ”, she stated.
Mrs Dennis further stressed the need for the provision of independent and adequate investigative journalism skills for media practitioners to help navigate the complex status of highly sophisticated corruption crimes in the country.
“The political leadership of a nation desirous of fighting corruption must ensure that legislation is put in place to ensure free and unfettered press; journalists must, therefore, have the necessary training to obtain facts and figures to blow the whistle on corruption”, she said.
In his remarks, a former President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Kabral Blay Amihere, urged journalists and editors to place emphasis on the quality of news stories provided and the impact these would make on society.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Director of the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Dr Audrey Gadzekpo, has observed that although there is a high level of reportage on corruption-related issues, there is the need for the media to resist the pressure to report on what is only beneficial to political and private interest.
She said the Ghanaian media coverage of corruption-related issues was mostly tinged with political partnership which only manifested in one-sided articles that promoted a parochial political agenda rather than the larger public agenda.
Dr Gadzekpo made the observation at one-day workshop to enhance the capacity of journalists on investigative reporting and corruption reportage in Accra on Tuesday.
The workshop was organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) to assess the performance of the Ghanaian media on covering corruption related issues.
Dr Gadzekpo said: “Some stories, especially stories of allegations of corruption by and against politicians or government officials, lacked credibility because they were not evidenced-based. Not only because they reported only a single source but because few facts were provided to help readers to determine the veracity of claims being made in the story”.
Reacting to the release of the Corruption Perception Index with Ghana scoring 3.9 per cent in fighting corruption, Dr Gadzekpo encouraged participants to work hard to intensify strategies used in the fight against corruption.
She entreated journalists to build their capacity for follow-up stories, as well as build a stronger source base that would help them broaden their knowledge and perspectives to be credible in reporting corruption-related issues.
Dr Gadzekpo stressed the need to address resource constraints that were obstacles to effective investigative reporting in the country.
Addressing the opening session of the workshop, the Executive Secretary of GACC, Mrs Florence Dennis, revealed that the GACC was a cross-sectional group of public, private and civil society organisations which sought to build a national effort to confront the problem of corruption and which devised effective control measures to fight the cause.
She said as watchdogs of the society, the media was expected to monitor, inform and investigate the actions of those who were granted public trust and those who might be tempted to abuse their office for private gains.
She said as the fourth estate of the realm, the media should promote democracy, transparency and accountability.
Mrs Dennis said it was the major responsibility of the media to keep surveillance over society and ensure that both the Government and the governed who engaged in wrongdoing were exposed.
“In the anti-corruption movement, the media is considered as one of the “pillars of integrity. The media provides an important counterpoint to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, shedding light on the wrongdoing of public office holders and corporate executives alike ”, she stated.
Mrs Dennis further stressed the need for the provision of independent and adequate investigative journalism skills for media practitioners to help navigate the complex status of highly sophisticated corruption crimes in the country.
“The political leadership of a nation desirous of fighting corruption must ensure that legislation is put in place to ensure free and unfettered press; journalists must, therefore, have the necessary training to obtain facts and figures to blow the whistle on corruption”, she said.
In his remarks, a former President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Kabral Blay Amihere, urged journalists and editors to place emphasis on the quality of news stories provided and the impact these would make on society.
Thirty security operatives undergo investigative training
Published in the Daily Graphic on 3/12/2009, pg 34
Story: Matilda Attram
THIRTY security operatives from three agencies have benefited from an investigative training programme under the Aeneas programme.
The agencies are the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana Police Service and the Passport Office.
The Aeneas programme is a three-year project undertaken by the EU, in collaboration with the Spanish Government, to educate security personnel from EU nations on measures to help counter fraudulent documentation and illegal migration among member states.
The training programme was based on investigations conducted into illegal migration and fraud documentation in the country and was expected to build the capacity of officers in curbing the problem of fraud documentation in Ghana.
The programme was on the theme, "Countering Document Fraud in Ghana".
The acting Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Rebecca Chantel Guineastal, in a remark, pointed out that illegal migration affected millions of people in many countries, leading to lack of the human resource needed to carry out development.
The Deputy Director of the GIS, Mr Moses Kwabena Gyemfi, indicated that the process of combating illegal migration and the use of fraudulent documents needed to be supported with effective measures because they posed a danger to a country's economy, especially its labour force.
He mentioned some dangers associated with illegal migration as the loss of lives and the inhuman treatment which survivors were subjected to.
"The issue of illegal migration and use of fraudulent documents in acquisition of travel documents continue to be a great worry to the nation and its bilateral partners. We at GIS find it timely and also a great opportunity to lead the implementation of the Aeneas programme on countering document fraud in Ghana," he stated.
He expressed appreciation to the Spanish Government for the implementation of the programme and urged participants to play leading roles in activities that would improve on the operations of the GIS.
The Aeneas programme started last year and is expected to end by June next year.
Story: Matilda Attram
THIRTY security operatives from three agencies have benefited from an investigative training programme under the Aeneas programme.
The agencies are the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana Police Service and the Passport Office.
The Aeneas programme is a three-year project undertaken by the EU, in collaboration with the Spanish Government, to educate security personnel from EU nations on measures to help counter fraudulent documentation and illegal migration among member states.
The training programme was based on investigations conducted into illegal migration and fraud documentation in the country and was expected to build the capacity of officers in curbing the problem of fraud documentation in Ghana.
The programme was on the theme, "Countering Document Fraud in Ghana".
The acting Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Rebecca Chantel Guineastal, in a remark, pointed out that illegal migration affected millions of people in many countries, leading to lack of the human resource needed to carry out development.
The Deputy Director of the GIS, Mr Moses Kwabena Gyemfi, indicated that the process of combating illegal migration and the use of fraudulent documents needed to be supported with effective measures because they posed a danger to a country's economy, especially its labour force.
He mentioned some dangers associated with illegal migration as the loss of lives and the inhuman treatment which survivors were subjected to.
"The issue of illegal migration and use of fraudulent documents in acquisition of travel documents continue to be a great worry to the nation and its bilateral partners. We at GIS find it timely and also a great opportunity to lead the implementation of the Aeneas programme on countering document fraud in Ghana," he stated.
He expressed appreciation to the Spanish Government for the implementation of the programme and urged participants to play leading roles in activities that would improve on the operations of the GIS.
The Aeneas programme started last year and is expected to end by June next year.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Lions Clubs support Sackey Odoi Schools
Published in the Daily Graphic on 11/12/2009 pg
Story: Matilda Attram
MEMBERS of Zone 162 Lions Clubs International (LCI) have presented educational materials worth GH¢3,500 to the Sackey Odoi Primary and Junior High Schools (JHS) in Accra.
The items included exercise books and reading books for the school’s library.
The donation which aimed at improving on the knowledge of the children in the deprived school, was sponsored by the NTHC Limited, Samwoode Company Limited and Menaya Limited in collaboration with Accra Golden, Accra Diamond and Legon Lions Clubs, which are all member clubs of Zone 162 of LCI.
Members of the Lions Clubs used the occasion to undertake a career guidance and counselling session to help the pupils and students in choosing their various areas of professional interests.
They also encouraged the school children to be disciplined and take their studies seriously.
The Chairperson for Zone 162 of LCI, Miss Helen Obeng, said the activity which was in accordance with the club’s motto to provide voluntary services to society was also undertaken by two sister clubs of the Zone in Cape Coast and Kumasi.
She said Zone 162 was expected to help and encourage pupils and students to improve on their academic work to become responsible leaders in future.
“We believe that knowledge is life and as future leaders our children need to be supported, motivated and directed in acquiring the necessary knowledge they need”, she stated.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Olivia Akofa Amenuve, who received the items expressed gratitude to the Lions Clubs and appealed to other organisations to emulate their example.
Story: Matilda Attram
MEMBERS of Zone 162 Lions Clubs International (LCI) have presented educational materials worth GH¢3,500 to the Sackey Odoi Primary and Junior High Schools (JHS) in Accra.
The items included exercise books and reading books for the school’s library.
The donation which aimed at improving on the knowledge of the children in the deprived school, was sponsored by the NTHC Limited, Samwoode Company Limited and Menaya Limited in collaboration with Accra Golden, Accra Diamond and Legon Lions Clubs, which are all member clubs of Zone 162 of LCI.
Members of the Lions Clubs used the occasion to undertake a career guidance and counselling session to help the pupils and students in choosing their various areas of professional interests.
They also encouraged the school children to be disciplined and take their studies seriously.
The Chairperson for Zone 162 of LCI, Miss Helen Obeng, said the activity which was in accordance with the club’s motto to provide voluntary services to society was also undertaken by two sister clubs of the Zone in Cape Coast and Kumasi.
She said Zone 162 was expected to help and encourage pupils and students to improve on their academic work to become responsible leaders in future.
“We believe that knowledge is life and as future leaders our children need to be supported, motivated and directed in acquiring the necessary knowledge they need”, she stated.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Olivia Akofa Amenuve, who received the items expressed gratitude to the Lions Clubs and appealed to other organisations to emulate their example.
20 students tour airline industry
Publishe in the Daily Graphic on 11/12/2009 pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
TWENTY final year students from five senior high schools in Accra have undergone an educational tour on the airline services to equip them with first-hand knowledge of how the industry works and will also help them to choose their future careers.
The schools include Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Osu Presbyterian Senior High School, St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School, Labone Senior High School and Holy Trinity Cathedral Senior High School.
The tour, which was sponsored by Broadminds Foundation, in collaboration with CityLinK Air Transport Services, was expected to inspire the youth to build their career capacity.
It was also to expose students interested in choosing a career in the airline services to have some insight into the airline industry and for them to also share ideas.
The Founder of Broadminds, Mr Philip Ferdinand Reimmer, pointed out that the need to guide students to choose and learn more about their future careers was a responsibility of all.
He said Broadminds Foundation was a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in Ghana to educate and inspire the youth in building up their career capacities which would enhance their lives and develop the nation as a whole.
“Broadminds focuses on inspiring teens in the country and Africa and also encourages creativity among them through educational seminars,” he stated.
Mr Reimmer noted that the organisation, which was established four years ago, was to engage the youth in educational activities that would improve on their lifestyles through seminars, lectures, tourism, among others.
“Today’s youth are so much involved in entertainment that they find education rather boring. Through some of our programmes, we have been able to bring together students from different schools who help one another in their studies,” he said.
The Commercial Manager of CityLinK, Mr Sam Essel, and other staff members of the company took the students through the processes of the company’s operations and services.
He, further, entreated the students to take their academic programmes seriously to enable them to contribute immensely to the development of the nation.
Story: Matilda Attram
TWENTY final year students from five senior high schools in Accra have undergone an educational tour on the airline services to equip them with first-hand knowledge of how the industry works and will also help them to choose their future careers.
The schools include Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Osu Presbyterian Senior High School, St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School, Labone Senior High School and Holy Trinity Cathedral Senior High School.
The tour, which was sponsored by Broadminds Foundation, in collaboration with CityLinK Air Transport Services, was expected to inspire the youth to build their career capacity.
It was also to expose students interested in choosing a career in the airline services to have some insight into the airline industry and for them to also share ideas.
The Founder of Broadminds, Mr Philip Ferdinand Reimmer, pointed out that the need to guide students to choose and learn more about their future careers was a responsibility of all.
He said Broadminds Foundation was a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in Ghana to educate and inspire the youth in building up their career capacities which would enhance their lives and develop the nation as a whole.
“Broadminds focuses on inspiring teens in the country and Africa and also encourages creativity among them through educational seminars,” he stated.
Mr Reimmer noted that the organisation, which was established four years ago, was to engage the youth in educational activities that would improve on their lifestyles through seminars, lectures, tourism, among others.
“Today’s youth are so much involved in entertainment that they find education rather boring. Through some of our programmes, we have been able to bring together students from different schools who help one another in their studies,” he said.
The Commercial Manager of CityLinK, Mr Sam Essel, and other staff members of the company took the students through the processes of the company’s operations and services.
He, further, entreated the students to take their academic programmes seriously to enable them to contribute immensely to the development of the nation.
Labone School wins debate on human rights
Published in the Daily Graphic 11th December, 2009 on pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
AS part of its contribution towards the 2009 United Nations (UN) human rights celebration, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has organised an inter-schools debate in Accra to promote human rights.
The debate was on the topic: “Discrimination: A Threat to Child Development”. Labone Senior High School (SHS) spoke in favour of the topic and emerged winners, whilst Accra Girls Senior High School (SHS) was against the motion.
Labone SHS was presented with a 29-inch colour television set, a certificate of participation and human rights educational materials, while Accra Girls SHS which placed second had 25-inch colour television set, a certificate of participation and human rights educational materials.
Participating students were also awarded certificates and a cash prize of GH¢500.00 each
The debate was aimed at educating the youth on basic human rights and their responsibilities as citizens of the nation.
It was also to give the youth an opportunity to interact with officials of CHRAJ on issues concerning human rights.
The programme sought to create awareness on the need to avoid discrimination in societies.
Established in 1983 for human rights promotion, CHRAJ has three mandates which are enshrined in Article 218 of the CHRAJ Acts including the promotion of human rights, the right to sponsor public education programmes and the right to protect and promote administrative justice to ensure transparency and accountability of government and public officials.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Emile Francis Short said there was the need to promote human rights education in societies because the effects were fundamental to all persons irrespective of one’s nationality or tribe.
He said human rights education aimed at developing a comfortable environment for all as well as individual freedom to the environment.
Human rights education forms part of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the commission to educate the public on its principles, he stated, adding that the commission had always worked to widen human rights principles and values which have benefited many individuals and organisations.
Mr Short said as part of its duties, the commission had initiated plans to intensify human rights education in schools to promote tolerance among the youth.
He said human rights education would be an immense value to teachers and students since that would enable them gain better understanding of their basic rights and responsibilities.
“The Commission in April 2003 initiated plans to intensify the promotion of human rights activities in schools. The Commission identified activities such as quizzes and debates to educate school children on human rights. This has therefore led to the establishment of about 200 human rights clubs in basic and senior high schools,” he stated.
The Principal in charge of Public Education at CHRAJ, Mr Mawuli Avutor, noted that the topic for the debate was chosen with regard to the theme set world-wide by the UN to commemorate the universal declaration of human rights.
The Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, and Chairman for the occasion, Mr Richmond Quayson, entreated the students to be tolerant to promote national unity for development.
Story: Matilda Attram
AS part of its contribution towards the 2009 United Nations (UN) human rights celebration, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has organised an inter-schools debate in Accra to promote human rights.
The debate was on the topic: “Discrimination: A Threat to Child Development”. Labone Senior High School (SHS) spoke in favour of the topic and emerged winners, whilst Accra Girls Senior High School (SHS) was against the motion.
Labone SHS was presented with a 29-inch colour television set, a certificate of participation and human rights educational materials, while Accra Girls SHS which placed second had 25-inch colour television set, a certificate of participation and human rights educational materials.
Participating students were also awarded certificates and a cash prize of GH¢500.00 each
The debate was aimed at educating the youth on basic human rights and their responsibilities as citizens of the nation.
It was also to give the youth an opportunity to interact with officials of CHRAJ on issues concerning human rights.
The programme sought to create awareness on the need to avoid discrimination in societies.
Established in 1983 for human rights promotion, CHRAJ has three mandates which are enshrined in Article 218 of the CHRAJ Acts including the promotion of human rights, the right to sponsor public education programmes and the right to protect and promote administrative justice to ensure transparency and accountability of government and public officials.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Emile Francis Short said there was the need to promote human rights education in societies because the effects were fundamental to all persons irrespective of one’s nationality or tribe.
He said human rights education aimed at developing a comfortable environment for all as well as individual freedom to the environment.
Human rights education forms part of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the commission to educate the public on its principles, he stated, adding that the commission had always worked to widen human rights principles and values which have benefited many individuals and organisations.
Mr Short said as part of its duties, the commission had initiated plans to intensify human rights education in schools to promote tolerance among the youth.
He said human rights education would be an immense value to teachers and students since that would enable them gain better understanding of their basic rights and responsibilities.
“The Commission in April 2003 initiated plans to intensify the promotion of human rights activities in schools. The Commission identified activities such as quizzes and debates to educate school children on human rights. This has therefore led to the establishment of about 200 human rights clubs in basic and senior high schools,” he stated.
The Principal in charge of Public Education at CHRAJ, Mr Mawuli Avutor, noted that the topic for the debate was chosen with regard to the theme set world-wide by the UN to commemorate the universal declaration of human rights.
The Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, and Chairman for the occasion, Mr Richmond Quayson, entreated the students to be tolerant to promote national unity for development.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Accra Poly students to benefit from ABL training
Published in the Daily Graphic on 30th Nov, 2009, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
STUDENTS of the Accra Polytechnic are to benefit from a long-term practical training with the Accra Brewery Limited (ABL) in Accra.
This will enable them acquire the needed practical learning skills that will help improve their performance.
During a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the management of ABL and the management of Accra Polytechnic, the Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Dr Festus Addo-Yobo, entreated the management of tertiary institutions to link students with industries and other establishments to enhance their skills of learning.
He said improving on the skills of students would benefit the whole nation, although few parties would be involved, adding "The quality of intelligence is not only defined with class work, but also the skills one demonstrates in his field of work".
Dr Addo-Yobo, urged industries and organisations to partake in the activities of the advisory board of the institution to help train the students.
The Dean of the School of Engineering of Accra Polytechnic, Mr Olufemi Fatonade, said formalising a partnership and relationship with ABL was one of the institution’s major efforts to ensure the success of training the students.
"This development of a mutually beneficial long-term partnership between Accra Polytechnic and ABL in the training of engineering students for industry and academia has for a long time been our dream and it is my fervent prayer that all parties will work diligently towards ensuring the success of this scheme," he stated.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the management of ABL and assured them of the institute's co-operation of providing quality labour force for the country.
The Managing Director of ABL, Mr Gregory Metcalf, said ABL needed to create a mutual relationship with its community and as a result had a mutual relationship with the School of Engineering of the University of Ghana to provide good learning skills to students.
He said the company was ready to partner other tertiary institutions to provide students with the needed skills to develop human capital and skills, as well as boost the country's economy.
Mr Metcalf said apart from engaging students in practical training, the ABL also considered the growing unemployment market and so provided good students with employment after school.
Story: Matilda Attram
STUDENTS of the Accra Polytechnic are to benefit from a long-term practical training with the Accra Brewery Limited (ABL) in Accra.
This will enable them acquire the needed practical learning skills that will help improve their performance.
During a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the management of ABL and the management of Accra Polytechnic, the Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Dr Festus Addo-Yobo, entreated the management of tertiary institutions to link students with industries and other establishments to enhance their skills of learning.
He said improving on the skills of students would benefit the whole nation, although few parties would be involved, adding "The quality of intelligence is not only defined with class work, but also the skills one demonstrates in his field of work".
Dr Addo-Yobo, urged industries and organisations to partake in the activities of the advisory board of the institution to help train the students.
The Dean of the School of Engineering of Accra Polytechnic, Mr Olufemi Fatonade, said formalising a partnership and relationship with ABL was one of the institution’s major efforts to ensure the success of training the students.
"This development of a mutually beneficial long-term partnership between Accra Polytechnic and ABL in the training of engineering students for industry and academia has for a long time been our dream and it is my fervent prayer that all parties will work diligently towards ensuring the success of this scheme," he stated.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the management of ABL and assured them of the institute's co-operation of providing quality labour force for the country.
The Managing Director of ABL, Mr Gregory Metcalf, said ABL needed to create a mutual relationship with its community and as a result had a mutual relationship with the School of Engineering of the University of Ghana to provide good learning skills to students.
He said the company was ready to partner other tertiary institutions to provide students with the needed skills to develop human capital and skills, as well as boost the country's economy.
Mr Metcalf said apart from engaging students in practical training, the ABL also considered the growing unemployment market and so provided good students with employment after school.
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