Published in the Daily Graphic on 22/02/2010, pg 55
Story: Matilda Attram
Nestle Ghana Limited, manufacturers of food beverages, has presented prizes to six of its loyal customers who emerged winners in its MILO Go for Goals promotion.
They are Yaw Abroad and Augustine Boamah, who won the ultimate prizes of airline tickets to watch the South Africa 2010 World Cup with spending money of $1,000 each.
They were followed by Francis Somuah and Vida Ashiatey, who won a 32-inch LCD television set each.
Juliana Ohenewaa and Kelvin Vanlare took home a set of home theatre each as their prizes for participating in the grand draw of the promotion.
During the presentation in Accra, the Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Limited, Samer Chedid, indicated that the promotion, which started in November 2009 and ended in January this year, was part of the company’s way of rewarding its loyal customers.
He said the turnout of participants from different parts of the country testified to how Ghanaians patronised products of the company.
He encouraged all to continue patronising Milo, among other products of the company, to win more prizes, as well as attain good health.
“We had over 250,000 entries during the period of the promotion and many instant prizes such as school bags, travelling bags, water bottles, footballs, among others, have been given out at our retail joints already,” he said.
The MILO Go for Goals promotion required customers of Milo food beverage to submit two tin alufoils of the 400gm size or four of its 200gm sachets at any of its redemption points.
One was also to scratch a scratch board to win instant prizes or complete a coupon to enter the grand draw of the promotion.
Fourteen-year old Vanlare, who won a set of home theatre, told the Daily Graphic that he entered the draw when he read the newspapers, adding, ”I was confident I would win and that was why I decided to participate.”
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
ProcCredit opens business centre
Published in the Daily Graphic on 19/02/2010, pg 33
Story: Matilda Attram
ProCredit Ghana Limited, a non-bank financial institution, has opened a new business centre in Accra to advance credit to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The centre, which is the second of its kind to be established in the capital, is to enable entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary information and financial assistance that will help them manage and expand their businesses.
At the inauguration ceremony, the Managing Director of ProCredit Ghana Limited, Ms Edwige Takassi, stated that SMEs contributed immensely to the growth of the nation but lacked the needed support to improve on their businesses.
She said SMEs, apart from providing profit for individuals, also provided employment in the country, adding, "Their development boosts economic development. They are the engine of Ghana's economy."
She stated that although there were financial institutions that assisted SMEs, the country continued to have a gap in its economic growth due to the little assistance given to the sector.
"Savings and loans companies generally focus on micro-finance activities, while commercial banks usually prefer big and already well-established corporate clients," she stated.
Ms Takassi pointed out that ProCredit was a determined non-bank financial institution which focused on micro and agro lending to help grow SMEs in the country.
"ProCredit started increasing its attention to SMEs a year ago. We strive to provide responsible products and services with transparent pricing for all," she added.
The Vice President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Mr Samuel Appenteng, called for policies to promote access to finance by SMEs to enable them to grow their businesses.
He said access to loans, inadequate planning processes, management efficiency-related problems and lack of collateral had been the major challenges facing SMEs in the country.
"Because of these problems, SMEs are considered a high risk sector and for that reason financial institutions impose a higher cost of credit on the few successful ones in the form of higher interest rates,” he said.
He called on financial institutions to examine their interest levels, as well as implement structures that would reduce the cost of borrowing in the country to enable SMEs to have access to finance to improve their businesses.
Mr Appenteng commended the management of ProCredit for its initiative, adding, “I believe the objective is to give something extra, go beyond the strict credit delivery to a more proactive financial service that will build the capacities of SMEs."
He urged entrepreneurs to organise and manage their businesses efficiently in order to improve their access to credit and assured ProCredit of the AGI's support in its initiative.
Story: Matilda Attram
ProCredit Ghana Limited, a non-bank financial institution, has opened a new business centre in Accra to advance credit to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The centre, which is the second of its kind to be established in the capital, is to enable entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary information and financial assistance that will help them manage and expand their businesses.
At the inauguration ceremony, the Managing Director of ProCredit Ghana Limited, Ms Edwige Takassi, stated that SMEs contributed immensely to the growth of the nation but lacked the needed support to improve on their businesses.
She said SMEs, apart from providing profit for individuals, also provided employment in the country, adding, "Their development boosts economic development. They are the engine of Ghana's economy."
She stated that although there were financial institutions that assisted SMEs, the country continued to have a gap in its economic growth due to the little assistance given to the sector.
"Savings and loans companies generally focus on micro-finance activities, while commercial banks usually prefer big and already well-established corporate clients," she stated.
Ms Takassi pointed out that ProCredit was a determined non-bank financial institution which focused on micro and agro lending to help grow SMEs in the country.
"ProCredit started increasing its attention to SMEs a year ago. We strive to provide responsible products and services with transparent pricing for all," she added.
The Vice President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Mr Samuel Appenteng, called for policies to promote access to finance by SMEs to enable them to grow their businesses.
He said access to loans, inadequate planning processes, management efficiency-related problems and lack of collateral had been the major challenges facing SMEs in the country.
"Because of these problems, SMEs are considered a high risk sector and for that reason financial institutions impose a higher cost of credit on the few successful ones in the form of higher interest rates,” he said.
He called on financial institutions to examine their interest levels, as well as implement structures that would reduce the cost of borrowing in the country to enable SMEs to have access to finance to improve their businesses.
Mr Appenteng commended the management of ProCredit for its initiative, adding, “I believe the objective is to give something extra, go beyond the strict credit delivery to a more proactive financial service that will build the capacities of SMEs."
He urged entrepreneurs to organise and manage their businesses efficiently in order to improve their access to credit and assured ProCredit of the AGI's support in its initiative.
Special funds to support SMEs soon
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/02/2010, pg 32
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Government is to create special funds to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
It is doing this through financial institutions such as the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) through the reduction of interest rates to encourage people to engage in small-scale enterprises.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, said this at the grand finale of the MTN 'Lift Your Game' show in Accra.
'Lift Your Game' is a TV reality show set out to help create jobs for people through small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
It was organised by the Awesome Ventures in collaboration with the MTN as a title sponsor and other supporting companies which included the Business Development Services (BDS) and the Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF), among others.
Ms Tetteh said the government could only make money available to individuals in private enterprises through financial institutions which could evaluate risks involved when giving out money.
She said setting up an enterprise was a risk in an individual's life that needed courage and perseverance to succeed.
"Being in the enterprise business is not easy but anyone who has courage in everything he does succeeds," she said.
She encouraged finalists of the competition to inspire and motivate others in the society, especially the unemployed, to engage themselves in private enterprises, adding that "if 90 per cent of Ghanaians are employed by themselves, the country would have succeeded in solving her unemployment situation".
The Chief Executive Officer of Awesome Ventures, Mr Cyril Heyman, pointed out that the company believed in growing small businesses that could assess loans based on their viability, competence, and character of their promoters regardless of the size of their collateral.
He said the mission of the company was to inspire people engaged in the SME sector through the media and to organise programmes to improve on the development of the nation.
"With quality of life, we believe that it is possible to have a Ghana where the eight Millennium Development Goals are localised at the national, regional and even district levels. We do this by harnessing the power of partnership," he stated.
The Marketing Manager of MTN Ghana, Mr George Andah, said the initiative was to motivate members in society and expressed the hope that it had equipped participants with new skills to manage their businesses.
The programme ended with five finalists answering questions on business. At the end, a 28-year-old first degree holder and farmer, Ms Jesse Bartels, was adjudged the grand winner.
She took home a grand price of a fully paid VIP ticket package to the South Africa 2010 tournament, a mobile phone and an MTN modem, with the other four taking home a mobile phone and an MTN modem each.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Government is to create special funds to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
It is doing this through financial institutions such as the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) through the reduction of interest rates to encourage people to engage in small-scale enterprises.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, said this at the grand finale of the MTN 'Lift Your Game' show in Accra.
'Lift Your Game' is a TV reality show set out to help create jobs for people through small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
It was organised by the Awesome Ventures in collaboration with the MTN as a title sponsor and other supporting companies which included the Business Development Services (BDS) and the Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF), among others.
Ms Tetteh said the government could only make money available to individuals in private enterprises through financial institutions which could evaluate risks involved when giving out money.
She said setting up an enterprise was a risk in an individual's life that needed courage and perseverance to succeed.
"Being in the enterprise business is not easy but anyone who has courage in everything he does succeeds," she said.
She encouraged finalists of the competition to inspire and motivate others in the society, especially the unemployed, to engage themselves in private enterprises, adding that "if 90 per cent of Ghanaians are employed by themselves, the country would have succeeded in solving her unemployment situation".
The Chief Executive Officer of Awesome Ventures, Mr Cyril Heyman, pointed out that the company believed in growing small businesses that could assess loans based on their viability, competence, and character of their promoters regardless of the size of their collateral.
He said the mission of the company was to inspire people engaged in the SME sector through the media and to organise programmes to improve on the development of the nation.
"With quality of life, we believe that it is possible to have a Ghana where the eight Millennium Development Goals are localised at the national, regional and even district levels. We do this by harnessing the power of partnership," he stated.
The Marketing Manager of MTN Ghana, Mr George Andah, said the initiative was to motivate members in society and expressed the hope that it had equipped participants with new skills to manage their businesses.
The programme ended with five finalists answering questions on business. At the end, a 28-year-old first degree holder and farmer, Ms Jesse Bartels, was adjudged the grand winner.
She took home a grand price of a fully paid VIP ticket package to the South Africa 2010 tournament, a mobile phone and an MTN modem, with the other four taking home a mobile phone and an MTN modem each.
GIS commends four officials for refusing bribe
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/02/2010, pg 44
Story: Matilda Attram
FOUR officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have been commended for their refusal to take a GH¢4,000 bribe offered them by a suspected fraudster to assist him in the termination of a case.
The GIS commended Messrs Misbawu Yussif, an Assistant Inspector; Richard Dua, an Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO) II; Gideon Vanderpuije, AICO I; and Richard Asare, AICO II; all of the operations department of the GIS, for maintaining their professional integrity.
The suspected fraudster, Kenneth Kabutey, 42, is said to have offered the said amount to the four GIS officials to assist him escape from custody and also drop a case of conspiring with three others to sell and selling fake diamonds to two Iranians they had succeeded in luring into the country to transact business.
Kabutey, the leader of the group, with the three others — Ishmael Osman Amartey, 52, Osaka Bawa, 48 and Iking Freeman, a Liberian — and a fifth person who is on the run, were reported in the January 4 edition of an Accra daily to have allegedly sold fake diamonds to the two Iranians at $40,000.
The report stated that the two, who were instructed by the sellers to only open the parcel which contained the supposed diamonds when they got to Iran, were fortunate to be interrupted by the GIS officials at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on the day of their departure on January 24 2010 for questioning.
The report further stated that although the two had gone through screening to manifest their legal entry into the country to transact business, the GIS officials whose suspicion was aroused by some fishy deal going on, insisted and opened the parcel.
“It was when the parcel was opened and the contents closely examined that the contents were found not to be diamonds,” it stated.
It said the two Iranians then led the GIS officials to arrest the sellers to assist the police in their investigations.
Reacting to the conduct of the GIS officials, the Head of Public Relations, Deputy Superintendent Francis Palmdeti, expressed satisfaction at the display of professional integrity by the officials.
He said the officials who were tempted with the bribe were junior officers of the organisation and had demonstrated their integrity with such professional performance.
“These officers could have easily fallen for the temptation, since they receive minimal wages, but stood firm to act professionally,” he said.
He said the commendation of the officials was to motivate others and also to caution unscrupulous officials engaged in bribery to desist from such act, since it negatively dragged the name of the organisation in the mud.
He called on the public to support the service to discharge its duties professionally and urged other officials of the organisation to emulate the examples of the four in protecting people, as well as ensuring security of the nation.
Kabutey, who is the Managing Director of Commercial Investment and Marketing Ghana Limited, an import and export mining company in Accra, is in custody assisting investigations, while the others are on bail.
Story: Matilda Attram
FOUR officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have been commended for their refusal to take a GH¢4,000 bribe offered them by a suspected fraudster to assist him in the termination of a case.
The GIS commended Messrs Misbawu Yussif, an Assistant Inspector; Richard Dua, an Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO) II; Gideon Vanderpuije, AICO I; and Richard Asare, AICO II; all of the operations department of the GIS, for maintaining their professional integrity.
The suspected fraudster, Kenneth Kabutey, 42, is said to have offered the said amount to the four GIS officials to assist him escape from custody and also drop a case of conspiring with three others to sell and selling fake diamonds to two Iranians they had succeeded in luring into the country to transact business.
Kabutey, the leader of the group, with the three others — Ishmael Osman Amartey, 52, Osaka Bawa, 48 and Iking Freeman, a Liberian — and a fifth person who is on the run, were reported in the January 4 edition of an Accra daily to have allegedly sold fake diamonds to the two Iranians at $40,000.
The report stated that the two, who were instructed by the sellers to only open the parcel which contained the supposed diamonds when they got to Iran, were fortunate to be interrupted by the GIS officials at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on the day of their departure on January 24 2010 for questioning.
The report further stated that although the two had gone through screening to manifest their legal entry into the country to transact business, the GIS officials whose suspicion was aroused by some fishy deal going on, insisted and opened the parcel.
“It was when the parcel was opened and the contents closely examined that the contents were found not to be diamonds,” it stated.
It said the two Iranians then led the GIS officials to arrest the sellers to assist the police in their investigations.
Reacting to the conduct of the GIS officials, the Head of Public Relations, Deputy Superintendent Francis Palmdeti, expressed satisfaction at the display of professional integrity by the officials.
He said the officials who were tempted with the bribe were junior officers of the organisation and had demonstrated their integrity with such professional performance.
“These officers could have easily fallen for the temptation, since they receive minimal wages, but stood firm to act professionally,” he said.
He said the commendation of the officials was to motivate others and also to caution unscrupulous officials engaged in bribery to desist from such act, since it negatively dragged the name of the organisation in the mud.
He called on the public to support the service to discharge its duties professionally and urged other officials of the organisation to emulate the examples of the four in protecting people, as well as ensuring security of the nation.
Kabutey, who is the Managing Director of Commercial Investment and Marketing Ghana Limited, an import and export mining company in Accra, is in custody assisting investigations, while the others are on bail.
Ghana Italy co-operate to check migration
Published in the Daily Graphic on 18/02/2010, pg 46
Story: Matilda Attram
The government is collaborating with the Italian Public Security Department to devise mechanisms to reduce illegal migration and smuggling in order to improve upon security in both countries.
The two governments will share ideas on the necessary measures needed to achieve this through bilateral co-operation.
This was made known during the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Department of Italian Public Security Department in Accra.
The agreement emphasises capacity building and technical co-operation programmes to consolidate partnership approaches between the two countries.
It also seeks to provide joint operations, as well as mutual visits and training of personnel, in the fight against the negative practices involved in migration.
The Italian Minister of Interior, Mr Roberto Maroni, indicated that Italy had been the European Union nation which took up the responsibility to co-ordinate and manage the challenges of illegal migration, especially in Europe.
He reiterated the good relationship Ghana shared with Italy and expressed the hope of further strengthening it through the agreement.
The outgoing Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, in his remarks, stated that illegal migration was a major challenge to most nations due to disparities in the distribution of economic resources which needed to be controlled.
According to him, illegal migration and smuggling had been characterised as trans-national crimes organised by international criminal organisations which were often connected to drug trafficking, terrorism, money laundering and arms trafficking.
He indicated that Ghana was prone to insecurity and trans-national crimes from unstable countries in the sub-region such as drugs, small arms and human trafficking due to its geographical location.
“The porous and artificial nature of our borders gives rise to the constant movement of persons, both licit and illicit,” he said.
Mr Avoka pointed out that although the law enforcement agencies in the country faced many challenges, they did well to maintain peace and security.
He expressed the hope that the international co-operation and collaboration between the two countries would enhance the capacity of the security agencies in Ghana.
He further expressed gratitude to the Italian government for its kind gesture.
Story: Matilda Attram
The government is collaborating with the Italian Public Security Department to devise mechanisms to reduce illegal migration and smuggling in order to improve upon security in both countries.
The two governments will share ideas on the necessary measures needed to achieve this through bilateral co-operation.
This was made known during the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Department of Italian Public Security Department in Accra.
The agreement emphasises capacity building and technical co-operation programmes to consolidate partnership approaches between the two countries.
It also seeks to provide joint operations, as well as mutual visits and training of personnel, in the fight against the negative practices involved in migration.
The Italian Minister of Interior, Mr Roberto Maroni, indicated that Italy had been the European Union nation which took up the responsibility to co-ordinate and manage the challenges of illegal migration, especially in Europe.
He reiterated the good relationship Ghana shared with Italy and expressed the hope of further strengthening it through the agreement.
The outgoing Minister of the Interior, Mr Cletus Avoka, in his remarks, stated that illegal migration was a major challenge to most nations due to disparities in the distribution of economic resources which needed to be controlled.
According to him, illegal migration and smuggling had been characterised as trans-national crimes organised by international criminal organisations which were often connected to drug trafficking, terrorism, money laundering and arms trafficking.
He indicated that Ghana was prone to insecurity and trans-national crimes from unstable countries in the sub-region such as drugs, small arms and human trafficking due to its geographical location.
“The porous and artificial nature of our borders gives rise to the constant movement of persons, both licit and illicit,” he said.
Mr Avoka pointed out that although the law enforcement agencies in the country faced many challenges, they did well to maintain peace and security.
He expressed the hope that the international co-operation and collaboration between the two countries would enhance the capacity of the security agencies in Ghana.
He further expressed gratitude to the Italian government for its kind gesture.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
KRIF to open more outlets
Published in the Daily Graphic on 15/02/2010, pg 57
Story: Matilda Attram
THE General Manager of KRIF Ghana Limited, Mr Christian Yeboah, has stated that the company will this year open new outlets in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions as part of its efforts to reach out to its customers in those regions.
He said the opening of new outlets was aimed at reducing travel time and cost of consumers to purchase stationery in Accra.
Speaking at a press soiree organised by the company in Accra last Friday, to interact with the media and to share the company’s experiences in the business world as well as inform the general public on its future goals, Mr Yeboah pointed out the need for businesses to value their customers by providing them with the best services.
He stated that the company would continue to provide quality products and focused customer service to ensure its leadership in customer satisfaction in its business.“The essence of ensuring good quality products and an efficient customer service continues to be an issue, especially with the recent economic upheavals,” he stated.
He said it was the responsibility of a business entity to recognise and appreciate its consumers to maintain and encourage existing relationships for their mutual benefit.
“We at KRIF appreciate the contribution of every customers, whether large or small as well as stay focused on its principle objective of providing quality but affordable stationary, office equipment and currency handling equipment, at the same time being conscious of the ever changing demands of the consumer”, he stated.
He said the company, since its establishment in 1993, had been able to maintain cordial relationship with its customers and provide them with quality services based on its effective research and development.
“Our mission as a company remains unresolved to be the preferred supplier in excellent quality and competitively priced office and school stationary, office equipment and money handling equipment, professional maintenance services with the right accessories, he said.
The Chairman of the company, Mr Kennedy Okosun, mentioned the payment of high interest rate as a major challenge facing the company although it paid its tariffs and tax as part of its contribution towards national development.
He further urged consumers of the company to partake in the company’s promotional sales slated till the end of February this year.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE General Manager of KRIF Ghana Limited, Mr Christian Yeboah, has stated that the company will this year open new outlets in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions as part of its efforts to reach out to its customers in those regions.
He said the opening of new outlets was aimed at reducing travel time and cost of consumers to purchase stationery in Accra.
Speaking at a press soiree organised by the company in Accra last Friday, to interact with the media and to share the company’s experiences in the business world as well as inform the general public on its future goals, Mr Yeboah pointed out the need for businesses to value their customers by providing them with the best services.
He stated that the company would continue to provide quality products and focused customer service to ensure its leadership in customer satisfaction in its business.“The essence of ensuring good quality products and an efficient customer service continues to be an issue, especially with the recent economic upheavals,” he stated.
He said it was the responsibility of a business entity to recognise and appreciate its consumers to maintain and encourage existing relationships for their mutual benefit.
“We at KRIF appreciate the contribution of every customers, whether large or small as well as stay focused on its principle objective of providing quality but affordable stationary, office equipment and currency handling equipment, at the same time being conscious of the ever changing demands of the consumer”, he stated.
He said the company, since its establishment in 1993, had been able to maintain cordial relationship with its customers and provide them with quality services based on its effective research and development.
“Our mission as a company remains unresolved to be the preferred supplier in excellent quality and competitively priced office and school stationary, office equipment and money handling equipment, professional maintenance services with the right accessories, he said.
The Chairman of the company, Mr Kennedy Okosun, mentioned the payment of high interest rate as a major challenge facing the company although it paid its tariffs and tax as part of its contribution towards national development.
He further urged consumers of the company to partake in the company’s promotional sales slated till the end of February this year.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Association calls for promotion of home economics in 2nd, tertiary institutions
Published in the Daily Graphic on 13/02/2010, pg 19
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ghana Home Economics Association (GHEA) has called for the promotion of home economics as a course of study in second cycle and tertiary institutions in Ghana.
It said although home economics was a course that encompassed all disciplines in the educational sector, it was not much appreciated.
The President of GHEA, Mrs Veronica Jackson, made the call at a press conference in Accra prior to the annual celebration of the ‘World Home Economics Day’ which falls in March this year. It would be celebrated in March on the theme, “Home Economics beyond 100 years - empowering for the digital world”.
Mrs Jackson called for the change in perception that home economics was all about cooking because the course entailed much more than cooking.
According to her, the course dealt with all aspects of an individual’s daily activities such as relationship with others, finance and resource management, consumerism, textiles and clothing, housing and environment and foods and nutrition.
“Home economics around the world focus on the fundamental needs and practical concerns of individuals and families in everyday life and their importance, both at the individual and community levels,” she said.
A past president of the association, Mrs Edith Francois, pointed out that home economics was a dynamic applied science based on all basic lessons taught in schools and therefore needed to be encouraged as an examinable course in educational institutions.
She stated that teachers and lecturers who taught home economics in educational institutions needed to be motivated to train the youth, since the course could earn one a private enterprise that would contribute to development.
She called on the government to continue to encourage the teaching and learning of life skills at the basic levels of education.
Giving a historic background on the association, a Human Resource Management (HRM) lecturer at the Central University College, Madam Enyonam Canice Kudonoo, stated that the association, which was established in the 1960’s, had hosted international conferences in the country.
An international gender consultant of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Mrs Jane Amavi, urged members of the association to make use of their training and contribute to activities that would promote development in the country.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ghana Home Economics Association (GHEA) has called for the promotion of home economics as a course of study in second cycle and tertiary institutions in Ghana.
It said although home economics was a course that encompassed all disciplines in the educational sector, it was not much appreciated.
The President of GHEA, Mrs Veronica Jackson, made the call at a press conference in Accra prior to the annual celebration of the ‘World Home Economics Day’ which falls in March this year. It would be celebrated in March on the theme, “Home Economics beyond 100 years - empowering for the digital world”.
Mrs Jackson called for the change in perception that home economics was all about cooking because the course entailed much more than cooking.
According to her, the course dealt with all aspects of an individual’s daily activities such as relationship with others, finance and resource management, consumerism, textiles and clothing, housing and environment and foods and nutrition.
“Home economics around the world focus on the fundamental needs and practical concerns of individuals and families in everyday life and their importance, both at the individual and community levels,” she said.
A past president of the association, Mrs Edith Francois, pointed out that home economics was a dynamic applied science based on all basic lessons taught in schools and therefore needed to be encouraged as an examinable course in educational institutions.
She stated that teachers and lecturers who taught home economics in educational institutions needed to be motivated to train the youth, since the course could earn one a private enterprise that would contribute to development.
She called on the government to continue to encourage the teaching and learning of life skills at the basic levels of education.
Giving a historic background on the association, a Human Resource Management (HRM) lecturer at the Central University College, Madam Enyonam Canice Kudonoo, stated that the association, which was established in the 1960’s, had hosted international conferences in the country.
An international gender consultant of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Mrs Jane Amavi, urged members of the association to make use of their training and contribute to activities that would promote development in the country.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ghana,Britain discuss tertiary education
Published in the Daily Graphic on 12/02/10, pg 30
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Education is collaborating with the British government to improve Ghana’s tertiary educational system.
This was made known yesterday when the British Minister of State and Intellectual Property, Mr David Lammy, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, in Accra to discuss issues pertaining to the improvement of education in Ghana.
The call was part of Mr Lammy’s visit to some educational institutions in the country to familiarise himself with their activities. Before the call, he had visited the University of Education, Winneba and the University of Cape Coast.
The visit was also to see how the two countries could collaborate to strengthen higher education.
Mr Lammy stressed the importance of the establishment of an open university that would facilitate the developmental process of the nation.
He said an open university was one entity of a nation’s development that encouraged the building of the capacities of its citizens.
He added that the teaching and the learning of Mathematics and Science in educational institutions were also necessary to every nation determined to develop.
He indicated that Mathematics and Science trained individuals who directed the affairs of a nation, especially the scientific aspects of development.
Mr Lammy expressed appreciation at the educational system in the country and assured the ministry of British support in building the capacities of people interested in pursuing courses in oil and industry.
Mr Tettey-Enyo appealed to the British to support capacity-building programmes among the youth to enable them to contribute their quota to national development.
The two also held discussions on the renewal of ageing faculties in the educational system of Ghana, as well as the establishment of a National Inspectorate Board to ensure effective teaching and learning practices in schools.
The Minister of Education commended the British government for its support to Ghana over the years.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Ministry of Education is collaborating with the British government to improve Ghana’s tertiary educational system.
This was made known yesterday when the British Minister of State and Intellectual Property, Mr David Lammy, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, in Accra to discuss issues pertaining to the improvement of education in Ghana.
The call was part of Mr Lammy’s visit to some educational institutions in the country to familiarise himself with their activities. Before the call, he had visited the University of Education, Winneba and the University of Cape Coast.
The visit was also to see how the two countries could collaborate to strengthen higher education.
Mr Lammy stressed the importance of the establishment of an open university that would facilitate the developmental process of the nation.
He said an open university was one entity of a nation’s development that encouraged the building of the capacities of its citizens.
He added that the teaching and the learning of Mathematics and Science in educational institutions were also necessary to every nation determined to develop.
He indicated that Mathematics and Science trained individuals who directed the affairs of a nation, especially the scientific aspects of development.
Mr Lammy expressed appreciation at the educational system in the country and assured the ministry of British support in building the capacities of people interested in pursuing courses in oil and industry.
Mr Tettey-Enyo appealed to the British to support capacity-building programmes among the youth to enable them to contribute their quota to national development.
The two also held discussions on the renewal of ageing faculties in the educational system of Ghana, as well as the establishment of a National Inspectorate Board to ensure effective teaching and learning practices in schools.
The Minister of Education commended the British government for its support to Ghana over the years.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Personage Ltd launches well-being products
Published in the Daily Graphic on 10/02/10, pg 31
Story: Matilda Attram
Personage Limited, a company providing health-related services, has launched its well-being services and first product line that would help improve the country’s health system.
The product line, known as the ‘Wellness water filters’, comes in five forms.
They include the Wellness Sport Bottle, the Wellness Jug, the Wellness Kitchen, the Wellness Shower and the Wellness Home, all of which filter water before use.
The Executive Partner of Personage Limited, Madam Harriet Amissah- Arthur, said in her presentation that the well-being of an individual greatly depended on the individual’s ability of taking care of himself.
She defined ‘well-being’ as the state of being in good health most of the times, adding that “with Ghana’s under-resourced health system, we all need to actively participate in ensuring our well-being”.
“Water is the liquid essence of life, of health and of well-being whether we drink it, bathe or wash in it, and our body’s ability to perform at its best is absolutely dependent upon water,” she said.
Madam Amissah-Arthur said even though water was an essential commodity in the quest to ensure the individual’s well-being, it had harmful effects which should not be ignored, stressing that most people, including even those with knowledge of the harmful effects of chlorine and other chemicals in the water they drink, paid less attention to those negative effects.
She indicated that Personage Limited was established to provide well-being services to the public through education, encouragement and the availability of products that would motivate people to take active interest in their well-being.
“At Personage, we believe that well-being can be simply achieved for the vast majority of people,” she stated.
She finally recommended all individuals to the services of Personage Limited, especially the wellness water filters.
The Executive Director of Healthy Ghana, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, pointed out that water was a second basic fundamental ingredient of life.
He expressed the need for quality water to improve on the health of the individual, adding that “water is fundamental to life as good health is because without water there is no life”.
The Head of the Department for Microbiology of the University of Ghana Medical School, Dr Patrick Ayeh Kumi, commended Personage Limited for their efforts and urged Ghanaians to take their health issues seriously.
Story: Matilda Attram
Personage Limited, a company providing health-related services, has launched its well-being services and first product line that would help improve the country’s health system.
The product line, known as the ‘Wellness water filters’, comes in five forms.
They include the Wellness Sport Bottle, the Wellness Jug, the Wellness Kitchen, the Wellness Shower and the Wellness Home, all of which filter water before use.
The Executive Partner of Personage Limited, Madam Harriet Amissah- Arthur, said in her presentation that the well-being of an individual greatly depended on the individual’s ability of taking care of himself.
She defined ‘well-being’ as the state of being in good health most of the times, adding that “with Ghana’s under-resourced health system, we all need to actively participate in ensuring our well-being”.
“Water is the liquid essence of life, of health and of well-being whether we drink it, bathe or wash in it, and our body’s ability to perform at its best is absolutely dependent upon water,” she said.
Madam Amissah-Arthur said even though water was an essential commodity in the quest to ensure the individual’s well-being, it had harmful effects which should not be ignored, stressing that most people, including even those with knowledge of the harmful effects of chlorine and other chemicals in the water they drink, paid less attention to those negative effects.
She indicated that Personage Limited was established to provide well-being services to the public through education, encouragement and the availability of products that would motivate people to take active interest in their well-being.
“At Personage, we believe that well-being can be simply achieved for the vast majority of people,” she stated.
She finally recommended all individuals to the services of Personage Limited, especially the wellness water filters.
The Executive Director of Healthy Ghana, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, pointed out that water was a second basic fundamental ingredient of life.
He expressed the need for quality water to improve on the health of the individual, adding that “water is fundamental to life as good health is because without water there is no life”.
The Head of the Department for Microbiology of the University of Ghana Medical School, Dr Patrick Ayeh Kumi, commended Personage Limited for their efforts and urged Ghanaians to take their health issues seriously.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Accra Water Crises Worsens. Expects look for foreign help
Publishe in the Daily Graphic on 9/02/10, spread(middle pg)
STORY : News Desk Report
Matilda Attram reports that some residents who spoke to the Daily Graphic on the situation said they travelled all the way from Adabraka to Circle and Kanda to buy water for their activities.
A porridge seller at Kokomlemle, Aminatu Karim , told the Daily Graphic that the situation had slowed business since she had to travel to Kanda with her children every morning to fetch water before the preparation of her porridge.
"It has affected my business because I have to go and sell late in the morning," she said.
The situation at the Ridge Hospital yesterday morning was no better.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr George Acquaye, pointed out that the hospital already had a problem with water situation even at normal times when there was no water shortage in town.
He said the situation became worse when there was shortage of water in surrounding areas.
Dr Acquaye indicated that the hospital occasionally depended on Zoomlion Ghana Limited, GWCL and private water tankers for water for its operations.
He further indicated that at the time of Daily Graphic's visit to the hospital it had four out of eight reservoirs filled with water but added that the hospital could run out of water within a day or two.
Meanwhile the situation at the Adabraka Polyclinic, however, seemed normal as workers of the clinic told the Daily Graphic the clinic had no problem with water supply.
They further said the clinic's main tap was flowing yesterday morning and so water had been reserved for emergency purposes.
STORY : News Desk Report
Matilda Attram reports that some residents who spoke to the Daily Graphic on the situation said they travelled all the way from Adabraka to Circle and Kanda to buy water for their activities.
A porridge seller at Kokomlemle, Aminatu Karim , told the Daily Graphic that the situation had slowed business since she had to travel to Kanda with her children every morning to fetch water before the preparation of her porridge.
"It has affected my business because I have to go and sell late in the morning," she said.
The situation at the Ridge Hospital yesterday morning was no better.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr George Acquaye, pointed out that the hospital already had a problem with water situation even at normal times when there was no water shortage in town.
He said the situation became worse when there was shortage of water in surrounding areas.
Dr Acquaye indicated that the hospital occasionally depended on Zoomlion Ghana Limited, GWCL and private water tankers for water for its operations.
He further indicated that at the time of Daily Graphic's visit to the hospital it had four out of eight reservoirs filled with water but added that the hospital could run out of water within a day or two.
Meanwhile the situation at the Adabraka Polyclinic, however, seemed normal as workers of the clinic told the Daily Graphic the clinic had no problem with water supply.
They further said the clinic's main tap was flowing yesterday morning and so water had been reserved for emergency purposes.
Mechanical Lloyd unveils 3 Ford vehicles
Published in the Daily Graphic on 9/02/10, pg 14
Story: Matilda Attram
MECHANICAL Lloyd Company Limited, a car dealing company in Ghana, has introduced three new Ford vehicles onto the Ghanaian market.
The vehicles are the Ford Fiesta, the Ford Ranger and the Ford Everest.
The three vehicles come with special features such as Anti-lock Break System (ABS), air conditioning, Fog Lamps, Side Air bags, Electronic Break Force Distribution (EBD), Remote Keyless Entry and a 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
Others are manual and automatic transmissions, Radio/CD/MP3 Player and a capless Refuel.
The newly introduced vehicles, which are said to be fuel efficient, are expected to provide comfort and safety to users.
At the official launch of the three vehicles, the General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Mr Morkporkpor Adim, said the vehicles were friendly, fuel efficient, spacious and also provided safety and comfort for the driver and his passengers, adding that the vehicles could travel many miles to any part of the country regardless of the condition of the road.
He said Ford’s strategies in planning and research, had culminated in coming out with models of vehicles that would meet the needs of consumers.
“The past year was a difficult one for most industries which the automobile industry was hit hard. The only US auto giant which survived the storm among the others was Ford, which also became stronger,” he said.
The Group Sales Manager of Mechanical Lloyd Company Limited, Mr Kojo Annobil, stated that the seven-seater Ford Everest together, with the four-seater Ford Ranger and Ford Fiesta, was the third generation of Ford vehicles to be introduced in the country.
Story: Matilda Attram
MECHANICAL Lloyd Company Limited, a car dealing company in Ghana, has introduced three new Ford vehicles onto the Ghanaian market.
The vehicles are the Ford Fiesta, the Ford Ranger and the Ford Everest.
The three vehicles come with special features such as Anti-lock Break System (ABS), air conditioning, Fog Lamps, Side Air bags, Electronic Break Force Distribution (EBD), Remote Keyless Entry and a 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
Others are manual and automatic transmissions, Radio/CD/MP3 Player and a capless Refuel.
The newly introduced vehicles, which are said to be fuel efficient, are expected to provide comfort and safety to users.
At the official launch of the three vehicles, the General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Mr Morkporkpor Adim, said the vehicles were friendly, fuel efficient, spacious and also provided safety and comfort for the driver and his passengers, adding that the vehicles could travel many miles to any part of the country regardless of the condition of the road.
He said Ford’s strategies in planning and research, had culminated in coming out with models of vehicles that would meet the needs of consumers.
“The past year was a difficult one for most industries which the automobile industry was hit hard. The only US auto giant which survived the storm among the others was Ford, which also became stronger,” he said.
The Group Sales Manager of Mechanical Lloyd Company Limited, Mr Kojo Annobil, stated that the seven-seater Ford Everest together, with the four-seater Ford Ranger and Ford Fiesta, was the third generation of Ford vehicles to be introduced in the country.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Make girl child education a priority- Naadu Mills
Published in the Daily Graphic on 8/02/2010, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
THE First Lady, Mrs Enerstina Naadu Mills, has urged all to make the girl child education a priority in the country’s development agenda.
This, she said, could be done through a conscious effort by the Government and the civil society through education to encourage the enrolment of girl child in schools throughout the country.
Mrs Mills was speaking at the 60th anniversary speech and prize giving day celebration of the St Mary’s Senior High School in Accra at the weekend.
It was on the theme, “6O Years of Progressive and Holistic Girls’ Education: The Challenges of the 21st Century”.
“Is it a wonder that education has produced our first woman Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood , the first woman speaker of Parliament, Madam Justice Joyce Bamford Addo, the first woman Director of Immigration, Ms Elizabeth Adjei and the first woman statistician, Dr Grace Bediako,” she stated.
Mrs Mills stated that formal education was vital to the individual in present day society due to the important roles it played in life, adding that "the success or failure of a person depends on the holistic development of the human mind, body and soul”.
She noted that knowledge, understanding and wisdom were the three elements required by education to make one’s human personality to become complete.
“Without formal education, one is unable to obtain a job or be successful in whatever environment she may find herself in. Therefore if a person goes through school, she must ensure that she goes through all the facets, otherwise her education is incomplete”, Mrs Mills stated.
She challenged current students of the school to be confident, bold and hardworking in all activities as well as take advantage of the modern facilities of the 21st century such as Information Technology (IT) to improve on their academics.
Mrs Mills also called on old students of the school to present themselves as role models to the current students.
In her address, the Headmistress of the school Ms Doris Ama Bramson indicated that for several years the school had been rated among the 20 schools that fed the country's three main universities.
She said this was achieved through the innovative policies, strict supervision and monitoring of students’ academic performance.
The headmistress said the school's administration applied time tested Catholic discipline which made students understand the distinct relationship between discipline and academic performance.
She noted that the school scored 100 percent passes in 14 out of 21 subjects registered for the 2009 West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and hoped that 82 percent of the 240 candidates presented for the examination would qualify for admission into tertiary institutions.
Over the period, the headmistress said the school recorded 95 percent passes in 21 registered subjects in the Senior Secondary Scholl Certificate Examination (SSSCE) and WASSCE. Out of the 240 candidates presented for the 2009 WASSCE examinations, 52.5 percent passed in all 8 subjects, 35.8 percent passed in 7 subjects, 6.7 percent passed 6 subjects and 5 percent passed in 5 subjects," she stated.
Ms Bramson pointed out that apart from excelling in , the school also performed well in other activities which included sports and other social club activities which sought to enrich the lives of students of the school.
She commended the old students association and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for their support and mentioned the lack of classroom accommodation and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department as the challenges facing the school.
The President of the St Mary's Old Students Association (SMOGA), Mrs Grace Amarteifio, expressed the need to instil discipline in students and called on parents to get involved in educating their children, especially girls by support and supervising them.
She also urged the current students to be respectful and disciplined.
She pledged on behalf of the association to build four new bungalows for members of staff of the school.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South, Mr Fritz Baffour, used the opportunity to donate 40 pieces of brand new Dell computers and GH¢1,000 as a birthday present to the school and also pledged the establishment of a multi-purpose volley and basketball court, hoped to be completed in the first quarter of next year.
Present at the function were the Metropolitan ARchbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. Charles Palmer Buckle, representatives of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education, and heads of some senior high schools in the country.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE First Lady, Mrs Enerstina Naadu Mills, has urged all to make the girl child education a priority in the country’s development agenda.
This, she said, could be done through a conscious effort by the Government and the civil society through education to encourage the enrolment of girl child in schools throughout the country.
Mrs Mills was speaking at the 60th anniversary speech and prize giving day celebration of the St Mary’s Senior High School in Accra at the weekend.
It was on the theme, “6O Years of Progressive and Holistic Girls’ Education: The Challenges of the 21st Century”.
“Is it a wonder that education has produced our first woman Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood , the first woman speaker of Parliament, Madam Justice Joyce Bamford Addo, the first woman Director of Immigration, Ms Elizabeth Adjei and the first woman statistician, Dr Grace Bediako,” she stated.
Mrs Mills stated that formal education was vital to the individual in present day society due to the important roles it played in life, adding that "the success or failure of a person depends on the holistic development of the human mind, body and soul”.
She noted that knowledge, understanding and wisdom were the three elements required by education to make one’s human personality to become complete.
“Without formal education, one is unable to obtain a job or be successful in whatever environment she may find herself in. Therefore if a person goes through school, she must ensure that she goes through all the facets, otherwise her education is incomplete”, Mrs Mills stated.
She challenged current students of the school to be confident, bold and hardworking in all activities as well as take advantage of the modern facilities of the 21st century such as Information Technology (IT) to improve on their academics.
Mrs Mills also called on old students of the school to present themselves as role models to the current students.
In her address, the Headmistress of the school Ms Doris Ama Bramson indicated that for several years the school had been rated among the 20 schools that fed the country's three main universities.
She said this was achieved through the innovative policies, strict supervision and monitoring of students’ academic performance.
The headmistress said the school's administration applied time tested Catholic discipline which made students understand the distinct relationship between discipline and academic performance.
She noted that the school scored 100 percent passes in 14 out of 21 subjects registered for the 2009 West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and hoped that 82 percent of the 240 candidates presented for the examination would qualify for admission into tertiary institutions.
Over the period, the headmistress said the school recorded 95 percent passes in 21 registered subjects in the Senior Secondary Scholl Certificate Examination (SSSCE) and WASSCE. Out of the 240 candidates presented for the 2009 WASSCE examinations, 52.5 percent passed in all 8 subjects, 35.8 percent passed in 7 subjects, 6.7 percent passed 6 subjects and 5 percent passed in 5 subjects," she stated.
Ms Bramson pointed out that apart from excelling in , the school also performed well in other activities which included sports and other social club activities which sought to enrich the lives of students of the school.
She commended the old students association and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for their support and mentioned the lack of classroom accommodation and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department as the challenges facing the school.
The President of the St Mary's Old Students Association (SMOGA), Mrs Grace Amarteifio, expressed the need to instil discipline in students and called on parents to get involved in educating their children, especially girls by support and supervising them.
She also urged the current students to be respectful and disciplined.
She pledged on behalf of the association to build four new bungalows for members of staff of the school.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South, Mr Fritz Baffour, used the opportunity to donate 40 pieces of brand new Dell computers and GH¢1,000 as a birthday present to the school and also pledged the establishment of a multi-purpose volley and basketball court, hoped to be completed in the first quarter of next year.
Present at the function were the Metropolitan ARchbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. Charles Palmer Buckle, representatives of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education, and heads of some senior high schools in the country.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Zenith to continue delivery of quality service
Published in the Daily Graphic on 5/02/10, (spread) ie middle pg
Story: Matilda Attram
ZENITH Bank Ghana Limited has expressed its determination, as an award winning bank, to continue to deliver quality services and products to its clientele, as well as prospective customers in the country.
The bank has, therefore, called on Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), which has been one of its major business partners, to offer it the much needed support and platform in its efforts at improving business development in the country.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited, Mr Daniel Asiedu, made the call when he led a four-member management team to call on the Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Awal.
The delegation was made up of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Daniel Asiedu; the General Manager, Mrs Abiola Bawuah; the Head of Legal Department, Mr Daniel Agamah, and the Head of Human Resource and Corporate Communications, Mrs Eva Richter-Addo.
The bank won the Bank of the Year Award in 2008, three years after it commenced business in the country.
Mr Asiedu noted that GCGL as the biggest media organisation in the country with eight newspaper brands was in a good stead to partner Zenith, especially at the time when the country was moving towards accelerated development following the oil finds.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the two organisations and urged the GCGL to continue to support business in the country in the areas of corporate image, news, advertising and promotions.
The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Awal, for his part said the company had grown beyond news coverage to helping businesses to find solutions to the multiplicity of problems confronting business groups in the country.
To this end, he said GCGL would continue to contribute to help facilitate the business environment, not only to grow but to make profit, as well as provide employment opportunities to help solve the ever increasing unemployment problem in the country.
He said GCGL would very soon launch activities of its 60th anniversary, and urged business companies, especially Zenith bank, to partner the company in the celebrations.
He announced that the company would inaugurate its new press project, which he said would be the most modern and efficient in the sub-region.
Mr Awal urged business organisations to take advantage of the facilities offered by GCGL in terms of quality printing, competitive rates and business visibility and opportunities.
Story: Matilda Attram
ZENITH Bank Ghana Limited has expressed its determination, as an award winning bank, to continue to deliver quality services and products to its clientele, as well as prospective customers in the country.
The bank has, therefore, called on Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), which has been one of its major business partners, to offer it the much needed support and platform in its efforts at improving business development in the country.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited, Mr Daniel Asiedu, made the call when he led a four-member management team to call on the Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Awal.
The delegation was made up of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Daniel Asiedu; the General Manager, Mrs Abiola Bawuah; the Head of Legal Department, Mr Daniel Agamah, and the Head of Human Resource and Corporate Communications, Mrs Eva Richter-Addo.
The bank won the Bank of the Year Award in 2008, three years after it commenced business in the country.
Mr Asiedu noted that GCGL as the biggest media organisation in the country with eight newspaper brands was in a good stead to partner Zenith, especially at the time when the country was moving towards accelerated development following the oil finds.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the two organisations and urged the GCGL to continue to support business in the country in the areas of corporate image, news, advertising and promotions.
The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Awal, for his part said the company had grown beyond news coverage to helping businesses to find solutions to the multiplicity of problems confronting business groups in the country.
To this end, he said GCGL would continue to contribute to help facilitate the business environment, not only to grow but to make profit, as well as provide employment opportunities to help solve the ever increasing unemployment problem in the country.
He said GCGL would very soon launch activities of its 60th anniversary, and urged business companies, especially Zenith bank, to partner the company in the celebrations.
He announced that the company would inaugurate its new press project, which he said would be the most modern and efficient in the sub-region.
Mr Awal urged business organisations to take advantage of the facilities offered by GCGL in terms of quality printing, competitive rates and business visibility and opportunities.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Show your Potential- Ofori Debra
Published in the Daily Graphic on 4/02/2010, pg 30
Story: Matilda Attram
The President of the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB), Mr Yaw Ofori Debra, has challenged people with disabilities to take up roles and responsibilities in their communities to demonstrate their potential contribution to the development of the nation.
He said persons with disability needed to involve themselves in societal activities to discontinue the negative perception of being unable to perform in society.
“We should not wait for society to approach us before we can exhibit what we can do.” We must create the perception that we can do everything despite our challenges,” he said.
Mr Debra gave this advice during the 2010 Greater Accra Regional Biennial convention for the blind in Accra.
It was organised by the GAB to address the challenges of the visually impaired in society.
Speaking on the theme “Inclusion of the Blind and Partially Sighted Persons into the Ghanaian Society”, Mr Debra, who is also visually impaired, indicated that people with disabilities had a greater role to play in stopping the negative perception on them in society.
It was also to encourage members of the association to partake in activities that would empower and allow them enjoy their rights.
He stated that although society had a responsibility towards aiding the blind, among other persons with disability, the blind must also prepare to contribute to improving their own welfare.
“We have a bigger role to play if we are calling for an inclusion in society. We should not always be at the receiving end but must also prove to society that we have something to offer in developing the nation,” he stated.
He, therefore, appealed to the government and the public to create an enabling environment that would help persons with disability demonstrate their capabilities in the development of the nation.
The Director of GAB, Mr Peter Obeng Asamoah, in his address urged members of the association to strive positively in their activities to earn the maximum support from society, adding that “never say you have nothing to offer to society, but rather express your opinions and what you can do best”.
The chairperson for the function, Rev Mrs Victoria Wayoe, pointed out that there was the need for society to include persons with disability in the decision-making process among other initiatives to enhance their capabilities in the development of the nation.
She, therefore, advised members of the association to stand against self-pity and rather support one another in society.
Story: Matilda Attram
The President of the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB), Mr Yaw Ofori Debra, has challenged people with disabilities to take up roles and responsibilities in their communities to demonstrate their potential contribution to the development of the nation.
He said persons with disability needed to involve themselves in societal activities to discontinue the negative perception of being unable to perform in society.
“We should not wait for society to approach us before we can exhibit what we can do.” We must create the perception that we can do everything despite our challenges,” he said.
Mr Debra gave this advice during the 2010 Greater Accra Regional Biennial convention for the blind in Accra.
It was organised by the GAB to address the challenges of the visually impaired in society.
Speaking on the theme “Inclusion of the Blind and Partially Sighted Persons into the Ghanaian Society”, Mr Debra, who is also visually impaired, indicated that people with disabilities had a greater role to play in stopping the negative perception on them in society.
It was also to encourage members of the association to partake in activities that would empower and allow them enjoy their rights.
He stated that although society had a responsibility towards aiding the blind, among other persons with disability, the blind must also prepare to contribute to improving their own welfare.
“We have a bigger role to play if we are calling for an inclusion in society. We should not always be at the receiving end but must also prove to society that we have something to offer in developing the nation,” he stated.
He, therefore, appealed to the government and the public to create an enabling environment that would help persons with disability demonstrate their capabilities in the development of the nation.
The Director of GAB, Mr Peter Obeng Asamoah, in his address urged members of the association to strive positively in their activities to earn the maximum support from society, adding that “never say you have nothing to offer to society, but rather express your opinions and what you can do best”.
The chairperson for the function, Rev Mrs Victoria Wayoe, pointed out that there was the need for society to include persons with disability in the decision-making process among other initiatives to enhance their capabilities in the development of the nation.
She, therefore, advised members of the association to stand against self-pity and rather support one another in society.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Exhibition held to showcase women's economic activities
Published in the Daily Graphic on 30/01/10, pg 11
Story: Matilda Attram
The Greater Accra Regional Secretariat of the National Population Council in collaboration with the regional office of the Department of Women, has organised an exhibition in Accra to showcase the handiwork of women’s economic activities.
Items exhibited included locally made beads, door mats, head gear, batik, and tie-dye.
The exhibition, organised in line with the theme of the 2009 World Population Day celebration, ‘Responding to the economic crises: Investing in women is a smart choice’, was to boost the capacity of women in economic activities, as well as encourage others who lacked job opportunities to engage themselves in activities that would enable them to support their families.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Greater Accra Regional Population Officer, Mrs Ellen Osei-Tutu, said it was important to empower women economically to reduce their dependency on their male partners for survival.
She said women were economic agents who could plough back their earnings in supporting their male partners to develop their families and the nation.
Mrs Osei-Tutu stated that women through the allocation of resources were able to raise healthier and better educated children to build an efficient labour force for the country, stressing that women allocated more resources to nutrition, education and the health of their children than men and that earned them respect.
“Women who are economically empowered are respected by their husbands and partners because they also contribute to the family’s welfare,” she stated.
She pointed out that there was the need for women to ensure that their daughters were given maximum education beyond the basic level to equip them with the skills needed to face the challenges of the future.
Mrs Osei-Tutu also advised exhibitors and women present to obtain services and information on reproductive issues such as family planning and maternal health, adding, “Pregnancy takes a very heavy toll on women’s health and resources and this has been a major challenge facing us in our economic activities”.
In a welcoming address, the Assistant Greater Accra Regional Population Officer, Nana Ama Obuobi-Donkor, indicated that women and girls suffered disproportionally in relation to men and boys, in times of crises.
She said according to the World Bank, such cases could lead to increase in infant and maternal deaths, female dropout rates and violence against women and reverse progress in women’s empowerment in relation to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
She said there was the need for decision makers to protect women’s ability to earn income, keep their daughters in school, and obtain reproductive health information and services, which were the factors that made or break a family’s future.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Women, Madam Comfort Ablomati, who chaired the occasion, challenged women to focus on their activities and learn to manage the affairs of their businesses.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Greater Accra Regional Secretariat of the National Population Council in collaboration with the regional office of the Department of Women, has organised an exhibition in Accra to showcase the handiwork of women’s economic activities.
Items exhibited included locally made beads, door mats, head gear, batik, and tie-dye.
The exhibition, organised in line with the theme of the 2009 World Population Day celebration, ‘Responding to the economic crises: Investing in women is a smart choice’, was to boost the capacity of women in economic activities, as well as encourage others who lacked job opportunities to engage themselves in activities that would enable them to support their families.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Greater Accra Regional Population Officer, Mrs Ellen Osei-Tutu, said it was important to empower women economically to reduce their dependency on their male partners for survival.
She said women were economic agents who could plough back their earnings in supporting their male partners to develop their families and the nation.
Mrs Osei-Tutu stated that women through the allocation of resources were able to raise healthier and better educated children to build an efficient labour force for the country, stressing that women allocated more resources to nutrition, education and the health of their children than men and that earned them respect.
“Women who are economically empowered are respected by their husbands and partners because they also contribute to the family’s welfare,” she stated.
She pointed out that there was the need for women to ensure that their daughters were given maximum education beyond the basic level to equip them with the skills needed to face the challenges of the future.
Mrs Osei-Tutu also advised exhibitors and women present to obtain services and information on reproductive issues such as family planning and maternal health, adding, “Pregnancy takes a very heavy toll on women’s health and resources and this has been a major challenge facing us in our economic activities”.
In a welcoming address, the Assistant Greater Accra Regional Population Officer, Nana Ama Obuobi-Donkor, indicated that women and girls suffered disproportionally in relation to men and boys, in times of crises.
She said according to the World Bank, such cases could lead to increase in infant and maternal deaths, female dropout rates and violence against women and reverse progress in women’s empowerment in relation to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
She said there was the need for decision makers to protect women’s ability to earn income, keep their daughters in school, and obtain reproductive health information and services, which were the factors that made or break a family’s future.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Women, Madam Comfort Ablomati, who chaired the occasion, challenged women to focus on their activities and learn to manage the affairs of their businesses.
Merchant bank poised to support indigenous businesses
Published in the Daily Graphic on 29/01/10, (spread) middle pg.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Managing Director of Merchant Bank Ghana Limited, Mr Peter Iliasu, has stated that the bank has now been positioned to support the growth and development of indigenous Ghanaian businesses to ensure accelerated national development.
He said the support would be in the form of credit and the provision of business advice, among others.
Mr Iliasu made this remark when he led some executives of the bank to pay a visit to the head office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in Accra yesterday.
The visit was to revitalise and strengthen the relationship between the two companies.
Mr Iliasu stated that it was the belief and vision of the bank that it was only when small, medium and large-scale indigenous Ghanaian businesses expanded, that they would be able to create employment opportunities to help minimise the unemployment rate in the country.
He said the bank was the biggest local bank in the country and was determined to spread its tentacles across the entire African continent.
“We want to consolidate our efforts with our strong team into a big and better banking institution that will improve on the productivity of our local companies,” Mr Illiasu stressed.
He, therefore, expressed the company’s gratitude to the GCGL as partners, adding that “a collective work would help improve our economy”.
The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Awal, stated in his remarks that the company was ready to link up businesses to influence policies that would help improve the economy.
He said it was to this end that GCGL shared in the vision of the bank and was, therefore, ready to partner the bank for the attainment of its corporate objective on a win-win basis.
He also disclosed that GCGL had attained 60 this year and was planning activities towards its celebration.
He, therefore, welcomed the assurance by the MD of Merchant Bank that it would collaborate with the GCGL in the organisation of this year’s Graphic Business Round Table Conference, as well as a joint health screening exercise.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Managing Director of Merchant Bank Ghana Limited, Mr Peter Iliasu, has stated that the bank has now been positioned to support the growth and development of indigenous Ghanaian businesses to ensure accelerated national development.
He said the support would be in the form of credit and the provision of business advice, among others.
Mr Iliasu made this remark when he led some executives of the bank to pay a visit to the head office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in Accra yesterday.
The visit was to revitalise and strengthen the relationship between the two companies.
Mr Iliasu stated that it was the belief and vision of the bank that it was only when small, medium and large-scale indigenous Ghanaian businesses expanded, that they would be able to create employment opportunities to help minimise the unemployment rate in the country.
He said the bank was the biggest local bank in the country and was determined to spread its tentacles across the entire African continent.
“We want to consolidate our efforts with our strong team into a big and better banking institution that will improve on the productivity of our local companies,” Mr Illiasu stressed.
He, therefore, expressed the company’s gratitude to the GCGL as partners, adding that “a collective work would help improve our economy”.
The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Ibrahim Awal, stated in his remarks that the company was ready to link up businesses to influence policies that would help improve the economy.
He said it was to this end that GCGL shared in the vision of the bank and was, therefore, ready to partner the bank for the attainment of its corporate objective on a win-win basis.
He also disclosed that GCGL had attained 60 this year and was planning activities towards its celebration.
He, therefore, welcomed the assurance by the MD of Merchant Bank that it would collaborate with the GCGL in the organisation of this year’s Graphic Business Round Table Conference, as well as a joint health screening exercise.
St Mary's Senior High Supports girls' education
Published in the Daily Graphic on 26/01/10, pg 11
Article: Matilda Attram
SIXTY years after its establishment, the St Mary’s Senior High School in Accra is recognised as one of the female educational institutions that has trained a number of women who find themselves in responsible positions and different sectors of the country’s developmental processes.
In recognition of the fact that effective girl child education creates a better opportunity for women to partake in the decision making process of the country, a group of Catholic Sisters known as the ‘Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit’ (SSPS), thought it wise to establish a collage for young girls at Korle-Gono in Accra in 1950 to benefit women from communities where most parents found it difficult to access education.
The college, which later became the St Mary’s Girls’ Secondary School, now the St Mary’s Senior High School, started with only 10 students who were studying Dressmaking, Home Economics, Mathematics and English Language.
Over the years the school, with a current student population of 765 has trained more than 250,000 students offering Home Economics, Mathematics, English Language, General Arts, Science and Visual Arts.
As part of the activities slated for its 60th anniversary celebrations the management, staff and old students of the St Mary’s Senior High School (MERRIES) over the weekend organised a float through some principal streets of Accra to commemorate the achievements of the school, to honour the good work of the founding mothers and to encourage the young generation to take education seriously.
The anniversary was on the theme “6O Years of Progressive and Holistic Girls’ Education: The Challenges of the 21st Century”.
The current Headmistress of the school, Ms Doris Ama Bramson emphasised the need to encourage girl child education as an important element to national development.
She said empowering women with knowledge through education was a major key to local and national development and the country needed to create the necessary environment to promote girl-child education.
“The initial curriculum for training girls in the olden days have changed, its time for the us to encourage our young ones in education and engage them in the development activities of the country”, she said.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the school’s academics performance, Ms Bramson pointed out that the school was noted among the best second cycle schools in the country and that had been one of its great achievement.
She added that “The vision for setting up the school is being achieved. Girls trained up here over the years have all been responsible in their various positions out there and that has been consistent since the establishment of the school”.
She however mentioned land constraints and a computer laboratory that lacked equipment, as some of the challenges facing the school which needed to be considered for support.
Ms Bramson commended the Government, Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) members of the school, staff, and old students for their support and encouraged current students to take their academic work seriously.
The National President of St Mary’s Old Students Association (SMOGA), Mrs Grace Amarteifio, also expressed the need to instil discipline in students and called on parents to get involved in educating their children, especially girls by support and supervising them.
Some current students also expressed their joy to be part of the celebration and used the opportunity to appeal to the Government and educational stakeholders to consider the views of students when taking decisions concerning their welfare.
Other activities marking the anniversary include homecoming of old students, candle light possession and bonfire to be climaxed with a speech and prize giving day on the 6th of February this year.
Article: Matilda Attram
SIXTY years after its establishment, the St Mary’s Senior High School in Accra is recognised as one of the female educational institutions that has trained a number of women who find themselves in responsible positions and different sectors of the country’s developmental processes.
In recognition of the fact that effective girl child education creates a better opportunity for women to partake in the decision making process of the country, a group of Catholic Sisters known as the ‘Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit’ (SSPS), thought it wise to establish a collage for young girls at Korle-Gono in Accra in 1950 to benefit women from communities where most parents found it difficult to access education.
The college, which later became the St Mary’s Girls’ Secondary School, now the St Mary’s Senior High School, started with only 10 students who were studying Dressmaking, Home Economics, Mathematics and English Language.
Over the years the school, with a current student population of 765 has trained more than 250,000 students offering Home Economics, Mathematics, English Language, General Arts, Science and Visual Arts.
As part of the activities slated for its 60th anniversary celebrations the management, staff and old students of the St Mary’s Senior High School (MERRIES) over the weekend organised a float through some principal streets of Accra to commemorate the achievements of the school, to honour the good work of the founding mothers and to encourage the young generation to take education seriously.
The anniversary was on the theme “6O Years of Progressive and Holistic Girls’ Education: The Challenges of the 21st Century”.
The current Headmistress of the school, Ms Doris Ama Bramson emphasised the need to encourage girl child education as an important element to national development.
She said empowering women with knowledge through education was a major key to local and national development and the country needed to create the necessary environment to promote girl-child education.
“The initial curriculum for training girls in the olden days have changed, its time for the us to encourage our young ones in education and engage them in the development activities of the country”, she said.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on the school’s academics performance, Ms Bramson pointed out that the school was noted among the best second cycle schools in the country and that had been one of its great achievement.
She added that “The vision for setting up the school is being achieved. Girls trained up here over the years have all been responsible in their various positions out there and that has been consistent since the establishment of the school”.
She however mentioned land constraints and a computer laboratory that lacked equipment, as some of the challenges facing the school which needed to be considered for support.
Ms Bramson commended the Government, Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) members of the school, staff, and old students for their support and encouraged current students to take their academic work seriously.
The National President of St Mary’s Old Students Association (SMOGA), Mrs Grace Amarteifio, also expressed the need to instil discipline in students and called on parents to get involved in educating their children, especially girls by support and supervising them.
Some current students also expressed their joy to be part of the celebration and used the opportunity to appeal to the Government and educational stakeholders to consider the views of students when taking decisions concerning their welfare.
Other activities marking the anniversary include homecoming of old students, candle light possession and bonfire to be climaxed with a speech and prize giving day on the 6th of February this year.
Promote local content in programmes
Published in the Daily Graphic on 21/01/10, pg 32
Story: Matilda Attram
The Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has charged private television and radio stations to promote local content in their programming.
He said the current stage of the country’s development required a vibrant media which will not only inform but educate the people , forge national cohesion and promote the nation’s culture.
The deputy minister of information gave the charge when he paid a working visit to MultiTV and Joy FM, subsidiaries of the Multimedia Group Limited in Accra to acquaint himself with their operations.
He also challenged the management of MultiTV to promote local content in their dissemination of information to enhance and complement the efforts of the local industries especially the movie industry in the country.
During interactions, Mr Ablakwa, said the media played a vital role in the development of the nation since it promoted democracy by reaching out to the community on activities in the country and beyond.
“ There is more to the media than freedom of expression. The level of satisfaction the public derived from what the media does is also important,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He assured the organisations of the Government’s support and urged them to exhibit professionalism in their duties.
He entreated the management of Joy online to institute measures to curb intolerant viewer comments on its pages.
The News Editor of Joy online, Mr Isaac Yeboah, in reaction said the organisation was putting measures in place to control some of the excesses of particularly callers into phone-in programmes.
He expressed concern about the slow pace of the internet in facilitating the processing of information for dissemination as a major challenge to the organisation and appealed to the Government to help provide a backbone to the organisation’s Internet problems.
The Director of Programmes of MultiTV, Mr Abdulai Awudu, said the organisation was a multiple channel station which disseminated both local and foreign contents.
He expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit and called on the Government to support the efforts of the local movie industry to promote national development.
Story: Matilda Attram
The Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has charged private television and radio stations to promote local content in their programming.
He said the current stage of the country’s development required a vibrant media which will not only inform but educate the people , forge national cohesion and promote the nation’s culture.
The deputy minister of information gave the charge when he paid a working visit to MultiTV and Joy FM, subsidiaries of the Multimedia Group Limited in Accra to acquaint himself with their operations.
He also challenged the management of MultiTV to promote local content in their dissemination of information to enhance and complement the efforts of the local industries especially the movie industry in the country.
During interactions, Mr Ablakwa, said the media played a vital role in the development of the nation since it promoted democracy by reaching out to the community on activities in the country and beyond.
“ There is more to the media than freedom of expression. The level of satisfaction the public derived from what the media does is also important,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He assured the organisations of the Government’s support and urged them to exhibit professionalism in their duties.
He entreated the management of Joy online to institute measures to curb intolerant viewer comments on its pages.
The News Editor of Joy online, Mr Isaac Yeboah, in reaction said the organisation was putting measures in place to control some of the excesses of particularly callers into phone-in programmes.
He expressed concern about the slow pace of the internet in facilitating the processing of information for dissemination as a major challenge to the organisation and appealed to the Government to help provide a backbone to the organisation’s Internet problems.
The Director of Programmes of MultiTV, Mr Abdulai Awudu, said the organisation was a multiple channel station which disseminated both local and foreign contents.
He expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit and called on the Government to support the efforts of the local movie industry to promote national development.
Audit Service staff urged to work diligently
Published in the Daily Graphic on 21/01/10, pg 38
Story: Matilda Attram
THE General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Fred Degbe, has challenged the staff of the Ghana Audit Service to deliver their services fervently to please God rather than man.
He said a Christian employee was expected to go about his duties on earth as serving God, believing he would be rewarded at the right time.
“A Christian worker should never do an average work; we must go beyond the average to do what God expects from us. Let us not work to please man on earth, for our service here is only a fraction of the eternal life God has given us,” he stated.
Rev. Degbe was delivering a sermon at the 2009 end-of-year thanksgiving service organised by the Ghana Audit Service in Accra.
He was speaking on the theme: “Whatever you do, do it heartily unto God, not men”.
The 2009 thanksgiving service formed part of activities slated to celebrate the service’s centenary anniversary next year.
Rev. Degbe said most Ghanaians, in the delivery of service in their various fields, did it to gladden the hearts of men rather than God and that could be a hindrance to productivity.
He noted that God created work for mankind to enable him to earn a living, as well as take care of others.
“It provides us the opportunity to be a blessing unto others and to take care of those in need,” he added.
He urged the congregation to create a favourable relationship with God and their colleagues and in all activities to improve on the development of the organisation and the nation.
“As you have the opportunity to be alive, do what you know will glorify God and the nation, because you reap more than you sew,” he said.
Addressing the media later, the acting Auditor of the Ghana Audit Service, Mr Richard Quartey, said the organisation had improved on its services through ICT to IT auditing, value for money auditing and forensic auditing, and would later introduce environmental auditing.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Fred Degbe, has challenged the staff of the Ghana Audit Service to deliver their services fervently to please God rather than man.
He said a Christian employee was expected to go about his duties on earth as serving God, believing he would be rewarded at the right time.
“A Christian worker should never do an average work; we must go beyond the average to do what God expects from us. Let us not work to please man on earth, for our service here is only a fraction of the eternal life God has given us,” he stated.
Rev. Degbe was delivering a sermon at the 2009 end-of-year thanksgiving service organised by the Ghana Audit Service in Accra.
He was speaking on the theme: “Whatever you do, do it heartily unto God, not men”.
The 2009 thanksgiving service formed part of activities slated to celebrate the service’s centenary anniversary next year.
Rev. Degbe said most Ghanaians, in the delivery of service in their various fields, did it to gladden the hearts of men rather than God and that could be a hindrance to productivity.
He noted that God created work for mankind to enable him to earn a living, as well as take care of others.
“It provides us the opportunity to be a blessing unto others and to take care of those in need,” he added.
He urged the congregation to create a favourable relationship with God and their colleagues and in all activities to improve on the development of the organisation and the nation.
“As you have the opportunity to be alive, do what you know will glorify God and the nation, because you reap more than you sew,” he said.
Addressing the media later, the acting Auditor of the Ghana Audit Service, Mr Richard Quartey, said the organisation had improved on its services through ICT to IT auditing, value for money auditing and forensic auditing, and would later introduce environmental auditing.
Two to train teachers of French
Published in the Daily Graphic on 2/02/10, pg 24, (spread) middle pg.
Story: Matilda Attram
TWO French-related organisations in the country have collaborated to organise a training programme for Francophone untrained teachers in private schools to enhance their teaching skills.
The organisations are the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the Federation Internationale Des Professeurs de Francaise (FIPF).
Dubbed "Trainers of Trainees Project", the programme was to upgrade the teaching skills of French teachers in the country and to encourage the teaching and learning of the French language in Africa.
The programme, which started in January this year, would also enable beneficiaries to become accredited international resource persons to their mother associations and other OIF/FIPF-related associations in the world.
The President of the Ghana Association of French Teachers (GAFT), Mr Evans Kokroko, detailed the successes of the programme during a meeting between GAFT executive and the Minister of Education in Accra.
The meeting was to brief the minister on the support FIPF was providing towards the improvement of the teaching and learning of French in Ghana.
Mr Kokroko said a request had been made to the OIF to train 200 more untrained teachers this year in Kumasi, along the same line as one which was organised last year in Accra.
"It includes selected training programmes, a seminar on Common European Framework for Languages, Training in basic ICT skills and the organisation of annual national congresses for members," he stated.
Mr Kokroko further proposed an end to the categorisation of schools, arguing that it misled parents during the selection of schools for their children.
"Categorisation of schools into A and B causes problems when parents are selecting schools for their children. To the best of some parents’ understanding, Category B implies lower academic standard," he said.
He also appealed to the minister to help upgrade schools sited in the centre of the city for the benefit of workers during training sessions.
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tetteh-Enyo, commended the two organisations (OIF and GAFT) for their efforts in promoting the teaching and learning of French in Ghana, and assured them of his support in their activities to enhance education in Ghana.
Story: Matilda Attram
TWO French-related organisations in the country have collaborated to organise a training programme for Francophone untrained teachers in private schools to enhance their teaching skills.
The organisations are the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the Federation Internationale Des Professeurs de Francaise (FIPF).
Dubbed "Trainers of Trainees Project", the programme was to upgrade the teaching skills of French teachers in the country and to encourage the teaching and learning of the French language in Africa.
The programme, which started in January this year, would also enable beneficiaries to become accredited international resource persons to their mother associations and other OIF/FIPF-related associations in the world.
The President of the Ghana Association of French Teachers (GAFT), Mr Evans Kokroko, detailed the successes of the programme during a meeting between GAFT executive and the Minister of Education in Accra.
The meeting was to brief the minister on the support FIPF was providing towards the improvement of the teaching and learning of French in Ghana.
Mr Kokroko said a request had been made to the OIF to train 200 more untrained teachers this year in Kumasi, along the same line as one which was organised last year in Accra.
"It includes selected training programmes, a seminar on Common European Framework for Languages, Training in basic ICT skills and the organisation of annual national congresses for members," he stated.
Mr Kokroko further proposed an end to the categorisation of schools, arguing that it misled parents during the selection of schools for their children.
"Categorisation of schools into A and B causes problems when parents are selecting schools for their children. To the best of some parents’ understanding, Category B implies lower academic standard," he said.
He also appealed to the minister to help upgrade schools sited in the centre of the city for the benefit of workers during training sessions.
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tetteh-Enyo, commended the two organisations (OIF and GAFT) for their efforts in promoting the teaching and learning of French in Ghana, and assured them of his support in their activities to enhance education in Ghana.
Ghanaian students to access GlobalCampus website
Published in the Daily Graphic on 3/02/10, (spread)middle pg.
Story: Matilda Attram
A Foreign social entrepreneur, Mr Maurizio de Franciscis, has introduced a new online system in the country to help students realise and improve on their talents.
This was done in collaboration with the Association of International Students in Economics, Science and Commerce (AIESEC) Ghana, a student organisation that promotes leadership development among the youth.
The website, 'GlobalCampus', is an online system that would enable students to get connected to universities and organisations worldwide.
It is focused on helping individuals to improve upon their talents in every field.
It will also enable universities and organisations to know more about students during admission processes, as well as connects the needs of universities to students across the world.
At a press conference in Accra to formally introduce the system in Ghana, Mr Maurizio de Franciscis, who is the founder and Chief Executive Office of GlobalCampus, explained that the GlobalCampus was a free online system that enabled students to get easy access and connection to universities and organisations worldwide for education and scholarships.
He said the system was focused on bringing opportunities for higher education and further development to talented young people around the world.
Mr Franciscis pointed out that the GlobalCampus provided information on universities and scholarships to interested persons who had an account with the website around the world.
"Every year around the world, there are 300,000 million dollars of scholarships but find no one to apply due to lack of access to information," he said.
He indicated that there were universities and organisations around the world who needed foreign talented persons for admission and to work with, but could not have access to them due to the lack of information on programmes that would help connect to such people.
He stated that one could be a member of the system by creating an account through a personal profile on what one does and what one wanted to do to improve on his life, adding, "It is similar to facebook but this connects you to institutions and organisations around the world."
He further mentioned Rwanda, Egypt and Nigeria as some African countries who were already part of the system.
The Vice-President of Talent Management and Outgoing Exchange of AIESEC Ghana, Miss Abena Owiredu-Nkansah, said AIESEC Ghana collaborated with GlobalCampus to ease the pressure on graduates and undergraduates when searching for universities and other institutions to further their education around the world.
"We supported this initiative on the basis of AIESEC's goal to give leadership opportunities to the youth and promote cultural integration," she stated.
Story: Matilda Attram
A Foreign social entrepreneur, Mr Maurizio de Franciscis, has introduced a new online system in the country to help students realise and improve on their talents.
This was done in collaboration with the Association of International Students in Economics, Science and Commerce (AIESEC) Ghana, a student organisation that promotes leadership development among the youth.
The website, 'GlobalCampus', is an online system that would enable students to get connected to universities and organisations worldwide.
It is focused on helping individuals to improve upon their talents in every field.
It will also enable universities and organisations to know more about students during admission processes, as well as connects the needs of universities to students across the world.
At a press conference in Accra to formally introduce the system in Ghana, Mr Maurizio de Franciscis, who is the founder and Chief Executive Office of GlobalCampus, explained that the GlobalCampus was a free online system that enabled students to get easy access and connection to universities and organisations worldwide for education and scholarships.
He said the system was focused on bringing opportunities for higher education and further development to talented young people around the world.
Mr Franciscis pointed out that the GlobalCampus provided information on universities and scholarships to interested persons who had an account with the website around the world.
"Every year around the world, there are 300,000 million dollars of scholarships but find no one to apply due to lack of access to information," he said.
He indicated that there were universities and organisations around the world who needed foreign talented persons for admission and to work with, but could not have access to them due to the lack of information on programmes that would help connect to such people.
He stated that one could be a member of the system by creating an account through a personal profile on what one does and what one wanted to do to improve on his life, adding, "It is similar to facebook but this connects you to institutions and organisations around the world."
He further mentioned Rwanda, Egypt and Nigeria as some African countries who were already part of the system.
The Vice-President of Talent Management and Outgoing Exchange of AIESEC Ghana, Miss Abena Owiredu-Nkansah, said AIESEC Ghana collaborated with GlobalCampus to ease the pressure on graduates and undergraduates when searching for universities and other institutions to further their education around the world.
"We supported this initiative on the basis of AIESEC's goal to give leadership opportunities to the youth and promote cultural integration," she stated.
Take drugs with precausion-to avoid negative implications
Published in the Daily Graphic on 3/02/10 pg 29, Lead story
Story: Matilda Attram
Last month, the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) ordered the recall of substandard Ciprofloxacin tablets (500 mg) USP produced by GR Industries Limited in Accra.
That was after the board had found the drug to be unwholesome when it was sampled and analysed through the its post-market surveillance activities.
A statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stephen K. Opuni, and issued by the board in Accra said the product had no batch number and manufacturing date on both the primary and secondary packages.
Additionally, the product had no legible date of expiry on the primary package and no date of expiry on the secondary package.
This means it is very necessary for people to check all this information on food and drug products before purchases are made, in view of the danger unwholesome products pose to public health and safety.
The Communications Manager of the FDB, Mr Yarnie Lartey, who spoke to the Daily Graphic on the purchase of unregistered consumer goods, cautioned Ghanaians to make deliberate efforts to check the particulars on the labels of consumer goods before purchasing them.
He said the sale of unregistered items such as food and medicine was illegal under the law and there was the need for maximum support and co-operation from the public to make the enforcement of the law effective.
He further explained that the FDB was a regulatory body concerned with the testing and registration of consumable goods in the country, noting that the board could only perform its duties with information from the public on manufacturers who sold items without going through the process of registration.
Reacting to the sale of drugs in moving vehicles, Mr Yartey called for self-regulation among the public regarding where and how they bought things.
"When it comes to buying, it is a matter of choice where one goes, but the problem of most Ghanaians concerns the exercise of self-regulation," he said.
To step up public education on the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing drugs, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, Mr Joseph Nyoagbe, has advised the public to purchase all drugs from recognised licensed chemical or pharmaceutical shops in order to identify and trace manufacturers and distributors for non-compliance with existing regulatory measures.
He also cautioned people who sold in moving vehicles, at lorry parks and marketplaces to desist from that practice, stressing that it was illegal for an individual to sell drugs without a licence and the authority of the council.
“It is a criminal offence to supply or sell medicine without license and anyone who engages in such a practice faces arrest and prosecution,” he said.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Nyoagbe pointed out that the problem of drug peddling was of great concern to the council and called for public support to deal with the issue.
He indicated that the council was working in collaboration with the FDB, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the police to address the issue in all parts of the country.
“The council has, over the years, been assisting the police by organising swoops to apprehend culprits. It has also met with executives of the GPRTU to sensitise members to discourage drug peddlers from selling drugs in their vehicles,” he stated.
The Public Affairs Officer of the Pharmacy Council, Madam Victoria Goka, said medicine, although helpful to the human system, could also be dangerous if taken without precaution.
She said the negative implications of medicine were sometimes caused by its form and way of storage, depending on the chemicals used in its preparations.
“Some of these medicines sold are stored in plastic bags which are carried under the sun’s rays for a long time and this can cause the generation of another disease, instead of curing the other,” she stated.
She said the council had started a national campaign on issues concerning medication through the Ghana Pharmacy Students Association to educate the public.
“The campaign started last year in the Northern Region and will continue from there till we cover the whole country,” she said.
Madam Goka advised the public to seek assistance from professional pharmacists for counselling any time there was the need to purchase drugs and encouraged the public to report to the council any unsatisfactory and unprofessional conduct on the part of chemical and pharmaceutical shop operators.
Story: Matilda Attram
Last month, the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) ordered the recall of substandard Ciprofloxacin tablets (500 mg) USP produced by GR Industries Limited in Accra.
That was after the board had found the drug to be unwholesome when it was sampled and analysed through the its post-market surveillance activities.
A statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stephen K. Opuni, and issued by the board in Accra said the product had no batch number and manufacturing date on both the primary and secondary packages.
Additionally, the product had no legible date of expiry on the primary package and no date of expiry on the secondary package.
This means it is very necessary for people to check all this information on food and drug products before purchases are made, in view of the danger unwholesome products pose to public health and safety.
The Communications Manager of the FDB, Mr Yarnie Lartey, who spoke to the Daily Graphic on the purchase of unregistered consumer goods, cautioned Ghanaians to make deliberate efforts to check the particulars on the labels of consumer goods before purchasing them.
He said the sale of unregistered items such as food and medicine was illegal under the law and there was the need for maximum support and co-operation from the public to make the enforcement of the law effective.
He further explained that the FDB was a regulatory body concerned with the testing and registration of consumable goods in the country, noting that the board could only perform its duties with information from the public on manufacturers who sold items without going through the process of registration.
Reacting to the sale of drugs in moving vehicles, Mr Yartey called for self-regulation among the public regarding where and how they bought things.
"When it comes to buying, it is a matter of choice where one goes, but the problem of most Ghanaians concerns the exercise of self-regulation," he said.
To step up public education on the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing drugs, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, Mr Joseph Nyoagbe, has advised the public to purchase all drugs from recognised licensed chemical or pharmaceutical shops in order to identify and trace manufacturers and distributors for non-compliance with existing regulatory measures.
He also cautioned people who sold in moving vehicles, at lorry parks and marketplaces to desist from that practice, stressing that it was illegal for an individual to sell drugs without a licence and the authority of the council.
“It is a criminal offence to supply or sell medicine without license and anyone who engages in such a practice faces arrest and prosecution,” he said.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Nyoagbe pointed out that the problem of drug peddling was of great concern to the council and called for public support to deal with the issue.
He indicated that the council was working in collaboration with the FDB, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the police to address the issue in all parts of the country.
“The council has, over the years, been assisting the police by organising swoops to apprehend culprits. It has also met with executives of the GPRTU to sensitise members to discourage drug peddlers from selling drugs in their vehicles,” he stated.
The Public Affairs Officer of the Pharmacy Council, Madam Victoria Goka, said medicine, although helpful to the human system, could also be dangerous if taken without precaution.
She said the negative implications of medicine were sometimes caused by its form and way of storage, depending on the chemicals used in its preparations.
“Some of these medicines sold are stored in plastic bags which are carried under the sun’s rays for a long time and this can cause the generation of another disease, instead of curing the other,” she stated.
She said the council had started a national campaign on issues concerning medication through the Ghana Pharmacy Students Association to educate the public.
“The campaign started last year in the Northern Region and will continue from there till we cover the whole country,” she said.
Madam Goka advised the public to seek assistance from professional pharmacists for counselling any time there was the need to purchase drugs and encouraged the public to report to the council any unsatisfactory and unprofessional conduct on the part of chemical and pharmaceutical shop operators.
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