Published in the Daily Graphic on 20/04/2010 pg 17 (Spread or middle)
Story: Matilda Attram
THIS year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) began throughout the country yesterday with 350,888 registered candidates.
The examination, which will last five days, is taking place at 1,278 centres, with candidates answering questions from seven subjects.
The subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Integrated Science and Basic Design Technology, which form the core subjects of the examination.
The rest are, French and Local Languages, which form the elective subjects of the examination.
On a tour to some selected centres in Accra by the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, most of the candidates appeared confident as they wrote English Language, which was the first subject.
At the Achimota School Complex, which is under the Okaikoi Sub Metro, which hosted 1,158 candidates from 15 schools, the examination started 20 minutes late due to the uneven distribution of shading pencils.
The PRESEC Staff School and the West Africa Senior High School (WASS), which are centres in the Ga East District, had a total of 1,304 candidates including three pregnant candidates from 27 schools sitting for the examination.
Four candidates were absent at the time of the minister’s visit to those centres.
At the Adentan Municipality, 1,475 candidates were expected to sit the examination, but nine candidates were absent during the visit.
Giving his overall impression of the conduct of the candidates, Mr Tettey-Enyo commended them for turning out in their numbers to sit the examination and wished them well.
He advised them to eschew any examination malpractice and approach the examination by answering the questions to the best of their ability.
He asked invigilators at the various centres not to compromise their integrity, but help to ensure a smooth conduct of the examination.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Mechanical Lloyd introduces new BMW 5 series
Published in the Daily Graphic on 21/04/2010 pg 41 (spread, middlie)
A new BMW vehicle has been introduced onto the Ghanaian market by Mechanical Lloyd Company Limited, a car dealing company in Ghana.
The new BMW 5 Series sedan vehicle comes with special features that seek to enhance driving experience and driver orientation.
They are a 360 degree camera view on screen, park assistance system, in-car internet access, an i-pod management system and a BMW night vision that provides safety at night.
The rest are an integral power active steering and a rear wheel steering, a four-level adaptable chassis set-up, a 50/50 weight distribution, an up to 8-speed automatic transmission, a brake energy regeneration and a very durable engine.
Launching the product in Accra yesterday, the General Manager for Sales and Marketing of Mechanical Lloyd Company Limited, Mr Morkporkpor Adim, said the company had represented BMW in Ghana since 1970.
He also indicated that the company invested heavily in infrastructural, technological and human resource development with the aim of being the best in the luxury segment.
He stated that the new BMW 5 Series sedan was well manufactured to meet the present and future needs of customers.
He observed that the vehicle was friendly, fuel efficient, spacious and also provided safety and comfort for the driver and his passengers, adding that it could travel many miles to any part of the country regardless of the condition of the road.
He noted that the vehicle, which was manufactured in Germany, reflected a power and unique driving experience to users.
“Some highlights of what makes our new 5 Series so special is the advanced technology that increases efficiency and reduces fuel consumption,” he said.
Mr Adim said the newly introduced BMW 5 Series sedan was the sixth generation of the BMW series.
A new BMW vehicle has been introduced onto the Ghanaian market by Mechanical Lloyd Company Limited, a car dealing company in Ghana.
The new BMW 5 Series sedan vehicle comes with special features that seek to enhance driving experience and driver orientation.
They are a 360 degree camera view on screen, park assistance system, in-car internet access, an i-pod management system and a BMW night vision that provides safety at night.
The rest are an integral power active steering and a rear wheel steering, a four-level adaptable chassis set-up, a 50/50 weight distribution, an up to 8-speed automatic transmission, a brake energy regeneration and a very durable engine.
Launching the product in Accra yesterday, the General Manager for Sales and Marketing of Mechanical Lloyd Company Limited, Mr Morkporkpor Adim, said the company had represented BMW in Ghana since 1970.
He also indicated that the company invested heavily in infrastructural, technological and human resource development with the aim of being the best in the luxury segment.
He stated that the new BMW 5 Series sedan was well manufactured to meet the present and future needs of customers.
He observed that the vehicle was friendly, fuel efficient, spacious and also provided safety and comfort for the driver and his passengers, adding that it could travel many miles to any part of the country regardless of the condition of the road.
He noted that the vehicle, which was manufactured in Germany, reflected a power and unique driving experience to users.
“Some highlights of what makes our new 5 Series so special is the advanced technology that increases efficiency and reduces fuel consumption,” he said.
Mr Adim said the newly introduced BMW 5 Series sedan was the sixth generation of the BMW series.
GHATOF meets to strategise
Published in the Daily Graphic on 23/04/2010, pg 19
Story: Matilda Attram
The new executive of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has held its first meeting with the GHATOF council to propose new strategies that will enhance activities of the federation.
The meeting, which was held in Accra, discussed some challenges confronting the federation and measures needed to be taken to address them.
Issues discussed included the federation’s intention to set up a tourism development bank to help facilitate the development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
At the meeting, the newly elected president of GHATOF, Nana Kofi Adjei Twinin I, said the federation faced many challenges including lack of funds and commitment among members which slowed down the activities of the federation.
He said the tourism sector could only be sustained when there was a vibrant private sector support for tourism development. GHATOF serves as an umbrella body which represents the private sector in collaborating with the public sector to formulate good policies for sustainable growth of the industry.
The meeting ended with an agreement to mobilise members of the federation through regional forums to interact with stakeholders in the industry.
The council also agreed on the formation of committees that would help the executive to steer the affairs of the federation.
Story: Matilda Attram
The new executive of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has held its first meeting with the GHATOF council to propose new strategies that will enhance activities of the federation.
The meeting, which was held in Accra, discussed some challenges confronting the federation and measures needed to be taken to address them.
Issues discussed included the federation’s intention to set up a tourism development bank to help facilitate the development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
At the meeting, the newly elected president of GHATOF, Nana Kofi Adjei Twinin I, said the federation faced many challenges including lack of funds and commitment among members which slowed down the activities of the federation.
He said the tourism sector could only be sustained when there was a vibrant private sector support for tourism development. GHATOF serves as an umbrella body which represents the private sector in collaborating with the public sector to formulate good policies for sustainable growth of the industry.
The meeting ended with an agreement to mobilise members of the federation through regional forums to interact with stakeholders in the industry.
The council also agreed on the formation of committees that would help the executive to steer the affairs of the federation.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ecobank staff clean up Ridge Hospital
Published in the Daily Graphic on 13/04/2010, pg 29
Story: Matilda Attram
Ecobank staff clean up Ridge Hospital
The management and members of staff of Ecobank, a Pan African Bank in the country, last Saturday undertook a clean-up exercise at the Ridge Hospital and its environs in Accra.
The exercise, which was part of activities to mark the company's 20th anniversary celebrations, was aimed at clearing filth in the surroundings of the hospital.
Led by the management team of the company, the staff spent about three hours to clear weeds and choked gutters, swept the premises and removed rubbish from various corners of the hospital.
Some members of the team also scrubbed bathrooms and toilets of selected wards in the hospital.
The Company Secretary of Ecobank, Mr Morghan Asiedu, said the exercise was initiated to help make the environment a convenient one for workers and patients of the hospital and that Ridge Hospital was chosen because the company started its operations from Ridge.
"We believe that ‘charity begins at home ‘ and since we started operations from here,we decided to come home," he said.
He noted that the company adopted the children's ward of the hospital 10 years ago, and often donated items.
"This is part of our social responsibility. We believe in giving what belongs to society back to it, " he stated, and added that issues concerning children are very dear to the heart of the company.
Mr Asiedu, who is also the Head of the Legal Department of the bank, indicated that the company was currently the fourth largest bank with 52 branches and over 900 employees across the country.
He expressed the hope that the exercise would inspire other organisations to improve sanitation in the country.
The Environmental Health Officer of the Ridge Hospital, Madam Sarah Osew,on behalf of the management of the hospital, expressed gratitude to Ecobank and called on other corporate organisations to support government in the delivery of quality health services to the people of Ghana.
Other activities slated for the anniversary celebrations include a health walk, donations to selected hospitals in Accra and a dinner dance.
Story: Matilda Attram
Ecobank staff clean up Ridge Hospital
The management and members of staff of Ecobank, a Pan African Bank in the country, last Saturday undertook a clean-up exercise at the Ridge Hospital and its environs in Accra.
The exercise, which was part of activities to mark the company's 20th anniversary celebrations, was aimed at clearing filth in the surroundings of the hospital.
Led by the management team of the company, the staff spent about three hours to clear weeds and choked gutters, swept the premises and removed rubbish from various corners of the hospital.
Some members of the team also scrubbed bathrooms and toilets of selected wards in the hospital.
The Company Secretary of Ecobank, Mr Morghan Asiedu, said the exercise was initiated to help make the environment a convenient one for workers and patients of the hospital and that Ridge Hospital was chosen because the company started its operations from Ridge.
"We believe that ‘charity begins at home ‘ and since we started operations from here,we decided to come home," he said.
He noted that the company adopted the children's ward of the hospital 10 years ago, and often donated items.
"This is part of our social responsibility. We believe in giving what belongs to society back to it, " he stated, and added that issues concerning children are very dear to the heart of the company.
Mr Asiedu, who is also the Head of the Legal Department of the bank, indicated that the company was currently the fourth largest bank with 52 branches and over 900 employees across the country.
He expressed the hope that the exercise would inspire other organisations to improve sanitation in the country.
The Environmental Health Officer of the Ridge Hospital, Madam Sarah Osew,on behalf of the management of the hospital, expressed gratitude to Ecobank and called on other corporate organisations to support government in the delivery of quality health services to the people of Ghana.
Other activities slated for the anniversary celebrations include a health walk, donations to selected hospitals in Accra and a dinner dance.
ECOBANK donates patient monitors to Ridge Hospital
Published in the Daily Graphic on 13/04/2010, pg 24 (Spread, middle pg)
ECOBANK, a Pan African Bank in the country, yesterday donated two patient monitors worth GH¢50,500 to the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
The equipment would be used to detect complications during operations and also help in the training of doctors and nurses at the hospital.
The donation was part of the activities marking the 20th anniversary celebrations of the bank in Ghana.
Presenting the equipment to the hospital, the Head of the Legal Department of Ecobank, Ghana, Mr Morghan Asiedu, said the company chose the hospital because it started its operations from Ridge.
He stated that the company believed in supporting the country to develop.
“We believe in doing all we can to make society a better place for all. We wouldn’t have come this far if society had not supported us”, he said.
He noted that the company adopted the children's ward of the hospital 10 years ago, and often donated items.
"This is part of our social responsibility. We believe in giving what belongs to society back to it, " he stated, and added that issues concerning children are very dear to the heart of the company.
He indicated that the company within its 20 years of operations in Ghana had recently become the fourth largest bank with 52 branches and more than 900 employees across the country.
He also said the company was second in terms of profitability in banking and assured the hospital of their regular support .
The Medical Director of Ridge Hospital, Dr Obeng Apori, who received the equipment, expressed gratitude to the management of Ecobank and called on other corporate organisations to support the work of the hospital adding that “the hospital was one of the largest in the country and also strategically located but cannot operate if it lacks the necessary resources.”
Over the weekend, the management and staff of Ecobank undertook a three-hour clean-up exercise at the hospital and its environs.
The exercise was also to help make the environment a convenient one for workers and patients of the hospital.
ECOBANK, a Pan African Bank in the country, yesterday donated two patient monitors worth GH¢50,500 to the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
The equipment would be used to detect complications during operations and also help in the training of doctors and nurses at the hospital.
The donation was part of the activities marking the 20th anniversary celebrations of the bank in Ghana.
Presenting the equipment to the hospital, the Head of the Legal Department of Ecobank, Ghana, Mr Morghan Asiedu, said the company chose the hospital because it started its operations from Ridge.
He stated that the company believed in supporting the country to develop.
“We believe in doing all we can to make society a better place for all. We wouldn’t have come this far if society had not supported us”, he said.
He noted that the company adopted the children's ward of the hospital 10 years ago, and often donated items.
"This is part of our social responsibility. We believe in giving what belongs to society back to it, " he stated, and added that issues concerning children are very dear to the heart of the company.
He indicated that the company within its 20 years of operations in Ghana had recently become the fourth largest bank with 52 branches and more than 900 employees across the country.
He also said the company was second in terms of profitability in banking and assured the hospital of their regular support .
The Medical Director of Ridge Hospital, Dr Obeng Apori, who received the equipment, expressed gratitude to the management of Ecobank and called on other corporate organisations to support the work of the hospital adding that “the hospital was one of the largest in the country and also strategically located but cannot operate if it lacks the necessary resources.”
Over the weekend, the management and staff of Ecobank undertook a three-hour clean-up exercise at the hospital and its environs.
The exercise was also to help make the environment a convenient one for workers and patients of the hospital.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Government sets up skills development fund
Published in the Daily Graphic on 8/04/2010, back page
A Skills Development Fund (SDF) has been set up by the government to support private and public technical and vocational institutes.
The fund, with a seed money of $40 million, will become operational in July, 2010 and is one of the mechanisms by the government to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
The Executive Director of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Mr Dan Baffour-Awuah, who made this known to the Daily Graphic, said the establishment of the fund was driven by the need to enhance the skills development programmes of the beneficiary institutes and make them more competitive.
"It is expected that the fund will primarily provide funding for the improvement of quality and relevance of existing skills systems and, if relevant, expansion of these," he stated.
He said the policy of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system was designed to reduce poverty and foster competitiveness.
“A responsive TVET system is essential for Ghana to realise its goals to become a more productive and competitive middle-income country,” he stated.
Mr Baffour-Awuah said the fund would give priority to innovative new approaches to skills development and employment creation, especially in micro and small enterprises.
He said the supported training institutions would be encouraged to adjust their programmes to an emerging National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a precondition for support.
He said the Danish government, the World Bank and the African Development Bank had indicated their willingness to support the programme.
A Skills Development Fund (SDF) has been set up by the government to support private and public technical and vocational institutes.
The fund, with a seed money of $40 million, will become operational in July, 2010 and is one of the mechanisms by the government to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
The Executive Director of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Mr Dan Baffour-Awuah, who made this known to the Daily Graphic, said the establishment of the fund was driven by the need to enhance the skills development programmes of the beneficiary institutes and make them more competitive.
"It is expected that the fund will primarily provide funding for the improvement of quality and relevance of existing skills systems and, if relevant, expansion of these," he stated.
He said the policy of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system was designed to reduce poverty and foster competitiveness.
“A responsive TVET system is essential for Ghana to realise its goals to become a more productive and competitive middle-income country,” he stated.
Mr Baffour-Awuah said the fund would give priority to innovative new approaches to skills development and employment creation, especially in micro and small enterprises.
He said the supported training institutions would be encouraged to adjust their programmes to an emerging National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a precondition for support.
He said the Danish government, the World Bank and the African Development Bank had indicated their willingness to support the programme.
Lions Club offer free eye screening at La
Published in the Daily Graphic on 10/04/2010, pg 17(spread or middle pg)
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Accra Metro and the Accra Diamond Lions Clubs have undertaken a free eye-screening exercise for over 300 residents of the La Community in Accra.
The exercise, which was aimed at detecting and treating visual impairment conditions, was done in collaboration with the North West End Eye Centre and the Member of Parliament for Dade Kotopon Constituency, Mr Amasah Namoale.
The exercise was the month of March’s activity for the clubs and part of the association's social responsibility towards the community within which they are located.
It was also intended to educate the community on how to manage visual disorders.
The President of the Accra Metro Lions Club, Mr Kofi Anyinam Boateng, said the exercise was the result of the club’s concern to provide eye care delivery to members of deprived communities.
"It is an undeniable fact that the gift of sight is one of the precious gifts that needs to be preserved", he said, and added that throughout the world, most people lost their vision because they did not know how to manage such illness.
He observed that about 70 per cent of the people who go blind was due to three conditions namely cataracts, trachoma and glaucoma, which when detected early, could be prevented.
Mr Boateng said "The impact of the foregoing on the economies of the world, especially that of the developing countries in terms of treatment, loss of productivity and rehabilitation is simply enormous".
He also assured participants of the support of the association for further treatment after the detection of any negative condition.
The Chairperson for Zone 161 LCI, Ms Kate Baaba Hudson, noted that besides undertaking other charitable programmes, the association focused mainly on the prevention of blindness and the preservation of eyesight through educational programmes and eye-screening exercises.
She said the association had its headquarters in Oakbrook, Illinois in Chicago, in the United States of America.
"There are multiple districts under the international body, under which there are also districts, "she noted.
She said Ghana constituted Region 16 and was part of District 403-A. Ghana has 12 clubs divided into two zones, namely Zones 161 made up of seven clubs, and 162 which had five clubs.
“Clubs under Zone 161 LCI include Tema, Accra Metro, Accra Ebony, Accra Premier, Sekondi Takoradi Twin City, Ho Alpha and Kpando Olive Lions Clubs. While Zone 162 comprise of the Accra Diamond, Accra Golden, Kumasi Royal, Cape Coast Crystal and Legon Lions Clubs,” she stated.
Lions in Ghana have undertaken several activities this year which include, the donation of food iems, soaps and detergents, microwave oven, sunk bore holes and provided watertanks among others to several communities and institutions such as the Effiankwanta Hospital in Sekondi Takoradi and the Weija Leprosarium, as well as education on sickle cell and diabetes.
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Accra Metro and the Accra Diamond Lions Clubs have undertaken a free eye-screening exercise for over 300 residents of the La Community in Accra.
The exercise, which was aimed at detecting and treating visual impairment conditions, was done in collaboration with the North West End Eye Centre and the Member of Parliament for Dade Kotopon Constituency, Mr Amasah Namoale.
The exercise was the month of March’s activity for the clubs and part of the association's social responsibility towards the community within which they are located.
It was also intended to educate the community on how to manage visual disorders.
The President of the Accra Metro Lions Club, Mr Kofi Anyinam Boateng, said the exercise was the result of the club’s concern to provide eye care delivery to members of deprived communities.
"It is an undeniable fact that the gift of sight is one of the precious gifts that needs to be preserved", he said, and added that throughout the world, most people lost their vision because they did not know how to manage such illness.
He observed that about 70 per cent of the people who go blind was due to three conditions namely cataracts, trachoma and glaucoma, which when detected early, could be prevented.
Mr Boateng said "The impact of the foregoing on the economies of the world, especially that of the developing countries in terms of treatment, loss of productivity and rehabilitation is simply enormous".
He also assured participants of the support of the association for further treatment after the detection of any negative condition.
The Chairperson for Zone 161 LCI, Ms Kate Baaba Hudson, noted that besides undertaking other charitable programmes, the association focused mainly on the prevention of blindness and the preservation of eyesight through educational programmes and eye-screening exercises.
She said the association had its headquarters in Oakbrook, Illinois in Chicago, in the United States of America.
"There are multiple districts under the international body, under which there are also districts, "she noted.
She said Ghana constituted Region 16 and was part of District 403-A. Ghana has 12 clubs divided into two zones, namely Zones 161 made up of seven clubs, and 162 which had five clubs.
“Clubs under Zone 161 LCI include Tema, Accra Metro, Accra Ebony, Accra Premier, Sekondi Takoradi Twin City, Ho Alpha and Kpando Olive Lions Clubs. While Zone 162 comprise of the Accra Diamond, Accra Golden, Kumasi Royal, Cape Coast Crystal and Legon Lions Clubs,” she stated.
Lions in Ghana have undertaken several activities this year which include, the donation of food iems, soaps and detergents, microwave oven, sunk bore holes and provided watertanks among others to several communities and institutions such as the Effiankwanta Hospital in Sekondi Takoradi and the Weija Leprosarium, as well as education on sickle cell and diabetes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
