Story: Matilda Attram
The Mukasahemaa of Akuapem, Nana Afuadu Kwadyan II, has cautioned women to keep their children who are minors away from polling stations during the December elections.
She said it was the responsibility of mothers to advise their husbands and children to be tolerant before, during and after the December elections.
She was speaking at a forum organised by the Greater Accra Regional branch of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) in Accra to sensitise them to the role of women in the development of the nation.
It was on the theme “Tolerance for Peaceful, Non-Violent Elections”.
She said as mothers they were in a good stead to influence their husbands and children on ensuring peace in the communities where they belonged.
Nana Kwadyan also urged women to ensure that there was friendship and unity among people of different political persuasions which served as factors for social integration and cohesion.
“The prospect of a future peace and prosperity largely depends on us. Elections should not be seen as a do or die affair, but rather a tool for development. We are all involved in creating peace in our country”, she said.
She therefore appealed to political leaders to be mindful of their utterances and to advice their followers to be tolerant in order not to incite violence.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, Mrs Doris Otiwa Archeampong, in her welcome address stated that, women were very important in the affairs of every nation, without which prosperity would not be attained.
“In spite of all the discrimination against women in our society, we still remain the latent power in whose bosom and hands lies the peace and prosperity of the nation” she said.
She said that women and children were mostly victims of conflict situations and bore the atrocities of all negativities such as rape, hunger and torture.
“ It is in the light of this concern that I urge you to gird your loins, so that together as one we will ensure that the forthcoming elections are held in a non-violent environment. It is therefore incumbent on us as women to take the destiny of our nation in our hearts and do all that is necessary to bring peace which will benefit us and our children”, she cautioned.
Mrs Archeampong stated that elections were a key component of democracy that enabled eligible citizens to exercise their franchise for the progress of the nation they belong to.
“Elections enable citizens to exercise their freedom of choice in electing their leaders to help develop the nation” she stated.
According to her, tolerance, fairness, transparency and obedience were components of friendship and unity which built social integration and cohesion.
She said everyone had the right to speak but noted that they must be responsible to show respect for each others sensibilities to maintain peace and harmony.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
‘Join Clean Election Campaign’
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Methodist Church of Ghana has called on individuals, organisations and churches to join its campaign, dubbed “Clean Election Campaign” aimed at inculcating in the youth the essence of clean, free and fair elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its fifth biennial and 43rd conference held in Winneba and made public during a news conference in Accra.
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Reverend Dr Robert Kwesi Aboagye Mensah, who read the communiqué, said the previous conference discussed issues of concern to the church, and also realised the need to address issues affecting the development of the nation.
“Having discussed issues affecting the church, the conference engaged in topical issues affecting the state, in relation to citizenry and said that every effort should be made by the government and people of Ghana to ensure a free, fair and transparent elections devoid of rancour and bitterness on the part of participating political parties”, the communiqué said.
It said the conference expressed the need to educate the electorate, especially the youth, to ensure free and credible elections during the December polls.
The communiqué also stated that the church welcomed the oil find in the country and appealed to the government to exploit and develop the resource in order to boost the country’s economy.
It expressed its gratitude for the discovery of oil in this country. “We, therefore, hope that the government would be determined in making good use of the oil find to benefit the country”, it added.
It articulated the church’s concern for the problems of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and streetism which were hindering the development of the country. “Conference appeals to the government, NGOs and organisations involved in managing the said evils in society to double efforts in providing answers that appropriately resolve the problems”, it said.
The discussions also conveyed the church’s total support for the government in its decision to encourage the study of Religious and Moral Education as a subject in the syllabus of primary and junior high schools (JHS).
“Conference appreciates the change of the government’s heart and prayed for the faithful implementation of the new policy, and provision of the reinstatement. We pledge to partner the government in the implementation of the said policy by strengthening its chaplaincy in schools”, it said.
The communiqué appealed to the public to support the church’s orphanage, the Rafiki Satellite Village, through the provision of funds and materials for the project.
It, therefore, pleaded with the government to assist in the rehabilitation of the existing Methodist institutions to reduce the incidence of youth unemployment by providing avenues for training in trades to support and complement formal academic education offered the youth in schools.
THE Methodist Church of Ghana has called on individuals, organisations and churches to join its campaign, dubbed “Clean Election Campaign” aimed at inculcating in the youth the essence of clean, free and fair elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its fifth biennial and 43rd conference held in Winneba and made public during a news conference in Accra.
The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Reverend Dr Robert Kwesi Aboagye Mensah, who read the communiqué, said the previous conference discussed issues of concern to the church, and also realised the need to address issues affecting the development of the nation.
“Having discussed issues affecting the church, the conference engaged in topical issues affecting the state, in relation to citizenry and said that every effort should be made by the government and people of Ghana to ensure a free, fair and transparent elections devoid of rancour and bitterness on the part of participating political parties”, the communiqué said.
It said the conference expressed the need to educate the electorate, especially the youth, to ensure free and credible elections during the December polls.
The communiqué also stated that the church welcomed the oil find in the country and appealed to the government to exploit and develop the resource in order to boost the country’s economy.
It expressed its gratitude for the discovery of oil in this country. “We, therefore, hope that the government would be determined in making good use of the oil find to benefit the country”, it added.
It articulated the church’s concern for the problems of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and streetism which were hindering the development of the country. “Conference appeals to the government, NGOs and organisations involved in managing the said evils in society to double efforts in providing answers that appropriately resolve the problems”, it said.
The discussions also conveyed the church’s total support for the government in its decision to encourage the study of Religious and Moral Education as a subject in the syllabus of primary and junior high schools (JHS).
“Conference appreciates the change of the government’s heart and prayed for the faithful implementation of the new policy, and provision of the reinstatement. We pledge to partner the government in the implementation of the said policy by strengthening its chaplaincy in schools”, it said.
The communiqué appealed to the public to support the church’s orphanage, the Rafiki Satellite Village, through the provision of funds and materials for the project.
It, therefore, pleaded with the government to assist in the rehabilitation of the existing Methodist institutions to reduce the incidence of youth unemployment by providing avenues for training in trades to support and complement formal academic education offered the youth in schools.
‘Face election challenges with maturity’
Story: Matilda Attram
THE Presbyterian Church of Ghana has called on Ghanaians to face the challenges of the forthcoming general election with maturity in order to preserve the country’s democratic gains.
It urged all aspirants to admonish their supporters to refrain from the use of abusive language and other forms of provocation, including physical attacks on people with different political persuasions.
“Aspirants must pledge to accept the results as declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) and, where there are doubts, seek redress through judicial processes rather than show defiant, violent and destructive attitudes and declarations,” it said.
At a press conference in Accra to publicise a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its eighth General Assembly held in Sunyani recently, the Moderator of the church, the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the police and the other security agencies must not only be vigilant but also firm and neutral in dealing with the electorate and ensure that all rules and regulations, as well as established procedures, were strictly observed before, during and after the elections.
He reminded the presidential and parliamentary aspirants that since they saw themselves as having been called upon to serve God and His people, they were accountable to God and the electorate and must “put the well-being of all Ghanaians first and foremost in whatever they do”.
He noted with concern reports of malpractice involving the registration of minors and foreign nationals by some political parties, resulting in vehement confrontations in parts of the country.
“We also noted that the period given for the registration was too short and too close to the time for the elections. That gave rise to frantic efforts by many to register, resulting in avoidable conflicts,” he said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso suggested that appropriate procedures should be established to register persons attaining the voting age of 18 to avoid a backlog.
He, however, said that if the registration of newly qualified voters should be done in an election year, the EC should start such registration in January to ensure that all those qualified to register would have ample time to go through the exercise satisfactorily.
“The EC should examine various systems for voters registration elsewhere which are functioning well in order to develop a much better system for Ghana than what obtains at the moment,” he stressed.
Touching on the economy, Rt Rev Frimpong-Manso said the country was still experiencing double-digit inflation, contrary to expectation, adding that the problem of unemployment among the youth needed urgent consideration.
He said despite the positive measures by the government to promote good governance, the assembly had reservations about some aspects of government’s actions which must be seriously considered.
“In our attempts to establish democracy in this country, and within the context of our fledgling democratic structures, it may be prudent for the government to provide explanatory statements for some of its important actions, especially those that are most likely to cause dissension among the people,” he stated.
He articulated the church’s concern over recent incidents of gross disregard for law and order in certain parts of the country.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said obnoxious acts had taken the form of instant justice meted out to alleged criminals and the destruction of government and private property by irresponsible individuals.
“Armed robbery and indiscriminate killings have also been on the increase. Careless driving on our roads, resulting in needless deaths, seems to have become an everyday occurrence, as well as tribal strife leading to armed conflicts such as what recently happened in the north,” he said.
THE Presbyterian Church of Ghana has called on Ghanaians to face the challenges of the forthcoming general election with maturity in order to preserve the country’s democratic gains.
It urged all aspirants to admonish their supporters to refrain from the use of abusive language and other forms of provocation, including physical attacks on people with different political persuasions.
“Aspirants must pledge to accept the results as declared by the Electoral Commission (EC) and, where there are doubts, seek redress through judicial processes rather than show defiant, violent and destructive attitudes and declarations,” it said.
At a press conference in Accra to publicise a communiqué issued by the church at the end of its eighth General Assembly held in Sunyani recently, the Moderator of the church, the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, said the police and the other security agencies must not only be vigilant but also firm and neutral in dealing with the electorate and ensure that all rules and regulations, as well as established procedures, were strictly observed before, during and after the elections.
He reminded the presidential and parliamentary aspirants that since they saw themselves as having been called upon to serve God and His people, they were accountable to God and the electorate and must “put the well-being of all Ghanaians first and foremost in whatever they do”.
He noted with concern reports of malpractice involving the registration of minors and foreign nationals by some political parties, resulting in vehement confrontations in parts of the country.
“We also noted that the period given for the registration was too short and too close to the time for the elections. That gave rise to frantic efforts by many to register, resulting in avoidable conflicts,” he said.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso suggested that appropriate procedures should be established to register persons attaining the voting age of 18 to avoid a backlog.
He, however, said that if the registration of newly qualified voters should be done in an election year, the EC should start such registration in January to ensure that all those qualified to register would have ample time to go through the exercise satisfactorily.
“The EC should examine various systems for voters registration elsewhere which are functioning well in order to develop a much better system for Ghana than what obtains at the moment,” he stressed.
Touching on the economy, Rt Rev Frimpong-Manso said the country was still experiencing double-digit inflation, contrary to expectation, adding that the problem of unemployment among the youth needed urgent consideration.
He said despite the positive measures by the government to promote good governance, the assembly had reservations about some aspects of government’s actions which must be seriously considered.
“In our attempts to establish democracy in this country, and within the context of our fledgling democratic structures, it may be prudent for the government to provide explanatory statements for some of its important actions, especially those that are most likely to cause dissension among the people,” he stated.
He articulated the church’s concern over recent incidents of gross disregard for law and order in certain parts of the country.
The Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said obnoxious acts had taken the form of instant justice meted out to alleged criminals and the destruction of government and private property by irresponsible individuals.
“Armed robbery and indiscriminate killings have also been on the increase. Careless driving on our roads, resulting in needless deaths, seems to have become an everyday occurrence, as well as tribal strife leading to armed conflicts such as what recently happened in the north,” he said.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pro credit
Story: Matilda Attram & Esther Dede Tetteh
PRO CREDIT, a non-financial institution has introduced a package known as 'Agro Loan' to farmers in the country to enable them to expand their production.
The package is a soft loan facility to them as part of the company’s commitment to supporting farmers in the country.
The Managing Director of Pro Credit, Ms Etwige Takassi, speaking at an encounter with the media in Accra, said the move was in line with the company's objective of boosting the operations of farmers in Ghana.
She said the company also recognised the need for the private sector to support the government's drive at boosting agricultural activity in the country hence the package.
She noted that support from the private sector, particularly banks for farmers in the country, was insignificant hence the move by Pro Credit to augment government support.
Ms Takassi said the package was targeted at farmers in the area of livestock production, cash crops, vegetables, fruits, aqua culture, snail farming, and mushroom farming.
She said the country's agriculture sector was of equal value as other ventures hence the need for the support, which formed part of their corporate social responsibility.
She noted that as the first private non-financial institution in Ghana, Pro Credit was determined to become the leading provider of financial services to the agricultural sector.
The Deputy General Manager, Mr Philip Mensah, said the company had over the past year and a half trained officers who specialised in agribusinesses and had recently established a training centre to orient its clients on the adaptation of good farming practices.
He explained that the company was ready to reschedule payment of loans granted to its clients when they were faced with disasters.
He also advised farmers to adapt to good farming practices so that they could identify and prevent diseases.
He also stated that the minimum loan the company granted was GH¢50, which could not be secured from most banks.
Mr Mensah said before the loans were granted to clients, they must first have the basic requirements such as being an experienced farmer, after which the company would enquire about the operations of the farmer with performance mainly as the base.
PRO CREDIT, a non-financial institution has introduced a package known as 'Agro Loan' to farmers in the country to enable them to expand their production.
The package is a soft loan facility to them as part of the company’s commitment to supporting farmers in the country.
The Managing Director of Pro Credit, Ms Etwige Takassi, speaking at an encounter with the media in Accra, said the move was in line with the company's objective of boosting the operations of farmers in Ghana.
She said the company also recognised the need for the private sector to support the government's drive at boosting agricultural activity in the country hence the package.
She noted that support from the private sector, particularly banks for farmers in the country, was insignificant hence the move by Pro Credit to augment government support.
Ms Takassi said the package was targeted at farmers in the area of livestock production, cash crops, vegetables, fruits, aqua culture, snail farming, and mushroom farming.
She said the country's agriculture sector was of equal value as other ventures hence the need for the support, which formed part of their corporate social responsibility.
She noted that as the first private non-financial institution in Ghana, Pro Credit was determined to become the leading provider of financial services to the agricultural sector.
The Deputy General Manager, Mr Philip Mensah, said the company had over the past year and a half trained officers who specialised in agribusinesses and had recently established a training centre to orient its clients on the adaptation of good farming practices.
He explained that the company was ready to reschedule payment of loans granted to its clients when they were faced with disasters.
He also advised farmers to adapt to good farming practices so that they could identify and prevent diseases.
He also stated that the minimum loan the company granted was GH¢50, which could not be secured from most banks.
Mr Mensah said before the loans were granted to clients, they must first have the basic requirements such as being an experienced farmer, after which the company would enquire about the operations of the farmer with performance mainly as the base.
Micro credit support can transform lives
Story: Matilda Attram
Micro credit support can transform lives
OPPORTUNITY International, a savings and loans financial institution, has identified micro finance support and quality financial advice as the keys to increase income and transform the lives of individuals and communities.
"For Opportunity, micro-finance is an engine of poverty alleviation to sustain and transform the unbanked and under-banked sectors with respect, integrity and stewardship."
Ms Teresa Efia Cooke, Head of Human Resource of Opportunity International, stated this at the end of an internship programme organised by the company for 40 tertiary students on micro-finance in Accra.
The ceremony was aimed at providing opportunities for the students and for them also to share their experiences with the public during their stay with the company.
It was also aimed at explaining to the public, what the company had in offer for its customers.
Ms Cooke said the institution was committed to serving medium and small-scale entrepreneurs with loans, and other financial services to transform their businesses.
“It is believed that exposing students to these at the heart of commercial micro-finance would not only assist them in choosing a career but also equip them with tools which would enable them to impact on society what they had learnt,” she stated, and added that that was Opportunity International’s contribution to human resource development in Ghana.
Ms Cooke stated that the company had been working with its partners and donors to ensure that internship and National Service programmes continued in the coming years with exposure in other business and cultural environments to equip students with the global perspective of the industry.
“We endeavour to continue to provide this support to hundreds of tertiary students in the coming years and help bring the dream of economic transformation of the active poor in the country into reality,” she stated.
The Head of Credit Operations, Mr Dave Kofi Yeboah, cautioned the students to engage in productive activities that would contribute to the development of the country.
He also urged them to be committed in whatever profession they found themselves.
“I hope this experience has exposed you to the nature of the job market,” he said, and urged them to allow themselves to be used as vessels to transform others and their communities.
Certificates were presented to all the participants.
Micro credit support can transform lives
OPPORTUNITY International, a savings and loans financial institution, has identified micro finance support and quality financial advice as the keys to increase income and transform the lives of individuals and communities.
"For Opportunity, micro-finance is an engine of poverty alleviation to sustain and transform the unbanked and under-banked sectors with respect, integrity and stewardship."
Ms Teresa Efia Cooke, Head of Human Resource of Opportunity International, stated this at the end of an internship programme organised by the company for 40 tertiary students on micro-finance in Accra.
The ceremony was aimed at providing opportunities for the students and for them also to share their experiences with the public during their stay with the company.
It was also aimed at explaining to the public, what the company had in offer for its customers.
Ms Cooke said the institution was committed to serving medium and small-scale entrepreneurs with loans, and other financial services to transform their businesses.
“It is believed that exposing students to these at the heart of commercial micro-finance would not only assist them in choosing a career but also equip them with tools which would enable them to impact on society what they had learnt,” she stated, and added that that was Opportunity International’s contribution to human resource development in Ghana.
Ms Cooke stated that the company had been working with its partners and donors to ensure that internship and National Service programmes continued in the coming years with exposure in other business and cultural environments to equip students with the global perspective of the industry.
“We endeavour to continue to provide this support to hundreds of tertiary students in the coming years and help bring the dream of economic transformation of the active poor in the country into reality,” she stated.
The Head of Credit Operations, Mr Dave Kofi Yeboah, cautioned the students to engage in productive activities that would contribute to the development of the country.
He also urged them to be committed in whatever profession they found themselves.
“I hope this experience has exposed you to the nature of the job market,” he said, and urged them to allow themselves to be used as vessels to transform others and their communities.
Certificates were presented to all the participants.
Barclays Awards Loyal customers
Story: Matilda Attram
BARCLAYS Bank Ghana has rewarded five loyal customers in its promotional programme dubbed “Barclays Bank Wheel of Surprise”.
The winners who came from different branches of the bank across the country were presented with different prizes at a ceremony held at the Kasoa Branch in the Central Region.
The first prize winner, Evantius Kuatsinu, who saves at the Barclays- Makola branch, took a fully-installed DSTV dish and the second prize winner, Gilbert Gyasi Nkrumah, who saves with the Barclays- Spintex Road branch won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The third prize winner, Priscilla Akosua Adatsi, of the Spintex Road Branch - won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The fourth prize winner was Rose Mart Enterprise with the fifth prize winner being Gaoyan. They both took home a mobile phone each.
To qualify for the promotional draw customers were required to deposit a minimum amount of GH¢ 300 into their saving account from the month of July to the end of September when the grand draw would take place. The overall winner would be presented with a new Jaguar saloon car as the grand prize.
The Kasoa branch manager, Ms Rose Abbeyquay, in her welcome address said the purpose of the branch at Kasoa was to ensure a smooth running of financial businesses in the central region since Kasoa is a commercial place in the community.
The Head of Retail Banking Barclays Ghana, Mr. Henry Baye in his remarks stated that the company had set up branches very close to their customers at their doorstep.
According to the Director of Consumer Banking, Barclays Ghana Mr. Nana Dzwemoh Benneh, said Barclays bank has had a long distant relationship with Ghana which offered supreme quality services and hoped to deliver more to their customers.
The lucky winners of the promotion were not at the function but were called on their phones to be informed and to visit their branches for the prizes.
BARCLAYS Bank Ghana has rewarded five loyal customers in its promotional programme dubbed “Barclays Bank Wheel of Surprise”.
The winners who came from different branches of the bank across the country were presented with different prizes at a ceremony held at the Kasoa Branch in the Central Region.
The first prize winner, Evantius Kuatsinu, who saves at the Barclays- Makola branch, took a fully-installed DSTV dish and the second prize winner, Gilbert Gyasi Nkrumah, who saves with the Barclays- Spintex Road branch won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The third prize winner, Priscilla Akosua Adatsi, of the Spintex Road Branch - won a 21-inch flat screen colour television set.
The fourth prize winner was Rose Mart Enterprise with the fifth prize winner being Gaoyan. They both took home a mobile phone each.
To qualify for the promotional draw customers were required to deposit a minimum amount of GH¢ 300 into their saving account from the month of July to the end of September when the grand draw would take place. The overall winner would be presented with a new Jaguar saloon car as the grand prize.
The Kasoa branch manager, Ms Rose Abbeyquay, in her welcome address said the purpose of the branch at Kasoa was to ensure a smooth running of financial businesses in the central region since Kasoa is a commercial place in the community.
The Head of Retail Banking Barclays Ghana, Mr. Henry Baye in his remarks stated that the company had set up branches very close to their customers at their doorstep.
According to the Director of Consumer Banking, Barclays Ghana Mr. Nana Dzwemoh Benneh, said Barclays bank has had a long distant relationship with Ghana which offered supreme quality services and hoped to deliver more to their customers.
The lucky winners of the promotion were not at the function but were called on their phones to be informed and to visit their branches for the prizes.
Presby YAF
Story by: Matilda Attram read by ho
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
LEADERS of political parties have been urged to be more nationalistic and mindful of the speeches they make during political rallies.
Pastor Robert Kwadjo Boamah Adjei, the General Overseer and President of the International Executive Council of All Nations for Christ Church International in Accra, made this call during a thanksgiving service organised by the church to climax its ninth annual forty days of fasting and prayers themed "Thy Will Be Done".
Pastor Adjei described the violence and chaos that characterised the voters' registration exercise as shameful. "The violence must stop now! Ghana is bigger than any political party and so politicians should realise this and become more nationalistic than extremely partisan.
"We call on all Ghanaians to ensure that elections 2008 is held in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness, peace and tranquility. All politicians and people who seek political office in Ghana must be selfless, godly, humble, dedicated to the cause of Ghana and African unity" he said.
He advised partisan politicians not to push students into politics with huge sums of money. " Ghana is better of with honest, dedicated and God-fearing student leaders than ones whose hands are dripping with monies and properties acquired through corruption", he said.
Pastor Adjei further urged Ghanaians to pray and work hard at curbing social ills such as corruption, tribalism, ethnicity, chieftaincy disputes and indiscipline in the society.
He, therefore, expressed appreciation to the government for re-instating the study of Religious and Moral Education (RME) in our basic schools and stated that " it gives us a glimmer of hope for the future of this nation. We must, however, express the concern that the study of RME in school is not enough if the lessons are not put into practice".
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