The New Horizon Special school has received building materials worth GH¢20,000 from the La Palm Casino and Saigon, two leading game centres in the country.
The items included 200m square tiles, eight units of enamel basins, packets of roofing sheets, 35 buckets of emulsion paints and wood for roofing.
Other items included, a photocopier , a quantity of fabrics for tie-dye,200 bags of cement and a table top fridge.
Presenting the items, the General Manager of the Casino, Mr Colin Parker, said the donation was to support the school’s classroom project.
He said it was also in line with the company’s social responsibility to the school and the community in which they operated.
Mr Parker said the proper integration of children into the society would help them enjoy life although they were deprived. Receiving the items, the Executive Director of the school, Mrs Salome Francois, expressed her profound gratitude to the two organisations for their kind gesture.
She said most children in the special schools needed much attention, care and love, and that society had the responsibility to help ensure their well-being.
“These kids have a right to live and be part of the society and with much love and care they can contribute to the development of this country,” she said.
A board member of the school, Ms Sylvia Francois, said the classroom project, which cost about $45,000 was expected to ease congestion in the school.
She said the building would consist of classrooms, physiotherapy centre and autism rooms to help manage the disabilities of the children.
“We are improving on our facilities here to help keep up with the modern technological facilities that are needed in the training and upbringing of the children,” she added.
Ms Francois said the school faced financial difficulties which had made it impossible to hire adequate teachers.
She, therefore, called on individuals and corporate institutions to emulate the example of the La Palm Casino, and come to their aid.
Ms Francois said the regular teachers were not interested in teaching the children with special needs, and appealed to the Ghana Education Service to train more teachers in that field.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Juaboso DCE pledges (30/7/09)
The Juaboso District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Fuachie Solomon, has expressed his commitment to enhancing security in the area.
He said he had received numerous reports of rampant armed robbery cases and other violent crimes in the district.
He said although the criminal activities would hamper the development of the district, measures were being put in place to tackle them.
Mr Solomon expressed this commitment when he addressed the third session of the General Meeting of the Juaboso District Assembly.
He said as a first step to ensuring safety in the area, the assembly had strengthened the security agencies in the area and had also contracted a Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) official to ensure absolute control of the security network in the area.
“I will work assiduously as the chairman of the district security committee to reduce the looming security threats in our area in order to ensure that the security situation improves in the district, “ he said.
Outlining his plans for the area, the DCE said he would work together with the people to bring about development.
Touching on the unemployment situation in the area, he said the agricultural sector would be made attractive for the youth.
“A practical example is the Inland valley rice project which is currently being undertaken in a few communities,” he added.
He also asked the assembly members to work diligently to mobilise their people in the electoral area to undertake regular environmental sanitation in their various communities.
”The nationwide clean-up exercises initiated by the President is one step to ensure good sanitation practices in our various communities, and we will make them regular,” he stated.
The DCE announced that a community based rural development organisation was assisting the district with GH¢240,000 for the construction of schools and area council offices.
Mr Solomon stressed the need for the assembly to generate revenue internally to supplement the district’s share of the common fund.
He urged the revenue and budget department of the assembly to institute measures to step-up revenue mobilisation activities in order to raise adequate funds to supplement the already “over-burdened common fund.”
The Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Samson Ahi, assured the assembly of his commitment to ensuring that all the projects outlined by the DCE were executed.
There were goodwill messages from the chiefs and opinion leaders.
He said he had received numerous reports of rampant armed robbery cases and other violent crimes in the district.
He said although the criminal activities would hamper the development of the district, measures were being put in place to tackle them.
Mr Solomon expressed this commitment when he addressed the third session of the General Meeting of the Juaboso District Assembly.
He said as a first step to ensuring safety in the area, the assembly had strengthened the security agencies in the area and had also contracted a Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) official to ensure absolute control of the security network in the area.
“I will work assiduously as the chairman of the district security committee to reduce the looming security threats in our area in order to ensure that the security situation improves in the district, “ he said.
Outlining his plans for the area, the DCE said he would work together with the people to bring about development.
Touching on the unemployment situation in the area, he said the agricultural sector would be made attractive for the youth.
“A practical example is the Inland valley rice project which is currently being undertaken in a few communities,” he added.
He also asked the assembly members to work diligently to mobilise their people in the electoral area to undertake regular environmental sanitation in their various communities.
”The nationwide clean-up exercises initiated by the President is one step to ensure good sanitation practices in our various communities, and we will make them regular,” he stated.
The DCE announced that a community based rural development organisation was assisting the district with GH¢240,000 for the construction of schools and area council offices.
Mr Solomon stressed the need for the assembly to generate revenue internally to supplement the district’s share of the common fund.
He urged the revenue and budget department of the assembly to institute measures to step-up revenue mobilisation activities in order to raise adequate funds to supplement the already “over-burdened common fund.”
The Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Samson Ahi, assured the assembly of his commitment to ensuring that all the projects outlined by the DCE were executed.
There were goodwill messages from the chiefs and opinion leaders.
Govt provides credit for SMEs(31/7/09)
Government has allocated $40 million credit facility to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country to enhance their business.
This is in fulfilment of government’s pledge to support the growth of SMEs and put them in a better position to contribute effectively in the transformation of the country’s economy.
The SME’s Coordinator at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), Mr Francis Kusi said this at the launching of an SME Toolbox in Accra, on behalf of Ms Hanna Tetteh, the Minister of Trade and Industry.
The SME Toolbox is a book developed by the Oguaa Business Incubator and sponsored by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and MoTI.
Mr Kusi stated that MoTI initiated the programmes to address the financial challenges being faced by SMEs and had embarked on a number of interventions to arrest the situation.
Mr Kusi stated that as part of the interventions, government would soon launch a national industry policy, which would encompass an industrial sector support programme to spell out projects to be undertaken for a sustainable development of the industrial sector, including the SMEs.
“The implementation of the policy will enable SMEs in the country to have a reliable policy direction that can make them competitive,” he stated.
He further said that the trade sector support programme being under taken by the ministry would create an ambience where SMEs would operate effectively to win market shares in the globally competitive economy.
Mr Kusi commended JICA for the initiative, which he said would complement the ministry’s projects.
“The Toolbox would serve as an assistance to entrepreneurs to operate their businesses effectively and help enterprise to grow from the informal sector and from SMEs to large companies,” he said.
He said it would also create new businesses to help reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
The Toolbox is a compilation of essential information, business development services and plans needed in starting small-scale businesses, and contains information on the day-to-day management of small businesses, legal and ethical environment for pursuing business opportunities in Ghana, briefs on regulatory agencies and SME support institutions among others.
The Japanese Ambassador, Mr Keiichi Katakami, noted that the significant means of approaching and implementing strategies that would lead to the growth of SMEs in Ghana should be paramount on government initiatives .
He said the Japanese government had initiated various projects such as the promotion of industrial development and SME promotion development through JICA to assist small-scale businesses in the country.
“In line with the strategic direction of the government of Ghana, Japan intends to focus its assistance on micro, small, medium enterprises and the manufacturing sectors, especially in the local industries that utilise local resources,” he stated.
The JICA Resident Representative, Mr Kunihiro Yamanchi expressed the hope that the contents of the SME Toolbox would help SMEs grow and thrive in the country.
This is in fulfilment of government’s pledge to support the growth of SMEs and put them in a better position to contribute effectively in the transformation of the country’s economy.
The SME’s Coordinator at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), Mr Francis Kusi said this at the launching of an SME Toolbox in Accra, on behalf of Ms Hanna Tetteh, the Minister of Trade and Industry.
The SME Toolbox is a book developed by the Oguaa Business Incubator and sponsored by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and MoTI.
Mr Kusi stated that MoTI initiated the programmes to address the financial challenges being faced by SMEs and had embarked on a number of interventions to arrest the situation.
Mr Kusi stated that as part of the interventions, government would soon launch a national industry policy, which would encompass an industrial sector support programme to spell out projects to be undertaken for a sustainable development of the industrial sector, including the SMEs.
“The implementation of the policy will enable SMEs in the country to have a reliable policy direction that can make them competitive,” he stated.
He further said that the trade sector support programme being under taken by the ministry would create an ambience where SMEs would operate effectively to win market shares in the globally competitive economy.
Mr Kusi commended JICA for the initiative, which he said would complement the ministry’s projects.
“The Toolbox would serve as an assistance to entrepreneurs to operate their businesses effectively and help enterprise to grow from the informal sector and from SMEs to large companies,” he said.
He said it would also create new businesses to help reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
The Toolbox is a compilation of essential information, business development services and plans needed in starting small-scale businesses, and contains information on the day-to-day management of small businesses, legal and ethical environment for pursuing business opportunities in Ghana, briefs on regulatory agencies and SME support institutions among others.
The Japanese Ambassador, Mr Keiichi Katakami, noted that the significant means of approaching and implementing strategies that would lead to the growth of SMEs in Ghana should be paramount on government initiatives .
He said the Japanese government had initiated various projects such as the promotion of industrial development and SME promotion development through JICA to assist small-scale businesses in the country.
“In line with the strategic direction of the government of Ghana, Japan intends to focus its assistance on micro, small, medium enterprises and the manufacturing sectors, especially in the local industries that utilise local resources,” he stated.
The JICA Resident Representative, Mr Kunihiro Yamanchi expressed the hope that the contents of the SME Toolbox would help SMEs grow and thrive in the country.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Two firms institute programme for youth employment (23/7/09)
A BUSINESS Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, Rising Data Solution Ghana (RDS), and Intercom Programming and Manufacturing Company Limited (IPMC) have instituted a programme to provide jobs for the youth.
Under the programme, IPMC will provide training in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for a number of Ghanaians, while RDS will employ directly the students on completion of the course.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between IPMC, an ICT training institution and RDS to authenticate the initiative.
By this agreement, IPMC will teach courses specifically designed for the BPO industry. Some of the courses include, accent neutralisation, transcription and customer service technique.
The Director of Finance of RDS, Ms Irene Banias, signed for RDS, while the CEO of IPMC, Mr Amar Deep S Hari, initialled for the IPMC.
The Business Development Manager of RDS, Mr A. J. Whitman, said the BPO industry was one huge sector the country could tap into in order to create jobs for the unemployed youth.
He mentioned, for instance, that the industry was valued at $110 billion in 2002 and was estimated to increase to about $175 billion by 2010.
The CEO of IPMC, Mr Amar Hari, commended RDS for taking the giant step to invest in the country and, particularly in the BPO sector.
Mr Hari said he had for a long time sourced for partners in that particular area of ICT and was happy RDS had come on board.
He also encouraged the management of RDS to venture into the rural areas of the country as there existed a lot of potential that needed to be tapped.
The CEO said in an effort to empower women, IPMC had 40 per cent allocation for women and hoped to increase it in the coming years, calling on RDS to do same.
The Director of IT Enabled Service Secretariat Ghana, Mr Alhassan Umar, assured management of RDS of the government’s support as job creation for the youth was its top priority.
Mr Alhassan said the government had initiated moves to solve the problem of redundancy which the PBO service providers and others were facing in the country.
He mentioned the landing station soon to be completed by GLO 1 as a measure under way to solve the problem in the short term.
Under the programme, IPMC will provide training in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for a number of Ghanaians, while RDS will employ directly the students on completion of the course.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between IPMC, an ICT training institution and RDS to authenticate the initiative.
By this agreement, IPMC will teach courses specifically designed for the BPO industry. Some of the courses include, accent neutralisation, transcription and customer service technique.
The Director of Finance of RDS, Ms Irene Banias, signed for RDS, while the CEO of IPMC, Mr Amar Deep S Hari, initialled for the IPMC.
The Business Development Manager of RDS, Mr A. J. Whitman, said the BPO industry was one huge sector the country could tap into in order to create jobs for the unemployed youth.
He mentioned, for instance, that the industry was valued at $110 billion in 2002 and was estimated to increase to about $175 billion by 2010.
The CEO of IPMC, Mr Amar Hari, commended RDS for taking the giant step to invest in the country and, particularly in the BPO sector.
Mr Hari said he had for a long time sourced for partners in that particular area of ICT and was happy RDS had come on board.
He also encouraged the management of RDS to venture into the rural areas of the country as there existed a lot of potential that needed to be tapped.
The CEO said in an effort to empower women, IPMC had 40 per cent allocation for women and hoped to increase it in the coming years, calling on RDS to do same.
The Director of IT Enabled Service Secretariat Ghana, Mr Alhassan Umar, assured management of RDS of the government’s support as job creation for the youth was its top priority.
Mr Alhassan said the government had initiated moves to solve the problem of redundancy which the PBO service providers and others were facing in the country.
He mentioned the landing station soon to be completed by GLO 1 as a measure under way to solve the problem in the short term.
Carpenter held over car theft (25/6/09)
A 27-year-old carpenter, Yaw Adu, who together with an accomplice allegedly snatched a Kia taxicab with registration number GC 41060Z from its driver at Kwashieman, has been arrested by the Odorkor police in Accra.
His accomplice, Kinsley Tawiah, is on the run and being sought by the Odorkor police.
The Odorkor Police District Commander, Superintendent Ebenzer Asare, told the Daily Graphic that on June 17, 2009 at about 9:30 p.m. the driver of the taxicab, Kwame Abaw, was on his normal rounds when the two stopped him for his service.
The two, he said, told the driver to take them to Santa Maria in Accra after he had charged them GH¢2.00.
“Upon reaching Blue Kiosk, an area within Santa Maria, the two suspects attacked the driver with a knife and told him to surrender his car to them, which he complied with and afterwards they sped off with the car,” he said.
Supt Asare said the driver then lodged a complaint at the Odorkor Police Station.
On June 18, 2009, he said a police patrol team intercepted the taxicab at Amanase near Suhum, where Yaw Adu was arrested.
The suspect had since been arraigned before court while efforts are still underway to arrest Kinsley Tawiah, his accomplice.
His accomplice, Kinsley Tawiah, is on the run and being sought by the Odorkor police.
The Odorkor Police District Commander, Superintendent Ebenzer Asare, told the Daily Graphic that on June 17, 2009 at about 9:30 p.m. the driver of the taxicab, Kwame Abaw, was on his normal rounds when the two stopped him for his service.
The two, he said, told the driver to take them to Santa Maria in Accra after he had charged them GH¢2.00.
“Upon reaching Blue Kiosk, an area within Santa Maria, the two suspects attacked the driver with a knife and told him to surrender his car to them, which he complied with and afterwards they sped off with the car,” he said.
Supt Asare said the driver then lodged a complaint at the Odorkor Police Station.
On June 18, 2009, he said a police patrol team intercepted the taxicab at Amanase near Suhum, where Yaw Adu was arrested.
The suspect had since been arraigned before court while efforts are still underway to arrest Kinsley Tawiah, his accomplice.
IRS supports Cardio Centre (27/6/09)
THE Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has donated a cheque for GH¢10,000 to the Ghana Heart Foundation (GHF) to support its activities.
Presenting the cheque, the Deputy Commissioner for Administration at the IRS, Mr Ebow Enyimayew, said the donation was part of the service’s yearly commitment to the GHF.
He said it was also consistent with its social responsibility to support patients in need.
He said the money, which was raised through deductions from the salaries of all staff members and management, was a way of contributing to the country’s health delivery
Mr Enyimayew took the opportunity to advise staff of the foundation to file their tax returns for the country to generate more revenue for development.
Receiving the cheque, the President of the GHF, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, expressed his sincere gratitude to the IRS for the enormous support and pledged that the donation would benefit patients who could not afford treatment at the centre.
The Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the foundation, Mrs Rebecca Essilfie, called on individuals and corporate organisations to support the foundation to establish a $14 million Paediatric Heart Centre to cater for children.
She also appealed to individuals and organisations to help set up a playroom with toys and teaching and learning aids for the children at the centre.
Presenting the cheque, the Deputy Commissioner for Administration at the IRS, Mr Ebow Enyimayew, said the donation was part of the service’s yearly commitment to the GHF.
He said it was also consistent with its social responsibility to support patients in need.
He said the money, which was raised through deductions from the salaries of all staff members and management, was a way of contributing to the country’s health delivery
Mr Enyimayew took the opportunity to advise staff of the foundation to file their tax returns for the country to generate more revenue for development.
Receiving the cheque, the President of the GHF, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, expressed his sincere gratitude to the IRS for the enormous support and pledged that the donation would benefit patients who could not afford treatment at the centre.
The Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the foundation, Mrs Rebecca Essilfie, called on individuals and corporate organisations to support the foundation to establish a $14 million Paediatric Heart Centre to cater for children.
She also appealed to individuals and organisations to help set up a playroom with toys and teaching and learning aids for the children at the centre.
Prestige Academy holds graduation(30/6/09)
Prestige Gateway Academy (PGA), a private tertiary institution, held its second graduation ceremony in Accra at the weekend.
In all 48 students, made up of 30 females and 18 males graduated in accounting and finance, public relations, marketing and intensive English language among others.
The institution, which is made up of mostly Francophone students and some Ghanaians, is in the process of affiliating with some universities in order to attain higher standards.
The Director of PGA, Ms Herty Nancy Sackey, said the school, which started with three students, now has a population of 250 students from Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Gabon, Guinea, Togo and Ghana among others.
She said the school would soon be expanded, adding that “We are also looking at the possibility of ordering our own textbooks from Britain, come next academic year.”
Ms Sackey said although the institution had chalked up a few successes, there were some challenges which hampered the smooth running of the school.
She noted that because most of the students were from different backgrounds and cultures it was difficult for them to co-exist.
She said the students were not punctual and advised them to be regular in order to achieve their future goals.
The General Secretary of the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) Mr. Eric Agbenyo advised the graduates to take their studies seriously.
He also called on tutorial colleges to be serious with their infrastructure and employ qualified lecturers to teach, since the National Accreditation Board would close some colleges which were not meeting their standard.
In all 48 students, made up of 30 females and 18 males graduated in accounting and finance, public relations, marketing and intensive English language among others.
The institution, which is made up of mostly Francophone students and some Ghanaians, is in the process of affiliating with some universities in order to attain higher standards.
The Director of PGA, Ms Herty Nancy Sackey, said the school, which started with three students, now has a population of 250 students from Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Gabon, Guinea, Togo and Ghana among others.
She said the school would soon be expanded, adding that “We are also looking at the possibility of ordering our own textbooks from Britain, come next academic year.”
Ms Sackey said although the institution had chalked up a few successes, there were some challenges which hampered the smooth running of the school.
She noted that because most of the students were from different backgrounds and cultures it was difficult for them to co-exist.
She said the students were not punctual and advised them to be regular in order to achieve their future goals.
The General Secretary of the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) Mr. Eric Agbenyo advised the graduates to take their studies seriously.
He also called on tutorial colleges to be serious with their infrastructure and employ qualified lecturers to teach, since the National Accreditation Board would close some colleges which were not meeting their standard.
Technical,Vocational skills very important (29/6/09)
THE Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Samuel Bannerman-Mensah, has urged Ghanaians to discard the notion that technical and vocational education is for students who do not perform well at the basic school level.
“Technical and vocational skills education play very important role in our everyday lives, without which life would be very difficult, as daily activities revolve around them,” he added.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah made the remarks when he commissioned an IT hardware centre at the closing ceremony of the Computer System Support Programme (CSSP) at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) in Accra.
The CSSP was a two-week training programme organised by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (TVED) of the GES for 10 technical skills teachers from selected technical institutions to acquire computer hardware and maintenance skills.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah, therefore, advised that students who had interest in technical and vocational skills education should be encouraged to take up the course as it would empower them economically and also contribute to national development.
He said the training centre would ensure availability of regular training materials to students undergoing the training.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah noted that similar centres would be set up in other regions which would provide maintenance and repair services to all schools with computers.
He also expressed his profound gratitude to UNESCO for sponsoring the programme.
For his part, the Principal of the ATTC, Mr Ameyaw-Baafi, also expressed his sincere gratitude to the TVED for instituting the programme, and assured Ghanaians that ATTC would maintain the tools and equipment at the centre.
“We will train and produce quality technicians for the socio-economic development of the country,” he added.
Mr Ameyaw-Baafi appealed to the government to allocate more funds to the TVED to sustain the programme.
“Technical and vocational skills education play very important role in our everyday lives, without which life would be very difficult, as daily activities revolve around them,” he added.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah made the remarks when he commissioned an IT hardware centre at the closing ceremony of the Computer System Support Programme (CSSP) at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) in Accra.
The CSSP was a two-week training programme organised by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (TVED) of the GES for 10 technical skills teachers from selected technical institutions to acquire computer hardware and maintenance skills.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah, therefore, advised that students who had interest in technical and vocational skills education should be encouraged to take up the course as it would empower them economically and also contribute to national development.
He said the training centre would ensure availability of regular training materials to students undergoing the training.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah noted that similar centres would be set up in other regions which would provide maintenance and repair services to all schools with computers.
He also expressed his profound gratitude to UNESCO for sponsoring the programme.
For his part, the Principal of the ATTC, Mr Ameyaw-Baafi, also expressed his sincere gratitude to the TVED for instituting the programme, and assured Ghanaians that ATTC would maintain the tools and equipment at the centre.
“We will train and produce quality technicians for the socio-economic development of the country,” he added.
Mr Ameyaw-Baafi appealed to the government to allocate more funds to the TVED to sustain the programme.
Beauty and Spa industry needs educated people(29/6/09)
The Chief Executive Officer of Allure Africa, Mrs Dzigbodi Dosoo, has urged Ghanaians to disabuse their minds of the notion that the beauty and health spa profession is the last resort for school dropouts.
She observed that most of the people in the industry were where they were because they had educated themselves to the highest level.
Mrs Dosoo said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic at the closing ceremony of Iyaba 09 in Accra last Thursday.
The Iyaba 09, a beauty and spa exhibition, was held for the players in the industry to learn and acquire new skills.
Mrs Dosoo said they were also contributing their quota to national development through taxes and the creation of employment for the youth.
On the exhibition, Mrs Dosoo said it had a huge turnout with participants acquiring lots of new skills.
She advised the beauty and spa associations to be united as “it is togetherness that would make the industry grow economically”.
For her part, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Allure Africa, Mrs Nana Efua Rockson, noted that although the exhibition had a huge turnout, there were a few hitches, which were later rectified.
She expressed the hope that Iyaba 2010, which is slated for February next year, would attract more participants than this year’s.
Some participants and exhibitors the Daily Graphic spoke to, expressed their gratitude to Allure Africa for the initiative and asked that it should be held every year for those in the industry to learn more.
She observed that most of the people in the industry were where they were because they had educated themselves to the highest level.
Mrs Dosoo said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic at the closing ceremony of Iyaba 09 in Accra last Thursday.
The Iyaba 09, a beauty and spa exhibition, was held for the players in the industry to learn and acquire new skills.
Mrs Dosoo said they were also contributing their quota to national development through taxes and the creation of employment for the youth.
On the exhibition, Mrs Dosoo said it had a huge turnout with participants acquiring lots of new skills.
She advised the beauty and spa associations to be united as “it is togetherness that would make the industry grow economically”.
For her part, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Allure Africa, Mrs Nana Efua Rockson, noted that although the exhibition had a huge turnout, there were a few hitches, which were later rectified.
She expressed the hope that Iyaba 2010, which is slated for February next year, would attract more participants than this year’s.
Some participants and exhibitors the Daily Graphic spoke to, expressed their gratitude to Allure Africa for the initiative and asked that it should be held every year for those in the industry to learn more.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Stanchart holds final draw
STANDARD Chartered Bank at the weekend held the final draw of its "Believe and Win" promotion meant to reward loyal customers of the bank.
The grand promotion, which was also meant to instil the habit of savings among customers, saw Mr Isaac Ibrahim, a customer of the Opebia branch of the bank, emerge as the first prize winner.
For his prize, Mr Ibrahim, whose ticket was the last to be picked up, is to receive a VW Toureg, valued at $55,000.
Mr Daniel Cobbina Dehson, who emerged as the second prize winner, was also presented with an Accra-Dubai-Accra ticket.
The third prize winner was Mr Samuel Mensah who took away a plasma T.V.
The other winners from 4th to 10th were given consolation prizes, which included lap tops, mobile phones and home theatres.
The promotion was launched in November last year and the first draw was held in February during which a customer was rewarded with a VW Surano.
The Product Manager for Current and Savings Account, Mr Prince Tony Ebin, said the raffle was held to reward loyal customers of the bank and to thank their valued customers who had been with them for all these years.
He said customers who took part in the raffle were those who had deposited GH¢500 in their accounts by March 31, 2009.
He said they were issued with coupons which qualified them to take part the final draw.
He said Stanchart would continue to serve their customers better, adding, "We will continue to give out cars, houses and many more to enhance the good relationship we have with our customers."
The grand promotion, which was also meant to instil the habit of savings among customers, saw Mr Isaac Ibrahim, a customer of the Opebia branch of the bank, emerge as the first prize winner.
For his prize, Mr Ibrahim, whose ticket was the last to be picked up, is to receive a VW Toureg, valued at $55,000.
Mr Daniel Cobbina Dehson, who emerged as the second prize winner, was also presented with an Accra-Dubai-Accra ticket.
The third prize winner was Mr Samuel Mensah who took away a plasma T.V.
The other winners from 4th to 10th were given consolation prizes, which included lap tops, mobile phones and home theatres.
The promotion was launched in November last year and the first draw was held in February during which a customer was rewarded with a VW Surano.
The Product Manager for Current and Savings Account, Mr Prince Tony Ebin, said the raffle was held to reward loyal customers of the bank and to thank their valued customers who had been with them for all these years.
He said customers who took part in the raffle were those who had deposited GH¢500 in their accounts by March 31, 2009.
He said they were issued with coupons which qualified them to take part the final draw.
He said Stanchart would continue to serve their customers better, adding, "We will continue to give out cars, houses and many more to enhance the good relationship we have with our customers."
Emulate the work of early missionaries-Moderator
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has urged the clergy to emulate the work of the early missionaries who contributed immensely towards the development of the country.
Through the efforts of the missionaries, he said, schools and hospitals, as well as agricultural projects were instituted.
Reverend Frimpong-Manso was speaking at Abokobi near Accra yesterday, at the opening of a five-day seminar being organised by the Association on Churches and Missions in South Western Germany.
“The pioneer missionaries were moved by passion for Christ to bring hope to the hopeless through church life and social services,” he said.
Therefore, he noted that there was a need for religious bodies to use their office to improve on the lives of their congregation and the nation.
Rev. Frimpong-Manso said the early missionaries committed themselves to effective evangelism and in the process brought the gospel to the people.
He however, noted that these remarkable achievements by the missionaries could not effectively continue as Christians of today had relented in their efforts to evangelise.
“It is now our turn to evangelise to our communities and nation and even to the uttermost parts of the world,” he added.
He expressed the hope that the participants would provide suggestions to enhance the image of the church in Ghana and that of the International body of churches in Germany.
The Director for International and Social Relations, Reverend Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong said the seminar sought to bring churches together and share ideas on promoting missions.
He noted that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) had benefited in various ways from the association in the areas of healthcare, vocational skills training, scholarships among others things.
“We have also embarked on various projects such as capacity and peace building which are helping the youth in PCG immensely,” he said.
In all, 36 participants from 28 churches representing 10 countries are attending the seminar.
The Association of Churches and Missions in South Western Germany is a network of 23 churches and five mission organisations located in different countries.
Through the efforts of the missionaries, he said, schools and hospitals, as well as agricultural projects were instituted.
Reverend Frimpong-Manso was speaking at Abokobi near Accra yesterday, at the opening of a five-day seminar being organised by the Association on Churches and Missions in South Western Germany.
“The pioneer missionaries were moved by passion for Christ to bring hope to the hopeless through church life and social services,” he said.
Therefore, he noted that there was a need for religious bodies to use their office to improve on the lives of their congregation and the nation.
Rev. Frimpong-Manso said the early missionaries committed themselves to effective evangelism and in the process brought the gospel to the people.
He however, noted that these remarkable achievements by the missionaries could not effectively continue as Christians of today had relented in their efforts to evangelise.
“It is now our turn to evangelise to our communities and nation and even to the uttermost parts of the world,” he added.
He expressed the hope that the participants would provide suggestions to enhance the image of the church in Ghana and that of the International body of churches in Germany.
The Director for International and Social Relations, Reverend Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong said the seminar sought to bring churches together and share ideas on promoting missions.
He noted that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) had benefited in various ways from the association in the areas of healthcare, vocational skills training, scholarships among others things.
“We have also embarked on various projects such as capacity and peace building which are helping the youth in PCG immensely,” he said.
In all, 36 participants from 28 churches representing 10 countries are attending the seminar.
The Association of Churches and Missions in South Western Germany is a network of 23 churches and five mission organisations located in different countries.
(Strengthen electoral system—Alhaji Mumuni)-Alhaji Mumuni)(16/6/09)
THE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, has underlined the need for the Electoral Commission (EC) to strengthen the country’s electoral system for other African countries to emulate.
He said although Ghana's electoral system was on course, there was more room for improvement to help deepen our democracy.
The foreign minister said this in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of a two-week training programme on election management in Accra yesterday.
Twenty participants who are staff of electoral commissions from 15 African countries are participating in the programme to deliberate on how to ensure free and fair elections in Africa. The programme is being organised by the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LECIA).
Alhaji Mumuni stated that it was time for Ghanaians to join the crusade that aimed at institutionalising the tenets of democracy and good governance.
"These are prerequisite for the security and stability that the continent needs for a sustainable development," he said.
Alhaji Mumuni stated that election management had become one of the biggest challenges facing Africa in its quest to establish a democratic government.
He said the programme was timely as most of the participants would share their experiences and come up with suggestions and draw lessons that could be implemented to improve election management in Africa.
The Director of LECIA, Professor Kofi Kumado, said the programme sought to sensitise participants to the Electoral Commission’s (EC’s) obligations about the basic laws of elections.
He said training would also equip the trainees with the competencies and expertise to manage elections on the continent.
“Stakes are high in elections lately; we need to have people who are prepared to prevent chaos and crisis in elections,” Prof. Kumado said.
He stated that an election management body was the authority in a nation charged with administering the electoral process.
He said although Ghana's electoral system was on course, there was more room for improvement to help deepen our democracy.
The foreign minister said this in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of a two-week training programme on election management in Accra yesterday.
Twenty participants who are staff of electoral commissions from 15 African countries are participating in the programme to deliberate on how to ensure free and fair elections in Africa. The programme is being organised by the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LECIA).
Alhaji Mumuni stated that it was time for Ghanaians to join the crusade that aimed at institutionalising the tenets of democracy and good governance.
"These are prerequisite for the security and stability that the continent needs for a sustainable development," he said.
Alhaji Mumuni stated that election management had become one of the biggest challenges facing Africa in its quest to establish a democratic government.
He said the programme was timely as most of the participants would share their experiences and come up with suggestions and draw lessons that could be implemented to improve election management in Africa.
The Director of LECIA, Professor Kofi Kumado, said the programme sought to sensitise participants to the Electoral Commission’s (EC’s) obligations about the basic laws of elections.
He said training would also equip the trainees with the competencies and expertise to manage elections on the continent.
“Stakes are high in elections lately; we need to have people who are prepared to prevent chaos and crisis in elections,” Prof. Kumado said.
He stated that an election management body was the authority in a nation charged with administering the electoral process.
NGO raises funds to build schools(11/6/09)
THE Benedict Sanitation and Development Trust Fund, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has held an inaugural and fund-raising ceremony in Accra to raise funds for the construction of school blocks for communities in parts of the country.
The NGO hopes to raise GH¢50 million to build up to 6,000 basic school classrooms within the next six years.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NGO, Mr Charles Owusu, who spoke to the Daily Graphic after the ceremony, said the NGO would also renovate 35 senior high schools in the Eastern, Ashanti, Central and some parts of the Northern regions.
The projects are expected to commence before the end of the year.
He stated that the project was to complement government’s efforts at alleviating poverty in deprived communities through sustainable basic sanitation systems.
Under the initiative, he said, some lavatories would be sited at some departments of the Ridge Hospital and in individual households to help forestall the imminent outbreak of contagious diseases, adding “We also plan to provide 150 public places of convenience and washrooms.”
“It is important to know that access to proper sanitation facilities is not just vital for life; it is a human right and the basis of development,” he added.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minster for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, lauded the initiative by the NGO.
He stated that despite the huge investment made by the government to improve the country’s sanitation, little impact had been made, as most cities and towns had drains which were choked with heaps of garbage.
“It is refreshing that there is increasing commitment from the government, development partners and stakeholders towards reversing the continuous deterioration of the sanitation situation in the country,” he added.
He called on other organisations to emulate the example by the NGO and support his ministry to make rapid progress to scale-up environmental sanitation infrastructure and services.
He also pledged the government’s support to ensure that the programme was sustained.
The NGO hopes to raise GH¢50 million to build up to 6,000 basic school classrooms within the next six years.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NGO, Mr Charles Owusu, who spoke to the Daily Graphic after the ceremony, said the NGO would also renovate 35 senior high schools in the Eastern, Ashanti, Central and some parts of the Northern regions.
The projects are expected to commence before the end of the year.
He stated that the project was to complement government’s efforts at alleviating poverty in deprived communities through sustainable basic sanitation systems.
Under the initiative, he said, some lavatories would be sited at some departments of the Ridge Hospital and in individual households to help forestall the imminent outbreak of contagious diseases, adding “We also plan to provide 150 public places of convenience and washrooms.”
“It is important to know that access to proper sanitation facilities is not just vital for life; it is a human right and the basis of development,” he added.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minster for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, lauded the initiative by the NGO.
He stated that despite the huge investment made by the government to improve the country’s sanitation, little impact had been made, as most cities and towns had drains which were choked with heaps of garbage.
“It is refreshing that there is increasing commitment from the government, development partners and stakeholders towards reversing the continuous deterioration of the sanitation situation in the country,” he added.
He called on other organisations to emulate the example by the NGO and support his ministry to make rapid progress to scale-up environmental sanitation infrastructure and services.
He also pledged the government’s support to ensure that the programme was sustained.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Junior Achievement trains 30 teachers in entrepreneurship
THIRTY teachers from selected basic schools have benefited from a training programme organised by Junior Acheivement (JA) Ghana, to assist with the delivery of JA entrepreneurial and work readiness programmes.
The teachers were drawn from the Sempe Cluster of Schools, Martyrs of Uganda, Calvary International, St Anthony School and St Kizito Basic School among others.They were taken through the various sectional themes and programme standards adherence.
The Executive Director of JA, Mr Jeff Agbai said JA sought to strengthen its relations with teachers, adding that JA is a volunteer-driven organisation and its work is facilitated through the direct service provided members of the community who volunteer in the classroom to teach the kids JA programmes.”
Mr Agbai said as the demand for JA programmes continued to grow nation-wide, the capacity to meet these demands relied heavily on the JA’s ability to recruit and train new volunteers.
For his part, the Communications and Programmes Officer of JA, Mr Kwabena Gameli Kugblenu urged the teachers to work hard and accommodate the concerns of students in other to enhance the programme’s success.
He expressed the hope that the programme would complement school curriculum, adding “It is not only to assist students to be awake to global issues but to provide them with the needed skills, knowledge and experience to take their academic work seriously.”
Mr Kugblenu said JA programmes also introduced the concept of globalisation of business as it related to production materials and the need for students to be entrepreneurial in their thinking to meet the requirements of high demand careers world-wide.
The Assistant Programmes Officer, Mr Marfo Mickson Somuah observed that any problem that affected the development of every nation was a national problem, thus the collective goal of JA was to include teachers to help find solutions to some of these problems.
He said the essence of the exercise made it paramount for the involvement of all, in order to ensure accelerated socio-economic development as a nation.
"The education of the youth should be given topmost priority," he added.
The teachers were drawn from the Sempe Cluster of Schools, Martyrs of Uganda, Calvary International, St Anthony School and St Kizito Basic School among others.They were taken through the various sectional themes and programme standards adherence.
The Executive Director of JA, Mr Jeff Agbai said JA sought to strengthen its relations with teachers, adding that JA is a volunteer-driven organisation and its work is facilitated through the direct service provided members of the community who volunteer in the classroom to teach the kids JA programmes.”
Mr Agbai said as the demand for JA programmes continued to grow nation-wide, the capacity to meet these demands relied heavily on the JA’s ability to recruit and train new volunteers.
For his part, the Communications and Programmes Officer of JA, Mr Kwabena Gameli Kugblenu urged the teachers to work hard and accommodate the concerns of students in other to enhance the programme’s success.
He expressed the hope that the programme would complement school curriculum, adding “It is not only to assist students to be awake to global issues but to provide them with the needed skills, knowledge and experience to take their academic work seriously.”
Mr Kugblenu said JA programmes also introduced the concept of globalisation of business as it related to production materials and the need for students to be entrepreneurial in their thinking to meet the requirements of high demand careers world-wide.
The Assistant Programmes Officer, Mr Marfo Mickson Somuah observed that any problem that affected the development of every nation was a national problem, thus the collective goal of JA was to include teachers to help find solutions to some of these problems.
He said the essence of the exercise made it paramount for the involvement of all, in order to ensure accelerated socio-economic development as a nation.
"The education of the youth should be given topmost priority," he added.
PSWU supports 4-year SHS
THE Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for the four-year duration of Senior High School (SHS) programme.
The union was of the view that three years duration of the SHS was too short a period for the former seven-year programme which comprised five years of ‘O’ level and two yearsof ‘A’ level.
According to the PSWU, “We are saying this because of the poor results of the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSSCE) in recent times.
The General Secretary of the PSWU, Mr Abraham Okine expressed the position of the PSWU at its founders day ceremony as part of its 50th anniversary celebration in Accra.
The celebration was on the theme, “PSWU, 50 years in service of workers-The way forward.”
He said the union had followed with keen interest the debate on the duration of the SHS and expressed regret that the consultative forum could not arrive at a consensus.
He called on the government to provide the necessary infrastructure for the four -year programme to continue since that would give enough time for the students to study and pass their examinations well.
The General Secretary acknowledged the efforts of the founding members of the union for the initiative to form the union. “We would like to register our satisfaction and gratitude to our pioneering patriots both living and dead for their good judgement and selflessness in coming to form this great union,” he added.
He said their perseverance and sacrifices marked the historic turning point of creating the union, which the present rank and file would never forget.
Mr Okine assured Ghanaians that the PSWU would continue to champion the course of workers and would not compromise its principles in the effort towards the realisation of its goals.
The PSWU which started with 16 members in 1959 now has over 56 union members in different organisations in the country.
Recounting the events which led to the formation of the union 50 years ago, the first General Secretary of the union, Mr Frederick Asante said the union was formed to ensure the well being of workers at that time and underscored the need for the union to continue to be the mouthpiece of workers in decision making and a representative of workers in the corridors of powers.
“The purpose of the union is to create a condition that would make you an architect of your future,” he said.
In a fraternal message, the Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Mr William Ampem-Darko congratulated the union and called on the executives to train their members to enable them meet the fast growing global requirements of technology in the job market.
There were other messages from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Ghana Meteorological Agency, Ghana Tourist Board and Ms Samia Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Jomoro.
The union was of the view that three years duration of the SHS was too short a period for the former seven-year programme which comprised five years of ‘O’ level and two yearsof ‘A’ level.
According to the PSWU, “We are saying this because of the poor results of the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSSCE) in recent times.
The General Secretary of the PSWU, Mr Abraham Okine expressed the position of the PSWU at its founders day ceremony as part of its 50th anniversary celebration in Accra.
The celebration was on the theme, “PSWU, 50 years in service of workers-The way forward.”
He said the union had followed with keen interest the debate on the duration of the SHS and expressed regret that the consultative forum could not arrive at a consensus.
He called on the government to provide the necessary infrastructure for the four -year programme to continue since that would give enough time for the students to study and pass their examinations well.
The General Secretary acknowledged the efforts of the founding members of the union for the initiative to form the union. “We would like to register our satisfaction and gratitude to our pioneering patriots both living and dead for their good judgement and selflessness in coming to form this great union,” he added.
He said their perseverance and sacrifices marked the historic turning point of creating the union, which the present rank and file would never forget.
Mr Okine assured Ghanaians that the PSWU would continue to champion the course of workers and would not compromise its principles in the effort towards the realisation of its goals.
The PSWU which started with 16 members in 1959 now has over 56 union members in different organisations in the country.
Recounting the events which led to the formation of the union 50 years ago, the first General Secretary of the union, Mr Frederick Asante said the union was formed to ensure the well being of workers at that time and underscored the need for the union to continue to be the mouthpiece of workers in decision making and a representative of workers in the corridors of powers.
“The purpose of the union is to create a condition that would make you an architect of your future,” he said.
In a fraternal message, the Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Mr William Ampem-Darko congratulated the union and called on the executives to train their members to enable them meet the fast growing global requirements of technology in the job market.
There were other messages from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Ghana Meteorological Agency, Ghana Tourist Board and Ms Samia Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Jomoro.
Technical skills teachers learn computer hardware skills(8/6/09)
A two-week computer support systems programme to equip teachers in some selected technical institutions with computer hardware skills opened in Accra yesterday.
The training programme which will be replicated in other technical training institutes is being funded by UNESCO at the cost of $50,000.
The funding will also cover the purchasing and installation of computer hardware equipment at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC).
The training programme is being organised by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (TVED) of the Ghana Education Service (GES) at Intercom Programming and Manufacturing Company (IPMC).
Participants at the training programme are technical skills teachers drawn from the Accra, Ada, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Dapokpa technical institutes in Ghana.
The Project Coordinator, Mr Philip Kwesi Incoom, said the computer support systems programme was aimed at assisting the technical skills teachers to repair and service computers.
He explained that the programme was also intended to create employment for the youth in order to reduce poverty in Ghana.
Mr Incoom stated that the programme would be piloted at Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC).
“ICT programmes in schools do not make provision for hardware computer training, thus this move by the TVED is laudable,” he said.
He said after completion of the programme, computer hardware equipment would be installed at ATTC to train senior high school (SHS) students who would be admitted to undertake the CSSP for two years.
The Director for TVED, Mr Asamoah Duodu, said the programme would enable participants to maintain computers which were hitherto thrown away when they became faulty.
“It is expected that trainees would acquire employable skills and competencies that would help reduce unemployment,“ he said.
He added that the trainees would undertake courses such as installation of personal computer components, operating system fundamentals, demonstrating PC technician professional best practices, identifying and applying network technologies.
The Head of Training at IPMC, Mrs Vimala Choudary, advised the trainees to make use of all the facilities at their disposal to enable them acquire the needed skills.
The training programme which will be replicated in other technical training institutes is being funded by UNESCO at the cost of $50,000.
The funding will also cover the purchasing and installation of computer hardware equipment at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC).
The training programme is being organised by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (TVED) of the Ghana Education Service (GES) at Intercom Programming and Manufacturing Company (IPMC).
Participants at the training programme are technical skills teachers drawn from the Accra, Ada, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Dapokpa technical institutes in Ghana.
The Project Coordinator, Mr Philip Kwesi Incoom, said the computer support systems programme was aimed at assisting the technical skills teachers to repair and service computers.
He explained that the programme was also intended to create employment for the youth in order to reduce poverty in Ghana.
Mr Incoom stated that the programme would be piloted at Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC).
“ICT programmes in schools do not make provision for hardware computer training, thus this move by the TVED is laudable,” he said.
He said after completion of the programme, computer hardware equipment would be installed at ATTC to train senior high school (SHS) students who would be admitted to undertake the CSSP for two years.
The Director for TVED, Mr Asamoah Duodu, said the programme would enable participants to maintain computers which were hitherto thrown away when they became faulty.
“It is expected that trainees would acquire employable skills and competencies that would help reduce unemployment,“ he said.
He added that the trainees would undertake courses such as installation of personal computer components, operating system fundamentals, demonstrating PC technician professional best practices, identifying and applying network technologies.
The Head of Training at IPMC, Mrs Vimala Choudary, advised the trainees to make use of all the facilities at their disposal to enable them acquire the needed skills.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
IRS donates to Ghana National Trust Fund(1/6/09)
THE Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has donated GH¢2000 to the Ghana National Trust Fund (GNTF) to aid its activities.
Presenting the cheque at a ceremony in Accra yesterday, the Deputy Commissioner for Administration of the IRS, Mr Kobina Enyimayew said the donation was part of the service’s yearly commitment to the GNTF which was also in line with its social responsibility to support the less- privileged in society.
He said the money, which was accrued through deductions from the salaries of all staff members and management, was a way of contributing to sustain of the fund.
Receiving the cheque, the Executive Secretary of the GNTF, Ms Joyce Frimpong expressed gratitude to the IRS and pledged that the donation would be used judiciously.
She said the GNTF was established by Dr Kwame Nkrumah to cater for the handicapped and the less privileged in the society through donations from public institutions, corporate bodies and individuals.
She however, said the fund no longer benefited from these donations from individuals due to the proliferation of non governmental agencies (NGOs).
Ms Frimpong noted that the fund provided persons living with disabilities subventions, educational and medical grants.
She therefore called on organisations and individuals to emulate the move by the IRS and come to its aid.
Presenting the cheque at a ceremony in Accra yesterday, the Deputy Commissioner for Administration of the IRS, Mr Kobina Enyimayew said the donation was part of the service’s yearly commitment to the GNTF which was also in line with its social responsibility to support the less- privileged in society.
He said the money, which was accrued through deductions from the salaries of all staff members and management, was a way of contributing to sustain of the fund.
Receiving the cheque, the Executive Secretary of the GNTF, Ms Joyce Frimpong expressed gratitude to the IRS and pledged that the donation would be used judiciously.
She said the GNTF was established by Dr Kwame Nkrumah to cater for the handicapped and the less privileged in the society through donations from public institutions, corporate bodies and individuals.
She however, said the fund no longer benefited from these donations from individuals due to the proliferation of non governmental agencies (NGOs).
Ms Frimpong noted that the fund provided persons living with disabilities subventions, educational and medical grants.
She therefore called on organisations and individuals to emulate the move by the IRS and come to its aid.
Ga Manye fetes the aged(5/6/09)
The Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaadru III, has cautioned the youth, particularly girls, against greed and love for quick money since these attributes had the tendency to lead them astray.
Rather, she said, they should take their education seriously to achieve greater heights in future.
Naa Omaadru gave the advice at a party she organised in her residence at Dansoman in Accra last Saturday to commemorate her 45th anniversary as a queen and her 75th birthday.
She donated items worth GH¢2,000 and an undisclosed amount of money to each of the 60 elderly men and women who attended the party.
Naa Omaadru expressed her determination to support brilliant but needy youth to further their education and acquire employable skills .
Already, she said, the Naa Omaadru Foundation, which she established, had provided support to some underprivileged people in society to earn a living.
The foundation, she said, had drawn up educational, health and women empowerment programmes for the aged and the youth in society to help improve their lives.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Ga Manye said the occasion was to interact with the aged in society to help improve their livelihoods with the little support she could offer.
She, therefore, called on individuals and benevolent organisations to support her foundation as it lacked adequate financial support.
Rather, she said, they should take their education seriously to achieve greater heights in future.
Naa Omaadru gave the advice at a party she organised in her residence at Dansoman in Accra last Saturday to commemorate her 45th anniversary as a queen and her 75th birthday.
She donated items worth GH¢2,000 and an undisclosed amount of money to each of the 60 elderly men and women who attended the party.
Naa Omaadru expressed her determination to support brilliant but needy youth to further their education and acquire employable skills .
Already, she said, the Naa Omaadru Foundation, which she established, had provided support to some underprivileged people in society to earn a living.
The foundation, she said, had drawn up educational, health and women empowerment programmes for the aged and the youth in society to help improve their lives.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Ga Manye said the occasion was to interact with the aged in society to help improve their livelihoods with the little support she could offer.
She, therefore, called on individuals and benevolent organisations to support her foundation as it lacked adequate financial support.
Children with low intelligent quotient -Due to Vitamin A and iron deficiency(6/6/09)
A Deputy Chief Nutritional Officer of Ministry of Health, Mrs Kate Quarshie, has stated that studies conducted on vitamin A and iron deficiency among children, show that seven out of every 10 children in Ghana suffer from vitamin A and iron deficiency.
She said as a result, a number of children of school-going age have low intelligent quotient (IQ).
The IQ measures the degree of the capacity of a person to think and understand issues. Vitamin A and iron are nutrients which are useful in enhancing the IQ of people, particularly children.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Consumers Association of Ghana (CAG) in Accra on Tuesday, Mrs Quarshie, therefore, underlined the need for Ghanaians to use fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil for cooking, since these contain essential nutrients for healthy growth.
She noted that the fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil contained selected nutrients such as iron, vitamins A and B, and folic acid, which help to reduce the deficiency in food nutrients.
She said children who suffered stunted growth lacked the vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development, adding that “It is, therefore, beneficial to use the fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil, because the increase in vitamin A intake makes the children less likely to suffer from infections such as diahorrea and measles”.
Mrs Quarshie explained that food fortified with these nutrients does not change in taste, colour, flavour and cooking qualities, and advised Ghanaians to eat fruits, vegetables and a variety of other foods daily to stay healthy, adding “Remember to always use oil in moderation”.
A food scientist at the Food Research Institute, Mr Charles Torto, also advised Ghanaians, particularly food vendors against the improper handling of food which results in food-borne illnesses.
He said there was a need for food vendors to keep food at safe temperatures before their consumption.
The Head of the CAG, Mr Ferdinard Tay, called for a law to protect the rights of consumers in the country.
The workshop was attended by participants from various women groups such as the women fellowships of churches, Fire Service Ladies Association (FISLA), traders and the women’s wing of the Physically Challenged Association.
She said as a result, a number of children of school-going age have low intelligent quotient (IQ).
The IQ measures the degree of the capacity of a person to think and understand issues. Vitamin A and iron are nutrients which are useful in enhancing the IQ of people, particularly children.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Consumers Association of Ghana (CAG) in Accra on Tuesday, Mrs Quarshie, therefore, underlined the need for Ghanaians to use fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil for cooking, since these contain essential nutrients for healthy growth.
She noted that the fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil contained selected nutrients such as iron, vitamins A and B, and folic acid, which help to reduce the deficiency in food nutrients.
She said children who suffered stunted growth lacked the vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development, adding that “It is, therefore, beneficial to use the fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil, because the increase in vitamin A intake makes the children less likely to suffer from infections such as diahorrea and measles”.
Mrs Quarshie explained that food fortified with these nutrients does not change in taste, colour, flavour and cooking qualities, and advised Ghanaians to eat fruits, vegetables and a variety of other foods daily to stay healthy, adding “Remember to always use oil in moderation”.
A food scientist at the Food Research Institute, Mr Charles Torto, also advised Ghanaians, particularly food vendors against the improper handling of food which results in food-borne illnesses.
He said there was a need for food vendors to keep food at safe temperatures before their consumption.
The Head of the CAG, Mr Ferdinard Tay, called for a law to protect the rights of consumers in the country.
The workshop was attended by participants from various women groups such as the women fellowships of churches, Fire Service Ladies Association (FISLA), traders and the women’s wing of the Physically Challenged Association.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Junior Achievement organises “You can B” contest for schools
JUNIOR Achievement (JA), an organisation dedicated to educating students on workforce readiness and entrepreneurship, has organised a competition dubbed, "You can B- from Inspiration to Entrepreneurship" for selected senior high school (SHS) students from five regions in the country.
The students were drawn from more than 20 SHSs in the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Volta and Western regions of Ghana.
The competition, which was sponsored by Barclays Bank Ghana Limited, will inspire entrepreneurial thinking and instil the spirit of innovation in the students.
The £1.5 million project is expected to run for 12-16 weeks and would benefit over 8,000 students in Ghana and other parts of Africa.
The Executive Director of JA, Mr Jeff Agbai, said the competition would help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it.
"It would improve the interpersonal as well as the problem-solving skills of the students to enable them learn to work under very tight deadlines," he said.
He said the students would be able to foster understanding of the world and a spirit of entrepreneurship through the principle of learning by doing.
Mr Agbai said the event would enable the students to put those lessons they had learnt into action and contribute their quota to the development of communities in which they lived.
The Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Mr Benjamin Dabrah, said developing the youth was important to the sustainabilty of any business today.
They will learn how to interact appropriately with colleagues, learn how to formulate and achieve their career goals and appreciate the importance of presenting themselves in a professional manner,” he noted.
Barclays Bank employees did an on-site career monitoring to ensure that the students really understood the task they were undertaking.
At the end of the competition, students from the SOS Herman Gmeiner College at Tema, emerged winners. They received an Excellence Award.
Students from Pope John SHS came second, and for their prize, they took awy the Chairman's Award.
Students from Aburi Girls SHS, who placed third, were given the Junior Achievement Award.
Other participating schools were Mfantsiman Girls SHS, Adisadel College SHS, St Peters SHS, Mawuli SHS, Bishop Herman SHS, Osu Saleem SHS, St Augustine’s College, Keta SHS, Wesley Grammar SHS and Mfantsipim School.
The students were drawn from more than 20 SHSs in the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Volta and Western regions of Ghana.
The competition, which was sponsored by Barclays Bank Ghana Limited, will inspire entrepreneurial thinking and instil the spirit of innovation in the students.
The £1.5 million project is expected to run for 12-16 weeks and would benefit over 8,000 students in Ghana and other parts of Africa.
The Executive Director of JA, Mr Jeff Agbai, said the competition would help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it.
"It would improve the interpersonal as well as the problem-solving skills of the students to enable them learn to work under very tight deadlines," he said.
He said the students would be able to foster understanding of the world and a spirit of entrepreneurship through the principle of learning by doing.
Mr Agbai said the event would enable the students to put those lessons they had learnt into action and contribute their quota to the development of communities in which they lived.
The Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Mr Benjamin Dabrah, said developing the youth was important to the sustainabilty of any business today.
They will learn how to interact appropriately with colleagues, learn how to formulate and achieve their career goals and appreciate the importance of presenting themselves in a professional manner,” he noted.
Barclays Bank employees did an on-site career monitoring to ensure that the students really understood the task they were undertaking.
At the end of the competition, students from the SOS Herman Gmeiner College at Tema, emerged winners. They received an Excellence Award.
Students from Pope John SHS came second, and for their prize, they took awy the Chairman's Award.
Students from Aburi Girls SHS, who placed third, were given the Junior Achievement Award.
Other participating schools were Mfantsiman Girls SHS, Adisadel College SHS, St Peters SHS, Mawuli SHS, Bishop Herman SHS, Osu Saleem SHS, St Augustine’s College, Keta SHS, Wesley Grammar SHS and Mfantsipim School.
Friday, May 22, 2009
unemployed youth trained in mushroom farming and snail rearing(21/5/09)
One hundred and four unemployed youth in the Accra metropolis have been selected to undergo a one-week training programme in mushroom farming and snail rearing to empower them economically.
The programme, which is being sponsored by the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, is expected to create employment for the youth.
The Director of the All for Yahweh Mushroom and Snail Training Centre, Mr Benedict Nuwame-Sobo, said the trainees would be introduced to the feeding and controlling of pests on snails, as well as the harvesting of mushrooms, among others.
“They will be taken through training which will earn them a lot of money at the end,” he said.
Mr Nuwame-Sobo said too much attention had over the years been given to the exportation of gold and cocoa, to the disadvantage of other things such as mushroom and snails which could generate a lot of income for the youth.
He expressed his gratitude to the deputy minister and called on others to take up such initiatives to contribute to the economic growth of individuals and reduce unemployment.
The programme, which is being sponsored by the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, is expected to create employment for the youth.
The Director of the All for Yahweh Mushroom and Snail Training Centre, Mr Benedict Nuwame-Sobo, said the trainees would be introduced to the feeding and controlling of pests on snails, as well as the harvesting of mushrooms, among others.
“They will be taken through training which will earn them a lot of money at the end,” he said.
Mr Nuwame-Sobo said too much attention had over the years been given to the exportation of gold and cocoa, to the disadvantage of other things such as mushroom and snails which could generate a lot of income for the youth.
He expressed his gratitude to the deputy minister and called on others to take up such initiatives to contribute to the economic growth of individuals and reduce unemployment.
‘Degradation of ecosystem can undermine achievement of MDGs(21/5/09)
THE Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Jonathan Allotey, has cautioned that the continuous degradation of the ecosystem can undermine the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He, therefore, stressed the need for intensified efforts, such as significant changes in policies, institutions and practices, to protect the ecosystem.
Mr Allotey gave the caution at the opening of the 29th annual meeting of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in Accra yesterday. The meeting seeks to explore ways of safeguarding the ecosystem and improving human well-being.
Participants from more than 100 countries are attending the one-week conference, which is on the theme, "Impact assessment and human well-being".
Mr Allotey, who is also the Chairman of the IAIA, said changes in ecosystems had contributed to increased risk of non- linear changes and increased poverty for some groups of people.
"These problems, unless addressed, will substantially diminish the benefits that future generations obtain from the ecosystem," he added.
He said the IAIA, which was established 25 years ago, initiated the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) to assess the consequences of ecosystem change and human well-being.
He indicated that the MEA found out that over the past 50 years humans beings had changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history to meet the demand for food and shelter.
"This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on earth," he added.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Science, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, said there was the need for Ghanaians to guard against ecosystem degradation, as about 70 per cent of the country’s resources came from environmental sources.
He expressed the hope that the conference would develop tools for mainstreaming ecosystem services into development and economic decision making.
“I hope you will explore to build and improve on the knowledge base of the links between ecosystem services and human well-being,” he stated.
The Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketia, delivering the keynote address, called for measures to be put in place to address to the issue, as most environmental degradation practices were taking place in the villages.
He, therefore, stressed the need for intensified efforts, such as significant changes in policies, institutions and practices, to protect the ecosystem.
Mr Allotey gave the caution at the opening of the 29th annual meeting of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in Accra yesterday. The meeting seeks to explore ways of safeguarding the ecosystem and improving human well-being.
Participants from more than 100 countries are attending the one-week conference, which is on the theme, "Impact assessment and human well-being".
Mr Allotey, who is also the Chairman of the IAIA, said changes in ecosystems had contributed to increased risk of non- linear changes and increased poverty for some groups of people.
"These problems, unless addressed, will substantially diminish the benefits that future generations obtain from the ecosystem," he added.
He said the IAIA, which was established 25 years ago, initiated the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) to assess the consequences of ecosystem change and human well-being.
He indicated that the MEA found out that over the past 50 years humans beings had changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in human history to meet the demand for food and shelter.
"This has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on earth," he added.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Science, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, said there was the need for Ghanaians to guard against ecosystem degradation, as about 70 per cent of the country’s resources came from environmental sources.
He expressed the hope that the conference would develop tools for mainstreaming ecosystem services into development and economic decision making.
“I hope you will explore to build and improve on the knowledge base of the links between ecosystem services and human well-being,” he stated.
The Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketia, delivering the keynote address, called for measures to be put in place to address to the issue, as most environmental degradation practices were taking place in the villages.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Zoomlion to undertake mass spraying exercise
ZOOMLION Ghana Limited, a waste management company, will begin a mass mosquito spraying exercise of parts of the Accra metropolis by the end of this month as part of a nation-wide mosquito control programme.
The exercise, which is scheduled to start from the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality is part of efforts to reduce malaria in the country.
The General Manager of Zoomlion, Mrs Florence Larbi, who made this known to the Daily Graphic during the opening of a one-week training programme for trainers in Accra, said a baseline survey would start next Thursday.
The survey is to study the scope of work and how it can be sustained once the exercise kicks off.
A total of 70 recruits drawn from the 10 regions of the country will take part in the programme. They include 10 vector control officers, 10 assistant pest control officers and 50 sprayers.
Other resource persons such as a Business Development Manager with Valant Biosciences with the United States of America as well as the Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Nation-wide Mosquito Control Programme, Dr Kofi Ahmed will take part in the training programme.
The one week training is to introduce participants to the management of the new World Health Organisation (WHO) certified mosquito spraying chemicals and also on the effective usage of the newly acquired spraying machines, indoor residual machines and foggers.
Mrs Larbi told the Daily Graphic that the company had already committed more than 2,000 spraying machines already in the country with 3,000 more to be delivered for the exercise.
Further, Mrs Larbi said the company had also purchased 1,000 indoor residual machines and 40 foggers.
She said the programme was being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, during which 5000 unemployed were expected to be engaged.
Asked how the company intended to sustain the programme in view of the country’s environmental challenges, Mrs Larbi said Zoomlion was intensifying public education campaigns especially through music to reverse the negative sanitation practices such as dumping solid waste into drains.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kumbour expressed the readiness of government to fully support the exercise adding that “one objective of the government is to ensure that filth and waste are removed from our homes”.
He stated that in 2006 alone, the country spent US$760 million on malaria cases alone adding that for that reason government had made the control of malaria one of its cornerstone in health care delivery.
The acting Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Joseph Edmund cautioned the trainers against carelessness stressing that although the chemicals had been certified, it could still cause health hazards if not handled properly.
He announced that a previous residual chemical, DDT had been banned and added that safer chemicals were now being used to minimise the health risks.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Nii Nortey Duah called for regular mass spraying exercises adding that the current situation at the municipality with regards to mosquitoes was unbearable and consequently commended Zoomlion for the initiative.
The exercise, which is scheduled to start from the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality is part of efforts to reduce malaria in the country.
The General Manager of Zoomlion, Mrs Florence Larbi, who made this known to the Daily Graphic during the opening of a one-week training programme for trainers in Accra, said a baseline survey would start next Thursday.
The survey is to study the scope of work and how it can be sustained once the exercise kicks off.
A total of 70 recruits drawn from the 10 regions of the country will take part in the programme. They include 10 vector control officers, 10 assistant pest control officers and 50 sprayers.
Other resource persons such as a Business Development Manager with Valant Biosciences with the United States of America as well as the Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Nation-wide Mosquito Control Programme, Dr Kofi Ahmed will take part in the training programme.
The one week training is to introduce participants to the management of the new World Health Organisation (WHO) certified mosquito spraying chemicals and also on the effective usage of the newly acquired spraying machines, indoor residual machines and foggers.
Mrs Larbi told the Daily Graphic that the company had already committed more than 2,000 spraying machines already in the country with 3,000 more to be delivered for the exercise.
Further, Mrs Larbi said the company had also purchased 1,000 indoor residual machines and 40 foggers.
She said the programme was being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, during which 5000 unemployed were expected to be engaged.
Asked how the company intended to sustain the programme in view of the country’s environmental challenges, Mrs Larbi said Zoomlion was intensifying public education campaigns especially through music to reverse the negative sanitation practices such as dumping solid waste into drains.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kumbour expressed the readiness of government to fully support the exercise adding that “one objective of the government is to ensure that filth and waste are removed from our homes”.
He stated that in 2006 alone, the country spent US$760 million on malaria cases alone adding that for that reason government had made the control of malaria one of its cornerstone in health care delivery.
The acting Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Joseph Edmund cautioned the trainers against carelessness stressing that although the chemicals had been certified, it could still cause health hazards if not handled properly.
He announced that a previous residual chemical, DDT had been banned and added that safer chemicals were now being used to minimise the health risks.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Nii Nortey Duah called for regular mass spraying exercises adding that the current situation at the municipality with regards to mosquitoes was unbearable and consequently commended Zoomlion for the initiative.
Training programme for refugees
THREE hundred and eighty-nine refugees have completed a six-month training programme in Accra in vocational skills and competencies to make them employable.
The programme, which was rolled out by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) under the auspices of the United Nations Human Security Trust Fund was sponsored by the Japanese Government at a cost of $1,700.00.
The beneficiary refugees are from Liberia, Togo, Chad and Cote d’ Ivoire.
The refugees were trained in baking, tailoring, dressmaking, batik tie and dye, beauty care, masonry, carpentry and soap science.
The National Project Co-ordinator of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Mr Kwame Asante, said in all 428 refugees made up of 331 females and 97 males, completed the training programme but 389 wrote the NVTI examination.
“This is in line with the aspirations of the project to empower more women who form the bedrock of sustainable livelihood and the growth of the private sector”, he said.
Mr Asante said so far 675 refugees and host community members had also enrolled to undertake the training at the Buduburam settlement.
For his part, the Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Stephen Amoanor Kwaw, in a speech read on his behalf, urged the trainees to work hard, comport themselves and let customer satisfaction be their priority.
He expressed the hope that the programme would address human security needs and generate income for the refugees and their host communities.
“It is not only to assist the refugees to find profitable and sustainable activities to serve their short term needs, but also to provide them with the needed skills, knowledge and experience to be productive,” the minister stated.
The Director of the NVTI, Mr Stephen Amponsah, said the trainees were empowered with employable skills to enable them to fend for themselves and contribute to the development of the country.
He observed that the risk of unemployment was greater for people without skills than those with qualifications and skills, thus that made the course very crucial, given the global trend in which one could hardly walk out of a classroom into a waiting job.
Mr Amponsah added that vocational skills training created an opportunity through which people could develop their abilities and use what they had learnt to make a difference in their lives.
There were fraternal messages from the UNDP, Japan Embassy and UNHCR.
The programme, which was rolled out by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) under the auspices of the United Nations Human Security Trust Fund was sponsored by the Japanese Government at a cost of $1,700.00.
The beneficiary refugees are from Liberia, Togo, Chad and Cote d’ Ivoire.
The refugees were trained in baking, tailoring, dressmaking, batik tie and dye, beauty care, masonry, carpentry and soap science.
The National Project Co-ordinator of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Mr Kwame Asante, said in all 428 refugees made up of 331 females and 97 males, completed the training programme but 389 wrote the NVTI examination.
“This is in line with the aspirations of the project to empower more women who form the bedrock of sustainable livelihood and the growth of the private sector”, he said.
Mr Asante said so far 675 refugees and host community members had also enrolled to undertake the training at the Buduburam settlement.
For his part, the Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Stephen Amoanor Kwaw, in a speech read on his behalf, urged the trainees to work hard, comport themselves and let customer satisfaction be their priority.
He expressed the hope that the programme would address human security needs and generate income for the refugees and their host communities.
“It is not only to assist the refugees to find profitable and sustainable activities to serve their short term needs, but also to provide them with the needed skills, knowledge and experience to be productive,” the minister stated.
The Director of the NVTI, Mr Stephen Amponsah, said the trainees were empowered with employable skills to enable them to fend for themselves and contribute to the development of the country.
He observed that the risk of unemployment was greater for people without skills than those with qualifications and skills, thus that made the course very crucial, given the global trend in which one could hardly walk out of a classroom into a waiting job.
Mr Amponsah added that vocational skills training created an opportunity through which people could develop their abilities and use what they had learnt to make a difference in their lives.
There were fraternal messages from the UNDP, Japan Embassy and UNHCR.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Unilever rewards mothers on Mother’s Day(14/5/09)
Unilever Ghana Limited, producers of Geisha soap, at the weekend honoured some mothers in Accra as part of this year’s Mothers Day celebration.
The competition, dubbed "Sing for Mum competition", which was keenly contested by 20 finalists, was won by Mr Ralph Ayitey, a visually impaired person.
He was presented with GH¢1,000 as seed money for a business to be set up by his mother, a four-burner gas cooker, a microwave oven and a hamper containing Unilever products.
The first runner-up, Mr Attah Appiah, was given GH¢500, a television set and a hamper. Ms Esther Davids Yeboah, who was adjudged the second runner-up, was given GH¢300, a sewing machine and a hamper.
Ms Comfort Chidi, who placed fourth, was presented with GH¢250, a rice cooker and a hamper. Consolation prizes were given to the fifth to the 10th placed persons.
The Brands Manager for Geisha soap, Mrs Regina Ofori, said the programme was organised annually to celebrate and appreciate mothers.
She said it also served as a reminder of the numerous lullabies mothers sang when their children were young to express their love and care for the children.
“The celebration is all about a good mother who cares so much about her children that within her limited resources she wants to offer them the best,” she said.
Mrs Ofori noted that mothers were the backbone of any nation but regretted that their efforts were relegated to the background.
“Motherhood is a career that deserves to be honoured on all platforms for brining up the next generation of teachers, seamstresses and so on,” she added.
The programme was attended by various women’s groups in the country, including the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), the Fire Service Women Association, the Ahmadiyya Moslem Mission, among others.
The competition, dubbed "Sing for Mum competition", which was keenly contested by 20 finalists, was won by Mr Ralph Ayitey, a visually impaired person.
He was presented with GH¢1,000 as seed money for a business to be set up by his mother, a four-burner gas cooker, a microwave oven and a hamper containing Unilever products.
The first runner-up, Mr Attah Appiah, was given GH¢500, a television set and a hamper. Ms Esther Davids Yeboah, who was adjudged the second runner-up, was given GH¢300, a sewing machine and a hamper.
Ms Comfort Chidi, who placed fourth, was presented with GH¢250, a rice cooker and a hamper. Consolation prizes were given to the fifth to the 10th placed persons.
The Brands Manager for Geisha soap, Mrs Regina Ofori, said the programme was organised annually to celebrate and appreciate mothers.
She said it also served as a reminder of the numerous lullabies mothers sang when their children were young to express their love and care for the children.
“The celebration is all about a good mother who cares so much about her children that within her limited resources she wants to offer them the best,” she said.
Mrs Ofori noted that mothers were the backbone of any nation but regretted that their efforts were relegated to the background.
“Motherhood is a career that deserves to be honoured on all platforms for brining up the next generation of teachers, seamstresses and so on,” she added.
The programme was attended by various women’s groups in the country, including the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), the Fire Service Women Association, the Ahmadiyya Moslem Mission, among others.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Set up Maternal Health Trust Fund (9/5/09)
THE Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA) has called on the government to set up a Maternal Health Trust Fund for training more midwives to add up to the existing numbers.
It said training more midwives would help replace the ageing ones in the system, with the young trained ones assisting in reducing maternal mortality.
The Chairperson of the association, Mrs Evelyn Hammond-Aryee, made the call at a women’s forum organised by the GRMA as part of this year’s International Midwives Day, which fell on May 5.
The forum sought to bring women groups together to interact and share knowledge on health-related issues.
Mrs Hammond-Aryee noted that in order for the Millennium Development Goals to be achieved, there should be a well-educated midwifery workforce within the health service to maintain high standards and quality care.
“Having a skilled professional at child birth protects the life of the mother and the child by recognising problems early enough, especially at a time the situation can be controlled,” she added.
The Deputy Minister for Women and Children’s Affair, Ms Hawa Boya Gariba, acknowledged the role midwives played and congratulated them on the enormous work they did for the nation.
She said the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, would continue to promote reproductive health to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
Ms Gariba, therefore, called on other health care professionals such as doctors to provide skilled care during pregnancy, child birth and emergencies when life-threatening complications developed.
Present at the forum were the Prison Officers Wives Association (PROWA), women in the security service, midwives, nurses, among others.
It said training more midwives would help replace the ageing ones in the system, with the young trained ones assisting in reducing maternal mortality.
The Chairperson of the association, Mrs Evelyn Hammond-Aryee, made the call at a women’s forum organised by the GRMA as part of this year’s International Midwives Day, which fell on May 5.
The forum sought to bring women groups together to interact and share knowledge on health-related issues.
Mrs Hammond-Aryee noted that in order for the Millennium Development Goals to be achieved, there should be a well-educated midwifery workforce within the health service to maintain high standards and quality care.
“Having a skilled professional at child birth protects the life of the mother and the child by recognising problems early enough, especially at a time the situation can be controlled,” she added.
The Deputy Minister for Women and Children’s Affair, Ms Hawa Boya Gariba, acknowledged the role midwives played and congratulated them on the enormous work they did for the nation.
She said the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, would continue to promote reproductive health to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
Ms Gariba, therefore, called on other health care professionals such as doctors to provide skilled care during pregnancy, child birth and emergencies when life-threatening complications developed.
Present at the forum were the Prison Officers Wives Association (PROWA), women in the security service, midwives, nurses, among others.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Pray to reduce mysterious deaths(7/5/09)
The Head Pastor of the Prayer House Chapel International, Prophet Charles Entsir-Eghan, has called on Ghanaians to pray fervently to reduce the mysterious deaths in the country.
He said prayer is every Christian's weapon in life There was, therefore, the need for Ghanaians to pray ceaselessly for the nation.
Prophet Entsir-Eghan said this in a sermon on the theme, "Break Camp and Advance" to climax the fifth anniversary of the Prayer House Chapel International in Accra at the weekend.
He advised Christians to seek God’s guidance in solving problems such as searching for jobs, marital disputes, and economic hardships as well as physical and mental challenges, adding "We need to pray as God has given us the power to take possession of all things."
He also asked Christians to pray for peace and stability in the country and remain focused as one people and one nation.
"Your love for Christ would sometimes bring differences but you must remember that Jesus Christ who was faultless, died through crucifixion to save the souls of humanity," he said.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the church also organised a clean-up exercise in its environs and donated some items to the Countryside Orphanage. The church has three other branches in the country.
He said prayer is every Christian's weapon in life There was, therefore, the need for Ghanaians to pray ceaselessly for the nation.
Prophet Entsir-Eghan said this in a sermon on the theme, "Break Camp and Advance" to climax the fifth anniversary of the Prayer House Chapel International in Accra at the weekend.
He advised Christians to seek God’s guidance in solving problems such as searching for jobs, marital disputes, and economic hardships as well as physical and mental challenges, adding "We need to pray as God has given us the power to take possession of all things."
He also asked Christians to pray for peace and stability in the country and remain focused as one people and one nation.
"Your love for Christ would sometimes bring differences but you must remember that Jesus Christ who was faultless, died through crucifixion to save the souls of humanity," he said.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the church also organised a clean-up exercise in its environs and donated some items to the Countryside Orphanage. The church has three other branches in the country.
The world needs midwives - To fight maternal deaths(7/5/09)
The International Day of the Midwife was marked on Tuesday, May 5. The day is observed by many midwives each year to bring them together for educational meetings, promotional events and celebrations.
The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘The World Needs Midwives Now More Than Ever’. International Day of the Midwife was first celebrated on May 5, 1991, and has since been observed in over 50 nations around the world.
The idea of having a day to recognise and honour midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands.
Midwives in the Greater Accra Region used the occasion to interact, educate, counsel and screen market women in the Accra metropolis on issues relating to their health.
It is said that a number of women died from obstetric complications because there was not enough skilled, regular and emergency care. It is estimated that in the developing countries, one in 16 women stood the risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth over a lifetime, compared with about one in 2,800 women in the developed world.
Considering the fact that Ghana’s maternal mortality rate is estimated at 210 per 100,000 live births, the country has intensified efforts to reduce deaths resulting from pregnancy related cases and in accordance with attainment of the Fifth Goal of Millennium Development Goal (MDG5).
The fifth target of the MDG talks about improving maternal health by reducing maternal mortality ratio by three quarters in areas where high risk of women dying during pregnancy or childbirth is prevalent.
In support of set goals and priorities for the Global Safe Motherhood Initiative and also in conformity with national safe motherhood programmes, the stimulation of research, mobilisation of resources, provision of technical assistance and sharing of information, services at the health facilities are being carried out to make childbirth and pregnancy safer.
A report compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to promote the health of mothers and new-borns during birth and the postnatal period from a pre-congress collaborative workshop held in Brisbane, Australia in July 2005, chronicles key strategies identified in current midwifery initiatives and programmes.
Central themes underscore promoting the normal progress of labour and safe birth, prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, and advocacy campaigns to promote the health and well-being of mothers and new-borns in the participating countries.
The immeasurable roles played by midwives in improving maternal mortality and reducing infant mortality calls for commitment and dedication on the part of midwives to work relentlessly to promote safe motherhood.
It will be recalled that the National Chairperson of the Government Registered Midwives Group (GRMG), Mrs Rizwana Hawa Amoako-Agyei, at the launch of the Northern Regional branch of the GRMG in Tamale recently, expressed regret about what she termed the increasing complaints by some women who had allegedly been mistreated by midwives while in labour, and entreated midwives in the country to rededicate themselves to the pledge of supporting pregnant women, especially when they were in labour.
She also advised them to avoid insulting pregnant women, show them love, care and concern, instead of hate or rejection, since the way they handle the women in labour can affect their condition, which would also have ripple effects on their babies.
Similarly, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Ghana (NMC), Reverend Veronica Darko, was reported to have expressed concern over the intolerant manner in which some nurses and midwives treat patients under their care.
She said some of the concerns had to do with the impolite way the patients are welcomed to the health facility, the insults rained on them when they are unable to provide certain vital information and the impatient manner in which prescriptions are explained to them.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at a health screening exercise organised by the Greater Accra Registered Midwives Association for women at the 31st December Women's market, to commemorate this year's celebration of the International Midwives day in Accra, the National Secretary of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), Ms Esther Quaye-Kumah, said the country needed to invest more resources for the training of midwives to render valuable services.
She advised expectant mothers to be serious with the attendance of child welfare clinic and utilise health facilities at the various communities to enhance safe delivery.
She regretted that there was low patronage of the Maternity Homes in the country due to the government’s free maternal health care policy, and explained that most pregnant women were unaware that some registered midwives were accredited to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to also offer free maternal health care to patients. She, however appealed to the government to regularly reimburse them with funds for services rendered under the scheme to make the system effective.
Ms Quaye-Kumah said midwives played important roles in improving maternal mortality and reducing infant mortality, stressing that “we are wide awake to our responsibilities and would work accordingly to make the desired impact”.
She stated that midwives were committed to work relentlessly to promote safe motherhood and called on pregnant women to patronise their services for quality health care and delivery.
Ms Quaye-Kumah urged nurses and midwives to continue to exhibit professional conduct and be sympathetic, caring and patient to patients.
Reverend Darko was speaking at the close of a two-day workshop on enhancing the image of nursing and midwifery practice in Ghana in Accra yesterday.
Investing in human capital, such as the training of midwives, as well as building the capacity of midwives and strengthening the midwifery profession to enable them improve the quality of services provided, is a valuable investment and this must be the priority of governments.
The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘The World Needs Midwives Now More Than Ever’. International Day of the Midwife was first celebrated on May 5, 1991, and has since been observed in over 50 nations around the world.
The idea of having a day to recognise and honour midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands.
Midwives in the Greater Accra Region used the occasion to interact, educate, counsel and screen market women in the Accra metropolis on issues relating to their health.
It is said that a number of women died from obstetric complications because there was not enough skilled, regular and emergency care. It is estimated that in the developing countries, one in 16 women stood the risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth over a lifetime, compared with about one in 2,800 women in the developed world.
Considering the fact that Ghana’s maternal mortality rate is estimated at 210 per 100,000 live births, the country has intensified efforts to reduce deaths resulting from pregnancy related cases and in accordance with attainment of the Fifth Goal of Millennium Development Goal (MDG5).
The fifth target of the MDG talks about improving maternal health by reducing maternal mortality ratio by three quarters in areas where high risk of women dying during pregnancy or childbirth is prevalent.
In support of set goals and priorities for the Global Safe Motherhood Initiative and also in conformity with national safe motherhood programmes, the stimulation of research, mobilisation of resources, provision of technical assistance and sharing of information, services at the health facilities are being carried out to make childbirth and pregnancy safer.
A report compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to promote the health of mothers and new-borns during birth and the postnatal period from a pre-congress collaborative workshop held in Brisbane, Australia in July 2005, chronicles key strategies identified in current midwifery initiatives and programmes.
Central themes underscore promoting the normal progress of labour and safe birth, prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, and advocacy campaigns to promote the health and well-being of mothers and new-borns in the participating countries.
The immeasurable roles played by midwives in improving maternal mortality and reducing infant mortality calls for commitment and dedication on the part of midwives to work relentlessly to promote safe motherhood.
It will be recalled that the National Chairperson of the Government Registered Midwives Group (GRMG), Mrs Rizwana Hawa Amoako-Agyei, at the launch of the Northern Regional branch of the GRMG in Tamale recently, expressed regret about what she termed the increasing complaints by some women who had allegedly been mistreated by midwives while in labour, and entreated midwives in the country to rededicate themselves to the pledge of supporting pregnant women, especially when they were in labour.
She also advised them to avoid insulting pregnant women, show them love, care and concern, instead of hate or rejection, since the way they handle the women in labour can affect their condition, which would also have ripple effects on their babies.
Similarly, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Ghana (NMC), Reverend Veronica Darko, was reported to have expressed concern over the intolerant manner in which some nurses and midwives treat patients under their care.
She said some of the concerns had to do with the impolite way the patients are welcomed to the health facility, the insults rained on them when they are unable to provide certain vital information and the impatient manner in which prescriptions are explained to them.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at a health screening exercise organised by the Greater Accra Registered Midwives Association for women at the 31st December Women's market, to commemorate this year's celebration of the International Midwives day in Accra, the National Secretary of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), Ms Esther Quaye-Kumah, said the country needed to invest more resources for the training of midwives to render valuable services.
She advised expectant mothers to be serious with the attendance of child welfare clinic and utilise health facilities at the various communities to enhance safe delivery.
She regretted that there was low patronage of the Maternity Homes in the country due to the government’s free maternal health care policy, and explained that most pregnant women were unaware that some registered midwives were accredited to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to also offer free maternal health care to patients. She, however appealed to the government to regularly reimburse them with funds for services rendered under the scheme to make the system effective.
Ms Quaye-Kumah said midwives played important roles in improving maternal mortality and reducing infant mortality, stressing that “we are wide awake to our responsibilities and would work accordingly to make the desired impact”.
She stated that midwives were committed to work relentlessly to promote safe motherhood and called on pregnant women to patronise their services for quality health care and delivery.
Ms Quaye-Kumah urged nurses and midwives to continue to exhibit professional conduct and be sympathetic, caring and patient to patients.
Reverend Darko was speaking at the close of a two-day workshop on enhancing the image of nursing and midwifery practice in Ghana in Accra yesterday.
Investing in human capital, such as the training of midwives, as well as building the capacity of midwives and strengthening the midwifery profession to enable them improve the quality of services provided, is a valuable investment and this must be the priority of governments.
Women achievers to be honoured(2/5/09)
Brein Consult, a media and event management organisation, has, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, launched a programme to honour the efforts and contribution of women to national development.
The programme, slated for May 10, 2009, is on the theme, “Celebrating Womanhood, A key Element for National Development.
Touching on the essence of the programme, the Executive Secretary of Brein Consult, Ms Augustina Serwa Ansa-Bonsu, said there was the need to honour women, because they played a vital role in development, adding, “We believe honouring and appreciating the pain and tears of womanhood will inspire them to take up the mantle of leadership and responsibility.”
She said the ceremony signified the uniqueness of women, adding that the awards sought to identify and appreciate female role models for the young generation.
Launching the award ceremony, the Queen of Offinso Kayera, Nana Ama Serwa Bonsu, who lauded the initiative, pointed out that celebrating women’s achievements and promoting women’s empowerment were steps in the right direction, since according to her, Ghanaian women had contributed immensely towards the stability and development of the nation.
The Frafra Chief of Asante, Naba Musa Akambonga II, was optimistic that the programme would spur on the youth to strive for excellence in all their endeavours to achieve honours.
The awards are in various categories and include education, security, sports, entertainment and media.
The nominations for the various awards were done by heads of the various institutions in the aforementioned categories.
Two nominees were presented for the awards, after which a research team from the MOWAC and Brein Consult selected the final winners.
The nominees are women who have worked with their organisations for more than 10 years, were on high repute in their various fields of work and had achieved a lot in their various fields of interest.
The programme, slated for May 10, 2009, is on the theme, “Celebrating Womanhood, A key Element for National Development.
Touching on the essence of the programme, the Executive Secretary of Brein Consult, Ms Augustina Serwa Ansa-Bonsu, said there was the need to honour women, because they played a vital role in development, adding, “We believe honouring and appreciating the pain and tears of womanhood will inspire them to take up the mantle of leadership and responsibility.”
She said the ceremony signified the uniqueness of women, adding that the awards sought to identify and appreciate female role models for the young generation.
Launching the award ceremony, the Queen of Offinso Kayera, Nana Ama Serwa Bonsu, who lauded the initiative, pointed out that celebrating women’s achievements and promoting women’s empowerment were steps in the right direction, since according to her, Ghanaian women had contributed immensely towards the stability and development of the nation.
The Frafra Chief of Asante, Naba Musa Akambonga II, was optimistic that the programme would spur on the youth to strive for excellence in all their endeavours to achieve honours.
The awards are in various categories and include education, security, sports, entertainment and media.
The nominations for the various awards were done by heads of the various institutions in the aforementioned categories.
Two nominees were presented for the awards, after which a research team from the MOWAC and Brein Consult selected the final winners.
The nominees are women who have worked with their organisations for more than 10 years, were on high repute in their various fields of work and had achieved a lot in their various fields of interest.
Efforts to augment ICT facilities in SHSs (1/5/09
PLANS are underway for the Ministry of Education to acquire additional facilities on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to augment the already existing ones in all senior high schools in the country.
The ministry has also put in place strategies for creating an enabling environment towards capacity building of teachers to equip them with the needed relevant knowledge and skills.
This is expected to lead to the efficient management and delivery of quality education in the country.
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo said this at the presentation of Omatek products to beneficiaries under the e-Xpress Scheme in Accra.
Ten people, including teachers benefited from the e-Xpress scheme.They were presented with Omatek computers.
Mr Tettey-Enyo, who lauded the initiative of the company, said it would go a long way to support government's efforts at bridging the digital divide and making ICT an enabler of growth and accelerated development.
"In our efforts to keep pace with the fast growing application of ICT in education, the ministry has put strategies in place aimed at ensuring that Ghana is not left behind," he noted.
He observed that only a few teachers had the opportunity of being trained in ICT during their professional education and said the intervention by Omatek had created a challenge to the ministry in the development of ICT in the educational system.
Mr Tettey-Enyo stated that, "it is important for the products of our educational system today to fit into the job market of tomorrow".
He said his ministry was committed to ensuring that the right environment was created in schools to provide the job market with people who had the skills to productively transform knowledge and information into innovative products and services.
The minister indicated his ministry's commitment to ensure that students had the skills necessary to collaborate, work in teams and share information across global networks to analyse issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.
He assured Omatek and other ICT companies of government's commitment to create an enabling environment for making computers available to all and also assist in making the scheme a success.
The Group Managing Director of Omatek, Mrs Florence Seriki, said the e-Xpress Scheme was designed to make ownership of computers and other ICT related products available to civil servants and other public workers who would pay over a period of time.
"Omatek in a bid to buttress government’s efforts in making computers available to every Ghanaian, initiated the e-Xpress Scheme under the Government Assisted PC Programme," she noted.
A representative of the Minister for Communication, Mrs Alice Atipoe, said the Ministry of Communication had launched the Government Assisted PC Programme (GAPP) to promote accessibility to PCs and the Internet.
She said the programme would enhance the activities of locally assembled companies to generate employment and provide affordable but quality PCs for the Ghanaian market.
She lauded the initiative by Omatek, saying that it would increase home ownership and access to PCs at affordable rates in the country.
Mrs Atipoe encouraged Ghanaians to patronise the scheme, adding that "It seeks to compliment Internet access, connectivity and enrich local content development".
The ministry has also put in place strategies for creating an enabling environment towards capacity building of teachers to equip them with the needed relevant knowledge and skills.
This is expected to lead to the efficient management and delivery of quality education in the country.
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo said this at the presentation of Omatek products to beneficiaries under the e-Xpress Scheme in Accra.
Ten people, including teachers benefited from the e-Xpress scheme.They were presented with Omatek computers.
Mr Tettey-Enyo, who lauded the initiative of the company, said it would go a long way to support government's efforts at bridging the digital divide and making ICT an enabler of growth and accelerated development.
"In our efforts to keep pace with the fast growing application of ICT in education, the ministry has put strategies in place aimed at ensuring that Ghana is not left behind," he noted.
He observed that only a few teachers had the opportunity of being trained in ICT during their professional education and said the intervention by Omatek had created a challenge to the ministry in the development of ICT in the educational system.
Mr Tettey-Enyo stated that, "it is important for the products of our educational system today to fit into the job market of tomorrow".
He said his ministry was committed to ensuring that the right environment was created in schools to provide the job market with people who had the skills to productively transform knowledge and information into innovative products and services.
The minister indicated his ministry's commitment to ensure that students had the skills necessary to collaborate, work in teams and share information across global networks to analyse issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.
He assured Omatek and other ICT companies of government's commitment to create an enabling environment for making computers available to all and also assist in making the scheme a success.
The Group Managing Director of Omatek, Mrs Florence Seriki, said the e-Xpress Scheme was designed to make ownership of computers and other ICT related products available to civil servants and other public workers who would pay over a period of time.
"Omatek in a bid to buttress government’s efforts in making computers available to every Ghanaian, initiated the e-Xpress Scheme under the Government Assisted PC Programme," she noted.
A representative of the Minister for Communication, Mrs Alice Atipoe, said the Ministry of Communication had launched the Government Assisted PC Programme (GAPP) to promote accessibility to PCs and the Internet.
She said the programme would enhance the activities of locally assembled companies to generate employment and provide affordable but quality PCs for the Ghanaian market.
She lauded the initiative by Omatek, saying that it would increase home ownership and access to PCs at affordable rates in the country.
Mrs Atipoe encouraged Ghanaians to patronise the scheme, adding that "It seeks to compliment Internet access, connectivity and enrich local content development".
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
240 STUDENTS attend Model UN conference(22/3/09)
THE Lincoln Community School (LCS) has held a three day annual Model United Nations (UN) Conference in Accra.
The conference was held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training §center (KAIPTC) under the theme “Globalisation of Human Rights through education and develoment”.
It brought together over 240 international students who had practical experience of the operations of the United Nation.
The students were from the Lincoln Community School, Tema International School (TIS) and American International School, as well as first time participant, Roman Ridge School, all of whom formed the Ghanaian delegation.
Students from American International Schools from regions in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Lebanon and Germany formed the rest of the international delegation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the LCS Model United Nations Conference, Mr John Scwerk said the conference would enable the students to interact, discuss, debate and research into global conflicts and other issues.
He said the conference sought to help them to have an understanding of how foreign policies were made at the United Nations (UN) and how issues were deliberated on to arrive at appropriate solutions he stated.
“This conference will provide the basis for learning and defending human right issues and also for generations to come, in the hope that the students would be abreast with judicial and political issues,” he stated.
Mr Scwerk said the conference was to enable the students to learn the act of public speaking, solving problems on their own.
The Director said the conference started five years ago with only five participating schools, with the sole objective of informing students about proceedings at the UN, with students acting as delegates representing an assigned country.
He said the students researched into policies, discussed current issues which reflected those discussed at the UN and held debates to reach a resolution.
Mr Scwerk said the conference would feature a Security Council and three committees namely; Environmental Policy, Economic and Social Council and Human Rights Council.
The participants would be made to tour some tourist sites in the country as part of the programme.
The conference was held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training §center (KAIPTC) under the theme “Globalisation of Human Rights through education and develoment”.
It brought together over 240 international students who had practical experience of the operations of the United Nation.
The students were from the Lincoln Community School, Tema International School (TIS) and American International School, as well as first time participant, Roman Ridge School, all of whom formed the Ghanaian delegation.
Students from American International Schools from regions in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Lebanon and Germany formed the rest of the international delegation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the LCS Model United Nations Conference, Mr John Scwerk said the conference would enable the students to interact, discuss, debate and research into global conflicts and other issues.
He said the conference sought to help them to have an understanding of how foreign policies were made at the United Nations (UN) and how issues were deliberated on to arrive at appropriate solutions he stated.
“This conference will provide the basis for learning and defending human right issues and also for generations to come, in the hope that the students would be abreast with judicial and political issues,” he stated.
Mr Scwerk said the conference was to enable the students to learn the act of public speaking, solving problems on their own.
The Director said the conference started five years ago with only five participating schools, with the sole objective of informing students about proceedings at the UN, with students acting as delegates representing an assigned country.
He said the students researched into policies, discussed current issues which reflected those discussed at the UN and held debates to reach a resolution.
Mr Scwerk said the conference would feature a Security Council and three committees namely; Environmental Policy, Economic and Social Council and Human Rights Council.
The participants would be made to tour some tourist sites in the country as part of the programme.
Protect children against malarial attacks(28/4/09)
The Medical Superintendent of the Princess Marie Louis Children's Hospital (PMLH), Dr Eric Sifah, has advised nursing mothers to protect their children from malaria particularly during the rainy seasons.
He noted that most nursing mothers did not understand the causes and effects of malaria, and therefore, left their children unprotected against mosquito bites.
Dr Sifah said this at the inauguration of the Contract Cleaners Association (CCAG) and clean-up exercise at the Princess Marie Louis Children’s Hospital.
He said most deaths recorded at the various health institutions particularly at the PMLH were as a result of malaria infection.
He, therefore, called on the appropriate authorities to ensure the intensification of education on malaria.
The president of the CCAG, Mr George Abanyie, said the clean-up exercise formed part of their social responsibility and to officially relaunch the association which had been dormant for sometime now.
He said the association, which was founded 12 years ago, sought to bring together all registered contract cleaners to assist and regulate members to work as a consortium when necessary.
"Our aim is to create awareness of the need for standards in cleaning services and to also for the association to be recognised by the relevant institutions," he stated.
He said the mobilisation effort by the association would help improve on cleaning services in the country, adding that "we would like to announce to the heads of institutions and individuals that there are many professional cleaning companies around that are efficient and cost effective".
Mr Abanyie also called on the government to appreciate their role and reduce the duties being placed on imported cleaning materials.
He noted that most nursing mothers did not understand the causes and effects of malaria, and therefore, left their children unprotected against mosquito bites.
Dr Sifah said this at the inauguration of the Contract Cleaners Association (CCAG) and clean-up exercise at the Princess Marie Louis Children’s Hospital.
He said most deaths recorded at the various health institutions particularly at the PMLH were as a result of malaria infection.
He, therefore, called on the appropriate authorities to ensure the intensification of education on malaria.
The president of the CCAG, Mr George Abanyie, said the clean-up exercise formed part of their social responsibility and to officially relaunch the association which had been dormant for sometime now.
He said the association, which was founded 12 years ago, sought to bring together all registered contract cleaners to assist and regulate members to work as a consortium when necessary.
"Our aim is to create awareness of the need for standards in cleaning services and to also for the association to be recognised by the relevant institutions," he stated.
He said the mobilisation effort by the association would help improve on cleaning services in the country, adding that "we would like to announce to the heads of institutions and individuals that there are many professional cleaning companies around that are efficient and cost effective".
Mr Abanyie also called on the government to appreciate their role and reduce the duties being placed on imported cleaning materials.
(25/4/09)Prof Sai honoured for contribution to family health
A special award ceremony was held on Thursday to honour Professor Fred T. Sai the Honorary Professor of Community Health, University of Ghana, for his contribution towards women empowerment and family health in the country.
Prof Sai, who was a former Presidential Advisor on Population and Health, was presented with a plaque and a cheque for an undisclosed amount of money by his family and patrons of Family Health International (FHI).
Dr Ward Cates, President of Research at FHI, who delivered a lecture to mark the occasion, said it had been projected that the population of sub-Saharan Africa would increase in the next 50 years, due to the low level of family planning practice among families in the region.
He said there was the need to educate women to practise birth control measures, adding that better reproductive health depended on being able to exercise the right to decide freely and responsibly, the number of children to bring forth and at the right time.
He said family planning helped individuals and couples to avoid unwanted pregnancies, thereby improving access to obstetric care, and reducing maternal deaths.
The Chief Executive Officer of FHI, Dr Albert Siemens, said FHI is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which was founded 38 years ago to improve people's access to quality reproductive health services, especially safe, effective, and affordable family planning methods.
He added that FHI also aims at designing, delivering, and evaluating local responses to the most pressing public health problems in resource-poor settings.
He explained that through research, FHI identifies and develops effective, evidence-based strategies and interventions to solve health problems in those areas.
"Our goal is to improve the health of women and children, especially those who live in resource-constrained settings," he said.
Dr Siemens noted that with funding from various donors, governments and the private sector, FHI worked with many organisations to strengthen the ability of countries and communities to implement their own responses to these problems.
Prof Sai expressed gratitude to his family and friends for the award
and donated the cheque to support a scholarship scheme, set up by his family at the University of Ghana. Known as Women in Sciences foundation, which was set to encourage female education at a higher level, the scheme has benefited over 70 females students.
Prof Sai, who was a former Presidential Advisor on Population and Health, was presented with a plaque and a cheque for an undisclosed amount of money by his family and patrons of Family Health International (FHI).
Dr Ward Cates, President of Research at FHI, who delivered a lecture to mark the occasion, said it had been projected that the population of sub-Saharan Africa would increase in the next 50 years, due to the low level of family planning practice among families in the region.
He said there was the need to educate women to practise birth control measures, adding that better reproductive health depended on being able to exercise the right to decide freely and responsibly, the number of children to bring forth and at the right time.
He said family planning helped individuals and couples to avoid unwanted pregnancies, thereby improving access to obstetric care, and reducing maternal deaths.
The Chief Executive Officer of FHI, Dr Albert Siemens, said FHI is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which was founded 38 years ago to improve people's access to quality reproductive health services, especially safe, effective, and affordable family planning methods.
He added that FHI also aims at designing, delivering, and evaluating local responses to the most pressing public health problems in resource-poor settings.
He explained that through research, FHI identifies and develops effective, evidence-based strategies and interventions to solve health problems in those areas.
"Our goal is to improve the health of women and children, especially those who live in resource-constrained settings," he said.
Dr Siemens noted that with funding from various donors, governments and the private sector, FHI worked with many organisations to strengthen the ability of countries and communities to implement their own responses to these problems.
Prof Sai expressed gratitude to his family and friends for the award
and donated the cheque to support a scholarship scheme, set up by his family at the University of Ghana. Known as Women in Sciences foundation, which was set to encourage female education at a higher level, the scheme has benefited over 70 females students.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Unilever post good results(20/4/09)
UNILEVER Ghana Limited, posted an impressive net profit of GH¢29.2m at the end of 2008 financial year notwithstanding the intense and unfair competition from the importation of fake products onto the local market.
The amount, which the company described as ‘healthy’ was Gh¢16.8 million more than the previous year’s figure.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unilever Company Limited, Mr Charles Coffie who announced this at the “Facts Behind the Figures” presentation at the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) last Friday, subsequently, declared a final dividend of GH¢0.1005 per share and recommended paying a final dividend payout of GH¢0.2128 per share.
He said “2008 was another successful year. We improved on our previous years achievements and delivered on our promise which we outlined in 2007 annual review, through the consolidation of our growth and improvement in profitability”.
He attributed the achievement to team work, strong support and cooperation from all their stakeholders including suppliers, service providers, customers among others.
Mr Coffie stated that the company’s performance was also against the background of significant increases in the input cost of palm oil and crude oil, particularly in the first half of 2008.
He noted that the company recorded significant increases in crude palm oil prices, which began to decline towards the end of the year.
“Our plantation performed very strongly, on the basis of the strong prices, improved volumes and initiatives to reduce cot and improve efficiencies,” he stated.
On the cash flow of the company, he said cash was generated from operations was GH¢23.6m at the end of the period, against GH¢16.6m for 2007, representing an increase of 42.4 per cent.
The CEO said uncertainties in the business environment and the market place had impacted on the operations of the company and their consumers and stated that “the risk and threats from unfair competition and counterfeiting are expected to heighten further”.
He said the company could explore and take the appropriate internal actions with the aim of pursuing the strategic objectives of improving the operations of the company and shareholder value.
The amount, which the company described as ‘healthy’ was Gh¢16.8 million more than the previous year’s figure.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unilever Company Limited, Mr Charles Coffie who announced this at the “Facts Behind the Figures” presentation at the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) last Friday, subsequently, declared a final dividend of GH¢0.1005 per share and recommended paying a final dividend payout of GH¢0.2128 per share.
He said “2008 was another successful year. We improved on our previous years achievements and delivered on our promise which we outlined in 2007 annual review, through the consolidation of our growth and improvement in profitability”.
He attributed the achievement to team work, strong support and cooperation from all their stakeholders including suppliers, service providers, customers among others.
Mr Coffie stated that the company’s performance was also against the background of significant increases in the input cost of palm oil and crude oil, particularly in the first half of 2008.
He noted that the company recorded significant increases in crude palm oil prices, which began to decline towards the end of the year.
“Our plantation performed very strongly, on the basis of the strong prices, improved volumes and initiatives to reduce cot and improve efficiencies,” he stated.
On the cash flow of the company, he said cash was generated from operations was GH¢23.6m at the end of the period, against GH¢16.6m for 2007, representing an increase of 42.4 per cent.
The CEO said uncertainties in the business environment and the market place had impacted on the operations of the company and their consumers and stated that “the risk and threats from unfair competition and counterfeiting are expected to heighten further”.
He said the company could explore and take the appropriate internal actions with the aim of pursuing the strategic objectives of improving the operations of the company and shareholder value.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Keep the environment clean to prevent communicable diseases-Urges Bannerman-Mensah(13/4/09)
THE Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Samuel Bannerman-Mensah, has reiterated the need for Ghanaians to keep their environment clean to prevent schoolchildren from contracting communicable diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid.
“These diseases can affect the education of the pupil, thus reducing teacher-pupil contact hours required for effective teaching and learning process for quality education,” he said.
He said this in an address read on his behalf at the awards ceremony of the Healthy School Environment competition organised by the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) in Accra.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah said these communicable diseases could be prevented through the observance of simple personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.
He lauded the initiative of the school health education programme, which was established to provide preventive, protective and health promotion strategies to reduce factors that militate against school attendance and academic performance of pupils.
"The programme promotes strategies to complement current efforts being made by the government and civil society to find solutions to the current environmental sanitation and waste management challenges facing the country," he observed.
The Director-General noted that the GES, through a DANIDA project, had benefited from the construction of 1,907 latrines and the provision of water, hand-washing facilities and sanitation manuals to ensure the reinforcement of the campaign for maintaining good sanitation in schools.
He said the new health enhancing programmes like effective hand-washing with soap and good sanitation learned and practised in schools and at home could lead to the development of life-long positive health needed to sustain the sanitation crusade.
"The GES supports the view that provision of safe water and sanitation facilities is a first step towards a healthy and physical learning environment," he added.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah called on stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that school water and sanitation facilities were properly maintained.
He advised communities to construct their own toilets, urinals and refuse dumps, and stop vandalising and abusing such facilities provided in the schools.
He said it was unfair for schoolchildren to clear adult human excreta and other waste produced by drug addicts in their classrooms, adding that "communities should also stop encroaching on school lands meant for gardening and sports because those lands are not being wasted".
He said the lands were useful for implementing portions of the school curriculum needed for the development of the children.
He commended the participating schools and urged them to carry on with the sanitation campaign to ensure a healthy and good sanitation for learning.
For her part, the Health Information and Promotion Officer at the Word Health Organisation, Ms Sophia Twum-Barima, pointed out that children should be equipped with the skills needed to promote good health.
"Health education in schools must become more comprehensive if children are to be empowered to pursue a healthy lifestyle and to work as agents of change," she said.
Ms Twum-Barima said effective school health programme was the most cost-effective investments a nation could make to improve upon education and health.
"It is important the education ministry gets schoolchildren to engage in such activities to promote their physical and psychological well-being," she said.
The National SHEP Co-ordinator, Mrs Ellen B. Mensah, said the programme sought to achieve healthy lifestyles for the pupils by developing and supporting conducive environments for the promotion of good health.
"The SHEP is to create a well-informed and healthy school population equipped with life skills to maintain healthy habits, attitudes and behaviour to achieve educational goals," she added.
Schools that participated in the competition included the Prussic Staff Basic School, University Primary, Faith Montessori School, Samsam Presby Primary School, St Stephen RC Basic School and Dodowa Primary School.The rest were Doblo Gonno Community Basic School, Services Basic School, Ayikuma R C Basic School and the Kinder Paradise Basic School.
At the end of the programme, awards were given to the participating schools which excelled in the competition. They were given certificates of participation, books, wheelbarrows, drinking buckets and hand-washing bowls.
“These diseases can affect the education of the pupil, thus reducing teacher-pupil contact hours required for effective teaching and learning process for quality education,” he said.
He said this in an address read on his behalf at the awards ceremony of the Healthy School Environment competition organised by the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) in Accra.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah said these communicable diseases could be prevented through the observance of simple personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.
He lauded the initiative of the school health education programme, which was established to provide preventive, protective and health promotion strategies to reduce factors that militate against school attendance and academic performance of pupils.
"The programme promotes strategies to complement current efforts being made by the government and civil society to find solutions to the current environmental sanitation and waste management challenges facing the country," he observed.
The Director-General noted that the GES, through a DANIDA project, had benefited from the construction of 1,907 latrines and the provision of water, hand-washing facilities and sanitation manuals to ensure the reinforcement of the campaign for maintaining good sanitation in schools.
He said the new health enhancing programmes like effective hand-washing with soap and good sanitation learned and practised in schools and at home could lead to the development of life-long positive health needed to sustain the sanitation crusade.
"The GES supports the view that provision of safe water and sanitation facilities is a first step towards a healthy and physical learning environment," he added.
Mr Bannerman-Mensah called on stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that school water and sanitation facilities were properly maintained.
He advised communities to construct their own toilets, urinals and refuse dumps, and stop vandalising and abusing such facilities provided in the schools.
He said it was unfair for schoolchildren to clear adult human excreta and other waste produced by drug addicts in their classrooms, adding that "communities should also stop encroaching on school lands meant for gardening and sports because those lands are not being wasted".
He said the lands were useful for implementing portions of the school curriculum needed for the development of the children.
He commended the participating schools and urged them to carry on with the sanitation campaign to ensure a healthy and good sanitation for learning.
For her part, the Health Information and Promotion Officer at the Word Health Organisation, Ms Sophia Twum-Barima, pointed out that children should be equipped with the skills needed to promote good health.
"Health education in schools must become more comprehensive if children are to be empowered to pursue a healthy lifestyle and to work as agents of change," she said.
Ms Twum-Barima said effective school health programme was the most cost-effective investments a nation could make to improve upon education and health.
"It is important the education ministry gets schoolchildren to engage in such activities to promote their physical and psychological well-being," she said.
The National SHEP Co-ordinator, Mrs Ellen B. Mensah, said the programme sought to achieve healthy lifestyles for the pupils by developing and supporting conducive environments for the promotion of good health.
"The SHEP is to create a well-informed and healthy school population equipped with life skills to maintain healthy habits, attitudes and behaviour to achieve educational goals," she added.
Schools that participated in the competition included the Prussic Staff Basic School, University Primary, Faith Montessori School, Samsam Presby Primary School, St Stephen RC Basic School and Dodowa Primary School.The rest were Doblo Gonno Community Basic School, Services Basic School, Ayikuma R C Basic School and the Kinder Paradise Basic School.
At the end of the programme, awards were given to the participating schools which excelled in the competition. They were given certificates of participation, books, wheelbarrows, drinking buckets and hand-washing bowls.
Royalhouse honours Afari Gyan(13/4/09)
THE Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, has called on religious leaders to educate their congregations on the need to abide by the rules governing elections in the country.
“It is particularly important to make the electorate fully aware that votes represent the will and choices of the people in the selection of their political leaders; votes represents the desires and aspirations of people as to what they want for themselves and their country. Under our electoral system, a candidate can win by just one vote," he said.
Dr Afari-Gyan made the call at an awards ceremony held to honour him for his contribution to Ghana's democracy by the Royal House Chapel at the weekend.
He was presented with a citation, a plaque, a Bible, a cheque for $5,000 and an annual salary of $1,000 after retirement.
The Chairman of the EC, who expressed his sincere gratitude to the church for the award, noted that Ghana's democracy could be deepened if people were fully aware of the true significance of their votes.
He said votes represented the only legitimate door to democratic leadership, adding that for the purposes of democracy, "men of God must stand up for the sanctity of the vote".
The Apostle General of the Royal House Chapel, Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah, thanked Dr Afari-Gyan and the members of staff of the EC for conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2008, to the admiration of the international and local communities.
"It is, indeed, a fitting endorsement of the Royal House Chapel’s appreciation of your exalted achievement and extraordinary contributions towards Ghana's democracy and support for exhorting the principles of good governance which is a vital ingredient in governing God's people that we bestow on you this award," he said.
Rev Ankrah said Dr Afari-Gyan's bravery and self-sacrifice to the service of the nation was worthy of emulation, adding, "Royal House rewards you for your heroic achievements and in recognition of your own unique contributions to the socio-political development of the nation."
“It is particularly important to make the electorate fully aware that votes represent the will and choices of the people in the selection of their political leaders; votes represents the desires and aspirations of people as to what they want for themselves and their country. Under our electoral system, a candidate can win by just one vote," he said.
Dr Afari-Gyan made the call at an awards ceremony held to honour him for his contribution to Ghana's democracy by the Royal House Chapel at the weekend.
He was presented with a citation, a plaque, a Bible, a cheque for $5,000 and an annual salary of $1,000 after retirement.
The Chairman of the EC, who expressed his sincere gratitude to the church for the award, noted that Ghana's democracy could be deepened if people were fully aware of the true significance of their votes.
He said votes represented the only legitimate door to democratic leadership, adding that for the purposes of democracy, "men of God must stand up for the sanctity of the vote".
The Apostle General of the Royal House Chapel, Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah, thanked Dr Afari-Gyan and the members of staff of the EC for conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2008, to the admiration of the international and local communities.
"It is, indeed, a fitting endorsement of the Royal House Chapel’s appreciation of your exalted achievement and extraordinary contributions towards Ghana's democracy and support for exhorting the principles of good governance which is a vital ingredient in governing God's people that we bestow on you this award," he said.
Rev Ankrah said Dr Afari-Gyan's bravery and self-sacrifice to the service of the nation was worthy of emulation, adding, "Royal House rewards you for your heroic achievements and in recognition of your own unique contributions to the socio-political development of the nation."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
CEPS assists three health institutions(9/4/09)
THE Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) has presented three cheques totalling GH¢11,000 to three health institutions to help improve on their services.
They are the Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital and the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital.
Presenting a cheque for GH¢5,000 to the Cardiothoracic Centre, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Administration and Human Resource at CEPS, Mr Paul Adu Bofour, said the presentation was part of the service’s yearly commitment to the centre and also in line with its social responsibility to support quality healthcare delivery in the country
He said the money, which was made possible through some deductions from the salaries of all staff members and management, was a way of contributing to the development and maintenance of the hospital.
The Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who received the cheque, expressed his profound gratitude to CEPS for the support.
He noted that the centre would celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and as part of the event funds were being solicited from benevolent societies and individuals to establish a $14-million Paediatric Heart Centre to cater for children.
He said children constituted 45 per cent of all patients who went to the centre and that building a centre to take special care of them was in the right direction.
Prof Frimpong-Boateng appealed to individuals and organisations to help set up a playroom with toys and teaching and learning aids for the children at the centre.
Receiving a cheque for GH¢3,500, the Deputy Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Group Captain Nii Laryea, was grateful to CEPS for its support.
He said the presentation would enhance and improve healthcare delivery at the hospital.
At the Pantang Hospital, Mr Bofour presented a cheque for GH¢2,500 to the hospital to help improve on the conditions of the inmates.
The acting specialist in charge at the Pantang Hospital, Dr Anna Puklo-Dzadey, expressed her gratitude to CEPS.
She assured the service that the money would be used for the intended purpose.
Dr Puklo-Dzadey took the opportunity to advise CEPS personnel to desist from taking alcohol, adding, “Check the health status and stress level of officers before they are employed.”
She said renovation works at the rehabilitation centre of the hospital had been completed and it would be opened soon.
They are the Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital and the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital.
Presenting a cheque for GH¢5,000 to the Cardiothoracic Centre, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Administration and Human Resource at CEPS, Mr Paul Adu Bofour, said the presentation was part of the service’s yearly commitment to the centre and also in line with its social responsibility to support quality healthcare delivery in the country
He said the money, which was made possible through some deductions from the salaries of all staff members and management, was a way of contributing to the development and maintenance of the hospital.
The Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who received the cheque, expressed his profound gratitude to CEPS for the support.
He noted that the centre would celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and as part of the event funds were being solicited from benevolent societies and individuals to establish a $14-million Paediatric Heart Centre to cater for children.
He said children constituted 45 per cent of all patients who went to the centre and that building a centre to take special care of them was in the right direction.
Prof Frimpong-Boateng appealed to individuals and organisations to help set up a playroom with toys and teaching and learning aids for the children at the centre.
Receiving a cheque for GH¢3,500, the Deputy Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Group Captain Nii Laryea, was grateful to CEPS for its support.
He said the presentation would enhance and improve healthcare delivery at the hospital.
At the Pantang Hospital, Mr Bofour presented a cheque for GH¢2,500 to the hospital to help improve on the conditions of the inmates.
The acting specialist in charge at the Pantang Hospital, Dr Anna Puklo-Dzadey, expressed her gratitude to CEPS.
She assured the service that the money would be used for the intended purpose.
Dr Puklo-Dzadey took the opportunity to advise CEPS personnel to desist from taking alcohol, adding, “Check the health status and stress level of officers before they are employed.”
She said renovation works at the rehabilitation centre of the hospital had been completed and it would be opened soon.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Glona Healthcare centre honours founder
A special award ceremony was held at the weekend to honour Mrs Lydia Odoley Glover, the Founder of the Glona Healthcare and Vocational Training Centre, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and school, for her contribution towards social and community development.
She was presented with a framed picture, a plaque and a citation by volunteers and pupils of the school.
The school, which was established 12 years ago, started as an informal child literacy programme for deprived children. It sought to provide voluntary services such as health care and vocational skills training for the less-privileged.
In an address read on her behalf, the Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, commended Mrs Glover for her contributions to the reduction of poverty through the education of the less privileged in society.
She observed that Glona's efforts were in line with the social democratic principles of the new administration.
The minister said the government had introduced interventions such as meeting the examination fees of senior high students and free exercise books for pupils in deprived areas and enhanced the existing facilities of the school feeding programme and the capitation grant.
"All these interventions are to relieve parents and guardians from the burden of educating children and affording all underprivileged children an opportunity of having education, at least up to the second-cycle level," she added.
Ms Dansua called on other individuals to emulate Mrs Glover’s move, adding, "We need men and women with a heart to help the vulnerable in society."
The Director of the school, Mr William Anum Annang, said the school had provided help for the deprived in society to make them realise the importance of education and health care as factors that built good living.
"Glona is challenging those involved in poverty eradication efforts to develop sustainable programmes that produce tangible and observable results," he said.
She was presented with a framed picture, a plaque and a citation by volunteers and pupils of the school.
The school, which was established 12 years ago, started as an informal child literacy programme for deprived children. It sought to provide voluntary services such as health care and vocational skills training for the less-privileged.
In an address read on her behalf, the Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, commended Mrs Glover for her contributions to the reduction of poverty through the education of the less privileged in society.
She observed that Glona's efforts were in line with the social democratic principles of the new administration.
The minister said the government had introduced interventions such as meeting the examination fees of senior high students and free exercise books for pupils in deprived areas and enhanced the existing facilities of the school feeding programme and the capitation grant.
"All these interventions are to relieve parents and guardians from the burden of educating children and affording all underprivileged children an opportunity of having education, at least up to the second-cycle level," she added.
Ms Dansua called on other individuals to emulate Mrs Glover’s move, adding, "We need men and women with a heart to help the vulnerable in society."
The Director of the school, Mr William Anum Annang, said the school had provided help for the deprived in society to make them realise the importance of education and health care as factors that built good living.
"Glona is challenging those involved in poverty eradication efforts to develop sustainable programmes that produce tangible and observable results," he said.
Technical skills programme for oil industry on drawing board
THE Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy to develop an engineering technical skills programme for the oil sector.
The training programme is expected to be implemented in technical schools and polytechnics, as well as in the informal engineering sector, particularly in the Western Region, where oil-related industries are located.
The Executive Director of COTVET, Mr Dan Baffour-Awuah, disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of entrepreneurship skills trainees at the Vocational Training for Females (VTF) in Accra.
In all, 40 trainees graduated in entrepreneurial skills training, while 76 others received working equipment such as hair dryers, sewing machines and overlock machines. Certificates were presented to the trainees.
Mr Baffour-Awuah said the council was taking steps to adopt a strategy towards achieving sustainable development of technical engineering skills for the oil sector, which would form the basis for the development of technical skills to support the engineering sector.
He stated that COTVET had discussed the potential skills needs, skills gap, modalities for the training and the mapping out for the institutions in terms of resources and equipment to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
He noted that the programme was timely as beneficiaries would take advantage of the emergence of the skills development fund to access funding to support their activities.
In a speech read on her behalf, the Minister of Women and Children’s Affair, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, said her ministry’s major goal was to enhance employment opportunities and the social status of females for sustainable livelihoods.
“Socio-economic empowerment of women is being vigorously pursued by MOWAC because of our conviction that if a woman is educated and gainfully employed, her self-esteem and confidence are boosted,” she said.
Ms Dansua said that would enable women to function effectively and also participate in decision-making at all levels.
She commended the VTF for facilitating vocational training for women over the years and also taking the necessary steps to support trainees with equipment to begin their businesses.
The acting Director of the VTF, Ms Linda Agyei, said the institution started 17 years ago to enhance employment, social and the political status of women for a sustainable livelihood.
She advised the trainees to use the equipment presented to them for the intended purpose.
The training programme is expected to be implemented in technical schools and polytechnics, as well as in the informal engineering sector, particularly in the Western Region, where oil-related industries are located.
The Executive Director of COTVET, Mr Dan Baffour-Awuah, disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of entrepreneurship skills trainees at the Vocational Training for Females (VTF) in Accra.
In all, 40 trainees graduated in entrepreneurial skills training, while 76 others received working equipment such as hair dryers, sewing machines and overlock machines. Certificates were presented to the trainees.
Mr Baffour-Awuah said the council was taking steps to adopt a strategy towards achieving sustainable development of technical engineering skills for the oil sector, which would form the basis for the development of technical skills to support the engineering sector.
He stated that COTVET had discussed the potential skills needs, skills gap, modalities for the training and the mapping out for the institutions in terms of resources and equipment to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
He noted that the programme was timely as beneficiaries would take advantage of the emergence of the skills development fund to access funding to support their activities.
In a speech read on her behalf, the Minister of Women and Children’s Affair, Ms Akua Sena Dansua, said her ministry’s major goal was to enhance employment opportunities and the social status of females for sustainable livelihoods.
“Socio-economic empowerment of women is being vigorously pursued by MOWAC because of our conviction that if a woman is educated and gainfully employed, her self-esteem and confidence are boosted,” she said.
Ms Dansua said that would enable women to function effectively and also participate in decision-making at all levels.
She commended the VTF for facilitating vocational training for women over the years and also taking the necessary steps to support trainees with equipment to begin their businesses.
The acting Director of the VTF, Ms Linda Agyei, said the institution started 17 years ago to enhance employment, social and the political status of women for a sustainable livelihood.
She advised the trainees to use the equipment presented to them for the intended purpose.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Islamic University celebrates Islamic Unity Week
MUSLIM youth around the country have been urged to join together to form one unit irrespective of their denominational differences. Also,they have been encouraged to use their best endeavours to advance their educational careers for a better future.
The Minister for Youth and Sports , Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, said this at the Islamic University College, Ghana (ICUG), when, as a guest of honour, he was addressing students of the university during their celebration of Islamic Unity Week.
He said he was so much attached to the occasion because of its theme of unity in Islam and Quranic recitation.
“This programme is dear to my heart, because I strongly believe that it takes us close to Allah. Therefore, Muslim youth should be very proud of themselves, but in doing so, they must as well behave themselves,” the minister said.
He said there was the need for the entire Muslim youth to come together in order to grow as a single community, explaining that it was only when all Muslims were united that they could succeed in all endeavours.
Alhaj Mubarak also pleaded with the authorities of the university to give more scholarships to the Muslim youth to study in the university.
For his part, the Head of Cultural and Religious Affairs and Chief Imam of the ICUG, Dr Syed Mohammed Ali Aon said the essence of the programme, which involved Quranic recitation, was to increase public awareness of the value of the Holy Qur’an.
In reference to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khumaini, who said “we must respect the Qur’an, we must recite it, we must abide by it”, Dr Aon, who doubled as the initiator of the Quranic recitation programme, lamented that it was rather unfortunate that Muslims were still disunited.
Dr Aon urged all Muslims to direct their lifestyle towards the teachings of the Qur’an, expatiating on the fact that, by that “we can get victory over our lusts which make us suffer in this world”.
The Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Islamic Education Unit, Alhaji Armiyao Shuaib, for his part, noted that Islam was one of the greatest religions in the world, but by virtue of the multiplicity of the people practising it, sectarianism had become a serious issue, adding that tribalism was one of the most serious challenges.
“Islam has traversed various cultures, tribes and ethnicities, but there is still a fundamental problem with Muslims. That must be searched to discover the cause,” Alhaj Shuaib intimated.
He said for the Muslim Ummah to be able to come together as one family, there was the need for it to appreciate its differences and recognise them as such. He added that it was also important for Muslims to always hold a kind of interdenominational dialogue and also tolerate one another for their differences in religious beliefs, cultures, tribes, etc.
The Chairman for the function, Major Mohammad Essah(retd), commended the initiator and the Islamic University, for that matter, for organising such a wonderful function, with the aim of cementing unity among Muslims.
Major Essah said it would always take just one instrumental person to initiate such a programme in order to join us together, explaining that Allah always wants us to come together as a people.
Among the dignitaries present at the function were the Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Valliullah Mohammadi; the President of Muslims School of Thought in Iran, Dr Abdul Karim Bi-Azar Shirazi, and the President of ICUG, Dr Ahmed Ali Ghane.
The Minister for Youth and Sports , Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, said this at the Islamic University College, Ghana (ICUG), when, as a guest of honour, he was addressing students of the university during their celebration of Islamic Unity Week.
He said he was so much attached to the occasion because of its theme of unity in Islam and Quranic recitation.
“This programme is dear to my heart, because I strongly believe that it takes us close to Allah. Therefore, Muslim youth should be very proud of themselves, but in doing so, they must as well behave themselves,” the minister said.
He said there was the need for the entire Muslim youth to come together in order to grow as a single community, explaining that it was only when all Muslims were united that they could succeed in all endeavours.
Alhaj Mubarak also pleaded with the authorities of the university to give more scholarships to the Muslim youth to study in the university.
For his part, the Head of Cultural and Religious Affairs and Chief Imam of the ICUG, Dr Syed Mohammed Ali Aon said the essence of the programme, which involved Quranic recitation, was to increase public awareness of the value of the Holy Qur’an.
In reference to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khumaini, who said “we must respect the Qur’an, we must recite it, we must abide by it”, Dr Aon, who doubled as the initiator of the Quranic recitation programme, lamented that it was rather unfortunate that Muslims were still disunited.
Dr Aon urged all Muslims to direct their lifestyle towards the teachings of the Qur’an, expatiating on the fact that, by that “we can get victory over our lusts which make us suffer in this world”.
The Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Islamic Education Unit, Alhaji Armiyao Shuaib, for his part, noted that Islam was one of the greatest religions in the world, but by virtue of the multiplicity of the people practising it, sectarianism had become a serious issue, adding that tribalism was one of the most serious challenges.
“Islam has traversed various cultures, tribes and ethnicities, but there is still a fundamental problem with Muslims. That must be searched to discover the cause,” Alhaj Shuaib intimated.
He said for the Muslim Ummah to be able to come together as one family, there was the need for it to appreciate its differences and recognise them as such. He added that it was also important for Muslims to always hold a kind of interdenominational dialogue and also tolerate one another for their differences in religious beliefs, cultures, tribes, etc.
The Chairman for the function, Major Mohammad Essah(retd), commended the initiator and the Islamic University, for that matter, for organising such a wonderful function, with the aim of cementing unity among Muslims.
Major Essah said it would always take just one instrumental person to initiate such a programme in order to join us together, explaining that Allah always wants us to come together as a people.
Among the dignitaries present at the function were the Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Valliullah Mohammadi; the President of Muslims School of Thought in Iran, Dr Abdul Karim Bi-Azar Shirazi, and the President of ICUG, Dr Ahmed Ali Ghane.
Awudome Youth protest death of colleague
The Concerned Youth Group of Awudome Estates have held a peaceful demonstration against the management of Kaneshie Polyclinic for what they described as gross negligence which led to the death of a member of their group.
Amidst brass band music, the group besieged the premises of the polyclinic wielding placards with inscriptions some of which read “Patients need love not condemnation, “Nurses cannot give first aid” and “Polyclinic is a liability to the country”.
According to the spokesperson of the group, Mr Isaac Adjei, the incident occurred on February 8, 2009 when Eric Simpson, 34, a member of the group, was rushed to the clinic after he complained of difficulty in breathing.
Upon arrival, the spokesperson said, a nurse told them the doctor on duty had left and therefore she could not administer first aid to Simpson without a doctor’s instruction.
“She, however, advised us to take him to the Cocoa Clinic. When we got there we were told there was no bed, so we should take him to Holy Trinity. He died on our way to Holy Trinity,” he recounted.
The group, among other things in a petition, have called on the leadership of the clinic to ensure that quality healthcare service is delivered to residents of the area, since it was the right of the people to enjoy quality health care.
The group claimed in the petition that doctors were not available at the clinic at all times although the clinic administration advertised a 24-hour service to the public.
They also claimed that “nurses at the polyclinic are unwilling to provide first aid to patients or are not properly trained to administer first aid to patients”.
“Nurses on duty do not have empathy for the sick and suffering patients and in most cases patient would have to wait for long hours before been attended to. Even during emergencies, nurses are most at times rude to the patients or their families,” they added.
The Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the polyclinic, Ms Alexandraina Addo, who received the petition on behalf of management, expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family and called on the youth to remain calm as management was investigating the incident.
She told the Daily Graphic that disciplinary measures would be taken against the nurse concern if she was found guilty.
“We have started sensitising and training the nurses on what to do when such incidents occur again,” she said.
Ms Addo, however, noted that the clinic lacked permanent doctors and called on the appropriate authorities to come to the aid of the clinic.
Amidst brass band music, the group besieged the premises of the polyclinic wielding placards with inscriptions some of which read “Patients need love not condemnation, “Nurses cannot give first aid” and “Polyclinic is a liability to the country”.
According to the spokesperson of the group, Mr Isaac Adjei, the incident occurred on February 8, 2009 when Eric Simpson, 34, a member of the group, was rushed to the clinic after he complained of difficulty in breathing.
Upon arrival, the spokesperson said, a nurse told them the doctor on duty had left and therefore she could not administer first aid to Simpson without a doctor’s instruction.
“She, however, advised us to take him to the Cocoa Clinic. When we got there we were told there was no bed, so we should take him to Holy Trinity. He died on our way to Holy Trinity,” he recounted.
The group, among other things in a petition, have called on the leadership of the clinic to ensure that quality healthcare service is delivered to residents of the area, since it was the right of the people to enjoy quality health care.
The group claimed in the petition that doctors were not available at the clinic at all times although the clinic administration advertised a 24-hour service to the public.
They also claimed that “nurses at the polyclinic are unwilling to provide first aid to patients or are not properly trained to administer first aid to patients”.
“Nurses on duty do not have empathy for the sick and suffering patients and in most cases patient would have to wait for long hours before been attended to. Even during emergencies, nurses are most at times rude to the patients or their families,” they added.
The Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the polyclinic, Ms Alexandraina Addo, who received the petition on behalf of management, expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family and called on the youth to remain calm as management was investigating the incident.
She told the Daily Graphic that disciplinary measures would be taken against the nurse concern if she was found guilty.
“We have started sensitising and training the nurses on what to do when such incidents occur again,” she said.
Ms Addo, however, noted that the clinic lacked permanent doctors and called on the appropriate authorities to come to the aid of the clinic.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Gov’t will work to expand media frontiers - Zita
The Minister of Information, Mrs Sabah Zita Okaikoi, has given the assurance that an Atta Mills government would work assiduously to ensure the expansion of media frontiers and freedom in the country.
She said as a first step, the administration had adopted an open-door policy that would facilitate the free flow of information for the benefit of all Ghanaians and also as part of its declared aim of ensuring transparency and accountability.
The minister gave the assurance during a familiarisation tour of the Daily Guide, the Insight and the Statesman newspapers in Accra last Thursday.
She also urged the media to always ensure that all their publications were targeted towards the well-being of Ghanaians, adding that “In the pursuit of your professional work as journalists, you should always think of Ghana first and ask yourself what effect your work would have on the country”.
Mrs Okaikoi described the visits as the first move towards engendering closer collaboration between the media and the government, especially the ministry but was quick to add that this was not for the media to be in bed with the Atta Mills administration.
She added that the government believed in a vibrant and objective media that would put the government on its toes to deliver for the people of this country.
She said the media in Ghana was an equal partner to the government in finding solutions to the myriad of problems facing the country, and that the Atta Mills administration would not turn a deaf ear to the media in Ghana.
Mrs Okaikoi reiterated the call on media houses to use their medium to also educate the people on the issue of environmental cleanliness, patriotism, the need for Ghanaians, especially those outside the tax net, to pay their taxes for the government to generate enough revenue to develop the country.
She added that after the elections, the era of partisan political party activities must give way to a united front made up of all Ghanaians working together to accelerate the pace of providing the basic needs of Ghanaians.
At the Daily Guide offices, the Editor of the newspaper, Mr Fortune Alimi, said it was an erroneous impression for people to hold the view that the paper was anti-NDC.
He explained that as a responsible media house, its management and staff were made up of a blend of people from various political backgrounds and what the paper sought to do was to create equal avenues for all Ghanaians to express their opinions.
He added that as a responsible corporate entity, it had been supporting and would continue to support the government in disseminating its policies and programmes and also bring out the ills in the society.
The Editor of the Statesman newspaper, Mr Frances Agyei-Twum, commended the minister for calling on the media house.
Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, also commended the minister for the visit.
She said one of the major problems facing most of the privately owned newspapers was lack of advertisement to generate enough resources for expansion and hiring of qualified personnel.
She said as a first step, the administration had adopted an open-door policy that would facilitate the free flow of information for the benefit of all Ghanaians and also as part of its declared aim of ensuring transparency and accountability.
The minister gave the assurance during a familiarisation tour of the Daily Guide, the Insight and the Statesman newspapers in Accra last Thursday.
She also urged the media to always ensure that all their publications were targeted towards the well-being of Ghanaians, adding that “In the pursuit of your professional work as journalists, you should always think of Ghana first and ask yourself what effect your work would have on the country”.
Mrs Okaikoi described the visits as the first move towards engendering closer collaboration between the media and the government, especially the ministry but was quick to add that this was not for the media to be in bed with the Atta Mills administration.
She added that the government believed in a vibrant and objective media that would put the government on its toes to deliver for the people of this country.
She said the media in Ghana was an equal partner to the government in finding solutions to the myriad of problems facing the country, and that the Atta Mills administration would not turn a deaf ear to the media in Ghana.
Mrs Okaikoi reiterated the call on media houses to use their medium to also educate the people on the issue of environmental cleanliness, patriotism, the need for Ghanaians, especially those outside the tax net, to pay their taxes for the government to generate enough revenue to develop the country.
She added that after the elections, the era of partisan political party activities must give way to a united front made up of all Ghanaians working together to accelerate the pace of providing the basic needs of Ghanaians.
At the Daily Guide offices, the Editor of the newspaper, Mr Fortune Alimi, said it was an erroneous impression for people to hold the view that the paper was anti-NDC.
He explained that as a responsible media house, its management and staff were made up of a blend of people from various political backgrounds and what the paper sought to do was to create equal avenues for all Ghanaians to express their opinions.
He added that as a responsible corporate entity, it had been supporting and would continue to support the government in disseminating its policies and programmes and also bring out the ills in the society.
The Editor of the Statesman newspaper, Mr Frances Agyei-Twum, commended the minister for calling on the media house.
Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, also commended the minister for the visit.
She said one of the major problems facing most of the privately owned newspapers was lack of advertisement to generate enough resources for expansion and hiring of qualified personnel.
‘Let’s discourage violence against women’
THE President of the Women’s Wing of the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB), Ms Cecilia Bartholomew has reiterated the need to discourage acts of violence against women particularly those with disabilities.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark this year's International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Women’s Wing of GAB in Accra, she said the theme for this year’s global event, “Women and Men United to End Violence Against Women and Girls” was laudable, since it focused on united efforts by both men and women to gradually eliminate violence against women and girls.
The theme also projected a united front of both men and women towards the total condemnation of all sorts of violence against women and girls, citing blind and partially- sighted women and girls as most vulnerable.
According to her, efforts to minimise these acts of violence against women and girls should be communicated to people at the grassroots through the use of drama, youth fora, community leadership programmes and peer educators among others.
Ms Bartholomew noted that acts of violence were mostly carried out by close relations, spouses and biological parents and pointed out that, such acts, be they psychological, emotional or physical tend to have long and lasting effects on the victims.
She recalled that since the inception of the Women’s wing of GAB 28 years ago, the association had made positive strides toward raising awareness on the significant roles the blind and partially -sighted women and girls could play in the society.
The Member of Parliament for Abokobi-Madina, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho cautioned the members of the association against the act of begging for alms in the street and urged them “ to believe in yourself and disabuse your minds of the misconception that society has neglected you”.
He said acts of violence against visually impaired women and girls should be discouraged and pointed out that the fact that a woman or girl could not see did not mean that she was incapable of doing anything for herself.
The MP therefore called on Ghanaians to “dismantle the barriers of discrimination which we have erected over the years against the visually impaired and embark on a war path to eradicate the stigma of psychological violence against our sisters and our mothers”.
The Deputy Managing Director of Seatec Holdings, Mrs Augustina Ekuwa Addae encouraged women and girls to live up to the challenges by offering their best wherever they found themselves, adding that they should to see themselves capable of doing things to improve on their status and that of their families.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark this year's International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Women’s Wing of GAB in Accra, she said the theme for this year’s global event, “Women and Men United to End Violence Against Women and Girls” was laudable, since it focused on united efforts by both men and women to gradually eliminate violence against women and girls.
The theme also projected a united front of both men and women towards the total condemnation of all sorts of violence against women and girls, citing blind and partially- sighted women and girls as most vulnerable.
According to her, efforts to minimise these acts of violence against women and girls should be communicated to people at the grassroots through the use of drama, youth fora, community leadership programmes and peer educators among others.
Ms Bartholomew noted that acts of violence were mostly carried out by close relations, spouses and biological parents and pointed out that, such acts, be they psychological, emotional or physical tend to have long and lasting effects on the victims.
She recalled that since the inception of the Women’s wing of GAB 28 years ago, the association had made positive strides toward raising awareness on the significant roles the blind and partially -sighted women and girls could play in the society.
The Member of Parliament for Abokobi-Madina, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho cautioned the members of the association against the act of begging for alms in the street and urged them “ to believe in yourself and disabuse your minds of the misconception that society has neglected you”.
He said acts of violence against visually impaired women and girls should be discouraged and pointed out that the fact that a woman or girl could not see did not mean that she was incapable of doing anything for herself.
The MP therefore called on Ghanaians to “dismantle the barriers of discrimination which we have erected over the years against the visually impaired and embark on a war path to eradicate the stigma of psychological violence against our sisters and our mothers”.
The Deputy Managing Director of Seatec Holdings, Mrs Augustina Ekuwa Addae encouraged women and girls to live up to the challenges by offering their best wherever they found themselves, adding that they should to see themselves capable of doing things to improve on their status and that of their families.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)