Feature by: Mary Ankrah
With the advent of the colonisation and subsequently the introduction of democracy, people now put themselves and their interest before the interest of the nation. It has resulted in a fierce battle between monetary gains and loyalty for one’s state.
Gradually, patriotism in recent times is losing its value. Citizens have now become less patriotic due to various factors which may be political, social and economic and these are affecting our country because patriotism is key to development, growth and unity of every nation.
Over the years, countries have developed because citizens were ready to sacrifice and even lay down their lives to defend and protect their country. During the pre-independence struggle of Ghana, many of our ancestors were willing to do anything for their beloved country and considered their involvement and presence as key to developing the nation. They were more interested in what would benefit the entire nation and bring honour and happiness to all other citizens.
Politically, people were ready to take up leadership roles in order to be granted the opportunity to serve their nation and also share their vision for the betterment of their country. Others shed their blood for the younger generation to live in freedom.
During the time of independence, the spirit of patriotism and nationalism was very high, and the national interest was always first. It was Ghana first, and all were ready to put their hands to the plough.
For instance, the February 28 shooting of ex-servicemen Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey-Lamptey, depicted heroes who were patriotic and loved their country and were ready to die for others to live and be free.
Years back, students who graduated from the universities were not rushing to big industrial companies so that they can earn big salaries and fat allowances; instead they willingly accepted posting to remote areas.
This was because they perceived that as a service to the nation and to mankind. Some even relocated to faraway villages and towns to teach and do other voluntary jobs all in the name of helping to develop a better nation. These people sacrificed the luxury of the cities and rather opted to be patriotic and serve the motherland in their own little way.
Again, sports was one of the ways that citizens demonstrated their love for their country. They desired to join the national team in order to play and bring honour to their nation and did that without thinking about how much allowance they were going to be paid.
The nation can boast such past sports heroes and heroines as Roy Ankrah, C.K. Gyamfi, Azumah Nelson, Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, Christiana Boateng, Alice Anum, Hannah Afriyie, Mike Ahey, Eddie Blay and others.
Other fields were the military and civil service where a high number of people got recruited every year. They joined the army and fought all out to defend their country and worked selflessly.
However, patriotism in recent times is losing its value. People have become more concerned with themselves and what they can gain from their country instead of what they will offer their country. Their actions are driven towards self-centredness and aim at even exploiting the resources of the nation for their own personal gain.
Citizens are becoming less patriotic and less concerned about what goes on in their country. Some don’t even want to know what happens to their country let alone contribute to building a better nation.
Politicians are typical culprits of people who have become less patriotic. They are more concerned with extravagant lifestyles and the new status they would acquire when they become public figures.
One area which is also very evident in recent times is the area of sports where professional sportsmen and women treat national assignments more importance than their professional career. They exhibit their unpatriotic attitudes as some of them have to be pleaded with before they take up those national assignments and when they do, they selfishly demand on-the-spots salaries and allowances before honouring those calls.
Another factor that has made patriotism of little value is globalisation. As a result of this phenomenon, countries which were hitherto miles apart can now connect and this allows for a greater mobility and opportunity for people to leave their country and seek greener pastures where they become detached from their motherland and show little or no patriotism to their homeland.
Indeed, the claim that patriotism is of little value in modern times cannot be far from the truth. Nevertheless, there is the need for the awakening of that feeling of patriotism among citizens and particularly workers.
This is because nations have survived and developed because citizens were patriotic enough to do all in their power to ensure their nation thrives and it is the basic ingredient a nation needs to attain such feat.
President John Evans Atta Mills said during the celebration of the 55th independence anniversary that the celebration “would be meaningless if it is not linked to our collective resolve to join forces in ensuring that nothing is done to whittle away the sweat, blood and toil of those who have made it possible for us to be where we are today”.
It is therefore important for us to keep the pace that our fallen heroes and founding fathers toiled to give us this dear nation and “we dare not destroy what they have toiled to build,” he said.
The best we can do is contribute our quota to building that better Ghana, so that the coming generations will remember us for adding to the legacy of the founding fathers, and not remember us for destroying their heritage.
I will urge all Ghanaians from the least to the greatest to seek the interest of the country first in all things and make it our responsibility to protect government property, manage government institutions well, help to develop our own community by helping to establish schools even without government support. It is through such endeavours that we will be called good citizens of Ghana and God will bless us too.
I call on the youth to refrain from robbery and violence that would destroy the country and instead work hard to protect the country’s good image.
maryankrah25@hotmail.com
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, April 26, 2012, Pg.33 Graphic Communications Group reaches out to other media houses
Story: Mary Ankrah
The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) has asked the media to play their watchdog role effectively so as to deepen the country’s democracy and sustain its peace.
The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, made the call during a day’s working tour of some television networks in the national capital on Tuesday. They are the TV3 Network and TV Africa.
He was received by Mr Santokh Singh and Mr Kwaw Ansah, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of TV3 and TV Africa respectively.
Mr Ashigbey was accompanied by Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager (GM), Newspapers; Mr Ransford Tetteh, Editor of the Daily Graphic, and Mr Frank Oduro, GM, Marketing.
He commended the various media houses for the role they were playing and urged them to maintain ethical standards of the media profession to bring sanity into the industry.
“This is the time for all the media houses to work together to take out the charlatans out from the system,” he stated.
He also discussed some collaborative programmes that would boost the media industry and which would be of benefit to the general public.
Mr Ashigbey announced that GCGL would soon bring on board the Graphic Showbiz, one of the newspapers in the company’s stable, on television to meet the demands of the public.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh suggested that the media should collaborate to hold forums in all the regional capitals to enable the political parties to state their commitment to peaceful elections and to engage politicians and political party leaders in interactions to deepen political discourse in the run-up to Election 2012.
For his part, the Mr Tetteh said the collaboration was to add value to the media industry and raised concern about the newspaper reviews in the broadcast media.
He said most of the broadcast media overdid the newspaper review by reading the newspapers from cover to cover which tended to affect the newspaper companies and, therefore, entreated the broadcast media to curtail some of their discussions in order for people to patronise the newspapers.
Mr Ansah of TV Africa expressed gratitude to GCGL management for the visit, saying the collaboration would strengthen the media to fully hold politicians accountable.
He said TV Africa had formed an editorial board to check slander and libel in its news presentation so ensure reporters applied ethical standards in their reportage.
“The National Media Commission needs to be strengthened to enable it to sanction people who flout the ethics of the profession to limit the use of inflammatory words in the media,” he opined.
The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) has asked the media to play their watchdog role effectively so as to deepen the country’s democracy and sustain its peace.
The Managing Director of GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, made the call during a day’s working tour of some television networks in the national capital on Tuesday. They are the TV3 Network and TV Africa.
He was received by Mr Santokh Singh and Mr Kwaw Ansah, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of TV3 and TV Africa respectively.
Mr Ashigbey was accompanied by Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager (GM), Newspapers; Mr Ransford Tetteh, Editor of the Daily Graphic, and Mr Frank Oduro, GM, Marketing.
He commended the various media houses for the role they were playing and urged them to maintain ethical standards of the media profession to bring sanity into the industry.
“This is the time for all the media houses to work together to take out the charlatans out from the system,” he stated.
He also discussed some collaborative programmes that would boost the media industry and which would be of benefit to the general public.
Mr Ashigbey announced that GCGL would soon bring on board the Graphic Showbiz, one of the newspapers in the company’s stable, on television to meet the demands of the public.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh suggested that the media should collaborate to hold forums in all the regional capitals to enable the political parties to state their commitment to peaceful elections and to engage politicians and political party leaders in interactions to deepen political discourse in the run-up to Election 2012.
For his part, the Mr Tetteh said the collaboration was to add value to the media industry and raised concern about the newspaper reviews in the broadcast media.
He said most of the broadcast media overdid the newspaper review by reading the newspapers from cover to cover which tended to affect the newspaper companies and, therefore, entreated the broadcast media to curtail some of their discussions in order for people to patronise the newspapers.
Mr Ansah of TV Africa expressed gratitude to GCGL management for the visit, saying the collaboration would strengthen the media to fully hold politicians accountable.
He said TV Africa had formed an editorial board to check slander and libel in its news presentation so ensure reporters applied ethical standards in their reportage.
“The National Media Commission needs to be strengthened to enable it to sanction people who flout the ethics of the profession to limit the use of inflammatory words in the media,” he opined.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, Pg.
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has called on the private sector to partner with the government to facilitate sustainable long-term development of the agricultural sector.
This, he said, would enable the government to develop policies and platforms that would treat the private sector as a true partner and be able to develop new opportunities for investment, create growth in the private sector while at the same time relieving some of the financial burdens on the government.
He made the call at a forum held by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Private Enterprise Foundation (PEP) in Accra last Tuesday.
The forum sought to bring together stakeholders, private agricultural companies and industries to highlight opportunities that exist in the sector to make it attractive for private investment
It was expected to produce a great opportunity to capitalise on and strengthen the ‘Grow Africa’ process and further harness the momentum of the G8 summit to solidify private sector investment in agriculture.
Mr Mahama, in a speech read on his behalf, indicated that the government was investing in the enabling factors in the sector that would encourage robust investment from the private sector partners.
To that end, through the Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy and Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plane, the government would address issues including food security and emergency preparedness, growth in incomes, access to markets, sustainable management of land and environment, applied science and technology and enhance institutional co-ordination.
The vice president emphasised that those initiatives would “enhance productivity, add value chains and provide smallholders farmers with the tools and skills necessary to integrate themselves in supply chains,” adding that the government’s agribusiness strategy was to be embedded in the sector policy and investment plan, and was therefore, important in the successful transformation of agriculture.
In that connection, Mr Mahama said, the government in collaboration with the World Bank and USAID had prepared the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) to realise that policy plan.
In addition to the new opportunities that would arise through the implementation of programmes, he observed that the government was undertaking a series of projects including export market and quality assurance, northern rural growth and root and tuber improvement and marketing projects.
Mr Mahama also said the latest World Bank Doing Business 2012 Survey, released in October 2011, revealed that Ghana had a relatively healthy economy for investment, though there were still some areas for improvement.
He pointed that some of the challenges to investment in the agricultural sector included the deficit in infrastructure and the need to accelerate the rate of infrastructure development particularly with regard to electricity and the density and quality of road network in the country.
“There is also the need to increase the private sector’s access to credit at a comprehensive cost and to regulate secured and legal access to land,” he added.
On infrastructure development, he said the government with MIDA’s support, had constructed a $2.5 million perishable cargo centre at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra to boost non-traditional exports by 400 per cent by 2015.
Again, the construction of the N1 highway that runs from the south west to east of the country would increase access to the KIA, the port of Tema as well as between Tema and Accra, he said.
In order to provide better access to medium and long term funding for agricultural development, Mr Mahama observed that the government had set up the Outgrower and Value Chain Fund (OVCF), a joint grant and loan programme to the already existing Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) to support local outgrowers to provide more financial resources.
On access to land, he said the government through the GCAP was working across agencies, including the Land Commission, to address land issues which the Land Administration Project II (LAP-2) was expected to achieve.
THE Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has called on the private sector to partner with the government to facilitate sustainable long-term development of the agricultural sector.
This, he said, would enable the government to develop policies and platforms that would treat the private sector as a true partner and be able to develop new opportunities for investment, create growth in the private sector while at the same time relieving some of the financial burdens on the government.
He made the call at a forum held by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Private Enterprise Foundation (PEP) in Accra last Tuesday.
The forum sought to bring together stakeholders, private agricultural companies and industries to highlight opportunities that exist in the sector to make it attractive for private investment
It was expected to produce a great opportunity to capitalise on and strengthen the ‘Grow Africa’ process and further harness the momentum of the G8 summit to solidify private sector investment in agriculture.
Mr Mahama, in a speech read on his behalf, indicated that the government was investing in the enabling factors in the sector that would encourage robust investment from the private sector partners.
To that end, through the Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy and Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plane, the government would address issues including food security and emergency preparedness, growth in incomes, access to markets, sustainable management of land and environment, applied science and technology and enhance institutional co-ordination.
The vice president emphasised that those initiatives would “enhance productivity, add value chains and provide smallholders farmers with the tools and skills necessary to integrate themselves in supply chains,” adding that the government’s agribusiness strategy was to be embedded in the sector policy and investment plan, and was therefore, important in the successful transformation of agriculture.
In that connection, Mr Mahama said, the government in collaboration with the World Bank and USAID had prepared the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) to realise that policy plan.
In addition to the new opportunities that would arise through the implementation of programmes, he observed that the government was undertaking a series of projects including export market and quality assurance, northern rural growth and root and tuber improvement and marketing projects.
Mr Mahama also said the latest World Bank Doing Business 2012 Survey, released in October 2011, revealed that Ghana had a relatively healthy economy for investment, though there were still some areas for improvement.
He pointed that some of the challenges to investment in the agricultural sector included the deficit in infrastructure and the need to accelerate the rate of infrastructure development particularly with regard to electricity and the density and quality of road network in the country.
“There is also the need to increase the private sector’s access to credit at a comprehensive cost and to regulate secured and legal access to land,” he added.
On infrastructure development, he said the government with MIDA’s support, had constructed a $2.5 million perishable cargo centre at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra to boost non-traditional exports by 400 per cent by 2015.
Again, the construction of the N1 highway that runs from the south west to east of the country would increase access to the KIA, the port of Tema as well as between Tema and Accra, he said.
In order to provide better access to medium and long term funding for agricultural development, Mr Mahama observed that the government had set up the Outgrower and Value Chain Fund (OVCF), a joint grant and loan programme to the already existing Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) to support local outgrowers to provide more financial resources.
On access to land, he said the government through the GCAP was working across agencies, including the Land Commission, to address land issues which the Land Administration Project II (LAP-2) was expected to achieve.
Monday, April 23, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 23, 2012, Pg.11. Friendship Foundation International honours women
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| The three in front are the Founder & National Coordinator of FFI, Mrs Agnes Mfon Gowon (left), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Values for Life, a non-governmental organisation; Ms Dzifa Gomashie (middle), Ms Gifty Anti, a broadcast journalist at Ghana Television (right); and a cross-section of the participants in the FFI thanksgiving and award ceremony in Accra. |
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| A Council Member of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mrs Ifey Ikeonu, making her presentation at the programme. |
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been urged to continue to advocate, enlighten and educate women on issues relating to their welfare to strengthen their participation in sustainable development.
They have also been encouraged to hold various governments accountable to fulfil their obligations to the populace especially towards ensuring compliance with fundamental human rights to meet the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
That, according to a Council Member of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mrs Ifey Ikeonu, could be achieved by re-orienting the public and private sectors to initiate programmes that would be harnessed towards economic development of women through agriculture, self-reliance and taking comprehensive steps to eliminate gender-based discrimination that hinders gender equity and sustainable development.
She announced this at the fourth annual thanksgiving and award ceremony of the Friendship Foundation International (FFI), an NGO in Ghana, held in Accra last Saturday.
In her presentation on the theme: “Strengthening the participation of women in sustainable development: Role of NGOs, Mrs Ikeonu observed that women farmers could be educated on forming co-operatives that would enable them to rise from the level of subsistence farming to farming as a major source of income and encourage agricultural practices that would ensure higher yields.
She added that when using firewood as a source of fuel, women could be enlightened to use efficient wood or coal cooking stoves that minimised the quantity of wood used and encouraged to plant more trees to replace felled ones.
On self-reliance, she said NGOs could help women to tap opportunities to serve as a source of wealth creation to become self-sufficient, adding that NGOs could also educate communities to utilise these resources in a more sustainable way to ensure that the resources were not depleted to the detriment of future generations.
To this end, she entreated NGOs to ensure that women in poor and rural communities utilised “self-help and mutual help initiatives” to empower themselves.
Mrs Ikeonu stated that NGOs could partner with governments and local authorities to make broader impact on society to promote women’s participation at all levels of decision-making and recognise their leadership potential.
She, therefore, appealed to African leaders and governments to involve more women as part of their delegations to global meetings to make useful contributions to how proposed policies could affect the life of citizens, particularly women, to provide broader impact for sustainable development in their respective countries.
The FFI used the occasion to award two women - Ms Gifty Anti, a broadcast journalist and the FFI Ambassador for the MDG, for using the media to constantly advocate for women’s rights and enlighten the populace on the challenges women face in society, and Ms Carol Ajie, a well-known Nigerian gender rights advocate and legal practitioner, for being the most distinguished FFI female lawyer in Africa.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 23, 2012, Pg.49. Bagbin courts support of GMA to address problems of health workers
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Minister of Health, Mr Alban Bagbin, has appealed to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and its sister organisations to partner the government to find a long-lasting solution to agitation by health workers over poor service conditions and remuneration.
He said such collaborative engagement was a better option than strikes which were usually used as means of resolving some challenges by doctors, nurses and other health workers.
He made the appeal at the induction ceremony of newly qualified medical and dental practitioners in Accra last Friday.
One hundred and eighty-six newly qualified medical and dental practitioners were inducted into the profession.
They were made up of 144 doctors from the University of Ghana Medical School, 16 dentists from the University of Ghana Dental School and 26 doctors who were abroad.
Mr Bagbin said the problem of service condition and poor remuneration had persisted for over 20 years and had been a difficult task for successive governments to resolve.
Therefore, he said: “All should put shoulders to the wheel and look for long-lasting solutions rather than piecemeal, quick fixes”.
As much as the people could not deny the health professionals their right to advocate better conditions of service, Mr Bagbin said they should not do so in blatant disregard for the lives of people entrusted into their care.
“If we could sometimes eschew the drama of our demands and resort to constructive engagement, accommodation, understanding, and compromise without visiting pain on our own people, we will be better off in the long term,” he added.
The health minister said in a bid to resolve those challenges, people must recognise the scarcity of resources and the need to allocate them as efficiently as possible.
He said the government would do its best to motivate all hard-working health workers across the country.
To that end, he said the government had revived the staff welfare schemes in all the health facilities and instituted a national best health worker award scheme scheduled for August, 2012.
In addition, he used the occasion to encourage the newly qualified medical doctors and dentists to accept postings to the rural areas to extend quality health care to the people.
He said about 1,110 doctors, representing 50 per cent of all doctors in the country, were in the Greater Accra while 23, representing less than one per cent, were in the Upper West Region serving a population of about a million.
THE Minister of Health, Mr Alban Bagbin, has appealed to the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and its sister organisations to partner the government to find a long-lasting solution to agitation by health workers over poor service conditions and remuneration.
He said such collaborative engagement was a better option than strikes which were usually used as means of resolving some challenges by doctors, nurses and other health workers.
He made the appeal at the induction ceremony of newly qualified medical and dental practitioners in Accra last Friday.
One hundred and eighty-six newly qualified medical and dental practitioners were inducted into the profession.
They were made up of 144 doctors from the University of Ghana Medical School, 16 dentists from the University of Ghana Dental School and 26 doctors who were abroad.
Mr Bagbin said the problem of service condition and poor remuneration had persisted for over 20 years and had been a difficult task for successive governments to resolve.
Therefore, he said: “All should put shoulders to the wheel and look for long-lasting solutions rather than piecemeal, quick fixes”.
As much as the people could not deny the health professionals their right to advocate better conditions of service, Mr Bagbin said they should not do so in blatant disregard for the lives of people entrusted into their care.
“If we could sometimes eschew the drama of our demands and resort to constructive engagement, accommodation, understanding, and compromise without visiting pain on our own people, we will be better off in the long term,” he added.
The health minister said in a bid to resolve those challenges, people must recognise the scarcity of resources and the need to allocate them as efficiently as possible.
He said the government would do its best to motivate all hard-working health workers across the country.
To that end, he said the government had revived the staff welfare schemes in all the health facilities and instituted a national best health worker award scheme scheduled for August, 2012.
In addition, he used the occasion to encourage the newly qualified medical doctors and dentists to accept postings to the rural areas to extend quality health care to the people.
He said about 1,110 doctors, representing 50 per cent of all doctors in the country, were in the Greater Accra while 23, representing less than one per cent, were in the Upper West Region serving a population of about a million.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Saturday, April 21, 2012, Pg. 28. Contractors advised to use local building materials
Story: Mary Ankrah
A DEPUTY MINISTER of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH), Dr Hannah Louisa Bisiw, has called on Ghanaians and building contractors to use improved local building materials as a viable option for solving the country’s housing deficit.
She also appealed to the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), to partner with the private sector agencies under the new public private-partnership (PPP) to explore innovative ways to use local materials in the design and construction of buildings to reduce the cost of construction in the country.
This, she said, would enable the government to achieve its objective of increasing the manufacturing and usage of local materials to 60 per cent by 2015.
According to Dr Bisiw, the use of local building materials would help boost the economy as a critical factor in tackling poverty, job creation and social stabilisation to improve housing delivery in the country.
She made this known at a seminar held by the ministries of Water Resources Works and Housing, and Environment Science and Technology, in conjunction with the Architects Registration Council of Ghana in Accra.
The seminar was on the theme: “The use of local building materials in building and construction”.
It sought to bring together stakeholders of the building and construction industry to identify the challenges affecting the effective use of local building materials and define steps to whip up the interest of entrepreneurs to invest in the production of local building materials.
Speaking at the seminar, Dr Bisiw observed that building materials constituted about 60 per cent of construction cost, and improvement in the building material industry formed the basis of strategies to improve shelter delivery.
She, however, said the building and construction market was characterised by high cost of materials mostly imported and in limited supply across the country, adding that “the basic need for shelter by the masses at an affordable price depended on the availability of durable building materials at a reasonable price”.
The Minister of Environment Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, in a speech read on her behalf, indicated that currently, the housing stock stood at around 1.5 million and it was of “dire consequence to the growth of the economy to improve upon this deficit”.
Due to this major constraint, she said, “housing demand had exceeded housing supply of which the average cost of two-bedroom house costs between $45,000 and $75,000 which is beyond the purchasing power of the average family”.
She explained that one of the contributory factors to the high cost of building was the high dependency on foreign imports and gave an assurance that the government would explore all means to assist producers of local building materials to produce in large quantities to meet future demands.
Ms Ayittey entreated Ghanaians to use local building materials, which hold the best prospects for the climate challenges in the country.
Ghana produces a variety of raw building materials including pozzolana, clay, cane, bamboo and other products which could be used for construction and building of houses.
A DEPUTY MINISTER of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH), Dr Hannah Louisa Bisiw, has called on Ghanaians and building contractors to use improved local building materials as a viable option for solving the country’s housing deficit.
She also appealed to the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), to partner with the private sector agencies under the new public private-partnership (PPP) to explore innovative ways to use local materials in the design and construction of buildings to reduce the cost of construction in the country.
This, she said, would enable the government to achieve its objective of increasing the manufacturing and usage of local materials to 60 per cent by 2015.
According to Dr Bisiw, the use of local building materials would help boost the economy as a critical factor in tackling poverty, job creation and social stabilisation to improve housing delivery in the country.
She made this known at a seminar held by the ministries of Water Resources Works and Housing, and Environment Science and Technology, in conjunction with the Architects Registration Council of Ghana in Accra.
The seminar was on the theme: “The use of local building materials in building and construction”.
It sought to bring together stakeholders of the building and construction industry to identify the challenges affecting the effective use of local building materials and define steps to whip up the interest of entrepreneurs to invest in the production of local building materials.
Speaking at the seminar, Dr Bisiw observed that building materials constituted about 60 per cent of construction cost, and improvement in the building material industry formed the basis of strategies to improve shelter delivery.
She, however, said the building and construction market was characterised by high cost of materials mostly imported and in limited supply across the country, adding that “the basic need for shelter by the masses at an affordable price depended on the availability of durable building materials at a reasonable price”.
The Minister of Environment Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, in a speech read on her behalf, indicated that currently, the housing stock stood at around 1.5 million and it was of “dire consequence to the growth of the economy to improve upon this deficit”.
Due to this major constraint, she said, “housing demand had exceeded housing supply of which the average cost of two-bedroom house costs between $45,000 and $75,000 which is beyond the purchasing power of the average family”.
She explained that one of the contributory factors to the high cost of building was the high dependency on foreign imports and gave an assurance that the government would explore all means to assist producers of local building materials to produce in large quantities to meet future demands.
Ms Ayittey entreated Ghanaians to use local building materials, which hold the best prospects for the climate challenges in the country.
Ghana produces a variety of raw building materials including pozzolana, clay, cane, bamboo and other products which could be used for construction and building of houses.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Saturday, April 21, 2012, Pg. 28. CUA calls for law to govern credit unions
Story: Mary Ankrah
The Ghana Co-operative Credit Union Association (CUA) Limited, has called on the government to ensure the passage of a law governing the operation of credit unions to empower them to provide sustainable financial services to improve the lives of people in the society.
This, according to the Board Chairman of the CUA, Mr Cyprian K. A. Basing, would give credit unions the legal backing to take decisions on issues arising from their businesses and maintain sound business practices to create more benefits for its members.
Mr Basing told newsmen at a press conference in Accra last Wednesday that a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) to govern operations of credit unions would help strengthen their cohesion to promote the socio-economic well-being of the people and also strengthen the source of government funding through the private sector.
“As a private sector initiative, the law would provide credit unions with enabling environment for them to operate and sustain themselves just like any other private institution”, he added.
It is anticipated that the credit union legislative instrument would enhance the monitoring of the credit unions as desired by the central bank and help eradicate unauthorised formation of credit unions by quack individuals.
He observed that it was important to have a credit union law in Ghana so that the unions would be more competitive to sustain themselves in the long-term to be able to serve the poor better.
“Recognising the credit legislative instrument by law is another form of encouraging and appreciating the development of indigenous institutions in Ghana”, he added.
The board chairman was also emphatic that NLCD 252 of 1968 was completely outdated and, therefore, did not respond to the needs of credit unions in the country.
This is because 90 per cent of the provisions in the law covers marketing, farmers, consumers and other co-operatives but not credit unions.
Besides, it did not consider the new trends of business which have come out as a result of changes in technology, the diverse nature of individuals, changes in the mode of business transactions and the need for specialisation in dealing and supervision of particular businesses.
Moreover, the payment of dividends and interest on savings, which is less than 10 per cent, limited the credit union operations to be competitive.
The Ghana CUA is the umbrella body of all co-operative credit unions in the country, which provides an enabling environment for financial and other technical services to its members.
It regulates and supervises all the credit unions in the country on behalf of the Bank of Ghana and other interested groups for sanity to prevail in the market.
CUA provides services to all the credit unions in Ghana, that is examining premises and equipment for the provision of licence to commence business, as well as provides materials to all the credit unions for administrative purposes.
It also audits accounts of the credit unions in accordance to the law of auditing to ensure that there is fairness and justice in the administration of funds in the credit unions in Ghana.
Similary,the co-operative nature of the credit unions provide opportunity for the members to come together to foster peace and unity amongst themselves, whilst the financial nature helps them to develop the habit of savings and wise use of money.
The Ghana Co-operative Credit Union Association (CUA) Limited, has called on the government to ensure the passage of a law governing the operation of credit unions to empower them to provide sustainable financial services to improve the lives of people in the society.
This, according to the Board Chairman of the CUA, Mr Cyprian K. A. Basing, would give credit unions the legal backing to take decisions on issues arising from their businesses and maintain sound business practices to create more benefits for its members.
Mr Basing told newsmen at a press conference in Accra last Wednesday that a proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) to govern operations of credit unions would help strengthen their cohesion to promote the socio-economic well-being of the people and also strengthen the source of government funding through the private sector.
“As a private sector initiative, the law would provide credit unions with enabling environment for them to operate and sustain themselves just like any other private institution”, he added.
It is anticipated that the credit union legislative instrument would enhance the monitoring of the credit unions as desired by the central bank and help eradicate unauthorised formation of credit unions by quack individuals.
He observed that it was important to have a credit union law in Ghana so that the unions would be more competitive to sustain themselves in the long-term to be able to serve the poor better.
“Recognising the credit legislative instrument by law is another form of encouraging and appreciating the development of indigenous institutions in Ghana”, he added.
The board chairman was also emphatic that NLCD 252 of 1968 was completely outdated and, therefore, did not respond to the needs of credit unions in the country.
This is because 90 per cent of the provisions in the law covers marketing, farmers, consumers and other co-operatives but not credit unions.
Besides, it did not consider the new trends of business which have come out as a result of changes in technology, the diverse nature of individuals, changes in the mode of business transactions and the need for specialisation in dealing and supervision of particular businesses.
Moreover, the payment of dividends and interest on savings, which is less than 10 per cent, limited the credit union operations to be competitive.
The Ghana CUA is the umbrella body of all co-operative credit unions in the country, which provides an enabling environment for financial and other technical services to its members.
It regulates and supervises all the credit unions in the country on behalf of the Bank of Ghana and other interested groups for sanity to prevail in the market.
CUA provides services to all the credit unions in Ghana, that is examining premises and equipment for the provision of licence to commence business, as well as provides materials to all the credit unions for administrative purposes.
It also audits accounts of the credit unions in accordance to the law of auditing to ensure that there is fairness and justice in the administration of funds in the credit unions in Ghana.
Similary,the co-operative nature of the credit unions provide opportunity for the members to come together to foster peace and unity amongst themselves, whilst the financial nature helps them to develop the habit of savings and wise use of money.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Saturday, April 21, 2012, Pg. 28. Greater Accra LAP-2 committee inaugurated
Story: Mary Ankrah
A 17-MEMBER steering committee to oversee the implementation of the second phase of the Ghana Land Administration Project (LAP- 2) in the Greater Accra Region has been inaugurated.
The project seeks to consolidate urban and rural land administration and management systems for efficient and transparent land service delivery in the country.
The five-year project, which started in July, 2011 and due to end in June, 2016, would focus on mapping primarily in four regions namely, Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti and Northern regions.
The entire project is estimated to cost $72 million for the four regions, and donor partners include the World Bank/IDA that is supporting with a loan of $50 million, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), $15 million; the Government of Ghana, $5 million, while beneficiaries support with services amounting to $2 million.
The project is a continuation of LAP-1, which streamlined land administration institutions by the passage of the Lands Commission Act 2008, Act 767 which merged four land sector agencies into a single entity — the Lands Commission (LC) — and brought the title and deeds registries under one organisational unit — the Land Registration Division.
It also decentralised the Deeds Registry in all the nine regional capitals, effectively bringing the registration of deeds closer to clients with a reduction in time for delivery from more than 36 months to about three months.
The LAP-1 project equally accomplished the establishment of 37 customary land secretariats to facilitate the management and record keeping by traditional authorities of land allocations and transactions within their traditional areas.
In addition are the modeling of land use planning at three levels including preparation of spatial development frameworks; reduction in the backlog of land-related court cases; the testing of title registration and demarcation of boundaries of customary land through private surveyors; and the ascertainment and codification of customary land rights in 20 traditional areas.
Therefore, the LAP-2 project is intended to implement the key policy actions recommended in the Ghana Land Policy of 1999, to address critical issues militating against effective land administration in the country.
The LAP-2 project is, therefore, aimed at strengthening the gains made under LAP-1 by deepening the reforms, enabling the land sector agencies to be more responsive to clients, cutting down the cost and time of doing business and providing an enabling environment to reflect the objectives of an efficient and transparent service delivery.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Accra, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Vanderpuiye, pointed out that while the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources would be responsible for the overall management of the project, the steering project committee was vested with the responsibility to approve all work plans prepared by the implementing agencies through a national project coordinating unit.
Mr Vanderpuiye also indicated that the project would enable the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to complete a street naming and house numbering exercise for the Ayawaso sub-metro for an amount of $3.86 million.
He emphasised that the maximum outcome of the project which focused on the four regions would not only benefit those regions but the entire country.
“The fact that four regions have been earmarked under the project for targeted mapping does not preclude any region from carrying out mapping under the project,” he added.
He observed that the inauguration of the Greater Accra Regional committee signified the actual commencement of the LAP-2 project in the region and, therefore, called on the committee to be dedicated and consider the fact that land administration was a paramount importance to the country.
In his presentation, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the LAP, Mr Nelson Adom, said the project would build on the momentum underway to transform the Lands Commission, the Office of Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) and Town and Country Planning Department (T&CPD) into modern and efficient service providers.
He observed that the project would also help reduce land deed registration transaction from three months to a maximum of one-month period while title registration would reduce from seven months to a maximum of two months.
A 17-MEMBER steering committee to oversee the implementation of the second phase of the Ghana Land Administration Project (LAP- 2) in the Greater Accra Region has been inaugurated.
The project seeks to consolidate urban and rural land administration and management systems for efficient and transparent land service delivery in the country.
The five-year project, which started in July, 2011 and due to end in June, 2016, would focus on mapping primarily in four regions namely, Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti and Northern regions.
The entire project is estimated to cost $72 million for the four regions, and donor partners include the World Bank/IDA that is supporting with a loan of $50 million, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), $15 million; the Government of Ghana, $5 million, while beneficiaries support with services amounting to $2 million.
The project is a continuation of LAP-1, which streamlined land administration institutions by the passage of the Lands Commission Act 2008, Act 767 which merged four land sector agencies into a single entity — the Lands Commission (LC) — and brought the title and deeds registries under one organisational unit — the Land Registration Division.
It also decentralised the Deeds Registry in all the nine regional capitals, effectively bringing the registration of deeds closer to clients with a reduction in time for delivery from more than 36 months to about three months.
The LAP-1 project equally accomplished the establishment of 37 customary land secretariats to facilitate the management and record keeping by traditional authorities of land allocations and transactions within their traditional areas.
In addition are the modeling of land use planning at three levels including preparation of spatial development frameworks; reduction in the backlog of land-related court cases; the testing of title registration and demarcation of boundaries of customary land through private surveyors; and the ascertainment and codification of customary land rights in 20 traditional areas.
Therefore, the LAP-2 project is intended to implement the key policy actions recommended in the Ghana Land Policy of 1999, to address critical issues militating against effective land administration in the country.
The LAP-2 project is, therefore, aimed at strengthening the gains made under LAP-1 by deepening the reforms, enabling the land sector agencies to be more responsive to clients, cutting down the cost and time of doing business and providing an enabling environment to reflect the objectives of an efficient and transparent service delivery.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Accra, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Vanderpuiye, pointed out that while the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources would be responsible for the overall management of the project, the steering project committee was vested with the responsibility to approve all work plans prepared by the implementing agencies through a national project coordinating unit.
Mr Vanderpuiye also indicated that the project would enable the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to complete a street naming and house numbering exercise for the Ayawaso sub-metro for an amount of $3.86 million.
He emphasised that the maximum outcome of the project which focused on the four regions would not only benefit those regions but the entire country.
“The fact that four regions have been earmarked under the project for targeted mapping does not preclude any region from carrying out mapping under the project,” he added.
He observed that the inauguration of the Greater Accra Regional committee signified the actual commencement of the LAP-2 project in the region and, therefore, called on the committee to be dedicated and consider the fact that land administration was a paramount importance to the country.
In his presentation, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the LAP, Mr Nelson Adom, said the project would build on the momentum underway to transform the Lands Commission, the Office of Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) and Town and Country Planning Department (T&CPD) into modern and efficient service providers.
He observed that the project would also help reduce land deed registration transaction from three months to a maximum of one-month period while title registration would reduce from seven months to a maximum of two months.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 17, 2012, Pg.49. Revival Flames ordains new pastors
Story: Mary Ankrah
FOUR members of the Revival Flames Bible Church International at La, Accra, have been ordained pastors of the church.
They are Christian Kofi Awardzi, Emmanuel Owiredu-Antwi, Constance Acheampong and Mavis Folson.
Preaching on the theme: “Walking with Destiny,” at the ordination service, the Protocol Officer of the Ghana Apostolic Church, Reverend Kofi Addison, observed that destiny was a preordained life that each individual brought into the world.
He said the most tragic thing in the world was that many people did not know their destiny.
Reverend Addison said one could only realise one’s true self by discovering, uncovering and recovering one’s destiny to fulfil the purpose of one’s mission on earth.
“A seed cannot germinate if it does not get in contact with its source,” he said, explaining that one could discover himself only by getting closer to God.
“Deciding to walk with God is not a mistake; but it is for man to identify who he is through God,” he added.
He urged the congregation to work very hard to uncover their destinies, no matter the challenges, and added that there were sacrifices they needed to make to achieve that purpose.
The Head Pastor of the church, Reverend Godfried Oppong Diallo, advised the new pastors to serve in humility and not look down on any one, adding that in all their endeavours, they should ascribe all glory to the Almighty God.
FOUR members of the Revival Flames Bible Church International at La, Accra, have been ordained pastors of the church.
They are Christian Kofi Awardzi, Emmanuel Owiredu-Antwi, Constance Acheampong and Mavis Folson.
Preaching on the theme: “Walking with Destiny,” at the ordination service, the Protocol Officer of the Ghana Apostolic Church, Reverend Kofi Addison, observed that destiny was a preordained life that each individual brought into the world.
He said the most tragic thing in the world was that many people did not know their destiny.
Reverend Addison said one could only realise one’s true self by discovering, uncovering and recovering one’s destiny to fulfil the purpose of one’s mission on earth.
“A seed cannot germinate if it does not get in contact with its source,” he said, explaining that one could discover himself only by getting closer to God.
“Deciding to walk with God is not a mistake; but it is for man to identify who he is through God,” he added.
He urged the congregation to work very hard to uncover their destinies, no matter the challenges, and added that there were sacrifices they needed to make to achieve that purpose.
The Head Pastor of the church, Reverend Godfried Oppong Diallo, advised the new pastors to serve in humility and not look down on any one, adding that in all their endeavours, they should ascribe all glory to the Almighty God.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 17, 2012, Pg 49. Laterbiokorshie residents get free health screening
Story: Mary Ankrah
Residents and members of the Soko Methodist Church at Laterbiokorshie in Accra on Saturday benefited from a health screening exercise.
The objective was for early detection of diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure and eye problems to enable them to seek early treatment.
Members of the church also donated blood to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Blood Bank.
The exercise formed part of activities marking the church’s 20th anniversary slated for September 30, 2012.
The anniversary is on the theme: “We are well able to overcome.”
Explaining the reason for the theme, the planning committee chairman, Mr Jonathan Abossey, said although the church was facing some spiritual, physical and material challenges, the church would surely overcome them.
He said the exercise would enhance the well-being of the members and the community to make them healthy enough to worship God.
He advised Ghanaians to be concerned about their health, exercise and visit the hospital regularly to examine their health so that they would always be healthy.
Residents and members of the Soko Methodist Church at Laterbiokorshie in Accra on Saturday benefited from a health screening exercise.
The objective was for early detection of diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure and eye problems to enable them to seek early treatment.
Members of the church also donated blood to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Blood Bank.
The exercise formed part of activities marking the church’s 20th anniversary slated for September 30, 2012.
The anniversary is on the theme: “We are well able to overcome.”
Explaining the reason for the theme, the planning committee chairman, Mr Jonathan Abossey, said although the church was facing some spiritual, physical and material challenges, the church would surely overcome them.
He said the exercise would enhance the well-being of the members and the community to make them healthy enough to worship God.
He advised Ghanaians to be concerned about their health, exercise and visit the hospital regularly to examine their health so that they would always be healthy.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 17, 2012, Pg. 20. Veep, 16 others receive awards
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, and 16 others have been honoured for upholding honesty, integrity and accountability in their various fields of endeavour.
The 16 others who were honoured at the 5th West African International Governance and Leadership (WAIGL) Dinner and Awards 2012 were the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro; Mr Emmanuel Botchwey of Regimanuel Gray Limited; the Minister of Defence and former Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lt Gen Joseph Henry Smith Retd); Mr Maxwell Kojo Atta-Krah, the Managing Director of the Produce Buying Company Limited, and Dr Aminu Ladan Sharehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Others were Mr John Emmanuel Donkor, the Founder and President of the Jayee University College; Mr Peter Issaka Azuma, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority; Apostle Cyril U.O. Ajagu, a businessman; Dr Paul Kofi Fynn, the Founder and Chancellor of the Wisconsin International University College; Bishop Augustine Annor Yeboah, the Founder of the Christian Praise International Church, and Dr Kwaku Frimpong, the CEO of Champion Divine Clinic.
The rest were Dr Theresa Oppong-Beeko, the Founder of Manet Housing Limited; Mr Enoch Lamptey-Mills, the Founder and Director of the Great Lamptey-Mills Institute; Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah, the Executive Director of the Ghana Shippers Authority; Noble Tobi Okoli, a Nigerian businessman, and Mr Joseph Kobina Essibu, the Founder and CEO of Ideal College.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Vice-President, the Minister of Information, Mr Fritz Baffour, congratulated the awardees and said their achievement was a good signal for others to follow to achieve the best for Ghana and West Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the CEO and Editor of the West Africa International Magazine (WAIM), Dr Dee Otibu-Asare, observed that Africa was ravaged by corruption, greed and selfishness and those vices had collectively jettisoned some of the cherished ideals and dreams of the founding fathers of the sub-region.
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| Some the awardees with the Minister of Information, Mr Fritz Baffour (3rd right) |
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, and 16 others have been honoured for upholding honesty, integrity and accountability in their various fields of endeavour.
The 16 others who were honoured at the 5th West African International Governance and Leadership (WAIGL) Dinner and Awards 2012 were the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro; Mr Emmanuel Botchwey of Regimanuel Gray Limited; the Minister of Defence and former Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lt Gen Joseph Henry Smith Retd); Mr Maxwell Kojo Atta-Krah, the Managing Director of the Produce Buying Company Limited, and Dr Aminu Ladan Sharehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Others were Mr John Emmanuel Donkor, the Founder and President of the Jayee University College; Mr Peter Issaka Azuma, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority; Apostle Cyril U.O. Ajagu, a businessman; Dr Paul Kofi Fynn, the Founder and Chancellor of the Wisconsin International University College; Bishop Augustine Annor Yeboah, the Founder of the Christian Praise International Church, and Dr Kwaku Frimpong, the CEO of Champion Divine Clinic.
The rest were Dr Theresa Oppong-Beeko, the Founder of Manet Housing Limited; Mr Enoch Lamptey-Mills, the Founder and Director of the Great Lamptey-Mills Institute; Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah, the Executive Director of the Ghana Shippers Authority; Noble Tobi Okoli, a Nigerian businessman, and Mr Joseph Kobina Essibu, the Founder and CEO of Ideal College.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Vice-President, the Minister of Information, Mr Fritz Baffour, congratulated the awardees and said their achievement was a good signal for others to follow to achieve the best for Ghana and West Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the CEO and Editor of the West Africa International Magazine (WAIM), Dr Dee Otibu-Asare, observed that Africa was ravaged by corruption, greed and selfishness and those vices had collectively jettisoned some of the cherished ideals and dreams of the founding fathers of the sub-region.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Pg. 20. GCGL pledges to promote corporate social responsibility
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE Graphic Communication Group Limited (GCGL) will partner the Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation Ghana (CSRFG) to help promote corporate social responsibility activities in Ghana.
The Managing Director of the GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, who was speaking during a courtesy call on him by the Board of Trustees of the CSRFG at his office in Accra on Friday, observed that it was important for organisations to make social responsibility projects a core aspect of their activities.
He said because there was the need for the media to report adequately on corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues, the GCGL hoped to build a legacy that would ensure that CSR became integral to the operations of the company.
He said the GCGL was currently exploring innovative ways to make a positive impact on its workers, vendors and the public to ensure sustainable growth.
He said one of the major CSR activities the group was embarking on this year was advocating for every Ghanaian to realise the need to ensure peaceful elections in December.
He urged all Ghanaians to love one another, collectively work towards the development of the country and leave the world “better than how they found it.”
A member of the CSRFG, Mr Kweku Rockson, who briefed the managing director on the activities of the foundation, said it was ready to help with the training, awards, research, publications and advisory activities in the area of CSR to help improve on the legal, social and ethical behaviour, as well as practices of corporate entities, individuals and the government.
The CSRFG was established by a corps of professionals in the areas of marketing, public relations and CSR with a vision to create a society in which corporate organisations are socially responsible.
THE Graphic Communication Group Limited (GCGL) will partner the Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation Ghana (CSRFG) to help promote corporate social responsibility activities in Ghana.
The Managing Director of the GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, who was speaking during a courtesy call on him by the Board of Trustees of the CSRFG at his office in Accra on Friday, observed that it was important for organisations to make social responsibility projects a core aspect of their activities.
He said because there was the need for the media to report adequately on corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues, the GCGL hoped to build a legacy that would ensure that CSR became integral to the operations of the company.
He said the GCGL was currently exploring innovative ways to make a positive impact on its workers, vendors and the public to ensure sustainable growth.
He said one of the major CSR activities the group was embarking on this year was advocating for every Ghanaian to realise the need to ensure peaceful elections in December.
He urged all Ghanaians to love one another, collectively work towards the development of the country and leave the world “better than how they found it.”
A member of the CSRFG, Mr Kweku Rockson, who briefed the managing director on the activities of the foundation, said it was ready to help with the training, awards, research, publications and advisory activities in the area of CSR to help improve on the legal, social and ethical behaviour, as well as practices of corporate entities, individuals and the government.
The CSRFG was established by a corps of professionals in the areas of marketing, public relations and CSR with a vision to create a society in which corporate organisations are socially responsible.
Monday, April 16, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 16, 2012, Pg.11.Lakeside donates to Mercy Social Centre
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| The Director of the centre, Mr Abdul Aziz (extreme left), in a group photograph with some Executives of Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Company in a group photograph with some of the orphans |
Story: Mary Ankrah
A REAL Estate company in Ghana, Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estates Limited, in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy, has presented items worth GH¢1,800 to the Mercy Social Centre, an orphanage at Ashale-Botwe in Accra.
The items included bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, Lipton Tea, sugar, milo, tin tomatoes and milk among others.
The gesture was to support the authorities at the orphanage to cater for the children and make the children feel loved and cared for.
Making the presentation in Accra, the Public Relations Officer of the Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estates, Mr Mohammed Mustapha Ofori, said the donation formed part of the company’s social responsibility towards the community in which it operates.
He used the occasion to advise the orphans to respect the authorities of the home and learn very hard to achieve their goals to become responsible people in the society.
He also urged the teachers of the home to exercise patience and tolerance and bring up the children in a way that would benefit the society for them to contribute towards the development of the country.
Receiving the items on behalf of the centre, the Director of the school, Mr Abdul Aziz, thanked Lakeside Estate and the Canadian Embassy for their benevolence towards the upkeep of the orphans, adding that the items would serve the purpose it was meant for.
The Mercy Social Centre caters for 260 children (aged from six to 22 years) from deprived homes and those without parents.
Out of the 260 children, 125 males are currently living in the boarding house of the centre while the females are living with relatives.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Wednesday, April 11, 2012, Pg. 7. Reconciliation during Easter
Feature by: Mary Ankrah
As the celebration of Easter affords people the opportunity to turn a new leaf, it is incumbent on all to reconcile with their families, friends, communities and political opponents as Christ died on the Cross to link us again with God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection, to believers, means His victory over death and the granting of eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Therefore, the forgiveness of sins by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is a lesson that all mankind must emulate and practise.
But forgiveness and reconciliation is often hard to come by. Indeed, vengeance is the order of the day while many use violence and abusive language to express their feeling of anger; others indulge in malice and payback.
Unfortunately for many, these ways of revenge have not helped individuals and the society; rather they have brought pains and sorrow to those involved and even innocent ones. But how long shall we continue in this?
Although most of the disciples Christ loved betrayed him, He still loved them to the end. We are able to love those who wronged us because Jesus has already reconciled us to God and each other by giving Himself as self-sacrifice. We can prove this love to God and mankind by doing likewise.
For me, the spiritual message of Easter is one of reconciliation, not just between us and our Creator, but also between others and ourselves. It means accepting others and being accepted as you are, fully and totally, both by the Creator and others.
The crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ would have been in vain, both to Him and mankind if He did not pray the Father to forgive His persecutors.
This symbolic act teaches that man should always forgive his offenders. So, forgiveness is the heart of reconciliation and at the heart of our Christian faith and God’s love makes forgiveness possible.
More so, the Church was born through God’s willingness to seek reconciliation with man through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and so Churches can still play their role in reconciling the country, despite the continued threats and political tension that had decimated the populace.
To do this, we must become agents of God’s love in helping people to acknowledge the wrongs of the past, to accept shared responsibility and to work out a mutual understanding of a common future.
God wants peace and we must therefore eschew animosity, envy, litigation and other unproductive attitudes that do not help our own and national development.
Christians must, therefore, treasure the death of Christ and change to leading worthy lives for the development of their families, communities and the country.
As the celebration of Easter affords people the opportunity to turn a new leaf, it is incumbent on all to reconcile with their families, friends, communities and political opponents as Christ died on the Cross to link us again with God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection, to believers, means His victory over death and the granting of eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Therefore, the forgiveness of sins by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is a lesson that all mankind must emulate and practise.
But forgiveness and reconciliation is often hard to come by. Indeed, vengeance is the order of the day while many use violence and abusive language to express their feeling of anger; others indulge in malice and payback.
Unfortunately for many, these ways of revenge have not helped individuals and the society; rather they have brought pains and sorrow to those involved and even innocent ones. But how long shall we continue in this?
Although most of the disciples Christ loved betrayed him, He still loved them to the end. We are able to love those who wronged us because Jesus has already reconciled us to God and each other by giving Himself as self-sacrifice. We can prove this love to God and mankind by doing likewise.
For me, the spiritual message of Easter is one of reconciliation, not just between us and our Creator, but also between others and ourselves. It means accepting others and being accepted as you are, fully and totally, both by the Creator and others.
The crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ would have been in vain, both to Him and mankind if He did not pray the Father to forgive His persecutors.
This symbolic act teaches that man should always forgive his offenders. So, forgiveness is the heart of reconciliation and at the heart of our Christian faith and God’s love makes forgiveness possible.
More so, the Church was born through God’s willingness to seek reconciliation with man through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and so Churches can still play their role in reconciling the country, despite the continued threats and political tension that had decimated the populace.
To do this, we must become agents of God’s love in helping people to acknowledge the wrongs of the past, to accept shared responsibility and to work out a mutual understanding of a common future.
God wants peace and we must therefore eschew animosity, envy, litigation and other unproductive attitudes that do not help our own and national development.
Christians must, therefore, treasure the death of Christ and change to leading worthy lives for the development of their families, communities and the country.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Tuesday, April 10, 2012, Pg. 28. Sanitation and Moyor Court prosecutes over 200 cases
Story: Mary Ankrah
MORE than 200 persons who flouted the directive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to construct household places of convenience, have appeared before the Sanitation and Motor Court at Abeka in Accra since October, 2011.
The Sanitation and Motor court, set up by the AMA in 2010, has the jurisdiction under the criminal code 1960, to try cases such as indiscriminate dumping of waste, causing noise pollution, obstruction of public way, slaughtering cows/animals elsewhere other than the approved places, selling unwholesome food or allowing cattle and other animals to go astray.
Similarly, the motor courts under road traffic Act 2004 act 683 tries cases on dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, among other cases.
The AMA directed that all home owners in Accra should construct household toilet facilities by February 2012 or face prosecution. Between February and March 2012, 82 persons flouted the directives and appeared before the Sanitation and Motor Court. Twenty-four of them later complied with the directive.
The court presided over by Judge Emmanuel Antwi-Barima imposed fines ranging between GH¢120 and GH¢300 on the accused persons who could not meet the AMA’s deadline of February, 2012.
They are to re-appear in court on April 19 and 30, 2012.
According to Judge Antwi-Barima, all the accused persons who appeared before the court were instructed to “complete the construction of a hygienic place of convenience and present a report, including pictures, to the court” by the deadline.
He cautioned to all those who had not completed on the due date, adding that the court would deal with them, since open defecation by people living in homes without toilet facilities posed a health hazards to the community.
An accused person, Sarah Lartey, who was found to have lied to the court that she had constructed a toilet for her tenants was charged for purjury by the court.
Sarah presented pictures of a completed facility to the court, which investigators later found to be forged.
MORE than 200 persons who flouted the directive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to construct household places of convenience, have appeared before the Sanitation and Motor Court at Abeka in Accra since October, 2011.
The Sanitation and Motor court, set up by the AMA in 2010, has the jurisdiction under the criminal code 1960, to try cases such as indiscriminate dumping of waste, causing noise pollution, obstruction of public way, slaughtering cows/animals elsewhere other than the approved places, selling unwholesome food or allowing cattle and other animals to go astray.
Similarly, the motor courts under road traffic Act 2004 act 683 tries cases on dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, among other cases.
The AMA directed that all home owners in Accra should construct household toilet facilities by February 2012 or face prosecution. Between February and March 2012, 82 persons flouted the directives and appeared before the Sanitation and Motor Court. Twenty-four of them later complied with the directive.
The court presided over by Judge Emmanuel Antwi-Barima imposed fines ranging between GH¢120 and GH¢300 on the accused persons who could not meet the AMA’s deadline of February, 2012.
They are to re-appear in court on April 19 and 30, 2012.
According to Judge Antwi-Barima, all the accused persons who appeared before the court were instructed to “complete the construction of a hygienic place of convenience and present a report, including pictures, to the court” by the deadline.
He cautioned to all those who had not completed on the due date, adding that the court would deal with them, since open defecation by people living in homes without toilet facilities posed a health hazards to the community.
An accused person, Sarah Lartey, who was found to have lied to the court that she had constructed a toilet for her tenants was charged for purjury by the court.
Sarah presented pictures of a completed facility to the court, which investigators later found to be forged.
Monday, April 9, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 9, 2012, Pg. 24. Christians mark death, resurrection of Jesus
THE need for peace and tolerance in this year’s general election dominated most sermons in churches, when believers started the Easter Triduum with services from Good Friday through Holy Saturday till Easter Sunday to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the fountain of the Christian religion.
While most Christians wore white apparel for church services on Sunday, it was preceded by the wearing of black clothes for Good Friday services.
Most Christians from the Orthodox churches marked Good Friday with observation of the passion of Christ services through Saturday when new converts were baptised and capped with Resurrection Church Services during which most of them were clad in white apparel to signify the victory of light over darkness.
Albert K. Salia reports from the Martyrs of Uganda Catholic Church, Mamprobi, that Rev. Fr. Christopher Sackey, urged Christians to be instruments of peace in this year’s general elections.
He said it was unfortunate that even with the biometric registration exercise, Ghanaians were beating each other and wondered what would happen on election day itself.
He reminded Ghanaians that they had only one country and indicated that finding oneself in another country as a result of electoral violence would mean that Ghanaians would be deprived of their beautiful nation.
Rev. Fr. Sackey, therefore, urged Ghanaians to maintain the peace and harmony they currently enjoyed so that the country would remain peaceful after the elections.
Touching on the essence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he wondered if Christians would continue in the light of the risen Christ or go back to the bad lifestyles they led before Easter.
“Let the power of the resurrection take away envy, greed, corruption and all the bad things that was associated with us before Christ died and rose for our sake so that His resurrection will be proclaimed by the lives we lead”, he said.
Preaching the sermon at the Osu St Peter’s Catholic Church where 30 new believers were baptised into the Catholic Church and 60 others received first Communion, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Dominic Amegashiti, noted that the resurrection of Christ meant that darkness had been conquered forever and, therefore, urged Christians to let Christ live in their hearts and minds.
He explained that the joy of Easter was peace, hence the need for Christians not to only live in peace but let the peace of Christ manifest in their lives, particularly towards their neighbours.
In his sermon on Good Friday, Rev. Ernest N. A. Aryeetey of the Rev Henry Wharton Methodist Church in Accra, admonished Christians to live in humility, reports Rosemary Ardayfio.
He said the death of Christ was a sacrificial act that was accomplished in humility for a good purpose.
Rev. Aryeetey explained that Jesus Christ had the authority and power which he could have implored to prevent him from the pain he went through before his death, but he chose not to “show off” this power.
He called on the congregation to serve the church well in whatever capacity they were called upon to do as that would not only help the growth of the church, but would in turn help in the spiritual benefits to the congregation.
Kwame Asare Boadu reports that churches in Kumasi were filled to capacity today as Christians marked Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
At the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Cathedral, the Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, led the congregation in prayer for the renewal of faith and social change expected in the country.
Touching on the December general elections, he called on citizens of voting age to register in their numbers and vote for God fearing people on election day.
Emphasising that the resurrection was the cornerstone of the Christian hope, the Bishop said, “ Let our lives show that we are indeed followers of Christ.”
He called for tolerance for one other’s views to ensure that the nation progressed on a united front.
Preaching the sermon at the Arch Cathedral of the Action Chapel at Abrepo, the resident pastor, Rev. James Nana Ofori-Atta, urged Christians and indeed all Ghanaians to cultivate the spirit of forgiveness.
He stated that the main reason why Christ died for mankind and later rose from the dead was for God to forgive “us our sins.”
Quoting extensively from he scriptures, Rev. Ofori-Atta said “If you cannot forgive one of his sins God will also not forgive you your sins.”
He used the occasion to advise politicians to ensure a protected Ghana before, during and after the December general election.
From the Mount Olivet Methodist Church at Dansoman, Charles Benoni Okine, reports about a massive congregation of Christians who thronged the church to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Clad mostly in white apparels, the congregants waved white handkerchiefs as they danced to melodious tunes provided by both the resident church choir and the Olivet Voices which sang both local and international gospel tunes.
In a sermon, the Very Reverend George Mensah, the superintendent Minister asked Christians to have strong faith in the Lord in all their dealings to ensure success.
“Whether in the reading of the Bible or in your marital life or at your work place, have faith that it shall come to pass and the will of God will be done”, he advised.
The Bishop of the Lighthouse chapel, Bishop Dag Heward Mills in his Easter message said it was imperative for Christians to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for mankind, reports Marian Ansah.
Quoting from Deuteronomy 21 onwards, he said it was imperative for Christians who had given their lives to Christ to stop murmuring, be obedient to their superiors, avoid immorality and stop idolatory.
Bishop Heward Mills affirmed that Jesus Christ was divine and different in that he was able to heal the sick and perform a lot of signs and wonders.
Chastity, he said, was supposed to be the attitude of evey true Christian.
Albert Sam reports from Tema that Mr Kwei Mensah Ashidan, a lay preacher, told the congregation of the Calvary Methodist Church in Tema Community Three that the message of Easter for Christians was that death could not hold Jesus Christ in the grave.
He said by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, mankind was justified in the sight of God.
“By our sins, He was crucified and, therefore, with this crucifixion and resurrection, mankind attained a new level in the sight of God”, he said, adding that Christians needed to resolve never to sin again.
From the Ablaze Chapel International at Abeka Lapaz in Accra, Rebecca Quaicoe-Duho reports that Apostle Dan Clad, the General Overseer of the church who preached on “The written book of life” admonished Christians to emulate Jesus in all their endeavours.
He said the resurrection of Jesus Christ offered Christians an inheritance which was incorruptible and did not fade away.
He therefore called on Christians not to live for the praise of men but lead lives that would be rewarded by God, saying that an eternal reward was awaiting the children of God.
At the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Awoshie, the youth performed a sketch on the resurrection of Christ, reports Rebecca Kwei.
Giving the homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Acquaye, said the resurrection of Christ should inject a new energy in Christians to transform their lives.
He said this transformation which comes with power and enthusiasm should make them bold to proclaim and witness the joy of the resurrection and renew the face of the earth.
Rev. Fr. Acquaye acknowledged that some people may be going through persecution and difficulties but said “Christ has given a new purpose to live again. He rose from the dead 2000 years ago and He is alive everyday in our lives”.
From Sekondi/Takoradi, Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu reports that the need for peace and tolerance, brotherliness in an election year was the theme of most sermons in churches within the metropolis.
The preachers expressed the hope that God will be on the side of the country and everything would go on well during, before and after the general election in December this year.
At the Holy Fire Revival Ministries International, Bishop Reginald Ofori Twumasi challenged the congregation and the entire Christian family in Ghana to demonstrate the love of God by holding the peace in the face of stiff provocation.
He called for the demonstration of resurrection power of Jesus Christ which he demonstrated on the cross to save mankind.
At the Jubilee Park at West Tanokrom where the Church of Pentecost converged, Pastor Elijah Kesse called for peace and tolerance whiles preaching on the theme, “I shall not die but live.”
Betty Oforiwaa Agu reports from the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Madina while Good Friday was marked in solemn atmosphere Easter Sunday was commemorated amidst singing and dancing.
The Resident Minister of the church, Reverend John Hammond, preached on Good Friday on the theme, “Christ our example of suffering” with the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Most Rev Professor Emmanuel Asante preached the sermon on Easter Sunday.
Most Reverend Asante, who is also the chairman of the National Peace Council, said the resurrection of Christ was a symbol of reconciliation of God with man.
“As Christians, you must stand for justice, peace, unity and the interest of the nation,” he said.
At the Trinity Parish of the Global Evangelical Church at Kotobabi in Accra, the Parish Pastor, Rev Dr Francis F.K. Abotchie, in a message entitled ‘The Empty Tomb’ said the tomb which could not hold Jesus Christ indicated that there was nothing that could hold Christians captive if they lived in holiness, reports Seth J. Bokpe.
The resurrection of Christ, he indicated, did not only fulfill the scriptures but also gave Christians a new life and purpose.
Rev Dr Abotchie, therefore, urged all Christians to eschew vices that would keep them from God and renew their commitment to God’s word.
Mary Ankrah also reports that members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Church in Accra marked the resurrection of Jesus Christ with confession of sins.
Preaching on the theme: “Christ the sacrificial Lamb”, the priest, Senior Christ Servant Priscilla Mensah established that the death and resurrection of Christ was to reunite mankind with God but unfortunately man continued to crucify Him because mankind was still indulging in sin and evil.
She said the significance of Christ’s resurrection would be much felt if only Ghanaians abandoned sin and urged them to live a holy life unto God.
From Wa in the Upper West region, George Folley reports that a five-day Easter Convention by the Wa area of the Church of Pentecost ended today at the Jubilee Park.
The convention which attracted all members in the twenty districts of the church in the region was on the theme “It is finished”.
As part of the convention, various professionals were invited to give talk on environmental cleanliness, health issues and skill training among others.
In a closing sermon the Wa area head of the church, Reverend Samuel Antwi, stressed the need for Ghanaians to be tolerant of one another.
He said Ghanaians were noted for peace and therefore this year being an election year, should see Ghanaians united as one people with a common destiny.
He led the congregation to pray for peaceful election and economic prosperity for the country.
At the Reverend Paul Adu Methodist Church also in Wa, 16 adults were confirmed and accepted into the church while 15 others were baptized.
The superintendent minister in charge, Very Reverend Samuel C. Hagan, called on Christians to lead lifestyles worthy of emulation.
From the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, A. Kofoya Tetteh reports that while the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches marked the occassion with many conventions, the Orthodox churches organised church services.
At the Christ the King Methodist Church at Nsukwao, a suburb of Koforidua, the Minister in charge, Very Rev Gordon Egyir, asked Ghanaians, especially Christians not to spend lavishly on the death at the expense of the living poor.
Basing the sermon on numerous biblical texts, Very Rev Egyir said God frowned on lavish spending on the death and that was why the women who went to Jesus’ tomb with expensive items to preserve his body, did not find his body.
He said it was sad for Ghanaians, especially Christians to neglect their aged parents, while they were alive, only to spend lavishly on their funerals.
Very Rev Egyir, therefore, asked Christians to show mercy and love to one another and help make life comfortable for the needy while alive.
While most Christians wore white apparel for church services on Sunday, it was preceded by the wearing of black clothes for Good Friday services.
Most Christians from the Orthodox churches marked Good Friday with observation of the passion of Christ services through Saturday when new converts were baptised and capped with Resurrection Church Services during which most of them were clad in white apparel to signify the victory of light over darkness.
Albert K. Salia reports from the Martyrs of Uganda Catholic Church, Mamprobi, that Rev. Fr. Christopher Sackey, urged Christians to be instruments of peace in this year’s general elections.
He said it was unfortunate that even with the biometric registration exercise, Ghanaians were beating each other and wondered what would happen on election day itself.
He reminded Ghanaians that they had only one country and indicated that finding oneself in another country as a result of electoral violence would mean that Ghanaians would be deprived of their beautiful nation.
Rev. Fr. Sackey, therefore, urged Ghanaians to maintain the peace and harmony they currently enjoyed so that the country would remain peaceful after the elections.
Touching on the essence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he wondered if Christians would continue in the light of the risen Christ or go back to the bad lifestyles they led before Easter.
“Let the power of the resurrection take away envy, greed, corruption and all the bad things that was associated with us before Christ died and rose for our sake so that His resurrection will be proclaimed by the lives we lead”, he said.
Preaching the sermon at the Osu St Peter’s Catholic Church where 30 new believers were baptised into the Catholic Church and 60 others received first Communion, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Dominic Amegashiti, noted that the resurrection of Christ meant that darkness had been conquered forever and, therefore, urged Christians to let Christ live in their hearts and minds.
He explained that the joy of Easter was peace, hence the need for Christians not to only live in peace but let the peace of Christ manifest in their lives, particularly towards their neighbours.
In his sermon on Good Friday, Rev. Ernest N. A. Aryeetey of the Rev Henry Wharton Methodist Church in Accra, admonished Christians to live in humility, reports Rosemary Ardayfio.
He said the death of Christ was a sacrificial act that was accomplished in humility for a good purpose.
Rev. Aryeetey explained that Jesus Christ had the authority and power which he could have implored to prevent him from the pain he went through before his death, but he chose not to “show off” this power.
He called on the congregation to serve the church well in whatever capacity they were called upon to do as that would not only help the growth of the church, but would in turn help in the spiritual benefits to the congregation.
Kwame Asare Boadu reports that churches in Kumasi were filled to capacity today as Christians marked Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
At the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Cathedral, the Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, led the congregation in prayer for the renewal of faith and social change expected in the country.
Touching on the December general elections, he called on citizens of voting age to register in their numbers and vote for God fearing people on election day.
Emphasising that the resurrection was the cornerstone of the Christian hope, the Bishop said, “ Let our lives show that we are indeed followers of Christ.”
He called for tolerance for one other’s views to ensure that the nation progressed on a united front.
Preaching the sermon at the Arch Cathedral of the Action Chapel at Abrepo, the resident pastor, Rev. James Nana Ofori-Atta, urged Christians and indeed all Ghanaians to cultivate the spirit of forgiveness.
He stated that the main reason why Christ died for mankind and later rose from the dead was for God to forgive “us our sins.”
Quoting extensively from he scriptures, Rev. Ofori-Atta said “If you cannot forgive one of his sins God will also not forgive you your sins.”
He used the occasion to advise politicians to ensure a protected Ghana before, during and after the December general election.
From the Mount Olivet Methodist Church at Dansoman, Charles Benoni Okine, reports about a massive congregation of Christians who thronged the church to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Clad mostly in white apparels, the congregants waved white handkerchiefs as they danced to melodious tunes provided by both the resident church choir and the Olivet Voices which sang both local and international gospel tunes.
In a sermon, the Very Reverend George Mensah, the superintendent Minister asked Christians to have strong faith in the Lord in all their dealings to ensure success.
“Whether in the reading of the Bible or in your marital life or at your work place, have faith that it shall come to pass and the will of God will be done”, he advised.
The Bishop of the Lighthouse chapel, Bishop Dag Heward Mills in his Easter message said it was imperative for Christians to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for mankind, reports Marian Ansah.
Quoting from Deuteronomy 21 onwards, he said it was imperative for Christians who had given their lives to Christ to stop murmuring, be obedient to their superiors, avoid immorality and stop idolatory.
Bishop Heward Mills affirmed that Jesus Christ was divine and different in that he was able to heal the sick and perform a lot of signs and wonders.
Chastity, he said, was supposed to be the attitude of evey true Christian.
Albert Sam reports from Tema that Mr Kwei Mensah Ashidan, a lay preacher, told the congregation of the Calvary Methodist Church in Tema Community Three that the message of Easter for Christians was that death could not hold Jesus Christ in the grave.
He said by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, mankind was justified in the sight of God.
“By our sins, He was crucified and, therefore, with this crucifixion and resurrection, mankind attained a new level in the sight of God”, he said, adding that Christians needed to resolve never to sin again.
From the Ablaze Chapel International at Abeka Lapaz in Accra, Rebecca Quaicoe-Duho reports that Apostle Dan Clad, the General Overseer of the church who preached on “The written book of life” admonished Christians to emulate Jesus in all their endeavours.
He said the resurrection of Jesus Christ offered Christians an inheritance which was incorruptible and did not fade away.
He therefore called on Christians not to live for the praise of men but lead lives that would be rewarded by God, saying that an eternal reward was awaiting the children of God.
At the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Awoshie, the youth performed a sketch on the resurrection of Christ, reports Rebecca Kwei.
Giving the homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Acquaye, said the resurrection of Christ should inject a new energy in Christians to transform their lives.
He said this transformation which comes with power and enthusiasm should make them bold to proclaim and witness the joy of the resurrection and renew the face of the earth.
Rev. Fr. Acquaye acknowledged that some people may be going through persecution and difficulties but said “Christ has given a new purpose to live again. He rose from the dead 2000 years ago and He is alive everyday in our lives”.
From Sekondi/Takoradi, Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu reports that the need for peace and tolerance, brotherliness in an election year was the theme of most sermons in churches within the metropolis.
The preachers expressed the hope that God will be on the side of the country and everything would go on well during, before and after the general election in December this year.
At the Holy Fire Revival Ministries International, Bishop Reginald Ofori Twumasi challenged the congregation and the entire Christian family in Ghana to demonstrate the love of God by holding the peace in the face of stiff provocation.
He called for the demonstration of resurrection power of Jesus Christ which he demonstrated on the cross to save mankind.
At the Jubilee Park at West Tanokrom where the Church of Pentecost converged, Pastor Elijah Kesse called for peace and tolerance whiles preaching on the theme, “I shall not die but live.”
Betty Oforiwaa Agu reports from the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Madina while Good Friday was marked in solemn atmosphere Easter Sunday was commemorated amidst singing and dancing.
The Resident Minister of the church, Reverend John Hammond, preached on Good Friday on the theme, “Christ our example of suffering” with the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Most Rev Professor Emmanuel Asante preached the sermon on Easter Sunday.
Most Reverend Asante, who is also the chairman of the National Peace Council, said the resurrection of Christ was a symbol of reconciliation of God with man.
“As Christians, you must stand for justice, peace, unity and the interest of the nation,” he said.
At the Trinity Parish of the Global Evangelical Church at Kotobabi in Accra, the Parish Pastor, Rev Dr Francis F.K. Abotchie, in a message entitled ‘The Empty Tomb’ said the tomb which could not hold Jesus Christ indicated that there was nothing that could hold Christians captive if they lived in holiness, reports Seth J. Bokpe.
The resurrection of Christ, he indicated, did not only fulfill the scriptures but also gave Christians a new life and purpose.
Rev Dr Abotchie, therefore, urged all Christians to eschew vices that would keep them from God and renew their commitment to God’s word.
Mary Ankrah also reports that members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Church in Accra marked the resurrection of Jesus Christ with confession of sins.
Preaching on the theme: “Christ the sacrificial Lamb”, the priest, Senior Christ Servant Priscilla Mensah established that the death and resurrection of Christ was to reunite mankind with God but unfortunately man continued to crucify Him because mankind was still indulging in sin and evil.
She said the significance of Christ’s resurrection would be much felt if only Ghanaians abandoned sin and urged them to live a holy life unto God.
From Wa in the Upper West region, George Folley reports that a five-day Easter Convention by the Wa area of the Church of Pentecost ended today at the Jubilee Park.
The convention which attracted all members in the twenty districts of the church in the region was on the theme “It is finished”.
As part of the convention, various professionals were invited to give talk on environmental cleanliness, health issues and skill training among others.
In a closing sermon the Wa area head of the church, Reverend Samuel Antwi, stressed the need for Ghanaians to be tolerant of one another.
He said Ghanaians were noted for peace and therefore this year being an election year, should see Ghanaians united as one people with a common destiny.
He led the congregation to pray for peaceful election and economic prosperity for the country.
At the Reverend Paul Adu Methodist Church also in Wa, 16 adults were confirmed and accepted into the church while 15 others were baptized.
The superintendent minister in charge, Very Reverend Samuel C. Hagan, called on Christians to lead lifestyles worthy of emulation.
From the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, A. Kofoya Tetteh reports that while the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches marked the occassion with many conventions, the Orthodox churches organised church services.
At the Christ the King Methodist Church at Nsukwao, a suburb of Koforidua, the Minister in charge, Very Rev Gordon Egyir, asked Ghanaians, especially Christians not to spend lavishly on the death at the expense of the living poor.
Basing the sermon on numerous biblical texts, Very Rev Egyir said God frowned on lavish spending on the death and that was why the women who went to Jesus’ tomb with expensive items to preserve his body, did not find his body.
He said it was sad for Ghanaians, especially Christians to neglect their aged parents, while they were alive, only to spend lavishly on their funerals.
Very Rev Egyir, therefore, asked Christians to show mercy and love to one another and help make life comfortable for the needy while alive.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 9, 2012, Pg.13. Ga South Assembly boycotts sitting
Story: Mary Ankrah
ASSEMBLY MEMBERS of the Ga South Municipal Assembly boycotted the first meeting of the assembly at Weija to protest the removal of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Sheriff Nii Otto Dodoo, from office since September last year.
The meeting last Wednesday, therefore, suffered a setback when the assembly members stayed away from its meeting in support of the MCE.
The boycott was also a reaction by the assembly members to register their displeasure to the regional minister and the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to find a replacement for the municipal assembly.
Some of the aggrieved members of the assembly explained to the Daily Graphic that since the removal of Mr Dodoo, he had not been reinstated or a replacement made for him to manage the affairs of the district, which has almost come to a standstill.
They said the boycott would continue until the government appointed an MCE for the district.
“The district is in dire need of an MCE and if we don’t hear anything about our MCE, we will not hold any meeting until he is reinstated or a new one is replaced,” they said.
According to the assemblyman for Weija, Mr Logosu Kwesi Mensah, the boycott would hasten the government’s decision to appoint an MCE for the district.
He contended that without an MCE, the district would not function as well as was expected He, therefore, urged the government to tell the members of the assembly why the former MCE was removed.
ASSEMBLY MEMBERS of the Ga South Municipal Assembly boycotted the first meeting of the assembly at Weija to protest the removal of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Sheriff Nii Otto Dodoo, from office since September last year.
The meeting last Wednesday, therefore, suffered a setback when the assembly members stayed away from its meeting in support of the MCE.
The boycott was also a reaction by the assembly members to register their displeasure to the regional minister and the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to find a replacement for the municipal assembly.
Some of the aggrieved members of the assembly explained to the Daily Graphic that since the removal of Mr Dodoo, he had not been reinstated or a replacement made for him to manage the affairs of the district, which has almost come to a standstill.
They said the boycott would continue until the government appointed an MCE for the district.
“The district is in dire need of an MCE and if we don’t hear anything about our MCE, we will not hold any meeting until he is reinstated or a new one is replaced,” they said.
According to the assemblyman for Weija, Mr Logosu Kwesi Mensah, the boycott would hasten the government’s decision to appoint an MCE for the district.
He contended that without an MCE, the district would not function as well as was expected He, therefore, urged the government to tell the members of the assembly why the former MCE was removed.
DAILY GRAPHIC, Monday, April 9, 2012, Pg. 11. Use simple approaches to learning: teachers urged
This, she said, should be concerned with intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potentials.
She observed that holistic education sought to educate the whole person; learning about oneself, relationship, resilience that would enable a person to overcome difficulties and challenges and obtain justice and success.
As a result, it will encourage students to see the beauty of what is around them and appreciate it.
“Equipping pupils and students with values, attitudes and skills to be productive persons who live in harmony as responsible citizens is the goal of education,” she added.
She said that would also enable the students to make rational choices based on the values of democracy, equity, justice, freedom, human rights and concern for the well-being of others.
She made this call at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of Akosombo International School (AIS) at a ceremony in Accra.
The anniversary is scheduled for October 27 this year and is on the theme: “Strengthening Holistic Education - AIS in the Next Decade.”
The school was established in 1962 to provide educational facilities at kindergarten and primary level for the children of workers (mainly expatriates), who were engaged in the construction of the Akosombo Dam.
With the completion of the Akosombo Dam project in 1966, AIS was opened to the children and wards of all employees of the Volta River Authority (VRA) while in 1968 a secondary school was added to the existing nursery and primary schools.
At its establishment, the secondary school was intended to follow technical courses in order to take advantage of the numerous facilities in Akosombo including carpentry workshops, vehicle workshop, communication workshop, mechanical workshop and others.
Speaking on the theme for the anniversary, Mrs Biney said the trends for education in the next decade would suggest a new holistic and child-centered approach which would require a rapid growth of online learning as a form of training for teachers and would enable them deal with problems during teaching.
She advised parents to monitor the studies of their children at home and provide the needed environment to make them stay focused in school, adding that traditional rulers and school authorities have a role in monitoring teaching and learning.
For her part, the deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance at VRA, Ms Alexandra Portoe, recommended that in celebrating 50 years, the management of the school should review the past so that they could develop new ideas for the school in ways that would have a positive impact on the future generation and the country at large.
 |
| Acting Director of the Ghana Education Service, Mrs Benedicta Naana Biney |
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A crowd at the launching ceremony in Accra
|
Story: Mary Ankrah
THE acting Director of the Ghana Education Service, Mrs Benedicta Naana Biney, has urged teachers to adopt a simple approach to learning rather than seeing education as a process of transition and transaction to strengthen holistic education.
This, she said, should be concerned with intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potentials.
She observed that holistic education sought to educate the whole person; learning about oneself, relationship, resilience that would enable a person to overcome difficulties and challenges and obtain justice and success.
As a result, it will encourage students to see the beauty of what is around them and appreciate it.
“Equipping pupils and students with values, attitudes and skills to be productive persons who live in harmony as responsible citizens is the goal of education,” she added.
She said that would also enable the students to make rational choices based on the values of democracy, equity, justice, freedom, human rights and concern for the well-being of others.
She made this call at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of Akosombo International School (AIS) at a ceremony in Accra.
The anniversary is scheduled for October 27 this year and is on the theme: “Strengthening Holistic Education - AIS in the Next Decade.”
The school was established in 1962 to provide educational facilities at kindergarten and primary level for the children of workers (mainly expatriates), who were engaged in the construction of the Akosombo Dam.
With the completion of the Akosombo Dam project in 1966, AIS was opened to the children and wards of all employees of the Volta River Authority (VRA) while in 1968 a secondary school was added to the existing nursery and primary schools.
At its establishment, the secondary school was intended to follow technical courses in order to take advantage of the numerous facilities in Akosombo including carpentry workshops, vehicle workshop, communication workshop, mechanical workshop and others.
Speaking on the theme for the anniversary, Mrs Biney said the trends for education in the next decade would suggest a new holistic and child-centered approach which would require a rapid growth of online learning as a form of training for teachers and would enable them deal with problems during teaching.
She entreated the students to engage in more research and urged the school authorities to continue to produce men and women of integrity who would take up responsible positions in the country in future.
She advised parents to monitor the studies of their children at home and provide the needed environment to make them stay focused in school, adding that traditional rulers and school authorities have a role in monitoring teaching and learning.
For her part, the deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance at VRA, Ms Alexandra Portoe, recommended that in celebrating 50 years, the management of the school should review the past so that they could develop new ideas for the school in ways that would have a positive impact on the future generation and the country at large.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
DAILY GRAPHIC, Wednesday, April 4, 2012, Back page. AMA demolished unauthorised structures at Kantamanto
Story: Mary Ankrah
UNAUTHORISED structures by the roadside at Kantamanto in the Central Business District of Accra belonging to second-hand cloth and shoe dealers were yesterday reduced to a pile of rubble by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to pave way for a road construction project.
A combined team of policemen and members of an AMA task force began the exercise around 5 a.m.
The demolition affected about 500 people who expressed displeasure at the way the exercise was carried out without enough notice from the authorities.
When the Daily Graphic got to Kantamanto in the afternoon, it was a chaotic scene of affected traders salvaging the remains of their structures.
While there were huge piles of wood in front of shops, some of the traders were seen bargaining with food vendors in a bid to sell the remains of the demolished structures to the vendors.
The demolition notwithstanding, the area was busy, as usual, with shoppers also buying and transacting other business.
Most of the traders who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed frustration with the action of the AMA.
They alleged that the AMA had, for the past three years, been destroying their structures in the name of a road construction that had not materialised.
They, however, admitted that the assembly had, on Monday afternoon, informed the leaders of the traders to remove their structures to enable the road project to begin.
“Surprisingly, we came to work today to find our tables, chairs and umbrellas demolished, with the debris scattered all over the market,” a trader lamented.
Kantamanto is home to more than 30,000 traders and considered the hub of the second-hand clothing business in the country.
Ejecting the traders has been a headache for the AMA for some time now. The issue arouses emotions on the side of the traders, with the Kantamanto Traders Association (KTA) on several occasions appealing to the government to suspend the ejection, since traders’ livelihood depended on what they did there.
In February last year, the AMA ordered the demolition of all structures along the railway lines at Kantamanto to pave way for the construction of new rail lines.
But traders along the rail lines at Kantamanto at the time demonstrated against the demolition of their structures.
UNAUTHORISED structures by the roadside at Kantamanto in the Central Business District of Accra belonging to second-hand cloth and shoe dealers were yesterday reduced to a pile of rubble by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to pave way for a road construction project.
A combined team of policemen and members of an AMA task force began the exercise around 5 a.m.
The demolition affected about 500 people who expressed displeasure at the way the exercise was carried out without enough notice from the authorities.
When the Daily Graphic got to Kantamanto in the afternoon, it was a chaotic scene of affected traders salvaging the remains of their structures.
While there were huge piles of wood in front of shops, some of the traders were seen bargaining with food vendors in a bid to sell the remains of the demolished structures to the vendors.
The demolition notwithstanding, the area was busy, as usual, with shoppers also buying and transacting other business.
Most of the traders who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed frustration with the action of the AMA.
They alleged that the AMA had, for the past three years, been destroying their structures in the name of a road construction that had not materialised.
They, however, admitted that the assembly had, on Monday afternoon, informed the leaders of the traders to remove their structures to enable the road project to begin.
“Surprisingly, we came to work today to find our tables, chairs and umbrellas demolished, with the debris scattered all over the market,” a trader lamented.
Kantamanto is home to more than 30,000 traders and considered the hub of the second-hand clothing business in the country.
Ejecting the traders has been a headache for the AMA for some time now. The issue arouses emotions on the side of the traders, with the Kantamanto Traders Association (KTA) on several occasions appealing to the government to suspend the ejection, since traders’ livelihood depended on what they did there.
In February last year, the AMA ordered the demolition of all structures along the railway lines at Kantamanto to pave way for the construction of new rail lines.
But traders along the rail lines at Kantamanto at the time demonstrated against the demolition of their structures.
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