THE Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Publishers have held a reading quiz for 10 selected public schools in the Accra Metropolitan Area.
The event which was part of the just ended book-fair comprised five primary schools and five junior high schools.
The schools which were represented by four pupils each were: Mpoasei Primary School, James Town Methodist Primary A & B, Chorkor AMA Primary, Korle-Gonno St. Mary's Roman Catholic Primary and the St Barnabas Anglican Primary.
For the junior high schools category, the schools that took part were: Korle Gonno Roman Catholic JHS, Accra Royal JHS, Mamprobi Sempe '1' JHS, Osu Manhean JHS and the Mamprobi Ebenezer '4' JHS.
At the end of the quiz, the Mpoasei Primary School, James Town Methodist A & B, and the Chorkor AMA Primary, came first, second and third respectively. They were followed by the Korle-Gonno St. Mary's Roman Catholic Primary and the St Barnabas Anglican Primary Schools.
In the JHS division, the Korle Gonno Roman Catholic JHS, Accra Royal, Mamprobi Sempe '1', Osu Manhean JHS and the Mamprobi Ebenezer placed first to fifth respectively.
The coordinator of the programme, Mrs Elizabeth Quarmye, said the quiz was aimed at inculcating the habit of reading in the pupils.
Apart from reading, she said, the pupils were taught how to take care of books, adding that they were made to answer questions on what they read.
She said initially, it was one pupil from a shool that took part in the quiz, but that was expanded to ensure that more pupils benefited.
Mrs Quaryme said cultivating the habit of reading was important to the development of the child and, therefore, stressed the need for other corporate organisations to support such events.
“We should all help to make the children use their leisure time well; not only reading their textbooks, but to join reading clubs in schools”, she said.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
EDUCATION MINISTRY REFURBISHES PUBLIC LIBARIES (PAGE 11, NOV 27)
THE Ministry of Education is refurbishing public libraries as part of a national effort to promote education and encourage life-long learning.
Addressing the annual general meeting/seminar of the Ghana Library Association in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, said the emerging information and knowledge-based society offered new possibilities for people to improve their knowledge and acquire new skills and competencies.
The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, on the theme: “Life-long learning and libraries”.
Mr Tettey-Enyo underscored the need for reformation of the education system in order to encourage a life-long learning to all.
He said acquisition of knowledge and skills would allow change in the rapidly changing world.
The Education Minister said libraries played a significant role in disseminating literacy and life-long learning experiences, adding that libraries had provided access to learning and many self-educated people had attested to that fact.
In recognition of the role of libraries in knowledge acquisition, the minister said the ministry would continue to provide the required infrastructure and facilities such as libraries to make life-long learning possible.
Addressing the seminar, the President of the Ghana Library Association, Mrs Valentina Bannerman, said even though one could not have a meaningful education without libraries, libraries were not specifically mentioned in the educational development programmes.
She explained that learning was not confined to childhood or the classroom only, but that it took place throughout life and in a wide range of situations.
Constant scientific and technological innovations and changes had profound effects on learning needs and styles, he stated and said learning could no longer be divided into a place and time to acquire and apply knowledge, he stated.
Mrs Bannerman said for quality education to be attained, well-resourced libraries, which provided relevant, reliable and current information, were equally needed.
The Director of the Goethe Institut, Mrs Eleonore Sylla, launched the Ghana Library Association Portal, a website which is the outcome of a two-day collaborative workshop on the theme, “Strengthening the network among Ghanaian libraries and information professionals”.
She said one recommendation made at the workshop was the need to have a platform on which members of the association could use to network effectively.
Mrs Sylla noted that the platform would go a long way to strengthen the network among Ghanaian libraries and information professionals.
The Information Director of the Institut, Kingsley Nii Addy, said the outcome of the collaborative efforts was to develop strategies to strengthen local partner organisations through capacity building initiatives, adding that the website would allow members of the Ghana Library Association to share resources and practical experiences.
Addressing the annual general meeting/seminar of the Ghana Library Association in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, said the emerging information and knowledge-based society offered new possibilities for people to improve their knowledge and acquire new skills and competencies.
The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, on the theme: “Life-long learning and libraries”.
Mr Tettey-Enyo underscored the need for reformation of the education system in order to encourage a life-long learning to all.
He said acquisition of knowledge and skills would allow change in the rapidly changing world.
The Education Minister said libraries played a significant role in disseminating literacy and life-long learning experiences, adding that libraries had provided access to learning and many self-educated people had attested to that fact.
In recognition of the role of libraries in knowledge acquisition, the minister said the ministry would continue to provide the required infrastructure and facilities such as libraries to make life-long learning possible.
Addressing the seminar, the President of the Ghana Library Association, Mrs Valentina Bannerman, said even though one could not have a meaningful education without libraries, libraries were not specifically mentioned in the educational development programmes.
She explained that learning was not confined to childhood or the classroom only, but that it took place throughout life and in a wide range of situations.
Constant scientific and technological innovations and changes had profound effects on learning needs and styles, he stated and said learning could no longer be divided into a place and time to acquire and apply knowledge, he stated.
Mrs Bannerman said for quality education to be attained, well-resourced libraries, which provided relevant, reliable and current information, were equally needed.
The Director of the Goethe Institut, Mrs Eleonore Sylla, launched the Ghana Library Association Portal, a website which is the outcome of a two-day collaborative workshop on the theme, “Strengthening the network among Ghanaian libraries and information professionals”.
She said one recommendation made at the workshop was the need to have a platform on which members of the association could use to network effectively.
Mrs Sylla noted that the platform would go a long way to strengthen the network among Ghanaian libraries and information professionals.
The Information Director of the Institut, Kingsley Nii Addy, said the outcome of the collaborative efforts was to develop strategies to strengthen local partner organisations through capacity building initiatives, adding that the website would allow members of the Ghana Library Association to share resources and practical experiences.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Media cautioned over sycophancy ( spread, 20th Nov.)
A lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Dr Wilberforce Sefakor Dzisah, has observed that attempts by some journalists to align themselves to political parties are not healthy for a sustainable democratic culture.
That, he said, was because the situation could deny the citizens of quality alternative policy choices.
“In my view, the media are sliding back into the era of unrestrained sycophancy and adulation of politicians, to the extent that their patrons do no wrong,” he said.
Delivering a lecture to mark the 50th anniversary of the GIJ in Accra, Dr Dzisah said the lingering doubts and suspicions of extreme partisanship in the media had gained so much currency that it was eroding the watchdog function of the media.
“They represent the final sentinels at the door of liberty and freedom outside the Judiciary and being the voice of the voiceless, their conscience, instead of their stomachs, should drive their mission,” he said.
He said an independent media was an indispensable condition or factor in a democratic society, since it helped to keep the governors and the governed in check.
“Our governments must be seen as the trustees of the collective will of the people. Their actions should, therefore, be regulated by the force of public opinion. And it is for this reason that the media remain the most potent organ to mobilise, shape, assess and represent public opinion,” he emphasised.
Unfortunately, he said, the media landscape was so polarised to the extent that truth had become the preserve of a loud-mouthed and vociferous few.
On democracy, Dr Dzisah was of the view that Ghana’s democracy, if put on the optimum point of the scale, held a lot of promise for the country’s development.
“The strong case for diversity, pluralism and participation and the urge for the media to chart the course of multi-party democracy for development and opinion formation is a positive sign of progress,” he stressed.
He said the decentralisation policy which necessitated the devolution of political, and to some extent economic, power to the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) had become part of the democratic tool of engaging more citizens in the process.
That, he said, had helped in ensuring social coherence at the community level, a situation which was useful for democratic engagement and participation of the people.
That, he said, was because the situation could deny the citizens of quality alternative policy choices.
“In my view, the media are sliding back into the era of unrestrained sycophancy and adulation of politicians, to the extent that their patrons do no wrong,” he said.
Delivering a lecture to mark the 50th anniversary of the GIJ in Accra, Dr Dzisah said the lingering doubts and suspicions of extreme partisanship in the media had gained so much currency that it was eroding the watchdog function of the media.
“They represent the final sentinels at the door of liberty and freedom outside the Judiciary and being the voice of the voiceless, their conscience, instead of their stomachs, should drive their mission,” he said.
He said an independent media was an indispensable condition or factor in a democratic society, since it helped to keep the governors and the governed in check.
“Our governments must be seen as the trustees of the collective will of the people. Their actions should, therefore, be regulated by the force of public opinion. And it is for this reason that the media remain the most potent organ to mobilise, shape, assess and represent public opinion,” he emphasised.
Unfortunately, he said, the media landscape was so polarised to the extent that truth had become the preserve of a loud-mouthed and vociferous few.
On democracy, Dr Dzisah was of the view that Ghana’s democracy, if put on the optimum point of the scale, held a lot of promise for the country’s development.
“The strong case for diversity, pluralism and participation and the urge for the media to chart the course of multi-party democracy for development and opinion formation is a positive sign of progress,” he stressed.
He said the decentralisation policy which necessitated the devolution of political, and to some extent economic, power to the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) had become part of the democratic tool of engaging more citizens in the process.
That, he said, had helped in ensuring social coherence at the community level, a situation which was useful for democratic engagement and participation of the people.
Be Remindful of Rights of inidividuals- Minister ( Spread, 23rd Nov.)
THE Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has asked media practitioners to be mindful of the rights and freedoms of individuals as they try to hold public officials and institutions accountable.
He said media practitioners should be circumspect in their reportage, especially when what they reported had the potential to damage the reputation of people.
Mr Iddrisu, who gave the advice at the 50th anniversary and third congregation of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra on Saturday, said there was the need for the media to recognise the rich diversity of the country and promote unity among the people.
The theme for the ceremony was. “GIJ at 50: Defining Africa's Communications Agenda".
Mr Noble Johnson Kwabla Kukubor received the Most Professional and Overall Best Student award.
The GIJ, which was established in 1959, has played a key role in the training of Ghanaian journalists and others from other African countries. Last October, it received a Presidential Charter to become an autonomous tertiary institution to award its own degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Mr Iddrisu said the power of the media to disseminate information and educate remained critical to the sustenance of the country’s democratic process and the development of a new culture of democratic values.
The Rector of the GIJ, Mr David Newton, indicated that the institute had chalked up many successes in the past.
He said in 2010 there would be a strategic plan which would focus on developing GIJ's new site into a modern university campus.
As part of the strategies to develop the new site, Mr Newton said, the institute would set up an endowment fund to supplement government efforts at providing funding for the new site project.
He said the Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) had pledged to support the institute in the areas of curriculum development, Information Communication Technology ( ICT) and the promotion of exchange programmes between the institute and other African Communications institutions.
He said OSIWA had already sponsored two lecturers and a student to participate in this year's Highway Africa Conference at the Rhodes University in South Africa.
For his part, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Accra, Senator Musiliu Obatunde Obanikoro, called on the GIJ to play the traditional role of agenda setting and be more proactive to sustain the democratic process.
He said the institute should not rest on its laurels but continue to work tirelessly for Ghana’s growth and development, adding that the media should use their indispensability to foster and promote bilateral relationship among Ghana and Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.
Senator Obanikoro appealed to the Ghanaian media to change their perception about Nigerian resident in Ghana so that together the peoples of the two countries could work in unity and integrate Africa.
The Chairman of the GIJ Governing Council, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, said the Presidential Charter awarded to the institute had imposed additional responsibility on it that made it imperative for all to join hands to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in it.
He said the charter required the institute to continue to invest in strengthening the design and review of the curriculum and to enhance the teaching and learning resources that would assure academic quality.
THE Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has asked media practitioners to be mindful of the rights and freedoms of individuals as they try to hold public officials and institutions accountable.
He said media practitioners should be circumspect in their reportage, especially when what they reported had the potential to damage the reputation of people.
Mr Iddrisu, who gave the advice at the 50th anniversary and third congregation of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra on Saturday, said there was the need for the media to recognise the rich diversity of the country and promote unity among the people.
The theme for the ceremony was. “GIJ at 50: Defining Africa's Communications Agenda".
In all, 160 students were awarded certificates after completing a two-year diploma course in Communication Studies.
Prizes were given to deserving graduates, with Ms Doreen Ampofo and Mr Anthony Amoako being adjudged the Most Promising Students.
Mr Noble Johnson Kwabla Kukubor received the Most Professional and Overall Best Student award.
The GIJ, which was established in 1959, has played a key role in the training of Ghanaian journalists and others from other African countries. Last October, it received a Presidential Charter to become an autonomous tertiary institution to award its own degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Mr Iddrisu said the power of the media to disseminate information and educate remained critical to the sustenance of the country’s democratic process and the development of a new culture of democratic values.
The Rector of the GIJ, Mr David Newton, indicated that the institute had chalked up many successes in the past.
He said in 2010 there would be a strategic plan which would focus on developing GIJ's new site into a modern university campus.
As part of the strategies to develop the new site, Mr Newton said, the institute would set up an endowment fund to supplement government efforts at providing funding for the new site project.
He said the Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) had pledged to support the institute in the areas of curriculum development, Information Communication Technology ( ICT) and the promotion of exchange programmes between the institute and other African Communications institutions.
He said OSIWA had already sponsored two lecturers and a student to participate in this year's Highway Africa Conference at the Rhodes University in South Africa.
For his part, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Accra, Senator Musiliu Obatunde Obanikoro, called on the GIJ to play the traditional role of agenda setting and be more proactive to sustain the democratic process.
He said the institute should not rest on its laurels but continue to work tirelessly for Ghana’s growth and development, adding that the media should use their indispensability to foster and promote bilateral relationship among Ghana and Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.
Senator Obanikoro appealed to the Ghanaian media to change their perception about Nigerian resident in Ghana so that together the peoples of the two countries could work in unity and integrate Africa.
The Chairman of the GIJ Governing Council, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, said the Presidential Charter awarded to the institute had imposed additional responsibility on it that made it imperative for all to join hands to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in it.
He said the charter required the institute to continue to invest in strengthening the design and review of the curriculum and to enhance the teaching and learning resources that would assure academic quality.
He said media practitioners should be circumspect in their reportage, especially when what they reported had the potential to damage the reputation of people.
Mr Iddrisu, who gave the advice at the 50th anniversary and third congregation of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra on Saturday, said there was the need for the media to recognise the rich diversity of the country and promote unity among the people.
The theme for the ceremony was. “GIJ at 50: Defining Africa's Communications Agenda".
In all, 160 students including this reporter, were awarded certificates after completing a two-year diploma course in Communication Studies.
Prizes were given to deserving graduates, with Ms Doreen Ampofo and Mr Anthony Amoako being adjudged the Most Promising Students.Mr Noble Johnson Kwabla Kukubor received the Most Professional and Overall Best Student award.
The GIJ, which was established in 1959, has played a key role in the training of Ghanaian journalists and others from other African countries. Last October, it received a Presidential Charter to become an autonomous tertiary institution to award its own degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Mr Iddrisu said the power of the media to disseminate information and educate remained critical to the sustenance of the country’s democratic process and the development of a new culture of democratic values.
The Rector of the GIJ, Mr David Newton, indicated that the institute had chalked up many successes in the past.
He said in 2010 there would be a strategic plan which would focus on developing GIJ's new site into a modern university campus.
As part of the strategies to develop the new site, Mr Newton said, the institute would set up an endowment fund to supplement government efforts at providing funding for the new site project.
He said the Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) had pledged to support the institute in the areas of curriculum development, Information Communication Technology ( ICT) and the promotion of exchange programmes between the institute and other African Communications institutions.
He said OSIWA had already sponsored two lecturers and a student to participate in this year's Highway Africa Conference at the Rhodes University in South Africa.
For his part, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Accra, Senator Musiliu Obatunde Obanikoro, called on the GIJ to play the traditional role of agenda setting and be more proactive to sustain the democratic process.
He said the institute should not rest on its laurels but continue to work tirelessly for Ghana’s growth and development, adding that the media should use their indispensability to foster and promote bilateral relationship among Ghana and Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.
Senator Obanikoro appealed to the Ghanaian media to change their perception about Nigerian resident in Ghana so that together the peoples of the two countries could work in unity and integrate Africa.
The Chairman of the GIJ Governing Council, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, said the Presidential Charter awarded to the institute had imposed additional responsibility on it that made it imperative for all to join hands to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in it.
He said the charter required the institute to continue to invest in strengthening the design and review of the curriculum and to enhance the teaching and learning resources that would assure academic quality.
THE Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has asked media practitioners to be mindful of the rights and freedoms of individuals as they try to hold public officials and institutions accountable.
He said media practitioners should be circumspect in their reportage, especially when what they reported had the potential to damage the reputation of people.
Mr Iddrisu, who gave the advice at the 50th anniversary and third congregation of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra on Saturday, said there was the need for the media to recognise the rich diversity of the country and promote unity among the people.
The theme for the ceremony was. “GIJ at 50: Defining Africa's Communications Agenda".
In all, 160 students were awarded certificates after completing a two-year diploma course in Communication Studies.
Prizes were given to deserving graduates, with Ms Doreen Ampofo and Mr Anthony Amoako being adjudged the Most Promising Students.
Mr Noble Johnson Kwabla Kukubor received the Most Professional and Overall Best Student award.
The GIJ, which was established in 1959, has played a key role in the training of Ghanaian journalists and others from other African countries. Last October, it received a Presidential Charter to become an autonomous tertiary institution to award its own degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Mr Iddrisu said the power of the media to disseminate information and educate remained critical to the sustenance of the country’s democratic process and the development of a new culture of democratic values.
The Rector of the GIJ, Mr David Newton, indicated that the institute had chalked up many successes in the past.
He said in 2010 there would be a strategic plan which would focus on developing GIJ's new site into a modern university campus.
As part of the strategies to develop the new site, Mr Newton said, the institute would set up an endowment fund to supplement government efforts at providing funding for the new site project.
He said the Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) had pledged to support the institute in the areas of curriculum development, Information Communication Technology ( ICT) and the promotion of exchange programmes between the institute and other African Communications institutions.
He said OSIWA had already sponsored two lecturers and a student to participate in this year's Highway Africa Conference at the Rhodes University in South Africa.
For his part, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Accra, Senator Musiliu Obatunde Obanikoro, called on the GIJ to play the traditional role of agenda setting and be more proactive to sustain the democratic process.
He said the institute should not rest on its laurels but continue to work tirelessly for Ghana’s growth and development, adding that the media should use their indispensability to foster and promote bilateral relationship among Ghana and Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.
Senator Obanikoro appealed to the Ghanaian media to change their perception about Nigerian resident in Ghana so that together the peoples of the two countries could work in unity and integrate Africa.
The Chairman of the GIJ Governing Council, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, said the Presidential Charter awarded to the institute had imposed additional responsibility on it that made it imperative for all to join hands to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in it.
He said the charter required the institute to continue to invest in strengthening the design and review of the curriculum and to enhance the teaching and learning resources that would assure academic quality.
COMMUNITIES MUST GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT (Spread, 24th Nov.)
The Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, has underscored the need for communities to get involved in the management of schools.
Receiving a delegation from the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) and Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra yesterday, he said the participation of local communities in the activities of schools was crucial in the success of their engagements and programmes.
The delegation, led by the President of the CTF, Ms Mary-Lou Donnelly, was at the Ministry of Education to brief the Minister on the progress so far made in the implementation of a social development in education project( SODEP), otherwise known as "Nkabom".
Ms Donnelly was accompanied by the General Secretary of GNAT, Mrs Irene Duncan Adanusa, who introduced her to the Minister and other members of GNAT.
The SODEP project seeks to remove all boundaries that worked against access to education, such as lack of school infrastructure, qualified teachers, community support and teaching and learning resources.
Mr Tettey-Enyo said communities needed to participate and support in the decision making of schools because the schools belonged to them.
Briefing the Minister, Ms Donnelly said the SODEP focused on helping the underprivileged schools and to minimise some of the problems that would deprive some of the children of education.
She noted that through the project, resource persons had been trained to assist in facilitating various workshops in the regions.
For his part, the Project Officer, Mr Alex Davidson, said the "Nkabom" would address the needs of quality education.
The General Secretary of the GNAT, Mrs Irene Duncan Adanusa, said the project envisioned the unity of all stakeholders in the education of the child, adding that it would include parents, elders, opinion leaders, Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs), district assemblies and the international agencies.
She said the project also envisioned a partnership with the view to improving infrastructure and learning materials in selected deprived schools in the country.
Mrs Adanusa said under the first phase, the project brought significant improvement in the selected schools in communities in the Accra metropolis and Ga districts, and that the second phase had also trained 300 teachers in the Volta, Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions.
More than 132 needy pupils in the Brong Ahafo Region are expected to benefit from donation of school uniforms, canvas shoes, school bags and learning materials.
Receiving a delegation from the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) and Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra yesterday, he said the participation of local communities in the activities of schools was crucial in the success of their engagements and programmes.
The delegation, led by the President of the CTF, Ms Mary-Lou Donnelly, was at the Ministry of Education to brief the Minister on the progress so far made in the implementation of a social development in education project( SODEP), otherwise known as "Nkabom".
Ms Donnelly was accompanied by the General Secretary of GNAT, Mrs Irene Duncan Adanusa, who introduced her to the Minister and other members of GNAT.
The SODEP project seeks to remove all boundaries that worked against access to education, such as lack of school infrastructure, qualified teachers, community support and teaching and learning resources.
Mr Tettey-Enyo said communities needed to participate and support in the decision making of schools because the schools belonged to them.
Briefing the Minister, Ms Donnelly said the SODEP focused on helping the underprivileged schools and to minimise some of the problems that would deprive some of the children of education.
She noted that through the project, resource persons had been trained to assist in facilitating various workshops in the regions.
For his part, the Project Officer, Mr Alex Davidson, said the "Nkabom" would address the needs of quality education.
The General Secretary of the GNAT, Mrs Irene Duncan Adanusa, said the project envisioned the unity of all stakeholders in the education of the child, adding that it would include parents, elders, opinion leaders, Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs), district assemblies and the international agencies.
She said the project also envisioned a partnership with the view to improving infrastructure and learning materials in selected deprived schools in the country.
Mrs Adanusa said under the first phase, the project brought significant improvement in the selected schools in communities in the Accra metropolis and Ga districts, and that the second phase had also trained 300 teachers in the Volta, Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions.
More than 132 needy pupils in the Brong Ahafo Region are expected to benefit from donation of school uniforms, canvas shoes, school bags and learning materials.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
JOURNALISTS URGED TO PROMOTE SMALL BUSINESSES (PAGE 55, NOV 19)
THE President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Ransford Tetteh, has urged the members of the Journalists for Business Advocacy (JBA) to create the platform for journalists to promote small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
He said the business advocacy would provide the platform for the media to make a contribution to wealth creation, poverty alleviation and national development.
Mr Tetteh, who is also the Editor of the Daily Graphic, made the appeal at the launch of the JBA in Accra yesterday.
The JBA was established out of GJA’s special two-year project dubbed “ Using the Media to strengthen Business Advocacy”. The project, co-facilitated by KAB Consult and sponsored by the Business Advocacy Challenge ( BUSAC) Fund, began in 2006, on the theme “ Using the Media to Promote Small- Scale Business Concerns”.
" The GJA considers this noble cause capable of making a real difference in the business culture in Ghana in line with our efforts at promoting specialisation in journalism," Mr Tetteh said.
The President encouraged the JBA to collaborate with entities such as the Institute of Finance and Economic Journalists to assist in providing journalists with deeper understanding and monitoring ability of the Ghanaian business sector.
That, he said, would provide a reliable, educative and informative coverage through the promotion of dialogue, informed analysis on economic, financial and business issues and improve access of Ghanaians to information on national and international economic trends.
The Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr John Gyetuah, indicated that SMEs accounted for about 90 per cent of enterprises in the Ghanaian economy and contributed 60 per cent of employment and about six per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Explaining, he added that SMEs were significant to Ghana's socio- economic development and growth.
He revealed that the Ministry of Trade had developed the Ghana Trade Policy, which detailed the policy prescriptions for the implementation of the government’s programme to promote export-led strategy for growth and domestic industrialisation.
To implement those policy prescriptions, Mr Gyetuah said the ministry had developed a five-year Trade Sector Support Programme (TSSP), spanning 2006 to 2010, to increase Ghana's competitiveness in international and domestic markets.
Mr Gyetuah commended the Business Support for Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) for their services to business associations, which had enabled them to re-orient their operations to deliver the requisite services needed to support the growth and development of the SME sector.
The President of the JBA, Mr Wisdom Peter Awuku, said the ideas of the government to create jobs for all and invest in the people would not be realised if SMEs were not supported to expand their businesses.
He suggested that the decentralisation policy should be properly enhanced so that MMDAs, which are the implementing agencies at the local level, were empowered to deal with the problems on the ground without recourse to the central government.
He said the business advocacy would provide the platform for the media to make a contribution to wealth creation, poverty alleviation and national development.
Mr Tetteh, who is also the Editor of the Daily Graphic, made the appeal at the launch of the JBA in Accra yesterday.
The JBA was established out of GJA’s special two-year project dubbed “ Using the Media to strengthen Business Advocacy”. The project, co-facilitated by KAB Consult and sponsored by the Business Advocacy Challenge ( BUSAC) Fund, began in 2006, on the theme “ Using the Media to Promote Small- Scale Business Concerns”.
" The GJA considers this noble cause capable of making a real difference in the business culture in Ghana in line with our efforts at promoting specialisation in journalism," Mr Tetteh said.
The President encouraged the JBA to collaborate with entities such as the Institute of Finance and Economic Journalists to assist in providing journalists with deeper understanding and monitoring ability of the Ghanaian business sector.
That, he said, would provide a reliable, educative and informative coverage through the promotion of dialogue, informed analysis on economic, financial and business issues and improve access of Ghanaians to information on national and international economic trends.
The Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr John Gyetuah, indicated that SMEs accounted for about 90 per cent of enterprises in the Ghanaian economy and contributed 60 per cent of employment and about six per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Explaining, he added that SMEs were significant to Ghana's socio- economic development and growth.
He revealed that the Ministry of Trade had developed the Ghana Trade Policy, which detailed the policy prescriptions for the implementation of the government’s programme to promote export-led strategy for growth and domestic industrialisation.
To implement those policy prescriptions, Mr Gyetuah said the ministry had developed a five-year Trade Sector Support Programme (TSSP), spanning 2006 to 2010, to increase Ghana's competitiveness in international and domestic markets.
Mr Gyetuah commended the Business Support for Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) for their services to business associations, which had enabled them to re-orient their operations to deliver the requisite services needed to support the growth and development of the SME sector.
The President of the JBA, Mr Wisdom Peter Awuku, said the ideas of the government to create jobs for all and invest in the people would not be realised if SMEs were not supported to expand their businesses.
He suggested that the decentralisation policy should be properly enhanced so that MMDAs, which are the implementing agencies at the local level, were empowered to deal with the problems on the ground without recourse to the central government.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ACTION CHAPEL ASSISTS CORRECTIONAL CENTRE (PAGE 29, NOV 17)
THE Archbishop of the Action Chapel International, Duncan Williams, has pledged to adopt and renovate a dormitory facility of the Senior Correctional Centre, formerly known as the Borstal Institute.
He said the adoption would allow inmates of the centre who had finished their probation but had been rejected by the society to live in the college to learn a trade.
Rev. Ebenezer Obodai, a senior pastor of Action Chapel, made this known when the church presented food items, clothes and toiletries to the inmates of the centre.
The items included 40 bags of rice, 44 gallons of cooking oil, two boxes of washing soap, boxes of cocoa beverages, 13 boxes of drugs, 18 bags of used clothes, and toilet rolls among others.
Presenting the items, Rev Obodai said the donation was part of the church’s social responsibility to the community and society as a whole.
He advised the inmates to dedicate their lives to Christ no matter the situation, because they were gifts from God.
The Deputy Director of Prisons, Ms Elizabeth King, said the centre had 113 inmates who were being taken through formal and non-formal education.
She explained that the training would provide the inmates the opportunity to learn different vocations such as sewing, carpentry, ceramics, shoe-making, electrical works, and auto mechanics to shape them for the future.
“Eighteen inmates were trained within 10 months last year to partake in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE ) and they all passed to get placements in various senior high schools.
Ms King said the centre needed support from the society because the government gave only 60 pesewas per inmate a day, making it very difficult for the centre to provide the children three square meals a day.
She thanked the Action Chapel International for the gesture and support towards the renovation of a dormitory and gave the assurance that the domitory would be named after the church.
He said the adoption would allow inmates of the centre who had finished their probation but had been rejected by the society to live in the college to learn a trade.
Rev. Ebenezer Obodai, a senior pastor of Action Chapel, made this known when the church presented food items, clothes and toiletries to the inmates of the centre.
The items included 40 bags of rice, 44 gallons of cooking oil, two boxes of washing soap, boxes of cocoa beverages, 13 boxes of drugs, 18 bags of used clothes, and toilet rolls among others.
Presenting the items, Rev Obodai said the donation was part of the church’s social responsibility to the community and society as a whole.
He advised the inmates to dedicate their lives to Christ no matter the situation, because they were gifts from God.
The Deputy Director of Prisons, Ms Elizabeth King, said the centre had 113 inmates who were being taken through formal and non-formal education.
She explained that the training would provide the inmates the opportunity to learn different vocations such as sewing, carpentry, ceramics, shoe-making, electrical works, and auto mechanics to shape them for the future.
“Eighteen inmates were trained within 10 months last year to partake in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE ) and they all passed to get placements in various senior high schools.
Ms King said the centre needed support from the society because the government gave only 60 pesewas per inmate a day, making it very difficult for the centre to provide the children three square meals a day.
She thanked the Action Chapel International for the gesture and support towards the renovation of a dormitory and gave the assurance that the domitory would be named after the church.
Monday, November 16, 2009
GHANA-RE DONATES TO EIGHT INSTITUTIONS (PAGE 57, NOV 16)
Ghana Reinsurance Company Limited has donated GH¢60,000 to eight institutions at a ceremony in Accra.
The beneficiaries are the College of Health Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Ghana, Department of Child Health, Medical and Surgical Emergency Department, Ghana National Trust Fund and the Ghana Heart Foundation.
The donation formed part of a special fund set up by the company to support the activities of deserving institutions.
Making the presentation, the Managing Director of the Ghana Reinsurance Company, Mr William Agbenyega, said the beneficiaries were specially selected in line with the company’s commitment to the promotion of education and youth programmes.
He said the company’s support was initially to the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana as a way of sustaining local post-graduate medical training.
He said due to the commitment of the company to developing the human resource base of the country, the support was extended to the School of Medical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Students Financial Aid Office of the University of Ghana.
Mr Agbenyega said in response to the appeals from the various institutions for help to equip various departments of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the company decided to extend its assistance to the Department of Child Health and Urology Unit of the hospital.
Representatives of the beneficiary institutions took turns to express their appreciation for the support and urged other companies to emulate the gesture of Ghana Reinsurance.
The beneficiaries are the College of Health Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Ghana, Department of Child Health, Medical and Surgical Emergency Department, Ghana National Trust Fund and the Ghana Heart Foundation.
The donation formed part of a special fund set up by the company to support the activities of deserving institutions.
Making the presentation, the Managing Director of the Ghana Reinsurance Company, Mr William Agbenyega, said the beneficiaries were specially selected in line with the company’s commitment to the promotion of education and youth programmes.
He said the company’s support was initially to the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana as a way of sustaining local post-graduate medical training.
He said due to the commitment of the company to developing the human resource base of the country, the support was extended to the School of Medical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Students Financial Aid Office of the University of Ghana.
Mr Agbenyega said in response to the appeals from the various institutions for help to equip various departments of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the company decided to extend its assistance to the Department of Child Health and Urology Unit of the hospital.
Representatives of the beneficiary institutions took turns to express their appreciation for the support and urged other companies to emulate the gesture of Ghana Reinsurance.
ACQUIRE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SKILLS ...Lt-Gen Smith urges students (page 11, nov 16)
THE Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) J. H. Smith, has urged Ghanaian students to acquire higher educational skills in order to improve on their performance in their various fields of study.
Speaking at the 82nd speech and prize giving-day ceremony of the Achimota School on the theme, "Education, an investment for the future", the minister observed that education was to enable citizens, especially the youth to acquire the intellectual basis for developing skills to enhance their future.
"With this in mind, it should not be difficult for us to understand that our future depends on education," he noted.
Lt. Gen. Smith said there was the need to inculcate in students the mental discipline that would enable them to make sound decisions and endure long hours of hard work, as well as provide them with social discipline within a community of strict standards.
He, however, advised school authorities to avoid taking extreme measures in their bid to discipline students, since that could make them aggressive disciplinarians, saying they should rather produce submissive scholars who lack initiative in thought rather than rebellious students who think that opposition to authority is fashionable.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Beatrice Adom, expressed happiness with the school’s academic performance, and announced that it scored 100 per cent in the West Africa Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE) results released just recently.
"Out of the 183 students registered for the examinations, 169 passed excellently in eight subjects, and this had been an improvement in past performances," she said.
She was also happy about the school’s performance in other academic activities, and noted that that it had chalked up high laurels in sports and other areas of interest, including the National Science and Maths quiz in the 2009 competition.
Mrs Adom, however, called on the government to support the school to safeguard its lands, part of which had been encroached upon.
She thus appealed to the government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Chief Executive, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and all stakeholders to assist the school to overcome its numerous challenges.
The school currently has a student population of 1,562.
Speaking at the 82nd speech and prize giving-day ceremony of the Achimota School on the theme, "Education, an investment for the future", the minister observed that education was to enable citizens, especially the youth to acquire the intellectual basis for developing skills to enhance their future.
"With this in mind, it should not be difficult for us to understand that our future depends on education," he noted.
Lt. Gen. Smith said there was the need to inculcate in students the mental discipline that would enable them to make sound decisions and endure long hours of hard work, as well as provide them with social discipline within a community of strict standards.
He, however, advised school authorities to avoid taking extreme measures in their bid to discipline students, since that could make them aggressive disciplinarians, saying they should rather produce submissive scholars who lack initiative in thought rather than rebellious students who think that opposition to authority is fashionable.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Beatrice Adom, expressed happiness with the school’s academic performance, and announced that it scored 100 per cent in the West Africa Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE) results released just recently.
"Out of the 183 students registered for the examinations, 169 passed excellently in eight subjects, and this had been an improvement in past performances," she said.
She was also happy about the school’s performance in other academic activities, and noted that that it had chalked up high laurels in sports and other areas of interest, including the National Science and Maths quiz in the 2009 competition.
Mrs Adom, however, called on the government to support the school to safeguard its lands, part of which had been encroached upon.
She thus appealed to the government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Chief Executive, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and all stakeholders to assist the school to overcome its numerous challenges.
The school currently has a student population of 1,562.
GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP DISATER POLICY...Zita announces at AUCC graduation (PAGE 11, NOV 16)
THE government is developing a comprehensive national disaster policy which will spell out measures to combat the effect of the global warming on the environment.
The Minister of Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, who made this known, said the issue of climate change was not only for the industralised nations, and that Ghana was currently experiencing the negative effects of climate change.
Mrs Okaikoi said this at the 5th graduation ceremony of the African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra at the weekend. The ceremony was on the theme “Climate Change, the role of communicators in Africa”.
In all, 139 students were presented with Diploma in Communication Studies for the 2008 academic year.
She said the power of communication could not be overlooked because the world had become a global village with the evolution of science and technology.
Mrs Okaikoi stressed the need for the graduates to sensitise and inform the public about issues of climate change and induced disasters in Ghana and the sub- region.
For her part, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, expressed concern about the effects of global warming, which had caused more heat waves and droughts.
She said this could result in more conflicts for water resources, and had a greater potential for heat- related illnesses and deaths.
Climate change has disrupted more lives, and that had resulted in the increase in migration to the city, she noted.
Explaining the implications of global warming, Ms Ayittey said in 1983, there was a severe drought in Ghana which resulted in the occurence of a nationwide wildfire, where large expanse of forest woodland and farmlands were burnt down.
She also referred to the 2007 massive floods in the Northern, Central and Western regions of Ghana, where huge losses, in terms of lives and property, were recorded.
"Africa and other developing nations are more vulnerable to the risks and challenges posed by climate change," she stated.
Ms Ayittey urged the graduates to educate the entire citizenry on what climate change is and its effects.
The President of the AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah , announced the university’s proposal to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) and the University of Ghana to replace the Diploma in Communcation with an Association Bachelor's Degree.
The objective, he said, was to review the syllabus, so that what is known as the diploma track would from January 2010 be incorporated into a full four-year degree course.
"AUCC would from January offer a number of certificate courses, which would include public speaking, writing skills, creative writing, speech writing, report writing and listening skills," he disclosed.
Mr Yankah said through its achievements, the school was offering lectures via the internet with other institutions abroad.
Mr Yankah encouraged all in the communication sector to share the issues of climate change to the entire world.
Students who distinguished themselves in various subjects were presented with awards.
Ms Aku Yram Amevedzi, who excelled in Marketing, Public relations and Communications Research Methods, had the overall best students award.
The Minister of Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, who made this known, said the issue of climate change was not only for the industralised nations, and that Ghana was currently experiencing the negative effects of climate change.
Mrs Okaikoi said this at the 5th graduation ceremony of the African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra at the weekend. The ceremony was on the theme “Climate Change, the role of communicators in Africa”.
In all, 139 students were presented with Diploma in Communication Studies for the 2008 academic year.
She said the power of communication could not be overlooked because the world had become a global village with the evolution of science and technology.
Mrs Okaikoi stressed the need for the graduates to sensitise and inform the public about issues of climate change and induced disasters in Ghana and the sub- region.
For her part, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, expressed concern about the effects of global warming, which had caused more heat waves and droughts.
She said this could result in more conflicts for water resources, and had a greater potential for heat- related illnesses and deaths.
Climate change has disrupted more lives, and that had resulted in the increase in migration to the city, she noted.
Explaining the implications of global warming, Ms Ayittey said in 1983, there was a severe drought in Ghana which resulted in the occurence of a nationwide wildfire, where large expanse of forest woodland and farmlands were burnt down.
She also referred to the 2007 massive floods in the Northern, Central and Western regions of Ghana, where huge losses, in terms of lives and property, were recorded.
"Africa and other developing nations are more vulnerable to the risks and challenges posed by climate change," she stated.
Ms Ayittey urged the graduates to educate the entire citizenry on what climate change is and its effects.
The President of the AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah , announced the university’s proposal to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) and the University of Ghana to replace the Diploma in Communcation with an Association Bachelor's Degree.
The objective, he said, was to review the syllabus, so that what is known as the diploma track would from January 2010 be incorporated into a full four-year degree course.
"AUCC would from January offer a number of certificate courses, which would include public speaking, writing skills, creative writing, speech writing, report writing and listening skills," he disclosed.
Mr Yankah said through its achievements, the school was offering lectures via the internet with other institutions abroad.
Mr Yankah encouraged all in the communication sector to share the issues of climate change to the entire world.
Students who distinguished themselves in various subjects were presented with awards.
Ms Aku Yram Amevedzi, who excelled in Marketing, Public relations and Communications Research Methods, had the overall best students award.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
GHANA STANDARDS BOARD UPGRADES TWO LABORATORIES (PAGE 44, NOV 16)
the Ghana Standards Board has inaugurated two modern microbiology and pesticide residue testing laboratories to test Ghana’s agro exports.
The laboratories, which have been upgraded and internationally accredited, were sponsored by the Swiss Government through the UNIDO Trade Capacity Building Project.
Inaugurating the laboratories, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, said steps had been taken to upgrade key laboratories in various standards and regulatory institutions with technical assistance under the Trade Capacity Building Project and the West African Quality Programme with ECOWAS.
She said Ghana stood to gain from the accredited laboratories if both private and public sector institutions took the opportunity to compete effectively in the local and export markets.
Ghana, like most developing countries, has liberalised its economy in the hope that it will expand its industrial base, achieve export-led growth and eradicate poverty.
Despite these measures, she said, Ghana had not been able to fully exploit its export potential.
“Challenges such as limited market access for exports still remain. Due to the lack of production capacity and stringent international standard requirements — technical, environmental, health and safety requirements set by importing markets, not very much is exported,’’ she said.
The laboratories will assist Ghanaian exporters to ensure food safety, timely detection of pesticide residue in local and exported food and reduce cost of testing in destination countries. Furthermore, Ghanaian exports will enjoy more acceptance because data generated by the accredited laboratories are internationally recognised and finally, the exports will enjoy consumer confidence.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Ghana Standards Boards (GSB), Mr Adu Darkwa, said in less than two years, the GSB had had five of its laboratories accredited.
The Chief Executive Director of the Cocoa Board, Mr Anthony Fofie, said the accredited route had the advantage of a single transparent and repeatable approach, which should improve consistency.
He said the laboratories would impact positively on imports and exports to enhance the quality of trade in line with national aspirations of building a strong healthy economy and high standard of living for Ghana.
In his speech during the launch, the Swiss Ambassador, Mr Nicolas Lang, highlighted the benefits of laboratories to Ghana and expressed the hope that the Ghana Standards Board would maintain higher standards for Ghana’s exports.
The laboratories, which have been upgraded and internationally accredited, were sponsored by the Swiss Government through the UNIDO Trade Capacity Building Project.
Inaugurating the laboratories, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, said steps had been taken to upgrade key laboratories in various standards and regulatory institutions with technical assistance under the Trade Capacity Building Project and the West African Quality Programme with ECOWAS.
She said Ghana stood to gain from the accredited laboratories if both private and public sector institutions took the opportunity to compete effectively in the local and export markets.
Ghana, like most developing countries, has liberalised its economy in the hope that it will expand its industrial base, achieve export-led growth and eradicate poverty.
Despite these measures, she said, Ghana had not been able to fully exploit its export potential.
“Challenges such as limited market access for exports still remain. Due to the lack of production capacity and stringent international standard requirements — technical, environmental, health and safety requirements set by importing markets, not very much is exported,’’ she said.
The laboratories will assist Ghanaian exporters to ensure food safety, timely detection of pesticide residue in local and exported food and reduce cost of testing in destination countries. Furthermore, Ghanaian exports will enjoy more acceptance because data generated by the accredited laboratories are internationally recognised and finally, the exports will enjoy consumer confidence.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Ghana Standards Boards (GSB), Mr Adu Darkwa, said in less than two years, the GSB had had five of its laboratories accredited.
The Chief Executive Director of the Cocoa Board, Mr Anthony Fofie, said the accredited route had the advantage of a single transparent and repeatable approach, which should improve consistency.
He said the laboratories would impact positively on imports and exports to enhance the quality of trade in line with national aspirations of building a strong healthy economy and high standard of living for Ghana.
In his speech during the launch, the Swiss Ambassador, Mr Nicolas Lang, highlighted the benefits of laboratories to Ghana and expressed the hope that the Ghana Standards Board would maintain higher standards for Ghana’s exports.
Friday, November 13, 2009
GOVT WILL RESERVE KEY AREAS IN OIL INDUSTRY FOR GHANAIANS (PAGE 31, NOV 13)
Key strategic areas in the energy and the emerging oil industry will be reserved solely for Ghanaians, President John Evans Atta Mills has indicated.
Currently, a value chain analysis of the oil sector is underway to enable the government to take a firm decision on the areas that will be reserved for Ghanaians and the skills and competencies which will be required for them to play a crucial role in the energy and oil industry.
This was contained in a speech read on behalf of President Mills by the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, at the 49th annual general meeting and 50th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) in Accra on Wednesday.
President Mills said plans were also underway to establish a task force to assess what needed to be done to improve the competence and skills of Ghanaians to fill certain key positions.
The President said the government was committed to ridding the country of unwholesome and counterfeit goods and blocking all illicit trade in the country, since unwholesome and counterfeit goods impacted negatively on the health of the people that could lead to the loss of employment and also affect the competitiveness of enterprises.
He said the government would further collaborate with the GEA and other business associations to work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other development partners to ensure that the sector was given the necessary managerial and business skills and advisory support for the realisation of its full potential.
On energy, the President said the government recognised the critical role of energy in industrial growth and development, stressing, “We are aware of the challenges we have had with the supply of crude oil but we wish to assure you of our commitment to the regular supply of oil to enable industry to derive the required benefit for increased productivity.”
The President said the challenges that oil producing countries, especially developing ones, faced were very familiar but gave the assurance that Ghana’s oil revenue would be used for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
President Mills said the government was aware of the important advocacy role the GEA was playing in pushing for a national productivity movement to augment the competitiveness of Ghana to achieve a middle-income status and also improve the quality of life of the people.
“I, therefore, charged the ministries of Finance and Economic Planning and Employment and Social Welfare to adequately resource the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) to collaborate with the social partners in developing productivity benchmarks for all sectors of the national economy and begin an accelerated national campaign to raise awareness of Ghanaians on productivity,” he stressed.
For his part, the President of the GEA, Mr Charles Cofie, urged the government to reduce the budget deficit to a range between six and eight per cent over a three-year period, since stabilising the economy would require a long-term approach.
The effort to reduce the budget deficit, he said, should involve a review of the current strategies for managing the national economy and modify them to reflect global realities of the time.
Mr Cofie said in order to give impetus to the private sector as the engine of growth, SME financing needed to be looked at, since SMEs contributed 85 per cent of manufacturing employment and accounted for 92 per cent of Ghanaian businesses.
He said the banking system, which dominated the financial sector, was not adequately responding to SME financing because of the risk associated with the sector.
He called on the government to come up with creative innovations and management training to assist SMEs to produce credible records and financial statements.
Currently, a value chain analysis of the oil sector is underway to enable the government to take a firm decision on the areas that will be reserved for Ghanaians and the skills and competencies which will be required for them to play a crucial role in the energy and oil industry.
This was contained in a speech read on behalf of President Mills by the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, at the 49th annual general meeting and 50th anniversary celebration of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) in Accra on Wednesday.
President Mills said plans were also underway to establish a task force to assess what needed to be done to improve the competence and skills of Ghanaians to fill certain key positions.
The President said the government was committed to ridding the country of unwholesome and counterfeit goods and blocking all illicit trade in the country, since unwholesome and counterfeit goods impacted negatively on the health of the people that could lead to the loss of employment and also affect the competitiveness of enterprises.
He said the government would further collaborate with the GEA and other business associations to work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other development partners to ensure that the sector was given the necessary managerial and business skills and advisory support for the realisation of its full potential.
On energy, the President said the government recognised the critical role of energy in industrial growth and development, stressing, “We are aware of the challenges we have had with the supply of crude oil but we wish to assure you of our commitment to the regular supply of oil to enable industry to derive the required benefit for increased productivity.”
The President said the challenges that oil producing countries, especially developing ones, faced were very familiar but gave the assurance that Ghana’s oil revenue would be used for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
President Mills said the government was aware of the important advocacy role the GEA was playing in pushing for a national productivity movement to augment the competitiveness of Ghana to achieve a middle-income status and also improve the quality of life of the people.
“I, therefore, charged the ministries of Finance and Economic Planning and Employment and Social Welfare to adequately resource the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) to collaborate with the social partners in developing productivity benchmarks for all sectors of the national economy and begin an accelerated national campaign to raise awareness of Ghanaians on productivity,” he stressed.
For his part, the President of the GEA, Mr Charles Cofie, urged the government to reduce the budget deficit to a range between six and eight per cent over a three-year period, since stabilising the economy would require a long-term approach.
The effort to reduce the budget deficit, he said, should involve a review of the current strategies for managing the national economy and modify them to reflect global realities of the time.
Mr Cofie said in order to give impetus to the private sector as the engine of growth, SME financing needed to be looked at, since SMEs contributed 85 per cent of manufacturing employment and accounted for 92 per cent of Ghanaian businesses.
He said the banking system, which dominated the financial sector, was not adequately responding to SME financing because of the risk associated with the sector.
He called on the government to come up with creative innovations and management training to assist SMEs to produce credible records and financial statements.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
OSU SALEM IN DEPLORABLE STATE (PAGE 32, NOV 12)
OSU Salem Junior High School, the oldest basic school established by the Basel Mission in the country in 1843, is in a very deplorable state by way of dilapidated infrastructure and lack of teaching and learning materials.
The main storey classroom building has been vacated since 1991 because the dilapidated structure was considered to be unsafe for academic work, after which the school authorities converted some of the dormitory blocks into classrooms.
Currently, the school has only five classrooms to cater for six classes, compelling the authorities to merge the two Form One classes.
The headmaster of the school operates his office on the veranda of his residence on campus, while the teachers are compelled to use one of the classrooms of the vacated school building as staff common room.
About six months to write a maiden Paper on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the 2010 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the school have no computers and the pupils have little or no knowledge of the new subject.
These challenges, according to the headmaster, Rev Isaac Brown, were impacting negatively on the academic performance of the pupils.
At the 2009 BECE, the best student from the school obtained aggregate 12, a result Rev Brown described as unacceptable for a school noted for its academic prowess and the fact that it had produced renowned personalities like Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist, first Speaker of the country’s Legislative Assembly; Nii Armaah Ollennu, former Speaker of Parliament; Prof. Easmond, Dr Evans Anfom, Prof F. T. Sai, Prof Seth Aryeetey, Mr Harry Sawyerr, Rev Dr Hesse, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe and Mr Ishmael Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister.
In response to some of the needs of the school, the Rotaract Club of the University of Ghana, Legon, yesterday donated a computer and its accessories, a scanner, multipurpose printer and copier, as well as 30 computer accessories worth GH¢800 to the school.
The President of the club, Ms Nelly Opoku-Nti, assured the school authorities that members of the club would offer their services to the school next academic year by teaching the pupils ICT during weekends.
She urged other organisations and individuals to lend their support to the school.
Rev Brown thanked the club for the gesture and appealed to other philanthropists to emulate the gesture of Rotaract Club of Legon.
The main storey classroom building has been vacated since 1991 because the dilapidated structure was considered to be unsafe for academic work, after which the school authorities converted some of the dormitory blocks into classrooms.
Currently, the school has only five classrooms to cater for six classes, compelling the authorities to merge the two Form One classes.
The headmaster of the school operates his office on the veranda of his residence on campus, while the teachers are compelled to use one of the classrooms of the vacated school building as staff common room.
About six months to write a maiden Paper on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the 2010 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the school have no computers and the pupils have little or no knowledge of the new subject.
These challenges, according to the headmaster, Rev Isaac Brown, were impacting negatively on the academic performance of the pupils.
At the 2009 BECE, the best student from the school obtained aggregate 12, a result Rev Brown described as unacceptable for a school noted for its academic prowess and the fact that it had produced renowned personalities like Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist, first Speaker of the country’s Legislative Assembly; Nii Armaah Ollennu, former Speaker of Parliament; Prof. Easmond, Dr Evans Anfom, Prof F. T. Sai, Prof Seth Aryeetey, Mr Harry Sawyerr, Rev Dr Hesse, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe and Mr Ishmael Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister.
In response to some of the needs of the school, the Rotaract Club of the University of Ghana, Legon, yesterday donated a computer and its accessories, a scanner, multipurpose printer and copier, as well as 30 computer accessories worth GH¢800 to the school.
The President of the club, Ms Nelly Opoku-Nti, assured the school authorities that members of the club would offer their services to the school next academic year by teaching the pupils ICT during weekends.
She urged other organisations and individuals to lend their support to the school.
Rev Brown thanked the club for the gesture and appealed to other philanthropists to emulate the gesture of Rotaract Club of Legon.
GERMANY TO EXTEND AID TO GHANA (PAGE 57, NOV 12)
THE German Development Service (DED) is to extend a 2.5-million euro package for various development initiatives in Ghana next year.
The package represents a 25-per cent increase in development assistance offered by the DED to Ghana in 2009.
The Managing Director of the DED, Mr Jurgen Wilhelm, who announced the package at a press conference on the bi-annual inter-African conference in Accra on Tuesday, said the DED would focus its activities on challenges arising from climate change.
“It is time to seek solutions to problems emerging out of the global climate change adapted to every country’s situation,” he said.
He said currently, DED co-operation with Ghana was in the rehabilitation of dams and said that was being undertaken in co-operation with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mr Wilhelm said the DED would promote and support professional training systems and small-size enterprises and also support the production and marketing of agricultural and forestry products.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the DED, Dr Uwe Runge, underlined the fact that the new German Government recognised that it was indispensable and that there were no cut-backs on the efforts of development co-operation.
The package represents a 25-per cent increase in development assistance offered by the DED to Ghana in 2009.
The Managing Director of the DED, Mr Jurgen Wilhelm, who announced the package at a press conference on the bi-annual inter-African conference in Accra on Tuesday, said the DED would focus its activities on challenges arising from climate change.
“It is time to seek solutions to problems emerging out of the global climate change adapted to every country’s situation,” he said.
He said currently, DED co-operation with Ghana was in the rehabilitation of dams and said that was being undertaken in co-operation with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mr Wilhelm said the DED would promote and support professional training systems and small-size enterprises and also support the production and marketing of agricultural and forestry products.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the DED, Dr Uwe Runge, underlined the fact that the new German Government recognised that it was indispensable and that there were no cut-backs on the efforts of development co-operation.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
GERMANY TO EXTEND DEV AID TO GHANA (PAGE 14, NOV 11)
THE German Development Service (DED) is to extend a 2.5million euro package for various development initiatives in Ghana next year.
The package represents a 25 per cent increase in development assistance offered by the DED to Ghana in 2009.
The Managing Director of the DED, Mr Jurgen Wilhelm, who announced the package at a press conference on the bi-annual inter-African conference in Accra yesterday, said the DED would focus its activities on challenges arising from climate change.
“It is time to seek solutions for problems emerging out of the global climate change adapted to every country’s situation,” he said.
He said currently, DED co-operation with Ghana was in the rehabilitation of dams, and said that was being undertaken in co-operation with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mr Wilhelm said the DED would promote and support professional training systems and small-size enterprises and also support the production and marketing of agricultural and forestry products.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the DED, Dr Uwe Runge, underlined the fact that the new German Government recognised that it was indispensable and that there were no cut backs on the efforts of development co-operation.
The package represents a 25 per cent increase in development assistance offered by the DED to Ghana in 2009.
The Managing Director of the DED, Mr Jurgen Wilhelm, who announced the package at a press conference on the bi-annual inter-African conference in Accra yesterday, said the DED would focus its activities on challenges arising from climate change.
“It is time to seek solutions for problems emerging out of the global climate change adapted to every country’s situation,” he said.
He said currently, DED co-operation with Ghana was in the rehabilitation of dams, and said that was being undertaken in co-operation with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mr Wilhelm said the DED would promote and support professional training systems and small-size enterprises and also support the production and marketing of agricultural and forestry products.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the DED, Dr Uwe Runge, underlined the fact that the new German Government recognised that it was indispensable and that there were no cut backs on the efforts of development co-operation.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
CHRISTIAN METHODIST SCHOOL LANDS TO BE SECUREDD
Story: Henrietta Brocke
THE Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council has pledged to secure lands of the Christian Methodist School at Adabraka which has been encroached upon by squatters.
Squatters have constructed illegal structures on the school land, threatening any future expansion of the facilites of the school.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Amarh Ashitey gave the assurance at a thanks-giving service as part of activities marking the 90th celebration of the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra.
Nii Ashitey said some Christians in the society were losing focus on their spiritual needs and replacing them with the desire of the flesh and material gains.
He advised the members and leadership of the church to intensify their efforts to reach out to the youth who were vulnerable to social vices.
He advised ministers of the Gospel to use Sunday schools and the pulpit to mould the character of people to save humanity from waywadness.
Nii Ashitey commended the leadership of the Methodist Church Ghana for promoting peace and asked them to continue to work for peace, not only in their churches but throughout the country and the world at large.
The minister said the vision of the church to partner the government to promote the development of the educational sector to teach future leaders to be ambitious and to aspire for excellence was highly commendable and worthy of emulation.
He donated GH¢1,000 in support of the celebration.
Preaching on the theme: “Thy will be done,” the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante of the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church said, for the will of God to be done, the self must be sacrificed to the Lord.
He said the prayer ‘thy will be done’ was a prayer for the realisation of God’s perfect purpose for one’s life.
Deserving members were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church. A cake was cut to grace the 90th anniversary celebration.
THE Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council has pledged to secure lands of the Christian Methodist School at Adabraka which has been encroached upon by squatters.
Squatters have constructed illegal structures on the school land, threatening any future expansion of the facilites of the school.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Amarh Ashitey gave the assurance at a thanks-giving service as part of activities marking the 90th celebration of the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra.
Nii Ashitey said some Christians in the society were losing focus on their spiritual needs and replacing them with the desire of the flesh and material gains.
He advised the members and leadership of the church to intensify their efforts to reach out to the youth who were vulnerable to social vices.
He advised ministers of the Gospel to use Sunday schools and the pulpit to mould the character of people to save humanity from waywadness.
Nii Ashitey commended the leadership of the Methodist Church Ghana for promoting peace and asked them to continue to work for peace, not only in their churches but throughout the country and the world at large.
The minister said the vision of the church to partner the government to promote the development of the educational sector to teach future leaders to be ambitious and to aspire for excellence was highly commendable and worthy of emulation.
He donated GH¢1,000 in support of the celebration.
Preaching on the theme: “Thy will be done,” the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante of the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church said, for the will of God to be done, the self must be sacrificed to the Lord.
He said the prayer ‘thy will be done’ was a prayer for the realisation of God’s perfect purpose for one’s life.
Deserving members were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of the Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church. A cake was cut to grace the 90th anniversary celebration.
CHIEF JUSTICE URGES POLICEWOMEN TO ENHANCE IMAGE OF POLICE SERVICE (PAGE 21, NOV 9)
The Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood, has called on policewomen to work hard towards enhancing the image of the Ghana Police Service and peace and stability of the country.
She said from 1952 when the very first 12 policewomen were recruited into the Gold Coast Police to date, there had been a lot of challenges facing the police service but the policewomen had been able to comport themselves and maintain professional standards.
In a speech read on her behalf at the launch of the 20th anniversary ceremony of the Police Ladies Association (POLAS) in Accra on Saturday, the Chief Justice said policewomen were initially recruited to take charge of social problems such as child delinquencies.
However, she said, policewomen were now performing the same task as their male counterparts, involving charge office duties, investigations and prosecutions, traffic guard and patrol duties among others.
The Chief Justice said policewomen had equally excelled in international peacekeeping operations in countries like Bosnia Herzegovina-Kosovo, Liberia and Sudan, which has lifted the flag of POLAS and mother Ghana high.
Solidarity messages were delivered by various women’s associations from the security services including the Ghana Immigration Service Ladies Association, Ghana Prisons Service Ladies Association and the Ghana Fire Service Ladies Association.
The messages advised the Ghana Police Service Ladies Association on the need to mentor young and the less fortunate ones in society.
For his part, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, assured POLAS that the police administration would continue to create a level playing field and ensure that equal opportunities existed for both male and female police officers in the service in terms of promotions, command appointments and peacekeeping deployments.
He said policewomen would continue to hold important positions of trust within the service on the account of their competencies and capabilities.
The President of POLAS, Mrs Joana Osei-Poku, charged all policewomen to exhibit exemplary conduct to raise the level of discipline in the service, and thanked all POLAS members for their dedication and commitment which had brought the association thus far.
Earlier, the policewomen went on a route march through the principal streets of Accra to mark the celebration.
She said from 1952 when the very first 12 policewomen were recruited into the Gold Coast Police to date, there had been a lot of challenges facing the police service but the policewomen had been able to comport themselves and maintain professional standards.
In a speech read on her behalf at the launch of the 20th anniversary ceremony of the Police Ladies Association (POLAS) in Accra on Saturday, the Chief Justice said policewomen were initially recruited to take charge of social problems such as child delinquencies.
However, she said, policewomen were now performing the same task as their male counterparts, involving charge office duties, investigations and prosecutions, traffic guard and patrol duties among others.
The Chief Justice said policewomen had equally excelled in international peacekeeping operations in countries like Bosnia Herzegovina-Kosovo, Liberia and Sudan, which has lifted the flag of POLAS and mother Ghana high.
Solidarity messages were delivered by various women’s associations from the security services including the Ghana Immigration Service Ladies Association, Ghana Prisons Service Ladies Association and the Ghana Fire Service Ladies Association.
The messages advised the Ghana Police Service Ladies Association on the need to mentor young and the less fortunate ones in society.
For his part, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, assured POLAS that the police administration would continue to create a level playing field and ensure that equal opportunities existed for both male and female police officers in the service in terms of promotions, command appointments and peacekeeping deployments.
He said policewomen would continue to hold important positions of trust within the service on the account of their competencies and capabilities.
The President of POLAS, Mrs Joana Osei-Poku, charged all policewomen to exhibit exemplary conduct to raise the level of discipline in the service, and thanked all POLAS members for their dedication and commitment which had brought the association thus far.
Earlier, the policewomen went on a route march through the principal streets of Accra to mark the celebration.
InWEnt LAUNCHES WEBSITE (NOV 9, PAGE 3)
A website built by the German capacity building institute, InWEnt, to expose its alumni to continuous learning and sharing of experiences, was launched in Accra on Saturday.
Dubbed “Alumniportal Deutschland”, the website is designed to be used to exchange knowledge and share experiences, as well as establish contacts and strengthen relationship among its alumni.
The website is also intended to promote political and economic ties between countries which have benefited from InWEnt programmes and from Germany.
At the launch, the Content Manager of Alumniportal Deutschland, Ms Raphaela Kueh, said many people travelled to Germany every year to study or participate in advanced training and that the portal would provide them with opportunities to secure and broaden their contacts and competencies.
She said the portal enabled Germany-based Ghanaians to apply their German language skills and be up-to-date on current topics.
The President of the Ghanaian-German Economic Association (GGEA), Mr Stephen Antwi, said the portal was relevant for promoting Ghanaian businesses because there were skills and expertise that German businesses in Ghana needed.
Furthermore, he said, German businessmen and women were good partners for potential businesses in Ghana, a situation which would help them to work not only as partners but entrepreneurs for the growth of the Ghanaian economy.
The Managing Director of InWEnt, Mr Bernard Schleich, said the portal aimed at forming a long-term relationship between experts and executive personnel, as well as decision makers from all fields of life.
Dubbed “Alumniportal Deutschland”, the website is designed to be used to exchange knowledge and share experiences, as well as establish contacts and strengthen relationship among its alumni.
The website is also intended to promote political and economic ties between countries which have benefited from InWEnt programmes and from Germany.
At the launch, the Content Manager of Alumniportal Deutschland, Ms Raphaela Kueh, said many people travelled to Germany every year to study or participate in advanced training and that the portal would provide them with opportunities to secure and broaden their contacts and competencies.
She said the portal enabled Germany-based Ghanaians to apply their German language skills and be up-to-date on current topics.
The President of the Ghanaian-German Economic Association (GGEA), Mr Stephen Antwi, said the portal was relevant for promoting Ghanaian businesses because there were skills and expertise that German businesses in Ghana needed.
Furthermore, he said, German businessmen and women were good partners for potential businesses in Ghana, a situation which would help them to work not only as partners but entrepreneurs for the growth of the Ghanaian economy.
The Managing Director of InWEnt, Mr Bernard Schleich, said the portal aimed at forming a long-term relationship between experts and executive personnel, as well as decision makers from all fields of life.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
4th November,2009
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Henrietta Brocke
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, yesterday launched a month-long programme for the celebration of this year's World AIDS Day, with a call on Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to the fight against HIV and AIDS.
He said the fact that the national HIV prevalence rate had reduced from 1.9 per cent in 2008 to 1.7 per cent in 2009 did not call for complacency but rather continuous efforts to control the spread of the pandemic.
This year's World AIDS Day falls on Tuesday, December 1 and the day will be marked on the theme, "Universal Access and Human Rights".
The objective for the celebration, as spelt out by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), is to enhance and advocate leadership and accountability in addressing the HIV epidemic in Ghana at all levels by engaging all stakeholders in decision making at the national, regional, district, community, family and individual levels.
As part of the celebration, there are plans to embark on a series of activities to encourage people to buy into the "Know Your HIV Status Campaign" being undertaken nation-wide by the Ministry of Health (MoH), while emphasising human rights which impact on HIV and AIDS.
In his address, Mr Mahama said, “Our commitment as individuals must start from our resolve not to get infected with HIV.”
He said the full extent of the pandemic was still unfolding, adding that studies had shown its capacity to destroy the gains made in development and its ability to send many countries backwards.
"Let us use this opportunity to remind ourselves that HIV and AIDS pose a major challenge to national development, principally because it is capable of cutting short the lives of our most productive citizens," he stressed
Mr Mahama hinted that the government was considering the possibility of reducing the size of the membership of the GAC from the present 46 to what he termed a manageable size.
In her welcoming address, the acting Director General of the GAC, Dr Angela El-Adas, said in 2006 Ghana pledged to provide universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010, adding that although some progress had been made, reaching the target remained a major challenge.
She, however, said since 1986 Ghanaians had demonstrated their commitment and undertaken a wide range of interventions to prevent the spread of the disease, including counselling, treatment, care and support for people living with HIV, supporting orphans and vulnerable children, promoting abstinence among the youth, promoting safe sex among adults and intensifying the administration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for adults and children.
She said although significant achievements had been made in those areas, a tangible gap still remained with respect to the basic rights of those sub-populations which must be bridged.
For his part, the Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Dr Nii Akwei Addo, said although the national HIV prevalence was low, prevalence among same sex partners, commercial sex workers, prison inmates and prison officers was still high.
He explained that the national HIV prevalence of 1.7 per cent meant that out of every 100 people in Ghana, a little over two persons were HIV positive.
A human rights advocate, Nana Oye Lithur, said human rights, as expressed in national constitutions and international and regional conventions, were tools needed by the government and individuals to advance social justice among persons living with HIV/AIDS.
She said persons living with HIV/AIDS had the right to life, health, information, education and decision making which were guaranteed under Chapter Five of the Constitution.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations agencies in Ghana, the UN Resident Co-ordinator, Mr Daouda Toure, said the UN agencies had incorporated human rights-based approach in all their plans and programmes.
He added that the world body was leading the process to assist all partner governments, ministries, departments and agencies to be trained in human rights-based approaches to ensure that human rights issues were addressed as cross- cutting issues at all levels.
The President of the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Mr Clement Azigwe, said there were 30,000 people living with HIV but only about 4,200 had been registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which made it easier for them to access general heath services.
He said persons living with HIV faced challenges relating to human rights violations and, therefore, appealed to the GAC, the NACP, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, DANIDA, UNAIDS, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and USAID to assist them to address the problem.
The Chairman for the function, Naa Professor J.S. Nabila, who is also the President of the National House of Chiefs, as well as member of the Council of State, said the present situation where only less than 10 per cent of the population had gone for voluntary counselling and testing to know their HIV status was not good enough.
Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Henrietta Brocke
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, yesterday launched a month-long programme for the celebration of this year's World AIDS Day, with a call on Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to the fight against HIV and AIDS.
He said the fact that the national HIV prevalence rate had reduced from 1.9 per cent in 2008 to 1.7 per cent in 2009 did not call for complacency but rather continuous efforts to control the spread of the pandemic.
This year's World AIDS Day falls on Tuesday, December 1 and the day will be marked on the theme, "Universal Access and Human Rights".
The objective for the celebration, as spelt out by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), is to enhance and advocate leadership and accountability in addressing the HIV epidemic in Ghana at all levels by engaging all stakeholders in decision making at the national, regional, district, community, family and individual levels.
As part of the celebration, there are plans to embark on a series of activities to encourage people to buy into the "Know Your HIV Status Campaign" being undertaken nation-wide by the Ministry of Health (MoH), while emphasising human rights which impact on HIV and AIDS.
In his address, Mr Mahama said, “Our commitment as individuals must start from our resolve not to get infected with HIV.”
He said the full extent of the pandemic was still unfolding, adding that studies had shown its capacity to destroy the gains made in development and its ability to send many countries backwards.
"Let us use this opportunity to remind ourselves that HIV and AIDS pose a major challenge to national development, principally because it is capable of cutting short the lives of our most productive citizens," he stressed
Mr Mahama hinted that the government was considering the possibility of reducing the size of the membership of the GAC from the present 46 to what he termed a manageable size.
In her welcoming address, the acting Director General of the GAC, Dr Angela El-Adas, said in 2006 Ghana pledged to provide universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010, adding that although some progress had been made, reaching the target remained a major challenge.
She, however, said since 1986 Ghanaians had demonstrated their commitment and undertaken a wide range of interventions to prevent the spread of the disease, including counselling, treatment, care and support for people living with HIV, supporting orphans and vulnerable children, promoting abstinence among the youth, promoting safe sex among adults and intensifying the administration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for adults and children.
She said although significant achievements had been made in those areas, a tangible gap still remained with respect to the basic rights of those sub-populations which must be bridged.
For his part, the Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Dr Nii Akwei Addo, said although the national HIV prevalence was low, prevalence among same sex partners, commercial sex workers, prison inmates and prison officers was still high.
He explained that the national HIV prevalence of 1.7 per cent meant that out of every 100 people in Ghana, a little over two persons were HIV positive.
A human rights advocate, Nana Oye Lithur, said human rights, as expressed in national constitutions and international and regional conventions, were tools needed by the government and individuals to advance social justice among persons living with HIV/AIDS.
She said persons living with HIV/AIDS had the right to life, health, information, education and decision making which were guaranteed under Chapter Five of the Constitution.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations agencies in Ghana, the UN Resident Co-ordinator, Mr Daouda Toure, said the UN agencies had incorporated human rights-based approach in all their plans and programmes.
He added that the world body was leading the process to assist all partner governments, ministries, departments and agencies to be trained in human rights-based approaches to ensure that human rights issues were addressed as cross- cutting issues at all levels.
The President of the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Mr Clement Azigwe, said there were 30,000 people living with HIV but only about 4,200 had been registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which made it easier for them to access general heath services.
He said persons living with HIV faced challenges relating to human rights violations and, therefore, appealed to the GAC, the NACP, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, DANIDA, UNAIDS, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and USAID to assist them to address the problem.
The Chairman for the function, Naa Professor J.S. Nabila, who is also the President of the National House of Chiefs, as well as member of the Council of State, said the present situation where only less than 10 per cent of the population had gone for voluntary counselling and testing to know their HIV status was not good enough.
Monday, November 2, 2009
ZOOMLION DONATES BINS TO 10 SCHOOLS
Zoomlion donates to 10 schools
Story: Henrietta Brocke
ZOOMLION Ghana Limited, a waste management company, has donated 10 dust bins to 10 basic schools in the Central, Eastern and Volta regions for winning the Healthy School Environment Competition.
The competition was organised by the School Health Education Programme ( SHEP).
The acting Communications Director of Zoomlion , Mr Oscar Provençal, who presented the dust bins to the winning schools, said it was part of the corporate social responsibility of the company.
He said it was an attempt to create awareness about the need for people to keep their environment clean and desist from indiscriminate disposal of refuse.
In the East Akim Districts, the winning schools were New Tafo Crig J.H.S, which had the first position, Kibi State M/A J.H.S, second position and Asiakwa S.O.S Preparatory School was third.
Okrase Methodist “ A” Primary took the first position, followed by St Mary’s Preparatory and Otareso D/A Primary School in the Akuapim North District in that order.
Suhum D/A Experimental School came first, El- Shaddai Preparatory second and Okrase Presby third, all in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District.
In the Fanteakwa District, Anglican Primary came first, followed by Feyiase D/A Basic, then Mills Duodu Demonstration.
The award was received by Mrs Selina Akuyaa Danso, a Senior High School Co-ordinator, on behalf of the Eastern Region.
In the Kpando District of the Volta Region, Anloga Catholic Primary was first, Togbe Agodoa Kitti D/A Junior High second and Gabi D/A Junior High School third.
Tokurano D/A Primary School, Lakeside Holy Rosary R/C Primary and Bauka D/A Primary and J.H.S. at Dambai in the Krachi East District came first, second and third respectively.
Kadjebi L/A Muslim Primary, Dapaa Amanta L/A Primary and Attakofi L/A Primary, all in Kadjebi District, came first, second and third respectively.
Ms. Janet Kwasi, regional SHEP co-ordinator, received the award on behalf of the Volta Region.
In the Twifo Heman Lower District, Forever Young International, Praso B/ C and Topp came first, second and third respectively.
Queen of Apostles School, Hollywood School Complex and Catholic Boys were graded first, second and third in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem District.
In the Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Aboase Odoben Methodist A/ B was first, Wusorkuom D/A second and Tuako Obora third.
Bedum T.I Ahmadihya , Asikuma Catholic Girls, and Fosuansah Catholic Primary had first, second and third positions in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District.
Ms. Rose Essuon took the award on behalf of the Central Region.
Addressing the function, the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Ms Benedicta Naana Biney, said one of the 10 policy goals of education in Ghana was the promotion and inculcation of values of good health and environmental sanitation in schoolchildren.
The National Co-ordinator of SHEP, Mrs Hellen Mensah, said the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools was a first step towards a healthy learning.
She thanked Zoomlion Ghana Limited for their generous donation of sanitary facilities and encouraged the company to make it a feature in their annual plan to enhance the promotion of sanitation in schools.
Story: Henrietta Brocke
ZOOMLION Ghana Limited, a waste management company, has donated 10 dust bins to 10 basic schools in the Central, Eastern and Volta regions for winning the Healthy School Environment Competition.
The competition was organised by the School Health Education Programme ( SHEP).
The acting Communications Director of Zoomlion , Mr Oscar Provençal, who presented the dust bins to the winning schools, said it was part of the corporate social responsibility of the company.
He said it was an attempt to create awareness about the need for people to keep their environment clean and desist from indiscriminate disposal of refuse.
In the East Akim Districts, the winning schools were New Tafo Crig J.H.S, which had the first position, Kibi State M/A J.H.S, second position and Asiakwa S.O.S Preparatory School was third.
Okrase Methodist “ A” Primary took the first position, followed by St Mary’s Preparatory and Otareso D/A Primary School in the Akuapim North District in that order.
Suhum D/A Experimental School came first, El- Shaddai Preparatory second and Okrase Presby third, all in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District.
In the Fanteakwa District, Anglican Primary came first, followed by Feyiase D/A Basic, then Mills Duodu Demonstration.
The award was received by Mrs Selina Akuyaa Danso, a Senior High School Co-ordinator, on behalf of the Eastern Region.
In the Kpando District of the Volta Region, Anloga Catholic Primary was first, Togbe Agodoa Kitti D/A Junior High second and Gabi D/A Junior High School third.
Tokurano D/A Primary School, Lakeside Holy Rosary R/C Primary and Bauka D/A Primary and J.H.S. at Dambai in the Krachi East District came first, second and third respectively.
Kadjebi L/A Muslim Primary, Dapaa Amanta L/A Primary and Attakofi L/A Primary, all in Kadjebi District, came first, second and third respectively.
Ms. Janet Kwasi, regional SHEP co-ordinator, received the award on behalf of the Volta Region.
In the Twifo Heman Lower District, Forever Young International, Praso B/ C and Topp came first, second and third respectively.
Queen of Apostles School, Hollywood School Complex and Catholic Boys were graded first, second and third in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem District.
In the Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Aboase Odoben Methodist A/ B was first, Wusorkuom D/A second and Tuako Obora third.
Bedum T.I Ahmadihya , Asikuma Catholic Girls, and Fosuansah Catholic Primary had first, second and third positions in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District.
Ms. Rose Essuon took the award on behalf of the Central Region.
Addressing the function, the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Ms Benedicta Naana Biney, said one of the 10 policy goals of education in Ghana was the promotion and inculcation of values of good health and environmental sanitation in schoolchildren.
The National Co-ordinator of SHEP, Mrs Hellen Mensah, said the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools was a first step towards a healthy learning.
She thanked Zoomlion Ghana Limited for their generous donation of sanitary facilities and encouraged the company to make it a feature in their annual plan to enhance the promotion of sanitation in schools.
Osu Alata Chief Swears Oath
SWEARING IN
Story: Henrietta Brocke
Osu Alata chief swears Oath
The Osu , Nii Kwabena Bonne V has sworn an oath of allegiance to Nii Nortey Owuo III, to signify unity among the people of Osu.
Mr Solomon Nii Tetteh Quaynor, a Municipal Elder of Osu Alata and Technical Advisor to both the Osu Mantse and Osu Divisional Council said the swearing of allegiance to the Osu Mantse was done in the past till it stopped in 1946.
The practice, he explained, was to foster togetherness among the people of Osu.
During the swearing ceremony, he said he would assist the progress, development and unity of the Osu State in particular and the Ga state in general.
In response to his Oath, the Osu Mantse expressed gratitude to the Osu Alata Mantse for reuniting and resolving chieftaincy disputes in the land.
He further said the gesture would enable the Government to release lands of Osu to the people for development projects.
Nii Owuo III said the 55 per cent of development disbursement given to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for development projects have not been beneficial to the locals of Osu and requested the Government to create a municipal assembly for Osu.
Nii Bonne V also appealed to all bury their differences and join hands to give peace a chance for the development of Osu.
He encouraged the Queens and Kings present to endeavour to put their resources together to educate their children.
Story: Henrietta Brocke
Osu Alata chief swears Oath
The Osu , Nii Kwabena Bonne V has sworn an oath of allegiance to Nii Nortey Owuo III, to signify unity among the people of Osu.
Mr Solomon Nii Tetteh Quaynor, a Municipal Elder of Osu Alata and Technical Advisor to both the Osu Mantse and Osu Divisional Council said the swearing of allegiance to the Osu Mantse was done in the past till it stopped in 1946.
The practice, he explained, was to foster togetherness among the people of Osu.
During the swearing ceremony, he said he would assist the progress, development and unity of the Osu State in particular and the Ga state in general.
In response to his Oath, the Osu Mantse expressed gratitude to the Osu Alata Mantse for reuniting and resolving chieftaincy disputes in the land.
He further said the gesture would enable the Government to release lands of Osu to the people for development projects.
Nii Owuo III said the 55 per cent of development disbursement given to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for development projects have not been beneficial to the locals of Osu and requested the Government to create a municipal assembly for Osu.
Nii Bonne V also appealed to all bury their differences and join hands to give peace a chance for the development of Osu.
He encouraged the Queens and Kings present to endeavour to put their resources together to educate their children.
MINISTERS APPRECIATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DAY
28/10/2009
Public Transport Day (metro)
Story: Matilda Attram & Henrietta Brocke
(Ministers appreciate public transport problems)
Two Ministers of State yesterday participated in the celebration of the World Transport Day by boarding public transport to their offices in Accra.
They did so to ascertain the needs of the masses who used public transport with the view to finding solutions to the problems in the transport sector.
The celebration formed part of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), held on the theme: “Road Safety is a shared and collective responsibility”, which was launched by the Vice President, Mr John Dramani, on October 26, this year, in the Eastern Region.
The initiative was organised to educate the public on road safety issues to improve the transportation system in the country.
Sharing her experiences, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Aku Attivor, told the Daily Graphic that she could remember using public transport for about 19 years before owning a vehicle.
She said she joined a ‘trotro’ from Pig Farm through 37 to the Tema Station and walked to her office.
She noted that the bus she used lacked enough space for passengers to relax their legs and had protruding metals from seats which could cause injury to others.
Mrs Attivor said when she asked the driver and his mate for the vehicle’s registration number, they could not provide it and described this as unusual.
Mrs Attivor also said the government was going to implement a Bus Rapid Transit programme on a pilot basis, starting from Mallam to Kasoa soon, to reduce the consumption of fuel and increase productivity.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, said the last time he used public transport was 15 years ago.
He explained that the Public Transport Day was celebrated to remind policy makers of the challenges in the public transportation system.
Mr Gidisu said he joined a public transport from the Volta Region to Madina and another to the Tema Station and walked to his office, adding that he was not noticed by anyone in the bus until the media started calling to interview him.
He also raised concerns about the uncomfortable features of some public buses, which need to be replaced to make public transport comfortable.
Public Transport Day (metro)
Story: Matilda Attram & Henrietta Brocke
(Ministers appreciate public transport problems)
Two Ministers of State yesterday participated in the celebration of the World Transport Day by boarding public transport to their offices in Accra.
They did so to ascertain the needs of the masses who used public transport with the view to finding solutions to the problems in the transport sector.
The celebration formed part of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), held on the theme: “Road Safety is a shared and collective responsibility”, which was launched by the Vice President, Mr John Dramani, on October 26, this year, in the Eastern Region.
The initiative was organised to educate the public on road safety issues to improve the transportation system in the country.
Sharing her experiences, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Aku Attivor, told the Daily Graphic that she could remember using public transport for about 19 years before owning a vehicle.
She said she joined a ‘trotro’ from Pig Farm through 37 to the Tema Station and walked to her office.
She noted that the bus she used lacked enough space for passengers to relax their legs and had protruding metals from seats which could cause injury to others.
Mrs Attivor said when she asked the driver and his mate for the vehicle’s registration number, they could not provide it and described this as unusual.
Mrs Attivor also said the government was going to implement a Bus Rapid Transit programme on a pilot basis, starting from Mallam to Kasoa soon, to reduce the consumption of fuel and increase productivity.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, said the last time he used public transport was 15 years ago.
He explained that the Public Transport Day was celebrated to remind policy makers of the challenges in the public transportation system.
Mr Gidisu said he joined a public transport from the Volta Region to Madina and another to the Tema Station and walked to his office, adding that he was not noticed by anyone in the bus until the media started calling to interview him.
He also raised concerns about the uncomfortable features of some public buses, which need to be replaced to make public transport comfortable.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
INFORMATION MINISTER AND DEPUTIES SUPPORT TUMOR PATIENT (PAGE 12, OCT 31)
THE Minister of Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, and her two deputies, Messrs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah and James Agyenim Boateng, yesterday donated GH¢2,000 towards the medical expenses of a four-year-old girl, Amenuveve Morgan, who is suffering from tumour of the jaw.
Mrs Okaikoi said she and her colleagues were touched by the story in the Daily Graphic and a letter she received from the girl’s father seeking assistance from the ministry.
The ministers made the donation during a visit to the girl, who is on admission at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
During the visit, the ministers interacted with the patients, mostly children at the surgical ward, and assured them of the government’s assistance.
Mrs Okaikoi appealed to the general public, corporate entities and non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the little girl and other patients at the surgical block of the hospital.
A surgeon of the hospital, Dr Kofi Wepeba, said the operation would go through several stages, and that the girl needed support from the entire public.
Another surgeon, Dr Patrick Bankah, said patients at the ward needed to pay their own bills because the National Health Insurance Scheme did not cover some surgical cases.
The Chief Executive Director of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof. Nii Otu Nartey, thanked the Ministry of Information for the gesture and appealed for more funds for the hospital.
Mrs Okaikoi said she and her colleagues were touched by the story in the Daily Graphic and a letter she received from the girl’s father seeking assistance from the ministry.
The ministers made the donation during a visit to the girl, who is on admission at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
During the visit, the ministers interacted with the patients, mostly children at the surgical ward, and assured them of the government’s assistance.
Mrs Okaikoi appealed to the general public, corporate entities and non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the little girl and other patients at the surgical block of the hospital.
A surgeon of the hospital, Dr Kofi Wepeba, said the operation would go through several stages, and that the girl needed support from the entire public.
Another surgeon, Dr Patrick Bankah, said patients at the ward needed to pay their own bills because the National Health Insurance Scheme did not cover some surgical cases.
The Chief Executive Director of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof. Nii Otu Nartey, thanked the Ministry of Information for the gesture and appealed for more funds for the hospital.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)