THE Ghana Aids Commission (GAC) has launched a revised National HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy to provide the guidelines for mainstreaming HIV/AIDS activities in the world of work.
This is to help combat the spread and effects of the disease among workers.
Speaking at an end-of-year media engagement in Accra last Friday, the Director-General of the GAC, Dr Angela El-Adas, said the policy was also intended to protect persons with HIV/AIDS from all forms of discrimination and stigmatisation at workplaces.
“The policy is to be implemented actively by employers because it gives full respect to the fundamental human rights of workers, their families and the communities within which they operate,” she said.
The National HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy was first introduced in Ghana in 2005 by the GAC and its partners to ensure the right to safe environment at the workplace.
Dr El-Adas called on the media to continue supporting the commission to achieve the overall goal of a zero HIV society.
She said the media had a role to play in ensuring the achievement of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination of HIV/AIDS victims.
She said the GAC would partner the private sector and other public institutions such as the Ghana Football Association to achieve those goals from next year.
She commended the media for supporting the commission in its advocacy to educate the public on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Ransford Tetteh, urged the media to continue supporting the GAC to disseminate information on the disease to the public.
He called on journalists to take advantage of workshops and seminars organised by the commission to be abreast of issues related to HIV/AIDS.
“Journalists will give the right information to the public if they have more knowledge of the disease,” he added.
Mr Tetteh urged the media to be balanced and fair in their reportage by concentrating on development issues that would improve the lives of the people.
He called on the media to challenge policy makers to conceive the right policies to ensure that the policy makers performed their responsibilities.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Rlg, Ministry of Education train 50,000 teachers in ICT, Daily Graphic Pg 10, December 6, 2012
President John Dramani Mahama today launched a programme under which about 50, 000 teachers nationwide are to benefit from the Information Communication Technology (ICT) training.
The training being organised by the Ministry of Education and rlg Communications which began in phases on Monday is intended to enhance the capacity of the teachers for them to teach their students.
At the launching ceremony, a number of laptops, forming part of the consignment of 4,000 laptops, produced by the rlg Communications, meant for distribution to basic schools were distributed to beneficiary schools.
President Mahama said training centres would be set up across the nation to help in the training of the teachers.
Apart from the training programme, the teachers are to benefit from the supply of laptops to enhance their learning, practicing and teaching of ICT.
“ICT has become part of everyday life, therefore, it is important for teachers to be trained since they play critical role in development,” President Mahama.
He said the government had been able to source $75 million grant by government to enhance teaching and learning.
He also said 200 new basic and senior high schools, blocks and teachers quarters would be built across the nation to enhance the quality of education.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the rlg, Mr Roland Agambire, said the training programme would be organised in phases for batches of 1, 250 teachers per week.
The Minister of Education, Mr Lee Ocran, said the 4,000 laptops to be distributed to the schools in Accra would be given to 120 selected schools with each school receiving 24 laptops.
He said that the black boards and chalk used by teachers would eventually give way to digital lessons and indicated that the government would provide resources to make the digital migration possible.
Such an investment, Mr Ocran said, would ensure quality education for the future leaders of the nation.
AUCC graduation, Daily Graphic, November 26, 2012
The African University College of Communication (AUCC) has held its ninth graduation, with a call on the graduates to impact on society in order to make a difference in the lives of others.
In all, 77 students graduated, out of which 50 obtained degrees and 27 diplomas.
The degree graduates specialised in areas such as Journalism, Strategic Communications, Development Communications, General Media Studies and Visual Communications.
The ceremony, which was also used to climax the 10th anniversary of the institution, was themed: “Education in an era of globalisation and convergence”.
The President of the AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah, outlining the achievements of the school, said the introduction of various degree and diploma programmes had received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board.
He added that the AUCC had signed various memoranda of understanding to collaborate with a number foreign universities, including the Ohio University; the University of the Bahamas; Morehouse College, Atlanta; Simmons College, Boston, and the Clark Atlanta University.
Mr Yankah also said the institution had received postgraduate scholarships from the Ohio University and the Clark Atlanta University.
He said the AUCC was guided by a strategic plan and it had put all the necessary structures in place to meet the challenges and expectations.
“The institution will not compromise on its pursuit of excellence,” he added.
Mr Yankah indicated that the college had acquired new sites in various parts of the country for its major expansion drive.
“All the new sites are on hills, depicting the confidence and growing stature of the school,” he added.
He urged the graduates not to take mediocrity as a norm, but that when everything seemed to be going against them, they should remember that the airplane took off against the wind and not with the wind.
“We have been taught that excellence is risking more, dreaming more and expecting more than others think it’s possible,” he encouraged the students.
The Minister of Information, Mr Fritz Baffour, said education was very essential to the development of the country, for which reason standards in the educational system needed to be raised.
He congratulated the graduates on their achievements and urged them to make a positive impact wherever they found themselves, since the world of work was more competitive and challenging.
The overall best student of the degree programme was Ms Anna Ofori, while Mr Eric Amoah was adjudged the overall best student of the diploma programme.
In all, 77 students graduated, out of which 50 obtained degrees and 27 diplomas.
The degree graduates specialised in areas such as Journalism, Strategic Communications, Development Communications, General Media Studies and Visual Communications.
The ceremony, which was also used to climax the 10th anniversary of the institution, was themed: “Education in an era of globalisation and convergence”.
The President of the AUCC, Mr Kojo Yankah, outlining the achievements of the school, said the introduction of various degree and diploma programmes had received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board.
He added that the AUCC had signed various memoranda of understanding to collaborate with a number foreign universities, including the Ohio University; the University of the Bahamas; Morehouse College, Atlanta; Simmons College, Boston, and the Clark Atlanta University.
Mr Yankah also said the institution had received postgraduate scholarships from the Ohio University and the Clark Atlanta University.
He said the AUCC was guided by a strategic plan and it had put all the necessary structures in place to meet the challenges and expectations.
“The institution will not compromise on its pursuit of excellence,” he added.
Mr Yankah indicated that the college had acquired new sites in various parts of the country for its major expansion drive.
“All the new sites are on hills, depicting the confidence and growing stature of the school,” he added.
He urged the graduates not to take mediocrity as a norm, but that when everything seemed to be going against them, they should remember that the airplane took off against the wind and not with the wind.
“We have been taught that excellence is risking more, dreaming more and expecting more than others think it’s possible,” he encouraged the students.
The Minister of Information, Mr Fritz Baffour, said education was very essential to the development of the country, for which reason standards in the educational system needed to be raised.
He congratulated the graduates on their achievements and urged them to make a positive impact wherever they found themselves, since the world of work was more competitive and challenging.
The overall best student of the degree programme was Ms Anna Ofori, while Mr Eric Amoah was adjudged the overall best student of the diploma programme.
“Place nation above political interest” , Daily Graphic
AN International Evangelist, Rev. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi, has advised politicians to place the country’s interest ahead of their political ambitions in the build up to the December polls.
That, he explained, would safeguard the peace and stability in the country and also maintain the hard earned reputation of Ghana as a beacon of hope in the sub-region.
Speaking to Daily Graphic on Sunday, Rev. Ampiah-Kwofie who is also the General overseer of the Global Revival Ministries noted that until political parties opted to place the national interest ahead of party objectives, every effort to maintain the peace and unity of the country would be in vain.
“Ghana should be seen as bigger than any political party. Politicians must remind themselves that its only God who enthrones a king. If we put our faith and trust in the Lord rather than depending on our own strength, we will all fail,” he said.
Rev. Ampiah-Kwofie said the interest of the nation must be the first priority of all politicians hence the grace and blessings of God upon the nation would be maintained.
Touching on clergies, Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi has appealed to religious leaders to desist from using their pulpits to make divisive utterances as the country prepares for election 2012.
He explained that over 70 per cent of the population was controlled by the religious leaders and that if they were not mindful of their utterances, they could disturb the peace the country had been blessed with.
“Let us not try to impress political parties by making false prophecies and always bear in mind that righteousness exalt a nation but sin is a reproach to any person,” he said.
He also said Ghana risked losing its pride of place as a model democratic country if people took the peace and stability they were enjoying for granted, adding that “all the international communities, particularly the African society, have their eyes fixed on Ghana.”
He urged the media, particularly the radio stations, not to allow politicians whose statement could undermine the credibility of the peace in the country on their programmes and implored them to refrain from using “unguided statements issued by politicians.”
He appealed to the political leaders to also accept whatever verdict Ghanaians make at the election.
“Ghanaians, especially the youth, must not allow themselves to be manipulated negatively by politicians,” he stated.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:7: “Also seek the peace and prosperity at the city to which I have carried you to exile. Pray to the Lord for it because if it prospers, you too will prosper,” he urged all believers to pray without ceasing for God’s prosperity on the nation.
That, he explained, would safeguard the peace and stability in the country and also maintain the hard earned reputation of Ghana as a beacon of hope in the sub-region.
Speaking to Daily Graphic on Sunday, Rev. Ampiah-Kwofie who is also the General overseer of the Global Revival Ministries noted that until political parties opted to place the national interest ahead of party objectives, every effort to maintain the peace and unity of the country would be in vain.
“Ghana should be seen as bigger than any political party. Politicians must remind themselves that its only God who enthrones a king. If we put our faith and trust in the Lord rather than depending on our own strength, we will all fail,” he said.
Rev. Ampiah-Kwofie said the interest of the nation must be the first priority of all politicians hence the grace and blessings of God upon the nation would be maintained.
Touching on clergies, Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi has appealed to religious leaders to desist from using their pulpits to make divisive utterances as the country prepares for election 2012.
He explained that over 70 per cent of the population was controlled by the religious leaders and that if they were not mindful of their utterances, they could disturb the peace the country had been blessed with.
“Let us not try to impress political parties by making false prophecies and always bear in mind that righteousness exalt a nation but sin is a reproach to any person,” he said.
He also said Ghana risked losing its pride of place as a model democratic country if people took the peace and stability they were enjoying for granted, adding that “all the international communities, particularly the African society, have their eyes fixed on Ghana.”
He urged the media, particularly the radio stations, not to allow politicians whose statement could undermine the credibility of the peace in the country on their programmes and implored them to refrain from using “unguided statements issued by politicians.”
He appealed to the political leaders to also accept whatever verdict Ghanaians make at the election.
“Ghanaians, especially the youth, must not allow themselves to be manipulated negatively by politicians,” he stated.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:7: “Also seek the peace and prosperity at the city to which I have carried you to exile. Pray to the Lord for it because if it prospers, you too will prosper,” he urged all believers to pray without ceasing for God’s prosperity on the nation.
Media urged to participatein crime combat, Daily Graphic Pg 23 January 23, 2013
THE Chief Executive Officer of the Corruption and Fraud Audit Consortium (CAFAC), Mr Hector O. Boham, has called on the media to get seriously involved in the fight against fraud and corruption.
He said corruption and fraud were enemies to development and therefore the media should use their platforms to fight against them.
Mr Boham said the media could do so by dedicating a column in the newspapers, weekly radio and television programmes to discuss fraud and corruption issues.
He was speaking at the launch of the CAFAC, an institution to enrol graduates and train them to become experts in auditing and fraud detection in Accra.
The CAFAC aims at training and educating graduates to specialise in auditing with the view to curbing corruption and fraud in the country.
Mr Boham said advocacy to fight corruption was not enough, hence the need to get people committed to eradicating corruption and fraud which were enemies to development.
He noted that the year-long programme aimed at producing hundred students every year is to have a number of committed students in the system that would ensure accurate auditing and fraud detection.
He said with courses such as fraud prevention and deterrence, financial transactions, fraud investigations and legal elements of fraud, graduates would gain a Certified Fraud Examiner certificate, while with courses such as process of auditing information systems, governance and management of IT, protection of assets, a graduate would become a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
Other courses, he said, included oil and gas operations, oil and gas law and financial reporting audit. He outlined ways which would help curb corruption and fraud. It included the active involvement of intellectuals through the teaching of the courses, the use of research to study the nature of corruption and fraud.
“By researching, the nature, methods, extent of damage and the types of engagements in fraud and corruption would be detected” he said.
He stressed the need for expertise in auditing to easily detect fraud or corruption at any instance.
He urged graduates and professionals to consider the CAFAC training programmes to competently succeed in their areas of specialisation.
He said corruption and fraud were enemies to development and therefore the media should use their platforms to fight against them.
Mr Boham said the media could do so by dedicating a column in the newspapers, weekly radio and television programmes to discuss fraud and corruption issues.
He was speaking at the launch of the CAFAC, an institution to enrol graduates and train them to become experts in auditing and fraud detection in Accra.
The CAFAC aims at training and educating graduates to specialise in auditing with the view to curbing corruption and fraud in the country.
Mr Boham said advocacy to fight corruption was not enough, hence the need to get people committed to eradicating corruption and fraud which were enemies to development.
He noted that the year-long programme aimed at producing hundred students every year is to have a number of committed students in the system that would ensure accurate auditing and fraud detection.
He said with courses such as fraud prevention and deterrence, financial transactions, fraud investigations and legal elements of fraud, graduates would gain a Certified Fraud Examiner certificate, while with courses such as process of auditing information systems, governance and management of IT, protection of assets, a graduate would become a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
Other courses, he said, included oil and gas operations, oil and gas law and financial reporting audit. He outlined ways which would help curb corruption and fraud. It included the active involvement of intellectuals through the teaching of the courses, the use of research to study the nature of corruption and fraud.
“By researching, the nature, methods, extent of damage and the types of engagements in fraud and corruption would be detected” he said.
He stressed the need for expertise in auditing to easily detect fraud or corruption at any instance.
He urged graduates and professionals to consider the CAFAC training programmes to competently succeed in their areas of specialisation.
Achieving under-five death rate goals -Ghana needs intensive efforts, Daily Graphic November 24, 2012
Research conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has shown that Ghana is far from achieving under-five and infant mortality rate set by the Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG 4).
The target of MDG 4 is to reduce child mortality by two thirds by 2015, from the 1990 level. The country’s under-five mortality rate declined from 111 per 1000 live births in 2003 to 80 per 1000 live births in 2008.
At the launch of a summary of the report on the key findings of the fourth of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) with Enhanced Malaria Module and Biomarker in Accra, the acting Government Statistician, Mrs Philomena Nyarko, said the under- five mortality rate was 82 per 1000 live births which is far from the MDG target of 40 per 1000.
Whereas the infant mortality rate was 53 per 1000 live births compared to the target of 22 deaths per 1000 live births.
The MICS with Enhanced Malaria Module and Biomarker is a nationally representative sample survey of households, women aged between 15-49 years; children aged 0-5 years and men 14-59 years.
It was conducted in 2011 by the Statistical Service with financial and technical support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), USAID, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Japanese Government, ICF/MACRO, the Ministry of Health/ National Malaria Control Programme, President’s Malaria Initiative and the Navrongo Research Centre.
The MICS is also an international household survey programme initiated by UNICEF in 1995 to generate statistically sound, internationally comparable estimates of key indicators that can be used to assess the situation of women and children in the areas of health, education, child protection and HIV and AIDS.
The survey provides valuable information on the situation of children, women and men in Ghana, and was based, in large part, on the needs to monitor progress towards goals and targets emanating from recent international agreements. These are the Millennium Declaration, adopted by all 191 United Nations Member States in September 2000, and the Plan of Action of a World Fit for Children, adopted by 189 Member States at the United Nations Special Session on Children in May 2001.
Both of these commitments build upon promises made by the international community at the 1990 World Summit for Children.
The MICS also provides a tool for monitoring progress towards national goals and global commitments on the welfare of women and children. Ghana joined the global effort to increase the availability of high quality data in 2006 when the third round of MICS was launched.
The fourth round of the MICS focused on providing monitoring tool for the World Fit for Children, the MDG, as well as for other major international commitments such as the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS and the Abuja targets for malaria.
Mrs Nyarko said the reports would help the country measure progress and respond to data needs emerging from current international and regional initiatives aimed to promote economic and social development.
She added that the MICS was intended to generate statistically sound, internationally comparable estimates of key indicators that could be used to assess the situation of women and children in the areas of health, education, child protection and HIV and AIDS.
Highlighting on some of the findings of the report, she said variations in childhood death rate exist among different localities of residence.
“Children under-five years living in rural areas recorded a relatively higher mortality rate of 84 deaths per 1000 live births compared to the 72 deaths per 1000 live births experienced by their urban counterparts,” she said.
She added that despite the free health insurance for pregnant women, less than 70 per cent receive professional assistance at delivery.
Mrs Nyarko said the MICS-4 results suggested generally a lot of progress since MICS-3 in 2006.
The target of MDG 4 is to reduce child mortality by two thirds by 2015, from the 1990 level. The country’s under-five mortality rate declined from 111 per 1000 live births in 2003 to 80 per 1000 live births in 2008.
At the launch of a summary of the report on the key findings of the fourth of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) with Enhanced Malaria Module and Biomarker in Accra, the acting Government Statistician, Mrs Philomena Nyarko, said the under- five mortality rate was 82 per 1000 live births which is far from the MDG target of 40 per 1000.
Whereas the infant mortality rate was 53 per 1000 live births compared to the target of 22 deaths per 1000 live births.
The MICS with Enhanced Malaria Module and Biomarker is a nationally representative sample survey of households, women aged between 15-49 years; children aged 0-5 years and men 14-59 years.
It was conducted in 2011 by the Statistical Service with financial and technical support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), USAID, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Japanese Government, ICF/MACRO, the Ministry of Health/ National Malaria Control Programme, President’s Malaria Initiative and the Navrongo Research Centre.
The MICS is also an international household survey programme initiated by UNICEF in 1995 to generate statistically sound, internationally comparable estimates of key indicators that can be used to assess the situation of women and children in the areas of health, education, child protection and HIV and AIDS.
The survey provides valuable information on the situation of children, women and men in Ghana, and was based, in large part, on the needs to monitor progress towards goals and targets emanating from recent international agreements. These are the Millennium Declaration, adopted by all 191 United Nations Member States in September 2000, and the Plan of Action of a World Fit for Children, adopted by 189 Member States at the United Nations Special Session on Children in May 2001.
Both of these commitments build upon promises made by the international community at the 1990 World Summit for Children.
The MICS also provides a tool for monitoring progress towards national goals and global commitments on the welfare of women and children. Ghana joined the global effort to increase the availability of high quality data in 2006 when the third round of MICS was launched.
The fourth round of the MICS focused on providing monitoring tool for the World Fit for Children, the MDG, as well as for other major international commitments such as the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS and the Abuja targets for malaria.
Mrs Nyarko said the reports would help the country measure progress and respond to data needs emerging from current international and regional initiatives aimed to promote economic and social development.
She added that the MICS was intended to generate statistically sound, internationally comparable estimates of key indicators that could be used to assess the situation of women and children in the areas of health, education, child protection and HIV and AIDS.
Highlighting on some of the findings of the report, she said variations in childhood death rate exist among different localities of residence.
“Children under-five years living in rural areas recorded a relatively higher mortality rate of 84 deaths per 1000 live births compared to the 72 deaths per 1000 live births experienced by their urban counterparts,” she said.
She added that despite the free health insurance for pregnant women, less than 70 per cent receive professional assistance at delivery.
Mrs Nyarko said the MICS-4 results suggested generally a lot of progress since MICS-3 in 2006.
Spousal murders on ascendancy - HRAC, Daily Graphic November 29, 2012
A REPORT by the Human Rights Advocate Centre (HRAC) on Spousal Murders and Rival Killings in Ghana indicates the country recorded 53 cases of spousal murders and rival killings within January 2010 to July 2012.
According to the report, “Out of the 53 cases of spousal killings, there were 42 cases of wife killings, five cases of husband killings and six cases of rival murders.
In addition, there were also six cases involving people who kill their spouses and then commit suicide and an additional nine cases of such people who attempted suicide after killing their spouses.
The Executive Director of the HRAC, Nana Oye Lithur, who announced this at the launch of a report by the centre on Spousal Murders and Rival Killings in Ghana, said the report was based on media monitoring. The event was marked to commemorate the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women.
Spousal murder is the killing of a spouse or partner by their own spouse or partner and it often happens as a result of domestic violence.
She said spousal murders and rival killings were gaining grounds in the country however government has paid less attention to it and therefore appealed to the security agencies to conduct extensive investigations and research into spousal murders and rival killings in the country.
Nana Oye Lithur said 39 persons were successful in killing their spouses, while 14 were unsuccessful.
She added that the Greater Accra Region recorded the highest cases with 13 cases whiles 11 cases occurred in the Western Region, Ashanti Region; nine cases, Eastern Region; eight cases, Upper East and Northern regions, one each, Volta Region two cases, Central region; three and Brong Ahafo; five cases.
She urged the Police Service, Attorney General and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWAC) to conduct further research on the incidence of spousal murders and to initiate an intervention to reduce the incident.
She also called on the government to encourage social change by including education and sensitisation programmes on gender equality as early as the primary school level.
She also recommended the need to link domestic violence to spousal killings and urged the churches and mosques to handle relationship and family conflict with much concern to avoid some of these incidence.
“Develop workshops and materials to educate men and women about alternative methods of conflict resolution and healthy relationships”, she said.
Nana Oye also urged the public to report cases of threats from a spouse to the police.
The Queen of Nnudu Traditional Area in Akwamu, Nana Kesewa 1V, on her part, advised the youth to be careful when going into a relationship.
She also urged queens to use their mandate to educate young women on their rights.
According to the report, “Out of the 53 cases of spousal killings, there were 42 cases of wife killings, five cases of husband killings and six cases of rival murders.
In addition, there were also six cases involving people who kill their spouses and then commit suicide and an additional nine cases of such people who attempted suicide after killing their spouses.
The Executive Director of the HRAC, Nana Oye Lithur, who announced this at the launch of a report by the centre on Spousal Murders and Rival Killings in Ghana, said the report was based on media monitoring. The event was marked to commemorate the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women.
Spousal murder is the killing of a spouse or partner by their own spouse or partner and it often happens as a result of domestic violence.
She said spousal murders and rival killings were gaining grounds in the country however government has paid less attention to it and therefore appealed to the security agencies to conduct extensive investigations and research into spousal murders and rival killings in the country.
Nana Oye Lithur said 39 persons were successful in killing their spouses, while 14 were unsuccessful.
She added that the Greater Accra Region recorded the highest cases with 13 cases whiles 11 cases occurred in the Western Region, Ashanti Region; nine cases, Eastern Region; eight cases, Upper East and Northern regions, one each, Volta Region two cases, Central region; three and Brong Ahafo; five cases.
She urged the Police Service, Attorney General and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWAC) to conduct further research on the incidence of spousal murders and to initiate an intervention to reduce the incident.
She also called on the government to encourage social change by including education and sensitisation programmes on gender equality as early as the primary school level.
She also recommended the need to link domestic violence to spousal killings and urged the churches and mosques to handle relationship and family conflict with much concern to avoid some of these incidence.
“Develop workshops and materials to educate men and women about alternative methods of conflict resolution and healthy relationships”, she said.
Nana Oye also urged the public to report cases of threats from a spouse to the police.
The Queen of Nnudu Traditional Area in Akwamu, Nana Kesewa 1V, on her part, advised the youth to be careful when going into a relationship.
She also urged queens to use their mandate to educate young women on their rights.
1300 Youth Graduate in ICT, Daily Graphic Pg 81 November 19, 2012
Thousand three hundred youth have graduated in Information Communication Technology (ICT) from the rlg Institute of Technology in the Greater Accra Region.
This brings to 24,000, the number of young people who have been trained under the module in the third contract between rlg Communications and the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) formerly known as the Ghana Youth Employment Programme.
The students went through six months programme with the trainees taken through courses such as mobile phones repairs, soft and hardware, introduction to computer, basic electronic and entrepreneurship skills.
At the graduation ceremony and the launch of the next phase of the Youth in ICT Module in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the rlg Communications, Mr Roland Agambire said the objective of the company was to meet its target of creating jobs for one million people in Ghana within the next five years.
Thirty thousand people nationwide are expected to benefit from the next phase of the ICT module.
Mr Agambire said the training would position the graduates to adequately face the challenging world driven by technology, innovation and knowledge.
He urged the graduates to impact their society with the knowledge they acquired to help reduce the unemployment situation in the country.
“To become successful entrepreneurs, you have to be disciplined, patient, honest, truthful, and hardworking and most importantly live by bigger dreams” he advised.
He added that the company had begun the process of expanding the training facilities to ensure that a lot more of the youth in the country gained access to ICT education and training.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo commended the rlg management for their immense help to address the unemployment situation in the country.
He urged the graduates to contribute to the socio economic development of the nation with the knowledge and skills acquired.
The Executive Director of GYEEDA, Mr Abuga Pele also said the trainees apart from the certificates would be given a set up kits as part of the business process.
He added that work stations commonly known as kiosk were available under a micro financing scheme for interested trainees.
This brings to 24,000, the number of young people who have been trained under the module in the third contract between rlg Communications and the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) formerly known as the Ghana Youth Employment Programme.
The students went through six months programme with the trainees taken through courses such as mobile phones repairs, soft and hardware, introduction to computer, basic electronic and entrepreneurship skills.
At the graduation ceremony and the launch of the next phase of the Youth in ICT Module in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the rlg Communications, Mr Roland Agambire said the objective of the company was to meet its target of creating jobs for one million people in Ghana within the next five years.
Thirty thousand people nationwide are expected to benefit from the next phase of the ICT module.
Mr Agambire said the training would position the graduates to adequately face the challenging world driven by technology, innovation and knowledge.
He urged the graduates to impact their society with the knowledge they acquired to help reduce the unemployment situation in the country.
“To become successful entrepreneurs, you have to be disciplined, patient, honest, truthful, and hardworking and most importantly live by bigger dreams” he advised.
He added that the company had begun the process of expanding the training facilities to ensure that a lot more of the youth in the country gained access to ICT education and training.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo commended the rlg management for their immense help to address the unemployment situation in the country.
He urged the graduates to contribute to the socio economic development of the nation with the knowledge and skills acquired.
The Executive Director of GYEEDA, Mr Abuga Pele also said the trainees apart from the certificates would be given a set up kits as part of the business process.
He added that work stations commonly known as kiosk were available under a micro financing scheme for interested trainees.
Daily Graphic, others win award, Daily Graphic Pg 1, December 1, 2012
The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) has won an award for its brand, the Daily Graphic, at the Ghana Superbrands Tribute event held in Accra on Thursday night.
The GCGL was among 40 companies which were selected based on five criteria set by the Awards Council Members of the Superbrands.
The criteria were customer loyalty, goodwill, market dominance, longevity and overall market acceptance.
Other companies that were honoured for their brands were Malta Guinness, Golden Tulip Hotels, TV3, Kasapreko Dry Gin, Unilever Ghana, Compu-Ghana, Frytol, Ashfoam, Polytank, rlg, Kia and Samsung.
For their well-branded products, Latex Foam, Ecobank, UT Bank, Panadol and Martins Liver Salt, Guinness, Coral Dulux, Rana Motors, Labadi Beach Hotel, Business and Financial Times, Internet Solutions, Melcom and Interplast were also honoured.
The awards event was organised by Superbrands, an international organisation with independent international authority which recognises excellence in branding.
The awardees received certificates, plaques and Superbrands books.
Speaking on the theme for the event, “Rewarding Excellence in Branding”, the Managing Director of the GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, said the Daily Graphic had, indeed, branded itself well and gained a unique label.
He said the well-branded image of the Daily Graphic had caused many people to refer to other newspapers as “Graphic”.
He urged companies to give labels and logos to their products to make it easy for customers and consumers to identify those products.
Mr Ashigbey said labels were necessary because they differentiated a company’s products from others.
The Chief Executive Officer of Superbrands, Mr Eric Affaidu, said the awards were intended to promote the discipline of branding and pay tribute to exceptional brands.
He said 400 brands were shortlisted to select the best 40 for awards by Superbrands.
According to Mr Affaidu, few companies in the country had applied the discipline of branding, saying, “Many companies have not recognised the importance of branding.”
He said a few that had attempted to do so had done it with a combination of strategic and creative flair.
Joy 99.7 FM was adjudged the Brand of the Year at the event.
The GCGL was among 40 companies which were selected based on five criteria set by the Awards Council Members of the Superbrands.
The criteria were customer loyalty, goodwill, market dominance, longevity and overall market acceptance.
Other companies that were honoured for their brands were Malta Guinness, Golden Tulip Hotels, TV3, Kasapreko Dry Gin, Unilever Ghana, Compu-Ghana, Frytol, Ashfoam, Polytank, rlg, Kia and Samsung.
For their well-branded products, Latex Foam, Ecobank, UT Bank, Panadol and Martins Liver Salt, Guinness, Coral Dulux, Rana Motors, Labadi Beach Hotel, Business and Financial Times, Internet Solutions, Melcom and Interplast were also honoured.
The awards event was organised by Superbrands, an international organisation with independent international authority which recognises excellence in branding.
The awardees received certificates, plaques and Superbrands books.
Speaking on the theme for the event, “Rewarding Excellence in Branding”, the Managing Director of the GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, said the Daily Graphic had, indeed, branded itself well and gained a unique label.
He said the well-branded image of the Daily Graphic had caused many people to refer to other newspapers as “Graphic”.
He urged companies to give labels and logos to their products to make it easy for customers and consumers to identify those products.
Mr Ashigbey said labels were necessary because they differentiated a company’s products from others.
The Chief Executive Officer of Superbrands, Mr Eric Affaidu, said the awards were intended to promote the discipline of branding and pay tribute to exceptional brands.
He said 400 brands were shortlisted to select the best 40 for awards by Superbrands.
According to Mr Affaidu, few companies in the country had applied the discipline of branding, saying, “Many companies have not recognised the importance of branding.”
He said a few that had attempted to do so had done it with a combination of strategic and creative flair.
Joy 99.7 FM was adjudged the Brand of the Year at the event.
Task force receives 5 vehicles to fight illegal mining, Daily Graphic pg 47 October 26, 2012
THE Minerals Commission yesterday presented five pick-ups to support the operations of its five regional task forces in dealing with illegal mining in the country.
Formed by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission in 2011, the regional task forces are currently located in the Central, Greater Accra, Eastern, Western and Ashanti regions.
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwadwo Owusu Agyeman, who made the presentation in Accra, explained that the task forces were formed to check the unwarranted, rampant and haphazard illegal mining activities in the country.
According to him, the task forces were also required to educate the public on the right procedures and processes of acquiring mineral rights through the Minerals Commission.
“They are also obligated to ensure that operators within the legal framework observe standards leading to cautious exploitation of the nation’s minerals, while protecting the environment," he said.
Mr Owusu Agyeman urged the regional coordinators to enforce the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703, among other legislative instruments that were passed.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Toni Aubynn, who was present at the ceremony, claimed that 30 per cent of mining operations in the country were illegal.
According to him, those involved in illegal mining operations, commonly known as “galamsey”, needed to be brought to justice, as they disobeyed the rules and regulations governing mining.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr Ben Aryee, urged governmental agencies and corporate bodies to help the commission fight the illegal miners.
Formed by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission in 2011, the regional task forces are currently located in the Central, Greater Accra, Eastern, Western and Ashanti regions.
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwadwo Owusu Agyeman, who made the presentation in Accra, explained that the task forces were formed to check the unwarranted, rampant and haphazard illegal mining activities in the country.
According to him, the task forces were also required to educate the public on the right procedures and processes of acquiring mineral rights through the Minerals Commission.
“They are also obligated to ensure that operators within the legal framework observe standards leading to cautious exploitation of the nation’s minerals, while protecting the environment," he said.
Mr Owusu Agyeman urged the regional coordinators to enforce the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703, among other legislative instruments that were passed.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Toni Aubynn, who was present at the ceremony, claimed that 30 per cent of mining operations in the country were illegal.
According to him, those involved in illegal mining operations, commonly known as “galamsey”, needed to be brought to justice, as they disobeyed the rules and regulations governing mining.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr Ben Aryee, urged governmental agencies and corporate bodies to help the commission fight the illegal miners.
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Princess Marie Louise Hospital appeals for more doctors, Daily Graphic Pg
The Administrators of the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital have appealed to the health authorities to provide the hospital with more paediatricians.
According to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Eric Sifah, the Children’s Hospital received more than 200 patients a day and the six doctors there were not enough to take care of the patients.
Nevertheless, he commended Reverend Father Andrew Campbell for his contribution to the hospital over the years.
A modern theatre which was built through the efforts of Father Campbell was inaugurated at the hospital on November 29, 2012.
Dr Sifah was speaking at the end-of-year party for children, including those from the Osu Children’s Home and Street Girls Aid.
The event was organised by the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital.
The Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Theodora Georgina Wood, also expressed worry over the inadequate number of doctors at the hospital.
She encouraged the doctors to draw hope from the story of the shepherds who visited Jesus when He was born and continue with the hard work and believe that God would bless them.
She commended doctors, nurses, mothers of sick children and women who took care of street children for their support and time spent on the children.
Mrs Justice Wood urged parents to give their children the necessary support and attention to help secure their future.
Father Campbell, for his part, urged parents to devote some quality time and attention to their children.
“Most parents do not have time for their children any longer and leave them at the mercy of nannies and house helps,” he said.
He said most parents were losing their families because they did not have time for their children, adding that children needed the love and care of their parents.
He urged all Christians to celebrate Christmas with Jesus Christ on their minds, explaining that Christmas was a thanksgiving season for Christians.
The Ghana Chapter of the International Women Judges Association and the Ladies of Marshal of the Catholic Church also donated items, including drinks, Indomine, biscuits, buckets, toiletries, among other things, to the hospital.
According to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Eric Sifah, the Children’s Hospital received more than 200 patients a day and the six doctors there were not enough to take care of the patients.
Nevertheless, he commended Reverend Father Andrew Campbell for his contribution to the hospital over the years.
A modern theatre which was built through the efforts of Father Campbell was inaugurated at the hospital on November 29, 2012.
Dr Sifah was speaking at the end-of-year party for children, including those from the Osu Children’s Home and Street Girls Aid.
The event was organised by the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital.
The Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Theodora Georgina Wood, also expressed worry over the inadequate number of doctors at the hospital.
She encouraged the doctors to draw hope from the story of the shepherds who visited Jesus when He was born and continue with the hard work and believe that God would bless them.
She commended doctors, nurses, mothers of sick children and women who took care of street children for their support and time spent on the children.
Mrs Justice Wood urged parents to give their children the necessary support and attention to help secure their future.
Father Campbell, for his part, urged parents to devote some quality time and attention to their children.
“Most parents do not have time for their children any longer and leave them at the mercy of nannies and house helps,” he said.
He said most parents were losing their families because they did not have time for their children, adding that children needed the love and care of their parents.
He urged all Christians to celebrate Christmas with Jesus Christ on their minds, explaining that Christmas was a thanksgiving season for Christians.
The Ghana Chapter of the International Women Judges Association and the Ladies of Marshal of the Catholic Church also donated items, including drinks, Indomine, biscuits, buckets, toiletries, among other things, to the hospital.
Fourteen more companies have donated towards the 2012 National Farmers’ Day.
The 28th National Farmers Day is scheduled for Friday, November 2, 2012 at Abokobi in the Greater Accra Region on the theme: “Grow More Food: Strengthening Farmer Based Organisations for Market Place Bargaining Power.”
The companies included Armajaro Ghana Limited which donated four motorbikes valued at GH¢8,000 and a cheque for GH¢4,000.
According to the Operations Manager who presented the items, three of the motorbikes are for the best three farmers and one is for the best extension officer.
Stanbic Bank Limited also presented a Nissan Pick-up worth $30,000 for the best farmer and 100 seedlings of coconut and mango donated by every Stanbic Bank branch across the nation.
Agrochemicals companies such as Chemico Limited presented a cheque for GH¢10,000 and agrochemicals valued at GH¢3,500. Agro Input Company Limited presented a cheque for GH¢10,000; Calli Ghana Limited —a cheque for GH¢5,000 and agro chemicals worth GH¢2,605 and Forum for Agricultural Research, a cheque for GH¢10,000.
Qualiplast Limited presented items including waste bins, food flasks, multipurpose create and gallons valued GH¢3,000.
The Accra Compost Recycling Plant also presented a cheque for GH¢5,000.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) donated a cheque for GH¢5,000 and a cassava harvester for the best cassava farmer.
Others donors included Golden Exotic, which donated a cheque for GH¢5,000; Global Haulage, a cheque for GH¢5,000: Geofosa Enterprise, GH¢1000 and GIHOC Distilleries, a cheque for GH¢5,000 and products worth GH¢600.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, who received the donation expressed his gratitude to the companies for their support.
Mr Ahwoi said the ministry asked for GH¢4 million to ensure the success of this year’s farmers day celebration but the government made provision for GH¢700,000. He, therefore, urged the private sector to support the celebration.
Mttu strategic plan, Daily Graphic
THE Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service has crafted a strategic plan to curb road traffic accidents and ensure safety on the country’s roads.
The includes educating motorists and deploying policemen on the highways to ensure strict enforcement of rules and regulations.
The Commander of the MTTU, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, who disclosed this in an interview in Accra said the implementation of the plan was likely to be hampered by the lack of human resource, logistics and equipment.
He said the unit lacked adequate personnel, as well as equipment such as speed guns, alcohol sensors and vehicles.
“Last year, especially during the Yuletide, accidents reduced and it was due to education and enforcement that we carried out but we cannot do more if we lack the necessary resources,” he said.
ACP Awuni stated that the MTTU had worked with the few resources it had but could do more if it got the necessary accoutrement.
“I want to strengthen the system to ensure safety and reduce road traffic accidents but if I do not get the necessary support, it limits my work,” he noted.
He said the unit could only deliver when it had vehicles to patrol the highways, personnel at every point to check traffic, speed guns to check overspeeding and alcohol sensors to check drivers who drink and drive.
The commander said since road accidents claimed many lives and resulted in huge losses to the state, much attention should to paid to the MTTU whose duty it was to reduce road accidents.
“Road accidents can claim about 30 lives at once ans so the Police Service must pay more attention to the MTTU and resource it to enhance its operation to reduce accidents,” he said.
He, however, said in spite of the challenges, the unit would continue its education and enforcement programmes which started last year.
“We are going to continue our education and enforcement programmes on education at the lorry stations and GPRTU,” he said.
ACP Awuni urged drivers to drive safely this year and abide by the rules and regulations of the road to reduce the road accidents.
The includes educating motorists and deploying policemen on the highways to ensure strict enforcement of rules and regulations.
The Commander of the MTTU, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, who disclosed this in an interview in Accra said the implementation of the plan was likely to be hampered by the lack of human resource, logistics and equipment.
He said the unit lacked adequate personnel, as well as equipment such as speed guns, alcohol sensors and vehicles.
“Last year, especially during the Yuletide, accidents reduced and it was due to education and enforcement that we carried out but we cannot do more if we lack the necessary resources,” he said.
ACP Awuni stated that the MTTU had worked with the few resources it had but could do more if it got the necessary accoutrement.
“I want to strengthen the system to ensure safety and reduce road traffic accidents but if I do not get the necessary support, it limits my work,” he noted.
He said the unit could only deliver when it had vehicles to patrol the highways, personnel at every point to check traffic, speed guns to check overspeeding and alcohol sensors to check drivers who drink and drive.
The commander said since road accidents claimed many lives and resulted in huge losses to the state, much attention should to paid to the MTTU whose duty it was to reduce road accidents.
“Road accidents can claim about 30 lives at once ans so the Police Service must pay more attention to the MTTU and resource it to enhance its operation to reduce accidents,” he said.
He, however, said in spite of the challenges, the unit would continue its education and enforcement programmes which started last year.
“We are going to continue our education and enforcement programmes on education at the lorry stations and GPRTU,” he said.
ACP Awuni urged drivers to drive safely this year and abide by the rules and regulations of the road to reduce the road accidents.
Ghanaian wins international Arithmetic competition, Daily Graphic
Master Kobena Asamoah Amoah an 11-year old class six pupil of Crown Prince Academy emerged the winner of the 18th Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic (UCMAS) Abacus and Mental International Competition held in Malaysia in December 2012.
The international competition is an annual event organised by the UCMAS Education Group, which brought together over 3000 children between five and 14 years from all over the world to compete at different levels.
Master Amoah who, together with other Ghanaian children represented Ghana, won the Intermediate A Category.
Mr Girish Gurbani, Director of UCMAS Ghana Limited, who presented Master Amoah at a a press briefing held in Accra, said master Amoah started the race by winning the competition on UCMAS Mental Arithmetic quiz show on GTV where he emerged as the national champion.
He said all the children did 100 to 200 arithmetic sums within 8 minutes to test the speed, confidence, concentration and their photographic memory.
According to Mr. Gurbani the mental Arithmetic is a form of calculation that does not involve the use of Physical gadgets or instruments but is solely done by the human mind using the minds power in performing calculations.
Some of the benefits of the programme are improved photographic memory skills, listening skills, concentration skills, presentation skills, imagination and creativity skills, speed and accuracy and removes Mathematics phobia and all round academic proficiency.
He said for about five years Ghanaian children had worked hard to make a mark on the international level but were always beaten by children from other countries such as India, United State of America, and Canada.
However, he said Kobena Asamoah Amoah made Ghana proud by emerging as the Winner of the Intermediate A Category.
He said the programme was intended to eradicate the fear of maths from all Ghanaian children and boost their confidence level.
Mr Gurbani said UCMAS started its operations in the country in 2007 in all the regions operating in 100 learning centres and are in partnership with over 50 schools running the UCMAS programme as a school curriculum activity.
He urged schools, parents, relatives and guidance to take advantage of UCMAS programme and enrol their children with UCMAS.
The mother of Kobena Asamoah Amoah, Mrs Anastasia Adoma Kenyah, expressed her gratitude to the managers of UCMAS for impacting positively on her son.
UCMAS Ghana Limited is a professional organisation headed by a team of directors and is dedicated to the cause of offering society a novel path by breaking the method of education through the UCMAS.
The international competition is an annual event organised by the UCMAS Education Group, which brought together over 3000 children between five and 14 years from all over the world to compete at different levels.
Master Amoah who, together with other Ghanaian children represented Ghana, won the Intermediate A Category.
Mr Girish Gurbani, Director of UCMAS Ghana Limited, who presented Master Amoah at a a press briefing held in Accra, said master Amoah started the race by winning the competition on UCMAS Mental Arithmetic quiz show on GTV where he emerged as the national champion.
He said all the children did 100 to 200 arithmetic sums within 8 minutes to test the speed, confidence, concentration and their photographic memory.
According to Mr. Gurbani the mental Arithmetic is a form of calculation that does not involve the use of Physical gadgets or instruments but is solely done by the human mind using the minds power in performing calculations.
Some of the benefits of the programme are improved photographic memory skills, listening skills, concentration skills, presentation skills, imagination and creativity skills, speed and accuracy and removes Mathematics phobia and all round academic proficiency.
He said for about five years Ghanaian children had worked hard to make a mark on the international level but were always beaten by children from other countries such as India, United State of America, and Canada.
However, he said Kobena Asamoah Amoah made Ghana proud by emerging as the Winner of the Intermediate A Category.
He said the programme was intended to eradicate the fear of maths from all Ghanaian children and boost their confidence level.
Mr Gurbani said UCMAS started its operations in the country in 2007 in all the regions operating in 100 learning centres and are in partnership with over 50 schools running the UCMAS programme as a school curriculum activity.
He urged schools, parents, relatives and guidance to take advantage of UCMAS programme and enrol their children with UCMAS.
The mother of Kobena Asamoah Amoah, Mrs Anastasia Adoma Kenyah, expressed her gratitude to the managers of UCMAS for impacting positively on her son.
UCMAS Ghana Limited is a professional organisation headed by a team of directors and is dedicated to the cause of offering society a novel path by breaking the method of education through the UCMAS.
Life in ECOMOG--- a haven for migrants,Daily Graphic pg19
Slums have become major features of Accra, and one that dominated the headlines recently is ECOMOG, a bustling slum on the banks of the choked Odaw River near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
Home to over 4,000 inhabitants who live in shacks built along the railway lines, the slum was recently razed by fire which reduced hundreds of wooden and corrugated iron structures into a pile of debris.
The neighbourhood, home to mostly young people from all over the country who have come to Accra in search for greener pastures, derives it name from the West African peacekeeping mission known by the acronym ECOMOG, which was first deployed in Liberia in 1990 to halt factional fighting in the capital, Monrovia.
According to residents, the name evolved from a popular drinking spot in neighbourhood.
The Odaw River, which is filled with heaps of refuse, leaves a strong stench at the slum. The refuse dump created in the Odaw River has become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, exposing the residents to malaria and cholera. To deal with the situation, some have got mosquito nets to protect themselves at night. Ironically, the same people dump their refuse in the Odaw River.
Health care is non existent at the slum but there are drugs stores to provide first aid if the needs arise. They also depend on the clinics and hospitals in the surrounding areas such as the Adabraka Polyclinic.
Nevertheless, the slum has potable water, with over five pipelines to provide water for them. Electricity is also available but mainly from illegal connections.
It may seem to be a surprise but the slum has a tiled and clean toilet and bath facilities which was put up by some individuals from the community. Residents pay 20 pesewas to use the toilet facility while 30 pesewas is the cost for using the bathroom.
Heavy rainfall during the rainy season does not spare the residents, as flood destroys their properties and leaves patches of stagnant water around the slum.
The residents of ECOMOG are predominantly petty traders who sell items such as second-hand clothes, sachet water, confectionaries, cooked food and fruits. While some operated directly in the slum, others move to nearby traffic intersections to do business. At the slum are also young men who collect and sell scraps.
The young women are mostly porters, otherwise known as ‘Kayayei,’ who carry goods for a fee. They operate from dawn at the Rawlings Park, Kantamanto, Makola, Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Agbogbloshie markets.
To earn their daily bread, these young people defy all danger to cart goods bought by their customers and charge fees depending on the weight and volumes of goods. Their male counterparts push truckloads of goods in transit for their income.
Residents of ECOMOG, pushed by economic realities in the rural areas, left their villages, towns and even cities to the capital with no choice than to create a settlement for themselves.
To compound the problem, the outrageous rent advances demanded by landlords mean that many of those who arrive in Accra have found the slum more affordable. “It helps you to save money for other things,” 24-year old Richard, a teacher from Kumasi, said. He added: “My brother brought me to the slum about six years ago when I completed senior high school. I came and did some trading to raise money to continue my education. I raised the necessary money and went to the training college. “I am now working as full time teacher with the GES,” he said.
When 23-year-old Malik completed junior high school, there was no money to help him continue his education; moreover, he had to take care of his siblings. This led to his migration to the capital city six years ago.
“The second-hand cloth seller said he had worked had to take care of his two siblings who are in the junior and senior high schools.”
The story of 27-year-old Lydia Seidu is no different as she was also forced to come to Accra after the death of her uncle whom she lived with in Kumasi.
“While staying with my uncle I was working as a head porter but after his death, I moved to Accra where I thought I would make more money.” Lydia now sells cooked rice at circle and she is taking care of her siblings who are in her hometown, Walewale.
As the saying goes, you don’t know where you would meet your love. Some squatters who come in search for greener pastures find their life partners—just like the story of another 23-year-old Serwah.
“I came to the city to do trading to make a better life for myself and fortunately I met my life partner and we got married,” Serwah said. The orange seller said she met her husband in the slum and after marriage they still live there.
Abdul Shafiwu arrived in Accra from the north in 1998 full of hope and enthusiasm to bid poverty goodbye. He abandoned his comfortable bed expecting a rosy life in a city he heard so much of.
But a sleeping place became a nightmare until one of his colleagues mentioned ECOMOG.
To secure accommodation at ECOMOG, one needs GH¢2 a week to share a twelve-by-eight footer kiosk with four or five other inmates. Those who want their privacy would also need GH¢15 to GH¢20 to secure a six-by-eight footer kiosk for a month. The structures serve as their bedrooms while the surroundings serve as the kitchen and playgrounds for children.
Previously, the price for the kiosk at the slum was not expensive. One could get a kiosk of six-by-eight foot at GH¢5 a month, Shafiwu who has lived at the slum for over 15 years said. But as the population increased and the demand went up, so did the rent.
One of the biggest bane of ECOMOG, beyond the squalid conditions, is safety. Crime is rampant. ‘Initially, the place was creepy; one could not use the road along the railway lines because of the attacks from criminals. Women became victims of rape. “I and some of the settlers had to use physical strength to stop the criminals and secure the place,” Shafiwu said.
According to the Head of the slum who gave his name only as Mallam, ECOMOG is a peaceful place as the people live as brothers and sisters despite their diversities.
“Despite our backgrounds, we live in peace and love. You hardly hear quarrels and fight among ourselves. If there is any misunderstanding, we ensure that it is settled amicably,” he said.
“When the need arises, we contribute towards it, whether in the form of money or engagement,” Mallam said.
Home to over 4,000 inhabitants who live in shacks built along the railway lines, the slum was recently razed by fire which reduced hundreds of wooden and corrugated iron structures into a pile of debris.
The neighbourhood, home to mostly young people from all over the country who have come to Accra in search for greener pastures, derives it name from the West African peacekeeping mission known by the acronym ECOMOG, which was first deployed in Liberia in 1990 to halt factional fighting in the capital, Monrovia.
According to residents, the name evolved from a popular drinking spot in neighbourhood.
The Odaw River, which is filled with heaps of refuse, leaves a strong stench at the slum. The refuse dump created in the Odaw River has become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, exposing the residents to malaria and cholera. To deal with the situation, some have got mosquito nets to protect themselves at night. Ironically, the same people dump their refuse in the Odaw River.
Health care is non existent at the slum but there are drugs stores to provide first aid if the needs arise. They also depend on the clinics and hospitals in the surrounding areas such as the Adabraka Polyclinic.
Nevertheless, the slum has potable water, with over five pipelines to provide water for them. Electricity is also available but mainly from illegal connections.
It may seem to be a surprise but the slum has a tiled and clean toilet and bath facilities which was put up by some individuals from the community. Residents pay 20 pesewas to use the toilet facility while 30 pesewas is the cost for using the bathroom.
Heavy rainfall during the rainy season does not spare the residents, as flood destroys their properties and leaves patches of stagnant water around the slum.
The residents of ECOMOG are predominantly petty traders who sell items such as second-hand clothes, sachet water, confectionaries, cooked food and fruits. While some operated directly in the slum, others move to nearby traffic intersections to do business. At the slum are also young men who collect and sell scraps.
The young women are mostly porters, otherwise known as ‘Kayayei,’ who carry goods for a fee. They operate from dawn at the Rawlings Park, Kantamanto, Makola, Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Agbogbloshie markets.
To earn their daily bread, these young people defy all danger to cart goods bought by their customers and charge fees depending on the weight and volumes of goods. Their male counterparts push truckloads of goods in transit for their income.
Residents of ECOMOG, pushed by economic realities in the rural areas, left their villages, towns and even cities to the capital with no choice than to create a settlement for themselves.
To compound the problem, the outrageous rent advances demanded by landlords mean that many of those who arrive in Accra have found the slum more affordable. “It helps you to save money for other things,” 24-year old Richard, a teacher from Kumasi, said. He added: “My brother brought me to the slum about six years ago when I completed senior high school. I came and did some trading to raise money to continue my education. I raised the necessary money and went to the training college. “I am now working as full time teacher with the GES,” he said.
When 23-year-old Malik completed junior high school, there was no money to help him continue his education; moreover, he had to take care of his siblings. This led to his migration to the capital city six years ago.
“The second-hand cloth seller said he had worked had to take care of his two siblings who are in the junior and senior high schools.”
The story of 27-year-old Lydia Seidu is no different as she was also forced to come to Accra after the death of her uncle whom she lived with in Kumasi.
“While staying with my uncle I was working as a head porter but after his death, I moved to Accra where I thought I would make more money.” Lydia now sells cooked rice at circle and she is taking care of her siblings who are in her hometown, Walewale.
As the saying goes, you don’t know where you would meet your love. Some squatters who come in search for greener pastures find their life partners—just like the story of another 23-year-old Serwah.
“I came to the city to do trading to make a better life for myself and fortunately I met my life partner and we got married,” Serwah said. The orange seller said she met her husband in the slum and after marriage they still live there.
Abdul Shafiwu arrived in Accra from the north in 1998 full of hope and enthusiasm to bid poverty goodbye. He abandoned his comfortable bed expecting a rosy life in a city he heard so much of.
But a sleeping place became a nightmare until one of his colleagues mentioned ECOMOG.
To secure accommodation at ECOMOG, one needs GH¢2 a week to share a twelve-by-eight footer kiosk with four or five other inmates. Those who want their privacy would also need GH¢15 to GH¢20 to secure a six-by-eight footer kiosk for a month. The structures serve as their bedrooms while the surroundings serve as the kitchen and playgrounds for children.
Previously, the price for the kiosk at the slum was not expensive. One could get a kiosk of six-by-eight foot at GH¢5 a month, Shafiwu who has lived at the slum for over 15 years said. But as the population increased and the demand went up, so did the rent.
One of the biggest bane of ECOMOG, beyond the squalid conditions, is safety. Crime is rampant. ‘Initially, the place was creepy; one could not use the road along the railway lines because of the attacks from criminals. Women became victims of rape. “I and some of the settlers had to use physical strength to stop the criminals and secure the place,” Shafiwu said.
According to the Head of the slum who gave his name only as Mallam, ECOMOG is a peaceful place as the people live as brothers and sisters despite their diversities.
“Despite our backgrounds, we live in peace and love. You hardly hear quarrels and fight among ourselves. If there is any misunderstanding, we ensure that it is settled amicably,” he said.
“When the need arises, we contribute towards it, whether in the form of money or engagement,” Mallam said.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
2,327 Graduate from UPSA, Daily Graphic pg 25, December 31, 2012
Two thousand three hundred twenty seven students have graduated with masters and bachelor’s degrees and diplomas in various business programmes from the University of Professional Studies in Accra last Saturday.
Out of this number, there were 1469 under graduate, 119 post graduate and 739 diplomats in various business programmes.
10.55per cent of the diplomats attained distinction while 3.74 per cent of the under graduates went with first class degrees, 21.03 percent with second class degrees, 56.77 per cent with second class lower degrees, 16.75 percent with third class degrees and the remaining 1.70 per cent went with pass degrees.
The congregation was the first after the institution which was formerly known as Institute of Professional Studies was granted presidential charter and subsequently rebranded as a fully fledged university and became University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA).
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Professor Joshua Alabi advised the graduates to leverage on the knowledge and skills the university has equipped them with to create their own jobs.
“You have acquired everything from entrepreneurship to innovation management and from accounting to marketing therefore you are well equipped to explore numerous business opportunities around you “he stated.
He assured them of challenges especially in the era of global economic hardships, however he urged the graduates to try than to wait endlessly for a non existing job to open somewhere.
Professor Larbi urged the fresh graduates to take up the mantle and be job creators to employ others saying they should not always wait for somebody to employ them because those days of guaranteed job after graduation are long over.
He urged the graduates to install values such as discipline, focus, humility, creativity, team work, multi task, networking and perseverance which are some essential ingredients that could make on excel in life.
He also used the opportunity to advise Ghanaians to exercise their civic duty and responsibility to ensure that there was free and peace elections.
The Chief Executive Officer of rlg Communications, Mr Roland Agambire also urged the graduates to go into entrepreneurship which tackles down to create job opportunities for larger number of society.
He encourged the students not to get discourged with attitude of some Ghanaians of undermining and scorning the Ghanaian entrepreneur.
“Instead of scorning and undermining the Ghanaian entrepreneurs it will be worthwhile and much more productive to rather channel that energy towards encouraging them to succeed” he said.
He advised them to be innovative, creative, disciplined, dedicated and committed since opportunity abound.
Out of this number, there were 1469 under graduate, 119 post graduate and 739 diplomats in various business programmes.
10.55per cent of the diplomats attained distinction while 3.74 per cent of the under graduates went with first class degrees, 21.03 percent with second class degrees, 56.77 per cent with second class lower degrees, 16.75 percent with third class degrees and the remaining 1.70 per cent went with pass degrees.
The congregation was the first after the institution which was formerly known as Institute of Professional Studies was granted presidential charter and subsequently rebranded as a fully fledged university and became University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA).
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Professor Joshua Alabi advised the graduates to leverage on the knowledge and skills the university has equipped them with to create their own jobs.
“You have acquired everything from entrepreneurship to innovation management and from accounting to marketing therefore you are well equipped to explore numerous business opportunities around you “he stated.
He assured them of challenges especially in the era of global economic hardships, however he urged the graduates to try than to wait endlessly for a non existing job to open somewhere.
Professor Larbi urged the fresh graduates to take up the mantle and be job creators to employ others saying they should not always wait for somebody to employ them because those days of guaranteed job after graduation are long over.
He urged the graduates to install values such as discipline, focus, humility, creativity, team work, multi task, networking and perseverance which are some essential ingredients that could make on excel in life.
He also used the opportunity to advise Ghanaians to exercise their civic duty and responsibility to ensure that there was free and peace elections.
The Chief Executive Officer of rlg Communications, Mr Roland Agambire also urged the graduates to go into entrepreneurship which tackles down to create job opportunities for larger number of society.
He encourged the students not to get discourged with attitude of some Ghanaians of undermining and scorning the Ghanaian entrepreneur.
“Instead of scorning and undermining the Ghanaian entrepreneurs it will be worthwhile and much more productive to rather channel that energy towards encouraging them to succeed” he said.
He advised them to be innovative, creative, disciplined, dedicated and committed since opportunity abound.
Accra Archdiocese Catholic marks a milestone, Daily Graphic pg 25, December 31, 2012
THE Catholic Archdiocese of Accra last Saturday organised a carnival as part of its 120th anniversary.
There were cultural displays from the various ethnic groups in the city, among which were the Ga Adangbe, Akan, Nawdba, Ewe, Dagaare, Frafra and Bulsas.
Whiles some came in with their traditional leaders in palanquins others also came in with dancing troupes. Each group was given 20 minutes to display their cultural heritage.
Other activities were horse riding, food bazaar, castle, brass music, live band and masquerades.
The anniversary, which is a year-long celebration, was on the theme: “120 years of Catholic Mission: Honouring the past, celebrating the present, and building the future.
The Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Catholic Church, Rev Francis Adoboli, said the anniversary celebration started in November 2012 and was expected to end in November 2013.
He said some of the major activities that were organised as part of the anniversary were a pilgrimage to five grottos which are the holy ground of the Catholic Church, press conferences and peace promotions during the elections.
Rev. Adoboli said some of the major activities lined up for 2013 included health screening and health awareness creation on various diseases, press soiree, the commemoration of the 120th anniversary first mass and the climax at the Independence Square in November 2013.
The carnival, he said, was intended to bring congregations of the Archdiocese of Accra together to socialise to help bridge the ethnicity gap.
“The Catholic Church is made up of different people from different backgrounds and diverse backgrounds but we believe we love ourselves despite our differences and we have one interest that is to serve God our father,” he said.
“Ghana is still peaceful despite the political tensions because of the love and respect we have for one another and the fact that we recognise we have one father, God. Therefore, we should not weary from the beliefs and values as one people with a common destiny,” he advised.
He said as the was coming to an end and Christ was being celebrated love and peace must reign as He the Christ symbolised peace.
On the achievements of the Catholic Church, Rev Adoboli said it boasted educational institutions from the basic level to tertiary level medical.
He added that the Catholic Church also played a key role in ensuring peace and justice in the country.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, expressed his gratitude to members the Catholic Church for helping to grace the occasion.
He urged them to continue living in peace and love irrespective their differences and cultural diversity.
There were cultural displays from the various ethnic groups in the city, among which were the Ga Adangbe, Akan, Nawdba, Ewe, Dagaare, Frafra and Bulsas.
Whiles some came in with their traditional leaders in palanquins others also came in with dancing troupes. Each group was given 20 minutes to display their cultural heritage.
Other activities were horse riding, food bazaar, castle, brass music, live band and masquerades.
The anniversary, which is a year-long celebration, was on the theme: “120 years of Catholic Mission: Honouring the past, celebrating the present, and building the future.
The Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Catholic Church, Rev Francis Adoboli, said the anniversary celebration started in November 2012 and was expected to end in November 2013.
He said some of the major activities that were organised as part of the anniversary were a pilgrimage to five grottos which are the holy ground of the Catholic Church, press conferences and peace promotions during the elections.
Rev. Adoboli said some of the major activities lined up for 2013 included health screening and health awareness creation on various diseases, press soiree, the commemoration of the 120th anniversary first mass and the climax at the Independence Square in November 2013.
The carnival, he said, was intended to bring congregations of the Archdiocese of Accra together to socialise to help bridge the ethnicity gap.
“The Catholic Church is made up of different people from different backgrounds and diverse backgrounds but we believe we love ourselves despite our differences and we have one interest that is to serve God our father,” he said.
“Ghana is still peaceful despite the political tensions because of the love and respect we have for one another and the fact that we recognise we have one father, God. Therefore, we should not weary from the beliefs and values as one people with a common destiny,” he advised.
He said as the was coming to an end and Christ was being celebrated love and peace must reign as He the Christ symbolised peace.
On the achievements of the Catholic Church, Rev Adoboli said it boasted educational institutions from the basic level to tertiary level medical.
He added that the Catholic Church also played a key role in ensuring peace and justice in the country.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, expressed his gratitude to members the Catholic Church for helping to grace the occasion.
He urged them to continue living in peace and love irrespective their differences and cultural diversity.
(“Remove refuse dump behind new Achimota terminal”, Daily Graphic, pg 31, December 29, 2012
A HEAP of refuse which has piled behind the new Achimota Lorry Station in Accra is causing a lot of nuisance to residents of Abofu, Alogboshie and surrounding areas.
An offensive stench emanates from the refuse dump, which is very close to the Odaw River, and has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and all types of reptiles.
Occasional burning of the refuse emits volumes of smoke which is gradually exposing the residents to various health hazards.
Most passengers who go to the station to board vehicles cover their noses with handkerchiefs to avoid breathing in the unpleasant smell.
Some of the residents told the Daily Graphic that the pungent smell from the refuse dump had made life uncomfortable for them and appealed to the city authorities to clear the pile and relocate the dumping site.
“I want to move away from the area to another suburb of Accra because the stench is too much and it is making life so uncomfortable. We don’t know how long we have to endure this situation, which is very worrisome,” a resident of Alogboshie told the Daily Graphic.
The acting Abofu Mantse, Nii Armah III, told the Daily Graphic that the location of the refuse dump was worrying because many commercial activities go on in the community.
Apart from that, he said, the refuse dump exposed the community to many health hazards, such as cholera and malaria.
“The health of residents, especially children, is at risk because the refuse dump breeds mosquitoes which cause malaria and day in day out people come to complain to me,” he said.
He added that the stench became worse whenever it rained and residents had no choice but leave their windows and doors open, which also created room for mosquitoes to attack them.
Nii Armah appealed to the authorities to relocate the refuse dump to save the residents from further health hazards.
In a telephone interview, the Head of the Waste Management Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr Anderson Blay, said the assembly had been spraying and covering the dump to reduce its negative effects on the people.
He said the authorities would ensure that the spraying and covering were done effectively to avoid some of the health hazards on residents.
An offensive stench emanates from the refuse dump, which is very close to the Odaw River, and has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and all types of reptiles.
Occasional burning of the refuse emits volumes of smoke which is gradually exposing the residents to various health hazards.
Most passengers who go to the station to board vehicles cover their noses with handkerchiefs to avoid breathing in the unpleasant smell.
Some of the residents told the Daily Graphic that the pungent smell from the refuse dump had made life uncomfortable for them and appealed to the city authorities to clear the pile and relocate the dumping site.
“I want to move away from the area to another suburb of Accra because the stench is too much and it is making life so uncomfortable. We don’t know how long we have to endure this situation, which is very worrisome,” a resident of Alogboshie told the Daily Graphic.
The acting Abofu Mantse, Nii Armah III, told the Daily Graphic that the location of the refuse dump was worrying because many commercial activities go on in the community.
Apart from that, he said, the refuse dump exposed the community to many health hazards, such as cholera and malaria.
“The health of residents, especially children, is at risk because the refuse dump breeds mosquitoes which cause malaria and day in day out people come to complain to me,” he said.
He added that the stench became worse whenever it rained and residents had no choice but leave their windows and doors open, which also created room for mosquitoes to attack them.
Nii Armah appealed to the authorities to relocate the refuse dump to save the residents from further health hazards.
In a telephone interview, the Head of the Waste Management Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr Anderson Blay, said the assembly had been spraying and covering the dump to reduce its negative effects on the people.
He said the authorities would ensure that the spraying and covering were done effectively to avoid some of the health hazards on residents.
MTTU intensifies road safety campaign,Daily Graphic pg 47, December 14, 2012
TWO thousand and sixty nine deaths (2069) cases have been recorded at Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana Police Service from January to November this year.
As compared to last year, out of the 12,341 cases that were reported 2,083 persons lost their lives with injuries to 12,004.
The MTTU Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday.
He expressed worry about the increase in accident cases every year despite their efforts to reduce the carnage on the roads.
Mr Awuni said they were preparing to reduce accidents during the Christmas season.
“Due to the elections we are already on the ground so we are going to continue through to the Christmas and the New Year season,” he stated.
He said extra personnel’s would be deployed from other regions to Accra to ensure peaceful festive season, adding that logistics were already in place for them to use.
ACP Awuni said they would continue their education campaign for the transport unions and pedestrians, explaining that pedestrian knocked downs were on the ascendancy.
Two thousand five hundred and ten (2510) cases of pedestrians knock downs has been recorded this year as against 2142 in 2011.
He said the MTTU would continue to ensure that drivers serviced their vehicles to avoid common faults such as broken wind screens, brake failure and drunk driving.
He called on passengers to be vigilant so they could identify some faults on the vehicles they boarded.
“Passengers have to check the vehicles they board by checking out some of the possible faulty areas and avoid drunk drivers,” he said.
He also urged drivers going on long journeys to rest after every four hours and that passengers must ensure that the drivers rested before they continued the journey.
“Drivers must not rush to kill people and the passengers also have to ensure that,” he said.
He urged fog light users to be careful in order to avoid accident during foggy periods.
ACP Awuni also urged car owners to employ qualified drivers to drive their commercial cars and maintain their cars.
He added that the MTTU would continue to ensure safety on the roads but it must be a shared responsibility of drivers, passengers, public and the media.
As compared to last year, out of the 12,341 cases that were reported 2,083 persons lost their lives with injuries to 12,004.
The MTTU Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Angwubutoge Awuni, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday.
He expressed worry about the increase in accident cases every year despite their efforts to reduce the carnage on the roads.
Mr Awuni said they were preparing to reduce accidents during the Christmas season.
“Due to the elections we are already on the ground so we are going to continue through to the Christmas and the New Year season,” he stated.
He said extra personnel’s would be deployed from other regions to Accra to ensure peaceful festive season, adding that logistics were already in place for them to use.
ACP Awuni said they would continue their education campaign for the transport unions and pedestrians, explaining that pedestrian knocked downs were on the ascendancy.
Two thousand five hundred and ten (2510) cases of pedestrians knock downs has been recorded this year as against 2142 in 2011.
He said the MTTU would continue to ensure that drivers serviced their vehicles to avoid common faults such as broken wind screens, brake failure and drunk driving.
He called on passengers to be vigilant so they could identify some faults on the vehicles they boarded.
“Passengers have to check the vehicles they board by checking out some of the possible faulty areas and avoid drunk drivers,” he said.
He also urged drivers going on long journeys to rest after every four hours and that passengers must ensure that the drivers rested before they continued the journey.
“Drivers must not rush to kill people and the passengers also have to ensure that,” he said.
He urged fog light users to be careful in order to avoid accident during foggy periods.
ACP Awuni also urged car owners to employ qualified drivers to drive their commercial cars and maintain their cars.
He added that the MTTU would continue to ensure safety on the roads but it must be a shared responsibility of drivers, passengers, public and the media.
43 Die in accidents on George Walker Bush Highway, Daily Graphic pg 63, December 19, 2012
FORTY-THREE people lost their lives on the George Walker Bush Highway from February to November this year.
According to statistics from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the road which was opened to traffic in February this year had recorded about 339 accidents, out which 248 people sustained injuries. Ninety-four pedestrian knock downs were also recorded during the period.
The road was formally inaugurated by the Late President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, and it was named after the former US President, George Walker Bush, due to his contributions to the establishment of the Millennium Challenge Corporation which funded its construction.
The 14-kilometre road was expected to cut down traffic time from the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange to Mallam Junction from two hours to about 20 minutes.
The MTTU Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, attributed the cause of the accidents on the highway to some engineering defects.
For instance, he told the Daily Graphic that pedestrians crossing points were not enough and added that the overpasses were also few and far apart, forcing pedestrians to cross the highway at unauthorised locations.
Other engineering causes of the accidents, he said, included the lack of road signs on the road to direct drivers and pedestrians.
He said the MTTU had made a formal report to the Accra City Engineering Department which had given the assurance that defects would be looked at to reduce the spate of accidents.
“For now, MTTU personnel are always on the N1 road to ensure discipline and safety and we are going to deploy more personnel, especially for the festive season,” he added.
ACP Awuni said indiscipline on the part of some drivers also contributed to some of the accidents on the N1 road.
“Despite these challenges, indiscipline on the part of some drivers such as wrongful overtaking, speeding and wrong signals were some causes of the accidents,” he said.
With Christmas just around the corner, he advised drivers to drive passengers safely to their destinations and bring them back safely during this season.
Mr Awuni appealed to drivers to avoid reckless overtaking, speeding, drunk-driving and inspect their cars for any faults and repair them before putting their vehicles on the road.
He advised passengers to police drivers by making sure they did the right thing and should not pressurise drivers to do their bidding.
According to statistics from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the road which was opened to traffic in February this year had recorded about 339 accidents, out which 248 people sustained injuries. Ninety-four pedestrian knock downs were also recorded during the period.
The road was formally inaugurated by the Late President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, and it was named after the former US President, George Walker Bush, due to his contributions to the establishment of the Millennium Challenge Corporation which funded its construction.
The 14-kilometre road was expected to cut down traffic time from the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange to Mallam Junction from two hours to about 20 minutes.
The MTTU Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, attributed the cause of the accidents on the highway to some engineering defects.
For instance, he told the Daily Graphic that pedestrians crossing points were not enough and added that the overpasses were also few and far apart, forcing pedestrians to cross the highway at unauthorised locations.
Other engineering causes of the accidents, he said, included the lack of road signs on the road to direct drivers and pedestrians.
He said the MTTU had made a formal report to the Accra City Engineering Department which had given the assurance that defects would be looked at to reduce the spate of accidents.
“For now, MTTU personnel are always on the N1 road to ensure discipline and safety and we are going to deploy more personnel, especially for the festive season,” he added.
ACP Awuni said indiscipline on the part of some drivers also contributed to some of the accidents on the N1 road.
“Despite these challenges, indiscipline on the part of some drivers such as wrongful overtaking, speeding and wrong signals were some causes of the accidents,” he said.
With Christmas just around the corner, he advised drivers to drive passengers safely to their destinations and bring them back safely during this season.
Mr Awuni appealed to drivers to avoid reckless overtaking, speeding, drunk-driving and inspect their cars for any faults and repair them before putting their vehicles on the road.
He advised passengers to police drivers by making sure they did the right thing and should not pressurise drivers to do their bidding.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)