Central Press Newspaper

NHIS Should Cover Traditional Medicine Cost

2012-02-09T03:12:00.003-08:00

by Caroline Berg (Projects Abroad)

If 70 percent of Ghana’s population seeks traditional herbal remedies to cure its ailments, then why is traditional medicine not covered in the National Health Insurance Scheme?

“We are appealing to the medical personnel at the local hospitals to include traditional medicine in their services,” the Queen mother of Mankessim, Nana Amageduah I, said during a presentation at the Odo Pee Herbal Research and Learning Center on Saturday.

Over a dozen recovered stroke patients and a seven-man band came out to the research center to support and raise awareness of Ghana’s traditional medicine. The event also functioned as an appeal to the government to include traditional medicine in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme.

“[Orthodox] doctors know about traditional medicine, but they think it is inferior to their medicine,” said Bishop Okanto Davies, National Projects Coordinator for Health Education Malaria Programme at Mankessim.

Nevertheless, interest in Ghana’s traditional medicine is growing steadily and people arrived from all over the country on Saturday to witness the healing power of the Odo Pee center’s alternative medicines.

Mr. John Kofi Sackey, CEO of the Odo Pee Herbal Research and Learning Center, led the presentation and invited each patient up to demonstrate his or her health. One woman ambled around the lawn with a cane, but then soon discarded the walking aid to march proudly on her own, which was met with great applause.

“We want to make stroke hope for all those who are having stroke to be healed over here,” Mr. Kofi Sackey said, referring to the Odo Pee center.

Although the center has achieved great success in healing stroke victims of all ages, Mr. Kofi Sackey is calling on the government to come to the center’s aid. To better serve its clientele, the center needs more space, more beds and access to modern machines for futher research into plant medicine and also for drug testing.

According to Mr. Kofi Sackey’s PR Officer, Mr. Samuel Sackey, the government had not responded to the center’s initial pleas for help.

“So, we took it upon ourselves that we will research herbal medicine,” Mr. Samuel Sackey said.

After taking Odo Pee’s medicine to a scientific research center for standardization, it was approved for sale in the markets. Finally, Odo Pee’s products were certified by the government and will soon be used in hospitals alongside conventional drugs.

In general, proponents of traditional medicine are frustrated by the government’s lackadaisical response to the sector’s pleas for assistance. In Ghana, the ratio of traditional medicine practitioner to patient is 1:400, whereas the ratio of conventional doctor to patient is 1:20,000.

One study conducted in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti revealed how patients must walk over 25 kilometers to access the nearest conventional health center. One subject voiced concern over the demands of such a trip, which could aggravate one’s illness and result in an unnecessary death. Subsequently, most people who live in Ghana’s rural regions seek traditional medicine practitioners in their own communities.

Besides proximity issues, the study found at least 60 percent of Ghanaians also seek traditional medicine either because it is cheaper or they simply believe it to be more effective.

“I’ve witnessed so many traditional herbal clinics and I’ve seen that most of the herbs that are given in treatment to people sick with something serious like stroke, it is better that they use the traditional medicine,” Bishop Davies said.

Not only may traditional drug usage be more beneficial to the individual, but promoting and utilizing Ghana’s own rich stock of natural resources for medicinal purposes could also save the country millions of dollars on imported drugs.

Moreover, annual global demand for traditional medicine is increasing exponentially and Ghana stands to benefit greatly in this sector. As is evident through China’s traditional medicine exports, which totaled in at 1.46 billion U.S. dollars in 2010, natural medicines are in high demand.

Nevertheless, Ghana’s traditional medicine industry must tackle several significant issues before it may expect full government support and approval. The first key step for the industry is to organize a database of the country’s legitimate traditional medicine practitioners.

“We’re going to see that the policemen, who helped the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, see that all the quack practitioners are out of the system,” Mr. Kofi Sackey said.

Starting in February, Ghana’s National Coordinating and Monitoring Evaluation Offices will begin weeding out charlatan medicine vendors, which is not a simple task. According to Mr. Sackey, some drug vendors who sell their products from the trunks of their cars, although they may appear suspicious, are actually safe sources for traditional medicine.

The proposed registration will help facilitate the important integration of traditional and conventional medicine practices in the nation’s health delivery system to complement each other through cross referral of cases to produce a more effective overall health delivery service.

Registration will require practitioners to provide their personal data, educational backgrounds and professional experience. In addition, practitioners are advised to document their research and practices to prove the quality and safety of their products and services.

Where conventional medicine excels, Ghana’s traditional medicine lags far behind. The traditional sector has yet to develop cogent methodologies to prove product efficacy and ensure product quality. It must also standardize manufacturing practices, consistently test for product safety and conduct post-marketing surveys to pinpoint any adverse results.

Those present at the Odo Pee center, however, appear prepared to see this arduous battle is through.

“When you go to China or other African countries, they use traditional medicines,” Bishop Davies said. “But, here in Ghana, we don’t use the traditional medicines because we feel that this is taboo. But, it’s not like that.”

High hopes for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations

2012-02-09T02:50:00.006-08:00

This year’s Africa Cup of Nations (ACN) promises to be one of the most open competitions for many years. With some of the continent’s biggest football forces absent from the 2012 tournament, we may witness a surprise victor.

However, as with every football, competition there has to be a favourite and this year is no exception with many of the major betting agencies tipping the Ivory Coast as the team to beat in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea, the hosts of the 2012 ACN.

Many football fans also believe Ghana has a great opportunity to win their first Africa Nations Cup since 1982. With the likes of the tournaments seven time champions and current holders of the trophy, Egypt, not involved in this year’s competition, along with the 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria, the field is definitely open for a first time winner. The lack of reputable football nations could provide Ghana’s Black Stars with the perfect opportunity to go one-step further than in 2010 by being crowned the tournament champions in 2012. It also creates a platform for smaller nations to make a name for themselves.

Ghana’s biggest national football star, Michel Essien, who will miss this year’s competition through injury, is backing the Black Stars to come out on top in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea. There is a strong possibility of witnessing an enthralling final between Ghana and the Ivory Coast (if both the respective teams play to their full potential), though there is undoubtedly great pressure and expectation on the shoulders of the Black Star’s Serbian coach, GoranStevanovic. Stevanovic believes, however, that he has the right combination of experience and youth in his squad to satisfy the hopes of the Ghanaian people.

Despite the fact that Michel Essien will not be around to contribute to the ventures of the Black Stars in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the side has enough big names to give themselves every opportunity of winning. Many of these players will be remembered for their heroic efforts in the 2010 World Cup, which saw Ghana cruelly knocked out of the tournament, by Uruguay at the quarter final stage. One of the tournament’s players to watch will be the BBC’s African Player of the Year for 2011, Ghana’s very own Andre Ayew. The Marseille winger scored eleven times for his country last season and he will surely continue to add to his national goal tally over the coming weeks.

Ayew will also have to try to shine in a competition, which will display many other big football names particularly within the star-studded line-up of the Ivory Coast, which has seven English based players available including, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou and Manchester City’s Yaya and KoloToure. The Ivory Coast team also had an impressive qualifying campaign, which saw them win every single match. This is one reason why many football anoraks have them slightly ahead of Ghana as favourites to win this year. Even though Ghana went through the qualifying process undefeated, they were held to a draw on both occasions by Sudan, a team they could possibly face in the quarter-finals.

Besides these two favourites to claim the 2012 title, there are also a handful of nations on the periphery that have the potential formula to win this year’s competition. They include Senegal and Mali. It will not be a complete surprise if Senegal turn out to be tough opposition this year, particularly when one considers the Senegalese strike force of Demba Ba and Musa Sow Both. Both these players currently stand as the top goal scorers in the English and French premier leagues so far this season. This partnership is likely to leave its mark on this year’s ACN as it will surely cause defences many problems.

Mali feature in Ghana’s group stage and they will prove to be tough opponents. Another challenge in the early stages for the Black Stars will be the tournament’s newcomers, Botswana. This will be the Zebra’s first African Cup of Nations and they will undoubtedly want to make it memorable by causing an upset or two against the tournament’s heavyweights.

There will be upsets and shock results without question but each team in this tournament claim to be in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea to win. They have all proved their weight and worthiness of being part of this year’s competition by qualifying in a tough qualification process. Nevertheless, one should focus its attention on the West African countries, as it is likely that the winner of the 2012 African Cup of Nations will come from this area of the continent. Could this be the year for Ghana?

Monkey Forest Resort in Cape Coast

2012-02-09T02:50:00.000-08:00

Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park and Anamabo Beach Resort are three attractions that are popular with tourists visiting Cape Coast. However, along the road to Kakum National Park sits another enjoyable, but seemingly less known attraction worth stopping at.

Monkey Forest Resort, owned by a man named Dennis and his wife, a couple from Holland, not only serves as a destination for tourists, but also as an animal sanctuary, which is home (temporarily and permanently) to a number of at-risk animals.

When you first arrive at Monkey Forest, Dennis kindly greets you at the gate. As you enter, the grounds look quite small at first, and with no previous knowledge of Monkey Forest, I assumed that the only animals I would be seeing were monkeys (which did not upset me in the slightest, as we were unable to see any earlier at Kakum National Park due to the time of day we went).

Nevertheless, do not let the name confuse you. Although Monkey Forest does have a handful of sneaky monkeys that will steal your jewellery and your wallet when you are not looking,

Dennis and his wife also care for a variety of other animals including crocodiles; African civets; genet cats; various types of snakes; a hyrax, which is, strangely enough, the closest living relative to the elephant; tortoises and parrots.

Monkey Forest, which has been open to the public since 2007, is not only a must see for tourists wanting something different to do; it is a must see for tourists and Ghanaians for educational purposes.

As you tour the sanctuary, which is bigger than it initially looks, Dennis’ wife talks about each animal as if they are her own children, explains why each animal is there and what the future holds for each of them. Some will be released back into the wild, while others will be kept at the sanctuary, because either they are too weak to be released, or because they would likely not survive in the wild as they have been in captivity for too long.

Although not too visually appealing until you climb the steps to the terrace, which overlooks the vast forest, it is just reassuring to know that there are people out there who recognise the need to educate the public about the threat that many of these animals are facing.

In Ghana, for example, the illegal export of parrots is a thriving industry, and the cruel way in which these birds are captured does not discourage the bird trappers, traders or buyers. Glue made from tree sap is spread onto sticks, which are then placed in trees. Sometimes bird trappers will tie a tame parrot next to the glue in hopes of attracting other parrots. When the parrots are trapped, they are painfully ripped from the glue, caged and transported across borders. I had no idea about this horrific industry until I visited Monkey Forest. Dennis and his wife are truly knowledgeable about the animals they care for.

The tour costs 12 Ghana cedis (all proceeds go toward feeding and taking care of Monkey Forest’s animals) and takes a little bit less than an hour to complete. Once the tour is finished, the couple asks you to join them for a cold beverage.

Dennis and his wife have many renovation plans for the future so they will be able to house more animals, and hopefully find mates for some of the animals currently there.

For more information about Monkey Forest Resort, visit www.monkeyforestresort.com, send an email to rubberaap@yahoo.com or call (+233) 0244 11 83 13.

Patronise made in Ghana Goods

2012-02-09T02:49:00.003-08:00

Osagyef Amanfo Edu VI, Omahene of Mankessim Traditional Area, has called for the patronisation and buying of goods produced by the people of the Republic of Ghana at the launch of the Rural Enterprise Programme (REP).

The programme was first piloted back in 1995 in 13 districts in the Ashanti and BrongAhafo Regions. Based on the success and lessons of this pilot scheme, a second phase of the project was launched in 2002 covering 66 districts nation-wide. The main aim of the Rural Enterprise Programme is to combat rural poverty and help raise the living standards of the participants living in the rural areas of the country. It is believed that this will be achieved mainly through the promotion of micro and small enterprise activities.

However in order for this project to succeed, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu, said:

“We as people have to make their businesses grow by participating or buying the goods that they produce. We have to be the markets for their products.”

The launch of this development programme in December was attended by many high profile figures including the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. John Dramani Mahamah, described the Rural Technology Services Centres (RTSCs), developed under the REP as remarkable due to the facilities and equipment they provide for the local districts. The RTSCs were established at district level to provide sustainable services such as skills and technology promotion and transfer to local communities.

Addressing the crowd gathered at the Project’s launch, the Vice President said:

“One of the unique features of this project is that it is fully decentralised and integrated into the local government system.

This development project has the highest rate of investment than any other development scheme the government and their partners are currently managing. Following his praise for the success of the scheme thus far, the Vice President turned his focus to the unemployed young people of Ghana and urged them to get involved in the Rural Enterprise Programme.

“This programme, among others, would be useless if our young people don’t take interest in them and don’t take advantage of the opportunities that they present.”

As part of the activities to mark the launch of the Rural Enterprise Programme (REP), some of the projects’ clients held an exhibition and trade show to depict some of the product and skills introduced to the rural poor. The annual trade shows are organised by the Project to provide a platform to explore new market opportunities and learn useful lessons from other colleagues and districts.

Knust Alumni Should Focus on Invention

2012-02-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology University, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had challenged the institution’s alumni to take steps leading to invention because that would enhance the socio-economic standard of the nation.

He was of the view that invention is a challenge to the University because that was lacking, considering the University is primarily a Science and Technology institution. He appealed to them to support their alma mater, particularly in the area of research for technological development so as to transform society.

He said this at the Alumni Association’s Award Dinner Ball and as part of the activities to mark the 60th anniversary celebration has organised an awards and fundraising dinner ball at the State House Banquet Hall in Accra.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor W.O. Ellis, in his remarks, stated that “Every university is known by its research activities and the strength of its alumni”. He intimated that the KNUST has contributed to the country in diverse ways towards national development, particularly in areas such as energy generation, engineering, agriculture, natural resources, among others.

Professor Ellis commended the Alumni Association for making the event successful and urged them not to rest on their laurels but aspire to achieve more. He also acknowledged all stakeholders and individuals for their contribution to the University.

On his part, Mr. Tony Danklu, the National President of the Alumni Association, described the occasion as a call to duty for all alumni to assist the University to realise its significant mandate after 60 years of existence. He was emphatic that the University will need the support of the government and the alumni to meet its “Technological Transformation” target.

Some distinguished alumni were honoured for their contribution to the Alumni Association and the University. Among the personalities who received citations and awards were Professor K.K. Adarkwa, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor J.S.K. Ayim, former Vice-Chancellor, Professor S.O.S. Asiama, former National President of the Alumni Association. The rest are Mr Aliu Mahama, immediate past Vice President, and Honourable Yaw Osafo Marfo, the former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The event attracted various renowned personalities including government functionaries, Members of Parliament, musicians, scientists, consultants, among others. Notable among them were Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Former First Lady, and Mr. P.V. Obeng, Chairman of the University Council.

Central Press College Graduation

2012-02-09T02:41:00.000-08:00

The Managing Director of Coastal Television, Mrs Nyomi, delivered a seminar talk to the graduating students of the Central Press College in Cape Coast.

The graduates were presented with a discussion paper entitled, ‘The Role of Female Journalists in Nation Building’. This talk was part of a series of seminars organised by the Central Press College for its students.

Introducing the Guest Speaker, the Chief Executive Officer of the college, Mr Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei said:

“This is the batch [of students] that has many women participating, and that is why we thought it wise to have a woman to be our guest speaker so that it can be a motivation to females in this media profession.”

The focus of Mrs Nyomi’s presentation was the central role she believes female journalists have to play in the gradual development of Ghana as a nation. She stressed the importance of the way in which a newsworthy story is presented to the public and how this is a key to the success of good print and broadcast journalism.

The timing of this speech delivered to the students was also an important factor as it was placed in the context of the upcoming elections later this year. Mrs Nyomi highlighted to the students that the education they were receiving in such a place as the Central Press College was designed to equip them with the required skills to practice a higher standard of journalism. Mrs Nyomi stated:

“With this kind of education that you have, you are going to make an impact wherever you find yourself.”

The concept of a more informed journalism was coupled with the idea of being more innovative and creative while producing and presenting news stories. Mrs Nyomi called for a more colourful way of presenting the news, a style that is more Ghanaian in the form of its presentation in contrast to the straight broadcast style adopted by many western media networks, Mrs Nyomi added:

“There is one radio station in Ghana that sometimes exaggerates, but I like it because they are telling stories. They tell it like we would tell a story to our children or among ourselves.”

Mrs Nyomi concluded her speech by stressing the need for journalists in Ghana to make an impact and to ask the important, pertinent questions that will provide the answers to many of the big issues in the Republic of Ghana today. This point was explained in further detail in the context of politics. It was explained to the students that their level of education in the practice of journalism gave them the power to ask the burning questions of the day to the politicians and get the answers that would essentially create a greater sense of transparency and understanding in the politics of Ghana today. As a result, it is believed that freedom of the press will develop further, thus contributing to the wider concept of nation-building.

Speaking on behalf of the students and members of the Campus Journalists’ Association, its President, Shaderik Boakye said:

“We should all try as much as possible to abide by all the rules and regulations given us and the code of ethics of the Ghana Journalist Association.”

The Headphone Fever

2012-02-09T02:39:00.000-08:00

For some time now, the invisible lens of the eye man captures a particular scene almost everywhere in the streets, public places and even on campuses, the use of headphones.

To the best of my knowledge, headphones are private sound output devices normally used for studio works. They come in different brands, sizes, colours and capacity for specific purposes, but it isn’t so in this our modern era. Headphones now play a major role in the fashion world of the youth of today. Almost every ‘guy’ you meet have headphone covering the ear either connected to portable music players or as necklace around the neck, and for a moment, I thought Ghanaian youth are all now turning into disc jockeys (DJs).

There are unpleasant situations where some culprits narrowly escape being knocked down by vehicles just because they have no ears to hear the horns of vehicles approaching them. I leant this habit originated from the hip hop world, where you see most rap artiste with headphones around their neck. My problem is not about its usage but rather its effect on hearing.

Hearing loss is related to the volume and duration of sound because the human ear is one of the most delicate sense organs. There is much concern about the effect of iPods and other MP3 players. With these devices, music is blared directly into the ears via head/earphone, the volume is often high, and the devices hold thousands of songs that are listened to for long periods.

Hearing specialists are reporting seeing teens with signs of noise-induced hearing loss that would not be expected until middle age. (Spencer J., 2006). Researchers studying cassette players and portable compact disc players have found an increased risk of hearing loss among people who listen to loud music through headphones for extended periods. In one well-cited study, recommendations were made to limit the use of portable CD players to one hour per day at 60% of maximum volume (Fligor, 2004). If you listen for more than one hour, the volume should be turned down below 60%. Maximum sound levels of CD players and iPods are estimated to be between 100 and 115 decibels. I cannot advise people not to use it but will rather suggest these few safety precautions:

At home or in a quiet place (not in the street), set the volume low so that you can still hear sound around you.
When you go into the street DO NOT MAKE IT LOUDER, the noisy environment and the loud volume will worsen the situation. Alternatively, buy noise reduction earphones that will block out the street noise so you do not have to turn up the volume to hear the music comfortably.
Finally, avoid the habit of using headphone for personal entertainment if you can, instead use loud speakers.

If you loose your hearing just for the love of one song, how on earth are you going to enjoy the millions of other nice music which are yet to come? Stay safe and keep your ears healthy.

‘Sakawa’ on Social Networks

2012-02-09T02:38:00.000-08:00

If you were thinking as I was; ‘social networks are sakawa (internet fraud) free’, then you got it all wrong. Internet fraud has now taking a different turn and is operating through the various social networks.

These fraudsters disguise themselves as female refugees hungry for love and affection. They send dating proposals to males on the same network. They further ask for email address and once you grant their request; they send well-fabricated stories and pictures into your mails narrating their poor refugee life. I bet you, many men fall for their tricks. Let me share with you few samples of the messages from one of these intelligent psychopaths. Firstly, they tell you the false pathetic stories of how they became orphans and refugee in a camp because of war in their country. Once you respond or reply to it, these are likely the sort of mails you will be receiving subsequently (names and other personal information withheld):

Dearest Sweet Heart.
How you are today together with your health which is the most important thing to me hope you are fine? I am more than happy in your reply to my mail. When I read your mail today is give me full joy and happiness .thanks you once again I will like to see you face to face soonest .My love, I will like to be part of your life .Mine is a little bit cool over here in Dakar Senegal.
In this refugee camp, we are only allowed to go out only two times in a week. It’s just like one staying in the prison and I hope by God’s grace I will come out here soon.
I don't have any relatives now whom I can go to all my relatives ran away in the middle of the war the only person I have now is Rev Father ******* who is the pastor of the (Christ for all Churches) here in the refugee camp, he has been very nice to me since I came here but I am not living with him, rather, I am leaving in the women's hostel because the refugees have two hostels one for men the other for women.
The Pastors Tel number is (+22177- ## - ## - ###) I will be waiting for your call by 2: pm my own time here today; if you call and tell him that you want to speak with me he will send for me in the hostel.
As a refugee here I don't have any right or privilege to anything be it money or whatever because it is against the law of this country.
I want to go back to my studies because I only attended my first year before the tragic incident that lead to my being in this situation now took place. Please listen to this have my late father's statement of account and death certificate are here with me which I will send to you latter, because when he was alive he deposited some amount of money in a leading bank in Europe which he used my name as the next of kin, the amount in question is $3.7M(Three Million seven Hundred Thousand Dollars)
So I will like you to help me transfer this money to your account and from it you can send some money for me to get my traveling documents and air ticket to come over to meet with you. I kept this secret to people in the refugee camp here; the only person that knows about it is the Reverend because he is like a father to me.
So in the light of above I will like you to keep it to yourself and don't tell it to anyone for I am afraid of losing my life and the money if people get to know about it.
Remember I am giving you all this information due to the trust I deposed on you. I like honest and understanding people, truthful and a man of vision, truth and hardworking. My favourite language is English but our language is French but I speak English very fluently. Meanwhile I will like you to call me like I said I have lot to tell you. Have a nice day and think about me.
Waiting to hear from you soonest.

Your love
******.

Hello My Dearest!
I thank you ones again for your mail to me. I will also like to see you face to face after the transfer of the money into your account and I will use this opportunity to let you know that GOD has chosen you amongst other men in this whole wide world to help me on this planet (earth) it’s now left for you and God who directed you to me.
Please I have not told anyone except you about the existence of this money and I will like you to please keep it secret to other people because since it is (MONEY) all eyes will be on it. Remember I trust you with all my heart that is why I am giving you all this information!

I have informed the bank in United Kingdom about my plans to claim this money and the only thing they told me is to look for a foreign partner who will stand on my behalf due to my age, refugee status and the laws of this country against refugees like me.
I will give you 25% of the total money for helping me and 5% for any expenses that may occur during the transaction and the remaining money will be managed by you in any business of your choice because I can't be able to manage such a huge amount of money, besides I want to go back to school to start my education again.
In this regard I will like you to contact the bank immediately with this information. Tell them that you are my foreign partner and that you want to know the possibilities of assisting me in transferring the ($3.7 Million US Dollars) deposited by my late father of which I am the next of kin to your account in your country.

The contact information of the bank is as follows:

(Information withheld)

As I told you before, this camp is just like a prison and my prayers are to move out from here as soon as possible. Please make sure that you contact the bank so that after the transfer you can send some money from that money for me to prepare my travelling documents to meet with you over there in your country please whenever you want to talk to me try and call the rev father's number that I gave you, tell him that you want to talk to me.
Waiting to hear from you as soon as you contact the bank today, please!

Yours forever,
********

All they need is to lure you intelligently into investing your money, in the aim of retrieving that huge sum of money. Beware friend; they have something up their sleeves. Do not entertain such messages, lest you fall prey to their tactics.

Maternal Deaths Declined in 2011

2012-02-09T02:37:00.000-08:00

Kirsty Telfer (Projects Abroad)

byKirsty Telfer (Projects Abroad) Central Region’s maternal deaths declined in 2011, Seventy- four maternal deaths were recorded as compared to Seventy-seven in 2010.

Maternal Mortality rates in Ghana continue to be a challenge for the Ghana Health Service and pose a real threat to social development in the country. Speaking at the 2011Central Region Health Services Performance Review Conference, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Samuel T. Kwashie said that ‘every maternal death from a preventable cause is unacceptable and must not be allowed to happen.’

The United Nationals Development Programme (UNDP) has raised concern about high rates of maternal mortality across the developing world, saying it is still unacceptably high. Progress is still well short of the 5.5 per cent annual decline needed to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of reducing by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio by 2015.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines maternal mortality as the death of a woman while pregnant or within forty-two days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.

WHO estimates that around 500 women per 100,000 live births in Ghana die during delivery. In the Central Region, 74 maternal deaths were recorded in the year 2011, giving a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 116 deaths per 100,000 live births. Although this is a slight decrease from 2010, where the MMR was 165/100,000, one is a real threat to Ghana’s chance of achieving the MDG relating to maternal health and promoting high quality health care in the country.

The Central Region Health Service has associated itself with the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMNA), which was launched in the region in November 2011 by Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills’. It calls on all 17 Metropolitan Municipal and District Assembly’s (MMDAs) to ensure they are committed to eliminating maternal mortality in the Central Region.

Dr Kwashie said he hoped the increase in supervised births would further ensure a decrease in maternal mortality. The number has significantly increased over the past three years and stands at 63.7 percent as of 2011. He also noted that additional health professionals are being posted to the region and this should help improve the health situation surrounding maternal mortality.

UNDP says most maternal deaths can, and should be avoided. Hemorrhage, sepsis, unsafe abortion, obstructed labour and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy cause more than 80 per cent of maternal deaths. Most of these deaths are preventable when there is access to adequate reproductive health services, equipment, supplies and skilled healthcare workers. UNDP notes that the majority of women in the developing world are now receiving antenatal care and skilled assistance during delivery.

The theme for the year under review was ‘Strengthening Human Resource for Health towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.’ Concerns relating to staffing have been considerably diminished following the postings of a number of Doctors, Medical Assistants, Nurses, Midwifes etc. and numerous training programmes have been of immense benefit to the strengthening of the health care system.

Dr Kwashie pointed out that one only case of Measles was reported in 2011 and the number of Cholera patients was almost half of those recorded in 2010. The biggest threat to the health service continues to be malaria and was the highest reported medical condition at the Out- patient Departments throughout the region. However, positive steps have been taken to control the disease, which is a major threat to pregnant women and children under the age of five. At the end of 2011, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), United States of America Aid (USAID) and the Department for International Development (DFID) distributed 1,003, 100 Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Bed Nets (LLITNs) to the people of the Central region.

Dr Kwashie said the aim for 2012 should be focused on strengthening the health care systems to provide quality and accessible health care for the entire population of the Central Region, paying special attention to those living in the most deprived situations. He said health care programmes would be made available for those suffering from disabilities.

Journalists as “peacemakers” or “peace breakers” during election time

2012-02-09T02:23:00.001-08:00

Violence and corruption often plague elections throughout the African continent, so as Ghana prepares to vote in both parliamentary and presidential elections this December, all eyes will be on the West African country to ensure that peaceful and fair elections ensue.

Central Regional Minister, Ama Benyiwa Doe, stated that this year’s elections will be a very trying moment for Ghana and she advised that people act peacefully and responsibly.

“I want to take advantage of this forum to advise that the youth of Central Region think twice and not take advantage of their youthfulness and misuse that for any kind of activity that will not help us,” Minister Doe said.

She added that “competition should be fair, so that by the time we come out of elections, Central Region, and for that matter, this country, should turn up as a winner.”

Last year, fifteen African countries held elections, many of which saw widespread fraud and violence including Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And Minister Doe believes that what journalists say or write plays an important role in whether or not elections turn out peacefully.

“Countries have gotten into problems by just the spoken word of journalists,” she stated.

The reason for this is because political parties often get offended when they are criticised. But Minister Doe believes that criticism can be beneficial.

“Criticisms are good,” she said. “And as long as we have criticisms which are scientifically based and constructive, there should be no problems.”

Unlike many African countries, the media of Ghana is one of the most free. In fact, chapter 12 of the Constitution of Ghana guarantees freedom and independence of the media, and according to Freedom House, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that researches freedom around the world, Ghana was one out of only four other Sub-Saharan countries whose media was ranked as “free.”

As important as it is for citizens to act peacefully and responsibly during election time, it is just as imperative that what journalists say and write is accurate as their information is what people look to when making the decision of who to vote for.

“Modern day slavery” still alive in Ghana

2012-02-09T02:22:00.001-08:00

Ghana’s Lake Volta is known as the world’s largest man-made lake. But what is almost unknown about the communities along Lake Volta is that human trafficking (child trafficking in particular) is flourishing.

Human trafficking is described by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as “an act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion, or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them.”

While women and children are typically trafficked internationally within Europe (for example, from Eastern European countries to Western European countries), human trafficking in Ghana is much more of an internal concern. While many children are abducted or sold involuntarily by their parents and are then trafficked to neighbouring countries, countless children are also trafficked internally taken from rural areas of Ghana to work in fishing communities along Lake Volta or into the larger cities to work as domestic helpers, beggars and even prostitutes.

Ghana’s Central Region is also a common area for human trafficking within the country.

According to the Palermo Protocol (a protocol adopted by the United Nations in 2000, which assists in combating trafficking in persons), human trafficking not only consists of labour, but also horrific practices such as the removal of organs, trafficking for the purpose of “illicit international adoption and trafficking for early marriage and recruitment as child soldiers.”

Poverty and lack of decent education in many parts of the world are circumstances that continue to feed the human trafficking industry.

Since many parents in Ghana are unable to financially take care of their families, they believe that selling their children is the only option they have for a better life.

But what these parents do not know is that selling their children into a life of slavery is extremely dangerous. Many children do not survive and those that do often face difficult futures with psychological problems, substance abuse and continued prostitution.

Constitutional rights in Ghana include: the Right to Life, the Right to Personal Liberty, Rights of the Child, Women’s Rights, the Respect for Human Dignity and Protection from Slavery and Forced Labour. However, these rights are taken away from women and children once they fall victim to this appalling practice.

Educating parents and children about the risks of the human trafficking industry will be an important step in combating this horrific practice. Furthermore, although there are steps presently being taken to end human trafficking in Ghana (Ghana passed into law the Human Trafficking Act, Act 694 of 2005, and the Ghana Police Service has an Anti-Human Trafficking Unit), the biggest challenge will be education. If so many of the industry’s victims and their families are uneducated, how will they learn the dangers associated with such labour?

It will be up to the Ghanaian government to better protect trafficking victims and set harsher penalties for trafficking offenders. Continued help from the international community will also be necessary as Ghana continues to be a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficked women and children.

MOTOR ACCIDENTS CLAIM 247 LIVES IN C/R STATE

2012-02-09T02:21:00.000-08:00

Using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and eating are all illegal activities to take part in while driving in Canada.

So, as a Canadian living in Ghana, being in a car that does not have working seatbelts, with a driver who takes no notice of traffic signs, it is not surprising that 2011 saw a rise in motor accidents and casualties associated with motor accidents in Ghana's Central Region.

In 2011, the Central Region alone had a total of 1120 reported accidents; 246 of those occurring between January and April.

Last year not only ended with the most accidents in over two decades but also saw the highest number of persons killed due to motor accidents; a total of 247.

According to the National Road Safety Commission, accidents are happening primarily because of pedestrians, followed by speeding, fatigue and wrongful overtaking.

Although listed as the fastest growing world economy of 2011, Ghana's traffic regulations are lacking, which is undoubtedly putting peoples' safety at risk and therefore hindering the country from prospering even further.

In the May 3 - 15, 2011 Issue of Central Press, Axel Patsch outlined many of the reasons behind the increase in motor accidents during the first quarter of 2011. He explained that, although road maintenance is important in tackling the issue at hand, educating the public about road safety would likely show the best results. Thankfully, there is a current platform that shares the same thought and is taking action.

During the launch of the Disaster and Road Safety Foundation, Dasebere Kwebu Ewusi VII, Chairman for the Central Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Risk Management, stated that, “each year, disasters not only deprive millions of people of food security, access to clean drinking water and social services but also reverse past development gains and impedes further socio-economic programs.”

He believes, however, that the government cannot fix this growing issue alone.

“The role I can play to support government,” he said, “is to raise funds to mitigate the plight of disaster victims.”

The Central Regional Platform's job, according to Dasebere Kwebu Ewusi VII, is to “reduce excessive pressure on the government in providing First Aid to accident victims.”

And while some motor accidents aren't always simply avoided (for example, an animal could run in front of a car at night), many are. For this reason, the Central Regional Platform not only assists victims following an accident they also understand that taking measures to prevent motor accidents in the first place is what will save most lives.

According to Anokye Yeboah, Central Regional Coordinator of the Road Safety Commission, each year about 1,800 people lose their lives as a result of motor accidents in Ghana, and approximately 10,000 – 15,000 people are seriously injured. Given these statistics, it will be essential for the government to focus on improving road safety in order to save lives and keep the country moving forward.

“The Platform will be proactive by supporting Disaster Risk Reduction activities, such as public education on TV and radio,” Dasebere Kwebu Ewusi VII said. “We shall sponsor workshops for Road Safety Officers to acquire knowledge to intensify public education.”

Moving Journalism Forward

2012-01-18T03:56:00.000-08:00

by Benjamin Price (Projects Abroad)

Mrs Nyomi (left) congratulates a student.

The Managing Director of Coastal Television, Mrs Nyomi, delivered a seminar talk to the graduating students of the Central Press College in Cape Coast.

The graduates were presented with a discussion entitled, ‘The Role of Female Journalists in Nation Building’. This talk was part of a series of seminars organised by the Central Press College for its students.

Introducing the guest speaker, the chief executive of the college, Mr Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei said:

“This is the batch [of students] that has many women participating, that is why we thought it wise to have a woman to be our guest speaker so that it can be a motivation to females in this media profession.”

The main focus of Mrs Nyomi’s presentation was the central role she believes female journalists have to play in the gradual development of Ghana as a nation. She stressed the importance of the way in which a newsworthy story is presented to the public and how this is key to the success of good print and broadcast journalism.

The timing of this speech delivered to the students was also an important factor as it was placed in the context of the upcoming elections later this year. Mrs Nyomi highlighted to the students that the education they were receiving in such a place as the Central Press College was equipping them with the required skills to practice a higher standard of journalism:

“With this kind of education that you have, you are going to make an impact wherever you find yourself.”

The concept of a more informed journalism was coupled the idea of being more innovative and creative while producing and presenting news stories. Mrs Nyomi called for a more colourful way of presenting the news, a style that is more Ghanaian in the form of its presentation, in contrast to the straight broadcast style adopted by many western media networks. Mrs Nyomi added:

“There is one radio station in Ghana that sometimes exaggerates, but I like it because they are telling stories. They tell it like we would tell a story to our children or among ourselves.”

Mrs Nyomi, lecturers and students at Central Press College

Mrs Nyomi concluded her speech by stressing the need for journalists in Ghana to make an impact and to ask the important questions that will provide the answers to many of the big issues in Republic of Ghana today. This point was explained in further detail in the context of politics. It was explained to the students that their level of education in the practice of journalism gave them the power to ask the burning questions of the day to the politicians and get the answers that would essentially create a greater sense of transparency and understanding in the politics of Ghana today. As a result, it is believed that freedom of the press will develop further, thus contributing to the wider concept of nation building.

Speaking on behalf of the students and members of the Campus Journalists’ Association, its President, Shaderik Boakye said:

“We should all try as much as possible to abide by all the rules and regulations given us and the code of ethics of the Ghana Journalist Association.”

PRELIMINARY TEST CONFIRMS GOLD IN ELMINA

2012-01-12T04:03:00.000-08:00

by Caleigh McLelland & Benjamin Price (Projects Abroad)

Some Gold that was extracted from the soil at the beach

Before its independence, Ghana was called the Gold Coast by its British colonisers; and rightly so. Ghana has been a world leader in the export of gold for centuries, but until recent weeks, most people were unaware that gold existed in Elmina.

Rumours spread that the indigenous peoples of Elmina had been mining gold in the area. Since this discovery was made, the government has sent a Geological Survey Team to Elmina to confirm these findings so they can decide whether the gold quantities have potential commercial value.

“The government wants to know if the gold is of commercial quantity,” said Edmund Houphouet, Public Relations Officer of the KEEA Municipal Assembly. “Once they know this, they will discuss the pros and cons.”

Some Volunteers of the Geological Survey Department

The Geological Survey Team will report to the government by Friday, and an official report will be published by the end of the month.

“What we intend to do now is to fast-track the process of ensuring that we investigate and find exactly what is in the deposits,” stated Minister of Land and Mineral Resources Mike Hammah. “Once the deposits are in, we will be sure to come out and let the people know exactly what the situation is.”

Despite the uncertainty as to how much gold there is at Elmina, an official from the Geological Survey Team said he has seen some promising results from the tests that have been carried out so far.

“We have dug eight pits, and four seem encouraging,” he said.

Some of the fisherfolk fishing for Gold

Yet even with such encouraging results, it is believed that there will not be enough gold for commercial use. This is not only due to the quantities that have been discovered so far, but also due to the narrow area between the homes of locals that line the beach and the sea, which would make it difficult for serious mining of the extremely valuable mineral.

Furthermore, as it is not feasible at the moment to consider mining for gold at sea, there is a possibility that tests will be carried out later on at sites further inland in order to establish where exactly the gold deposits at Elmina beach have come from.

Patronise made in Ghana Goods

2012-01-12T03:36:00.000-08:00

by Benjamin Price (Projects Abroad)

Osagyef Amanfo Edu VI

However in order for this project to truly succeed, Osagyef Amanfo Edu, said:

“We as people have to make their businesses grow by participating or buying the goods that they produce. We have to be the markets for their products.”

The Vice President inspects the manufacturing equipment

The launch of this development programme in December was attended by many high profile figures including the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. John Dramani Mahamah. The Vice Presoident described the Rural Technology Services Centres (RTSCs), that was developed under the REP, as something remarkable due to the facilities and equipment they provide for the local districts. The RTSCs were established at district level to provide sustainable services such as skills and technology promotion and transfer to local communities.

Addressing the crowd gathered at the Project’s launch, the Vice President said:

“One of the unique features of this project is that it is fully decentralised and integrated into the local government system.

“This programme, among others, would be useless if our young people don’t take interest in them and don’t take advantage of the opportunities that they present.”

As part of the activities to mark the launch of the REP, some of the projects’ clients held an exhibition and trade show to depict some of the product and skills introduced to the rural poor. The annual trade shows are organised by the Project to provide a platform to explore new market opportunities and also learn useful lessons from other colleagues and districts.

PPP INAUGURATED IN C/R

2012-01-12T02:48:00.000-08:00

by Benjamin Price (Projects Abroad)

Youth holding the PPP flag.

The newly formed Progressive People’s Party (PPP), which has yet to be certified by the Electoral Commission, has held its inauguration ceremony.

After resigning from his position as a member of the Conventional People’s Party (CPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the founder of the Progessive People’s Party, and executives from all the 19 constituencies of the region were inaugurated into the PPP with the regional executives.

Supporters pledge allegiance to the party.

A large crowd of enthusiastic Ghanaians attended the inauguration ceremony at Cape Coast’s Town Hall on Saturday (January 7^th) to show their support for Dr. Nduom and his party, which includes a 450 member-strong executive at present. These executives are responsible for the running of the party’s activities at the regional and constituency level in Central Region.

Back in December, the leader of the CCP’s women’s wing, Mary Ankomah, was recorded saying that it is a great loss for the CCP to lose a member like Dr. Ndoum. However, at the time she also highlighted that it would seem as though many women members would also defect from the CCP to join the Progressives.

Dr. Nduom told his supporters who gathered at Cape Coast Town Hall that the PPP, Ghana’s newest political party, would improve the livelihood of the citizens of Central Region.

Inaugurating the 20-member Central Regional Executive, Dr. Nduom said:

“Ours is a broad-based national movement with people who have been crying for the change we need after experiencing NDC and NPP administrations that have not delivered to their expectations.”

Dr Nduom (left centre) and PPP interim executives.

According to the party’s leader, an important principle of the PPP is inclusiveness. He stated that this progressive political organisation supports opportunity for all Ghanaians irrespective of ethnicity, religious affiliation or political affiliation.

Many other executives of the PPP also spoke at the inauguration ceremony, including the Interim Chairman of the progressive movement, Mr Nii Brew Hammond. Mr Hammond emphasised the need for unity across the new party and to ensure complete organisation at the polling station level.

RURAL TECHNOLOGY FACILITY COMMISSIONED AT MANKESSIM

2011-12-21T04:03:00.000-08:00

Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI ( Paramount Chief of Mankessim)

By: Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei

The paramount chief of Mankessim traditional area Osagyefo Amanfo Edu IV has appealed to Ghanaians to patronise made in Ghana products to support local producers to produce more of the goods.

He said this at the commissioning of the Rural Technology facility in mankessim by the Vice President John Dramani Mahama.

The Rural Enterprises with support provided the facility from the Government of Ghana, International Fund for Agricultural Development and African Development Bank.

Osagyefo Amanfo Edu IV appealed to the government to rehabilitate the irrigation system for the cultivation of vegetables for the feeding of the oil workers in Western region. He said this would assist in generating employment for the youths in the area to improve their living condition.

Vice President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama

The Vice President John Dramani Mahama appealed to the youths to take advantage of the rural enterprises programme for them to acquire skills in which they can create their jobs. He called on the district assemblies to collaborate with the Rural Enterprises programme to create jobs for the youths.

The National Director of the Rural Enterprises programme, Kwasi Attah-Antwi noted that the programme was started on a piloted basis with two districts in 1995 and the programme now covers sixty-six districts. He said the third phase of the programme will cover one hundred and sixty districts.

Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade

The Country Representative of African Development Bank Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade disclosed that the bank would approve seventy million dollars for the third phase of the programme. She said the bank is satisfied on the prudent usage of the fund provided for the programme.

The Minister of Trade and Industry Hannah Tetteh noted that the technology facility would enhance the operations of artisans in mankssim and said students in and around mankessim would benefit from the facility. She said that over 99% of the fund provided was used in the execution of the programme. She appealed to the district assemblies to provide offices for the Business Advisory Centre for them to be qualified for the rural technology village.

Cape Coast Polytechnic gets new Council members

2011-12-05T00:36:00.000-08:00

President John Evans Atta Mills has appointed new Council members for the Cape Coast Polytechnic which would be would be chaired by Professor B. A. Osei of the University of Cape Coast.

Other Members of the new council include Mrs Gloria Baiden-Koomson, as Government appointee, Mr Charles Emmanuel Oppong, representative of the Convocation of the Cape Coast Polytechnic, Mr Emmanuel Asamoah-Boahin, Polytechnic Student’s Council and Mr Samuel Kwame Ansah, Polytechnic Alumni Association.

The rest are Mr Ato Panford, Representative of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr John Alateng Ayarik of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union, Miss Evelyn Sarpong, Representative of the Ghana Employer’s Association, Mrs Marie-Acquiline Bafour-Oduro, Mrs Emilia Aning, representative of the Ministry of Education, Mr U. S. Tettey, representative of the Polytechnic Teachers association of Ghana and Mr K. A. Simpson, Acting Rector of the cape Coast polytechnic.

A statement signed by Mr Paul Kofi Krampa, Director of the Public Relations unit of the Ministry of Education on Saturday, said the new council which replaces the earlier one which was dissolved by the President, would be formally sworn in by Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Minister of Education on Monday December 5 at the Cape Coast Polytechnic.

CENTRAL REGION TAKES BEST FARMERS' AWARD

2011-12-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

Vice President Presenting the Prize to the Best farmer

Farmers from Central region took the overall best farmer award and a farmer in the region took the second place. The best fisherman also went to the region.

This year’s Best farmer award went to Central Region and the winners were from the region of excellence.

56-year-old Ignatius Agbo, from the Upper Denkyira East District in the Central Region is the overall best farmer for 2011 at the 27th National best Farmers day.

He takes home a fully furnished three-bedroom house to be built at a location of his choice plus a generator, laptop and a fully loaded modem and a trip to India.

Ignatius Agbo beat 66 other contestant with a farm size of four hundred and eighty (480) acres with 200 acres currently under cultivation.

His scale of operation includes Cocoa 160 acres, Oil Palm 12 acres, Citrus 15 acres, Plantain 15 acres, cow pea 2 acres, sweet potatoes 1acre Cassava 5 acres, Coconut 2 acre, vegetables together with his livestock occupying about 50 acres.

The one time Assembly man currently employs 35 permanent workers and an additional 62 casual workers on his five farmers scatted in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality.

He was the Regional Best Farmer for the Central Region in 2002 and 2005 respectively.

Receiving his award, Ignatius Agbo thanked former President Jerry Rawlings for instituting the National Best Farmer Award and also former President J.A Kufuor and President J.E.A Mills for ensuring the day is observed.

He however regretted of the non- availability of motorable roads to transport their crops which has increased post harvest loses over the years.

Ignatius Abgo called on government to walk the talk and provide farmers with the needed resources for accelerated growth.

This year’s celebration which is under the theme: “Grow more food; research for sustainable Agricultural development” is to stress the importance of Science and Technology in Agriculture.

The Vice President John Dramani Mahama in his speech commended farmers for their invaluable role in assuaging the impact of the global food crisis on the country.

He said an investment in Agriculture which now contributes about 30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the sure way to eradicating poverty.

Vice President Mahama reiterated the government's commitment to make Agriculture a key component in the economy in spite of the oil discovery.

He also urged the farmers to venture into mechanized farming and move away from the indigenous one which largely depends on the vagaries of the weather.

The second national best farmer is 39-year-old Assemblyman, Daniel Ankoma Mends from the Assin South District of the Central region. He took home a tractor with implements and an insurance cover for a year.

44-year-old Philip Kwaku Agyemang from the Brong Ahafo region came third and was rewarded with a double cabin pick-up truck and a year's insurance cover.

The National Best Fisherman went to 39-year-old Agya Kwesi and National Best Livestock farmer went to 70-year-old Joseph Boney.

The annual event, held at Agona Nsaba in the Central Region, is to salute the tireless efforts and sacrifices of Ghanaian farmers who even in the face of the challenges continue to feed the nation.

In all, sixty-six distinguished farmers and fishermen in the country received national honours and took home various prizes including bicycles, fridges, Wellington Boots, sewing machines, agro products among other at the colourful ceremony at the Agona Nsaba Presbyterian School Park.

Chirano Gold supports farmers day

2011-12-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

By: George Naykene

The Management of Chirano Gold Mines Limited on Wednesday presented eight bicycles, two LCD television and two DVD to the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai district and the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal assembly towards this year’s farmers day celebration.

Presenting the items, Mr. Koduah Dapaah, Health Safety Environment and Corporate Responsibility Manager of CGML said the presentation formed part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company.

He said farmers form a critical section of society whose contribution to the survival of the individual and the society as a whole cannot be ignored and commended the winners of this year’s event.

Receiving the items Mr. SeiduMahama, Finance officer of BABDA and Mr. BukariLaahAlhassan, Ministry of Food and Agriculture Sefwi Wiawso, expressed their appreciation to management for the presentation and pledged that it would be fairly distributed to the beneficiaries.

FOOTBALL VS RUGBY IN GHANA

2011-11-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

Soccer is known to be the most popular sport in the world and especially in Ghana, but is rugby likely to have its place in this African country as well? Whatever it is, some volunteers from Projects Abroad NGO come every year to teach rugby to the Ghanaian students in order to help the rugby organisation in Ghana to develop this sport within the country.

Rugby and soccer are so different sports that rugby may not suit Ghana. The eternal fight between football and rugby fans, which have neither the same point of view nor the same expectations of entertainment, may answer this question." When you play rugby you can't be lazy ", said Troy Robertson, an Australian volunteer in Ghana and a casual rugby player too, " every player has to be at 100% if they want to see their team win, unlike football where you can see lazy players counting on the best players of the day ". Indeed, even if football is also a team sport the mentality is different. “Cheating in soccer is really annoying, for instance ", Troy Robertson complained,

“Even if rugby is a rougher game, the players are more fair play and seldom sent off ".

However, the fact rugby is precisely a painful game is a point often mentioned by football fans. " I do not like play rugby because it's too physical, I'm too scared to be hurt ", Scott William Patterson confessed, a volunteer from Northern Ireland and a football supporter.” I think rugby players like to prove how manly they are, but me, I don't care how weak people think I am, it's a different mentality ", he added.

Similarly, technical skills required for football are often considered as being more impressing than physical skills in rugby game. “In rugby you just have to be strong, to run fast and do good tackles, to me, football skills are more exciting ", confirmed Scott Patterson.” Only the rules are technical in rugby “he added jokingly. In effect, people complain about rugby rules regarded as too difficult to understand, even for a casual supporter. Similarly, in the mind of most of people soccer is a much easier sport to teach and mostly a much cheaper game to play. Rugby is a richer sport because of the more expensive and sophisticated pitch. " You can't play rugby everywhere with friends as in soccer ", explained Scott Patterson, " That is the reason why football is the most popular sport in the world and especially in Africa, I guess ".

However, even if Ghanaians love soccer and that rugby is far from being the first national game, Mr George, supervisor of the rugby training in the Central Region, is more optimistic. " Rugby started to be developed in 2003 ", he reminded, "We even have our own national team called " Abura Bombas ", which will go to England in October to play a friendly match ". Indeed, rugby has a real organization in Ghana, led by Miss Gifty Annam Myers. She subsidizes equipments as balls and jerseys, and she got the building of a real rugby pitch located in Accra. “Thanks to Mr. Nicholas John, a British senior army soldier who organized the coaching courses in the Central Region, and thanks to the many volunteers who come to help us rugby is becoming more and more popular, at least in Cape Coast ", Mr. Georges asserted. However according to Troy Robertson, who is working with Mr. Georges, the lack of rugby pitches is a problem to expand the practice of this sport in Cape Coast. " Play this rough game on the ground and without real rugby goals is very difficult and is discouraging more than one ", he explained, " It is too bad because even though most of the student don't really get the rules and do not seem to be interested in this sport, some of them are really good and involved ", he added. Thus, as long as rugby will not be subsidized properly the practice of this sport will not be able to be expanded in the Country.

CAPE COAST TOPPED MILO ACCRA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

2011-11-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

HON. Ebo Barton Oduro ( MP of Cape Coast)

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast, Mr Ebo Barton Oduro, has called on the youths engaged in sports to let their sportsmanship reflect in their social and political activities.

He explained that sporting activities apart from enhancing people’s life span, could also help in ensuring discipline and order among the youth and asked parents to encourage their children to take part in sporting activities.

Mr Oduro said these when the 12-member Cape Coast team, which participated in the 5th Annual Accra International Marathon (AIM), presented their medals to him in Cape Coast.

They presented the medals to show their appreciation for the MP’s support and commitment to their activities.

The team comprised seven boys, including a deaf and three girls, who competed in marathons of which they topped in the juvenile group.

Mr Oduro commended them for bringing laurels to the Region and urged them not to rest on their oars but to work harder to enable them to win more medals in future.

He urged them to take their education seriously, stressing that without it all their sporting activities would be meaningless since nobody would like to work with illiterate sports persons.

The MP promised to give them the needed support to enable them to participate in future marathons.

Dr Anna Bannerman-Richter, Director of the Accra International Marathon, commended the cape coast team for the splendid performance and encouraged more youth from the Region to participate in next year’s marathon.

She underscored the importance of regular body exercise which could reduce the cases of ailment such as diabetes and hypertension and other heart related diseases.

Dr Bannerman-Richter asked the general public to lead healthy life styles by checking food they eat.

She said the life expectancy of an average Ghanaians was below 60 years as compared with people in Japan and other European countries, who live up to about 80 years, stressing that it was an embarrassing situation for the nation and that it was time for all to change their life style.

Dr Bannerman-Richter noted that an active and healthy life meant exercising regularly, eating good food and living a responsible life.

The team manager, Alhaji Mahmoud Seidu, thanked Mr Oduro for the moral and financial support he gave the team during the training and participation in the marathon.

He called on other stakeholders particularly parents to also support the team.

FOCUS ON COMPOSITE BUDGETING IN GHANA

2011-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

By: Micheal Kwame Obeng

Micheal Kwame Obeng

The passage of L.I. 1961 integrated the activities of all decentralized departments into the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) Legally, all resources that were formally under the management and control of decentralized departments were transferred to the MMDAs.

In March, 22, 2011 all human resources were symbolically transferred from decentralized departments leaving the transfer of financial resources to complete the cycle. This is a legal requirement of both the Local Government Act, Act 462 of 1993 and the L.I. 1961.

Composite budgeting is an activity to give complete meaning to fiscal decentralization which has been on the drawing boards of successive governments since the implementation of the current decentralization and the Local Government systems emanating from PNDC Law 207 of 1988. Recent Cabinet’s bold decision to implement composite budgeting is a step in the right direction that needs commendation by all Ghanaians.

All financial plans and programmes of decentralized departments will now be fused together and composed into the budgets of MMDAs. The implementation date is 2012. This is a strategic decision taken by government realizing the enormous benefits to be derived from the transfer of financial resources to MMDAs having already transferred political, administrative and decentralized planning as strategies enshrined in the law.

Before the implementation of composite budgeting, departments of MMDAs had their budgets from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that they had held allegiance to, and these budgets did not form part of the budgets of MMDAs. These budgets are now to be integrated into those of MMDAs consistent with good financial management system.

ADVANTAGES: The advantages are numerous. Few among them are as follows:

1. It seeks to introduce uniformity in planning, budgeting, financial reporting and auditing of all MMDAs.

2. It guarantees participatory governance at the MMDA level.

3. It promotes the ownership in the planning and budgeting systems of MMDAs.

4. It facilitates prudent financial management in the MMDAs.

5. Preparation of Warrants will now be done at the MMDAs instead of receiving warrants from Accra thereby cutting down cost, time and the delay in processing Warrants.

PILOTING: Composite Budgeting has been piloted in about 25 MMDAs in Ghana since 2003. The will power to replicate it to cover all MMDAs has been absent until now. The Composite Budget process takes into consideration the preparations, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, just like the National Budget Implementation process. This is to ensure that National Budget Classification and harmonized chart of Accounts are used as a pre-requisite of an adequate preparations for the tax ahead in 2012. The evolution of an efficient and effective Public Financial Management system influenced the decision to implement Composite Budgeting.

BENEFITS: Apart from ensuring sound financial discipline in the Public Financial Management System it will also facilitate the following:

1. Fiscal decentralization as enshrined in the Ghana shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA), 2010-2013 thereby promoting the Better Ghana Agenda of the present government.

2. MMDAs will effectively manage critical sectors targeted at the poor in society.

3. Financial reporting and auditing could be consolidated to ensure proper accountability.

4. Duplication of programmes by MDAs will be minimized if not completely eliminated.

5. It will ensure the bottom up approach using the MMDAs as focal points to accelerate development in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: There are three main objectives. These objectives of composite budgets require the following:

1. Knowledge of the Assemblies financial resources

2. To integrate the various funding sources as well as sectors.

3. MMDAs budgets will be integrated into the National Budgeting System using the MTEF Activity Based Budgeting approach.

The rationale for composite budgeting is to ensure that the complete and total knowledge of the Assemblies financial resources and integrating all funding sources are obtained. It is in fulfillment of the fiscal decentralization policy of government on the principle of “funds follow functions.”

By:

MICHAEL K. OBENG

METROPOLITAN FINANCE OFFICER

CAPE COAST METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY AND

STUDENT OF EXECUTIVE MASTERS IN BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION (EMBA)

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BUSINESS SCHOOL (UGBS)

TULLOW-SABRE TRUST LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT INAUGURED AT AYENSUDO

2011-11-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the three British organizations Tullow Ghana Limited, Sabre Trust and Arup Engineering, a three-classroom block has been constructed for an Islamic School Kindergarten for the people of Ayensudo in the Central Region.

David Lawrie, the Regional Business Manager of Tullow Oil, expressed his pride to see this ambitious and economic project come into an end for the inauguration of the school.

For many years, the children of Ayensudo were packed in a shift classroom system that often exposed them to the vagaries of the weather and exposed their life to danger because of the unstable structure. Therefore the collaborating organizations, and among them Tullow Ghana Limited, an organization which supports and provides education solutions in Ghana, have decided to provide a more habitable environment for the children in order that they learn properly.

Sabre Trust, a British Non-Governmental Organization in partnership with ARUP (UK), implemented the project, which was responsible for the engineering and designing. They tried together to find the cheapest and more efficient way to build a durable school, by using local materials as bamboo and soil provided by the community. Indeed, all the bricks in the building have been made using earth from the village and mixed with sand, portland cement and pozzolana. Likewise, bamboo from Dwabor has been used to construct the windows, doors and internal ceiling finish of the classrooms, and between the roof covering and the internal ceiling finish with split bamboo painted white there are sacks made from nylon mesh which have been filled with the fibre from coconut shells. " The coconut fibre acts as an acoustic damper to reduce the noise of the rain impact on the roof and also provides thermal insulation from the metal roof which reduces the radiation from the hot roof into the classroom and keeps it cooler ", explained Joseph Stables, Director of Arup Engineering.

A hardwood, Dahoma, has been also used to construct the roof structure and the window frames. "Dahoma is locally sourced and is very dense which makes it difficult for termites to eat it, " Joseph Stables explained, " For this reason, it will have require less maintenance ". One other economic measure has been finding to avoid building classrooms from concrete, which is not very good for the environment because of the energy required to produce the cement inside concrete. “We have replaced one third of the Portland cement with Pozzolana, which is produced in Ghana from clay and palm kernels ", Joseph Stables said. In a conclusion, each classroom has a rainwater tank attached to the gutters to collect rainwater that can be used for hand washing, cooking, cleaning and even drinking. Indeed the tanks are designed so that when it rains, the first rush of water that arrives with the dirt from the roof is drained away in order that the rest of the water entering the tanks is clean. “Each tank can hold 2,000litres of water and are constructed out of durable locally available heavy-duty plastic ", David Lawrie (Tullow Oil) added. Moreover, a series of French drains have been designed to collect and control storm water runoff. “The divert runoff from the slopes behind the site running into buildings, and return it to the groundwater ", Joseph Stables explained, “Furthermore the overflow from rainwater harvesting tanks are connected into them ".

Inside of the school built with local material

As a result, this economic, but sophisticated project cost only $100,000 and has a capacity to seat 180 pupils in KG1, KG2, Nursery, a store room, office and an attached toilet.

Tullow organization expressed their relief to hand over the project without being burdened to look back and worry about the issue of the maintenance “because the local involvement from the onset has ensured the availability of knowledge to take care of that ", David Lawrie said, " Additionally, the overwhelming support and endorsement received from the Ministry of Education offers further confidence in the sustainability of the school over the long term ", he said. In addition, as the technology deployed in this Project is highly replicable in district and regions across the country, Tullow hopes that will answer government's quest to provide suitable infrastructure for schools, which the country need.

MFANTSIPIM TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY FROM BIOGAS

2011-11-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

The facility that will generate Bio gas

By: Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei

The 1961; 71; 81;91 groups of Mfantsipim Old boys are constructing a Bio- gas worth one hundred and thirty –five thousand Ghana cedis to the school.

According to the President of the group Charles Lokko, it will assist to generate electricity for the school, the school currently is using the prepaid metres of which some of the bills are passed on to the parents.

The Contractor of the project Nana Ahinkrah disclosed that the project had reached 98% and very soon, it will generate electricity to the Belmer Acquah house so as to reduce electricity bill.

Contractor in green explaining how it will work

The Headmaster of Mfantsipim Kwame Mieza Edjah expressed his gratitude to the group for their effort in reducing cost of electricity to the school and appealed to all Old Boys to avail their support to the school in diverse ways.

The presentation forms part of the activities marking the 135th speech and prize-giving day of the school which comes off in November, this year with sponsorship from the 1961, ’71, ’81 and ’91 year groups.

135 YEARS OF MFANTSIPIM EDUCATION- LIVING THE DREAM OF R.A. LOCKHART

2011-11-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

By: STEPHEN DUASUA YANKEY

Classroom education in Ghana traces its roots as far back as the advent of Europeans to the coast of Ghana, then the Gold Coast. Modern history intimates that various reasons may have compelled these Europeans to turn their attention toward the then virgin coast.

Besides to spread the wind of Christianity which was by then blowing all over Europe, these explorers also sought to acquire raw materials to support the industrial revolution and procure cheap labour in the form of able-bodied Black males and females. Under their sleeves, these European traders and explorers had something to give back to the land they ‘raped’ and it could not have been any better than the Western form of education, mentioned at the outset of this paper. They therefore wielded the proverbial ‘two-edged sword,’ with one side wrecking havoc while the other imparted something positive.

The introduction of Western education to the then oral-cultured people of the Gold Coast began as a pilot project in the Cape Coast Castle, with the castle school. However, a few brave men including John Mensah Sarbah took it upon themselves to take this education unto a much larger platform- to educate the entire Fanti nation. This dream at first seemed even unachievable. With determination, this dream was realized on a day when the sea was as usual hitting the rocks along the coastline and when the sun was as usual at a high altitude. As the cool coastal wind blew the small coastal town of Cape Coast on that 3 April, 1876, all knew that the dream of educating the masses had been realized. That day saw the founding of the Wesleyan High School, now Mfantsipim School, the pride of the Gold Coast, now Ghana.

The Wesleyan High School, founded on the ideals of John Wesley, in turn fathered a number of high schools notable among them Fijai Secondary School, Ghana National College and Prempeh College. Historical accounts foretell that one of the main principles of the school as proposed by Sarbah was “to train up God-fearing, respectable and intelligent lads.” This became the guiding principle for young Mfantsipim and still is even in its super-centenarian age. Mfantsipim was thus in a class of its own when it became fully operational.

135 years on, it still is in a class of its own and continues to live up to the dream of Rev. R.A. Lockhart, headmaster from 1925 through 1936. In recognition of his exceptional duty towards Mfantsipim, he is co-named after Mfantsipim School’s most beautiful dormitory, Lockhart-Schweitzer House. Lockhart is credited with moving the school to its present site on the Kwabotwe Hills, over looking Antem, Aboom Wells, Siwdu, Kotokuraba and Bakaano. It was during his tenure of office as headmaster that he made a powerful statement that has seen its fulfilment many times over. He prophesied: “Very soon, the nation shall be amazed at the number of people who owe allegiance to this school.”

Many generations after Rev. R.A. Lockhart made that projection, his words have proved true- every letter of the word. In almost every generation since then, old boys of Mfantsipim School have been steering the affairs of the nation, inspiring awe among onlookers as to how so many men all owe allegiance to the Kwabotwe Hills. In all facets of the pre-independent Ghanaian society, Mfantsipim old boys were at one point or another leading their generation. National figures like Kobina Sekyi who wrote the highly acclaimed play, The Blinkards, J.E. Casely Hayford who championed the course of independence, being a founding member of the Aborigine’s Right Protection Society and the National Congress of British West Africa all hailed from Mfantsipim. In the field of academia, numerous lecturers of the then newly founded University of Ghana turned out to be products of Mfantsipim. Mention can be made of the De Graft-Johnsons, Kofi Abrefa Busia who later became a Prime Minister of Ghana. In the arena of politics and in the struggle for independence, William Ofori Atta, a close ally of Kwame Nkrumah and a member of the Big Six, was an old boy of Mfantsipim School together with another freedom fighter, Komla Ageli Gbedemah.

After independence had been won, the need arose for capable men to take up the mantle of leadership, proving to the inventors of classroom education that the black man could run his own affairs. Mfantsipim Old Boys again rose up to the challenge, with Alex Quaison-Sackey becoming the first African president of the United Nations General Assembly as well the then UN staffer who rose through the ranks to become the UN Secretary General and now Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Kofi Annan. At this point it is worthy of note that the nation of Ghana was then far advanced in the area of politics and Mfantsipim old boys helped create that system. The 1980s saw the rise of new crop of politicians who sought to challenge the status quo: one of such men was Prof. Adu Boahen, the renowned historian who as an opposition leader sought to challenge the then ruling government but failed the win the 1992 general elections. While one Mfantsipim old boy failed to make it in a presidential attempt, another, Kow Nkensen Arkaah redeemed the image of Mfantsipim by becoming the Vice President to the then Flt. Lt. Rawlings in his first term of office as constitutionally elected president. What a relief that was and what fulfilment R.A. Lockhart’s words had seen!

To this end, it is safe to say that the first and second generations after Lockhart’s prophecy really proved his words true. The entire nation was held spell bound by the number of men who owed allegiance to Mfantsipim School. 135 years after these pronouncements, the list of such men who are still aiding in the development of Ghana and the world who trace their roots to Mfantsipim is by no means exhaustive. In the field of politics, countless men in the current and immediate past Ghanaian governments all fall within this bracket. Mention can be made of John Henry Martey-Newman, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Hon. Barton Oduro, Deputy Attorney General and MP for Cape Coast, Hon. Joe Ghartey, Former Attorney General and MP for Essikado, Hon. Papa Owusu Ankomah, MP for Sekondi, the CEO of VRA, Kweku Awortwi, Joseph Ayittey of the National Labour Commission and Kwabena Agyepong, former Minister of Information: all these distinguished men of our day cannot write their histories without alluding to the role of Mfantsipim in shaping their lives. The list is also endless in the field of commerce. The man whose signature appears on all new banknotes since 2009, the current governor of the Bank of Ghana, Kwesi Amissah Arthur, the current and first Ghanaian CEO of STANCHART, Kweku Bedu-Addo, CEO of Combert Impressions and internationally acclaimed public speaker, Albert Ocran all trace their roots to Mfantsipim. Some old boys have also been household names in academia. Our days have seen the likes of legal luminary and senior lecturer at the Ghana Law School, Ace Ankomah, former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Adarkwa and former Dean of the University of Cape Coast School of Business, Prof. P.E. Bondzie-Simpson.

The words of Lockhart have also proved through in the field on showbiz as numerous Mfantsipim old boys have become households because of their exceptional works. Lovers of gospel music will be amazed to learn that Nii Okai, and hiplife sensation and current MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour were trained at Mfantsipim. The Ghanaian movie industry has also seen the acts of Majid Michel, Van Vicker and George Quaye (Aboagye of Taxi Driver TV series fame) who trace their roots to the school started some 135 years ago. Footballers Derek Boateng, Black Stars central defender, and Razak Pimpong, former Black Stars striker, in addition to national sprinter, Aziz Zakari have all had a taste of the Mfantsipim experience which continues to manifest in their various endeavours.

Truly, as Rev. R.A. Lockhart rightly postulated, the nation has been amazed at the number of people who owe allegiance to Mfantsipim. Like he also added, Mfantsipim has inculcated in these men “the spirit of service, courage, standing up for one’s convictions, loyalty, integrity and dedicated patriotism.” As Mfantsipim School celebrates its 135^th anniversary Speech and Prize-giving day, I salute the vision and foresight of Rev. R.A. Lockhart, the Dwin Hwe Kan spirit.

May My generation and those to come also live up to his dream.

Dwin Hwe Kan, Anuanom.

STEPHEN DUASUA YANKEY

MOBA 2008.

duasuak@gmail.com

SEVENTEEN DISTRICTS TO BENEFIT FROM SOLAR HAND PUMP BOREHOLES

2011-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Mr. Philip Amanor

Five hundred boreholes with solar hand pumps are being constructed in seventeen districts in the Central Region by community water and sanitation agency.

The Regional Director of Community Water and Sanitation Agency revealed this

Philip Amanor.

Mr. Philip Amanor, said that Central region has a rural water coverage of 56.77% and was optimistic that the 76% anticipated to be achieved in 2015 will be accomplished due to the supports from government and donor agencies in providing portable water to the residents of the region.

He said from 1991 to 2010 one thousand six hundred and eighty-four new boreholes have been constructed and one thousand and eighty household latrines have been provided.

He pointed out some ongoing projects that is going to be completed within a short possible time with this he said Central region is currently implementing of three major Donor Funded Projects in addition to government of Ghana projects.

Some of the Donor Funded Project include European Union and government of Ghana small town water and sanitation project from 2010, 2011, and to 2015, IDA sustainable rural water and sanitation projects (IDA-SRWSP) from 2009 to 2011, the local service delivery, and governance programme (LSDGP) from 2010 to 2011.

The small town water supply project at Assin Fosu, he said it is a jointly project by the government of Ghana and European Union and the government of Ghana component being Ghc3, 198.873. Mr. Philip Amanor said after completing this project it is going to serve 30,000 people in Assin Fosu and environment; he also said the expected date for completing is December, 2011.

He stated that the IDA-sustainable rural water and sanitation projects was launched early this year to benefit 13 metropolitan or municipal, he also said it is a decentralization policy and it is districts based and it must be implemented within five (5) years period , and the cost of it is US$ 75million for 6 regions.

He said Upper Denkyira West, Upper Denkyira East ,Awutu Senya, Assin North ,Asikuma Odoben Brakwa, Efutu, Mfantseman ,Agona East, Gomoa East are the areas being the beneficial of the sustainable rural water and sanitation projects.

Under the local service delivery and governance programme ,he said there has being construction of 87 water closets latrines in 7 districts and 76 is completed and has been handed over.

Under the government of Ghana rural water supply project,he said ,government has constructed sixty five (65) boreholes fitted with solar powered hand pumps in 8 districts to serve 19,500 people ,and the beneficiary districts include:Upper Denkyira West ,Upper Denkyira East ,THLD,K.E.EA,Mfantseman,Agona East ,Agona West ,and Awutu Senya.

He said, government has putting in place training of system operators on community water and sanitation to monitor the effective way community water and sanitation at every district.

He also said low ground water potential in some areas and saline water problem in some areas especially along the coaster zones has become a major challenge in the community water and sanitation agencies in providing portable water.

SUPPORT GHANA WITH PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

2011-11-15T06:29:00.000-08:00

Mayor of Cape Coast, Anthony Egyir Aikins

The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Cape Coast Anthony Egyir Aikins has appealed to the international organisations to support Ghana with the pneumococcal vaccine to assist in preventing pneumonia in children.

He made this at the launched of world Pneumonia day in Cape Coast on the theme “I AM THE FACE OF PNEUMONIA”

The Deputy Minister of Women and Children Boya Hawawu Gariba appealed to traditional leaders to call on their subjects to keep their environment clean and change their attitude toward the disease.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia include cough with sputum production, fever, and sharp chest pain on inspiration. Pneumonia can be treated.

Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one-third of all people who developed pneumonia subsequently died from the infection.

Some of the participants

Over a half a million of these people are admitted to hospitals for treatment. Although most of these people recover, approximately 5% of those admitted die from pneumonia.

Children and babies who develop pneumonia often do not have any specific signs of a chest infection but develop a fever, appear quite ill, and can become lethargic.

The launched was organised by Afro Global Alliance.

NONE OF THE ZOOMKIDS AFFECTED WITH CHOLERA

2011-11-15T06:17:00.000-08:00

Some of the Zoomkids

None of the over forty thousand (40,000) zoom kids was affected with cholera during the recent outbreaks. This was due to the intensification of hygiene promotion activities put up by Zoomlion.

The National Environmental Sanitation Coordinator, Zoomlion Ghana Limited Robert Kwaku Adjei disclosed this at the lunch of the zoom kid’s programme in Cape Coast.

The programme, which was introduced by the zoomlion Ghana, limited in basic schools across the country to raise the awareness of environmental sanitation and hygiene in schools and communities, is also based on the belief that children are far more receptive to new ideas because they can be influenced to cultivate the habits of good sanitary practices and behaviour.

Mr. Kwaku Adjei stressed those children as future role models can be a powerful advocate and agents of change and will grow to become parents. He said, focusing attention on school children has several advantages, such has bringing about knowledge transfer as what they learn now as zoom kids is likely to be passed on to their peers, their households, their community members, and to their own children and grand children in the future.

Robert Kwaku Adjei

According to Mr Robert Kwaku Adjei, schools have to play an important role in health and hygiene habits. That's why Zoomkids Clubs offer opportunities to talk about sanitary and hygienic practices and their link with disease prevention, "in order that future generations will be better prepared to take care of their families and communities’ health by living in a cleaner environment", as he said. In effect, Mr Kawku Adjei stressed his belief that children are far more receptive to new ideas. "Personal hygiene practices are usually acquired during childhood and that is much easier to change the habits of children than those of adults", he said, "our motto is therefore "catching them young".

As Mr Kwaku Adjei has understood it, if environment awareness is taken for granted in western countries, this is precisely because children have been taught about health and sanitary prevention since their infancy. They have seen their parents threw waste away in street dustbins instead of throw it away on the ground, and they have been told to wash their hands several times in the day, usually before meals, in order to avoid diseases. Thanks to all these habits granted during childhood, since they are adults, cleanliness has become a need, even a necessity whether at home or in every outside area. Conversely, Ghanaian people use to live among waste close to their house and in the streets, and therefore do not seem to be disturbed by visual pollution and stink.

Some zoom kids

However, so that Ghana changes its behaviour about environment and health prevention, the country needs to improve life conditions and to plan a real environmental policy. In spite of Zoomkids Club efforts, poor life conditions, contaminated tap water and the fact that public dustbins are barely existed still persist the lack of sanitary prevention in Ghana and as result fast diseases transmission.

First, the government should improve the refuse collection within Ghana, and encouraged financially awareness campaigns and club like Zoomkids, which take part to sensitize Ghanaians to environmental education and habits.

ANKAFUL MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON TO ACCOMMODATE 2000 INMATES

2011-11-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

ANKAFUL MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON

The Ag. Director-General of Ghana Prisons Service, Kofi Bansah, has noted that the Ankaful Maximum Prison will go a long way to decongest inmates in other prisons of the country.

He said the service has been grappling with the challenges of overcrowding and handling of high rank prisoners and many other security challenges. The commissioning of this facility, therefore, marks a new life in history of the prison service as putting the service in a better position to deliver on its mandate more efficiently.

He said, the state-of-the-art maximum-security facility also meets international maximum-security specifications and standards. The facility having an authorized capacity of two thousand prisoners has a modern health centre, a multipurpose court, a football park, inmates’ dormitories, and an administrative block. The rest being a kitchen, a corn mill house, admission and discharge block visitors’ lounge, a gate lodge, a standby generator and a bio gas plant among others. Provisions also being made for officers’ accommodation.

Again, in preparation of the grounds in readiness to receive the first inmates after the days’ commissioning, a substantive officer has been made in charge and some supportive staff has been transferred and conveyed to the facility some months ago.

However, he humbly requested on the work on the second phase, which is intended to house the training workshops expedient to enhance the training of the inmates.

In addition, some of the prisons are in dilapidated state such that they are not suitable to be kept with the kind of sophisticated or complex offenders in the prison today. There is therefore the need for some face lifting of these structures.

Moreover, the current state of officers’ accommodation in most of the prison services is an eyesore.

The President of Ghana H.E John Evans Atta Mills expressed gratitude to the immediate past Government for supporting initiative of President Rawlings in establishing the prison in 1998. The President in 1998 cut the sod for the construction of the prison and was grateful for commissioning the first phase of the project this year.

It has taken over thirteen years for this project’s first phase to be constructed and the second phase is about to take off.

President Mills noted that government would abide by the Supreme Court ruling indicating that prisoners should be allowed to vote in 2012.

According to the President, the move is in conformity with a ruling given by the Supreme Court, which stipulated that inmates have the right to vote.

“The Supreme Court in a recent ruling stated that inmates have the right to vote during elections and I want to assure them that our government would abide by the Supreme Court ruling and therefore enable the Electoral Commission to put in place the necessary machinery and structures to enable inmates to exercise their God given rights," President Mills said.

He said: “It is also my hope and prayer that this edifice would never be full, it would be half full, one-quarter full or one-eighth full, which would be an indication that we are finding a way of getting people to avoid entering the prisons.”

In a related development, in an interview with Joy news the Chairman of the Electoral Commission Dr. Kwadjo Afari Gyan has confirmed that prisoners would vote in 2012 however, discussions are still underway to come in agreement to see if they can vote both Parliamentary and Presidential elections or only the presidential.

VODAFONE RESTORES SIGHT FOR 2,500 PEOPLE ACROSS GHANA

2011-10-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Vodafone Ghana today announced that it is working in collaboration with Sight savers and the Ghana Health Service to restore the sight of 2,500 visually-impaired people suffering from cataract and trachoma across Ghana. This is as part of its contribution to World Sight Day; a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to focus global attention on blindness and visual impairment.

Vodafone

Ghana

funded this initiative which is being organised by Sight savers as part of the World Sight Day celebrations. The project is being led by qualified health care professionals from the Ghana Health Service, who have set up over 80 screening centres across the country, offering free screening and surgeries on patients suffering from cataract and trachoma; two major causes of blindness in Ghana. Vodafone Ghana’s association with this life-saving initiative reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of Ghanaians especially economically-disadvantaged people who have little or no access to quality health care. The funding provided by Vodafone enabled Sight savers and the Ghana Health Service to extend screening and treatment across all the regions till the end of November 2011.

According to Carmen Bruce Annan, Head of Corporate Communications at Vodafone, Vodafone is delighted to be partnering with Sightsavers and the Ghana Health Service to give the ‘gift of sight’to 2,500 visually impaired Ghanaians. “We are passionate about the health of the people in our communities, especially the less privileged sections of the society. Eyesight is something that can easily be taken for granted, yet we know that cataract is the leading cause of blindness in our country. We consider it an honour to be in the position to make a real and lasting impact in these patients’ lives’’, she said.

On her part, the Country Director of Sight savers Ghana, Joyce Ashun, said, “As we celebrate this year’s World Sight Day under the theme: Reducing Blindness, ‘The Importance of Eye Care in National Development’, Sight savers wants to reinforce our belief that no one must go blind from avoidable blindness. This, however, requires a collective responsibility and this is why we are excited to be working with Vodafone this year to celebrate World Sight Day and to help restore sight for many people across the country. We are also in partnership with the Ghana Health Service which will spearhead the celebrations and ensure that sight-restoring surgeries are performed during the period of the celebrations’’.

The World Health Organisation information on blindness indicates that cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally, accounting for between 40 to 50 per cent of all blindness. Cataract is very common with people above 50 years.

In Ghana, the major causes of blindness are cataract refractive errors, which account for 50 per cent of sight impairment; trachoma, with1 percent; Glaucoma 15 percent; corneal scars, five per cent and other causes, 15 percent.

The screening and treatment sessions will run till end of November under the supervision of Sight savers. Screening and treatment sessions started Monday 10^th October 2011 however, a number of the centres have already started screening and treating patients.

VODAFONE GHANA REWARDS CUSTOMERS THROUGH EXCITING CALL PACKAGES

2011-09-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

In a bid to continue providing exciting value offers to reward its customers, Vodafone Ghana has evolved the Double bonus offering into the Double value package. The Double bonus offer which is still on-going gives new customers a 100% bonus credit on all top ups. The Double Value offer is aimed at customers who have come to the end of their 90 day Double Bonus welcome package and want to continue experiencing the unbeatable value for money they get on the Vodafone network.

The double value offer gives customers a 100% bonus on GHC 2 and above top ups for a 30 day subscription for just GHC 1.99. The bonus amount is valid in that 30 day period and can be used to call all networks, browsing on the internet, on net SMS and international calls.

The Double Value offer gives customers real value for their money, as it is tailored to address the different usage needs and behaviors of customers, thereby giving them the freedom and flexibility they want.

Vodafone Ghana is at the forefront in the telecoms market in respect of offering true value to customers by developing call packages that allows customers the opportunity to put the bonus credit to multiple uses. Vodafone is the only network that offers the longest validity period for its customers. The minimum validity period for any of its offers is seven (7) days. For double value for example, it gives a 30 day validity period which is unmatched on the market.

To activate the Double Value offer, Customers are required to dial 5050. They are instantly charged the corresponding monthly fee of GHC 1.99 and have access to the offer for 30 days. Bonus credit accumulated can be used within the 30 day period but is however not transferable to the following month. Blackberry & data bundle subscribers are eligible for the offer.

“We are constantly tuned into the needs and expectations of our customers. As a customer-obsessed company, we are always creating value packages for our customers that will meet their lifestyles and usage needs and gives them the freedom that they deserve. We are currently the only network that is leading the way in providing true value to our customers. One of our strongest areas we are proud of as a company is our unmatched offers that always take the telecoms market by storm. We are convinced that the double value promotion and other promotional packages will meet the expectations of our customers because they are catered to their dynamic needs.” shared Carmen Bruce-Annan, Head of Corporate Communications at Vodafone Ghana.

POTAG CALLS FOR PEACE TO PREVAIL ON C-POLY CAMPUS

2011-09-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

U. Stonewell Tetteh (Secretary C-Poly POTAG)

By: Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei

The Cape Coast branch of the Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG) has dissociated itself from statements made to the media by some concerned lecturers in the Cape Coast Polytechnic about the appointment of a new Rector for the School.
The polytechnic has not had a Rector for the past year after Professor Kwame Nkum resigned his position.

Two groups, the Concerned Staff and the Concerned Patriots have called on government to revoke the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Atepor as they claim he is not competent enough to run the affairs of the school.

In light of this, POTAG has said it does not recognize any group calling itself ‘Concerned staff’ and appealed for the right procedure of appointment of a Rector to take place.

The Local Secretary of POTAG, Stonewell Tetteh told Central Press it is unfortunate for the two concerned staff to indicate that Dr. Lawrence Atepor is from the Volta region so he should not be given the appointment.

"The concerned staff are made of two teachers of the institution namely Messrs Emmanuel Offei Appiah and Tsatsu McCarthy, so it is not true that it is the whole community that is actually agitating.

"The Polytechnic Community is not on fire as it has been perceived; everything is running normally.

“The former rector, Professor Robert Kwame Nkum, was not chased out of the Polytechnic as the two concerned parties were purporting.

"He resigned his post on his own volition. POTAG respects the ongoing process set up by the Polytechnic Council, through the search committee to get a qualified rector for the Polytechnic.

“As we speak today, nobody has been appointed yet but we believe that the committee that has been set up is doing its work and is actually in the process of getting us a new rector.

"POTAG wishes to advice our two colleagues to channel any grievance they have through the appropriate channel to get their issues addressed”.

In a related development, the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Cape Coast Polytechnic has called on the President to revoke the appointment of its Registrar, Nimaku Danquah.

The SRC claims Nimaku Danquah’s alleged leaking of the decision of the search committee on the appointment of a new Rector to some teaching staff was unprofessional and deserved sanction.

According to the SRC, the Registrar disclosed confidential information to the staff who used it at a press conference to call on the President to dissolve the Polytechnic council and the search committee.

The SRC President of Cape Coast Polytechnic, Emmanuel Asamoah Bohin noted that for the past four years the school had not seen development in-terms of infrastructure and academic affairs since Nimaku Danquah took the leadership role of Registrar.

He indicated that “the President has got nothing to do with this issue, the Council has constituted a search committee in line with the rule of law, and they should respect the rules and let the structures work.

"NDC has got nothing to do with this. Insults being rained on the council chairman, we are not in for that. We need a Rector now”.

SRC President, Emmanuel Asamoah Bohin

PRESS RELEASE FROM C-POLY ALUMNI

2011-09-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

Samuel Kwame Ansah (Prof) President

This is the first time the Cape Coast Polytechnic Alumni Association is coming out on the issues in the media that are in fact destroying the image of the Polytechnic.

This has become necessary because this is not the first time such issues aimed at wounding the integrity of the very respectable individuals in the Polytechnic have come up. It is therefore about time that group or groups behind these uncivilised acts are condemned so that they desist from such deviant behaviours.

This time around it is a two-member group calling itself Concerned Staff of Cape Coast Polytechnic and another group calling itself the Concerned Patriots of Cape Coast. Since the two groups are all talking about the same issue at the same time, we have a good reason to believe that it is one group with different names or one is a shadow of the other.

We know that there are laid down channels for grievance resolution. So we are entreating the concerned staff to resort to that instead of what they are doing. If they do not believe in the systems prescribed by the statutes of this Polytechnic, then they must leave our school to wherever they want. After all, nobody is begging them to be in the school. Moreover, Cape Coast Polytechnic can be with or without them. The Polytechnic is a higher institution of learning and as such issues ought to be dealt with in a civilized manner to serve as example to other lower institutions.

We also like to encourage parents who are worried about the safety of their wards in this institution that, all is well in the Polytechnic. So they should allow their wards to come to school.

Finally, we will like the management of the Polytechnic to also come out and condemn such uncivilized acts of the members of staff. Otherwise it will paint a picture as if they are part of this act. Again, we would like to see a disciplinary action taken against such people who disregard the provisions of the statutes so that it will serve as a deterrent to those who want to destroy our school and leave us in shame.

We also like to use this opportunity to congratulate the new executives-elect of our Alumni Association. It is our hope that they will work extra harder to redeem the image our Polytechnic.

Long live Cape Coast Polytechnic, Long live Ghana.

Contact: Mr. Samuel K. Ansah National President
0246769673

Mr. Jonas Ekow Yankah

Local President(C-Poly Branch)
0244171130

IS THERE MORE POTENTIAL FOR SURFING IN GHANA?

2011-09-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

By Cameron Henderson

A surfer in action

Surfing these days is a worldwide sporting phenomenon, having etched itself into sporting and recreational culture worldwide it has become an incredibly well known activity participated in many different countries around the world.

The origins of surfing are still shrouded in uncertainty, as there have been many accounts from European explorers and foreign travelers as to the birthplace of surfing culture. Primitive surfing activities have been said to of been enjoyed by native people in Hawaii, Tahiti and Polynesia, reported on by explorers such as Captain James Cook and Lieutenant James King, who visited these islands in the pacific during the 1700s. In addition to these accounts by European explorers, citizens of Peru, a country riddled with stories of ancient civilization dating back thousands of years, have suggested that surfing may have originated on the north shores of their coastline up to thousands of years ago.

Whatever the case may be, it is apparent that since the introduction of surfing into the limelight by famous Hawaiian Olympic swimming gold-medalist, Duke Kahanamoku, the sport has taken off worldwide in the popular form it is known for today. Duke travelled the world in the early 1900s, bringing the sport of surfing out of Hawaii and pioneering it across the world, introducing foreign countries in the beauty and elegance of riding waves.

Over the years surfing has evolved rapidly into the sport it is today, now a multi-billion dollar enterprise consisting of fashion outlets, film companies, television coverage, corporate sponsorships, professional competitions and international publicity that one could not comprehend one hundred years ago when it just found itself crawling out onto the world stage.

While surfing is such a popular sport in so many countries, however, we at Central Press decided it was about time to investigate whether Ghana had the potential to become a driving force in the explosion of surf culture around the world.

Busua Beach, one of Ghana's most popular surf beaches

It is commonly reported that Ghana, more than most countries in the Western region of Africa, is lucky enough to possess a string of beautiful, untouched coastlines, which in this day and age are hard to find. The popular international surfing website, globalsurfers.com, has many reviews and public comments on the potential for surfing in Ghana, and it seems that there are many tourists who enjoy visiting the local beaches and enjoying the swell here.

While it seems that many surfers enjoy visiting Ghana to experience the waves, uncrowded coastlines and amazing culture of the nation, Central Press did not discover a great deal of local passion for the sport. It seems that majority of people who come here discover that Ghana is one of the last places on earth where tropical surfing is still a reality; perfect waves, empty line-ups and amazing weather, one can’t really go wrong. Though it seems that more local promotion of the sport throughout Ghana would be beneficial to the population.

The Ghana Surfing Association, Ghana’s official surfing body, is responsible for all surfing events and publicity regimes centered on surfing throughout the nation. Currently they are responsible for administration of Ghana’s national surf team, consisting of three Ghanaian surfers, who have competed in competitions around Ghana and also in Cote d’Ivoire. While it is clear there is a passion for surfing amongst these three individuals and the official body that runs the team, there definitely needs to be greater publicity surrounding the potential for surfing to be a major sport in Ghana.

Surfing is an enjoyable activity, both for leisure and for sporting fitness, so Ghanaian people should embrace its uprising as they are blessed with the benefits of perfect surf conditions throughout majority of their nation’s coastline. Ghana has the potential to be a nation highly involved in the explosion of this worldwide phenomenon and it is high time that surfing emerges from a minor, underground movement into a widespread form of leisurely activity through Ghana, possibly bring Ghana onto the world stage in the not to distant future.

CENTRAL PRESS ACKNOWLEDGES LOCAL SUPPORT FROM OTHER MEDIA HOUSES

2011-09-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

By Cameron Henderson (Projects Abroad)

Central Press this week hosted a small gathering of media houses and foreign volunteers to thank them for 18 months of the continued support in establishing the newspaper to the point it is at today.

The Editor of Central Press, Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei, invited distinguished members of media houses, representatives from Projects Abroad, and his current Central Press volunteers to a small celebration of Central Press Newspaper’s ever-improving status in Ghana’s media industry. Guests were treated to a short presentation from Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei as well as acknowledgements from Central Press Newspaper for their ever-continual support in bringing the newspaper and its stories to the airwaves around Ghana, instilling the brand of Central Press into the minds of the people.

Representatives from Radio Central, Yes FM, ATL FM, Ahomke FM and Eagle FM were all present at the event, receiving certificates of appreciation from Tom Davis of Projects Abroad, the man behind Central Press Newspaper’s financial support. Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei spoke about the amazing support that Projects Abroad has given him and the newspaper since it’s beginning in January 2010, acknowledging Tom Davis the Country Director of Projects Abroad in particular for providing both financial assistance in establishing the newspaper as well as the opportunity for foreign volunteers to come and write stories for Central Press to publish.

Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei explained that he was appreciative of volunteer support and that it assisted in improving the paper due to the neutral political stance of volunteers, who obviously coming from a foreign nation are not aware of Ghana’s politics and will write stories without any bias, an important aspect of Central Press Newspaper’s attitude towards reporting.

Central Press is the only newspaper in all of Ghana that is not based in Accra, a tribute to the hard work and passion that Kwamina Bamfo-Agyei and the Central Press team have towards the project.

Establishing itself as a voice for development stories in the Central Region, Central Press has evolved from a monthly newspaper to a fortnightly publication, with the editor now looking to making it a weekly publication in the not too distant future.

The ongoing and ever growing support from other local media houses such as radio and TV stations has allowed the news of Central Press to reach a wider audience over the last 18 months and this support is a reflection of the quality and honesty behind the topics that the paper writes about.

The event also acted as a send off for three volunteers, Oliver Griffin, Rebecca Cooke and Ryan Millward, who have been working for Central Press over the last few weeks and months. Central Press took the time to thank them for their contribution to the paper and allowed all three of them to give a short talk about their experiences in Ghana.

In thanking everyone Kwamina hosted a luncheon for all attending the event to show his appreciation and hopes that, their support will continue as Central Press grows bigger and bigger in the not too distant future.

RADIO PRESENTERS CALLED TO RESEARCH

2011-09-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

By Cameron Henderson (Projects Abroad)

Radio presenters have been urged to carry out effective research to enhance their service delivery in the media.

Frederick Ofuri-Nuako, aka DJ Mystic Man, revealed this to Central Press Newspaper when we caught up with him at Radio Central this week.

Frederick Ofuri-Nuako, aka DJ Mystic Man, has been a radio disc jockey for 12 years now. A graduate of the University of Cape Coast between 1999-2002, Mystic Man was studying B.Ed Social science with a major in economics and management. His interest in DJing started before he attended university and during his time of study and then teaching at Aggrey Senior High School he developed his passion for the radio game. Leading a double life, Mystic Man worked his day job at the school while also holding a solid position as the drive time presenter at GBC.

“I’d close from school, and then come to play the drive over here, the moment I’d stop teaching I’d have to rush to the studio to come and present the drive from 4 until 6”.

Clearly leading a busy lifestyle, we asked Mystic what inspired him to lead such a demanding career path. “I am always someone who is interested in giving information to people”. From information on world news to local events happening around town, Mystic is clearly a man passionate for making a difference to the community in a positive way. During his drive time show on GBC he opens the phone lines, allowing listeners to call in and inform the public on incidents such as accidents and other hazards to watch out for while travelling around the region. He is also interested in the environment and uses his show as an avenue for distributing good advice on successful upkeep of the general environment so all the people can benefit.

Mystic is also responsible for running the GBC chart show on Saturdays, ‘Hits of the Week’, which airs from 2-4pm. The show features all the hottest music in Ghana at the moment with Hip-life and Gospel beats regularly dominating the airwaves. Mystic is dedicated to bringing the most popular new music to the charts show every week, playing the top 20 hits in various genres that are loved by the people of Ghana, “we try to come all over Ghana, to ask them what is going on in the area of music”.

His dedication can also be seen through his personal commitment travelling to markets around the Central Region and asking questions of salespeople who sell music CDs about what their highest selling items are each week, gaining an insight into what styles of music are being purchased by people in Ghana and how the trends change from week to week. He also seeks information from other popular media outlets to keep up to date with what music they are also playing to their listeners.

Mystic also enjoys looking up information on the internet for the Saturday show about popular international celebrities, giving the opportunity for Ghanaians to hear some international gossip, adding a little bit of excitement to the show while breaking up the airplay between songs. All this dedication is paying off to ‘Hits of the Week’ because it is currently one of the hottest programs in town at the moment, with the listenership increasing every week.

“The sky is the limit!” exclaims Mystic when asked if he has any aspirations for his future. Even after so long at GBC he had not made his position permanent until recently as he was still teaching. But looking towards the future and his passion for radio, Mystic explains, “the job is about talent, if you have talent you cannot press it down you have to let it come up”. He says this having just finished his teaching job, explaining that while he enjoys teaching he wants his information to reach a wider audience and radio is the best way that will happen for him as he broadens his career at GBC, expanding the amount of shows he is doing.

The undeniable passion Mystic has for his job truly shines through in the way he conducts himself professionally though Central Press was interested to discover how he made time for himself and his family while maintaining such a hectic career. He doubles up as a producer for the GBC morning show on weekdays too, so he is always at the studio from 7-10am, organising programmes and lining up interviews with professional sources in whatever field the day’s stories will be about, then he returns later in the day for his drive time slots as well.

“I am married with 2 kids, one is 2 and a half and the other is 4 and a half years old”, Mystic reveals to us. He says he spends time with his children and his wife in the day between his morning show and his drive time show. He is thankful to have a phone with internet connection, meaning he can research the latest stories conveniently and leisurely at home when he has the time, allowing him to spend more time with his family while he is on the go.

To any upcoming or aspiring radio presenters Mystic advises that they must have a passion and a drive behind what they do, with a willingness to always be thinking about the work they are doing, even when not at work.

“If you want to be a radio person, and you want to go higher in the area of radio you have to do a lot of research, its not about you and your style of music, the style is part of it but anybody at all can just go to the market and buy a cassette or CD, you can get everything to buy”, he explains.

The people that listen to the radio are not just looking for music and Mystic believes that in order to make it in radio presenting, you need to do more research and actually analyse and source what people want to find out about. It is the responsibility of a radio presenter, he believes, to give to the people information that reflects their society and discuss issues that affect their day-to-day lives.

“Its not about sitting down, just playing music and then turning off, you have to move a little bit higher”, and a little bit higher is where we see Mystic Man going in the future, because in his own words, the sky is the limit.

HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE AT CAPE COAST BOAT RACE

2011-09-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

Recently, the CENTRAL PRESS news team was fortunate enough to be given special access to watch this year’s Cape Coast Festival boat race. However, from the vantage point on the jetty it was easy to notice the multitude of police officers walking among the crowd. Was this a necessity, or an authoritarian overreaction to a problem that never occurred?

Festivals are always charged with emotion, and the Cape Coast Festival of 2011 has been no exception. Crowds gather in large numbers in often cramped surroundings, all eager to see the main attraction and, at times, tempers can fray leading to trouble. Despite these potential causes for trouble, there was very little crowd disturbance at the boat race, which pits four teams from the Cape Coast area against each other. Therefore, the high number of police officers at the race did seem to be largely disproportionate to the problem posed. Officers used heavy handed tactics to move through the crowd and to jostle members of the assembled press and associated media who were simply trying to record the day’s events. In one incident, a woman and her children were roughly pushed past the press section as they simply tried to cross from one side of the observation stands to the other. At CENTRAL PRESS, we ask, is this level of force necessary? All of the problems we saw take place on the day of the race were started by over reacting police officials who were clearly jittery that some problems might take place. Indeed, it seems that we were not the only ones who noticed as between rounds of racing one of the local chiefs came down to talk to the police to urge restraint.

Despite these problems, the race was a huge success. In the end, hundreds, if not thousands of people turned out to see the race and support the teams that were racing and to take part in the day’s festivities. The race involves rowing in teams, as quickly as possible, from one side of the lagoon to the other, and back again. The boats themselves are similar in size and shape to the boats that the local fisher folk use to make their daily catch. Observing the race were people from all over Ghana, the Cape Coast area, Chiefs and many different representatives from the media.

Over all, the day was a good; people were able to enjoy the race and a large turnout helped to create a fantastic and excited atmosphere, as vibrant as the festival costumes that were present at the boat race. The police did a good job over all but need to remember that people don't go to these events to cause trouble - festival problems can be solved with a kind word and firm advise. Physical force should be, and must be, a last resort.

Fishing Festival Forecasts Good Harvest

2011-09-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

By Rebecca Cooke

A heavy and expectant crowd surrounded Cape Coast Lagoon to gleefully engage in the annual casting of the fisherman's net into the water.

For generations the casting of the fisherman’s net has been a symbol of local prosperity in harvesting. If the fish are caught in the net then it forecasts an abundant harvest for the coming year. If none become entrapped in the net then the locals will have a sparse harvest for the following twelve months.

The surrounding sandy beach and palm trees were a serene yet festive setting for the flourish of colours and faces that covered the area around the lagoon.

The sun beat down on the site of the lagoon and the sky became a canvas of blue, which was welcome but uncharacteristic of the weather in the recent weeks.

The event took place after the festivities of the annual boat-race, just meters away from the scene of the ceremonial fishing. Crowds of people, after clapping, cheering and chanting at the boat-race became mellowed as they ambled across the road to the lagoon.

A buzz of excitement, anticipation and expectancy rippled throughout the crowded beachfront almost in perfect coincidence with the crashing of the seas waves on the beach, as onlookers observed the ceremonial fisherman enter the waters with his net ready to be cast and an air of prophecy ensue.

Chiefs, locals and those who had travelled some distance gathered together practically shoulder to shoulder to partake in the festival’s prestigious event waited with baited breath to see the outcome of this year’s harvest ritual.

The climax of the event played out to a soundtrack of chants and cheers and the fisherman pulled his net out of the water triumphantly with an abundance of fish floundering in its entanglement.The Cape Coast Festival and its events will continue through to the end of the week and the ceremonial fishing certainly had cast a veil of prosperity and good will amongst the coastal town and its residents as they may look forward to a strong and healthy harvest this year.

The Time and Times of Cape Coast Polytechnic

2011-08-30T04:44:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

This week, we at CENTRAL PRESS NEWSPAPER interviewed the man who has worked longest at the Cape Coast Polytechnic. Ezekiel Andoh has been cleaning at the polytechnic for over two decades and has seen many changes take place. Now, as he is head of the cleaning staff, he is starting to see the children of previous students come to study themselves. We spoke to him to find out just how the Polytechnic has developed.

It is a hot day in Cape Coast, and I am walking through the campus of the local Polytechnic to meet the head of the cleaning and maintenance staff, Ezekiel Andoh. I’m not sure what to expect in this meeting. The words ‘longest employee’ conjures images of an elderly man for whom time in employment is swiftly coming to an end. Mr Andoh, however, could not be further from this image. A strong, smiling man approaches me and introduces himself and invites me to take a seat.

‘I started working at the Polytechnic in 1984,’ he started. ‘I was just a cleaner and maintenance man then, but that was twenty seven years ago! There have been many changes since then.’ Mr Andoh does not have the appearance or demeanour of a man who has spent the past 27 years taking part in manual labour. Having seen the comings and goings of three principles, it is his experience, expertise and knowledge of the polytechnic are the only things that give anything away. ‘When I started working here,’ he continued, ‘we only had these three buildings (pointing to my left and behind me), and one of those is the toilet! All of those buildings by the entrance have been developed since then.’ It certainly is an impressive level of expansion – in a relatively small amount of time, the polytechnic, which specialises in accountancy and mechanics, has expanded drastically. ‘The student population started at about 1,500 people,’ said Mr Andoh. ‘Now, though, it has increased to about 3,500 students, with about 500 people living in accommodation on Campus.’ When asked about cleaning up after students, Mr Andoh just smiles and shakes his head. ‘The students are good and well behaved,’ he laughed. ‘We work together with the students. When they want something, we assist them. When we need something from them, they assist us. Together we work as a team.’

Team work or not, this campus is still huge. Talk turns to maintaining it to such a high standard, but Mr Andoh reveals that some of the labour they get is for free, courtesy of the local convicts. ‘We use people in the prisons to clean and maintain the site. Other than that though, I employ twenty two permanent staff as part of the maintenance team.’ The fact that convicts are being used to support a regular janitorial team is a very good thing indeed. The prisoners will surely develop some sort of social conscience, which will help them to become useful members of society upon their future release.

Soon, it is time for Mr Andoh to get back to his duties and for me to leave. He tells me that he is now starting to see the children of former students come through the polytechnic and that his career has come full circle, although he hopes to continue working for some time yet! We at CENTRAL PRESS wish him and the polytechnic the best of luck for the future.

Accountant Turns DJ in Cape Coast

2011-08-30T03:55:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

This week, I managed to catch up with Eagle 87.7 FM’s DJ Kwabena to talk about a passion for music which led to a serious change in career – from being an accountant he is now the DJ presenting Eagle’s drive time show. He was fortunately able to take some time out of his busy week to talk to us about what he gets up to.

DJ Kwabena, whose real name is Obour Isaac, is the current drive time presenter (the show that runs between three and six in the afternoon) for Eagle FM which is based at the Cape Coast Polytechnic. Once he completed senior high school in 2002, he went on to become an accountant. He studied accountancy at the Cape Coast Polytechnic, and as he did, become increasingly involved with radio station. While training to be an accountant, it is apparent that he discovered his true passion in life was music and radio. From this realisation he decided to continue his studies at radio focus in Kumasi, a nationally renowned college that specialises in journalism and media. After a radio competition in Virginia sports stadium, in which he came 2^nd, he went on to work at what is now called Angel FM for three years in Kumasi. His favourite music genres include Caribbean, Hi-Life and Hip-Life and as well as a score of Ghanaian bands he also likes music from international artists, such as Ja Rule, Busta Rhyme and Lil Wayne. As well as working on the weekday drive time, he also has a show on Sunday’s called Kasa Hari. That means he works at least 6 shows a week! This is made all the more impressive by the fact that although he has producers, he researches the material for all his own shows (anyone wanting to be a DJ take note – it’s not as easy as it sounds!) When he’s not working, he likes to chill out and listen to music, practice DJ-ing, watch CNN or read papers like the Daily Graphic and the Central Press. Unfortunately for the ladies reading this paper, DJ Kwabena has a girlfriend and is off limits. If you wanted a musical boyfriend, it seems that you’re going to have to look elsewhere! Finally, after the question I ask every DJ, he revealed that the person he would most like to interview is Lil Wayne. So, Lil Wayne, if you’re reading this, give DJ Kwabena a call!

Cape Coast Stadium at a Loss as ‘Fans’ Watch from Trees

2011-08-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

Cape Coast Stadium at a Loss as ‘Fans’ Watch from Trees

The Mysterious Dwarfs are the Cape Coasts major football team. While they have loyal supporters willing to pay money to watch the match from inside the stadium, it seems that some so called fans would rather risk life and limb to watch from the tree tops, rather than pay to see the game. Today, we at CENTRAL PRESS NEWSPAPER have decided to find out what’s going on.

Mr Wilson

In the offices at the Mysterious Dwarfs’ ground, I am met by Mr Kweku Wilson, 51, the regional director of sports and his colleagues Mr Christian Mensah, the 29 year old administrational officer and Mr Haiuma Issah, the stadium manager, who is 57. Although three very different men, they are united by a love of football and despair at the situation they have with less loyal fans. ‘Of course,’ Mr Wilson started, ‘Part of the problem is due to poverty. Some people simply cannot afford to pay for the ticket that costs 3 GHC.’ However, it obviously cannot be ignored that some people choose to climb the trees regardless of the price, deciding that they would rather save money and watch the football for free. ‘We have never had a problem with capacity,’ Mr Wilson continued. ‘People are not climbing the trees because there is no space inside the stadium. It is because they think they are smart, that they avoid paying for the match that they want to watch.’ With a wry smile he added, ‘Although, some of them insist that watching the football is better from the trees, we do not agree.’

So just what repercussions does this lack of patronage have? For a start, the players cannot be paid for their matches – meaning they will either have to find other jobs, or move to clubs that can afford to pay them. ‘I wish we could educate them, inform them of the damage they are doing to the club,’ said Mr Mensah. ‘Not only are they hurting the players by not supporting them financially, they are risking their own lives.’ He’s right; the trees that these people climb are not small, reaching between 10 – 15 metres in height. Although no one has fallen from one yet, it is a strong belief amongst these three men that it can only be a matter of time before someone has a serious accident if they should fall. ‘Sometimes,’ Mr Mensah added ‘we ask the police to stand around and guard the trees from people. However, it is difficult to enforce. People need to get the coconuts to sell and eat, we cannot completely prevent people from climbing the trees if it is part of their livelihood.’ Of course, with funds stretched thin, the club has no means of preventing the people themselves: ‘We don’t have the time or money to concentrate our efforts outside the stadium’ concluded Mr Wilson.

While Mr Wilson maintains that the situation has been like this since the 70’s and 80’s, all the men are in agreement that it has got marginally worse since the club was promoted to the premier league. ‘They miss out on meeting friends and the atmosphere. Since the promotion, more people come to watch the game, there are more food stalls,’ Mr Mensah stated. It is clear that this is a big issue – if people don’t pay to see the games, the players will have to leave and the club will face closure. It can only be a matter of time before the club faces disaster, or the supporters come to their senses and actually start to support their team.

Radio presenters should be politically neutral

2011-08-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

We at Central Press enjoy music as much as the next man – with this is mind, we decided to track down Ghana’s sweetest DJ, Sompa FM’s one and only Candyman to have a chat about music, radio and Central Press being the best newspaper this side of the sun:

DJ Candyman

Another humid day in the ever wonderful Cape Coast has left me thankful for the air conditioning in Sompa FM’s lobby. Although not much to look at on the outside, the inside of Sompa’s building is nice. Polished tile floors and well-kept surroundings could forgive you for thinking you were in a Hollywood studio and it’s only when the door to the outside world is opened and the lively bustle of Ghanaians going about their business filters in, are you reminded that you aren’t. I wait only for a few minutes before possibly the coolest man I’ve ever seen opens the door and invites me into his presenting booth. “Okay, we have about five minutes, that enough?” It’s a statement more than a question, but I understand. The Candyman is Sompa FM’s ‘transport time’ DJ and I’ve turned up at about 4 o’clock, right in the middle of his show. If anything, I’m grateful he has time to see me at all.

After a few niceties, he explains a bit about his back ground. Once I enter the plush studio, I sit behind a desk with three microphones while my host keeps his listeners occupied with music as we talk. “I was born in a village called Butre, in western Ghana” he says. “My full name is Lucas Candid Meimseh, which is partially where Candyman comes from.” Aware that he is short on time I ask him about Sompa FM’s political neutrality. “It’s easy. Governments come and go and we don’t want to run into difficulty just because we supported a previous government. Instead, we promote learning and try to bring this to as many radios in the central region as possible.” It’s easy to see where he’s coming from – as a politically neutral radio, Sompa can better serve the interests of Ghanaians without an agenda. Candyman’s support for politically neutral radio may come from previous employments, like when he worked for the state radio. When I ask him about breaking into the radio industry he explains “My Dad had a friend called Kwame Inseidoo, who inspired me a lot. He worked in broadcasting and helped me get work experience; he told me to record a demo tape, so I did. Radio stations liked my voice and so I was invited to shows, now here I am.” I ask him if he’s been working with Sompa FM since he began his career but he quickly informs me that he started working with Kwame at the GBC state radio station in Cape Coast. He says “it was good there; they had a vision to help beginners, to train new DJ’S. But when Kwame moved, I felt that it was time to move as well.”

It turns out that Candyman has a lot of radio experience. He tells me about his early career with pride – “I worked for the University of Cape Coast radio Valco 95.3 FM. Everyone wanted to present and DJ there so I presented sports (he later became the head of sports). Since then, until about seven months ago, I presented on Radio Attomka in Elmina. I like working here at Sompa, though. The facilities are better, the online and digital services are up and running so we can reach more people here.” He’s right about the facilities. The room is a hive of hi-tech equipment, which is maintained excellently with love and affection. Slowly, the talk turns to hobbies and Candyman reveals he loves reading “I just love to read, it’s great. Here on Sompa we try and encourage people to read as much as possible. I love to read books and newspapers” ‘And you love central press yeah?’ “Haha, yes!” he laughs “I love central press too, it’s a good paper.” Damn straight. Besides his excellent choice in newspapers, Candyman is an excellent speaker, I’ve known him only five minutes but I feel completely at ease in his presence. We laugh and talk about music, which he is greatly passionate about. He expresses his love of Ghanaian music and also international artists, R-Kelly and Amy Winehouse are but a few on his list.

All too soon it’s time for me to go. I get up and after we shake hands (I’ve got the Ghanaian handshake down to an art now) I leave. As I step into the share taxi back to Abura, Sompa 90.9 FM is on the radio and I join a multitude of people as a listener, no longer an interviewer.

5% OF COCOA FARMERS AND FISHERMEN PATRONISE PENSION SCHEME

2011-08-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

You may remember in the last issue of Central Press, we highlighted some of the issues faced by those in the Cocoa industry. This issue, we have returned to look further into the deepening pension crisis that is affecting Ghana’s poorest, as they struggle to live after a long life of labour.

Lydia Adongo

Last issue, we discovered from Ebenezer Appiah (a Marketing Clerk of cocoa distribution) that cocoa farmers are crying out for an efficient and worthwhile pension scheme. I and the paper’s editor, Kwamina Bamfo, visited the Cape Coast SSNIT Informal Sector Fund – an organisation dedicated to providing pensions to hard working Ghanaians. However, after speaking to Lydia Adongo, a data entry officer, we discovered two things that gave cause for concern. The first was that less than five per cent of their clients were what they call ‘freelance’ workers. Included in the SSNIT definition of freelance workers you will find the likes of cocoa farmers and fishermen – workers who historically do not make much money. The fact that fewer than five per cent of people on their data base of active members work in these sectors must be telling of people ability to contribute money to the scheme. Mrs Adongo told us that SSNIT register people from the age of 15 years to 59 years, and that the rate of contribution is not fixed, that is to say, they can choose to contribute daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly.

This led us to our second question. How much money must workers contribute a day? The answer was 1 GHC. 1 GHC does not sound like a great deal of money to those that can afford it, but to people like Elizabeth Dankase, the cocoa farmer we interviewed recently, this is almost completely unaffordable. Not only do farmers in her position not make much money from cocoa, they have to also pay their workers. 1 GHC a day would equate to 365 GHC a year. Taken from a total of 800 GHC from cocoa sold, this would leave her with a minimal 435 GHC with which to pay her workers and support her family. It’s all very well saving a pension with the dream of living well after your retirement, but if it results in barely being able to survive in the present then few people are going to be able to, or indeed want to, start saving for a pension at all.

In his interview, Mr Appiah said that the workers “are praying for the government to set up a pension scheme for the cocoa farmers.” I can only imagine that this sentiment is shared by fishermen and other such ‘freelance’ workers who worry about what kind of a future retirement holds for them. The Central Press would implore the Ghanaian government to seriously consider starting a good national pension scheme. They already have a working health scheme, so surely a pension scheme is not beyond the government’s capabilities. Ghana has a growing economy. In order for it to continue to grow, the workers that provide the stable base, such as the fishermen and cocoa farmers must be properly and fully supported; not left to fend for themselves in an uncertain environment.

CAPE COAST ORPHANAGE NEEDS FUNDING

2011-08-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

By Oliver Griffin

Orphanages in Cape Coast do amazing work but it appears that some are better funded than others – Central Press decide to go and investigate the extent of the truth in the matter.

Food preparation area at Human the Service Trust

Today, I visited two orphanages in the Cape Coast region, near Abura. Both have bright, happy and polite children. They also have good, hard-working and dedicated staff, but unfortunately that is where the similarities end. For you see, The New Life Children’s Home has one thing that the Human Service Trust Orphanage does not – money. The difference in facilities is really quite startling. New Life has ample space with good kitchen, bathroom and dormitory facilities. The children have a large amount of space to play in and are frequently visited by volunteers from around the world, namely from Projects Abroad and Global Volunteer Projects. It seems unfair that two orphanages, so close together, should be so different in the amount that they can offer the children who live there.

Half of the play area at Human Services Trust

I arrived at Human Services Trust not really knowing what to expect. One of the volunteers who showed me around, Sophie Manders, 21, had explained that the Orphanage was much better now than it had been last year. However, she went on to point out that there was still room for much needed improvement. Where the New Life home has a good kitchen and good sanitary conditions, at the Human Services Trust the children cook outside in the back yard, where an open sewer runs around the perimeter and out into the front, where they are allowed to play. Once again, this is where the differences between the two homes are clearest. The New Life home has a football pitch, volleyball net and pleasant surroundings, whereas the Human Services Trust has a rectangle that is around 12 metres by 3 metres, again with a sewer right next to it.

Football pitch at New Life

Is it fair that two such important facilities should be so utterly contrasting? Of course, the answer is no. One of the things that would help this situation is the fair distribution of volunteers between the two organisations. Not only do these volunteers provide much needed human resources, they also pay for their placement. Where New Life has so many volunteers it has to turn some away, Human Services Trust receives barely any. As the volunteers pay for the privilege to help, it means that Human Services Trust is not just missing out on physical help, but also on money that could help them to buy better equipment and food for the children. The point I’m trying to make is that these orphanages both do fantastic work and need to be funded. For New Life, the funding has to be consistent with what it’s receiving at the moment – just because this journalist has noted it is well equipped that does not mean it should receive any less, or not be entitled to more in the future. However, the situation at Human Services Trust needs to be addressed. Better equipment and funding is needed to make sure that the children not only have a happy childhood but also grow into adults capable of living on their own. Children will always be the future of every country, and it is each country’s responsibility that all are given as equal a chance as possible. It is not for lack of heart and effort that these orphanages differ, but purely because of the revenue that is available to them respectively – a tragic lottery for all the children involved.

Unfortunately, no one at either orphanage was available to comment.

THE TOILS OF TRAVELLING GHANA

2011-08-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

By Ryan Millward and Saul Sebag-Montefiore

Travelling to the northern parts of Ghana is extremely rewarding when visiting and touring the country. However, just how easy is it to reach to these remote parts when relying on the roads and transport of what is, fundamentally, a developing country.

Road transport is by far the most dominant carrier of goods and passengers in Ghana’s land transport system. In fact over 95% of all passenger and freight traffic reaches communities over Ghana on road yet the abysmal state of the Nation’s roads is causing the country a series of serious problems:

Firstly, the thousands of unrepaired potholes that litter the Nation’s roads are a major hazard and the cause of hundreds of annual accidents and brake-downs. Drivers swerve wildly to avoid driving into potholes only to find themselves colliding with another car or rolling into a ditch leaving them with a puncture, injured, or worse. There are some parts of the North of Ghana that are so peppered with potholes that you would be excused for thinking that you are driving over the creator ridden surface of the moon.

The time it takes to travel anywhere around Ghana is lengthened significantly, which hinders and limits the tourism industry that would otherwise have so much potential. On a recent trip to the North we spent 35 hours in tro-tro’s to visit only three places – had the condition of the roads been of a higher standard the time of the trip could have, at the very least, been sliced in half. The length of the journey is enough to deter many tourists and locals from travelling around Ghana meaning that the potential business that could be done through tourism is severely restricted.

Jean-Sebastian, a French tourist, commented, ‘I was staying in Cape Coast and travelled up to Mole National Park with the intention of visiting the other towns and regions in the area, for example, Wa or Bolgatanga but the roads were in such a bad state that it was going to take me 9 hours to visit Wa despite it being a similar distance from Tamali to Bolgatanga. I was shocked at the state of the roads and felt so unsafe when driving that I was forced to shut my eyes and pray.’

It is not just the tourists that are limited by the poor roads as many local Ghanaians from the Central Region have never visited the North due to the unreasonable amount of time and stress that it takes to get there.

Paa Kojo of Cape Coast stated, ‘I have always wanted to visit some friends in Tamale but because of my job I rarely get the time to travel and when I do it is a very limited amount of time. I think something drastic has to be done about the roads because it prevents me from seeing my friends and I know of many others who have never had the opportunity to leave Cape Coast throughout the duration of their lives because of the time and effort it takes to get there.’

This is surely an unacceptable situation for Ghana, the most advanced and progressive African Nation to be in. However, the situation looks unlikely to change as the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Nii Okley Quaye Kuma has in the past been forced to concede that the road fund policy can only cater for 60 percent of road maintenances in the country. He said even though the fund got about GHC 1.1 billion in revenue between 2010 and 2011, it cannot cater for the remaining 40 percent. This is an incredibly serious issue that needs to be addressed because the state of the roads is just as harmful to the Ghanaian economy as it is to human life.

However, it is not just the state Ghana’s roads that are creating a health risk for travellers. Trotros, even though they remain incredibly popular for travellers across the country, are a potential death trap with poor quality mechanics and overloading of passengers that make the long journeys a painful and dangerous affair as many accidently commonly occur.

A trotro preparing for battle

It is common fact that a trotro should have, at a maximum, four or five people on a row of seats; however, many trotros now squeeze in 6 people per row as they jot across the pot-hole ridden roads of Northern Ghana. When people are paying good money of between five and fifteen Cedis to ride these vehicles, there really should be a more respectable approach to handling passengers. It is the price that appears to be the problem; when they make a good price for each passenger, the drivers and trotro station workers see money over space and comfort – in such, they aim to cram as many people in as possible and even pick up more along the way. Drivers of Kingdom Transport Services who used to travel to the northern part of Ghana told how they used to pick up passengers at Techiman, Kintampo, and other spots. Leg room, arm room and any room in general is sacrificed in these overheated and overcrowded tros.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if the journeys were short – however the poor quality of the vehicles mean they often slump along at around 20-30 mph as the engines struggle to carry the heavy weight along the dilapidated roads. Historically, many cargo cars have been turned into large trotros and buses by fixing artificial seats in the vehicle; this is the case of the trotro entitled the ‘207’ which has claimed more lives than any other with its poor maintenance and huge number of passengers. There remains a poor constitution of management for these trotros who are rarely, if ever, inspected. It is true that mechanics at Suame Magazine in Kumasi, at Abossey Okai in Accra are doing their best, but their activities must be certified by a higher authority before they are allowed to practice fitting in Ghana. The police are also on hand at regular checkpoints to make sure the vehicles and drivers are fit to carry out their duty; however, many of these police get lazy, particularly in the night as trotros stumble through the check points whilst not being inspected properly.

It is true that the government is struggling to find the funds in its present policy toward road and transport maintenance. However, when you look at the unnecessary dangers and discomforts that are created as a result of shoddy roads and poor transport, it is obvious that this is an issue that the government must pay more attention to and focus more resources on as it is something so central to Ghana’s future success.

An overcrowded tro

Ghana’s First Mosque Crumbling

2011-08-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

By Saul Sebag-Montefiore

In the small northern town of Larabanga stands Ghana’s oldest Mosque yet now that time is beginning to erode this historic monument it is becoming a constant, desperate struggle for locals to keep the ancient building erect.

Although small, the incredible white structure of the mosque built in the mode of West-Sudanese architecture sits powerfully in the centre of Larabanga. Its very appearance commands awe and respect as it stands out so strikingly from its modern day surroundings: grand, white with the unusual use of wooden supports holding the ancient mud walls together. The locals claim that the Mosque was constructed in 1421, however, the National Museum in Accra puts the construction date at around 1643-75. The simple truth is that nobody really knows when this rare, ancient building came to be and there is similar air of mystery surrounding who built it.

According to the locals the founder, a great warrior named Ndewura Jakpa and his spiritual guide Ibrahim, decided to throw his spear into the air seeking spiritual guidance of where he could set up a Muslim settlement for his people. After the spear was thrown Ibrahim had a dream/vision of where the spear had landed and the following morning he and Jakpa went to the place that the spear had landed in his dream, Larabanga, to find the foundations of the mosque already in place. Soon after Jakpa died and Ibrahim went on to build the mosque on Jakpa’s last orders. Legend has it that while being built the mosque noticeably increased in height each night and the locals suggest that Allah helped to build it – making this a ‘God given Mosque’. The Mosque is also home to a copy of the holy Koran that is said to have descended from heaven making it one of the holiest Muslim sights in Africa.

It has four entrances with small doors, each for a different type of person (men, women, chiefs and Eman, Mula) and a limited number of seats – on Fridays most gather outside to hear the proceedings over a loudspeaker with only 200 seats inside the Mosque and 4,000 people (made up of 12 clans) gathering around. This demonstrates how important this holy, historic building is to the modern Muslim people of Ghana.

For this reason it is incredibly alarming that this ancient and precious Muslim Monument is being threatened by its own incredible age and the struggle of the local people to keep this Mosque standing has been present for several decades now. In 2002 the mosque was placed on the World Monuments Watch by the Word Monuments Fund because of damage sustained after an inappropriate, botched restoration in the 1970s. In 2000 one of the minarets collapsed during a storm and the financial services company, American Express, provided $50,000 for the mosque to be restored. A team of local artisans and laborers used the funding to restore the monument with special emphasis on reviving the ancient knowledge of mud-plaster maintenance.

The restoration project was a success and now the Mosque stands splendidly in the centre of town. However, the incredible age of the building means that it is in constant need of maintenance - the sight of green moss growing over the white wall is a visual reminder of the erosive effect of time that ticks like a time bomb. To make things worse in the area local conmen have started to take money from tourists under the false pretence that all proceeds will be spent on the restoration of the mosque, when in reality they go towards their personal gain that means that the major source of income to keep the Mosque standing is being significantly compromised. There are many issues facing this wonderful piece of living history and if Ghanaians are to prevent one of the most precious, ancient and holy monuments of the country from crumbling into non-existence then decisive action must be taken before its too late.

TRAVELLERS EXPLOITED BY RURAL GANGS

2011-08-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

By: Ryan Millward

Tourists visiting popular attractions are commonly being targeted by groups of young men looking to take advantage of their naive nature to steal money and valuables.

The gangs, nicknamed 'The Streetboys', operate in communities such as Larabanga (the gateway to Mole National Park) where they play 'spot the tourist' so that they can begin their operations into exploiting them in a criminal fashion.

The operations of the gangs include telling tourists they have a place to house them for the night and that they can provide transport for them around the area; while they may sound like a charitable group, The Street boys, in actual fact, are part of a amateur act where they charge huge prices for transport and where valuables are often stole off tourists as they sleep.

'The Streetboys' in action

We first encountered them in Tamale as we looked to travel to Mole where we would have to stay overnight in Larabanga; originally, with a bed and transport promised, everything seemed to be working out fine. However, as we began the journey to Larabanga, we became increasingly skeptical with their actions. Desperation to get us to stay over the night coupled with one of them changing the details of a previously told story, made us think twice. Eventually, when I spotted one of them had an expensive IPhone that had a case best belonging to a girl, we made the decision to call up a hotel in Larabanga.

When we got there we were glad we did. We spoke to the owner of the Salia Brothers Hotel, Salia Alhassan, who told us of The Street boy's unrighteous actions. Mr Alhassan told us: "We call them 'The Streetboys' as they stand on the street looking for tourists to go and exploit." "They tell lies such as offering free home stay for the night when they are looking to exploit as much as possible." Some of the apparent exploitations include draining tourists of their money by getting them to pay them as tour guides while putting pressure on them to donate to non-existent charities such as water programs and football teams.

However, the actions turn even more devious when we learn of the alleged incidents of thief that have taken place. Reports of phones and money being taken have been commonly reported to the fact that many guide books to Ghana now even issue warnings for would-be travelers. The Street boys come in their numbers too as Mr Alhassan went on to say: "In the area of Larabanga, there are 12-15 of them and they vary between 20-25 years old. They stand waiting for buses either in Tamale or Larabanga looking to exploit tourists. Some of them even claim to be the Salia brothers!" He added: "They operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week."

Salia Alhassan

The Street boys, if you know what you're looking for, are easy to spot - they remain young, enthusiastic, overly friendly people who offer home stay and motorbike/scooter rides around the area you are visiting. Although we encountered them on the way to Mole, it can be said that they operate in various other communities predominantly up north.

In such a case, it is best that tourists know how to act when they are approached by these groups; the best advice we and Mr Alhassan can give, is to book a hotel in advance and ignore all and any other offers from strangers or locals. We certainly didn't regret booking into Salia Brothers Guesthouse as we were treated kindly and educated about the actions of The Street boys. We hope that, with this knowledge being spread, less and less tourists will now fall victim to these immoral gangs.

Focus on National Youth Authority - Tamale Branch

2011-08-19T06:59:00.001-07:00

By Saul Sebag-Montefiore

This week the Metropolitan Youth Coordinator at the Tamale Branch of the National Youth Authority spoke to Central Press about the extensive list of issues facing Ghana's youth in the Northern Region and what the Youth Authorities are doing to aid and empower the Nation's abandoned future.

It is common knowledge that the youth, as the future of Ghana, must be nurtured and raised in the correct environment to give them the opportunity to make an honest living and provide them with the right resources to carry Ghana forward. However, it is an unfortunate truth that a sharply rising number of the Nation's able youth are leaving Universities and Colleges after years of training only to find that there are no jobs. Although, some would say that these young people coming out of university are the lucky ones because in the Northern Region there are still groups of young people who don't get the opportunity to go to school and are mercilessly spat out into adulthood with no real skills, training or qualifications. The National Youth Authority of Tamale draws direct connections between incidents of young people committing street-crime, engaging in street-fighting, having unprotected sex with peers, and turning to drugs and prostitution as desperate attempts to deal with or escape from their bleak situation.

The Metropolitan Youth Coordinator, Mr. E.B. Gyan Ansah, stated, 'The family system is breaking down leading to young people turning to drugs, violence and crime. The devil finds work for idle hands and it is inevitable that if the youth are left unemployed they will cause trouble - just look at the recent events in London.'

There is a certain truth to these claims by Mr. Gyan Ansah that has been demonstrated by the recent riots that occurred in London where many frustrated young people took to the streets to steal and cause damage despite many of them not knowing what the original protests were about and after a year that has seen thousands being made unemployed there is much evidence to suggest that this violence was an angry reaction against the establishment after struggling to find a source of money to survive. Therefore this issue is not isolated to Ghana but is present all around the world.

Mr. Gyan Ansah also pinpointed the neglect of young people's Human Rights in the family environment as a major factor in the rises in unemployment. He reflected on a study that was made by the NYA in 2006 that revealed that a large group of young people in Tamale were being denied basic education, being draughted into child labour. According to Gyan, 'some parents even denied their children nutrition, for example, we came across a mother who would not feed her child an egg because she believed it will make him steal, despite the child's desperate need for sustenance.' The Metropolitan Youth Coordinator sees the unemployment issue as having its roots originating in the home of the young person and if parent's fail to do their duty to guide their children along the correct path then there is an inevitability that Ghanaian children will emerge into adulthood with no skills to create their own livelihood.

After Ghana became the first African Nation to join the UN and sign the Children's Act in 1998 it has become imperative that Ghana maintains its image as the most progressive, developed African Nation. Mr Gyan Ansah saw the reason for the mismanagement and neglect of young people as a lack of education rather than a lack of care. He explained that after the damning report of 2006, 'we needed to tell them the truth', and with the sponsorship of the US Assembly Human Right's Fund a large program was set up to educate the parents and children of Tamale. Workshops were organized for 50 people at a time and a community sensitization program in 10 communinities was set up that reached over 1000 people, and the NYA received free airtime on 'Radio Justice' to highlight the issues affecting children. The result of this program was astonishing and after returning to the communities 5 months later Gyan Ansah reflected, 'there was a very big change - a lot of children went back to school and were educated because of the program and there was also a major drop in teenage pregnancies.'

The experienced Youth Coordinator of Tamale then reflected on another similar action that was taken by NYA in 2003 following a wave of political, illegal and tribal street-fighting from youths. Gyan stated, 'We went to our communities to educate the youth and built up a network of support for peace building as ActionAid and the Christian Council came and helped us talk to the youth on how to prevent conflict in Tamale.' This educative program was another great success as hundreds of young people were reached in every community the NYA and it's collaborators visited. As Mr. Gyan stated, 'It has helped calm the political storm and violence in the region and now incidents of political violence are few and far between.'

These are examples of how instantaneously effective simple actions such as talking and educating people about the importance of giving Ghana's youth every possible opportunity to blossom and flourish can be and the NYA in Tamale have proved that they have the personnel and experience to make this happen. However, as usual, funding prevents the NYA from being able to do more. Gyan declared that the main issues facing NYA are, 'inadequate resources, lack of funding, lack of transport, and lack of equipment.' He pleaded, 'If we can get more funding we can reach out to more communities and we want to reach as many as possible in the future so that we can provide young people with the skills that will help them get employment and empowerment.'

The work of the NYA and men like Mr. Gyan Ansah has resulted in an atmosphere of calm and peace in Tamale these days. Yet the battle against youth unemployment still rages on in Tamale and throughout the whole of Ghana. Hearing the issues facing the youth of the Northern Region and how the Youth Authorities have attempted to deal with them gives an interesting perspective on the situation in the Central Region where the sky high levels of youth unemployment has also become an uncomfortably prevalent issue. It seems that the pathway towards the empowerment of the Nation's youth is only Cedis away but where these will come from is far more ambiguous. The only thing that is clear is that more people must start to take heed of this issue to give the youth of this great Nation an opportunity to become its future.

BLACK MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT AND MYSTERY AT TAMALE FETISH MARKET

2011-08-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

By Saul Sebag-Montefiore

On the surface Tamale market is like any other dotted around Ghana, buzzing with life, commerce, vivid sights, colours and smells. However, there is a small section of the market buried deep in the vast maze of incredible cloth and food stalls that opens a window to a dark, ancient world shrouded in mystery.

The fetish section of the large central market is tucked away in a small muddy corner of the market, comprising of just a few small stalls selling a large variety of weird animal artifacts. Scraps of tiger, leopard, snake and crocodile skin, horses tails, dried chameleons, lizards, turtles, vultures and shriveled monkey heads, imported from Burkino Faso, sit eerily in the stalls like a series of darks secrets that no-one wishes to whisper. The reason this section of market is such an incredible and unique place to visit is because it is a living relic of ancient superstition, black magic and voodoo witchcraft that used to be so prevalent in Ghanaian society and religion. Stalls like these are becoming a rarity in Ghana as the majority of people begin to finally accept that paracetamol tablets are more effective for curing a headache than running through a series of fires, entirely naked while swallowing dog eyes and waving a decapitated chicken above your head. However, there are still local people who cautiously sidle up to these dark, mystical stalls and purchase a piece of exotic animal to be used for traditional medical purposes.

Mohammed Kwesie, a shopkeeper from one of the fetish stalls explained, ‘local people come here and buy ingredients that they use in their own recepies to make herbal remedies to cure a variety of illnesses. Headaches, malaria, stomach bugs, body pains, skin disease and many other things. For example: to cure a headache some people use Ayigali, which is a black powdery substance. You use water and rub the block of Ayigali against a rock to create a watery paste that you rub onto your head and your headache will disappear within minutes. Ayigali is also used by many to clean the eyes and they spread the watery black paste onto their eyeball leaving vision clean and clear.’ Mohammed Kwesie looked at me strangely when I asked him whether it actually worked before stating, ‘Yes it works!’

A customer at one of the stalls came up and quietly bought a chameleon and a monkey head. He refused to give his name but explained, ‘monkey and chameleon is a Muslim medicine that cures anything. I personally prepare my remedy by crushing it into powder, burning it before either rubbing it into the skin or consuming it with food or tea. I use it to cure hand pain and stomach upset and it only takes minutes to relieve the pain. I have been using it for 15 years and it works, certainly.’

Although, this customer was happy there are also many conflicting views on the subject of whether the herbal remedies actually work. A middle-aged woman who was passing through the market stated, ‘I do not believe in this medicine, how can a crushed monkey head cure a headache? It does not work. I’ll never use it myself.’

The substances in these stores are not just used for medicines but are also used for much darker purposes, such as cursing. There was hardly anyone in the market who was willing to talk about this sensitive subject that is treated with extreme trepidation. However, one shopkeeper explained, ‘cursing is a way of putting bad luck and encouraging harm to befall upon a person who has wronged you – there are many different spells and methods of cursing so I could not tell you how people do it but generally the procedure involves crushing and burning the substance, to release the spirits and chanting and praying to invoke the deity to bring bad luck to the victim of the curse.’

Whether one believes in curses or not, there is an incredibly sinister, threatening and dangerous undertone to the uses of the substances in the fetish market. It is obvious to see why there is such fear and secrecy surrounding the subject because only a select few have the knowledge to carry out the mysterious rituals and even fewer are willing to talk about it. However, to experience this incredible place of secrecy and mystery transports you to an ancient African world of magic and witchcraft that still lives in a small corner of Tamale Market – a sight that you will see nowhere else on the planet.

A VISIT TO MOLE NATIONAL PARK

2011-08-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

By: Ryan Millward

Located in the Northern Region and covering an area of 4840km2, it is the largest national park in Ghana and one of the chief tourist attractions of the country as a whole. The park, situated in the heart of the pristine Guinea Savannah Woodland ecosystem, is host to an impressive 93 mammals of which include all the favorites such as elephants, lions, monkeys, hyenas and baboons; it is also home to 344 species of birds and a further 33 species of reptiles. Sure, while all the facts and figures draw the light on how exciting Mole National Park is to visit, they really can't tell the full story; the lush, wild African environment and plethora of wildlife must be witness to the senses and that is why the full story of Mole is best told by taking the journey up north and visiting the attraction.

Our visit remains a memorable one; stopping over in the nearby village of Larabanga the night before, we set out early in the morning on our rented bikes to cascade through the landscape on a dirt track before arriving at the park at 7am. The park runs two walks a day for visitors; the first, commencing 7am in the morning, shows tourists around the park in the light of early morning as the animals awake and birds sing deafeningly. The second walk takes place in the late afternoon at 3.30pm for people who want to catch the animals and wildlife in the closing half-light of day.

After paying 10 cedi to enter the parks gates and being split into groups, we were led into the wilderness by a long serving ranger and his trusty rifle; there really was an aura of excitement about it as we continuously edged further into the maze of greenery - infact it wasn't long before we bare witness to our first glimpse of the park's wildlife with a collection of baboons and warthogs surrounding the area around us. The animals remain surprisingly tame. The stereotype of baboons being vicious seemed odd as we walked by taking photos from what could only be a couple of meters away. Photos taken, both physically and mentally, we carried on further into the park to see what else would come our way.

Clumsily stumbling through the woodland, we made our way through the daunting army of trees and anthills, climbing up the paths and rocky ground and overlooking the vast landscape of Mole. The ranger further led the way like a true wildlife enthusiast as he paraded his rifle over his shoulder whilst creeping, listening and smelling anything he could to lead us into the path of more wildlife. It wasn't long before he did; through the trees a collection of antelope were visible. All females we were told. They galloped gracefully before spotting us. Heads turned, eyes made contact; we watched them for a while before they dissappeared into the green ocean of the jungle. It is rare to see male antelopes as they all fight for control of one area; in such, if you see two males together, more likely than not, they will be fighting for ownership of that land and all the female antelope that locate there. The male we did see, as expected, was alone; he stood intensely gaging the area out as we quietly passed through. That we did as we pressed on deeper into the park.

Antelopes, baboons, birds and warthogs; sure, while they are all nice to see in the environment, make no mistake - the main hope (baring the enormous odds of actually seeing a lion - the last one was spotted 3 months ago) is to see a collection of elephants. There are around 600 elephants living in Mole and they are regularly spotted by visitors with the guides expert tracking and knowledge of the area. With this thought we moved on down the hill to the lake and salt lakes where we had the best chance of locating them. Still humorously clutching his rifle, the long-serving guide lead us deeper and deeper into the park as he picked up recent tracks of elephants and hyena; we didn't expect to see many hyena as they are mainly nocturnal animals but the thought of seeing elephants in their natural environment was genuinely exciting.

Nervously we walked on toward the lake. Listening. Looking. Smelling. It felt like a true wildlife experience as we crossed paths with another group of tourists all bounded in the hope of seeing the large creatures. We edged further on. Passing through salt lakes and trees, looking for recent droppings or footprints. Eventually the ranger stopped suddenly. He looked into a collection of trees. Now, to the untrained eye, which I can say I very much am, it appeared as though nothing was there; but the ranger, still parading his rifle and standing with a stance of readiness, thought different as he sniffed his nose upwards and picked up the scent of elephant. We stopped for a few seconds more before making our way over a hundred meters or so. Before we knew it a large, dark grey shape was viewable through the trees. Elephants. We had found elephants. At first it was just one but as we approached further and made our way onto an open plain, we had within our sights a collection of 6 or 7 males.

They are fascinating creatures really; fundamentally they don't do alot, but what they do, they make it look interesting. Using their trunks to throw large clumps of mud over their backs. Snapping huge branches off as they stumble through trees. The elephants put on a entertaining show in the woodland for us as everyone dashed to take photos and be seen with the creatures. We stood, overwhealmed to an extent, in the African plains of Mole gazing at these joyful animals. 10 minutes later we were still watching. 20 minutes later we were still watching. 30 minutes later, yeah, still watching. Eventually they made their way back into the woodland and toward the lake. We followed.them some more like true stalkers before deciding to call it a day.

We had spent two hours in the clutches of Mole National Park and the visit was of great worth; as we sat eating at Mole Motel overlooking the never-ending canopy of trees that glided onto the horizon, the thought of how rare such an experience is passed through my head. A true taste of Africa was tasted. The animals and environment not only embedded into Ghana but also our minds. It is recommended that when in the north of Ghana, a visit to Mole remains compulsory; certainly as we passed another elephant and some monkeys on the way out, we can only recommend that you do.

Guide walks at the park are 3 cedi for one hour and 6 cedi if the walk reaches two.