Electricity is to be extended to 4,000 more communities in the country over the next four years under the rural electrification programme.
The Minister of Energy, Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, who announced the plan during a visit to the Material Management Unit of the ministry in Tema, said this year the government would pursue a vigorous policy of rural electrification to accelerate rural development.
He indicated that funds for the programme had already been provided, noting that current challenges in the energy sector were being handled to enable consumers to enjoy regular supply.
Dr Oteng-Adjei said at the close of last year, 65 per cent of Ghanaians enjoyed electricity and he was hopeful that within the next four years, supply would be extended to cover 85 per cent of the population.
He noted that by 2020, Ghana would have attained a 100 per cent access to electricity.
The minister stated that some communities which had not been connected to the national grid had been provided with solar power and that, he said, would be extended to other areas.
He said his visit was to ensure that materials were made available for the projected programme and take note of what was needed in that direction.
The items the minister inspected included containers of meters, a consignment of transformers and other electrical equipment.
He advised officials at the unit to take good care of the equipment and ensure their maximum security to prevent pilfering.
The minister and his two deputies were conducted round the unit by Mr Gabriel Quain, the Director of Power at the ministry.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
SPORTS RESIST SPORTS PROJECT IN TEMA (PAGE 18, JAN 9, 2010)
A large number of squatters have resisted attempts by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) to eject them from an open area at Tema Community 3 Site ‘B’ which had originally been demarcated for an indoor sports complex sponsored by Korea.
As a result, a task force from the TDC forcefully used a bulldozer to clear the area for the project to take off.
According to the squatters who do not have permits, the land did not belong to the TDC but the Department of Game and Wildlife because the area consists of wetlands preserved for migrating birds.
They said their resistance stemmed from the fact that they suspected the land had been sold to the Koreans and they felt cheated.
The illegal occupants of the wooden structures on the land in question said they had lived there for years and, therefore, would not quit the place .
The Managing Director of the TDC, Mr Joe Abbey, revealed that the area was earmarked for a social centre for Community 3 Site ‘B’.
A visit to the site revealed that the Methodist, Presbyterian and the Assemblies of God churches had all established branches near a school located there.
Explaining the situation, Mr Abbey said he was contacted by the Korean Community in Tema who told him that they were allocated land some years ago for a sports complex to be funded by the Korean government.
He said when he called for the site plan he realised that the claim was true but he wanted to be sure that it would be used for the intended purpose and initiated further investigation.
Mr Abbey said a representative of the Korean Embassy confirmed the need for the land, which would benefit all Tema residents and not the Koreans alone.
He said apart from the Tema Sports Stadium, the port city did not have any other sporting facility and, therefore, TDC granted them permission to go ahead with the project.
Mr Abbey said information later reached his office that when the Koreans went to clear the land for the project to take off, the encroachers hooted at them so they left and reported the incident to the TDC.
He said the TDC task force had to accompany the investors to eject the squatters for the project, which was beneficial to the people, to take place.
Mr Abbey was not happy that people decided to develop slums at any available space and later claimed to have been allocated the land, though they did not have any permit.
He warned those who were still encroaching on lands illegally and at unauthorised areas to start packing to avoid ejection.
As a result, a task force from the TDC forcefully used a bulldozer to clear the area for the project to take off.
According to the squatters who do not have permits, the land did not belong to the TDC but the Department of Game and Wildlife because the area consists of wetlands preserved for migrating birds.
They said their resistance stemmed from the fact that they suspected the land had been sold to the Koreans and they felt cheated.
The illegal occupants of the wooden structures on the land in question said they had lived there for years and, therefore, would not quit the place .
The Managing Director of the TDC, Mr Joe Abbey, revealed that the area was earmarked for a social centre for Community 3 Site ‘B’.
A visit to the site revealed that the Methodist, Presbyterian and the Assemblies of God churches had all established branches near a school located there.
Explaining the situation, Mr Abbey said he was contacted by the Korean Community in Tema who told him that they were allocated land some years ago for a sports complex to be funded by the Korean government.
He said when he called for the site plan he realised that the claim was true but he wanted to be sure that it would be used for the intended purpose and initiated further investigation.
Mr Abbey said a representative of the Korean Embassy confirmed the need for the land, which would benefit all Tema residents and not the Koreans alone.
He said apart from the Tema Sports Stadium, the port city did not have any other sporting facility and, therefore, TDC granted them permission to go ahead with the project.
Mr Abbey said information later reached his office that when the Koreans went to clear the land for the project to take off, the encroachers hooted at them so they left and reported the incident to the TDC.
He said the TDC task force had to accompany the investors to eject the squatters for the project, which was beneficial to the people, to take place.
Mr Abbey was not happy that people decided to develop slums at any available space and later claimed to have been allocated the land, though they did not have any permit.
He warned those who were still encroaching on lands illegally and at unauthorised areas to start packing to avoid ejection.
Monday, February 22, 2010
TOR LADIES ASSOCIATION DONATES TO TEMA ORPHANAGE (PAGE 29, JAN 07, 2010)
MISSIONARIES of Charity, a Catholic Home at Tema, has received donations of food and other items from various organisations and individuals for the up-keep of inmates who are orphans and AIDs patients .
The items include second hand clothing, bags of rice , toilet rolls, candies, cooking oil, fruit drinks, biscuits, fresh fruits, plastic buckets, bowls, among others.
The home caters for 30 adult AIDs patients, five children living with HIV and 15 orphans.
In her remarks after receiving items worth over GH¢1,500 from the Tema Oil Refinery Ladies Association (TORLA), Rev. Sister Nirola said benevolent societies and good-spirited people had supported the Home, in addition to the support from the mother organisation.
She commended those who extended support to the Home and said that confirmed the kind of services the Home rendered to society.
The President of the association, Mrs Victoria Ahenkorah, who led the group of ladies from TOR to do the presentation, said the donation was part of their social responsibility programme, through which they were able to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged.
The items include second hand clothing, bags of rice , toilet rolls, candies, cooking oil, fruit drinks, biscuits, fresh fruits, plastic buckets, bowls, among others.
The home caters for 30 adult AIDs patients, five children living with HIV and 15 orphans.
In her remarks after receiving items worth over GH¢1,500 from the Tema Oil Refinery Ladies Association (TORLA), Rev. Sister Nirola said benevolent societies and good-spirited people had supported the Home, in addition to the support from the mother organisation.
She commended those who extended support to the Home and said that confirmed the kind of services the Home rendered to society.
The President of the association, Mrs Victoria Ahenkorah, who led the group of ladies from TOR to do the presentation, said the donation was part of their social responsibility programme, through which they were able to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged.
LEDZOKUKU KROWOR MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY MAKES SAVINGS (PAGE 30, JAN 07, 2010)
The Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) collected GH¢ 3,700,807.96 out of its projected total revenue of GH¢ 5,829,170.97 at the end of November 2009.
Expenditure during the same period also stood at GH¢ 2,341,472 . 62 leaving a positive variance of GH¢ 1,359,335.84.
Addressing the 3rd Ordinary Meeting of the General Assembly at Nungua on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 , the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Amartey Mensah, stated that the assembly would continue to be prudent in its financial management .
He noted that the creation of the Ledzokuku - Krowor Municipal Assembly was significant because of the numerous projects and programmes aimed at benefiting the people .
Mr Mensah gave the assurance that this year, the assembly would pursue activities that would further enhance and bring remarkable improvement into the lives of the municipality’s residents .
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and cooperation which made it possible for the assembly to overcome its initial difficulties .
Mr Mensah said the stage was set for the assembly to forge ahead with unity, a common purpose, commitment and determination to meet the aspirations of the people in the municipality . He noted that one of the biggest challenges facing the assembly was how to handle the people who continued to build at inappropriate sites, such as waterways, proposed roads, open spaces and public places.
Mr Mensah said the net effect of these challenges was the creation of slums and inaccessible settlements .
He disclosed that the assembly was constituting task forces to monitor physical developments within the Nungua and Teshie communities on daily basis. The MCE disclosed that the LEKMA had qualified for a District Development Facility (DDF) and would soon access this fund to undertake development projects in the municipality.
He enumerated some of the assembly’s proposed development projects for January to March 2010, which included roadworks, renovation of a community library at Teshie and completion of a three-unit classroom block of the Anglican School at Nungua.
The assembly also revised its fees and fixed new rates for the year 2010.
Expenditure during the same period also stood at GH¢ 2,341,472 . 62 leaving a positive variance of GH¢ 1,359,335.84.
Addressing the 3rd Ordinary Meeting of the General Assembly at Nungua on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 , the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Amartey Mensah, stated that the assembly would continue to be prudent in its financial management .
He noted that the creation of the Ledzokuku - Krowor Municipal Assembly was significant because of the numerous projects and programmes aimed at benefiting the people .
Mr Mensah gave the assurance that this year, the assembly would pursue activities that would further enhance and bring remarkable improvement into the lives of the municipality’s residents .
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and cooperation which made it possible for the assembly to overcome its initial difficulties .
Mr Mensah said the stage was set for the assembly to forge ahead with unity, a common purpose, commitment and determination to meet the aspirations of the people in the municipality . He noted that one of the biggest challenges facing the assembly was how to handle the people who continued to build at inappropriate sites, such as waterways, proposed roads, open spaces and public places.
Mr Mensah said the net effect of these challenges was the creation of slums and inaccessible settlements .
He disclosed that the assembly was constituting task forces to monitor physical developments within the Nungua and Teshie communities on daily basis. The MCE disclosed that the LEKMA had qualified for a District Development Facility (DDF) and would soon access this fund to undertake development projects in the municipality.
He enumerated some of the assembly’s proposed development projects for January to March 2010, which included roadworks, renovation of a community library at Teshie and completion of a three-unit classroom block of the Anglican School at Nungua.
The assembly also revised its fees and fixed new rates for the year 2010.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
31ST DECEMBER REVOLUTION MARKED (PAGE 13, JAN 2)
THE former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has described the 31st December Revolution as one that relit the flame of freedom and justice, awakening the Ghanaian to a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication.
He made the remarks in Tema when he addressed a symposium to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the 31st December Movement.
The programme was on the theme: The Spirit of the 31st Revolution, The Better Ghana Agenda.
The symposium was marked with a call on Ghanaians to remind themselves of the principles of probity, accountability,intergrity and justice.
Addressing a fully packed hall of cadres and members of the 31st December Women's Movement, he indicated that the revolution was based on the outcome of the June 4, 1979 uprising, an eruption created by the failure of successive governments to respect the sanctity of justice as well as the creation of equal opportunities for citizens of our country.
He explained that the call was necessary because of deterioration of the moral fibre in certain sections of the society.
Former President Rawlings said his heart bled because of some happenings within the NDC, which, if not checked, could affect the party.
He noted that “you must move with a united front to seek audience from the leadership and talk to them.”
He said the NDC was built on a foundation of visionary leadership and self discipline.
FL Lt Rawlings was of the view that most Ghanaians who believed in the national motto of Freedom and Justice, irrespective of their political affiliations, would expect that a government born out of noble principles would act more expeditiously to uphold justice.
He said the party would go to congress early next year, and urged delegates to elect individuals who had credibility and shown genuine commitment to the party.
He said as they remembered the day, the cadres needed to question their continued sense of dedication to its ideals and questioned if after 28 years the flame was not in danger of being extinguished by their inaction as a political force.
Former President Rawlings was not happy that those who worked hard to bring the party to power had been shown disrespect by their own colleagues, which prompted him to send words of advice to them .
He stated that the pieces of advice was not taken and they continued to do wrong things which further prompted him to come out once a while to the public domain .
Flt Lt Rawlings said that was not taken kindly and he was therefore therefore criticised for speaking against wrong things .
He said he would not keep quiet but ensure that the right thing was done by people in government and urged the cadres to also come out to talk about evil doings that he claimed were going on in the system The Ex- President assured the caders that he would not keep quiet but fight on till people in government changed their ways to justify the June 4 revolution .
The former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings said women in Ghana took a bold step by coming together to form the 31st December Movement, which had corrected many negative tendencies which had hindered their progress.
She said 27 years ago the movement was formed based on the legacies and tenets of the 31st December Revoultion and called on them to hold high the flame to uphold the objectives of the NDC .
A Cadre, Madam Cecilia Akuerter who is aspiring to become the NDC Deputy National Organiser, urged women to step up advocacy for appointing more women to positions of responsibility.
She appealed to the government to fulfil its promise of achieving the 40 per cent appointment quota for women.
Other Speakers at the symposium included Mr Huudu Yahaya, who spoke on the 'Genesis and Effects of 31st December Revolution', Dr Ayerebi Acquah, who spoke on ' Achieving the sustainability of the ideals and gains of 31st December : Role of the patriotic Ghanaian '. and Nana Otuo Barima, who spoke on 'Labour participation in decision making at workplace in enhancing productivity — an ideal of 31st December'.
A minute's silence was observed for departed souls who fought to save the land.
He made the remarks in Tema when he addressed a symposium to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the 31st December Movement.
The programme was on the theme: The Spirit of the 31st Revolution, The Better Ghana Agenda.
The symposium was marked with a call on Ghanaians to remind themselves of the principles of probity, accountability,intergrity and justice.
Addressing a fully packed hall of cadres and members of the 31st December Women's Movement, he indicated that the revolution was based on the outcome of the June 4, 1979 uprising, an eruption created by the failure of successive governments to respect the sanctity of justice as well as the creation of equal opportunities for citizens of our country.
He explained that the call was necessary because of deterioration of the moral fibre in certain sections of the society.
Former President Rawlings said his heart bled because of some happenings within the NDC, which, if not checked, could affect the party.
He noted that “you must move with a united front to seek audience from the leadership and talk to them.”
He said the NDC was built on a foundation of visionary leadership and self discipline.
FL Lt Rawlings was of the view that most Ghanaians who believed in the national motto of Freedom and Justice, irrespective of their political affiliations, would expect that a government born out of noble principles would act more expeditiously to uphold justice.
He said the party would go to congress early next year, and urged delegates to elect individuals who had credibility and shown genuine commitment to the party.
He said as they remembered the day, the cadres needed to question their continued sense of dedication to its ideals and questioned if after 28 years the flame was not in danger of being extinguished by their inaction as a political force.
Former President Rawlings was not happy that those who worked hard to bring the party to power had been shown disrespect by their own colleagues, which prompted him to send words of advice to them .
He stated that the pieces of advice was not taken and they continued to do wrong things which further prompted him to come out once a while to the public domain .
Flt Lt Rawlings said that was not taken kindly and he was therefore therefore criticised for speaking against wrong things .
He said he would not keep quiet but ensure that the right thing was done by people in government and urged the cadres to also come out to talk about evil doings that he claimed were going on in the system The Ex- President assured the caders that he would not keep quiet but fight on till people in government changed their ways to justify the June 4 revolution .
The former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings said women in Ghana took a bold step by coming together to form the 31st December Movement, which had corrected many negative tendencies which had hindered their progress.
She said 27 years ago the movement was formed based on the legacies and tenets of the 31st December Revoultion and called on them to hold high the flame to uphold the objectives of the NDC .
A Cadre, Madam Cecilia Akuerter who is aspiring to become the NDC Deputy National Organiser, urged women to step up advocacy for appointing more women to positions of responsibility.
She appealed to the government to fulfil its promise of achieving the 40 per cent appointment quota for women.
Other Speakers at the symposium included Mr Huudu Yahaya, who spoke on the 'Genesis and Effects of 31st December Revolution', Dr Ayerebi Acquah, who spoke on ' Achieving the sustainability of the ideals and gains of 31st December : Role of the patriotic Ghanaian '. and Nana Otuo Barima, who spoke on 'Labour participation in decision making at workplace in enhancing productivity — an ideal of 31st December'.
A minute's silence was observed for departed souls who fought to save the land.
Friday, January 1, 2010
TEMA ROADS TO BE REHABILITATED (PAGE 18, JAN 1)
THE National Procurement Board has given approval for the rehabilitation of roads in the Tema metropolis at an approximate cost of over GH¢10 million.
Rehabilitation works will include upgrading the Calvary Road at Lashibi, the ‘Tone Love’ and ‘Sign board ‘ roads at Klagon, and the ‘His Presence’ road at Lashibi.
Other roads to be rehabilitated are the Ashaiman–Zenu, the Tema Oil Refinery and Kpone roads, the Hospital and Beach roads, roads at Meridian, Community 2, Salifu Dagati and Road 51.
In addition, there will be asphaltic overlay along the roads in the central business areas of Tema Community One and the Republic Road.
In an interview, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, told the Daily Graphic that work would start immediately after the Christmas holidays.
He indicated that in his maiden address to the assembly on assumption of office, he had promised that the deteriorating condition of the roads in Tema would be one of his major concerns and that he would take steps to have them rehabilitated in the shortest time possible.
Mr Ofosuware said the nature of the roads in Tema was an embarrassment to the government.
He was happy that within 11 months in office, the assembly was on the verge of addressing one of the major concerns that bothered residents.
Mr Ofosuware said the next step would be to make Tema recapture its past glory and asked all residents to assist to find solutions to the problems, which included the erection of structures at unapproved areas.
He stated that the assembly was prepared to assist the security agencies to fight armed robbery and other vices and urged residents to be law abiding.
Some residents whom the Daily Graphic spoke with were happy and expressed the hope that work would start as indicated and be completed on time.
Rehabilitation works will include upgrading the Calvary Road at Lashibi, the ‘Tone Love’ and ‘Sign board ‘ roads at Klagon, and the ‘His Presence’ road at Lashibi.
Other roads to be rehabilitated are the Ashaiman–Zenu, the Tema Oil Refinery and Kpone roads, the Hospital and Beach roads, roads at Meridian, Community 2, Salifu Dagati and Road 51.
In addition, there will be asphaltic overlay along the roads in the central business areas of Tema Community One and the Republic Road.
In an interview, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, told the Daily Graphic that work would start immediately after the Christmas holidays.
He indicated that in his maiden address to the assembly on assumption of office, he had promised that the deteriorating condition of the roads in Tema would be one of his major concerns and that he would take steps to have them rehabilitated in the shortest time possible.
Mr Ofosuware said the nature of the roads in Tema was an embarrassment to the government.
He was happy that within 11 months in office, the assembly was on the verge of addressing one of the major concerns that bothered residents.
Mr Ofosuware said the next step would be to make Tema recapture its past glory and asked all residents to assist to find solutions to the problems, which included the erection of structures at unapproved areas.
He stated that the assembly was prepared to assist the security agencies to fight armed robbery and other vices and urged residents to be law abiding.
Some residents whom the Daily Graphic spoke with were happy and expressed the hope that work would start as indicated and be completed on time.
TEMA CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE (PAGE 18, JAN 1)
A member of the Council of State, Mr Emmanuel Adjei Annang, has launched the 50th anniversary celebration of the resettlement of the people of Tema.
Fifty years ago, the people of indigenous Tema, then known as Manmomo (Old Town) were moved to Manhean (Newtown) to pave way for the modernisation and industrialisation of the area as well as the construction of a harbour for Ghana.
The year-long celebration will be marked with visits to indigenous landmarks and lectures to highlight their roots.
In his address, Mr Annang urged the people of Manhean to reflect on the sacrifices they made for the benefit the nation.
He recounted how the people were forcefully moved from their original homes and re-settled for the then government to build the Tema Harbour to convey equipment for the construction of the Akosombo Dam.
Mr Annang said because of in-fighting, the sacrifice they made had turned into a curse.
He explained that the sacrifice had not benefited the new generation of the indigenes of Tema but had rather created poverty in the area.
Mr Annang appealed to the elders to halt the sale of the lands and channel revenue accrued from the sale of landed property into the development and education of the people.
He also urged them to inculcate their cultural values into their children who are the assets of the area and discard outmoded cultural values.
Mr Annang was optimistic that all these would not be achieved if the people did not unite. He, therefore, urged them to unite.
He also appealed to the stool elders to play a vital role to ensure peace and development .
Mr Annang noted that with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the resettlement of the people of Tema , there should be a change to ensure positive development as a sign of their maturity .
The Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Kraku, recounted the history of Tema and how the people had to be resettled at the present site .
He mentioned some areas which still had some signs of Old Tema and called on residents of Tema who are currently occupying modern flats and houses at the expense of the indigenous people to join in the celebration to mark the movement of the people to modernise Tema into an industrial city .
The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, commended the people for accepting their resettlement despite the difficulty it created for them.
He said by agreeing to the resettlement 50 years ago, the chiefs and people of Tema had taken a very bold and patriotic decision which had enabled the government at the time to roll out Ghana’s industrialisation.
Mr Ofosuware commended the people for their sacrifices that enabled Dr Kwame Nkrumah to implement his great visi on which Ghana had benefited from.
Fifty years ago, the people of indigenous Tema, then known as Manmomo (Old Town) were moved to Manhean (Newtown) to pave way for the modernisation and industrialisation of the area as well as the construction of a harbour for Ghana.
The year-long celebration will be marked with visits to indigenous landmarks and lectures to highlight their roots.
In his address, Mr Annang urged the people of Manhean to reflect on the sacrifices they made for the benefit the nation.
He recounted how the people were forcefully moved from their original homes and re-settled for the then government to build the Tema Harbour to convey equipment for the construction of the Akosombo Dam.
Mr Annang said because of in-fighting, the sacrifice they made had turned into a curse.
He explained that the sacrifice had not benefited the new generation of the indigenes of Tema but had rather created poverty in the area.
Mr Annang appealed to the elders to halt the sale of the lands and channel revenue accrued from the sale of landed property into the development and education of the people.
He also urged them to inculcate their cultural values into their children who are the assets of the area and discard outmoded cultural values.
Mr Annang was optimistic that all these would not be achieved if the people did not unite. He, therefore, urged them to unite.
He also appealed to the stool elders to play a vital role to ensure peace and development .
Mr Annang noted that with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the resettlement of the people of Tema , there should be a change to ensure positive development as a sign of their maturity .
The Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Kraku, recounted the history of Tema and how the people had to be resettled at the present site .
He mentioned some areas which still had some signs of Old Tema and called on residents of Tema who are currently occupying modern flats and houses at the expense of the indigenous people to join in the celebration to mark the movement of the people to modernise Tema into an industrial city .
The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, commended the people for accepting their resettlement despite the difficulty it created for them.
He said by agreeing to the resettlement 50 years ago, the chiefs and people of Tema had taken a very bold and patriotic decision which had enabled the government at the time to roll out Ghana’s industrialisation.
Mr Ofosuware commended the people for their sacrifices that enabled Dr Kwame Nkrumah to implement his great visi on which Ghana had benefited from.
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