Accra, Nov.8, GNA - ICOM+IN, the leading international network of independent agencies, has formed a sub-Saharan Africa Region to help step up its activities.   Mr Peter Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the Volcano Agency in Bryanston, South Africa, has been appointed Regional Director and Spearhead Africa, Dar es Salaam, has been named the first ICOM+IN agency representative in Tanzania, becoming the eighth Agency member in the region.    Mr Gary Burandt, ICOM+IN Managing Director said Africa is an increasingly important part of the world saying” We are optimistic about future growth prospects”.   “Peter has a sound objective to unify and assist the current sub-Saharan members of the network as well as to recruit members in countries not yet represented. As a first step, Mr. Jackson is setting up three regional hubs strategically positioned in the Western, Eastern and Southern areas of the continent”, he said.   He said the initiative by Mr Jackson has a potential to tap into the existing ICOM+IN Africa network and provide the opportunity to drive further growth across the continent.   Mr Jackson pledged to provide its international clients with the largest African communications footprint available.    He said previously much of the activities were been undertaken by the multinational ad agency groups, assuring that “This is about to change”.   He said this was an opportunity for the continent because an increasing number of international and local companies are realising the growing importance of the Africa market.   Spearhead, the first new member appointed since the combination of the ICOM and IN networks was announced in July, joins current ICOM+IN agencies in Ghana Angola, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia as the foundation of the Africa region.    Spearhead is an integrated agency serving both local and international accounts, including APC, Coca-Cola Tanzania, Deloitte, Engen and Samsung.        Madam Monalisa Bangera, Director Spearhead said she was looking forward to the opportunity to tap into the experience of ICOM+IN’s members on different brands and marketing solutions to be able to service clients of other network members locally as well as to provide her agency’s clients the access to proven advertising and marketing expertise across the world.   ICOM+IN is the world’s largest independent network of advertising and marketing communications agencies and offers the broadest geographic coverage.  Annual billings total3.5 billion dollars with gross income exceeding 500 million dollars.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 8, GNA - DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider has partnered Worldreader, a non-profit organisation that advances literacy in developing countries to provide e-books to children in need.   To this end, DHL Express would support Worldreader’s mission of putting 1,000,000 Amazon KindlesTM loaded with some of the world’s best-loved books into the hands of young children in Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania before the end of 2015.   This was contained in a statement copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday   Mr David Risher, Chief Executive Officer and co-Founder of Worldreader said digital books are the most innovative way to help improve literacy in developing countries.   He said although the transportation infrastructure in many African countries could be a great hindrance to the initiative, Worldreader is committed to work closely with a company like DHL Express which has so much experience in the diverse region.   DHL Express was the first international express company to operate in Africa and is the only carrier to have a dedicated air network in the continent. Through the partnership, DHL Express will deliver Worldreader’s educational products to African countries, enabling the non-profit organisation to purchase more e-readers and books for distribution to those in need.   Mr Ian Clough, Chief Executive Officer of DHL Express, US commended Worldreader for the valuable work in spreading literacy throughout the world.   He said DHL as a company that operates globally has a team of international specialists which have seen firsthand the impact that books and education can play in shaping the lives of children.   DHL has long been committed to corporate responsibility programmes.  The Company’s GoTeach programme creates and improves educational opportunities for children and teens around the world by partnering organisations such as the US-based Teach for All network and the SOS Children Villages.   Mr Randy Buday, Managing Director of DHL Express Anglophone Africa, expressed DHL’s commitment to provide solutions to the issue of education in Africa which has been a longstanding one.   “As a corporate citizen, it’s our duty to invest in the people living in the communities we serve and we take this responsibility very seriously.   Whether it’s working with global organisations like SOS Children’s Villages; distributing these phenomenal e-books; or simply delivering much-needed educational items to schools and organisations aligned with our local offices, education and community investment is critical to the continent’s growth and well-being,” he said.   “We already put more than 200,000 e-books into the hands of 1,000 students in sub-Saharan Africa and now with the support of DHL Express, Worldreader is better positioned to help increase access to digital books in developing nations,” he added.   GNA...

Dormaa Ahenkro B/A), Nov. 8,  GNA - Membership of the Dormaa Municipal Health Insurance Scheme increased from 31,021 in 2009 to 55,255 in 2010 and 81,194 in 2011.      It paid GH¢11,764,042.02 to health facilities for service providers from January 2009 to October 2012.      This was announced by Mr Edward Adasa Nkrumah, Dormaa Municipal Health Insurance Scheme Manager when addressing the Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly, during it last 2012 session at Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region.       He denied that the Scheme had collapsed, saying the speculation had no basis.   Mr Nkrumah said rather the revenue of the scheme had improved netting GH¢1,807,416.00 which had been utilised on capital intensive projects including the construction of a building that would be inaugurated soon.        He said some of the challenges facing staff include lack of means of transport, inadequate staff and logistics as well as the unhealthy practice of clients using their cards for multiple health facilities.   GNA...

Dormaa Ahenkro, Nov.8, GNA – The Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly realised 81.84 per cent of its target for 2012 by the end of September.      Out of its estimated target of GH¢334,924.40 the assembly recorded GH¢274,131.29.      Mr Gordon Asubonteng, Municipal Chief Executive who announced this said the assembly received GH¢608,274.53 as its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund with a balance of GH¢143,057.79 to be received, which had affected development projects in the area.      He was addressing the last meeting of the assembly for 2012 at Dormaa Ahenkro.      Mr Asubonteng urged the members to support revenue collectors to enable them to maximise revenue collection to sustain and improve development.      He sai the assembly qualified for the Functional Organisation Assessment Tool as well as the District Development Fund and received GH¢1,421,139.88 for development projects.      Mr Asubonteng said the assembly had instituted adequate security measures for peaceful elections on December 7 and commended the security agencies and political parties for their support to rules governing the electoral process.      Members discussed the assembly’s executive committee report on programmes and projects to improve the living standards of the people, which included issues on education, health, electricity, environment, road and security.   GNA  ...

Tsito (V/R), Nov.8, GNA-The chiefs and people of Tsito on Wednesday installed Godfred Kwame Penni, Chief Executive Officer of Spel Oil Company Ghana Limited as Asafofia of Tsito-Dzigbe.      Mr Penni, who was installed under the stool name Togbe Adja Penni II, is a member of International Ship Supply Association in London and the UK Chamber of Commerce, Ghana.      The installation was characterized by cultural performances and merry-making.        After the installation, Togbe Adja Penni swore an oath of allegiance to Togbe Gobo Dake XII, Dufia of Tsito and was admitted to the Council of Chiefs and elders of Tsito.       Togbe Dake described Togbe Adja Penni as a “very good organiser” who can rally the youth for community development.        Togbe Adja Penni, popularly called “Paa T” is the son of the late Togbe Gle II, former Chief of Awate-Tsito.       He is married with two children.   GNA...

Apowa (W/R), Nov. 8, GNA- Mr Richard Amparbeng, General Secretary of the Public Service Workers Union (PSWU), on Wednesday entreated public sector workers to brace themselves to achieve tasks set out in their job description.   This he said would facilitate their promotion.   He said the Single Spine Pay Policy required that public sector workers work assiduously towards achieving high productivity.   He said the Public Service Commission would soon outline scheme of service for public service workers and that any worker that failed to meet the target set would not be considered for promotion.     Mr Amparbeng made this known at a two-day training-of-trainers workshop for PSWU members at Apowa in the Western Region.     The event was aimed at educating and sensitising members on the reforms and happenings in the public sector so that they would not be taken unawares.      The General Secretary said hopefully, government would start paying market premium to some staff with critical and technical skills in the public sector next year.      This, he said, would ensure that such staff are retained and attracted to the public sector for efficiency and high productivity.     The participants were taken through topics such as “Effective Trade Union Communication, Dispute Resolution and Grievance Handling as well as leadership relationship.      The participants were drawn from 22 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the region.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA- In the pursuit to reduce poverty in Africa, six countries have been selected to strengthen effective collaboration between research, advocacy and media in order to deliver pro-poor policies for the continent.   The project, to be implemented in Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya and Uganda, has a financial support from Southern Africa Trust through Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.   In Ghana, the project is initiated by SEND Ghana, a non-governmental orgnaisation.   It has Ghana News Agency (GNA), Public Agenda, Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development,   Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation Food Research Institute and the Water Research Institute in addressing Aflatoxin in maize in the Techiman Municipality and high cyanide and arsenic concentration in water in the Tarkwa Municipality.   Speaking to the GNA, Mr Siapha Kamara, Chief Executive Officer of SEND Ghana said the collaboration between these institutions would mmaximise poverty reduction and improved evidence based advocacy for policy change, transparent and accountable governance.   He explained that the intended short-term and medium-term effects of the proposed project would increase demand and market access for local maize produced in Techiman Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region.   It will also increase quality of water for domestic use in Tarkwa Municipality in the Western Region.   Mr Kamara noted that there was a weak partnership existing between the media, research and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in support of pro- poor development in the area of promoting food security and improving water and sanitation in Ghana.   “The current weather being experienced in agriculture or water sector, will demand that these selected institutions do not work in the isolation and unsystematic use of the media by  research and CSO will lead to limited impact on poverty reduction.”   For Techiman, there would be a production and dissemination of educational materials and policy brief distributed targeting farmers and Ministry of Food and Agriculture on how to control Aflotoxin in maize.   There will also be a community mobilisation, sensitisation and training on the causes and extent of water pollution in Tarkwa and Aflatoxin control in maize in the Techiman Municipality.   Mr Kamara explained that the project would specifically address poverty reduction and hunger, food security, improved sanitation and hygiene specifics of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS).   “Ghana’s performance towards MDG 7 is very low, therefore, empowering communities to demand access to clean and safe drinking water is a contribution to national priority needs,” he added.   Mr Kamara noted that mining companies are polluting water bodies in Tarkwa whilst the Water Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research have undertaken a number of researches on the causes and the extent of water pollution in the area with the findings showing high arsenic and cyanide concentration in water.   SEND Ghana held a day’s orientation workshop on Gender Orientation, Evaluation and monitoring for 15 participants from the implementation institutions.   It was aimed at getting partners to collectively develop and agree on a framework on how their projects will remain gender sensitive in all its activities and agreed on gender indicators and guidelines on gender representation and reporting.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 8, GNA - Mr Joe Tackie, Coordinator, Private Sector Development II, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) has stated the need for Ghana to develop a vibrant private sector to deliver jobs and livelihood to majority of Ghanaians.   This, he said could be done by strengthening and positioning Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) to compete globally.   “It also means that we need to focus on improving the quality of our enterprise for productive innovation.”   Mr Tackie stated at the Second Joint Coordinating Committee meeting for the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project in Accra.   The three -year Project is to formulate a strategic Model for Quality and Productivity Improvement through Strengthening Business Development Service for Micro and Small Enterprises.   It also aims at developing the capacity of the Business Advisory Centres in Ashanti Region in the provision and facilitation, which would be replicated in the other nine regions.   According to him, increasing productivity among SMEs is the third strategic initiative under the Private Sector Development Strategy II and it aimed at investing in business management and training in business development services.   “I am convinced that the current national structure of NBSSI positions the organisation as the only one with the capacity to increase the supply of good quality services and making them more affordable to smaller firms,” Mr Tackie stated.   Mr Jiro Inamura, Chief Representative, JICA Ghana, said the Project is important to Ghana, stressing on the need to ensure its sustainability.   Mr Lukman Abdul-Rahim, Executive Director, NBSSI urged Ghanaians in Small Scale Enterprises to take advantage of the numerous funding opportunities that are available to boost their businesses.   The Project is jointly funded by Ghana through MOTI and the Japanese Government.   GNA...

Hohoe (V/R), Nov. 8, GNA-The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday predicted that Ghanaians would throng the same path of the United States, in conducting fair and peaceful elections.     He said the lessons of the US elections are losers conceding defeat and winners bridging the political gap are fervent examples, which could be cue for all.     Nana Akufo-Addo said this when he addressed party supporters in Hohoe during the second-leg of campaign tour of the Volta Region, where Mrs Janet Emefa Obro-Adibo,  Hohoe-North Parliamentary  Candidate of the NPP was introduced.      He said the US electoral example wards off any adventurism and scepticism and guarantees the consolidation of democracy.     The Presidential candidate espoused a three-pronged approach to the creation of wealth through job availability, radical industrialisation regimes and the provision of free and quality education up to the Senior High School (SHS) level.     He said his government would restore the value of the cedi to other major currencies as its continuous weakness is affecting all facets of the economy.     Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that during the Kufuor administration, when his running mate, Dr Mahamadu Bawumiah was the Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana, the cedi equalled the dollar but the situation has deteriorated.     He urged the electorate to vote out the National Democratic Congress otherwise since renewing their mandate would make the economy hopeless.     On Education, Nana Akufo-Addo said: “Our calculations have been done and we are poised in rolling out a free SHS while strengthening access and quality at all levels.”      He asked supporters of the NPP to detest from violence but should remain vigilant on voting day.      The NPP Flag bearer paid a courtesy call on Togbega Gabusu VI, Paramount Chief of Gbi and empathised with him for the devastation visited on his palace by some enraged Zongo youth.   GNA...

Tarkwa (W/R), Nov. 8, GNA- The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a 20 year-old mason, Kwabena Abeka to two years imprisonment in hard labour for unlawfully causing harm to his uncle; Kwasi Nyame.      He pleaded guilty.      Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Edward Paddy told the court presided over by Mr Samuel Obeng Diawuo that on October 3, a misunderstanding ensued between the two when they went to farm and in the process the convict became furious and hit the complainant with a club on his head.     According to Inspt Paddy, the complainant became unconscious and one Akua Agyapomaah Hawa who was on her way to her farm saw him lying helplessly and rushed to inform people.     He said the complainant was rushed to the Ateiku hospital for treatment.      Inspt Paddy said after the incident the convict bolted to an unknown destination but he was arrested on October 7, at Enyinase in the Western Region by the Divisional Chief Nana Kwamena Damoah III and was handed over to the police.   GNA...

Tarkwa, Nov. 8, GNA- A 31 year-old Togolese illegal miner (Galamsey operator), Dodzie Amevor has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for stealing GH¢15,000.00 belonging to a Ghanaian trader.      He pleaded guilty.      Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Edward Paddy told the court presided over by Mr Samuel Obeng Diawuo that the complainant Isaac Awortwe deals in cement resides in the same vicinity with the criminal at Dompim-Pepesa in the Tarkwa Nsueam Municipality.     He said in June, the complainant told the convict he wanted to trade in cement and the convict opted to assist him to get the cement from Aflao, Togo or Benin for him.     Inspt Paddy said after some few days of their discussion the two left for Benin and while there the convict introduced one Jeron as his brother who would help them procure the cement.     According to the Prosecutor, Jeron and the convict took the complainant to a cement shop and demanded that he should give them the money to buy the items for him.     He said the complainant gave four million CFA Franc which is equivalent to 15,000.00 Ghana cedis to the convict to enable him provide the cement as planned.     Inspt Paddy said as soon as, the convict received the money he and his brother disappeared.     The Prosecutor said on November 2, the convict returned to Dompim where he was arrested by the Tarkwa Police.   GNA...

Navrongo, (UE), Nov. 8, GNA- Mr Mark Woyongo , National Democratic Congress(NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Navrongo Central  has launched the party’ Election 2012 campaign  in Navrongo, where he outlined his vision for the Constituency.      Key among some of the Parliamentary Candidate vision is the establishment of a Constituency Advisory Committee, which would advise him on the needs assessment of the constituency.     “When elected I will also report on Parliamentary proceedings to the members of my constituency once in every three months particularly on developmental projects and to also listen to their needs and to repackage them well for tabling in Parliament to bring about positive change.”       Mr Woyongo, who is also the Upper East Regional Minister, said he would put up an office at the District Assembly where people in the constituency could visit for their concerns to be addressed.      “Though you did not vote for me during the last election I did not turn my back against you. Under my leadership as the Regional Minister I brought about unprecedented development including construction and tarring of road network, expansion of the School Feeding programme from four schools to 31 and construction of 150 boreholes,” he said.       He said the Navrongo morgue which was broken down compelling people to send corpses to Bolgatanga and Tamale for preservation has been repaired under his leadership.       He therefore appealed to the electorate to vote for him this time and President John Dramani Mahama, Flag bearer of the NDC to bring more development to improve upon livelihoods.    Mr Cletus Avoka, Majority Leader in Parliament asked the electorate to vote massively for the NDC to win both the Parliamentary and Presidential slots come December 7.       He expressed regret that for the past 12 years the party had failed to capture the parliamentary slot in Navrongo Central.     GNA...

Gonum(UE), Nov. 7, GNA- World Vision, an international NGO on Monday inaugurated a multipurpose solar mechanised water system at Gonum in the Kassena Nankana West District  of the Upper East Region at the cost of GH¢ 110,000.      In addition the organisation had also drilled a mechanised borehole at Woligum at the cost GH¢10,000 for the people.      Lack of water is affecting the academic pursuit of pupils in the two communities who spend long hours in search of water.   Due to the poor quality of water in the area most of the people are attacked by waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid.      Mr Samuel Diarra, Director of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene of World Vision in charge of West Africa, told the Ghana News Agency that the two water systems, which could last for more than 25 years could also be used for irrigation.      He said since 1985 World Vision had drilled about 3,000 mechanised boreholes in Ghana and also empowered some communities in the area of good hygiene and sanitation.      Mr Diarra said the boreholes had contributed significantly to the reduction of water borne diseases such as guinea worm in the endemic areas in the country particularly Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions as well as the Afram Plains.     The National Director of World Vision Ghana, Mr Hubert Charles indicated that one of the top priorities of World Vision is to seek the welfare of the vulnerable in the society such as children and women.      The Senior Vice President of the International Programme Group of World Vision, Kent Hill expressed happiness that school children at Gonun and Woligum would no longer commute long distances to search for water.    The Area Development Programme Manager of World Vision in charge of the Kassena- Nankana West, Ms Eugenia Atami said from October 2010 to September 2012 her outfit had drilled 43 boreholes in the District.   World Vision is also implementing the Community- led Total Sanitation project, which involves communities and schools in managing good sanitation and hygiene practices.    “Good Hygiene and Sanitation clubs have been formed in schools and are taught... Additionally hand washing facilities have been provided to some schools in the area and school children are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the toilet.”     World Vision's Operation Base Team Leader in charge of Upper East Region, Madam Benedicta Pealore said the NGO is the biggest supporter of programmes and projects worldwide.     The District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Thomas Dalu and the chiefs and people World Vision for the gesture.   GNA...

Bongo (UE), Nov. 7, GNA-The National Democratic Congress(NDC) has launched its campaign for Election 2012 at Bongo District, with a call on the electorate to vote for President John Dramani Mahama and  Mr Albert Abongo the parliamentary candidate.   Mr Abongo, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), who is seeking re-election for the fourth time said the NDC had brought unprecedented development to Ghana just within four years and could do better if given another term.       He said the Bongo –Bolgatanga road, had been awarded for rehabilitation and when completed it would facilitate the movement of goods and services.       Mr Clement Akugre District Chief Executive also called on the electorate to retain the NDC in power.       Mr Ephraim  Avea , a Lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba  said education is the tool for the development of the Upper East Region and that the MP had contributed enormously to the pursuit of education in the area, hence the need to be re-elected.   GNA...