Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Derek Abrefa of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), defeated Felix Lartey 3-2 in the finals of the 2012 Stanbic Bank National Seniors Table Tennis Open Championship, at the D.G Hathiramani Sports Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium.     Lartey, who was highly tipped to win the day started on bright note, winning the first game, but had Abrefa leveling up after the second game.   Lartey, who had majority of the fans at the hall behind him managed to win the third game, to take another lead, but allowed Abrefa to level up again in the fourth game.   A well composed Abrefa started the last and final game, on a bright note and took an early lead, ensured dominance till the close game and won by 11-7 to become the new national table tennis champion.   The new national champion took a home a trophy, products from Promasidor Ghana Limited and a cash prize of 1,000ghc.   Lartey, also had products from Promasidor Ghana Limited, and a cash prize of 500ghc for placing second in the competition.   Third placed Adolf Awotwi, took home 300ghc and products from Promasidor Ghana Limited, whilst Emmanuel Commey took the fourth position and went away with 200ghc and products.   In the female division, Cynthia Kwabi became the national women seniors championship with a victory over Cecelia Baah Danso,.   Kwabi, had a trophy, products and 800ghc as her prize, while Baah Danso was presented with 500ghc and products from sponsors.   Denise Borquaye, placed third and had a cash prize of 200ghc and products, whilst Linda Annor had 100ghc and products for placing fourth.   GNA...

 Accra, Nov. 18, GNA – Angela Mensah, an eight year old peace ambassador on Saturday called on Ghanaian politicians and stakeholders in Ghana’s election to cherish the peace the country is enjoying.   She therefore appealed to the Electoral Commission, which serves as referee for the elections to provide a level playing ground field to all political parties whilst the media and the security agencies should carry out their duties professionally.   Angela Menah was speaking at the Prayer section organised for children in Accra, to call upon God for  peaceful election.   She said Ghanaians want to live in a peaceful country to achieve all their big dreams and any politician who tries to ferment violence in this year’s election should face the wrath of God.   “Let us all be responsible towards this year election and afterwards, let’s avoid insults and deep tribal politics that have crept into our body politics.   “I used this opportunity to express my condolence to all Ghanaians, especially to the family of the late former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama. May his soul rest in peace.”   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The Interfaith Research and Resource Centre in collaboration with the Presbyterian Relief Service and Developmenton Thursday organised its annual symposium in Accra.   The symposium which was on the theme: "Religion as a resource for peace: Creating Congenial Environment for Peaceful Election" brought together Christian religious leaders, Muslims, and Traditional authorities from all parts of country.   Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the National Peace and Christian Councils said, the council has recognised the role of churches as a major social partner in the country.   He said the establishment of churches sought an increased engagement of its members and affiliated groups with local and national government on social and economic practices that impact on human welfare and development.   "Through to its objectives the council has over the years proven to be the voice of the voiceless in society."   Mrs Hafsa Obosu, National President of the Ahmadiyyah Women’s Association said a pluralistic society is beneficial to the citizens and goes a long way to create awareness about others faiths.   She said it also paves the way for understanding one another believes.   Mrs Obosu said interfaith dialogue has been present for years citing the relationship between Muslims, Christians Hindus, Buddhist and other faiths for the sake of increased knowledge of one another's religion.   Nii Kpobi Tetteh-Tsuru III, La Mantse said education and awareness creation is important in the protection of Ghana's democracy and peace in the West African sub-region.   GNA...

Aflao, Nov. 18, GNA - Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, a Deputy Minister of Finance, has suggested a special home-coming to unite all estranged former members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).      He said the success of the homecoming event could make the NDC more formidable.      Mr Kwetey was addressing a durbar to climax the first ever homecoming programme of the Pentecostal Revival Centre Assemblies of God Church at Aflao.      The event, which brought together former and current members of the church, was on the theme: “Coming Home In the Spirit, Rejoicing and Bringing in the Sheaves”.      “This type of homecoming by your church is prophetic and I think the same is needed in the NDC to bring back everyone and strengthen the party further,” Mr Kwetey said.      He described the Assemblies of God church as a great one, contributing greatly to national development in diverse ways, including grooming of great men such as President John Mahama and Dr Kwabena Duffour, Minister of Finance.      He said Ghana was ready to leap into greater heights in development under a new generation of leaders belonging to the post-independence era, taking over from the old generation.      Rev Dr Moses Asafo, Head Pastor of the Church, founded in 1971, said the programme was to reconcile every member of the church, old and new.      He said reconciliation was part of life, which must be seen also in politics.      Rev Dr Asafo said Christians would be failing their duty even in politics if they did not pursue the path of reconciliation as demanded by Christ.      “Leave above your political affiliation and religious denominations by making the kingdom of God your main aspiration,” he said.      Rev Dr Ernest Narh Adulai, Volta Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, asked Christians to pursue peace in all spheres of their life including politics to fit into God’s Kingdom.      Togbe Amenya Fiti, Paramount Chief of Aflao, said the church, with its large following, was in a better position to galvanize Ghanaians towards the clarion call for unity and peace before, during and after the coming elections.     About 25 pastors, groomed by the Aflao church but now leaders of different congregations and other denominations, were present at the event.      A six-kilometer peace march from Denu to Aflao to press home the need for peace during the elections was held as part of the programme.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA – Herewith the standings of the 2012/2013 Premier League after the Week seven matches, at the various centres; Club                                       P      W    D    L    GF     GA   GD       PTS Berekum Chelsea             7       4     2     1       9        3        6         14  Medeama SC                    7        4     1     2       7        4       3          13       Aduana Stars                     7        3     3     1       6        4       2          12         AshGold                              7       3     3     1       9        6       3          12       Liberty                                  7      3     3     1       7         5       2          12         Dwarfs                                7      3     2     2      7          6        1         11         *Asante Kotoko                 7      2     4     0       6        3        3          11        Tema Youth                      7      2     4     1       7        5        2          10    Heart of Lions                   7      2     3     2      7         8       -1           9     Amidaus                              7      2     2     3      6         8       -2           8         King Faisal                          7     2     1     4       5         7       -2          7         Hearts of Oak                     7     2     1     3     11        12      -1          8         Edubiase FC                       7     2     1     4       7        12       -5         7         Wa All Stars                        7     1     3     3       8         8         0         6          RTU                                     7       0     4    3      7          11       -4       4         Arsenals                              7       0     3    4      2           8         -6      3     GNA...

Accra , Nov. 18, GNA -UT Bank has held its annual Pink Ball to round off its funds raising and breast cancer campaign for 2012.   The campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the diseases among men and women.   The Pledge Pink Campaign was instituted by UT Bank three years ago to coincide with the global commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness every October to support organisations such as the Cancer Society of Ghana and other partners to bridge the information gap and dispel misconceptions about the disease through awareness creation.   Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, claiming almost half a million lives every year.   Studies indicate that about six per cent of Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer have the most aggressive triple negative type, which put them at greater risk.   Statistics have shown that out of every eight women, one is diagnosed of breast cancer while one dies every three minute of the disease- and nearly 2,000 men are diagnosed each year of the disease.   Women diagnosed with the disease are below the ages of 50 with 11 per cent having a positive family history of the cancer.   In Ghana, 50 per cent of citizens report to hospitals at advanced stages of the disease and on the average report eight months or more after first noticing a change in their breasts.   Mrs Pearl Esua Mensah, Deputy Managing Director UT Bank, said this year’s campaign aimed to raise GH¢ 150,000 to complete the payment of a mobile van use to diagnose the disease as well as to continue with the promotion of public awareness of the disease.   The van would allow the Cancer Society of Ghana to undertake educational promotion programmes and screening exercise in villages and remotest parts of the country.   She noted that the mobile unit would provide easy access to disadvantaged women and men nationwide, to increase the chance of detecting the disease at the early stages to facilitate its successful treatment.   Mrs Esua Mensah said through the campaign UT Bank had been able to raise $140,000 in the last two years, which enable the total treatment of 23 patients while 80 are currently undergoing treatment.   She said the aim is to reduce the spread of breast cancer to an appreciable level, adding that UT Bank’s motivation is to help save lives.   The campaign is one of UT bank's flagship social intervention projects and activities such as Walk and a Pink Ball lined up to create public awareness and generate funds to support the bank's breast cancer project.   Mrs Zara Neequaye, Co-ordinator of the programme at UT Bank, said the company hoped to provide cure at the early stage of cancer.   The campaign saw the bank’s staff organised a health walk through some principal streets of Accra to distribute information leaflets on breast cancer to raise awareness.   GNA...

 Takoradi, Nov.18, GNA- Emmanuel Koomson, self- employed and Francis Essuman, a driver, on Friday appeared before Takoradi Circuit Court “A” for allegedly conspiring to commit crime and stealing.      Their pleas were not taken and were remanded to re-appear on November 30.      Prosecuting, Police Inspector Seth Ahelegbe, said Koomson who is also known as Daddy live at Ngyinamoabekem whilst Essuman alias Papa Duku stays at Essaman near Sekondi.      He said for some time, residents of Nkotompo and Essuman have been experiencing the theft of domestic animals and personal belongings.      He said at about 1500 hours on November 12, the accused persons went and stole six goats and hid them in a bush close to the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital mortuary roundabout.      Inspector Ahelegbe said the accused persons went to the house of a driver who is a witness in the case and woke him up.      The accused persons asked the driver to help them convey their goods on his vehicle.      Inspector Ahelegbe said while the driver  was conveying the animals, the vehicle developed a fault.      He said the Assembly Member for Nkotompo and some people who are witnesses in the case came on the scene and the accused persons bolted.      Inspector Ahelegbe said the driver was arrested and taken to the Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Global Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has rolled out an ambitious programme to create health awareness and provide accessible and affordable health care for the needy nationwide.   The NGO made up of health professionals will register and pay National Health Insurance premium for the vulnerable such as the youth and the aged, collaborate with health and Para health organisations to promote health awareness.   The body will also monitor and timely report outbreak of diseases within its area of operation and liaise with health care providers to provide free medical services.   A statement issued by Gloria Tawiah-Ahenakwa, Coordinator of the Foundation in Accra at the weekend said the NGO would specialise in the education and promotion of health related issues that affect the population.   “The vision of the foundation is to bring health care to the door step of the people, highlight health issues affecting the society and collate information on outbreak of diseases like malaria, cholera and typhoid.   “Global Care Foundation will team up with stakeholders and the... public to support government’s effort at fighting the high prevalence of diseases in Ghana especially malaria,” the statement said.   The intervention is in response to the call by President John Dramani Mahama to tackle the problem of sanitation that bedevilled the nation leading to the outbreak of communicable diseases.   “The Global Health Care Foundation as part of our contribution towards the reduction of malaria screening , is  organising a medical outreach programme, which will involve free house to house malaria screening, education on public health issues and proper sanitation as well public education on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).   “The exercise will be carried out at district and community levels nationwide with the use of cinema vans and is targeting schools and other public institutions. The project is expected to reduce the pressure on our medical facilities.   “It also has a long term advantage of reducing the pressure on the NHIS,” the statement said.   The Foundation intends to recruit 120, 000 health workers nationwide for the programme with at least 20 in each electoral area.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA -Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, Presidential Candidate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has questioned the abject poverty that characterised resource-endowed communities that contributed to the development of the country.   He said he did not understand why such cities and towns have been denied their fare share of the national cake and have been left in “squalor and deprivation”.   “I am saddened by this squalor and abject poverty…what crimes have these communities committed to warrant such neglect from past and present governments?   Dr Nduom made the observation during his campaign tour of the Western Region that took him through Aowin, Amenfi West, Amenfi Central and Prestea-Huni-Valley constituencies.   He said he could not understand why the Western Region with all its rich mineral resources and the discovery of oil would be wallowing in poverty.   “It is regrettable that Western Region with its chunk of mineral resources is still saddled with high unemployment, lack of good roads, poor hygienic and environmental conditions, lack of good schools, deplorable roads, amongst others,” he said.   Dr Nduom said it was sad that many of Ghana’s mineral-endowed cities and towns have been left to rot in poverty, citing Obuasi, Akwatia, Nsutem, Tarkwa, Prestea and Bogoso which have considerable natural resources, stressing that “even though there are gold and diamond in these areas the indigenes are suffering”.   He thus urged the electorate vote massively for the PPP which has ‘practical solutions’ to the problems confronting the region and the entire nation.   He said when the party is entrusted with power, his administration would re-negotiate with the oil companies in the region to ensure that the region benefits enormously from the resource, adding, “This does not mean that a PPP government will ignore the other regions which have no mineral resources”.   Dr Nduom told the people that his track record in private life as a successful entrepreneur, employing thousands through his investments, puts him in better stead to competently create jobs to mitigate the growing unemployment in the country.   “With my Groupe Nduom companies across the country, I have directly and indirectly created 250,000 jobs for Ghanaians.”   He urged the people to vote for a president who has demonstrated that he has the wherewithal to create jobs.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA  - The United States Embassy in Ghana and the people of the United States, on Sunday expressed deepest sympathies to the people of Ghana on the death of former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.   A statement signed by Gene Cretz, U.S Ambassador to Ghana said as vice president to former President Kufuor from January 2001 – January 2009, Alhaji Mahama served Ghana with distinction to support democracy and development.   "My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Ghana during this difficult time," he added.   GNA...

Accra, Nov.16, GNA - The Ghana branch of StreetNet International, headquartered in South Africa, has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a call on vendors not to be enticed by their incomes and give birth to children they could not cater for.   Madam  Rose Abugah, Head of Women’s Desk of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), who made the call, said though their income may be good, the refusal to plan their families well could have a negative impact on their income and prevent them from taking good care of their children.   The organization provides financial support for educational programmes in book keeping assertiveness and confidence building, HIV/AIDS awareness, market and local government laws through its Ghana Alliance.   Madam Magdelene Kannae, Head of Gender and Social Development Centre,Institute Of Local Government Studies, said as Ghana was in an election year, the traders should educate their colleagues to participate in the presidential and parliamentary election in a peaceful manner.   She said there was the need to support the informal sector since they could contribute significantly to the growth of the national economy.   Madam Juliana Brown, Co-ordinator of Ghana Alliance, which is under the sponsorship of the  Streetnet International, commended the organization for its continued support and called on benevolent organizations to contribute their quota to enhance the educational programmes.       StreetNet International aims to promote the exchange of information and ideas on critical issues facing street and market vendors to solve their problems by building their capacity and bargaining power.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Ms Eva Lokko, Vice Presidential Candidate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has urged Ghanaians to vote massively for the party to ensure that the country progress on the right path.   She said the PPP is the only viable and credible political entity with competent, selfless, and incorruptible men and women who seek to work assiduously to better the lot of Ghanaians and to make the country a better place to live in.   Speaking at the party’s Odododiodio constituency campaign launch at the Manste Agbona park in Accra over the weekend, Ms Lokko said governments over the years had disappointed Ghanaians and that it is time for citizenry to vote for the needed change that would propel Ghana to its deserved status, socially and economically.   She said the PPP would liberate Ghanaians from the present economic hardship, calling on the people to use the December 2012 polls as an avenue to shun the political order that had not proffered solutions to the myriad of problems confronting most Ghanaians.   The PPP running-mate was confident that Ghana would witness “unprecedented blessings” in the next four years if Ghanaians give the party the nod.   Ms Lokko asked the electorate to ignore parties that have plagiarised the PPP”s policies for electoral gains, particularly the free, compulsory, continuous educations espoused in the PPP’s agenda for change.   “Don’t waste your votes on the co-called leading political parties…give that opportunity to the PPP which can do more for this country.   “Our flag bearer has a track-record, he has established himself beyond doubt that he can make this nation great and strong”, she told the teeming crowds of party faithful.   GNA...

Tamale, Nov. 18, GNA – A large crowd of people have gathered at the Tamale Airport, waiting to view the casket carrying the mortal remains of former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who died on Friday, November 16 in Accra.   The crowd comprised persons from the political divide as well as family members and sympathisers from the Metropolis and Yendi Municipality.   Alhaji Mahama, 66, died while receiving treatment at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.   GNA...

  Takoradi, Nov.18, GNA - Captain Anthony Cudjoe (Rtd), Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Friday called on the youth to endeavour to acquire skills relevant to the country’s development for the Better Ghana Agenda to become a reality.      He made the call at the celebration of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week Celebration organized by the Local Enterprise and Skills Development Programme (LESDEP) at Takoradi.      Students of the Takoradi Technical Institute and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Vocational Institute participated in the celebration.      Captian Cudjoe said the youth must make a commitment to support the Better Ghana Agenda and collaborate with others to realize its noble objectives.      “The youth must join forces and acquire skills to contribute towards the economic growth of the country,” he said.       Captain Cudjoe spoke of the resolve of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to develop all sectors of the economy including the railways sector.       He said the celebration was significant to the country because of the government’s determination to create jobs and employment and develop social infrastructure. Captain Cudjoe expressed the hope that the celebration would galvanize the youth to patronize the LESDEP and the Youth Enterprise and Skills Development Centre (YESDEC).       He noted that the two institutions were creating the environment for self-employment.       M. Japheth Duga, Western Regional Coordinator of LESDEP, said so far the programme had trained about 4,000 people in the region.       He said about 1,500 people out of the figure had been provided with tools and had established their own businesses.       Mr Duga said entrepreneurship must be promoted if the country was to become self-dependent and asked the youth to appreciate the value of self-employment.      He said the LESDEP organized the celebration because it was committed to self-employment and to encourage the youth to take advantage of it.      Mr Duga said the programme was non-political and anybody who registered with it would be assisted.   GNA...

Sarkumono, Nov. 18, GNA – Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has assured teachers that the NDC government would continue to give them incentives as a motivation to give off their best to improve education.   Mr Ofosu Ampofo, National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Tema West, gave the assurance on Friday when he donated dustbins, hand-washing items, footballs and jerseys among other things to some public schools within the constituency.   The beneficiary schools were the Sakumono Roman Catholic Primary and Junior High, Sakumono School Complex and the Sakumono TMA Primary 1 and 2.   Mr Ofosu Ampofo assured Ghanaians that the NDC government would put up proper educational infrastructure for schools to promote effective teaching and learning.   He commended the school authorities for their commitment, dedication and selfless devotion to duty which had resulted in the maintenance of high academic standards and discipline in the schools.   He lauded the schools for keeping a clean environment and urged them to keep it up.   Mr Ofosu Ampofo seized the opportunity to introduce himself to the teachers as the NDC parliamentary aspirant for Tema West and therefore solicited for their support.   He assured the constituents that, when given the mandate, he would bring some changes in the leadership dynamics of the constituency by championing their course to better their lot.   The heads of the beneficiary schools thanked the parliamentary candidate for the wonderful gesture and promised to put the items to good use.   GNA...

 Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The Ghana Agricultural Producers and Traders Organization (GAPTO) has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to establish a special out-grower scheme for the cultivation of onions in Ghana.   The organisation has further urged that the Ministry of Trade and Industry together with the Ministry of  Finance and Economic Planning collaborate to finalize all legal, institutional and administrative arrangements for the establishment of the scheme.   This was contained in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency at the weekend in Accra by Mr Paul Oduro Frimpong, Executive Director of SMILE Ghana, a project that aims to, among others, contribute to sustainable farm management practices.      The appeal was made at the end of a recently held advocacy workshop which was organised under the auspice of the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund, the statement said.   It said the onion cultivation sub-sector of Ghana had been shown to possess a huge potential not only in cultivating onions to meet local demands, but also for supply to onion markets in other countries such as Togo, Benin and La Cote d’Ivoire.   It said contrary to the long-held assertion that onion could not be cultivated in commercial quantities in Ghana largely due to the country’s climatic conditions and rainfall regime, GAPTO has collaborated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in a four-year project that also piloted the cultivation of onion within the savannah belt of Ghana’s vegetation.   The project had demonstrated that onion was highly cultivable especially in northern Ghana. Areas around Gambaga and Nalerigu in particular revealed a huge potential in terms of the quantity and quality of onions that could be cultivated there.   Statistics compiled by GAPTO on the volume and value of onion business conducted by GAPTO members within the onion markets in Accra and Kumasi in 2010 revealed that a total volume of 83,038 tons of onion was valued at $41,975,073 (GHc60,863,856.00) at the prevailing exchange rate of the same year.   “It is important to emphasize that this volume of trade represents only the portion engaged in by GAPTO members in the onion markets of Accra and Kumasi (non GAPTO members who constitute a sizeable proportion of the onion market were not included in the study)” it said.   The statement said: “The study also revealed that with the appropriate investment in technology and seeds for onion farmers in Ghana, Ghana will not only be self-sufficient in onion cultivation but also gain valuable foreign exchange to support the country’s economic growth and development process”.   It said presently onion farmers across the country had problems accessing funds from the financial institutions and assistance from agricultural extension services.   The release said the move by government is expected to support the farmers to increase their cultivation and optimize the contribution of the onion sub-sector to the national economic growth and development process.   “The onion sub-sector has the potential of providing sustainable employment and income for a vast proportion of the youth in the northern regions of Ghana and not only halting the phenomenon of the migration of the youth from the north to city centres in the south in search of jobs, but also reversing the adverse impact of the phenomenon on the socio-economic growth efforts of Ghana,” it said.   The statement said MOFA could explore the prospects of collaborating with the National Youth Employment Programme in supporting out-grower scheme initiative for onion cultivation.   “This initiative, if supported, could serve as a basis for the development of module under the NYEP for job creation and rural poverty reduction while expanding the horticultural base of Ghana’s agricultural sector”, it added.   GNA...

  Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The National Chief Imam, Sheik Dr Osumanu Nuhu Sharubutu has returned home from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, after a one-month pilgrimage in the Holy Land.     The Chief Imam arrived at the Kotoka International Airport at exactly 2030 hours Saturday night on an Egypt Air flight.   On his arrival, Sheik Sharabutu prayed for peace to prevail in the country before, during and after the  December 7 election and indicated that prayer was the only thing that could sustain the country.   He said Ghanaian pilgrims had received the best hospitality in the Holy Land and congratulated President John Dramani Mahama and the National Hajj Committee (NHC) for their commitment in ensuring the safety of the pilgrims.   The Chief Imam was met at the airport by Alhaji Alhassan Benne, Chairman of the NHC, Coach Mahama, Welfare Chairman of the Committee and some members of the committee.   Alhaji Benne reiterated the NHC's commitment to maintain the standards adopted for this year's Hajj with the support of Government and the office of the National Chief Imam.   He said: “In the country’s history, nothing like this had ever happened; 18 flights with 5,700 pilgrims is unprecedented.”   Alhaji Benne noted that Ghana was trusted by the Saudi Authorities and that the committee was lobbying to push the number of pilgrims to 10,000 as President Mahama indicated last month.   GNA...

Agona Swedru, Nov 18, GNA - The chiefs and people of Agona Swedru Sabon Zongo, who suffered during a disaster caused by floods in 2010, have called on the government to fulfil its promise.      They said since the disaster occurred at the community two years ago during which they lost all their personal belongings and buildings, promises made to them by the government and some other political parties have not been fulfilled.      Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Mr Shu-Aib Issah, Youth Leader of the community, said majority of the residents were still putting up with relatives and friends, whiles others had left Agona Swedru to unknown destinations.      “We therefore advise leaders of political parties not to campaign or promise anything again in this community”.       He said the entire community was unhappy with the deplorable state after political party leaders made huge unfulfilled promises to the residents.          Mr Issah said the Agona West Municipal Assembly and the Central Government gave firm promises but those promises were yet to be fulfilled.       The Youth leader, for instance, said the Agona West Municipal Assembly assured them of the construction of drains, Arabic school (Makaranta), and youth empowerment programmes but had not fulfilled them.   GNA...

Gomoa Obuasi, (C/R), Nov. 18, GNA - The Central Regional branch of the Nana Addo Ladies Club has been launched at Gomoa Obuasi with a call on women to vote massively for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to enjoy the free senior high school (SHS) education policy.        Madam Naana Eyiah, President of the Central Regional branch of the club, who launched the club appealed to women to intensify their house-to-house campaign to win more votes for the NPP.       According to Madam Eyiah, NPP had men with proven ability to implement the free SHS policy successfully, adding that NPP had credibility in the implementation of policies and programmes.       She said when the free SHS policy was implemented, it would help to reduce teenage pregnancy, street children and school dropout-out, especially the girl-child.       She said it was only Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP who could relieve Ghanaians of economic and social hardship they were being confronted with.      Madam Eyiah urged women not to allow other political parties to deceive them on the educational policy NPP has promised.      She said it was pathetic that many children had better Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results but could not enter SHS due to financial constraints.   Mr Agyei Baffoe, Central Regional NPP Organizer, said the former President John Agyekum Kufuor introduced and implemented school feeding, capitation grant, National Health Insurance scheme and others to alleviate the hardships Ghanaians went through.      He said NPP, when voted to power, would fulfill all campaign promises made to the Ghanaian electorate.      The Regional Organizer called on the supporters not to rest on their oars but intensify their campaign for Ghanaians to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo.      Nana Ama Abrefi, Central Regional Women organizer of the party, urged women not to allow politicians to buy their votes.      She called on the supporters not to vote "skirt and blouse" because the NPP needed majority in parliament.   GNA...

  Accra, Nov. 18, GNA – The Muslim funeral service for the late former vice president Alhaji Aliu Mahama has ended at the Independence Square.     A 19-gun salute boomed at the background as the coffin, draped in national colours, was carried on a gun-carriage from the Independence Square at about 1110 hours to the Air Force Station where it will be flown to Tamale.   A flight has been arranged for representatives of political parties to fly to Tamale according to the wishes of his family for a state burial.   President John Dramani Mahama led the country as Ghanaians mourned the passing of another leader in four months, the second after the death of President John Evans Atta Mills.   Other dignitaries who attended the funeral service included Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, former President Jerry John Rawlings, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, ministers, senior government officials, members of parliament and many politicians from all political parties.   The former vice president passed away on Friday morning at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.   GNA...