Ho, Nov. 9, GNA-Mr Lee Ocran, Minister of Education, on Thursday handed over 6,720 laptops to Volta Regional Coordinating Council to be distributed among 280 basic schools in the region.        The beneficiary schools would each receive 24 laptops.        A total of 280 trolleys, where the laptops would be recharged, was part of the consignment.        Mr Ocran reassured teachers that the promise by government to give them laptops is on course and that the first 50,000 are being assembled.        He said access to computers in all basic schools was part of government’s programme to raise quality of education.      Mr Ocran said computers for all schools programme would soon discard the use of chalkboards for projectors to facilitate classroom instruction.      He opposed the free Senior High School proposal of some political parties, saying it is better for the nation to extend access to education and the provision of infrastructure.        Mr Ocran said Ghana is not doing badly in the education sector as other countries kept sending delegation to understudy some of the nation’s educational programmes.      Mr Henry Ametefe, Deputy Regional Minister who received the laptops on behalf of the schools promised that they would be distributed expeditiously.      Mr Bright Dey, Acting Head, Planning and Statistics Unit of the Ghana Education Service and the Regional ICT Coordinator told the Ghana News Agency that the criteria for the receipt of the laptops include community’s readiness to provide security for the gadgets.      He listed existence of active School Management Committees, Parent Teacher Association and the combination of primary and Junior High School on one campus among the factors that are considered.       Mr Dey said teachers are being trained in batches as ICT lesson instructors.   GNA...

  Sunyani, Nov. 9, GNA – Four out of the six parliamentary candidates contesting Sunyani East Constituency seat on Thursday pledged their commitment to promote and maintain peace despite their political differences to ensure peaceful Election 2012.   They are Mr Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh 46, a lawyer and incumbent New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament, Mr Philip Awuah 59, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Sampson Sampana Alanyina 38, People’s National Convention and Mrs Vivian Tetteh, Progressive Peoples Party.   The candidates made the commitment at a day’s public debate in Sunyani to submit themselves to questions concerning the development of the constituency.         The organisers of the programme said they could not Mr Anthony Nana Antwi-Boasiako, for the National Democratic Party and Mr Michael Kwame Mensah Asare, an Independent Candidate.        The debate, jointly organised by the Sunyani Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and Brong-Ahafo Regional Inter-Party Dialogue Committee afforded the candidates an opportunity to address the electorate on how to tackle their socio-economic challenges in the area.        It was under four thematic areas of education, housing, youth unemployment and commitment to peace.        The participants included members from faith-based organisations, the media, academia, security agencies, trade unions, assembly members and the public.        Mr Cheremeh said achievement of peace is a shared responsibility through a collaborative effort by stakeholders.        He urged the Electoral Commission to play its role fairly as a neutral referee without fear or favour whilst politicians should exhibit honesty to the public.        Mr Cheremeh appealed to the security agencies to perform their duties professionally beyond partisan interest.        He implored the Ghana Police Service to allow the law to take its rightful course against electoral offenders irrespective of their political affiliations.        Mr Awuah pledged to impress on activists and sympathisers of the NDC to comport themselves for a peaceful co-existence in the electioneering to ensure peace in the constituency and the country as a whole.        He appealed to the Police to deal drastically with anyone who would flout the electoral laws and indulged in acts likely to mar Election 2012.        Mr Awuah, an educationist is the Deputy Director in-charge of Finance and Administration at the Sunyani Municipal Directorate of Education.        Mr Sampana a trained teacher and Public Relations Officer at Dormaa East District Directorate of Education and Mrs Tetteh, a teacher added their voices for peaceful elections.           Right Reverend Dr Festus Yeboah Asuamah, Anglican Bishop of Sunyani asked Ghanaians to condemn anyone who would engage in acts that could mar Election 2012 and disturb the prevailing peace.          He noted that political power achieved at the expense of peace is meaningless and asked the candidates as well as leadership of political parties, activists and sympathisers to “allow the power of love to replace the love for power”.           Bishop Asuamah who is also the Regional Chairman of Christian Council of Ghana said the best way to sustain the prevailing peace in the constituency and the country as a whole is to ensure that “The more we sweat in peace, the less we breed in war”.           Mr Issah Nasigri, Regional Director of NCCE said the debate was aimed at deepening democratic development in the constituency and the country at large, and draw attention to the fact that political mandate resides with the electorate.   GNA...

Tamale Nov. 9, GNA - Ms Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator has called for more attention to be focused on efforts at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).   She said even though Ghana had made tremendous progress at attaining the MDGs, indications are clear that the nation would not meet all the eight goals which are essential for ensuring effective human development.   Ms Sandhu-Rojon made the call at a meeting in Tamale with staff of UN Agencies operating in the Northern Region to mark the 67th UN Day, which fell on October 24, the founding day of the world body   The event, which was held in Tamale for the first time, served as a platform for the staff of eight UN Agencies operating in the region including United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme and International Organisation for Migration to discuss issues of concern and how to strategise to work as one family to advance human development.   Currently, there are 24 UN Agencies operating in four thematic areas including sustainable environment, energy and human settlement, food security and nutrition, human development and improved social services, transparent and accountable governance in the country.   Ms Sandhu-Rojon said: "There is the need to keep on with the advocacy in the light of the fact that Ghana may not meet all the MDGs by the 2015 deadline."   She said current happenings across some parts of the world "should make us to reaffirm our commitment to the UN values to ensure peace in the world".   She, therefore, commended the staff for the commitment and dedication to duty especially at the field level and stressed the need for them to work as one family to deliver hope for the vulnerable in the society.   Dr Iyabode Olusanmi, UNICEF Country Representative identified open defecation and access to potable water as some of the challenges facing communities in the region and lauded government for efforts at addressing such challenges.   The UN Agencies later donated items including mats, detergents, foodstuff, lanterns, diapers and school kits to Nyohini Children's Home in Tamale for the upkeep of the children.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA- Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), on Thursday embarked on a demonstration, asking government to with sense of urgency eject foreign retailers from the Ghanaian market after several failed attempt.   Mr George Kweku Ofori, President, GUTA noted that the protest became necessary after the Association had exhausted all avenue to resolve the issue.   According to him, GUTA’s position on ensuring the enforcement of Act 478 of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) that bars foreigners from petty trading, hawking or engaging in any other businesses had not been taken seriously.   “We members of GUTA believe in fighting for our freedom from these foreign retailers who have taken over our businesses by taking our destiny into our own hands.”   Mr Ofori said the Association was hopeful that the action would receive prompt response from the appropriate authorities.   Mr Kweku Obeng, National Organiser of GUTA said as part of the move, members had been asked to close their shops for the entire day.   The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in July 2012, set up a National Inter Agency Taskforce to get rid of non- Ghanaians operating in petty trading and other forms of business activities on the Ghanaian market.   This move by government was to protect the sector reserved for local traders in accordance with GIPC laws.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - A survey conducted by National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has revealed that majority of Ghanaians perceives educational issues of grave concern in the General Election.   The survey dubbed: “Election 2012: matters of concern to the Ghanaian voter,” said a total of 5,416 respondents mentioned education as the first three rankings besides health and employment.   The respondents called for the abolishment of sports fees, Parent Teacher Association dues and examination levy.   The survey discovered that most Ghanaians want government to set up more educational institutions in mostly rural areas to provide quality education.   It said while new school buildings should be constructed to eradicate schools under trees, provision of educational materials such as tables and chairs, textbooks and computers must be adequate to meet the needs of students.   The respondents called for better incentive and remuneration for teachers so that they would be in a better position to teach well do away with extra classes which come with its own exorbitant fees.   The NCCE survey established that training for more teachers is more crucial to Ghanaians; who believe that professional teachers need to be trained to provide quality education.   It said government should support social intervention initiatives by extending the school feeding programme and the free school uniform through the capitation grant to cover the whole country.   The survey established that most Ghanaians would support government efforts to extend Ghana Education Trust Fund to private secondary schools.   The citizenry want government to address the duration of the senior high school programme once and for all and stop politicising it.   It said government must introduce more technical and vocational courses in the education system and uplift the technical institutions.   GNA...

Nsawam (E/R), Nov.9, GNA- Mr Ben Ohene Ayeh, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, has launched his campaign with a call on the electorate to vote for him and President John Dramani Mahama in the General Election.   Mr Ayeh noted that government had for the past three years achieved a lot in infrastructure development in the Municipality in the fields of education, health and local governance.   He said there is therefore the need for the people to renew the mandate of the government to continue with the Better Ghana Agenda.   In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Thursday in Nsawam in the Eastern Region, Mr Ayeh pledged to build a strong road network infrastructure especially in settler communities to link all other communities to boost economic activities in the constituency.   He said when voted into power, he would institute a monthly “meet Your Member of Parliament (MP)” series to have regular interactions with his constituents on the common problems confronting them.   Mr Ayeh pledged to institute an MP Scholarship and Excellent Awards Scheme for needy but brilliant students in the constituency to improve the quality of education at both the basic and the secondary levels.   “I will expand security to the door steps of every inhabitant in the constituency by lobbying for more Police stations, build a stronger communication framework to ensure timely flow of information and create opportunities for small scale businesses in the constituency, “he added.   Mr Ayeh said he would build vibrant entrepreneurial capacity for the youth to enhance their market values and create job opportunities for them.   He will also constitute Sanitation Monitoring Guards to prevent residents from dumping refuse at unauthorised places.   He reiterated his commitment to institute an MP Cup Tournament to be competed among schools in the constituency.   Mr Mark Amoako Dompreh, Municipal Chief Executive urged the electorate to use their strength and wisdom to give unflinching support to the NDC Presidential and Parliamentary candidates.   Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency was created out of the Nsawam Aburi Constituency by C178.       GNA...

Accra, Nov.9, GNA –  The first batch of Ghanaian pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia  numbering about 350  have arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra.   The pilgrims were welcomed by Dr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) on behalf of the President.   Also at the airport were Alhaji Alhassan Benne, Chairman of the National Hajj Committee, Alhaji Amadu B. Sorogho, Director of Operations of the Committee and Alhaji Coach Mahama, Welfare Chairman.   Dr Kwabena-Adjei said the NDC is committed to the welfare of Muslims hence the unprecedented care given to the pilgrims.   He said Government is lobbying to increase Ghana’s Hajj quota to 10, 000 in subsequent years, adding that for the first time in history Ghana airlifted 5,700 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.   Alhaji Benne told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the Hajj committee had witnessed vast improvement in its operation, citing the new Hajj Village with modern facilities and the supply of cost free veils to female pilgrims.   He appealed to the pilgrims to cooperate with the Airport authorities to ensure proper discharge of their luggages.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA-The Accra District Court has placed interlocutory injunction on three buildings suspected to have being built without permit and belonging to Nana Kwesi Boadu, owner of the building  housing Achimota branch of Melcom Shopping Mall.      This was contained in a letter signed by Mr Richard Adigbli, Court Registrar, and Ali Baba Bature, the Magistrate.      The buildings, which the court believe were of poor quality building materials is accommodating Achimota branches of Fidelity Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and the residence of Nana Boadu.   To this end, the court had ordered all the occupant of the buildings to evacuate upon receiving the letter which was issued on Thursday.      Fidelity Bank has begun the process of evacuating its assets from the building.      Addressing the press, Dr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive condemned people who put up structures without the needed authorisation of the Metropolitan Assembly and its experts.      He announced that the assembly would soon undertake an exercise which would access the strength of all high rising buildings in the metropolis.      He congratulated the rescue team comprising the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation, National Ambulance Service, St John’s Ambulance, Zoomlion Ghana and other organisations for their assistance.      He expressed his appreciation to the Israeli government for sending in an eight- member team who to assist in the rescue mission.     Dr Vanderpuije appealed to residents at the disaster zone to exercise restraints and bear with the rescue team as they try to bring out those trapped under the rubbles.      So far 78 people have been rescued with nine of them confirmed dead.   Those alive are on admission at Achimota Hospital, Police Hospital, 37 Military Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.      The Israeli team have detected additional nine dead bodies under the rubble and are doing drilling exits in order to bring them out.   GNA...

Tamale, Nov. 9, GNA – An apprentice seamstress of about 18 years met her untimely death in Tamale at about 1430 hours on Friday when she was hit by a tipper truck with registration number NR 5027C close to the SSNIT flats at Fuo.   The driver sensing danger, bolted from the scene.   Rahama Alhassan, who was from Gbalahe community in Fuo, was sent by her boss and on return, she was hit by the truck loaded with gravel.   Station Officer I, Mr. Theophilous Ayi-Bonte of the Tamale Metro Fire Service told the GNA that a distress call alerted the station about the incident and they quickly moved to the scene, but before they got there, the driver had bolted.   The deceased was identified as Rahama Alhassan from Gbalahe community of Fuo and an apprentice learning how to sow dresses.   An eyewitness told Mr. Ayi-Bonte that the driver attempted moving the stationary truck only for it to reverse killing the victim and destroying a parked motorbike in the process.   The Police had conveyed the body to the morgue.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 9, GNA - Professor Linus Abraham, Rector of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), has urged products of school to aim at becoming independent film producers, who would revolutionalize the film industry in Ghana, and make the country's film products competitive on the international market.   "Learn from the film industry while you are in school, and learn how to fit into the industry once you are out of school. It is about time NAFTI graduates started playing their roles as commercially successful, independent film makers, dominating the video-film industry with quality productions," he said.   Prof Abraham was speaking at NAFTI's 14th matriculation ceremony in Accra on Friday, which 60 matriculants being admitted to take up courses in film production and editing.   He said over the past few decades, Ghana and Africa had experienced profound growth and change, especially in the media industry and the film sector for instance.   "Since the 1970s, feature film production in the country has risen steadily from barely two a year to 160 local films released in the first four months of 2010."   Prof Abraham said skilled human resource was needed to manage the rapidly growing media industry in Ghana.   He said the boom and expansion of the media was creating a huge demand for audio-visual content, as well as for skilled human resource.   "Unfortunately, the demand for content is being met through importation of foreign material, which critics argue do not serve the needs of the continent."   The Rector of NAFTI said the film industry in Ghana and most parts of Africa, lacked the skilled human resources essential to the sector and "more importantly", the training institutions and facilities to develop the required professionals.   "The decision to turn NAFTI into a nedia arts university is intended to create a pool of skilled professional class media workers, who would help the country to exploit its creative arts and media resources, turn them into a viable area of economic growth for the country, and make our media products globally competitive."   He urged the matriculants not only to aim at fitting into "safe jobs in government and media houses".   Dr. Osei Darkwa, President of the Ghana Telecom University, said "most of our productions lack global appeal and we are over-dependent on productions. These are some of our challenges in the field".   He said what was most important, "is how your training would impact on our present situation of film production in the country".   Dr. Darkwa urged the matriculants to honor and make full use of the opportunity they had found to add to their knowledge at the institute.   Dr. Awo Asiedu, Acting Director of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, who also chaired the function, said the media in any country largely influenced the thinking and awareness of the people concerning several key issues.   "As media students, be open to new ideas and not stuck within a particular bracket of thought."   She urged the matriculants to take full advantage of the "many opportunities" in the media industry, adding that they should make honesty and integrity their hallmark, if they intended to succeed further in life.   Mr. Joseph Budu, Registrar, University of Ghana-Legon, led the matriculants to recite oath of matriculation.   GNA...

Ashaiman, Nov. 9, GNA – Madam Christiana Kwaku, 55, from Amasaman in the Ga West Municipality was on Friday adjudged the Greater Accra Regional Best Farmer at the regional celebration of this year’s National Farmers Day at Ashaiman.   For her prize, Madam Kwaku took home a corn-mill, pumping and spraying machines, wax print, ashfoam mattress, wellington boots, cutlasses, wall clock and other farming inputs.   Twenty-five others who also distinguished themselves in their various areas of farming were also awarded.   They also received assorted farming inputs as their prizes.   In an address read for the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbeo by his Deputy, Mr Isaac Vanderpuye, advised farmers in the region to take advantage of the irrigation facilities to reduce their reliance on the weather for agricultural production.   Nii Afotey Agbo pointed out that in today’s competitive market small-scale farmers could not participate as individuals and have a bargaining power for their produce.   He therefore advised farmers to form cooperative groups in order to become competitive domestically and internationally.   The Regional Minister commended the award winners for their hard work and expressed the hope that this would go a long way to motivate the youth to enter into agriculture as a big time business.   He appealed to traditional authorities to liaise with the various assemblies to release farmlands for agricultural purposes to help boost food production in the country.   The Regional Minister advised farmers, who have taken loans from the financial institutions to pay back the loans in order for others to benefit from the facility.   On the selection of award winners, the Regional Minister noted that it was the sole responsibility of a technical team with specific indicators for the award of marks, adding “it is not left at the discretion of any individual or group to influence.”   He said it was therefore not true that an individual was hand-picked for the Best Farmer Award as being peddled in certain quarters of the society.   Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi, Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, advised the youth to enter into farming instead of exerting their energy on unprofitable activities.   Numo Adinortey Addison, Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive, urged farmers in the Municipality to adopt new technology in order to help in food production.   Eleven other farmers, who also excel were given Municipal awards with Mr Tetteh Abayateye emerging as overall Municipal Best Farmer.   The theme for the occasion was: “Grow more Food: Strengthening Farmer-based Organisations for Market-place Bargaining Power.”       GNA...

Whindo (W/R), Nov 9, GNA - Mr. Joe Baidoe-Ansah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Effia-Kwesimintsim, on Friday presented 50 dual desks and four sets of Dell Desktop Computers to the Whindo Metropolitan Assembly (M/A) Primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) at Whindo near Takoradi.   Nana Kofi Imbeah, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director of Education, received the donation on behalf of the schools.   Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Baidoe-Ansah, who is the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Kwesimintsim, noted that the school was constructed through his initiative when the NPP was in power.   He said children in the community had to walk long distances to attend Junior Secondary Schools at nearby Asakae and Kwesimintsim.   Mr. Baidoe-Ansah said the donation was to boost teaching and learning at the school which is located in a deprived community.   Mr. Baidoe-Ansah said his concern was to help raise the standard of education at the school and to equip pupils with knowledge and skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).   He called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children attend school and receive good education.   Mr. Baidoe-Ansah urged the people to vote NPP back to power to improve education delivery.       GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - Colonel M'Bawine Atintande, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Armed Forces, has disclosed that 10 people have officially been declared dead after four days of the collapsed Melcome building at Achimota in Accra.   He said 52 people who have suffered scratches, trauma, bruises and wounds have also been treated and discharged at the 37, Achimota, Police and Korle-bu Teaching Hospitals.   “One Millitary officer (name withheld) has also collapsed from exhaustion and has been rushed to the hospital.   Col. Atintande made this known at a press briefing at the scene of the collapsed building at Achimota in Accra on Friday.   He said Melcom, owners of the shop has also reported that nine of its staff were still missing and that they were still searching for them.   Col. Atintande revealed that 400 Police officers were on the ground, 300 officers from the Ghana Armed Forces and 15 Ambulances with 45 staff from the Ghana Ambulance Service were attending to the disaster.   Captain Guvaal Barrack, leader of the Israel rescue team congratulated Ghana’s security service for their commitment and response to the disaster.   He said: “My team have not been able to rescue anybody because we are going through the due process, we may rush into it and even kill people who are alive in there.”   Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Flag bearer of the Opposition New Patriotic Party, who also visited the scene, called for an investigations into the cause of the disaster.   He urged the team on ground to be focusssed and ensure that the last person was rescued.     GNA ...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Police to escort pilgrims of the North, who have arrived from Saudi Arabia, to their various destinations, Alhaji Alhassan Benne, Chairman of the National Hajj Committee, announced on Friday.   He told the Ghana News Agency that this was to protect the pilgrims from armed attacks on their way to their destinations and to ensure their safe arrival.   He said buses had been lined up at the newly constructed Hajj Village awaiting the arrival of pilgrims, adding that “Some are already in the bus and we are waiting for other pilgrims who have just arrived on the fourth flight.”   Alhaji Benne said so far, four batches of the pilgrims had already arrived from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, while others were expected to come  by daily flights agreed by the Committee and Egypt Air to meet the general elections.   He said Egypt Air was the official airline, which airlifted the pilgrims to the Holy Land and that the Hajj Committee was working with the airline to fulfill its agreement on a daily flight schedules from Saudi Arabia.   Alhaji Benne said that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government was committed to the welfare of Muslims in the country and that all measures were put in place to avoid the inconveniences of pilgrims.   “The provision of the new Hajj Village with all modern facilities shows the commitment of the President to uplift the standards of Muslims in the country," he said.     GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Mr. Joseph Donkor Issachar as the Administrator-General of the Presidential Estates Unit.   This is in accordance with Section 8(2) of the Presidential (Transition) Act 2012, ACT 845, a statement signed by Mr J.K. Bebaako-Mensah, Secretary to the President, in Accra on Friday said.   He will be the Head of the Unit, which under Section 8(1) of ACT 845 is to undertake, among other things, take and keep an inventory of the assets and properties of the Government, which are assets and properties not vested in the Lands Commission established under article 258 of the Constitution.   The statement said the Head of the Unit would ensure that assets and properties of the Government were maintained in good condition and tenantable repair.   He would also ensure that, where relevant, the assets and properties of the Government were transferred in good condition and tenantable repair.   “The Administrator-General would also be required to make recommendations to the President in consonance with article 179 of the Constitution, for budgetary allocations for the purpose of the transfer of the reins of Government from one administration to the next administration.”   The statement described Mr. Issachar as an accomplished public service executive with diverse experience in the Ghana Civil Service.   He was appointed Secretary to the Vice President in 2001, a position he held until he was appointed the Head of the Ghana Civil Service in 2006.       He retired from the Civil Service in November 2009 and took up a post-retirement contract appointment as a Resident Scholar (Principal Lecturer) at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Public Services School.     GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - This year’s Africa University Day, which falls on Monday November 12, 2012, would be celebrated on the theme: “Promoting University-Industry Linkages for Graduate Employment”.   A statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday by the Association Of African Universities (AAU) invited all African Universities to organise an event on the theme.   African University Day is held on November 12, every year and this year’s event will be jointly organised by the Secretariat of AAU, in Accra and the Secretariat of the Committee of Vice  Chancellors and Principals (CVCP) now Vice Chancellors, Ghana (VCG).   The event will be in the form of exhibitions and lectures to discuss the pragmatic selected themes for the year from 2006 to date.   The statement said this year’s celebration would seek to explore “Good academic qualification, linkages between universities and productive sector, innovative opportunities to be explored and pursued by universities with variety of stakeholders, enhancement of business skills and provision of valuable work experience” among other topics.   “AAU will organise a public lecture on the theme and hopes to reach all Ghanaian universities (both public and private) and other tertiary educations who will participate in this year’s African University Day celebration.”     GNA...

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA – Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Youth and Sports has expressed condolences to Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan on the death of his mother.   The striker’s mother, Cecilia Love Amoako passed away last Tuesday at the Ridge Hospital following a fatal accident at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra.   “I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families of Asamoah Gyan for this unfortunate incidence.   “I want to assure you of the full support of Government and that of the Sports fraternity and want to make it known that you are not alone during this difficult time.   “I believe that you will stay strong and lead the Black Stars to lift the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa to honour the memory of your late mother.”   The Minister has also appealed to the sporting fraternity to lend support to the player at this difficult time.   Gyan is the latest Black Stars player to lose a parent after midfielder Anthony Annan, whose mother died early this year.     GNA...

Accra, Nov 9, GNA - Majority of victims of the Melcom accident at the various hospitals in Accra had been discharged.   Mr Nurudeen Idrisu, Administrator of the Achimota Hospital told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday that the hospital had discharged most of the cases it received from the Melcom disaster except for three out of the total of 29 who are still on admission.   He explained that out of the 29, one was referred to the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital because she had head injuries. He said so far no death had been recorded at the hospital in respect of the disaster.   A nurse in charge of Ward "B" where the survivors were on admission, Ms M. Abdulah confirmed that the three were responding to treatment.   The patients expressed thanks to God for saving them from death.   They also thanked the Government, the public, the rescue team and all institutions which have and are supporting the process to ensure that others who are still trapped in the rubble are recovered.   The 37 Military Hospital received 33 of the cases, but unfortunately lost three - two females and a male.   Lieutenant Colonel Gator, Administrative Officer, Medical told the GNA that the Hospital had discharged most of the victims but still had about 15 on admission who were responding to treatment for various degrees of injuries.     GNA...

Nyanyanu, (C/R), Nov. 9, GNA – The three-day convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses opened on Friday with the call on the delegates to do regular spiritual medical check up on their figurative heart for salvation.   Delivering the welcoming addressing, Mr Stephen McIntyre, the Convention Chairman and Circuit 53 Circuit Overseer for the Witnesses said there were five reasons the delegates needed to safeguard their figurative heart.   He explained that the figurative heart referred the “whole inner person, his thinking, inclination, qualities, feelings and deepest innermost emotions of an individual”.   Mr McIntyre stressed that it was urgent for Christians to safeguard their heart because the imperfect heart was inclined to do what was wrong.   He added that the heart was treacherous therefore safeguarding it was critical for a better and improved life now and for everlasting life in the future.   Mr McIntyre said most importantly, safeguarding the heart would be pleasing to Jehovah God.   The three-day convention is on the theme: “Safeguard Your Heart” and is based on Proverbs 4:23.   The convention programme contains a live drama, soliloquies, interviews, demonstrations and fast-moving symposia.   Mr McIntyre urged the delegates to focus on the programme and learn to practice the things they would hear at the convention grounds.   Mr Moses Enchil, an elder with the Nyanyanu Fijai Congregation, called on the delegates to pray incessantly, meditate on the bible, accept reproof and corrections form good associates.   Mr Christian Owusu Mensah, a representative from the Ghana Branch Office of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, extolled the bible as a powerful tool to assist a Christian to examine his or her figurative heart.   Speaking on the theme: “Let God’s Word Reveal the Intentions of Your Heart”, he stressed that reading the bible daily was crucial if an individual was to please God and to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ.   His sermon was based on Hebrews 4:12 and James 1:22-25 which both underscore the importance of reading and meditating on God’s word the bible.   Mr Owusu Mensah said, “You need to lift God’s word and put it into your heart”, adding, that way, you would love and be enthused to apply the things in the Bible.     GNA    ...

Kumasi, Nov 9, GNA – The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has made available a Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle in support of the operation of a taskforce set up by the Association of Sand and Stone Contractors and Tipper Trucks Union in the Ashanti Region.   Mr Ntiamoah Peter Hodgson, Senior Principal Inspector of Mines and Head of the Minerals Commission in the Region handed over the ignition keys at a ceremony held in Kumasi on Friday.   He underlined the government’s determination to tackle the havoc being wrecked on the environment through illegal mining and sand winning.   It would need to stop to restore some level of sanity.   He said he was confident that the vehicle would help the taskforce to check the illegal activities.   Mr P. K. Donkor, a member of the taskforce, who received the keys, thanked the Ministry for the support.   It could only strengthen their resolve and motivate them to work harder to bring down the illegal mining and sand wining.     GNA...