The Committee for Joint Action (CJA), a pressure group,has called on the Mills administration to review the retirement package for ex Presidents within the broad context of retiring benefits for all public officials, including Parliamentarians.
THE Committee will therefore embark on a demonstration to petition the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills to review the current retirement package for the former President, Mr John Agyekum Kufour,and all public officials including parliamentarians.
The demonstration will take place on Tuesday February 3, 2009 in Accra, starting from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, through some principal streets and finally present its petition to the President at the Castle, Osu.
Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a leading member of the Committee at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, said the Committee was outraged by the demands for the extremely lavish retiring awards for the former President and other public officials.
“Such benefits are not showered on ex-President even in the richest countries of the world. We are a highly indebted poor country and we, including our past presidents, should live within our means,” he stated and added that the former President, by accepting these recommendation, “does not project himself as a good role model for the people”.
He said the Committee believed that public office holders must rather serve the interest and meet the aspirations of the people, rather than pursuing their own interest.
According to him, the resources to be allocated to the former President as recommended by the Chinery-Hesse Committee, chaired by the former President’s own special advisor was simply too much.
“This creates the impression that public service has become a self-serving exercise designed to feather the nest of the elite rather than meet the needs and aspirations of the people,” he stated.
Mr Pratt said even the World Bank which had been one of the former President’s foremost supporters and sponsors, had come to accept that the current economic situation in Ghana was very precarious.
Mr Pratt recalled that more than a year after the celebration of the Ghana at 50, the former President’s government had not been able to account for the monies they claimed to have spent for the event.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ghanaian dishes attracts patronage by foreigners
THERE has been increase in the demand for local dishes by foreigners in the country, operators of some restaurants have indicated. This is in spite of the shift to foreign dishes by Ghanaians.
According to the operators, there has been a high patronage of Ghanaian dishes such as banku with okro stew/soup by the Chinese and Indians, pounded fufu, plantain with palava sauce, apapransa, kokonte, omotuo, kenkey with fish and pepper, as well as eba.
A tour of some restaurants in Accra indicated that most foreigners enjoyed dishes with low amount of pepper.
The Managing Director (MD) of Odo Rice Restaurant, Mrs Elizabeth Thompson, recalled an encounter she had with a group of Chinese when she was invited to China to prepare banku and okro stew.
“I was at the restaurant when a group of Chinese came to eat. They requested for banku and okro stew which they ate to my amazement. They kept coming here to eat the same food until they finally invited me to China to cook for them,” she said.
According to her, she often travelled to China to prepare Ghanaian dishes for the Chinese.
Mrs Thompson told the Daily Graphic that a dish like ‘Apapransa’ was often patronised by foreigners who were travelling back to their country.
“They come with very big bowls to buy the Apapransa. They enjoy it very much,” she added.
She observed that most of the foreigners did not like dishes with so much pepper and oil.
A caterer at the Marble Palace Restaurant said the Europeans enjoyed plantain with palava sauce, fufu and tilapia.
She said the restaurant was always filled on weekends with foreigners who requested for plantain with palava sauce and “Neat” fufu with any soup.
“They enjoy plantain with palava sauce and tilapia so much that we always ensure that we have enough to serve all of them,” she said.
The Supervisor of Finger Delight Restaurant, Madam Akosua Anim, also said she started on a small scale and prepared only Ghanaian dishes but was overwhelmed to see foreigners patronising her food.
“My customers were mostly Ghanaians but within a short period of time I saw some foreigners coming into my restaurant to eat. The first time I saw them I thought they were in for foreign dishes so I was a bit embarrassed. They are very good and loyal customers and I enjoy serving them,” she said.
She called on restaurant operators to help promote Ghanaian dishes in order to position Ghanaian food on the world market.
According to the operators, there has been a high patronage of Ghanaian dishes such as banku with okro stew/soup by the Chinese and Indians, pounded fufu, plantain with palava sauce, apapransa, kokonte, omotuo, kenkey with fish and pepper, as well as eba.
A tour of some restaurants in Accra indicated that most foreigners enjoyed dishes with low amount of pepper.
The Managing Director (MD) of Odo Rice Restaurant, Mrs Elizabeth Thompson, recalled an encounter she had with a group of Chinese when she was invited to China to prepare banku and okro stew.
“I was at the restaurant when a group of Chinese came to eat. They requested for banku and okro stew which they ate to my amazement. They kept coming here to eat the same food until they finally invited me to China to cook for them,” she said.
According to her, she often travelled to China to prepare Ghanaian dishes for the Chinese.
Mrs Thompson told the Daily Graphic that a dish like ‘Apapransa’ was often patronised by foreigners who were travelling back to their country.
“They come with very big bowls to buy the Apapransa. They enjoy it very much,” she added.
She observed that most of the foreigners did not like dishes with so much pepper and oil.
A caterer at the Marble Palace Restaurant said the Europeans enjoyed plantain with palava sauce, fufu and tilapia.
She said the restaurant was always filled on weekends with foreigners who requested for plantain with palava sauce and “Neat” fufu with any soup.
“They enjoy plantain with palava sauce and tilapia so much that we always ensure that we have enough to serve all of them,” she said.
The Supervisor of Finger Delight Restaurant, Madam Akosua Anim, also said she started on a small scale and prepared only Ghanaian dishes but was overwhelmed to see foreigners patronising her food.
“My customers were mostly Ghanaians but within a short period of time I saw some foreigners coming into my restaurant to eat. The first time I saw them I thought they were in for foreign dishes so I was a bit embarrassed. They are very good and loyal customers and I enjoy serving them,” she said.
She called on restaurant operators to help promote Ghanaian dishes in order to position Ghanaian food on the world market.
THE Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS) Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake demand-driven research into industrial processes and development, transfer-proven technologies and provide consultancy services aimed at ensuring the growth of small and medium-scale industries.
The Director-General of the CSIR, Dr B. A. Salifu, signed for the council while the Chief Executive Officer of the Gratis Foundation, Mr Emmanuel Asiedu, signed on behalf of the foundation.
Under the terms of the MOU, Gratis and CSIR will undertake joint research and development for specified products and technologies of national relevance to support small and medium-scale enterprise modernisation and competitiveness.
The industrial sectors to be addressed using engineering and technology include agriculture and food processing, environment, health, water and sanitation, textile and chemical, education and Information Communication Technology (ICT),
The two institutions, depending on available equipment and human resources, are also expected to undertake the designing/manufacturing of the prototype of products.
The MOU also makes provision for the joint production of video documentaries of the institution’s products and technologies for documentation, information, marketing and dissemination.
It also empowers the two institutions to undertake technology transfer activities including training of students to address both local and international needs.
Under the agreement, the institutions are expected to sell or hire pilot plants and technologies and revenue from the royalty would be shared in agreed proportions of cost of inputs and extent of ownership.
It also authorises them to share information on research and development programmes, projects and outputs and allow either party access to the other’s facilities.
According to the MOU, the institutions would periodically mount exhibitions and fairs on existing products or new ones.
“Notwithstanding Article (3)(9) the services provided by any of the parties to this MOU in the form of logistics, human and/or material resources for the execution of a specific project shall be treated as a sub-contract and the party whose services was used shall be paid accordingly based on prior agreed terms”, it said.
Picture: The Chief Executive Officer of Gratis Foundation Mr Emmanuel Asiedu (left) exchanging the MOU with the Director General of CSIR Dr B.A. Salifu
The Director-General of the CSIR, Dr B. A. Salifu, signed for the council while the Chief Executive Officer of the Gratis Foundation, Mr Emmanuel Asiedu, signed on behalf of the foundation.
Under the terms of the MOU, Gratis and CSIR will undertake joint research and development for specified products and technologies of national relevance to support small and medium-scale enterprise modernisation and competitiveness.
The industrial sectors to be addressed using engineering and technology include agriculture and food processing, environment, health, water and sanitation, textile and chemical, education and Information Communication Technology (ICT),
The two institutions, depending on available equipment and human resources, are also expected to undertake the designing/manufacturing of the prototype of products.
The MOU also makes provision for the joint production of video documentaries of the institution’s products and technologies for documentation, information, marketing and dissemination.
It also empowers the two institutions to undertake technology transfer activities including training of students to address both local and international needs.
Under the agreement, the institutions are expected to sell or hire pilot plants and technologies and revenue from the royalty would be shared in agreed proportions of cost of inputs and extent of ownership.
It also authorises them to share information on research and development programmes, projects and outputs and allow either party access to the other’s facilities.
According to the MOU, the institutions would periodically mount exhibitions and fairs on existing products or new ones.
“Notwithstanding Article (3)(9) the services provided by any of the parties to this MOU in the form of logistics, human and/or material resources for the execution of a specific project shall be treated as a sub-contract and the party whose services was used shall be paid accordingly based on prior agreed terms”, it said.
Picture: The Chief Executive Officer of Gratis Foundation Mr Emmanuel Asiedu (left) exchanging the MOU with the Director General of CSIR Dr B.A. Salifu
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Huni-Valley Unit Committee
THE Government of Japan has given a grant of GH¢65,821 ($55,312) to the Huni-Valley Unit Committee for the construction of public toilet facilities for two communities in the Prestea Huni-Valley District of the Western Region.
This is under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) scheme of the Japanese government.
The project is expected to involve the construction of two 10-seater water closet facilities, one at Fante Newtown and the other at Zongo, both to be completed by 2010.
The Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, Mr Yukata Nakamura, said the project was expected to benefit over 2,000 people in the two communities and surrounding areas.
He said the Huni-Valley area currently had only three public toilets serving a community of over 5,000 people.
“There is no public toilet at all in Zongo and only one old KVIP in unsanitary condition at Fante Newtown. Thus, there is a pressing need for the construction of toilets at these places in order to improve the health and hygiene of the community, provide a place for the people to relieve their needs and preserve the environment,” he added.
Mr Nakamura further explained that having a place of convenience would bring dignity into the lives of the people, lessen the incidence of diseases and raise the living standards of the people in the community.
He said the government of Japan was committed to promoting development in Africa and thus realised the challenges to health and sanitation as some of the biggest obstacles to development in rural communities.
“This is why Japan is pleased to extend the GGHSP assistance to Huni-Valley in the hope that this project will make a huge difference in their lives,” he said.
He said the construction of the public toilets would be the 11th project to be undertaken under the scheme, which began in 1989.
Mr Nakamura commended the assembly and the unit committee members for the determination they showed in getting the grant.
The Assembly Member for Huni-Valley, Mr Joseph Ahi-Quaicoe, said the community had a fast-growing population due to small-scale mining at Abosso Goldfields Limited and the toilets currently available in the area were woefully inadequate, causing sanitation and health problems in the community.
He expressed his gratitude to the embassy and expressed the hope that more projects would be constructed in the community.
This is under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) scheme of the Japanese government.
The project is expected to involve the construction of two 10-seater water closet facilities, one at Fante Newtown and the other at Zongo, both to be completed by 2010.
The Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, Mr Yukata Nakamura, said the project was expected to benefit over 2,000 people in the two communities and surrounding areas.
He said the Huni-Valley area currently had only three public toilets serving a community of over 5,000 people.
“There is no public toilet at all in Zongo and only one old KVIP in unsanitary condition at Fante Newtown. Thus, there is a pressing need for the construction of toilets at these places in order to improve the health and hygiene of the community, provide a place for the people to relieve their needs and preserve the environment,” he added.
Mr Nakamura further explained that having a place of convenience would bring dignity into the lives of the people, lessen the incidence of diseases and raise the living standards of the people in the community.
He said the government of Japan was committed to promoting development in Africa and thus realised the challenges to health and sanitation as some of the biggest obstacles to development in rural communities.
“This is why Japan is pleased to extend the GGHSP assistance to Huni-Valley in the hope that this project will make a huge difference in their lives,” he said.
He said the construction of the public toilets would be the 11th project to be undertaken under the scheme, which began in 1989.
Mr Nakamura commended the assembly and the unit committee members for the determination they showed in getting the grant.
The Assembly Member for Huni-Valley, Mr Joseph Ahi-Quaicoe, said the community had a fast-growing population due to small-scale mining at Abosso Goldfields Limited and the toilets currently available in the area were woefully inadequate, causing sanitation and health problems in the community.
He expressed his gratitude to the embassy and expressed the hope that more projects would be constructed in the community.
Reduce prices of textbooks sellers urge authors
TEXTBOOK sellers in Accra have called on authors to reduce the prices of textbooks for junior and senior high schools in order to increase patronage.
According to them, the high cost of textbooks has affected patronage as customers are unable to afford at the exorbitant prices.
The traders told the Daily Graphic that the low patronage was due to the changes of syllabi by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports which required more research by the authors.
The Manager of the Hollywood Enterprise, who pleaded anonymity, said the enthusiasm exhibited by customers in the patronage of books during the academic year had greatly declined, because prices of books had increased.
“When the authors call at the place, we inform them of the situation and they explain that prices of printing materials have increased,” he said.
Another books seller who gave her name only as Faustina, said parents came to the bookshop with very long lists, but ended up buying only a few books, because prices of the books were relatively high.
“There is no money in the system now, so it is very difficult for parents to buy all the textbooks needed for their children,” she complained.
The Manager of Topman Books, Mrs Betty Aguadze, said the reason for the low patronage was basically because schools were in the second term on the educational calendar.
"This is the mini-season and so I am not surprised the patronage is low. Most students come to the bookshop to buy books to replace lost ones. They do not really come to buy books for the term, because they had bought them in the first term," she explained.
For his part, Isaac Nunoo attributed the low patronage of to the frequency in change of textbooks by many schools.
"Some schools come here asking for different textbooks. Some of them use books we have never heard of, and that is creating the problem. I think it will help if all our schools use the same textbooks," he noted.
The textbooks which were in high demand were Aki-Ola series, New Approachers series, A-K series, Religious and Moral Education textbooks, National Science textbooks and Macmillan Gas textbooks for science students in senior high schools.
According to them, the high cost of textbooks has affected patronage as customers are unable to afford at the exorbitant prices.
The traders told the Daily Graphic that the low patronage was due to the changes of syllabi by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports which required more research by the authors.
The Manager of the Hollywood Enterprise, who pleaded anonymity, said the enthusiasm exhibited by customers in the patronage of books during the academic year had greatly declined, because prices of books had increased.
“When the authors call at the place, we inform them of the situation and they explain that prices of printing materials have increased,” he said.
Another books seller who gave her name only as Faustina, said parents came to the bookshop with very long lists, but ended up buying only a few books, because prices of the books were relatively high.
“There is no money in the system now, so it is very difficult for parents to buy all the textbooks needed for their children,” she complained.
The Manager of Topman Books, Mrs Betty Aguadze, said the reason for the low patronage was basically because schools were in the second term on the educational calendar.
"This is the mini-season and so I am not surprised the patronage is low. Most students come to the bookshop to buy books to replace lost ones. They do not really come to buy books for the term, because they had bought them in the first term," she explained.
For his part, Isaac Nunoo attributed the low patronage of to the frequency in change of textbooks by many schools.
"Some schools come here asking for different textbooks. Some of them use books we have never heard of, and that is creating the problem. I think it will help if all our schools use the same textbooks," he noted.
The textbooks which were in high demand were Aki-Ola series, New Approachers series, A-K series, Religious and Moral Education textbooks, National Science textbooks and Macmillan Gas textbooks for science students in senior high schools.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Unique Insurance donates to Korle-Bu Hospital
Story: Leticia Ohene-Asiedu & Vida-Pearl Atakpa
Unique Insurance Company (UIC) has presented 30 benches and a cheque for GH¢2,000 to the Department of Child Health of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Receiving the cheque, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Prof Nii Otu Nartey, expressed his gratitude to the management of the company for showing its concern for child health in the country.
Prof Nartey said the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the hospital had only 32 incubators for premature babies, adding that in situations where it had more babies than the incubators, the unit was compelled to put three babies into one incubator, a practice which was very unhealthy for the babies.
"In instances when the babies are more than the incubators, then we have to discharge some of them earlier than the stipulated time," he added.
He said the support from the UIC would help purchase more incubators.
Prof Nartey appealed to the management of the UIC for more support in the development of child health and asked other companies and individuals to emulate its example.
The Managing Director of the UIC, Mr Victor Kusi-Yeboah, said the company had made it a responsibility to contribute in its own small way to the development and maintenance of the hospital.
"We have made it a responsibility to help society and Korle-Bu is our target," he said, adding that although the company faced some challenges, it was putting up measures for a micro-insurance policy for the deprived in society.
"We will definitely come again; this is not the end," he promised.
Unique Insurance Company (UIC) has presented 30 benches and a cheque for GH¢2,000 to the Department of Child Health of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Receiving the cheque, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Prof Nii Otu Nartey, expressed his gratitude to the management of the company for showing its concern for child health in the country.
Prof Nartey said the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the hospital had only 32 incubators for premature babies, adding that in situations where it had more babies than the incubators, the unit was compelled to put three babies into one incubator, a practice which was very unhealthy for the babies.
"In instances when the babies are more than the incubators, then we have to discharge some of them earlier than the stipulated time," he added.
He said the support from the UIC would help purchase more incubators.
Prof Nartey appealed to the management of the UIC for more support in the development of child health and asked other companies and individuals to emulate its example.
The Managing Director of the UIC, Mr Victor Kusi-Yeboah, said the company had made it a responsibility to contribute in its own small way to the development and maintenance of the hospital.
"We have made it a responsibility to help society and Korle-Bu is our target," he said, adding that although the company faced some challenges, it was putting up measures for a micro-insurance policy for the deprived in society.
"We will definitely come again; this is not the end," he promised.
Nii Boi Town residents cry for water
RESIDENTS of Nii Boi Town, a suburb of Accra, have been without potable water for the past three years. As a result of the problem, operators of water tanker vehicles charge exorbitant prices for transporting water to the area.
The residents said they have virtually been left at the mercy of water suppliers.
According to them, some tanker operators charged so much and they were left with no alternative but buy the water.
In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, some of the residents said the situation was so disturbing because of the inconveniences associated with it and the cost involved.
Mr Jerry Koomson attributed the problem to poor communication among the government, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mrs Elizabeth Sackey, and the residents.
"There has been absolute silence. No one cares about what is happening and the MP does not make any arrangements to meet residents to discuss issues," he said.
A pharmacist, Mrs Esther Appiah, said she was disappointed at the attitude of the MP who showed no sympathy for the residents.
"Life becomes so unbearable, especially when there is no water. It is a miracle that we have been able to survive for three years without water. We have voted for her the third time and I think that should be enough for her to know that she has not finished fulfilling her promises," she said.
Another resident and trader, Madam Faustina Aboagye, called on the government to help better the lives of residents of the constituency.
"Now that the NDC is in power we expect it to come to our aid. We are suffering and no one cares. We spend so much money on water every morning when we have not even given our children money for school," she said.
A beautician, Madam Rose Quarshie, said, "Every month I buy a tank of water for GH¢60 that is 3,000 gallons. I sell some of the water to residents for 15Gp a bucket, while a gallon costs 25Gp.”
Mrs Ruth Addison also said, “The water we fetch from the ground is not clean and we always have to add disinfectant to it before we use them. If much care is not taken, you may end up using contaminated water.”
“We organised a durbar here some time ago to meet the MP to discus some problems with her but that did not yield any positive results,” she added.
A trader, Joyce Appiah, appealed to the MP to have the grievances of the residents at heart, adding, “Let us be patient and see what she can do for us. Maybe she has heard us and is preparing to solve the problem.”
Most of the residents pleaded with the government to come to their aid.
The residents said they have virtually been left at the mercy of water suppliers.
According to them, some tanker operators charged so much and they were left with no alternative but buy the water.
In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, some of the residents said the situation was so disturbing because of the inconveniences associated with it and the cost involved.
Mr Jerry Koomson attributed the problem to poor communication among the government, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mrs Elizabeth Sackey, and the residents.
"There has been absolute silence. No one cares about what is happening and the MP does not make any arrangements to meet residents to discuss issues," he said.
A pharmacist, Mrs Esther Appiah, said she was disappointed at the attitude of the MP who showed no sympathy for the residents.
"Life becomes so unbearable, especially when there is no water. It is a miracle that we have been able to survive for three years without water. We have voted for her the third time and I think that should be enough for her to know that she has not finished fulfilling her promises," she said.
Another resident and trader, Madam Faustina Aboagye, called on the government to help better the lives of residents of the constituency.
"Now that the NDC is in power we expect it to come to our aid. We are suffering and no one cares. We spend so much money on water every morning when we have not even given our children money for school," she said.
A beautician, Madam Rose Quarshie, said, "Every month I buy a tank of water for GH¢60 that is 3,000 gallons. I sell some of the water to residents for 15Gp a bucket, while a gallon costs 25Gp.”
Mrs Ruth Addison also said, “The water we fetch from the ground is not clean and we always have to add disinfectant to it before we use them. If much care is not taken, you may end up using contaminated water.”
“We organised a durbar here some time ago to meet the MP to discus some problems with her but that did not yield any positive results,” she added.
A trader, Joyce Appiah, appealed to the MP to have the grievances of the residents at heart, adding, “Let us be patient and see what she can do for us. Maybe she has heard us and is preparing to solve the problem.”
Most of the residents pleaded with the government to come to their aid.
Pantang admits more people with substance, alcohol abuse.
Page 31 Friday December 19 2008
THE Pantang Hospital recorded an increase of 88 per cent in the number of patients who were admitted there for substance abuse between 2007 and 2008.
The number of patients admitted for alcohol abuse also increased by 43 per cent during the period, according to the acting Medical Officer of the hospital, Mrs Annan Dzadey.
Mrs Dzadey was speaking at an end-of-year party and awards ceremony for the patients and staff of the hospital on Wednesday.
She said total Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance this year was 28,101, made up of 11,995 physical and 16,106 psychiatric cases.
She indicated that given the increasing number of alcohol and illicit substance users, the hospital might expect more clients with addiction problems seeking help in psychiatric hospitals.
“We are prepared to help patients, but it should be the primary concern of policy makers to address this need as soon as possible. The World Health Organisation (WHO) report in 2002 indicated that four per cent of the global burden of diseases and 3.2 per cent of all deaths were attributed to alcohol. Yet we see alcohol being prepared and sold almost everywhere and even young children can buy it without a problem,” she said.
According to Mrs Dzadey, patients referred to the hospital by court for observation, evaluation and treatment were often forgotten by the authorities and they became a burden on the hospital.
She noted that the hospital had 121 patients who had been on admission for more than two years, 70 of them without any traceable families.
“In 2007 and 2008, we admitted 23 and 29 patients, respectively, on court order and as of now 35 are still in the wards. Most of these neglected and forgotten patients become part of our hospital family,” she added.
Mrs Dzadey said the hospital would establish a special ward for the rehabilitation of patients with substance addiction problems, as well as intensify activities at the Department for the Rehabilitation of Chronic Patients.
In a speech read on his behalf by the acting Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Daniel Yayemain, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Elias Sory, said even though brain drain in the health sector was still a problem, mental health workers continued to show a high level of commitment.
“Mental health workers throughout the country have demonstrated that it is possible for all health workers to put in an extra effort when the right kind of leadership is demonstrated,” ho noted.
He commended the management of the hospital for organising the end-of-year party and awards ceremony, saying the ceremony served as a therapy that could contribute immensely towards the fast recovery of patients.
As part of the ceremony, a dancing competition among the inmates of the hospital was held and the winners were crowned Mr and Miss Pantang 2008.
Nine retired officers of the hospital were rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
THE Pantang Hospital recorded an increase of 88 per cent in the number of patients who were admitted there for substance abuse between 2007 and 2008.
The number of patients admitted for alcohol abuse also increased by 43 per cent during the period, according to the acting Medical Officer of the hospital, Mrs Annan Dzadey.
Mrs Dzadey was speaking at an end-of-year party and awards ceremony for the patients and staff of the hospital on Wednesday.
She said total Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance this year was 28,101, made up of 11,995 physical and 16,106 psychiatric cases.
She indicated that given the increasing number of alcohol and illicit substance users, the hospital might expect more clients with addiction problems seeking help in psychiatric hospitals.
“We are prepared to help patients, but it should be the primary concern of policy makers to address this need as soon as possible. The World Health Organisation (WHO) report in 2002 indicated that four per cent of the global burden of diseases and 3.2 per cent of all deaths were attributed to alcohol. Yet we see alcohol being prepared and sold almost everywhere and even young children can buy it without a problem,” she said.
According to Mrs Dzadey, patients referred to the hospital by court for observation, evaluation and treatment were often forgotten by the authorities and they became a burden on the hospital.
She noted that the hospital had 121 patients who had been on admission for more than two years, 70 of them without any traceable families.
“In 2007 and 2008, we admitted 23 and 29 patients, respectively, on court order and as of now 35 are still in the wards. Most of these neglected and forgotten patients become part of our hospital family,” she added.
Mrs Dzadey said the hospital would establish a special ward for the rehabilitation of patients with substance addiction problems, as well as intensify activities at the Department for the Rehabilitation of Chronic Patients.
In a speech read on his behalf by the acting Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Daniel Yayemain, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Elias Sory, said even though brain drain in the health sector was still a problem, mental health workers continued to show a high level of commitment.
“Mental health workers throughout the country have demonstrated that it is possible for all health workers to put in an extra effort when the right kind of leadership is demonstrated,” ho noted.
He commended the management of the hospital for organising the end-of-year party and awards ceremony, saying the ceremony served as a therapy that could contribute immensely towards the fast recovery of patients.
As part of the ceremony, a dancing competition among the inmates of the hospital was held and the winners were crowned Mr and Miss Pantang 2008.
Nine retired officers of the hospital were rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
‘Bring all secretarial exams under one body’
Page 11 wednesday December 24 2008
THE Principal of Sight and Sound Education Ghana Limited, Mrs Julie Aryeetey, has called on the government to bring all secretarial examinations under one body such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
She said as a result of the different examinations held for secretarial schools in the country, graduates found it difficult securing good jobs.
‘’People on the job market demand certificates from various secretarial schools of their choice, and this makes it very difficult for our students to get jobs”, she noted, and appealed to the appropriate authorities such as the Minister of Education, Science and Sports and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service to help to address the issue.
Mrs Aryeetey was speaking at the graduation ceremony held by the school for 39 of its students who had completed a two-year course in secretarial training in Accra.
The graduates undertook such programmes as Shorthand, Typewriting, English Language, Office Procedures, French, Computer Studies and Business Communication.
She noted that the school catered for members of the public who wished to learn how to type as an additional skill.
“We are currently running the DBS which is also a two-year course in order to give our students easy access to polytechnics to pursue Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes to prepare them for the competitive job market”, she added.
Mrs Aryeetey appealed to parents and guardians to help instil discipline in their children and wards respectively, and also show great interest in education.
She charged the graduates to enrol in higher institutions to add value to themselves.
According to her traits such as good manners, integrity, efficiency and reliability were the ultimate in achieving higher positions.
The guest of honour for the occasion, Mr Daniel K. Boakye, encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence in order to distinguish themselves in all that they did.
THE Principal of Sight and Sound Education Ghana Limited, Mrs Julie Aryeetey, has called on the government to bring all secretarial examinations under one body such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
She said as a result of the different examinations held for secretarial schools in the country, graduates found it difficult securing good jobs.
‘’People on the job market demand certificates from various secretarial schools of their choice, and this makes it very difficult for our students to get jobs”, she noted, and appealed to the appropriate authorities such as the Minister of Education, Science and Sports and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service to help to address the issue.
Mrs Aryeetey was speaking at the graduation ceremony held by the school for 39 of its students who had completed a two-year course in secretarial training in Accra.
The graduates undertook such programmes as Shorthand, Typewriting, English Language, Office Procedures, French, Computer Studies and Business Communication.
She noted that the school catered for members of the public who wished to learn how to type as an additional skill.
“We are currently running the DBS which is also a two-year course in order to give our students easy access to polytechnics to pursue Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes to prepare them for the competitive job market”, she added.
Mrs Aryeetey appealed to parents and guardians to help instil discipline in their children and wards respectively, and also show great interest in education.
She charged the graduates to enrol in higher institutions to add value to themselves.
According to her traits such as good manners, integrity, efficiency and reliability were the ultimate in achieving higher positions.
The guest of honour for the occasion, Mr Daniel K. Boakye, encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence in order to distinguish themselves in all that they did.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
25 Administrators Inducted
Page 31 Monday December 22 2008
Twenty-five graduates from various universities in the country who will serve as administrative officers in 10 districts have been inducted at a ceremony at the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council.
They are from the University of Ghana, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
The Co-ordinating Director of the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council, Mr Fats T. Nartey, told the Daily Graphic that the graduates were selected after a written examination by 2,000 students.
He said 150 of them passed, 25 of whom had been posted to 10 assemblies.
They include the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA), the Ga East, Ga West, Dangme East, Dangme West, Ledzokuku, Ashaiman and Ga South assemblies.
He noted that the graduates were expected to serve at the ministries, departments and agencies.
Mr Nartey indicated that they constituted the first batch of students to be recruited and charged them to put in more effort at their various workplaces in order to attain higher positions.
Twenty-five graduates from various universities in the country who will serve as administrative officers in 10 districts have been inducted at a ceremony at the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council.
They are from the University of Ghana, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
The Co-ordinating Director of the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council, Mr Fats T. Nartey, told the Daily Graphic that the graduates were selected after a written examination by 2,000 students.
He said 150 of them passed, 25 of whom had been posted to 10 assemblies.
They include the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA), the Ga East, Ga West, Dangme East, Dangme West, Ledzokuku, Ashaiman and Ga South assemblies.
He noted that the graduates were expected to serve at the ministries, departments and agencies.
Mr Nartey indicated that they constituted the first batch of students to be recruited and charged them to put in more effort at their various workplaces in order to attain higher positions.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Page 29 Monday January 12 2009
Some commercial drivers in the Accra Metropolis have attributed their inability to wear seats belt to the inconvenience associated with putting on the belt.
According to them, seat belts sometimes make them feel uncomfortable and tired, especially when there is heavy traffic.
?????In separate interviews in Accra, some drivers told the Daily Graphic that although they were uncomfortable when they wore seat belts while on long journeys, they felt safe and comfortable wearing them. ?????
A minibus driver, Kojo Boadi, said seat belts were so tight that he always felt like urinating any time he wore them.
“About a year ago, I was driving some church members to a funeral in Ho. I started the journey feeling very comfortable and relaxed. After driving for about 35 minutes I felt like urinating and by the time I got to Akosombo I had urinated my bladder out. I later realised it was the tightness of the that had caused me all that pain. What embarrassed me the most was that my passengers started complaining”, he said.
A Benz minibus driver who only gave his name as Fuseini said he quickly wore his seat belt whenever he saw a policeman, adding that he knew his actions were wrong but he always prayed that he would never be caught.
“I am appealing to the police to pardon us when we are found guilty of this offence. We know it is wrong not to wear seat belts but wearing it makes us so tired”, he said.
A taxi driver, Kwame Akuamoah, said “I used to were seat belts when I was working as a taxi driver in Techiman but I stopped when I came to Accra because I noticed that most commercial drivers in Accra were not wearing them. At first I was reluctant to break the law but as time went on I joined my colleagues in doing so”.
Asked why he chose to do what was against the law, he said “I will start wearing it very soon because I know the police do not spare drivers who are found guilty of this offence”.
An Opel Astra salon taxi driver who only gave his name as Nana, said he was not used to wearing seat belts until he was caught by the police.
He added that he did not try explaining anything to the police when he was caught because he knew he had broken the law.
Although some drivers complained about the inconveniences of seat belts, others said they could not drive without wearing them.
A taxi driver, Nana Acheampong, said seat belts were life-savers and recalled an accident he had some years ago and said had it not been the seat belt which he wore, he would have lost his life.
He appealed to the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service to continue with the education on the use of seat belts to prevent road accidents.
He also advised all drivers, both commercial and private, to note the importance of wearing seat belts.
Some commercial drivers in the Accra Metropolis have attributed their inability to wear seats belt to the inconvenience associated with putting on the belt.
According to them, seat belts sometimes make them feel uncomfortable and tired, especially when there is heavy traffic.
?????In separate interviews in Accra, some drivers told the Daily Graphic that although they were uncomfortable when they wore seat belts while on long journeys, they felt safe and comfortable wearing them. ?????
A minibus driver, Kojo Boadi, said seat belts were so tight that he always felt like urinating any time he wore them.
“About a year ago, I was driving some church members to a funeral in Ho. I started the journey feeling very comfortable and relaxed. After driving for about 35 minutes I felt like urinating and by the time I got to Akosombo I had urinated my bladder out. I later realised it was the tightness of the that had caused me all that pain. What embarrassed me the most was that my passengers started complaining”, he said.
A Benz minibus driver who only gave his name as Fuseini said he quickly wore his seat belt whenever he saw a policeman, adding that he knew his actions were wrong but he always prayed that he would never be caught.
“I am appealing to the police to pardon us when we are found guilty of this offence. We know it is wrong not to wear seat belts but wearing it makes us so tired”, he said.
A taxi driver, Kwame Akuamoah, said “I used to were seat belts when I was working as a taxi driver in Techiman but I stopped when I came to Accra because I noticed that most commercial drivers in Accra were not wearing them. At first I was reluctant to break the law but as time went on I joined my colleagues in doing so”.
Asked why he chose to do what was against the law, he said “I will start wearing it very soon because I know the police do not spare drivers who are found guilty of this offence”.
An Opel Astra salon taxi driver who only gave his name as Nana, said he was not used to wearing seat belts until he was caught by the police.
He added that he did not try explaining anything to the police when he was caught because he knew he had broken the law.
Although some drivers complained about the inconveniences of seat belts, others said they could not drive without wearing them.
A taxi driver, Nana Acheampong, said seat belts were life-savers and recalled an accident he had some years ago and said had it not been the seat belt which he wore, he would have lost his life.
He appealed to the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service to continue with the education on the use of seat belts to prevent road accidents.
He also advised all drivers, both commercial and private, to note the importance of wearing seat belts.
Women urged to contribute their quota to development
Page 11 Saturday January 10 2009
THE President of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Ladies’ Club, Mrs Caroline Addy-Lamptey, has observed that Ghanaian women are endowed with immense knowledge and experience that could be tapped for national development.
She, therefore, advised them to work hard to deal with gender inequalities and discrimination and contribute effectively at all levels to build the nation.
Mrs Addy-Lamptey made this statement when members of the club visited the Tetteh Quarshie Millennium Farms at Mampong-Akuapem as part of their first anniversary celebration.
As part of the celebration, the group visited the farm to plant some cocoa seedlings to commemorate the occasion.
Mrs Addy-Lamptey, who used the occasion to enlighten women on issues that retard their progress, stressed the need for the government and civil society groups to continue with the implementation of programmes and projects to empower women to contribute their quota to development.
She stressed the importance of girl-child education and said it should be taken seriously because it was only through that, that women could acquire adequate knowledge to enable them to perform their expected roles.
She urged women in politics to be outspoken and fight for the rights of women, adding that, that was necessary to improve the status of women.
Members of the club paid tribute to the late Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, for planting a cocoa seedling on the farm, and for attaching importance to the country’s cocoa industry.
The caretaker of the Tetteh Quarshie Farm, the original farm on which Tetteh Quarshie planted the first cocoa seedling in Ghana, Mr Theophilus Obuobi, said the old farm should be maintained to befit the status of its name.
Some dignitaries who also visited the farm together with the ladies were the Warehouse and Ports Manager of COCOBOD, Mr Kwadwo Kissiedu-Kwapong, and the Tufuhene of Akuapem-Mampong, Opanyin Kwami Asumani.
THE President of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Ladies’ Club, Mrs Caroline Addy-Lamptey, has observed that Ghanaian women are endowed with immense knowledge and experience that could be tapped for national development.
She, therefore, advised them to work hard to deal with gender inequalities and discrimination and contribute effectively at all levels to build the nation.
Mrs Addy-Lamptey made this statement when members of the club visited the Tetteh Quarshie Millennium Farms at Mampong-Akuapem as part of their first anniversary celebration.
As part of the celebration, the group visited the farm to plant some cocoa seedlings to commemorate the occasion.
Mrs Addy-Lamptey, who used the occasion to enlighten women on issues that retard their progress, stressed the need for the government and civil society groups to continue with the implementation of programmes and projects to empower women to contribute their quota to development.
She stressed the importance of girl-child education and said it should be taken seriously because it was only through that, that women could acquire adequate knowledge to enable them to perform their expected roles.
She urged women in politics to be outspoken and fight for the rights of women, adding that, that was necessary to improve the status of women.
Members of the club paid tribute to the late Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, for planting a cocoa seedling on the farm, and for attaching importance to the country’s cocoa industry.
The caretaker of the Tetteh Quarshie Farm, the original farm on which Tetteh Quarshie planted the first cocoa seedling in Ghana, Mr Theophilus Obuobi, said the old farm should be maintained to befit the status of its name.
Some dignitaries who also visited the farm together with the ladies were the Warehouse and Ports Manager of COCOBOD, Mr Kwadwo Kissiedu-Kwapong, and the Tufuhene of Akuapem-Mampong, Opanyin Kwami Asumani.
Security Agencies Lauded For Good Work.
Page 13 Saturday January 10 2009
SOME members of the public have commended the security agencies in the country for the performance exhibited during the presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to them, the professionalism displayed by the security personnels during electioneering was outstanding, and deserved commendation.
They made this known in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic. This was when these reporters visited some parts of Accra to seek the views of the public on the performance of the security agencies during the elections.
Asked how he saw the performance of the security agencies during the elections, a welder, Karl Mac-Pods said despite the confusion at some polling stations, the security personnels were able to ensure that peace prevailed.
He, therefore, charged them to do better in maintaining the peace Ghanaians had worked hard to achieve.
A Quantity Surveyor, Mr Stephen Codjoe also said the work of the security agencies was encouraging.
He urged the security agencies to keep up the spirit and see to it that Ghanaians were protected in the future just like they did during the elections.
A kenkey seller, Mrs Comfort Tenkorang said she was satisfied with the work of the security agencies in ensuring peace in the country especially during the elections, and advised them to continue with their good works.
A trader, Mrs Regina Darko said the security agencies did their work excellently as civil servants with a sense of neutrality.
She advised the agencies to work hard and coperate effectively with the newly-elected President, Professor John Atta Mills just like they did with ex-President J.A. Kufour to enhance the image of the security agencies.
A lotto operator, Bright Somuah congratulated the security agencies for the hard work done during the elections and took the opportunity to advise Ghanaians to respect and coperate with the security agencies to enable peace to prevail.
Stanley Nyarko, a tailor who expressed his grievances over the performance of the security agencies said they did not deliver up to his expectation.
He said they were not well equiped and could not resolve certain problems because they were not enough at the various polling stations, adding that the security personnels always had to call for reinforcement when there was a problem.
He, therefore, advised them to better their security system next time.
SOME members of the public have commended the security agencies in the country for the performance exhibited during the presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to them, the professionalism displayed by the security personnels during electioneering was outstanding, and deserved commendation.
They made this known in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic. This was when these reporters visited some parts of Accra to seek the views of the public on the performance of the security agencies during the elections.
Asked how he saw the performance of the security agencies during the elections, a welder, Karl Mac-Pods said despite the confusion at some polling stations, the security personnels were able to ensure that peace prevailed.
He, therefore, charged them to do better in maintaining the peace Ghanaians had worked hard to achieve.
A Quantity Surveyor, Mr Stephen Codjoe also said the work of the security agencies was encouraging.
He urged the security agencies to keep up the spirit and see to it that Ghanaians were protected in the future just like they did during the elections.
A kenkey seller, Mrs Comfort Tenkorang said she was satisfied with the work of the security agencies in ensuring peace in the country especially during the elections, and advised them to continue with their good works.
A trader, Mrs Regina Darko said the security agencies did their work excellently as civil servants with a sense of neutrality.
She advised the agencies to work hard and coperate effectively with the newly-elected President, Professor John Atta Mills just like they did with ex-President J.A. Kufour to enhance the image of the security agencies.
A lotto operator, Bright Somuah congratulated the security agencies for the hard work done during the elections and took the opportunity to advise Ghanaians to respect and coperate with the security agencies to enable peace to prevail.
Stanley Nyarko, a tailor who expressed his grievances over the performance of the security agencies said they did not deliver up to his expectation.
He said they were not well equiped and could not resolve certain problems because they were not enough at the various polling stations, adding that the security personnels always had to call for reinforcement when there was a problem.
He, therefore, advised them to better their security system next time.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
(AMA evolves strategy to solve waste management problem)
Page 29 Friday January 9 2009
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has evolved a strategy to ensure that waste collectors are paid by the people who collect fees at the point of disposal.
This is to prevent instances where fee collectors pocket the fees they take at the point of disposal and to make resources available for waste collectors.
The head of the Waste Management Department of the AMA, Mr Ben Mensah Laryea, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra.
He said contractors would be deployed to various waste collection sites to collect waste and fees from sanitation guards beginning from the first quarter of this year.
This is to generate funds and help the AMA work effectively to improve sanitation in the metropolis.
He added that the expensive nature of the job needed enough revenue to cater for expenses such as purchasing of vehicles, fuel, spare parts and for maintenance.
According to him, a company was currently developing the Sabbah landfill for waste to be disposed of for three years after which the waste disposal site would be moved to the Kwabenya landfill.
Mr Laryea said the Waste Management Department had approached recycling companies to recycle plastics and other items and expressed the hope that this would start in Accra to make the city clean.
To ensure effective co-operation, Mr Laryea said the public would be educated on the new development, stressing that sanitation and waste management are important for all.
“If the city dwellers will fully co-operate with the AMA and also keep the city clean, we will all cut down on the health bills”, he added.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has evolved a strategy to ensure that waste collectors are paid by the people who collect fees at the point of disposal.
This is to prevent instances where fee collectors pocket the fees they take at the point of disposal and to make resources available for waste collectors.
The head of the Waste Management Department of the AMA, Mr Ben Mensah Laryea, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra.
He said contractors would be deployed to various waste collection sites to collect waste and fees from sanitation guards beginning from the first quarter of this year.
This is to generate funds and help the AMA work effectively to improve sanitation in the metropolis.
He added that the expensive nature of the job needed enough revenue to cater for expenses such as purchasing of vehicles, fuel, spare parts and for maintenance.
According to him, a company was currently developing the Sabbah landfill for waste to be disposed of for three years after which the waste disposal site would be moved to the Kwabenya landfill.
Mr Laryea said the Waste Management Department had approached recycling companies to recycle plastics and other items and expressed the hope that this would start in Accra to make the city clean.
To ensure effective co-operation, Mr Laryea said the public would be educated on the new development, stressing that sanitation and waste management are important for all.
“If the city dwellers will fully co-operate with the AMA and also keep the city clean, we will all cut down on the health bills”, he added.
‘Presidential run-off is a constitutional right to vote".
Page 17 Tuesday December 23 2008
The Madina District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has said the presidential run-off on December 28 is a constitutional right and as such every Ghanaian must vote on that day.
“ A leader has still not been chosen and, therefore, it is our collective responsibility that one is chosen to lead the country”, he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Rev. Opare Kwakye was speaking on the theme “Put on the whole armour of God” at the 19th Annual District Session of the church.
He called on Ghanaians to use the run-off to choose a dedicated leader who had the welfare of Ghanaians and the nation at heart and also be tolerant as the nation prepared for the run-off.
He encouraged Christians to be prayerful and meditate on the word of God, which was as a source of strength and power to the human soul.
“ We must never be complacent after praying. We must continue to pray until we are bold and prepared to face the trails and temptations of the devil”, he emphasised.
He advised Christians to be honest, faithful and sincere in all their endeavours and also be at peace with one another.
“ As Christians let us live by example; let us encourage each other; let us be our neighbour’s keeper and let us learn to love one another. We should not allow the devil to use us as weapons because we are the full armour of God”, he said.
Rev. Opare Kwakye highly commended the Electoral Commission (EC), security agents and the media for their excellent performance on December 7.
According to him the high level of professionalism displayed by the EC was an indication that the country was ready for development.
He advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage because they were the country’s source of information.
He noted that any wrong information delivered to Ghanaians could affect them in diverse ways.
“God has given us the victory so let us all walk as winners”, he added.
Rev. Opare Kwakye appealed to the two presidential aspirants for the run-off, Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Professor John Evans Attah Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be civil in their language as they continue with their campaign.
He encouraged Ghanaians to be tolerant as they go to the polls.
“ I know it is not easy queuing in the sun but let us exercise patience and victory will be ours after everything is over”, he said.
The Madina District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has said the presidential run-off on December 28 is a constitutional right and as such every Ghanaian must vote on that day.
“ A leader has still not been chosen and, therefore, it is our collective responsibility that one is chosen to lead the country”, he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Rev. Opare Kwakye was speaking on the theme “Put on the whole armour of God” at the 19th Annual District Session of the church.
He called on Ghanaians to use the run-off to choose a dedicated leader who had the welfare of Ghanaians and the nation at heart and also be tolerant as the nation prepared for the run-off.
He encouraged Christians to be prayerful and meditate on the word of God, which was as a source of strength and power to the human soul.
“ We must never be complacent after praying. We must continue to pray until we are bold and prepared to face the trails and temptations of the devil”, he emphasised.
He advised Christians to be honest, faithful and sincere in all their endeavours and also be at peace with one another.
“ As Christians let us live by example; let us encourage each other; let us be our neighbour’s keeper and let us learn to love one another. We should not allow the devil to use us as weapons because we are the full armour of God”, he said.
Rev. Opare Kwakye highly commended the Electoral Commission (EC), security agents and the media for their excellent performance on December 7.
According to him the high level of professionalism displayed by the EC was an indication that the country was ready for development.
He advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage because they were the country’s source of information.
He noted that any wrong information delivered to Ghanaians could affect them in diverse ways.
“God has given us the victory so let us all walk as winners”, he added.
Rev. Opare Kwakye appealed to the two presidential aspirants for the run-off, Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Professor John Evans Attah Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be civil in their language as they continue with their campaign.
He encouraged Ghanaians to be tolerant as they go to the polls.
“ I know it is not easy queuing in the sun but let us exercise patience and victory will be ours after everything is over”, he said.
Monday, January 5, 2009
(The benefits and disadvantages of preachers at markets)
Page 29 Monday January 5 2009
Ghanaians will forever remain religious.
Even at the peak of making money they still believe in the Almighty’s presence through his agents on earth (pastors).
This is amply manifested at marketplaces where traders simultaneously listen to the preacher man, give their offering and sell their wares.
Some traders, in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic at the 31st December Market at Accra expressed their belief in the word of God.
Asked whether the high volume of some microphones and amplifiers the pastors used were not a nuisance to them, they said it was normal and saw nothing wrong with that.
Madam Tina Adade, a cloth seller at the Makola Market said some of the messages from these pastors brought them some comfort.
“We all cannot be in church on Sunday to listen to the word of God. I think we should rather be thankful to these pastors who bring us the message at the market,” she said.
A beads seller at the market also said it was good to see these pastors preaching in the scorching sun.
“I think our pastors are now behaving like some of the disciples of Jesus. They do not care how much money we give them. I think it is wonderful to see Ghanaian pastors following the steps of Jesus”, she said.
Kwaku Obo, a watch repairer at the market who disagreed with the market women said: “A lady had her bag snatched; fortunately for her, she spotted the thief and raised an alarm for help but unfortunately, an amplifier being used by a pastor was so noisy that not even the person walking next to her heard her”.
He expressed the belief that it was necessary for these pastors to be decent in their work.
He said he had observed some of these pastors for some time and concluded that they were nothing but “stomach pastors.”
Another trader at the market who only gave his name as Joe also said: “I always feel like beating these so-called pastors. They make so much noise that you can hardly hear your phone ringing.”
He indicated that it was very risky to allow people to preach in the open as armed robbery had become prevalent in the society.
He narrated how his neighbour had been attacked by armed robbers in the deep hours of the night but he could not hear the warning shots by the robbers since there was an all night service in the neighbourhood.
While some of the traders protested against the noise emanating from the loud speakers and amplifiers used by some of the pastors at the market, others danced to some gospel songs being played by a pastor who was about to begin his preaching.
The pastor told the Daily Graphic that he had been called by God at the age of 15 to spread the word of God and had to stop schooling and to start preaching in buses, hospitals and in the open where people could see him.
The pastor said he was directed by the Holy Spirit to preach at markets and that was what he was doing.
One major problem traders at the Makola Market face is the refuse that has engulfed its streets.
They expressed the hope that the sanitation at the market would improve this year.
Ghanaians will forever remain religious.
Even at the peak of making money they still believe in the Almighty’s presence through his agents on earth (pastors).
This is amply manifested at marketplaces where traders simultaneously listen to the preacher man, give their offering and sell their wares.
Some traders, in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic at the 31st December Market at Accra expressed their belief in the word of God.
Asked whether the high volume of some microphones and amplifiers the pastors used were not a nuisance to them, they said it was normal and saw nothing wrong with that.
Madam Tina Adade, a cloth seller at the Makola Market said some of the messages from these pastors brought them some comfort.
“We all cannot be in church on Sunday to listen to the word of God. I think we should rather be thankful to these pastors who bring us the message at the market,” she said.
A beads seller at the market also said it was good to see these pastors preaching in the scorching sun.
“I think our pastors are now behaving like some of the disciples of Jesus. They do not care how much money we give them. I think it is wonderful to see Ghanaian pastors following the steps of Jesus”, she said.
Kwaku Obo, a watch repairer at the market who disagreed with the market women said: “A lady had her bag snatched; fortunately for her, she spotted the thief and raised an alarm for help but unfortunately, an amplifier being used by a pastor was so noisy that not even the person walking next to her heard her”.
He expressed the belief that it was necessary for these pastors to be decent in their work.
He said he had observed some of these pastors for some time and concluded that they were nothing but “stomach pastors.”
Another trader at the market who only gave his name as Joe also said: “I always feel like beating these so-called pastors. They make so much noise that you can hardly hear your phone ringing.”
He indicated that it was very risky to allow people to preach in the open as armed robbery had become prevalent in the society.
He narrated how his neighbour had been attacked by armed robbers in the deep hours of the night but he could not hear the warning shots by the robbers since there was an all night service in the neighbourhood.
While some of the traders protested against the noise emanating from the loud speakers and amplifiers used by some of the pastors at the market, others danced to some gospel songs being played by a pastor who was about to begin his preaching.
The pastor told the Daily Graphic that he had been called by God at the age of 15 to spread the word of God and had to stop schooling and to start preaching in buses, hospitals and in the open where people could see him.
The pastor said he was directed by the Holy Spirit to preach at markets and that was what he was doing.
One major problem traders at the Makola Market face is the refuse that has engulfed its streets.
They expressed the hope that the sanitation at the market would improve this year.
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