DomodRoof, a subsidiary of Domod Aluminium Limited, has organised a workshop to introduce modern and professional roofing methods to artisans and estate developers in Accra.
The workshop, which brought together carpenters and draughtsmen, among others, in the building industry also provided a platform for the participants to forge closer partnership among them and the captains of the building industry.
Addressing the participants, the Managing Director (MD) of Domod Aluminium Limited, Mr Fred Papa Kwofie, underlined the company's commitment to maintain and improve its market share by producing quality products.
He explained that the workshop formed part of the company's determination to continue to give its end-users the best services and urged the participants to make good use of the knowledge acquired, and also encourage them to strive for the best.
The Sales Engineer of DomodRoof, Mr Kwasi Okorie Anim, took the participants through four roofing modules, dubbed: "learning all you need to know about modern trends in roofing".
It covered critical areas in roofing such as why screws must be used in roofing and not nails, roofing the professional way and how to partner with leaders in the roofing market in Ghana and the sub region.
He gave participants the opportunity to try their hands on the electric screw driving machines.
Participants were awarded with certificates and Domod souvenirs after the programme.
Picture: The Managing Director of Domod Aluminium Limited, Mr Fred Papa Kwofie (middle) in a group picture with the participants after the workshop.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Students urged to repay loans on time
THE Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Mr Kwasi Boateng, has urged beneficiaries of student loans to demonstrate a high level of responsibility by repaying their loans on time.
He said SSNIT would be able to intervene positively in the socio-economic development of the country through the funding projects such as hostels, if students paid their loans on time.
Accommodation problems of most tertiary institutions in the country is as a result of the massive increase in the admission of new students.
Mr Boateng said this at the launch of the Students Representative Council (SRC) Alabi Hostel Fund of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) at Legon.
He said SSNIT had over the past decade been part of the solution to addressing the acute residential accommodation problems of institutions so long as there was effective collaboration between the authorities of the institutions and the organisation.
So far, SSNIT has worked closely with the authorities of public institutions to provide a number of hostels. The public institutions have made available land, while SSNIT has provided the construction finance and management of the hostels.
Mr Boateng urged all students to begin to think seriously and plan for their retirement even as they prepared for their careers, adding that "it is important for you to take keen interest in your relations with SSNIT to make you better informed about the scheme and thereby make life for you comfortable at the end of your working career”.
He commended the student leadership for the initiative and hoped that the effort would come to fruition.
The Fund Manager, Mr Charles Bannor, told the students that as professionals and commissioners of the fund, it was important that they stayed true to the core principles by taking responsibility, maintaining trust and influencing positively, the reasons for the initiative.
He applauded the entire student body for taking such an initiative to complement the institute’s efforts to create and sustain a convenient environment for effective teaching and learning activities.
The SRC president, Mr Ishmael Ackah, said since students played a vital role in ensuring a calm and conducive atmosphere to enhance student-management relationship, it was important to create a platform where students would have their peace of mind to concentrate on their academic work and extra curricula activities.
He, therefore, appealed to institutions, non-governmental organisations, the general public and other philanthropists to help the project which is estimated at GH¢100,000 to become a reality.
He said SSNIT would be able to intervene positively in the socio-economic development of the country through the funding projects such as hostels, if students paid their loans on time.
Accommodation problems of most tertiary institutions in the country is as a result of the massive increase in the admission of new students.
Mr Boateng said this at the launch of the Students Representative Council (SRC) Alabi Hostel Fund of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) at Legon.
He said SSNIT had over the past decade been part of the solution to addressing the acute residential accommodation problems of institutions so long as there was effective collaboration between the authorities of the institutions and the organisation.
So far, SSNIT has worked closely with the authorities of public institutions to provide a number of hostels. The public institutions have made available land, while SSNIT has provided the construction finance and management of the hostels.
Mr Boateng urged all students to begin to think seriously and plan for their retirement even as they prepared for their careers, adding that "it is important for you to take keen interest in your relations with SSNIT to make you better informed about the scheme and thereby make life for you comfortable at the end of your working career”.
He commended the student leadership for the initiative and hoped that the effort would come to fruition.
The Fund Manager, Mr Charles Bannor, told the students that as professionals and commissioners of the fund, it was important that they stayed true to the core principles by taking responsibility, maintaining trust and influencing positively, the reasons for the initiative.
He applauded the entire student body for taking such an initiative to complement the institute’s efforts to create and sustain a convenient environment for effective teaching and learning activities.
The SRC president, Mr Ishmael Ackah, said since students played a vital role in ensuring a calm and conducive atmosphere to enhance student-management relationship, it was important to create a platform where students would have their peace of mind to concentrate on their academic work and extra curricula activities.
He, therefore, appealed to institutions, non-governmental organisations, the general public and other philanthropists to help the project which is estimated at GH¢100,000 to become a reality.
Haruna
The Minister of Communication, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured Ghanaians of the government's commitment to accelerate the tempo of job creation and offer employment to the unemployed, especially the youth.
He said the government was determined to make Ghana an attractive Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination which would create between 10,000 and 20,000 jobs.
The minister made the assurance when he visited the Vodafone Call Centre in Accra.
He said that was part of the government's determination to offer employment opportunities to young people, particularly those with senior high school background and basic computer training to be able to earn a living.
He said the main objective of the visit was to interact with the management of Vodafone to know the challenges confronting the company, and what the government could do to support it.
Haruna Iddrisu said Ghana could earn as much as $1 billion if it encouraged businesses in the country.
He expressed his satisfaction with the number of young people who had been employed by the company and encouraged them to employ more of such people.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone, Mr David Venn, said the company aimed at ensuring high quality standards and added that the company was committed to helping all communities to communicate easily and efficiently.
He said the government was determined to make Ghana an attractive Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination which would create between 10,000 and 20,000 jobs.
The minister made the assurance when he visited the Vodafone Call Centre in Accra.
He said that was part of the government's determination to offer employment opportunities to young people, particularly those with senior high school background and basic computer training to be able to earn a living.
He said the main objective of the visit was to interact with the management of Vodafone to know the challenges confronting the company, and what the government could do to support it.
Haruna Iddrisu said Ghana could earn as much as $1 billion if it encouraged businesses in the country.
He expressed his satisfaction with the number of young people who had been employed by the company and encouraged them to employ more of such people.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone, Mr David Venn, said the company aimed at ensuring high quality standards and added that the company was committed to helping all communities to communicate easily and efficiently.
NUGS (Edu)
THE President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Mr Ishmael Tweneboah-Kodua, has called on the government to speed up the payment of student loans.
He said paying the loans on time would secure students from falling prey to unlawful activities such as cyber fraud, particularly when students desperately needed money to survive on their various campuses.
“In the light of the increasing incidents of cyber fraud, we expect that the government will pay these loans to students on time and also make the necessary adjustments to enable them to secure a minimum level of comfort,” he said.
Mr Tweneboah-Kodua made the call at the National Students Day celebration in Accra last Friday.
He said it was disheartening to see students going through a lot of frustrations before receiving their allowances.
He noted that Ghanaian students studying abroad also went through the same constraints before securing their scholarships and indicated that such students frequently wrote to their families back home for support.
He pointed out that students of French in the various institutions in the country were last year denied the one-year abroad programme in Togo and Benin due to lack of funds.
He appealed to the government to ensure the immediate disbursement of money to all Ghanaian students.
He said paying the loans on time would secure students from falling prey to unlawful activities such as cyber fraud, particularly when students desperately needed money to survive on their various campuses.
“In the light of the increasing incidents of cyber fraud, we expect that the government will pay these loans to students on time and also make the necessary adjustments to enable them to secure a minimum level of comfort,” he said.
Mr Tweneboah-Kodua made the call at the National Students Day celebration in Accra last Friday.
He said it was disheartening to see students going through a lot of frustrations before receiving their allowances.
He noted that Ghanaian students studying abroad also went through the same constraints before securing their scholarships and indicated that such students frequently wrote to their families back home for support.
He pointed out that students of French in the various institutions in the country were last year denied the one-year abroad programme in Togo and Benin due to lack of funds.
He appealed to the government to ensure the immediate disbursement of money to all Ghanaian students.
We need to uphold family unity
The acting Director of the Department of Children of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC), Mr Peter F. K. Eduful, has urged pastors and traditional leaders to sensitise their members to the importance of family unity.
He said there was the need to give the extended family the needed attention in order to curb problems such as child labour, child prostitution, streetism and teenage pregnancies, adding that too much focus on the nuclear family had resulted in the disintegration of most extended families which was a threat to the country’s development .
This was contained in a speech read on his behalf at the 2009 International Day of the Family at the Vilac International School in Accra at the weekend.
The theme for the occasion was “Every member of the family makes a difference”.
Mr Eduful said since fathers played major roles in the family such as making of decisions, it was also their responsibility to ensure the provision of basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.
He said the occasion provided the ministry the opportunity to increase public awareness and knowledge on economic, social and demographic processes affecting the family by focusing attention on the rights and responsibilities of all family members.
He said it again provided a suitable platform for increased awareness of family issues, government and the private sector as well as strengthening the capacity of national institutions to formulate, implement and monitor policies in respect of the family.
He said the family was the basic unit of the society that maintained the society through procreation, love and security.
He explained that families were very important in the life of all human beings since it was the first agent of socialisation of every child.
Mr Eduful pointed out that every member of the family had a specific and significant role to play, all of which added up to the development of the family, community and country at large.
He pointed out that it was about time Ghanaians responded to problems affecting the family, particularly the less privileged ones.
He said the only solution to family problems was for Ghanaians to review and assess the situation and needs of the family by enhancing the effectiveness of local, national and regional efforts to carry out specific programmes concerning families.
The Principal of the School, Mr Benedict Yartey, said the occasion was to emphasise the importance of a healthy family as far as child education was concerned.
He observed that for a child to perform excellently in school it was important for both parents to perform their duties responsibly.
He said responsible parents were a source of motivation for children who saw their parents as role models.
He therefore called on all parents and guardians to ensure that they provided their children with the needed care and support.
The United Nations (UN) designated 1993 as the International Year of the Family to develop and nurture the inherent capacities of families.
To emphasise the importance the international community attaches to the family, the celebration became an annual affair christened the International Day of the Family, which has become an important annual celebration of UN member states.
In 2001, a UN General Assembly Resolution urged all member states to design programmes and activities to mark the International Day of the Family.
The occasion draws attention to problem areas of the family, increasing cooporation at all levels on pertinent issues that affect the family, and takes practicable actions to strengthen the family to enable it to continue to play its role in development.
He said there was the need to give the extended family the needed attention in order to curb problems such as child labour, child prostitution, streetism and teenage pregnancies, adding that too much focus on the nuclear family had resulted in the disintegration of most extended families which was a threat to the country’s development .
This was contained in a speech read on his behalf at the 2009 International Day of the Family at the Vilac International School in Accra at the weekend.
The theme for the occasion was “Every member of the family makes a difference”.
Mr Eduful said since fathers played major roles in the family such as making of decisions, it was also their responsibility to ensure the provision of basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.
He said the occasion provided the ministry the opportunity to increase public awareness and knowledge on economic, social and demographic processes affecting the family by focusing attention on the rights and responsibilities of all family members.
He said it again provided a suitable platform for increased awareness of family issues, government and the private sector as well as strengthening the capacity of national institutions to formulate, implement and monitor policies in respect of the family.
He said the family was the basic unit of the society that maintained the society through procreation, love and security.
He explained that families were very important in the life of all human beings since it was the first agent of socialisation of every child.
Mr Eduful pointed out that every member of the family had a specific and significant role to play, all of which added up to the development of the family, community and country at large.
He pointed out that it was about time Ghanaians responded to problems affecting the family, particularly the less privileged ones.
He said the only solution to family problems was for Ghanaians to review and assess the situation and needs of the family by enhancing the effectiveness of local, national and regional efforts to carry out specific programmes concerning families.
The Principal of the School, Mr Benedict Yartey, said the occasion was to emphasise the importance of a healthy family as far as child education was concerned.
He observed that for a child to perform excellently in school it was important for both parents to perform their duties responsibly.
He said responsible parents were a source of motivation for children who saw their parents as role models.
He therefore called on all parents and guardians to ensure that they provided their children with the needed care and support.
The United Nations (UN) designated 1993 as the International Year of the Family to develop and nurture the inherent capacities of families.
To emphasise the importance the international community attaches to the family, the celebration became an annual affair christened the International Day of the Family, which has become an important annual celebration of UN member states.
In 2001, a UN General Assembly Resolution urged all member states to design programmes and activities to mark the International Day of the Family.
The occasion draws attention to problem areas of the family, increasing cooporation at all levels on pertinent issues that affect the family, and takes practicable actions to strengthen the family to enable it to continue to play its role in development.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tax
Story: Leticia Ohene-Asiedu
THE Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Major Daniel S. Ablorh-Quarcoo, says some religious leaders in the country are engaging in many income-generating activities which they know constitute business in the tax man’s language but are hiding behind Article 94 of the Constitution to evade the payment of tax.
He said, for instance, that men of God who publish and sell books and other recordings or engage in other commercial activities are liable to the tax laws of the country and asked such leaders to disclose all incomes they earned outside their core function of providing ecclesiastical services and pay the appropriate taxes on them.
Speaking at a seminar organised jointly by the IRS and the Value Added Tax (VAT) Service for religious bodies in Accra, Major Ablorh-Quarcoo noted that “if a religious body decides to buy a vehicle to run transport or buys a block- making machine or does an investment in a bakery and employs staff, whatever income that accrues from these business transactions is considered as trading activities under the law and is, therefore, taxable”.
He observed that in spite of that clear legal position, a number of religious leaders had taken advantage of the fact that incomes earned by religious bodies in the provision of ecclesiastical services were exempted from tax.
He then drew the attention of those leaders to James 4: 17, which admonishes that “To him that knows what is good but does it not, to him it is sin.”
He said they should also give meaning to the part of the Holy Bible which enjoined them to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s ....”.
Quoting Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution, Major Ablorh-Quarcoo said, “This section defines an exempt organisation to mean a person who functions as a religious, charitable or educational institution of a public character or a body of persons formed for the purpose of promoting social or sporting amenities.”
He said that meant that a religious, charitable or educational institution which was not of public character was not exempted from tax on any income earned by that institution and, therefore, subject to tax.
He assured all religious bodies in the country of the commitment of the IRS and the VAT Service to assist them to pay their taxes regularly and effectively.
The Chief Inspector of Taxes of the IRS, Mr F.E.K. Akoto, said activities of religious bodies such as the operation of transport, bookshops, guesthouses, schools, farms and bakeries were all taxable.
He said incomes of pastors that were taxable included money they received on special appreciation days organised for them by their churches, as well as incomes they received as authors, resource persons and employees of private businesses.
He appealed to religious leaders to file returns on all gifts received and pay requisite taxes on them.
Explaining the filing of tax returns, Mr Akoto said a tax return was an official statement of information from a person chargeable with tax under the tax laws to enable meaningful assessment to be raised on that person.
He said assets situated in Ghana, such as buildings of a permanent or temporary nature, land, shares, bonds, money, including foreign currency, and transportation, whether by land, sea or air, were all taxable gifts.
Mr Akoto advised all taxpayers, particularly religious leaders, to report any taxable gifts received within the year of assessment to the Commissioner of the IRS within 30 days of the receipt.
He said the returns should contain the description and location of the taxable gift, the total value of the gift, how it was calculated and the tax payable thereon, the full name and address of the donor of the gift and any other information required by the commissioner.
THE Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Major Daniel S. Ablorh-Quarcoo, says some religious leaders in the country are engaging in many income-generating activities which they know constitute business in the tax man’s language but are hiding behind Article 94 of the Constitution to evade the payment of tax.
He said, for instance, that men of God who publish and sell books and other recordings or engage in other commercial activities are liable to the tax laws of the country and asked such leaders to disclose all incomes they earned outside their core function of providing ecclesiastical services and pay the appropriate taxes on them.
Speaking at a seminar organised jointly by the IRS and the Value Added Tax (VAT) Service for religious bodies in Accra, Major Ablorh-Quarcoo noted that “if a religious body decides to buy a vehicle to run transport or buys a block- making machine or does an investment in a bakery and employs staff, whatever income that accrues from these business transactions is considered as trading activities under the law and is, therefore, taxable”.
He observed that in spite of that clear legal position, a number of religious leaders had taken advantage of the fact that incomes earned by religious bodies in the provision of ecclesiastical services were exempted from tax.
He then drew the attention of those leaders to James 4: 17, which admonishes that “To him that knows what is good but does it not, to him it is sin.”
He said they should also give meaning to the part of the Holy Bible which enjoined them to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s ....”.
Quoting Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution, Major Ablorh-Quarcoo said, “This section defines an exempt organisation to mean a person who functions as a religious, charitable or educational institution of a public character or a body of persons formed for the purpose of promoting social or sporting amenities.”
He said that meant that a religious, charitable or educational institution which was not of public character was not exempted from tax on any income earned by that institution and, therefore, subject to tax.
He assured all religious bodies in the country of the commitment of the IRS and the VAT Service to assist them to pay their taxes regularly and effectively.
The Chief Inspector of Taxes of the IRS, Mr F.E.K. Akoto, said activities of religious bodies such as the operation of transport, bookshops, guesthouses, schools, farms and bakeries were all taxable.
He said incomes of pastors that were taxable included money they received on special appreciation days organised for them by their churches, as well as incomes they received as authors, resource persons and employees of private businesses.
He appealed to religious leaders to file returns on all gifts received and pay requisite taxes on them.
Explaining the filing of tax returns, Mr Akoto said a tax return was an official statement of information from a person chargeable with tax under the tax laws to enable meaningful assessment to be raised on that person.
He said assets situated in Ghana, such as buildings of a permanent or temporary nature, land, shares, bonds, money, including foreign currency, and transportation, whether by land, sea or air, were all taxable gifts.
Mr Akoto advised all taxpayers, particularly religious leaders, to report any taxable gifts received within the year of assessment to the Commissioner of the IRS within 30 days of the receipt.
He said the returns should contain the description and location of the taxable gift, the total value of the gift, how it was calculated and the tax payable thereon, the full name and address of the donor of the gift and any other information required by the commissioner.
GTUC
The Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Stephen Amoanor Kwao, has urged labour unions not to see labour disagreements as avenues to engage in confrontation with the government.
He said labour issues were crucial for the country's development, and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing them.
"The Government of the National Democratic Congress is a listening government that would always approach labour issues with commitment, understanding and determination which would seek improvement in the quality of life of the Ghanaian.
Mr Amoanor Kwao made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Antwi Boasiako, at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in Accra.
It was on the theme, "PSWU 50 years in the service of workers- the way forward."
Mr Amoanor Kwao has assured labour unions that the government would do anything to promote their existence and ensure their effectiveness.
He said labour unions were important because they provided the government with the platform to properly handle issues more conveniently through their leadership.
Mr Amoanor Kwao said labour unions were critical tools that afforded workers the opportunity to build a united front from which their welfare and development issues could crystallise and put forward.
"You have also been able to organise both the government and SSNIT pensioners. This also runs to a total of about eighty thousand in number and this position in terms of numbers should enhance your dealings with government at the highest levels. The union should be a springboard for you to improve upon your performance and reach the zenith of your operations to the satisfaction of your stakeholders", he added.
Mr Amoanor Kwoa urged the union to make realistic demands on the government to benefit it members.
He lauded the union for securing Bargaining Certificates for most of its corporate entities and urged them to work hard for the betterment of the union.
The General Secretary of the National Union, Mr Daniel Antwi, said salary levels in the public sector often influenced private sector salaries and conditions.
He said the efforts of unions went a long way in ensuring that society at large enjoyed appreciable public services as might be provided by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) or the Ghana Civil Aviation.
He recalled the fact that the PSWU was the first in keeping in place the Forum of Government Trade Unions as a framework for forging common positions to leverage collective bargaining with the government on issues.
He said the PMSU had also offered immense leadership at the level of the GTUC, thus bolstering up the union in its dealings with government.
Mr Antwi advised the union to develop strategic ideas in order to consistently defend and further the interests of Ghanaian workers.
The Deputy Director of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Willis Orhin, said gone are the days when labour unions were all about staff welfare.
He said now the trend was for unions to have a say in the growth of the organisations of which they were part.
He said it was on record that the some unions had partnered with their management teams to add value to goods and services they produced in a bid to have a competitive edge.
"As the business world is currently going through the most challenging economic crisis, it behoves both management and labour unions to team up and find new innovative ways of doing business at minimum cost", he said.
He commended the union for its achievements and efforts in contributing to revamping organised labour at all levels.
He said labour issues were crucial for the country's development, and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing them.
"The Government of the National Democratic Congress is a listening government that would always approach labour issues with commitment, understanding and determination which would seek improvement in the quality of life of the Ghanaian.
Mr Amoanor Kwao made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Antwi Boasiako, at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in Accra.
It was on the theme, "PSWU 50 years in the service of workers- the way forward."
Mr Amoanor Kwao has assured labour unions that the government would do anything to promote their existence and ensure their effectiveness.
He said labour unions were important because they provided the government with the platform to properly handle issues more conveniently through their leadership.
Mr Amoanor Kwao said labour unions were critical tools that afforded workers the opportunity to build a united front from which their welfare and development issues could crystallise and put forward.
"You have also been able to organise both the government and SSNIT pensioners. This also runs to a total of about eighty thousand in number and this position in terms of numbers should enhance your dealings with government at the highest levels. The union should be a springboard for you to improve upon your performance and reach the zenith of your operations to the satisfaction of your stakeholders", he added.
Mr Amoanor Kwoa urged the union to make realistic demands on the government to benefit it members.
He lauded the union for securing Bargaining Certificates for most of its corporate entities and urged them to work hard for the betterment of the union.
The General Secretary of the National Union, Mr Daniel Antwi, said salary levels in the public sector often influenced private sector salaries and conditions.
He said the efforts of unions went a long way in ensuring that society at large enjoyed appreciable public services as might be provided by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) or the Ghana Civil Aviation.
He recalled the fact that the PSWU was the first in keeping in place the Forum of Government Trade Unions as a framework for forging common positions to leverage collective bargaining with the government on issues.
He said the PMSU had also offered immense leadership at the level of the GTUC, thus bolstering up the union in its dealings with government.
Mr Antwi advised the union to develop strategic ideas in order to consistently defend and further the interests of Ghanaian workers.
The Deputy Director of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Willis Orhin, said gone are the days when labour unions were all about staff welfare.
He said now the trend was for unions to have a say in the growth of the organisations of which they were part.
He said it was on record that the some unions had partnered with their management teams to add value to goods and services they produced in a bid to have a competitive edge.
"As the business world is currently going through the most challenging economic crisis, it behoves both management and labour unions to team up and find new innovative ways of doing business at minimum cost", he said.
He commended the union for its achievements and efforts in contributing to revamping organised labour at all levels.
Christ the King Int. School receives books
THE 1975 year group of the Christ the King International School in Accra, at the weekend donated books and other educational materials to the school.
Making the presentation, the President of the group Mr Hector Adjetey Boye, said the old students sought to establish a bond of togetherness and friendship among themselves, to enable them properly support the school.
He said although the school was very renowned, it was unfortunate that no good foundation had been laid by its old students to fully support it and expressed the hope that other year groups of the school would emulate this example.
A member of the year group, Ms Mansa Amoa-Awuah advised the children to study seriously to reciprocate the investment being made in their education by their parents and school authorities.
She advised them to show appreciation to their parents for making it possible for them to be educated in one of the best schools in the country as they were being groomed to fit into society morally and educationally.
The Headmistress of the school, Sister Vincentia Mensah expressed her profound gratitude to the old students for the donation and expressed the hope that other individuals, groups and establishments will emulate the shining example.
Picture: The old students in a group picture.
Making the presentation, the President of the group Mr Hector Adjetey Boye, said the old students sought to establish a bond of togetherness and friendship among themselves, to enable them properly support the school.
He said although the school was very renowned, it was unfortunate that no good foundation had been laid by its old students to fully support it and expressed the hope that other year groups of the school would emulate this example.
A member of the year group, Ms Mansa Amoa-Awuah advised the children to study seriously to reciprocate the investment being made in their education by their parents and school authorities.
She advised them to show appreciation to their parents for making it possible for them to be educated in one of the best schools in the country as they were being groomed to fit into society morally and educationally.
The Headmistress of the school, Sister Vincentia Mensah expressed her profound gratitude to the old students for the donation and expressed the hope that other individuals, groups and establishments will emulate the shining example.
Picture: The old students in a group picture.
Parents urged to be responsible
The Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Ms Akua Sena Dansua has urged parents to ensure the security and safety of their children by living up to their parental responsibilities.
She asked parents to be extra vigilant in their communities and report people who molest children to the appropriate authorities.
Making the statement in an address read on her behalf at the third national conference of the Fire Officers Wives Association (FOWA) in Accra over the weekend, the minister said advocacy on good parenting should be vigorous, particularly because of recent reports indicating lack of parental supervision and responsibility towards children.
She said parents and guardians must be conscientised to appreciate the fact that good parenting was the foundation for inculcating in children virtues and values that would direct their behaviour and actions in the future.
She also reminded parents of the importance of education, particularly girl child education, adding that education played a crucial role in the empowerment of women, especially if women were to occupy leadership and decision making positions in the future.
She expressed worry about the increasing spate of parental irresponsibility which had paved way for child molesters adding that "we need to go back to the basics of good parenting if we are to prevent some of these problems from arising".
Ms Dansua said women were created with peculiar invaluable assets and characteristics including affection, love, compassion and an inclination to promoting peace and harmony in every situation, including the development of a country.
She said that FOWA as an association, could be effectively utilised to discuss critical matters related to the empowerment of women and children, since most of them engaged in small scale businesses that earned them income to support their families.
She appealed to FOWA to advocate, sensitise, educate and create awareness within their communities on issues of critical national priorities, and mentioned child trafficking and child prostitution as some of the abuses against children, which required attention by all.
The President of FOWA, Mrs Margaret Ferkah said the association was set up to unite all officers wives, foster good relationship,as well as assist members acquire skills for self employment as means of addressing the issue of unemployment faced by some members.
She said one major achievement of the association was to micro-finance a loan of GH¢300 and GH¢500 for 29 of its members to set up small scale businesses.
She said some members had also been trained in the making of beads, slippers, tie and dye and pomade.
Mrs Ferkah said one major concern of the association, was the intention to establish a welfare fund which she hoped would be ready in two years time, to cater for the needs of its members.
She commended President John Evans Atta Mills for appointing more women to serve in his government and assured the government of the association's commitment to collaborate with it in all spheres to increase the participation of more women in the country's democracy.
The President of Breast Cancer International (BCI), Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, advised the women on the need to seek early treatment for breast cancer when detected.
She said early detection by a competent doctor could help save their life.
She said if delayed, the disease could spread to other vital parts of the body such as the heart, kidney and brain, decreasing one's chance to survive.
She advised women affected with the disease to refrain from seeking healing from churches and seek early treatment.
*Pix: Samuel Adjei-Boateng
Deputy Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs Ms Hawawu Boya Gariba (second right, front row) and some members of the Fire Officers Wives Association, inspecting an exhibition of handicraft mounted by members of the association.
She asked parents to be extra vigilant in their communities and report people who molest children to the appropriate authorities.
Making the statement in an address read on her behalf at the third national conference of the Fire Officers Wives Association (FOWA) in Accra over the weekend, the minister said advocacy on good parenting should be vigorous, particularly because of recent reports indicating lack of parental supervision and responsibility towards children.
She said parents and guardians must be conscientised to appreciate the fact that good parenting was the foundation for inculcating in children virtues and values that would direct their behaviour and actions in the future.
She also reminded parents of the importance of education, particularly girl child education, adding that education played a crucial role in the empowerment of women, especially if women were to occupy leadership and decision making positions in the future.
She expressed worry about the increasing spate of parental irresponsibility which had paved way for child molesters adding that "we need to go back to the basics of good parenting if we are to prevent some of these problems from arising".
Ms Dansua said women were created with peculiar invaluable assets and characteristics including affection, love, compassion and an inclination to promoting peace and harmony in every situation, including the development of a country.
She said that FOWA as an association, could be effectively utilised to discuss critical matters related to the empowerment of women and children, since most of them engaged in small scale businesses that earned them income to support their families.
She appealed to FOWA to advocate, sensitise, educate and create awareness within their communities on issues of critical national priorities, and mentioned child trafficking and child prostitution as some of the abuses against children, which required attention by all.
The President of FOWA, Mrs Margaret Ferkah said the association was set up to unite all officers wives, foster good relationship,as well as assist members acquire skills for self employment as means of addressing the issue of unemployment faced by some members.
She said one major achievement of the association was to micro-finance a loan of GH¢300 and GH¢500 for 29 of its members to set up small scale businesses.
She said some members had also been trained in the making of beads, slippers, tie and dye and pomade.
Mrs Ferkah said one major concern of the association, was the intention to establish a welfare fund which she hoped would be ready in two years time, to cater for the needs of its members.
She commended President John Evans Atta Mills for appointing more women to serve in his government and assured the government of the association's commitment to collaborate with it in all spheres to increase the participation of more women in the country's democracy.
The President of Breast Cancer International (BCI), Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, advised the women on the need to seek early treatment for breast cancer when detected.
She said early detection by a competent doctor could help save their life.
She said if delayed, the disease could spread to other vital parts of the body such as the heart, kidney and brain, decreasing one's chance to survive.
She advised women affected with the disease to refrain from seeking healing from churches and seek early treatment.
*Pix: Samuel Adjei-Boateng
Deputy Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs Ms Hawawu Boya Gariba (second right, front row) and some members of the Fire Officers Wives Association, inspecting an exhibition of handicraft mounted by members of the association.
Two arrested for defrauding businesswoman
THE Nima Police have arrested two persons for allegedly defrauding a Ghanaian businesswoman of GH¢4,800.
The suspects, Balia Bangura, 62, a Guinean, and Ibrahim Marshall, 35, a UK-based Ghanaian boxer, are currently in police custody pending further investigations.
Five other persons suspected to be involved in the act are currently on the run. Their identities are yet to be established.
The Nima Divisional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, who made this known to the Daily Graphic, said about two months ago the complainant (name withheld) had a call from an unknown person from Benin.
He said the caller informed the complainant that he wanted to invest in agriculture and that he was transacting the business on behalf of Balia, whom he described as a wealthy businesswoman.
ACP Awuni said the caller told the complainant that he had the complainant’s number from someone who carted goods for her (complainant) some time ago.
He said the caller finally came down to Ghana on two occasions for the purpose of what he described as feasibility studies on the complainant’s palm oil plantation.
He said following the completion of the studies, the complainant became convinced that the caller was a genuine businessman and so she agreed to sell the plantation to him at the cost of $12.5 million.
Following that, he said, Balia came to Ghana and explained to the complainant that a group of men would be following up with the money later.
ACP Awuni said when Balia arrived, the complainant accommodated her in her house for some time until the money arrived.
He said the complainant received a call on Sunday, May 3, 2009 that the group of men had arrived with the money and she was directed to go for it at Tesano, a suburb of Accra, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
He said on that Wednesday, the complainant, in the company of Balia, drove to Tesano for the money but on their arrival the group of men said they had made some expenses on their journey to Ghana and, therefore, asked the complainant to pay GH¢4,800, which she paid.
He said the complainant suspected foul play and, therefore, refused to take the money, saying it was dark and so she could not see the money well.
ACP Awuni said the complainant agreed to go for the money the next day and decided to go back home with Balia, who had been staying with her all along.
He said the men disagreed and suggested they go with Balia to lodge in a hotel and return the next day, but the complainant refused.
He said when the complainant arrived home, she quickly locked Balia up in her room and drove to the Nima Police Station to lodge a complaint.
ACP Awuni said when the police arrived at the complainant’s residence, they noticed that someone had tampered with the door.
He said after Balia had been arrested, the police went to Tesano in an attempt to arrest the men who had come with the money, adding that by the time they got there the four men had escaped with the money.
He said early Thursday morning Ibrahim Marshall went to the police station with the intention of visiting a Guinean woman who had been arrested.
He said upon further interrogations, the police became suspicious and arrested Ibrahim, who was later identified by the complainant as a member of the group she had met at Tesano.
According to ACP Awuni, the complainant identified a safe in his (ACP Awuni’s) office which was similar to the safe which contained the money intended for the transaction.
He said the safe in his office had been brought there in connection with a fraud case two months ago.
Picture: The safe which was identified by the complainant as being similar to the one containing the $12.5 million intended for the payment of the transaction.
The suspects, Balia Bangura, 62, a Guinean, and Ibrahim Marshall, 35, a UK-based Ghanaian boxer, are currently in police custody pending further investigations.
Five other persons suspected to be involved in the act are currently on the run. Their identities are yet to be established.
The Nima Divisional Police Commander, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, who made this known to the Daily Graphic, said about two months ago the complainant (name withheld) had a call from an unknown person from Benin.
He said the caller informed the complainant that he wanted to invest in agriculture and that he was transacting the business on behalf of Balia, whom he described as a wealthy businesswoman.
ACP Awuni said the caller told the complainant that he had the complainant’s number from someone who carted goods for her (complainant) some time ago.
He said the caller finally came down to Ghana on two occasions for the purpose of what he described as feasibility studies on the complainant’s palm oil plantation.
He said following the completion of the studies, the complainant became convinced that the caller was a genuine businessman and so she agreed to sell the plantation to him at the cost of $12.5 million.
Following that, he said, Balia came to Ghana and explained to the complainant that a group of men would be following up with the money later.
ACP Awuni said when Balia arrived, the complainant accommodated her in her house for some time until the money arrived.
He said the complainant received a call on Sunday, May 3, 2009 that the group of men had arrived with the money and she was directed to go for it at Tesano, a suburb of Accra, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
He said on that Wednesday, the complainant, in the company of Balia, drove to Tesano for the money but on their arrival the group of men said they had made some expenses on their journey to Ghana and, therefore, asked the complainant to pay GH¢4,800, which she paid.
He said the complainant suspected foul play and, therefore, refused to take the money, saying it was dark and so she could not see the money well.
ACP Awuni said the complainant agreed to go for the money the next day and decided to go back home with Balia, who had been staying with her all along.
He said the men disagreed and suggested they go with Balia to lodge in a hotel and return the next day, but the complainant refused.
He said when the complainant arrived home, she quickly locked Balia up in her room and drove to the Nima Police Station to lodge a complaint.
ACP Awuni said when the police arrived at the complainant’s residence, they noticed that someone had tampered with the door.
He said after Balia had been arrested, the police went to Tesano in an attempt to arrest the men who had come with the money, adding that by the time they got there the four men had escaped with the money.
He said early Thursday morning Ibrahim Marshall went to the police station with the intention of visiting a Guinean woman who had been arrested.
He said upon further interrogations, the police became suspicious and arrested Ibrahim, who was later identified by the complainant as a member of the group she had met at Tesano.
According to ACP Awuni, the complainant identified a safe in his (ACP Awuni’s) office which was similar to the safe which contained the money intended for the transaction.
He said the safe in his office had been brought there in connection with a fraud case two months ago.
Picture: The safe which was identified by the complainant as being similar to the one containing the $12.5 million intended for the payment of the transaction.
Students urged to repay loans on time
THE Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Mr Kwasi Boateng, has urged beneficiaries of student loans to demonstrate a high level of responsibility by repaying their loans on time.
He said SSNIT would be able to intervene positively in the socio-economic development of the country through the funding projects such as hostels, if students paid their loans on time.
Accommodation problems of most tertiary institutions in the country is as a result of the massive increase in the admission of new students.
Mr Boateng said this at the launch of the Students Representative Council (SRC) Alabi Hostel Fund of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) at Legon.
He said SSNIT had over the past decade been part of the solution to addressing the acute residential accommodation problems of institutions so long as there was effective collaboration between the authorities of the institutions and the organisation.
So far, SSNIT has worked closely with the authorities of public institutions to provide a number of hostels. The public institutions have made available land, while SSNIT has provided the construction finance and management of the hostels.
Mr Boateng urged all students to begin to think seriously and plan for their retirement even as they prepared for their careers, adding that "it is important for you to take keen interest in your relations with SSNIT to make you better informed about the scheme and thereby make life for you comfortable at the end of your working career”.
He commended the student leadership for the initiative and hoped that the effort would come to fruition.
The Fund Manager, Mr Charles Bannor, told the students that as professionals and commissioners of the fund, it was important that they stayed true to the core principles by taking responsibility, maintaining trust and influencing positively, the reasons for the initiative.
He applauded the entire student body for taking such an initiative to complement the institute’s efforts to create and sustain a convenient environment for effective teaching and learning activities.
The SRC president, Mr Ishmael Ackah, said since students played a vital role in ensuring a calm and conducive atmosphere to enhance student-management relationship, it was important to create a platform where students would have their peace of mind to concentrate on their academic work and extra curricula activities.
He, therefore, appealed to institutions, non-governmental organisations, the general public and other philanthropists to help the project which is estimated at GH¢100,000 to become a reality.
He said SSNIT would be able to intervene positively in the socio-economic development of the country through the funding projects such as hostels, if students paid their loans on time.
Accommodation problems of most tertiary institutions in the country is as a result of the massive increase in the admission of new students.
Mr Boateng said this at the launch of the Students Representative Council (SRC) Alabi Hostel Fund of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) at Legon.
He said SSNIT had over the past decade been part of the solution to addressing the acute residential accommodation problems of institutions so long as there was effective collaboration between the authorities of the institutions and the organisation.
So far, SSNIT has worked closely with the authorities of public institutions to provide a number of hostels. The public institutions have made available land, while SSNIT has provided the construction finance and management of the hostels.
Mr Boateng urged all students to begin to think seriously and plan for their retirement even as they prepared for their careers, adding that "it is important for you to take keen interest in your relations with SSNIT to make you better informed about the scheme and thereby make life for you comfortable at the end of your working career”.
He commended the student leadership for the initiative and hoped that the effort would come to fruition.
The Fund Manager, Mr Charles Bannor, told the students that as professionals and commissioners of the fund, it was important that they stayed true to the core principles by taking responsibility, maintaining trust and influencing positively, the reasons for the initiative.
He applauded the entire student body for taking such an initiative to complement the institute’s efforts to create and sustain a convenient environment for effective teaching and learning activities.
The SRC president, Mr Ishmael Ackah, said since students played a vital role in ensuring a calm and conducive atmosphere to enhance student-management relationship, it was important to create a platform where students would have their peace of mind to concentrate on their academic work and extra curricula activities.
He, therefore, appealed to institutions, non-governmental organisations, the general public and other philanthropists to help the project which is estimated at GH¢100,000 to become a reality.
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