The Management of the Eastern Regional Education Directorate has announced plans to reward hard-working teachers on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

The initiative that forms part of plans to boost their motivation and contributions towards the growth of the sector in the region will include teaching and non-teaching staff.

Eastern Region has 42,481 staff, which comprise 39,023 teaching staff and 3,458 non-teaching staff, of which management believes their efforts should be recognized because they have discharged their duties to perception.

Speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH ahead of Thursday’s event, the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewa Owusu (PhD) said that a nomination form were opened for potential candidates who think they have performed well and deserve the awards to apply, and 407 people applied.

Asantewa Owusu added that teachers play an important role in every country, and as time goes on, they need to be motivated and appreciated for their good work.

“It is not easy to train a naive child to become elite by knowing how to write, speak, and read, and the parents have no idea about what the teachers go through in school before seeing their wards being transformed,” she recounted.

Ivy Owusu then said that the only way they could express their profound gratitude to them was to let them know their efforts are appreciated, hence organizing the Outstanding Achievement Awards scheme.

She further explained that they set up a vetting committee to vet all the 407 applicants, and after everything, 100 people were selected for the Outstanding Achievement Awards. She noted that only one person would be crowned as the ultimate winner.

The Eastern Regional Education Director indicated that they have items such as deep freezers, laptops, flat-screen TVs, and gas cooker burners, among others that would be given to the awardees, but the ultimate winner of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Awards will go home with a brand-new Toyota Yaris  Saloon car.

The Toyota Yaris saloon car, she said was donated to them by Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Abuakwa South Constituency in the Region.

She used the opportunity to thank all and sundry who have in diverse ways been supportive of the program to ensure its success.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Constituency in the Eastern Region, Abena Osei Asare has urged Ghanaians to vote for a humble and intelligent leader in the upcoming December 7 polls.

According to her, the 2024 election would determine the future of the youth; therefore, it is very essential to entrust the country into the hands of a visionary leader like Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriot Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.

Abena Osei Asare, who doubles as the Minister of State in charge of Finance, added that the leadership of the NPP made a rightful decision to choose Dr. Bawumia to lead them in the 2024 election.

She was of no doubt that Ghanaian youth would massively vote for him to become the next President for the sake of their future and the generation to come.

The Atiwa East Lawmaker said that among all the Presidential Candidates, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia stands tall because the welfare of the youth is dear to him, hence, his promise to create one million jobs for them through digital skills training where one can sit at home and work for a living.

Abena Osei made this known on Monday, August 5, during the sod cutting of the construction of an AstroTurf at Asamang Tamfoe with auxiliary facilities. The project is expected to be completed within 4 months periods.

The project covers the roofing and painting of the Asamang Tamfoe Presbyterian D/A JHS.

She highlighted that the NPP government had constructed over 100 AstroTurfs in the quest to harness talents through football.

For his part, Asamang Tamfoehene, Osaberima Kwame Okoh thanked the MP for ensuring that the area also benefits from the AstroTurf projects.

The traditional ruler was confident that when completed, the AstroTurf would help raise a lot of professional footballers from Asamang Tamfoe.

BY// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia says he has put in place measures to change the face of the energy sector in the country.

According to him, if elected to become Ghana’s next President, he will add to the country’s energy sector through solar power generation to reduce the cost of electricity usage.

Dr. Bawumia added, that to benefit from the sunshine, he is going to add 2,000 megawatts of solar power to our generation mix to reduce the cost of electricity by 50%.

He contended that such significant development, when implemented, would help ease the burden of Ghanaians especially hairdressers, washing bays, barbers, and dressmakers, among others, to pay less for electricity power to enable them to run their businesses.

The NPP’s flagbearer, who doubles as the country’s Vice President, made the remarks at Akuapem-Mampong on Saturday, August 3, 2024, when addressing the people of Akuapem North Constituency after a mega health walk organized by the Parliamentary Candidate of the Constituency, Sammi Awuku.

He also stated that the transport sector is another area that is milking Ghanaians financially; thus, it requires reform.

“We are changing all the public transport from diesel and petro to electrical vehicles and we are done with the estimate of the electrical buses soon it will land in Ghana to start operations before the December 7 polls to reduce the cost of transportation in the country,” added Dr. Alhaji Bawumia.

Speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, the Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency, Sammi Awuku, mentioned that all the 3 Akuapem Bloc compressing Okere, Akuapem North and South Constituencies are ready to vote for Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to enable him win the 2024 elections.

He stressed that a vote for Dr. Bawumia would strengthen the Free SHS policy, warning that failure to maintain the NPP in power has the potential to take the country backward in terms of development.

Furthermore, the Eastern Regional Chairman, Jeff Konadu Addo, commended the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for coming out with such bold solutions to address one of the biggest problems confronting Ghanaians.

“Electricity bills and transportation fares are draining many people’s salaries in the country, stating that it is important Ghanaians vote for Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 general elections to be able to implement all these initiatives to make living conditions moderate for everyone in the country,” he told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source//Obohnewsonline.com

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has in a significant move towards bolstering Ghana’s infrastructure launched the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and commissioned essential earth-moving equipment at the Black Star Square today.

The event, aimed at enhancing the country’s road networks, marks a pivotal milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to decentralize development and improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the critical role of road infrastructure in economic growth and social development. “Roads connect communities, facilitate trade, enable access to education and healthcare, and ultimately improve the quality of life for the citizenry,” he stated.

Despite significant progress in recent years, the President acknowledged that many district roads remain in poor condition, impeding economic activities and development.

The DRIP is designed to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary resources and equipment to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their areas. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to decentralization, providing local authorities with the tools to effect meaningful change.

The President announced the commissioning of a comprehensive fleet of 2,240 pieces of equipment, including motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, water tankers, and low beds. These machines are expected to play a crucial role in the nationwide improvement of road infrastructure.

A four-member committee at each MMDA will oversee the implementation of the programme, ensuring high standards of quality and accountability. The committees will include technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, along with a representative from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces. The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will chair these committees.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the job creation potential of the DRIP, projecting the creation of 10,000 jobs for mechanics, engineers, and artisans. He described the nation’s road network as the “circulatory system of our economy,” crucial for commerce, education, and healthcare.

Reflecting on past achievements, the President noted that from 2017 to December 2023, his administration completed 12,830 kilometers of roads and added six interchanges, a significant increase compared to the 4,636 kilometers and five interchanges completed during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016. Current projects include ten new interchanges, with five expected to be completed by the end of the year and five more by 2025.

The President stressed the importance of maintaining local road networks for economic development. Efficient travel reduces time and costs, boosting local economies and productivity. By empowering local authorities with resources and equipment, the government aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring that road projects are tailored to meet local needs and conditions.

President Akufo-Addo called for a collaborative approach to the success of the DRIP and urged MMDCEs to adhere to the operational manual issued by supervising ministries and stakeholders, ensuring proper use and maintenance of the equipment. He also called on the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development to establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.

In closing, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road networks across Ghana, launching a new era of progress and development. “Together, we can build a Ghana where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where our communities are connected, and where our nation can continue to grow and prosper,” he concluded.

The launch of the DRIP is a significant step towards transforming Ghana’s road infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The New Patriotic Communication Director for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region Samuel Baah popularly known as Gosh, has promised to sacrifice his position to ensure that NPP wins Suhum in the upcoming general elections come December 7.

Gosh made this statement when he granted an interview with Kyebi-based Susubiribi FM hosted by Odiagoro on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The Suhum Communication Director was responding to a petition submitted to the Suhum Member of Parliament, Oboafo Kwadjo Asante by the Constituents of Suhum over the weekend after a mammoth health walk organized by the ‘Friend of Oboafo’.

In the petition, they pleaded with the MP to come and contest in the December 7 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate else they would vote against the NPP.

Samuel Baah in his response whether he supports the content of the petition or not, affirmed his stance on making sure that NPP wins in Suhum.

He clarified that His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has to win the general election with fifty percent plus one vote to become the next president of Ghana to be able to implement his good policies for Ghanaians.

According to him, the Suhum Constituents have decided to vote again to maintain NPP in power should Oboafo Kwadjo Asante contest in the parliamentary elections.

He then promised to sacrifice his position as the Constituency Communications director of the party if that was the only way to ensure that the NPP won in Suhum.

“We have a next Government to protect and I’m ready to sacrifice my position in the party to work towards that,” Gosh mentioned.

When asked about the party’s elected parliamentary candidate, he claimed that the decision of the electorates in the December 7 elections must be considered paramount and it is better to go with one eye than to go with two eyes blind. After all the current MP, Oboafo Kwadjo Asante is an MP on the ticket of the NPP.

He therefore admonishes the petitioners to exercise restraint and have faith in the response from the MP.

Baah noted that he is optimistic that the MP will respect their clarion call on him.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Parliamentary candidate for Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku has noted that if elected to relish his Parliamentarian dream he will set up a scholarship scheme for brilliant but needy okada riders in the area.

According to him, most of the Okada riders are SHS graduates and due to financial constraints facing their parents they could not further their education to greater heights.

He indicated that some who are also graduates of tertiary education have ventured into the Okada business because there are not enough jobs in the country.

Sammi Awuku added that if he wins the seat to become the next Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, his Scholarship Secretariat would support all those who seek to further their education since over-reliance on the Okadar business for survival won’t be helpful to nation-building.

Speaking further Mr. Awuku who doubles as the Director General for the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) said that with his all-inclusive style of leadership, drivers will also benefit from the constituency driving scheme.

To ensure their safety, he promised to provide each person an Insurance and driving licenses to drive their crucial role in Ghana’s transport sector.

He believes that will help reduce the Okadar business in the area and also create job opportunities for Akuapem North.

He made this known when he engaged Okada riders in the constituency and outlined the policies he has for them if elected to become an MP.

Furthermore, Moses Abor, the chairman of the identifiable groups, responsible for the Well-being of the Okada riders in the Greater Accra Region, said the Okada business needed to be regularized to help the youth have peace of mind to do the work because the harassment from the Ghana Police Service is too much.

He also commended Sammi Awuku for his gesture to ensure that the unemployment issues in the area become a thing of the past something he said is likened to transformation and change of destiny.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source//Obohnewsonline.com.

Some residents in the Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region have called on the Member of Parliament of the area, Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.

According to the angry residents, the handwriting of Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante in the past three and half years in terms of infrastructure projects is visible for everyone in the constituency to see, however, they cannot afford to lose him in Parliament.

Reiterating their stance, they described their MP as a development-oriented who prioritizes the well-being of his constituents first before any other thing. They indicated that on several occasions the lawmaker used his common fund to execute lots of projects in the area which has benefited the people.

Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante was elected into Parliament in 2020 but during the party’s parliamentary primaries some months ago, the Suhum Constituency delegates refused to give him a second bid to represent them in Parliament

For this reason, the residents are making a clarion call on him to consider contesting the upcoming polls as an independent to enable him to continue his good works for the transformation agenda for Suhumman.

The resident expressed this to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH during a mega health organized by a group calling itself ‘Friends of Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante’ on Sunday, July 28, 2024, where hundreds of individuals across the breadth and length of the constituency joined the exercise.

They also petitioned Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante and gave him a 21-day ultimatum to come out and declare his intention of contesting the Suhum parliamentary seat as an independent candidate since failure to do so will compel them to exclude themselves from the December 7 polls.

The petition letter was received by Isaac Asiedu, the secretary to the MP. He acknowledged their concerns and further described the gesture as a step in the right direction.

“If the 400 delegates in Suhum have rejected him the over 76,000 eligible voters who vote in the Constituency are saying they like him because he has performed well likewise the previous MPs we have had and that’s why everybody in the Constituency is rallying behind him to go independent,” he stated.

Isaac Asiedu then urged the residents to remain calm and keep praying for Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante as all things being equal, the MP will heed their calls and do as they wish amid retaining the seat so he can continue his good works and develop the area further.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Management of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region has officially commissioned and handed over a newly built market for the people of Akyem Old Tafo.

The market comprises 41 sheds, 3 lockable stores, a place of convenience, a warehouse, a meat shop, revenue and environmental offices, and a corn and cassava milling machine area.

Speaking to Kingdom News after the commissioning and handing over the project to the community, the Akyem Old Tafohene, Daasebre Adusei Peasah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the management of the assembly for the kind gesture.

He praised the Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly, Dr. Alhaji Umar Bodinga for his timely intervention in fixing the only dying market in the area back to life to boost the local economy.

Daasebre Adusei Peasah used the opportunity and called on those who sell at their various homes and the shoulders of the road to return to the market and sell their commodities there because it is now functioning to help generate funds for the Assembly to use it for other developmental projects for the other communities that need help.

He made it clear that every Friday would be their main market day in the area because they don’t go to the farm on that particular day.

Furthermore, the MCE for the Assembly, Dr. Alhaji Umar Bodinga stated that anybody who has acquired space in the market and sold it to a 3rd party would be dealt with, and indicated that they spent a little over ¢500,000.00 to revive the market because they think about the welfare of the market women in the area.

“To prevent the thieves from entering the market at night and stealing the trader’s items after they are done with the day and go home I have fixed bulbs in and around the market to ensure the place is secured and well-protected,” he opined.

Alhaji Bodinga mentioned that the Assembly is ready to provide deep freezers for those who want to sell meats in the market to enable them to keep their meats neat because he does not want his people to consume unwholesome meat; hence adding the environmental health office to the market.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Okyenhene, Ɔsagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has described the free Senior High School policy as the greatest achievement in the world and urged Ghanaians to uphold it.

According to Ɔkyehene, many Junior High School graduates have been denied opportunities to further their education level to Senior High School due to poverty and hardship that engulfed their parents over the past years and this has destroyed their lives.

“For this reason, when President Akufo Addo and his New Patriotic Party’s government assumed office in 2017 after winning the 2016 elections they quickly initiated a free Senior High School education policy to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor to enable them study under the same umbrella because he [President Nana Addo] don’t want to see any JHS graduate staying at home as a result of poverty,” Ɔsagyefo Ofori Panin recounted.

The overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council condemned the attitude of some of the SHS matrons who smuggled the students’ foodstuffs home and sold them and later on turned themselves and criticized the government that the students don’t get food to eat in school indicating they are very wicked people.

Ɔsagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin noted that Free SHS education is a very good initiative and since its inception in 2017 over 1.6 million youth have benefited from it so far.

“Therefore woe onto those especially the matrons and teachers in the various schools who are sabotaging the policy that has given hope to the poor to realize their dreams”.

He made this assertion during the 2024 Ohum Kan festival and the same time celebrating his 25th golden jubilee anniversary on the Ofori Panin stool.

“The youth play a major of nation-building and their education must be the topmost priority of every country, that is why we must do everything possible to protect the Free SHS education policy to allow every Ghanaian child to benefit from it to give them a brighter future,” he added.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Right Reverend Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye has bemoaned the ongoing indefinite strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).

The striking teachers have held onto their decision since Friday, June 14, 2024, across all 46 Public Colleges of Education in the country.

“We were compelled to force our members to go on strike due to the failure of our Employer to comply with the National Labor Commission’s (NLC) decisions and orders given by the compulsory Arbitration Awards agreed by the parties,” according to CETAG.

The agreement includes an order for the payment of one month’s salary to each entitled member of CETAG as compensation for additional performed duties in 2022 among other incentives.

Reacting to the matter, Rt. Rev. Opare Kwakye called on the government to give financial clearance to the Colleges of Education to enable them to employ much-needed administrative and teaching staff.

The Presbyterian Moderator noted that already, Colleges of Education do not meet the minimum Ghana Tertiary Education Commission recommended tutor-to-student ratio.

Rt. Rev. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye made this assertion during the 16th Congregation of the Kibi Presbyterian College of Education where over 400 students successfully graduated from the institution.

He then appealed to the government and CETAG to have a fruitful discussion to ensure the fragile academic calendar which has not fully recovered from the effects of COVID-19 is thrown haywire again.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.