The Member of Parliament for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante has described illegal mining activities (galamsey) as Ghana’s biggest enemy and must not be entertain.
According to the Lawmaker who doubles as a Board Member of Ghana Cocoa Board, illegal mining won’t offer anything good for the country because it is destroying the water bodies and lands.
“Galamsey fight is a collective responsibility of everybody and we should use same spirit we used to fight and defeated covid-19 to combat it. Because is a big challenge to the country and in life nobody would like to work with its enemy,” he observed.
Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH on the sidelined during the 2022 Cocoa Day celebration which coincided with the 75th Anniversary of COCOBOD held on Saturday, October 1,2022 at Suhum Presbyterian Senior High School park.
“As am speaking now, currently, the water bodies are not habitable for ‘ mosquitoes and frogs’ and if care is not taking water would become scarce and the unborn generation will come and suffer the consequence. Hence the need to fight against the galamsey menace together,” he stated.
He hinted, the galamseyers are not only destroying our water bodies but rather they are cutting down the cocoa trees as well to mine on the lands which poses a serious threat to the country’s development thus the need for every Ghanaian citizen to join the fight.
The Lawmaker for Suhum constituency in the Eastern Region who doubles as the board member of Cocobod, Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante has commended Cocobod for their contribution to road infrastructure in the constituency.
He said Cocobod is constructing a 74km road network for them of which some have been completed whiles others are under construction.
Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante made this known during the launching and exhibition of the 2022 Cocoa Day and the 75th Anniversary Celebration of COCOBOD held at Suhum Presbyterian Senior High School on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
He noted that Cocobod has awarded the abandoned Aponoapono Kwasi Komfuor road for construction.
He seized the opportunity to appeal to Cocobod CEO to come to their aid by helping them fix their deplorable Suhum to Ali Tetekaaso road.
Seth Kwame Acheampong, Minister, E/R.
Ɔboafo Asante also thanked president Akufo-Addo for not leaving Suhumman behind in his year of roads taged.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance and Administration at Ghana Cocoa Board, Emmanuel Ray Ankrah bemoaned the activities of illegal mining ( galamsey) and the potential it has to creeping the cocoa sector.
“This coupled with the recent agitation by the global consumers, the European Union, other trading partners, and global civil society organizations for more environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices has made it imperative for us to adopt more aggressive approach to sustainable cocoa production,” he noted.
The four-day programme which would climax on Saturday, October 1, 2022, was duly launched on behalf of President Nana Addo by the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong.
The Minister stated that the decision by some individuals to sell their cocoa farms to illegal foreign miners poses a threat to farming activities which is affecting the livelihood of the residents.
“The one-time sale of cocoa lands to foreigners wouldn’t create wealth in one day. Wealth is rather created over time and from the golden production of the cocoa beans which created jobs and business for millions of people on an annual basis.”
Samuel Osei Sarkodie, Entrepreneur and Financial Consultant.
The NPP Youth Organiser for New Juaben North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Osei Sarkodie popularly known in the political terrain as SOS has said the photography industry plays a key role in the country’s development.
According to Osei Sarkodie who doubles as a financial consultant and entrepreneur, the photography job gives opportunities to many people to enable them to get closer to persons who hold high offices.
“Some photographers don’t know how to charge for a programme. So I seized the opportunity to educate them on how to do proper pricing or budgeting for an event,” he noted.
Samuel Sarkodie disclosed this to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH during the inauguration of the Ghana Union of Professional Photographers (GUPP), the Koforidua branch held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the GPRTU, regional office conference hall.
The programme was held under the Theme:” THE ROLE OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN GHANA’S TVET AGENDA”.
Dan Jim Selassie, GUPP National President.
He added, “It’s about time the photographers tighten their relationship with the event planners to get more work doing, things are changing, and if things change one must also change its working skills to get money because now we are in the digital world.”
The national president for GUPP, Dan Jim Selassie said, at the material moment in the global industry the transition of every aspect of life indicates that the white color job is seriously struggling to sustain itself from total extinction.
He added that the gov’t is stressing the need for an efficiently practical-minded labour force inclusive of photographers.
“In Ghana, gov’t is leaving no stone unturned, and therefore a couple of weeks ago has successfully and efficiently transformed the old NVTI into a modern TVET service centre in Ghana.
“When the centre was refurbished it has so far recorded 45,000 students admission,” he opined.
Pastor Prince A. Amoah, General Secretary- L.L.I.C.
In addition, the General Secretary for Leaders Light International Church, Pastor Prince Ayensu Amoah who spoke on behalf of the General Overseer of the Church, Apostle Dr. Samuel Kofi Dadzie admonished the newly inaugurated GUPP members to let togetherness, love, unity, and oneness be their priority in line of their duties.
He bemoaned the greediness of some individuals which lead to division among themselves all in the name of seeking wealth.
According to him those who inculcate acts of selfishness end up not fulfilling their intended purpose hence the call for togetherness and teamwork.
He advised the photographers in Ghana especially the eastern regional branch members to know that they have chosen the right job and shouldn’t be discouraged by the comments of people.
Prof. George Ofori, Dean of school of the Built Environment and Architecture,London Southbank University, UK.
The Dean of School of the Built Environment and Architecture for London Southbank University in UK, Professor George Ofori has charged the Ghana government to consider prioritizing the construction industry in the country.
According to the Dean who doubles as the consultant and advisor to Government and International Agencies on Construction Industry, the developed countries such us UK, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore among others can boost of their construction industries because they are being supported by their respective governments.
Professor Ofori is of the view that emulating the aforementioned developed nations should come by well-formulated structures.
He made this known to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH when the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment together with the Centre for Sustainable Development of the Koforidua Technical University in the Eastern Region presented a research seminar for their lecturers on construction industry.
Dr. Prince Boateng, Dean of Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Koforidua Technical University.
The topic discussed was ‘Construction Industry Development in Developing Countries’, new challenges and proposed agenda in Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) world.
Professor Ofori explained that “If the construction industries in Ghana are in good shaped and discharging their duties accordingly by using high quality building materials but affordable for their work will make the standard of living good for everybody in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Dean of Facility of Built and Natural Environment of the Koforidua Technical University who championed the research seminar, Dr. Prince Boateng indicated construction industries in Ghana does not have proper structure; hence the lead to many waste in the system.
“Even some construction industries doesn’t know how to do budgeting either they do under budgeting or over budgeting and all this things pull us backwards in terms of development.
“We have a term called ‘pedagogy’ and it means the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theological concept. Thus, bringing this two together really help us to achieve the productivity we want and it also opens the economy as well as the societal activities.
“The construction industry can generate an income for the country should the gov’t assisted them and put in place proper measures,” he stated.
In that regards, Professor William Gyadu Asiedu, the Director of Works and Physical Development at the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment of the University, was pleased with the programme and noted the department had been waiting for such occasion for very long.
According to him, they were looking for research agenda for the next five years which the seminar will give them a fair ideas to be used to defined their research for the institution.
The Akuapemhene of Akuapem Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akkuffo II has conferred Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II’ on the Amanokromhene Nana Osim Kwatia II as his new title.
According to Akuapemhene, Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II has contributed his quota towards the development of Akuapemman hence the title.
“Some years ago, there was a dispute amongst some of the divisional chiefs in Akuapem traditional council during the era of my late uncle Nana Addo Danquah, the Akuapemhene of whom have succeeded, but you [Okofrobour Kwatia II] fought very hard to support and help him solved those disputes before he joined his ancestors,” he recounted.
Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II, Amanokromhene.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akkuffo II noted that when he was installed as the Akuapemhene there has been back-and-forth amongst some of the divisional chiefs in the area but Okofrobour Kwatia II stood behind him with the same support and respect he offered to his late uncle which indicates that he stands for peace.
This came to light when the Akrahene of Akuapem and Chief of Kwamoso, Nana Kwame Donkor Kissiedu II spoke on his behalf during the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Amanokromhene which was held simultaneously with the Amanokrom 2022 Odwira festival.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akkuffo II told Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II that, his 15yrs on the Amanokrom stool was a blessing to many, and Akuapemman will forever be grateful to him for his good work done.
Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II was installed Amanokromhene on September 17,2007.
On his part, the Amanokromhene who doubles as the Gyasehene of Akuapem Traditional Council, Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II said, no matter the honorable their intentions and the agency with which they seek to progress they must accept that no development plan can attain its objectives without peace and harmony within the society.
He added that the demise of their predecessor Oseadeeyo Addo Danquah III has been regrettable because Akuapemman generally hasn’t enjoyed the peace that will enable them to realize their full potential in development and prosperity.
Okofrobour Osim Kwatia II continues by indicating that the situation is naturally worrying for all well-meaning citizens of Akuapem without exception.
He, therefore, seized the opportunity on his 15yrs anniversary as Gyasehene to appeal to the aggrieved parties to temper their exercises as they collectively seek the peace and stability that will enable Akuapemman to progress as one people.
In addition, the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong who represented Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia stated that Akuapem has been in the news for some time now because of the chieftaincy dispute and it doesn’t speak well of Okoman.
Akuapemhene congratulating Amanokromhene on his 15th years anniversary celebration.
To that effect, he appealed to the kingmakers of the Akuapem Traditional Council to come together and ensure they resolve the issues for Akuapemman to enjoy its past glory in terms of peace, unity, and oneness among all the 5 divisional chiefs, namely Benkum, Nifa, Kronti, Gyaase, and Adonteng.
The programme saw a lot of dignitaries including the Kyebihene Ɔsabarima Marfo Kwabrane, Adukromhene Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Apredehene Nana Safro Okompah, Akuapem North MP Nana Ama Doukua Asiamah-Adjei among others colorfully graced the occasion.
The Lawmaker for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante has on Friday, September 16, 2022 commissioned a eight (8) unit classroom block project for Koransang Presbyterian Kindergarten and Primary school.
The newly commissioned facility was at a cost of GHS800,000.00.
According to him, the initial plan was to built only six unit classroom block after demolishing the old structure but following an appeal from the community he was able to add an additional two unit classroom block.
“The deplorable state of the school became the topic of the community. So, to enhance teaching and learning in the area I have to go back and look for a loan to come and build a new school block for them, because the NPP gov’t is committed to education,” he told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.
Mr. Asante said he is aware of the many challenges confronting the education system in his constituency but he assures such are confronting with a lot of challenges but with time such problems will be rectify.
“The illiteracy rate of Namibia is over 90% whereas in Ghana is about 75% and it is not encouraging at all. Education in Ghana is now free from basic school to SHS therefore every Ghanaian parent must send their child to school.”
Members of the Koransang community heap praises unto their MP for attending to their plight after 10 decades of establishment of the Koransang Presbyterian Primary School without refurbishment.
The Headteacher of the School, Simon Osei Osarfo who was overwhelmed expressed gratitude to the MP for the project and promise to make good use of the facility.
“At first whenever the moon frown its face we have to forcibly close down the school and go home and if we don’t that and it rains a disaster may occur in the school because the structure of the old block was very weak,” he stated.
Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante, MP- Suhum Constituency.
Osei Osarfo indicated that, the nature of the old classroom block made many parents withdrawn their wards from the school which affected the rollout of the school but was optimistic that with the new facility rollout will increase.
Some students who also shared the frustration whilst using the old classroom blocks said they often see snakes during classes hours of which they run for their lives.
Moreover, whenever it attempted to rain they have to close early and go home to prevent any unforseen tragedy.
“…And this disturbed our studies a lot so we thank Ɔboafo Kwadwo Asante for showing us love in this crucial moment. May God continue to bless his handiworks,” they added.
The Torchbearers International Agriculture Science and Technology (TIAST) Group, a Non Governmental Organization in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council through its Regional Agriculture Department has organized a two day Agri-Business Investors Conference and Exhibition for farmers.
The program aim at linking small- scale farmers to ready market and discuss the wealthy way forward in the agriculture sector was held at the Koforidua National Cultural Center in the New Juaben South Municipality.
Speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, the Director of Business Development – Ghana of the group, Mrs. Priscilla Fiati indicated, they have noticed that lands and the climate change in the Eastern Region is good for farming activities especially cassava plantation.
Mrs. Priscilla Fiati, Director of Business Development-Ghana, TIAST.
According to her, farmers in the Region are doing tremendously well in the agriculture sector. However they’re being confronted by financial constraints.
“That is why we collaborated and signed MoU with the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) to see how possible best we can assist the farmers to get them those modern equipments to be used to run their farms so that together we can achieve the agriculture industrialization agenda in the Eastern Region and beyond,” she added.
The program was held under the theme: “ACHIEVING AGRICULTURE INDUSTRIALIZATION THROUGH EASTERN COMMODITY SATELLITE MARKETS: FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT OF THE TIAST”.
The programme commenced on Wednesday September 14 and to end on Thursday September 15, 2022.
Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, Minister- E/R.
On his part, the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong commended the Regional Agriculture Department and other directors from the 33 Municipal and Districts Assemblies in the region for their immense contributions towards the sector.
He further told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH that, their aim was to use the programme to revive trade in the region and also described their partnership with TIAST Group as a good move and which would go a long way of strengthen the agri-business entirely in the region.
Mr. Acheampong opined that what transpired at the exhibition grounds shows agriculture in the region has future therefore they will provide financial support for prospect farmers venture into farming to help sustain farming activities in the region.
Also, the Eastern Regional Director for Agriculture, Henry Kobina Crentsil Junior expressed his satisfaction over the program and thanked all the invited stakeholders responsible for agriculture products especially, the Ghana Standards Authority,Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Export Promotion Authority and among others.
Mr. Kobina Crentsil Jr fumed, certification is very keen for the commodity satellite market because ones a farmer packaged his or her products it needed approval from the Ghana Standards Authority and Food and Drug Authority have to certify it to ensure its safeness for human consumption.
“…And am very much excited to see them here and I believe before the end of the program many farmers will utilize the opportunity to get their products registered,” he stated.
The programme witnessed many dignitaries such as madam Luisa Hao, Chairperson for TIAST Group, Mr. David Tai, CEO for TIAST Group, Municipal and District Chief Executives from all the 33 Municipal and District Assemblies and their Agriculture Directors in the Region among others.
The TIAST Group is a much committed organization aimed at adding value to the agriculture chain and promoting the worth of the agriculture industry in all the African countries through industrialization.
Mrs. Linda Darkwa, Women’s Organiser- Akuapem North Constituency.
The Akuapem North Women’s Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has offered free health screening for the people of Mampong-Akuapem ahead of the climax of the year’s Ohum Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2022.
The screening exercise held on Friday, September 9, at Akuapem Mampong was spearheaded by the NPP’s Women’s Organiser for the Constituency, Mrs. Linda Darkwa.
According to her, the health of the people is very paramount to her especially the aged, hence the decision to offer them free health screening.
She stated that Akuapem North is dominated by the aged however giving them such health benefits was considered important, because most of these aged finds it difficult to visit the hospital on regular basis to examine their body.
Mrs. Darkwa, known in the political cycle as ‘Yaa Baby’ also observed by saying that once political party counts on every single vote of the constituents to complement its chances of winning power, the health of the people must be priorities since without being healthier they can’t walk to the polling centers to exercise their franchise.
She thereby disclosed that free health screening exercise was one of the pledges he made to the people en route to her seeking for the women’s organiser position thus fulfilling it.
Speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH she added that they wanted the people of Mampong to be in good health and be strong to celebrate the Ohum festival.
She seized the opportunity and expressed her appreciation to the Health Directorate of the area, Constituency Executives, and most especially the Director General of the National Lottery Authority, Mr. Sammi Awuku for their immense contributions to the programme.
“After seeing the turnout, I was so amazing because I never expected such a huge number on board” Mrs. Darkwa appreciated.
Some beneficiaries of the free healthcare services were grateful to the NPP Women’s Wing in Akuapem North for the costly opportunity given them on a free basis.
They explained that the exercise has helped them to know how important it is to regularly check up concerning their health.
A Senior Nurse at the Greater Accra East Municipal Hospital, Rebecca Kumah, said, they discovered through the various examination that the majority of the beneficiaries had blood pressure.
According to her, among the blood pressure patients, many are unaware of the illnesses whiles those who do and are on medication have stopped taking the medicines midway.
Madam Rebecca then advised Ghanaians to ensure they take their health issue seriously by way of doing regular check-ups to know their health status.
Mr. Ernest Ofosu on blue print African wear at left when presenting the roofing sheets to the school.
The District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa South District Assembly in the Eastern Region, Mr. Ernest Ofosu has presented six packets of roofing sheets to Bososu District Assembly J. H. S to support their IT lab block.
According to him, the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) and the authority of the school wrote a letter through the Assembly’s director of education that they are building Information Technology (I.T) centre for the school so they should support them with roofing sheets.
The DCE noted that, they will add one more packet of the roofing sheet to the first six because they requested for seven packets.
Mr. Ernest Ofosu indicated that, education is dear to the heart of the NPP gov’t, so after completion of the I.T centre the Assembly will help them to procure the computers and also provide them with furniture.
He told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH when he presented the roofing sheets to the school.
He added that getting at least one student one computer would enhance teaching and learning of the I. T. in the District.
He commended the NPP gov’t for its commitment to education in Ghana, saying that is why the gov’t allocated the majority of the country’s budget into education sector every year to provide quality education to its citizens.
Alhaji Umar Babs Kofi Bodinga, MCE – Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region, Alhaji Umar Bodinga has disclosed to that, more than 2,500 houses in the municipality do not have a building permit.
According to the MCE, one need a building permit before a structure is raise and after building, it required registering in order to pay for property rate fees.
Alhaji Babs Bodinga adds, they are going to meet and educate the owners of those houses on how important it is to pay their property rate tax to the Assembly because they need revenue to run the Assembly.
This came to light when the Assembly embarked on revenue mobilization exercise on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. A move he said will help them to get enough money to run and manage the Assembly.
Alhaji Umar Bodinga told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH that after engaging the owners of those houses they have up till the end of the year 2022 to start paying their fees other than that they will be made to face the law.
He mentioned that, they will ensure every property in Abuakwa North land is registered and pay it taxes to the Assembly.
He stated that, after the revenue mobilization exercise encounter with market women in the municipality, they agreed to pay their tax to the assembly.
“The Assembly has built 128 stores at Tafo market and I let them know that we used this small money we collected from them to built it and they started praising me for using the money to do an infrastructure projects.”
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