THE Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, has observed that the continuous usage of pipe-borne water by vehicle washing bays is posing a threat to the continuous availability of water in urban centres.
He also mentioned pollution, cutting of vegetative cover and dumping of toxic waste in water sources as some of the other activities posing hazard to water bodies in the country.
“These and other similar activities are causing siltation of our river channels, thereby reducing their flood carrying capacities and reducing the quality of water and its availability,” the minister stated.
Mr Bagbin was speaking at a forum on the water situation in the country and the Northern Region in Tamale.
According to him, the annual population growth in the country was putting pressure on the available water.
“This means that today the quantity of water available to us per person has reduced to about a third of what it was in 1960, and will further shrink to a sixth by 2050; in other words, the water available to us today is only 29 per cent of what it was in 1960, and will be only 16 per cent by 2050,” Mr Bagbin stated.
He mentioned the available water systems in the country to include the Black and White Volta, Oti, Tano, Pra, Ochi, Ayensu, Densu and Ankobra.
Mr Bagbin said the average annual volume of water available to Ghana was about 40 billion cubic meters (about 9,000 billion gallons) per year.
On achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the minister said even though the government had set a minimum target of 78 per cent coverage by 2015, “our target is to reach 85 per cent by 2015 and universal access by 2025.”
“As a party and a government, our pledge to the good people of Ghana is to end the perennial water crisis of our communities and cities by significantly expanding and upgrading water infrastructure by the end of our first term in office,” Mr Bagbin emphasised.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, expressed concern over the inadequate water resources in the area, adding that about only 60 per cent of the rural and peri-urban population currently had access to safe water.
“The implications are that the unserved population is at risk of contracting the various forms of water-borne and water-related diseases, and are thus unable to contribute meaningfully to life and the socio-economic development of their communities,” he stated.
He commended the government and other development partners for their various contributions in the provision of water to the people over the years.
Mr Mabengba, however, appealed for more support to address the growing imbalance in the water supply systems in the region, particularly in rural communities.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
WORKSHOP ON CORRUPTION HELD IN TAMALE (PAGE 35, DEC 13, 2010)
THE Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has organised a day’s workshop on the effects of corruption on a nation in Tamale in the Northern Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow, mentioned the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Offices, the CHRAJ, the Auditor General’s Department and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance as institutions for the legal frame work for fighting corruption in the country.
Mr Azantilow spoke on the topic: “Available mechanism for reporting corruption in Ghana.”
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, tax and cyber fraud.
Mr Azantilow, however, acknowledged that: “The existence of avenues for reporting corruption is not by themselves sufficient in the fight against corruption due to a myriad of problems.”
He explained that the institutions mandated to fight corruption such as the CHRAJ and the Economic and Organised Crime Office were under resourced.
Mr Azantilow stated that Parliament’s oversight of the executive was also rendered weak by Article 78 of the Constitution which mandates that majority of ministers are appointed from the legislature.
He further mentioned lack of political will and the effective decentralisation policy in the country as some of the challenges.
“The difficulty of fighting corruption in Ghana, as you would notice is not traceable to lack of mechanisms but the sheer unwillingness on the part of duty bearers to make the system work,” he stated.
Mr Azantilow also mentioned: “The resistance or arrogance of many people who think that the end justifies the means and would therefore do anything to achieve their aims and caprices regardless of the law.”
He expressed concern about the creeping phenomena of the politicisation of crime in the country.
Mr Azantilow observed that in many instances when people had been charged for corruption, politicians took advantage of the situation to put party colourisation to such charges thereby whipping up the sentiments of their respective party followers against the trials.
“Until this culture is done away with, the fight against public corruption, especially at the highest level shall be a mirage,” the director stated.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Northern Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Mr Stephen Azantilow, mentioned the Attorney General and the Economic and Organised Crime Offices, the CHRAJ, the Auditor General’s Department and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance as institutions for the legal frame work for fighting corruption in the country.
Mr Azantilow spoke on the topic: “Available mechanism for reporting corruption in Ghana.”
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crimes, including money laundering, human trafficking, tax and cyber fraud.
Mr Azantilow, however, acknowledged that: “The existence of avenues for reporting corruption is not by themselves sufficient in the fight against corruption due to a myriad of problems.”
He explained that the institutions mandated to fight corruption such as the CHRAJ and the Economic and Organised Crime Office were under resourced.
Mr Azantilow stated that Parliament’s oversight of the executive was also rendered weak by Article 78 of the Constitution which mandates that majority of ministers are appointed from the legislature.
He further mentioned lack of political will and the effective decentralisation policy in the country as some of the challenges.
“The difficulty of fighting corruption in Ghana, as you would notice is not traceable to lack of mechanisms but the sheer unwillingness on the part of duty bearers to make the system work,” he stated.
Mr Azantilow also mentioned: “The resistance or arrogance of many people who think that the end justifies the means and would therefore do anything to achieve their aims and caprices regardless of the law.”
He expressed concern about the creeping phenomena of the politicisation of crime in the country.
Mr Azantilow observed that in many instances when people had been charged for corruption, politicians took advantage of the situation to put party colourisation to such charges thereby whipping up the sentiments of their respective party followers against the trials.
“Until this culture is done away with, the fight against public corruption, especially at the highest level shall be a mirage,” the director stated.
EXPANSION OF TAMALE HOSPITAL ON COURSE (PAGE 22, 2010)
WORK on the 43 million Euro expansion and rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital is on course.
The project which began in May, this year, is scheduled for completion in four years’ time. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the 400-bed facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly funded by the government and the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands.
According to the project director of Simed International, Mr Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule bearing any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site, and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba and his deputy, Mr Nasamu Asabigi paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The Regional Minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far done, commended the contractors for their performance and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
“This project is very dear to the government and the people of northern Ghana; indeed it was one of our major campaign promises and we are happy that it is being fulfilled,” he stressed.
Mr Mabengba also inspected the progress of work on a GH¢300,000 lecture block for the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies and an MRI diagnostic centre at the hospital.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed capital investment instead of budgetary allocations, which he said were woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329 which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla, who is also a senior lecturer at the UDS Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however said: “This will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors; but with a bed strength of between 600-1000, we would be able to train about 150 doctors annually.”
According to him, health delivery at the hospital with the current bed-strength was being compromised.
Dr Kolbilla, however, expressed satisfaction over the growing numbers of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and added that currently, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
“This is more refreshing because majority of the doctors now are Ghanaians instead of what we had in the past when most of them were foreigners. There are limited Cuban doctors here as most of them have been sent to the districts where we are still facing inadequate doctors,” Dr Kolbilla stated.
President John Evans Atta Mills cut the sod for the expansion and rehabilitation works to begin at the hospital in April, this year.
The project which began in May, this year, is scheduled for completion in four years’ time. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities.
Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the 400-bed facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly funded by the government and the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands.
According to the project director of Simed International, Mr Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule bearing any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site, and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba and his deputy, Mr Nasamu Asabigi paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The Regional Minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far done, commended the contractors for their performance and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
“This project is very dear to the government and the people of northern Ghana; indeed it was one of our major campaign promises and we are happy that it is being fulfilled,” he stressed.
Mr Mabengba also inspected the progress of work on a GH¢300,000 lecture block for the School of Medical and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies and an MRI diagnostic centre at the hospital.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed capital investment instead of budgetary allocations, which he said were woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329 which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla, who is also a senior lecturer at the UDS Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however said: “This will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors; but with a bed strength of between 600-1000, we would be able to train about 150 doctors annually.”
According to him, health delivery at the hospital with the current bed-strength was being compromised.
Dr Kolbilla, however, expressed satisfaction over the growing numbers of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and added that currently, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
“This is more refreshing because majority of the doctors now are Ghanaians instead of what we had in the past when most of them were foreigners. There are limited Cuban doctors here as most of them have been sent to the districts where we are still facing inadequate doctors,” Dr Kolbilla stated.
President John Evans Atta Mills cut the sod for the expansion and rehabilitation works to begin at the hospital in April, this year.
Friday, December 10, 2010
WATER, SANITATION PROJECTS FOR 54 DISTRICTS (BACK PAGE, DEC 9, 2010)
A project to expand water and sanitation services to 600,000 people in 54 districts in six regions has been launched at Nanton-Zuo in Tamale.
The project also entails the construction of institutional latrines in beneficiary communities.
The beneficiary regions are Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Central and Western.
The five-year project is being funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank with a US$75 million facility, with the Government of Ghana providing US$2.34 million.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the project, which will ensure sustainability of water facilities and services, would further contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target in water supply and sanitation by 2015.
He expressed appreciation for the sanitation component of the project, since it would help in reducing communicable diseases and improve the health condition of the people.
Mr Bagbin expressed the appreciation of the people and the government to the World Bank and its Country Director, Mr Ishac Diwan, for their tremendous assistance.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, expressed concern over the low access to ground water and the incidence of high fluoride and its resultant inadequate water supply in some parts of the region and appealed to major stakeholders to help come up with a solution.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr Clement Bugase, disclosed that 1,200 boreholes, 40 limited mechanised water systems and 29 full-scale mechanised water supply systems would be constructed.
He said the project would also rehabilitate 13 non-optimal performing small town water supply systems in the Northern Region, while 400 broken boreholes in all beneficiary communities would also be rehabilitated.
A representative of the World Bank, Mr Vanture Bengonechea, expressed the hope that the project would support the government in addressing the water and sanitation needs of the people, particularly in rural communities.
The project also entails the construction of institutional latrines in beneficiary communities.
The beneficiary regions are Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Central and Western.
The five-year project is being funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank with a US$75 million facility, with the Government of Ghana providing US$2.34 million.
The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin, said the project, which will ensure sustainability of water facilities and services, would further contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target in water supply and sanitation by 2015.
He expressed appreciation for the sanitation component of the project, since it would help in reducing communicable diseases and improve the health condition of the people.
Mr Bagbin expressed the appreciation of the people and the government to the World Bank and its Country Director, Mr Ishac Diwan, for their tremendous assistance.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Sam Nasamu Asabigi, expressed concern over the low access to ground water and the incidence of high fluoride and its resultant inadequate water supply in some parts of the region and appealed to major stakeholders to help come up with a solution.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr Clement Bugase, disclosed that 1,200 boreholes, 40 limited mechanised water systems and 29 full-scale mechanised water supply systems would be constructed.
He said the project would also rehabilitate 13 non-optimal performing small town water supply systems in the Northern Region, while 400 broken boreholes in all beneficiary communities would also be rehabilitated.
A representative of the World Bank, Mr Vanture Bengonechea, expressed the hope that the project would support the government in addressing the water and sanitation needs of the people, particularly in rural communities.
ABUDUS ADVISED TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATION TABLE (PAGE 42, DEC 9, 2010)
THE Ghana Network for Peace Building (GHANEP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to members of the Abudu gate in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy disagreement to rescind their decision and return to the negotiation table of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
ABUDUS ADVISED TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATION TABLE (PAGE 22, DEC 7, 2010)
THE Ghana Network for Peace Building (GHANEP), a civil society organisation, has appealed to members of the Abudu gate in the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy disagreement to rescind their decision and return to the negotiation table of Eminent Chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
The organisation observed that it was always better to remain and help in addressing the challenges in peace processes than quitting when a contesting party’s concerns were not being addressed.
In a statement signed by Mr Melody Azinim, an officer of GHANEP in Tamale, the organisation also entreated members of the Andani gate not to take any action in the face of the present stand-off that had the potential of heightening the existing misunderstandings and uncertainties on the Dagbon crisis.
It described the decision by the Abudus to withdraw from participating in the media process as “a source of worry to all and has the potential to derail the peace process for Dagbon, especially when adjudication process is also ongoing.”
GHANEP explained that their concern was premised on their monitoring of the dynamics in the Dagbon communities in the midst of the ongoing court trials on issues of criminality and related matters.
“Understandably, mediation efforts take place within an environment of mutual dialogue, respect and understanding, where concerns around the interests and rights of the parties are mutually addressed, paving the way for a smoother forward process,” they indicated.
The statement further contended that such concerns must be addressed in an environment where there was openness and trust between both the parties and the facilitators.
They, however, acknowledged the immense contributions of the Otumfuo committee that had led to the interment of the remains of the late Dagbon King Yakubu Andani and the subsequent installation of the Kampakuya-Na as the regent of Dagbon.
GHANEP commended all the stakeholders involved in helping to find permanent peace to the Dagbon crisis.
“This means that the dignity of the parties involved in resolving the crisis must be maintained. Any action tended or purported to question the neutrality and reputation of the facilitators therefore calls for immediate intervention,” the statement said.
It called on the people of Dagbon to remain calm and steadfast in their desire for peace and not take any action that might further derail the process of finding a lasting solution to the chieftaincy crisis.
Monday, December 6, 2010
UK WILL HELP GHANA ACHIEVE MDG...In health sector (PAGE 22, DEC 4, 2010)
THE United Kingdom Government’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Stephen O”Brien, has suggested that more pragmatic measures must be taken to ensure that donor funds trickle down to beneficiary communities.
He observed that when such measures were taken, they would go a long way to create the needed impact for the beneficiaries, particularly those at the rural communities to ensure value for money.
Mr O”Brien further confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the health sector.
He, however, stressed the need for increased accountability and transparency within the sector.
The Under Secretary made the suggestion during an interaction with some health officials at the Kumbungu Health Centre as part of a day’s visit to the Northern Region.
Among the projects he visited were a malaria eradication campaign programme dubbed: Hang a net,” a UK aid supported health clinic and “School for Life,” an adult literacy programme.
Mr O”Brien later announced a £10 million package for the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treatment bed nets as part of measures to reduce the incidence of malaria in the country by 75 per cent by 2015.
Mr O’Brien and his team, including the acting Head of the DFID in Ghana, Mr Daniel Graymore, later spent the night at Gupanerigu, a deprived farming community in the Tolon/Kumbungu District.
According to Mr Graymore, the decision by the Under Secretary to sleep at the village was to afford him the opportunity to learn at first hand the challenges faced by the people at rural communities to enable him to make inform decisions and suggestions to policy makers on the way forward for such challenged communities.
Mr O’Brien, who was appointed to his current position in May, this year, has demonstrated a committed interest in development work, particularly in malaria control and eradication programmes over the years.
Born in Tanzania, the Under Secretary has been the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Eddisbury since 1999, and has held a number of front-bench positions, including the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. He has also been an Opposition Whip.
He observed that when such measures were taken, they would go a long way to create the needed impact for the beneficiaries, particularly those at the rural communities to ensure value for money.
Mr O”Brien further confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the health sector.
He, however, stressed the need for increased accountability and transparency within the sector.
The Under Secretary made the suggestion during an interaction with some health officials at the Kumbungu Health Centre as part of a day’s visit to the Northern Region.
Among the projects he visited were a malaria eradication campaign programme dubbed: Hang a net,” a UK aid supported health clinic and “School for Life,” an adult literacy programme.
Mr O”Brien later announced a £10 million package for the procurement and distribution of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treatment bed nets as part of measures to reduce the incidence of malaria in the country by 75 per cent by 2015.
Mr O’Brien and his team, including the acting Head of the DFID in Ghana, Mr Daniel Graymore, later spent the night at Gupanerigu, a deprived farming community in the Tolon/Kumbungu District.
According to Mr Graymore, the decision by the Under Secretary to sleep at the village was to afford him the opportunity to learn at first hand the challenges faced by the people at rural communities to enable him to make inform decisions and suggestions to policy makers on the way forward for such challenged communities.
Mr O’Brien, who was appointed to his current position in May, this year, has demonstrated a committed interest in development work, particularly in malaria control and eradication programmes over the years.
Born in Tanzania, the Under Secretary has been the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Eddisbury since 1999, and has held a number of front-bench positions, including the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. He has also been an Opposition Whip.
WORK ON TAMALE HOSPITAL PROGRESSES (PAGE 3, DEC 4, 2010)
WORK on the €43 million expansion and rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital is on course.
The project that began in May 2010, is scheduled for completion in four years. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, an accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly being funded by the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands and the Government of Ghana.
According to the project director of Simed International, Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule baring any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and his deputy, Nasamu Asabigi, paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far, commended the contractors and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed a capital investment instead of budgetary allocations which he said was woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329, which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla who is also a senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however, indicated that, “this will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors, but with a bedstrength of between 600-1000, we would be able train about 150 doctors annually.”
He expressed satisfaction over the growing number of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and disclosed that, at the moment, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
The project that began in May 2010, is scheduled for completion in four years. At the moment, the contractors, Simed International, are on site busily putting up a new four-storey block which would be handed over by December, 2012.
The entire project involves the construction of a new four-storey block, an accident and emergency centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Since its construction in 1974, the hospital has not received any major rehabilitation, leading to the deterioration of facilities and equipment.
When completed, the facility will serve as a referral centre for the northern part of the country.
The project is jointly being funded by the Fortis Bank NV of The Netherlands and the Government of Ghana.
According to the project director of Simed International, Hans Artz, the project would surely be completed on schedule baring any unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, expressed concern over the unreliable electricity and water supply to the site and appealed to the government to help address those challenges in order not to delay the work.
This came to light when the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, and his deputy, Nasamu Asabigi, paid a visit to the hospital to inspect the progress of work and also find out the challenges faced by the contractors.
The minister, who was impressed with the level of work so far, commended the contractors and promised to liaise with the appropriate ministries to address their difficulties.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr David Kolbilla, said the school needed a capital investment instead of budgetary allocations which he said was woefully inadequate.
He said currently, the hospital had a bed strength of 329, which would be increased to 400 upon completion of the rehabilitation works.
Dr Kolbilla who is also a senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School and Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, however, indicated that, “this will still be inadequate because it allows for the training of only 50 doctors, but with a bedstrength of between 600-1000, we would be able train about 150 doctors annually.”
He expressed satisfaction over the growing number of doctors accepting postings to the hospital and disclosed that, at the moment, there were about 90 doctors including various specialists.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
LET ALL HANDS BE ON DECK FOR VICTORY — AKUFFO-ADDO (PAGE 12, NOV 27, 2010)
THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has underscored the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the party is united for victory in the 2012 general election.
He indicated that the contest for office in the NPP was over and that the perceived factionalism in the party was, therefore, no longer relevant.
“The requirement now is that we all work together; nobody should put his personal preferences, wishes and desires above this collective goal of winning the 2012 elections,” the flag bearer admonished.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the national delegates of NPP youth in Tamale on Thursday.
The three-day conference is aimed at mapping out strategies to win the 2012 general election, among others.
He observed that the outcome of the elections would depend solely on the efforts of the party’s youth wing, since, by 2012, about 80 per cent of the electorate in the country would be made up of people less than 40.
He, therefore, called for the full involvement of the youth in the party from the constituency level, adding, “If tomorrow Ghana works, you will be the principal beneficiaries of an effective and functioning Ghana.”
The flag bearer mentioned harmony, resource availability and the quality of message as the three thematic areas that needed to be well-packaged to attract and resonate with the people.
He commended the leadership of the party for its tremendous efforts in coming up with relevant reforms and pragmatic programmes in the past months all aimed at making the NPP viable.
Nana Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the misunderstanding that was already emerging from some constituencies over the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries and advised that the matters be managed well in order not to throw away the gains made so far in the NPP’s ongoing reforms.
He urged delegates to study the profiles of would-be candidates carefully to make informed choices, warning that “if we do not take care, it may be a destructive process”.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, observed that “the elections of 2012 will be won or lost through the active involvement of the youth”.
He said it was only the NPP that could restore hope and prosperity to Ghanaians and described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as incompetent and “a party that continues to lie and lie and lie to the people; the NDC is a party of chop chop”.
Mr Owusu-Afriyie therefore called on the youth to always demand accountability from the government, assuring them that “whatever it will take to win back power, we will do it. In 2013, we shall be in government”.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, also called for sacrifice from the party’s supporters, noting that they should believe in themselves and not always expect monetary returns for their contributions to the affairs of the party.
He alleged that the strategy of the ruling NDC was the use of intimidation against its political opponents and, therefore, urged the NPP youth to stand up against those tactics.
The chairman entreated the participants to come up with proper strategic plans that would enable the party to win back power for the accelerated development of the country.
He indicated that the contest for office in the NPP was over and that the perceived factionalism in the party was, therefore, no longer relevant.
“The requirement now is that we all work together; nobody should put his personal preferences, wishes and desires above this collective goal of winning the 2012 elections,” the flag bearer admonished.
Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing the national delegates of NPP youth in Tamale on Thursday.
The three-day conference is aimed at mapping out strategies to win the 2012 general election, among others.
He observed that the outcome of the elections would depend solely on the efforts of the party’s youth wing, since, by 2012, about 80 per cent of the electorate in the country would be made up of people less than 40.
He, therefore, called for the full involvement of the youth in the party from the constituency level, adding, “If tomorrow Ghana works, you will be the principal beneficiaries of an effective and functioning Ghana.”
The flag bearer mentioned harmony, resource availability and the quality of message as the three thematic areas that needed to be well-packaged to attract and resonate with the people.
He commended the leadership of the party for its tremendous efforts in coming up with relevant reforms and pragmatic programmes in the past months all aimed at making the NPP viable.
Nana Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the misunderstanding that was already emerging from some constituencies over the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries and advised that the matters be managed well in order not to throw away the gains made so far in the NPP’s ongoing reforms.
He urged delegates to study the profiles of would-be candidates carefully to make informed choices, warning that “if we do not take care, it may be a destructive process”.
The General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, observed that “the elections of 2012 will be won or lost through the active involvement of the youth”.
He said it was only the NPP that could restore hope and prosperity to Ghanaians and described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as incompetent and “a party that continues to lie and lie and lie to the people; the NDC is a party of chop chop”.
Mr Owusu-Afriyie therefore called on the youth to always demand accountability from the government, assuring them that “whatever it will take to win back power, we will do it. In 2013, we shall be in government”.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, also called for sacrifice from the party’s supporters, noting that they should believe in themselves and not always expect monetary returns for their contributions to the affairs of the party.
He alleged that the strategy of the ruling NDC was the use of intimidation against its political opponents and, therefore, urged the NPP youth to stand up against those tactics.
The chairman entreated the participants to come up with proper strategic plans that would enable the party to win back power for the accelerated development of the country.
I'M NOT INTO DRUGS — AKFO-ADDO (PAGE 12, NOV 26, 2010)
Nana Akufo-Addo has denied either being cocaine addict or a drug baroon.
He said ‘all such allegations are without basis and lack substance”.
“I want to assure you that I have never sniffed or smoked any stuff in my life. It is all nonsense, it is never true,” Mr. Akufo-Addo emphatically stated.
Mr. Akufo-Addo was speaking in Tamale during a three-day national youth conference of the NPP in the metropolis.
The flag bearer further indicated that the party was currently working on an appropriate response to such vile propaganda which had been in the news for some time now.
Nana Akufo-Addo described his public service record as unblemished and that he gave his best to the nation during the period he served as Minister of State both at the Justice and Attorney-General’s office and Foreign Affairs ministry.
He said he had also sacrificed his life in various ways over the years in ensuring the success of the democratic dispensation the country was now enjoying.
According to him, it was because his political adversaries could not fault him in his public service record that was why they were targeting and peddling lies on his personal integrity.
He said ‘all such allegations are without basis and lack substance”.
“I want to assure you that I have never sniffed or smoked any stuff in my life. It is all nonsense, it is never true,” Mr. Akufo-Addo emphatically stated.
Mr. Akufo-Addo was speaking in Tamale during a three-day national youth conference of the NPP in the metropolis.
The flag bearer further indicated that the party was currently working on an appropriate response to such vile propaganda which had been in the news for some time now.
Nana Akufo-Addo described his public service record as unblemished and that he gave his best to the nation during the period he served as Minister of State both at the Justice and Attorney-General’s office and Foreign Affairs ministry.
He said he had also sacrificed his life in various ways over the years in ensuring the success of the democratic dispensation the country was now enjoying.
According to him, it was because his political adversaries could not fault him in his public service record that was why they were targeting and peddling lies on his personal integrity.
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