Begoro (E/R), Nov. 19, GNA - The Board of Governors and Management of the Begoro Presbyterian Senior High School (SHS), has honoured the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo by naming ‘House Six’ of the school after him.      Christening it ‘Ofosu-Ampofo House’, the move was in recognition of the contribution of the Minister towards the development and progress of the school. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the House at the school on Saturday, the headmistress of the school, Ms Selina Akyaa Danso explained that the Board of Governors and management of the school decided to honour the Minister for his contributions. She said posterity would know that it pays for one to be committed to one’s duty and responsibilities, saying society must honour the living so that people could follow their exploits. The school was established in 1972 after the then Women’s Training College was phased out and converted into a secondary school. In 1996, the school moved from its original site to the present site at Koradaso near Begoro. Ms Danso said it took the intervention of Mr Ofosu-Ampofo, who was then the Fanteakwa District Chief Executive, to intervene to provide the basic things needed to enable the students and teachers move to the new site. She said in 2009 when the school’s girls dormitory got burnt, the Minister, then the Eastern Regional Minister, quickly intervened for the rehabilitation of the dormitory and in addition provided each student, who lost their properties with a trunk, mattress, books, clothing and some personal belongings. The Headmistress said within the last three years, with the intervention of Mr Ofosu-Ampofo, the school had benefitted from a 20-unit two-storey boys  dormitory block, 22-unit two-storey girls dormitory block, six-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities and the rehabilitation of the science resources centre of the school, which had been awarded on contract. Ms Danso said it was in recognition of these contributions that the Board of Governors of the school decided to depart from the usual Ghanaian practice where people received recognition only after their death, to name house six, ‘Ofosu-Ampofo House’. She said despite all that government had done for the school, the school still needed an 18-unit classroom block to replace already weak pavilions built by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), a ten-unit two bedroom staff flat for teachers and a 2,500 capacity dining hall complex. She explained that if such facilities were provided for the school, the Begoro Presbyterian SHS would be the most preferred school in the Eastern Region. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said within the last three years, government had invested over GH¢72 million in the provision of 563 educational infrastructure in the Eastern Region alone. He said almost all the SHSs in the Fanteakwa District had benefitted from huge infrastructure, which was geared towards making them part of the well established boarding schools in the country. Mr Ososu-Ampofo explained that government investment in schools, especially the SHS, was to expand access to education and improve upon the quality of teaching and learning. He said the effort of government would not achieve the desired results if teachers and students did not work hard to justify the investment. He challenged students of the school to work hard, be discipline and aim high and avoid anything that would threaten their future ambitions. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo took the opportunity to thank the management of the school, the Board of Governors, the PTA and all those who had contributed towards the growth and development of the school and also thanked all who thought it wise to name the house after him. The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the School, Mr Samuel Amfo urged the students of the ‘Ofosu-Ampofo House’ to learned from his life style to be good Christians, polite and hard working. He said the Old Students Association of the school would soon consider conferring on Mr Ofosu-Ampofo a honorary member of the Association for his contribution to the school. Mr Michael Ayivi, who represented the Fanteakwa District Director of Education, expressed the appreciation of the GES for the contribution of Mr Ofosu-Ampofo towards the development of education in the district and recounted that the first computer to be used by the district education office was donated by Mr Ofosu-Ampfo.   GNA ...

Akropong Akuapem, Nov. 19, GNA - The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) on Sunday commissioned 55 newly trained ministerial probationers from the Akuapem Presbytery Hospitality Center into the Holy Ministry of the church.      This was after they had gone through three months intensive theological education at the centre, under the supervision of the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi Kwahu.      Preaching the sermon on the theme: “Be Attentive and Active as You Wait for Your Redemption,” Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCG, said it had become difficult to preach the unadulterated word of God in present times.      He expressed concern about what he termed false prophesies and teachings which had become the order of the day by some ministers of the gospel and cautioned the congregation  to be wary of such people whiles waiting for the second coming of the Messiah.      The Moderator said some false prophets had constructed doctrines to suit themselves and their followers and only preached what people wanted to hear.      He said those false prophets would not preach against negative practices such as fornication, adultery or homosexuality.      Rt. Rev. Prof. Martety said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana was a Bible believing and practicing church and just as the Bible rebuked wrong doings, the church would also do the same.      “As ministers of the PCG, you are to utter prophetic voice and bring prophetic messages to both rulers and ruled and do not mind those who will say the church should stick to the Bible and not rebuke political leaders when they go wrong”.      “Such people do not know the Bible; neither do they believe what the Bible says if indeed some of them read the Bible,” he said.      The Moderator reminded the newly commissioned ministers to speak the truth always, irrespective of what happened to them, and that was the only way society could distinguish between the true messages of God and the false messages.       He cautioned the new ministers to draw lessons from what had happened to some ministers of the gospel who entered the ministry with different motives.       Rt. Rev. Prof. Martey said such people lost the anointing from God and urged them not to allow themselves to be influenced by the pleasures of this world but be courageous in their ministry to enhance their personal spiritual growth and that of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.       He urged the new ministers to empower themselves as they began the ministration of the gospel.      He said it took only the invitation of the Holy Spirit to gain liberty and peace to pursue the task ahead, observing that the anointing of the Holy Spirit would set one apart as righteous and sacred and also confer on one spiritual authority .       The Moderator said there were socio-economic and spiritual challenges that were confronting Ghanaians, and that their call to the ministry must be to provide solutions to them, especially in a world that knew no peace and lacked hope, like in the times of Isaiah and Jesus.       In a brief address before the commissioning, Isaac Gyamerah Konadu, who represented the probationers, expressed his appreciation to the hierarchy of the church for their ministerial training and promised that they would do their best in their ministerial journey to lift the banner of Jesus high.   GNA...

Asebu (C/R), Nov. 19, GNA - The Presidential Candidate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom has asked the people of the Asebu Traditional Area to consider the quantum of investment he had made in the central region and the country as a whole and vote for him in the December polls.      He said they should cast their votes based on merit and competence and not on tribal lines, stressing that the people of Asebu should not vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) because the Vice President Mr Papa Kwesi Amissah Arthur is from Moree, which is part of the Asebu Traditional Area.     Dr Nduom made the call when he joined the chiefs and people of the Asebu on Saturday to climax the celebration of this year’s Apayamkese festival at Asebu under the theme: “Empowering the Youth through Education - key to Development”.     Apayamkese festival is celebrated annually by all the 26 communities that make up the Asebu Traditional Area of which they recall their ancestors and also to take stock and make amends where necessary.     The festival is also used to honour people who have contributed to the development of the area. This year, Dr Nduom and Vice President Kwesi Amissah Arthur, were both honoured for their generosity and support for the development of the area. Each was presented with a citation and a kente cloth.     The occasion was also used to honour four best teachers and three students of which the teachers were presented with items including motor bikes, gas cookers and fridges whilst the students were received cash and books awards.     Dr Nduom said as a practical man he would fulfill his campaign promises, adding that he would not only make education free at the basic level but also build community school-complex in the area.     He said he had been able to provide job avenues and had employed hundreds of people and when given the nod he would do more than what he was already doing. He said he was ready to partner the Asebu Fruits and flavors factory to restore it to its rightful place.    He said he was also prepared to establish a branch of First National Bank in the area if the chiefs would make land available for him to start the structure immediately.    The Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe said the government was still committed at providing school structures, uniforms, exercise books in all communities to make education accessible and affordable.    She said in the past four years the Region had benefitted from more than 150 new school blocks stocked with enough furniture and other logistics that would enhance teaching and learning.    The Regional Minister said plans were advanced to revamp the Komenda sugar factory to create jobs for the youth and added that the necessary documents concerning the project had been put before Parliament and that work would soon begin.    On the December election, she asked all to make sure the exercise was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and urged the youth not to engage in violent acts, stressing that the Region was not noted for electoral violence and that they should endeavour to maintain the record.    Okatakyi Dr Amenfi VII, Omenhen of the Asebu Traditional Area, who is also the Vice President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, commended the government for putting in place measures that had made it possible for political parties to conduct “clean campaigns and politics”.    He said although the area had benefitted from a number of development projects, it was challenged with bad roads and asked that as a matter of urgency the Eguasi–Amosima road should be worked on.    He also appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency and the relevant agencies to come to their aid due to erosions.    Okatakyi again appealed to the government to take over the management of the Moree community school. He also called for a medical doctor to be posted to the Moree Clinic and upgrade the facility to a hospital.     He said plans were advanced to start a state college at Amosima and called on all the people of the area both home and abroad to support the project to enable it start in the 2013-2014 academic year.     Daasebre Kweebu Ewusi, a Council of State member appealed to the people in the area to support the Omenhen to execute his developmental agenda.     On the December 7th election, he asked all to ensure that it was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.   GNA ...

Accra, Nov. 19, GNA – The Electoral Commission (EC) has expunged names of all those who engaged in multiple registration from the electoral roll, during the Biometric Voter Registration exercise.   “To avoid any ambiguity on Election Day, a special list have been compiled for those who engaged in the multiple registration to serve as evidence of their fraudulent electoral act which is criminal,” says Mr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, EC Deputy Chairman in Charge of Operations  on Monday.   He made this known at a day’s dialogue with parliamentary candidates from Ablekuma, Okaikio and Ayawaso sub-metro to discuss preparations towards Election 2012.   The engagement is under the EC’s project: “Enhancing the credibility of Ghana’s 2012 Election,” was organised by the EC in collaboration with DFID.   Mr Safo Kantanka assured the parliamentary candidates that Ghana’s electoral system has improved since 1992 election through an inbuilt electoral integrity.   Over the years, the Commission has established clear principles, developed the capacity to apply electoral rules without fear or favour, manage elections without any outside interference or control from government or any other external body.   The EC Deputy Chairman expressed concern about lack of vigilance during the Biometric Voter Registration exercises which led to minors’ registration.   He called for vigilance on Election Day, to ensure that all electoral officials and other stakeholders conform to the rules and regulations on for Election 2012.   Mr Safo Kantanka asked the candidates to develop key interest in Election Day activities.   He assured the candidates that the Commission has developed a tracking system to monitor the movement of electoral material especially the ballot papers from the printing houses to the regional, district and polling stations across the country.   Mr Alex Poku-Akubia, EC Greater Accra Regional Director explained that the dialogue was to afford the candidates the opportunity to interact with EC officials, discuss electoral preparations, Election Day activities and responsibilities of each candidate.   He said the parliamentary candidates’ dialogue also aimed at building on the integrity of the electoral process for a peaceful poll in December, and facilitate the development of a healthy relationship between the EC and the candidates.   Mr Poku-Akubia said electoral management is a shared responsibility among stakeholders, including the political parties, media, electoral administrators and democratic institutions.   The Parliamentary Candidates who attended the function were from the National Democratic Congress, Convention Peoples Party, New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Party, Peoples National Convention, Democratic People’s Party, Progressive Peoples Party, Independent Peoples Party, and Independent Peoples Party.   GNA...

Kumasi, Nov. 19, GNA - The Independent Presidential Candidate, Mr Jacob Osei Yeboah has suspended his campaign for four days to mourn the sudden demise of former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama.     Mr Mahama died after a short illness at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Friday. His death, which has brought a sense of sorrowfulness in Ghanaians, came as a surprise to many. Mr Yeboah, who told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Kumasi on Saturday, said that he was shocked and dumb founded to hear the news. He said Alhaji Mahama was a man, who served Ghana with humility, faithfulness and with a sense of humour that would always be remembered. The Independent Presidential Candidate said, “Indeed Ghana has lost great figure”. Meanwhile, he indicated that his Campaign Coordinator, Mr Twum Barimah had already signed the book of condolence on his behalf and hoped that he (late Mahama) would enter into the bosom of God. Alhaji Mahama served as Vice President for eight years under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration from 2001 to 2009. He died at the age of 66 and left behind a wife and five children.   GNA ...

  Accra, Nov. 19, GNA -  Researchers at the  Columbia University’s Engineering School are working with a team in Ghana are launching a pilot facility to convert faecal sludge (FS) into biodiesel fuel to celebrate World Toilet Day, which falls on November 19.     The facility would help address the societal problem in disposing feacal matter in Ghana and concurrently producing renewable and cost-effective sustainable energy.   This was contained in a statement issued in Accra on Monday by Waste Enterprisers Limited, one of the partners of the project.   Other partners include Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.   The statement said the team is scaling up its research efforts initiated in a Columbia University Engineering lab, and expected the working facility to become a revolutionary new model in sanitation.   “The FS to biodiesel pilot project could potentially address sustainable sanitation and introduce a new dimension into the sanitation value chain not only in Kumasi but globally,” Anthony Mensah, Waste Management Director for the city of Kumasi was quoted as saying.   “The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is therefore delighted to be part of this novel partnership.”   The launch of the pilot phase is a major milestone in the pioneering project now entering its second year.   Funded through grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project is led by Kartik Chandran, an associate professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University’s school of engineering and applied science and Ashley Murray, Founder and Chief Executive Officer  of Waste Enterprisers Ltd, a Ghanaian company that is working to reinvent the economics of sanitation in the developing world.   As part of the project, Chandran is developing an innovative technology to transform faecal sludge into biodiesel fuel and is working on converting a waste-processing facility into a bio-refinery.   “This is a very exciting project for us.   “We are aiming to create a next-generation urban sanitation facility that will set new standards and serve as a model around the world. With the capacity to receive and treat 10,000 litres, or 2500 gallons—a full sanitation truck carrying concentrated faecal matter from at least 5,000 people—of faecal sludge per day, this facility reaches way beyond the lab scale,” says Chandran.   The statement said in the pilot phase, expected to last 12 months, the researchers would be testing Chandran’s bioprocess technology for converting the organic compounds present in faecal sludge to biodiesel and methane, two potent sources of renewable energy.   “Our goal is to develop a revenue-generating faecal-sludge-to-biodiesel facility that can transform sanitation from an expensive burden into a profitable venture. If we figure out a way to make waste management profitable, governments and citizens that currently bear the financial, environmental, and public health costs will all be better off,” notes Murray.   Chandran and Murray are working closely with several students at KNUST along with a team of process engineers to improve the biodiesel yield from faecal sludge and explore the commercial viability of a business model based on creating biodiesel from human waste.   “This project is …more than a technology breakthrough, it’s about creating economically sustainable approaches to waste management that can eliminate the sanitation crisis in developing cities,” Murray said.   GNA...

Hohoe, Nov. 19 GNA - The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) is to mark its 53rd Founders Week celebration from Monday to Friday November 19-23rd at the British Council Hall in Accra.      The main theme for this year's weeklong celebration is: "Ghana's Urbanisation Challenge". Sub-themes include "Demographic Dimensions and Spatial Issues"; Environmental, Sanitation, Health and Mobility" and "Governance and Security".     Professor K. K. Adarkwah, Fellow of the Academy and former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), would deliver the 2012 Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures on day five under the theme: "The Changing Face of the Ghanaian Towns since Independence: From Nkrumah to Contemporary Times".     Prof Francis K. A. Allotey, President of GAAS, is expected to set the tone for the weeklong lectures with a Presidential Address on Monday on the topic: "Ghana's Urbanisation and Energy Nexus in the light of the United Nations Sustainable Energy by 2030," according to a GAAS press release to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).     As part of the activities, five distinguished Ghanaian intellectuals would be inducted into the Fellowship of the Academy for their scholarly prowess in the sciences and the humanities. They are, Prof Arthur Commey Sackeyfio, a scholar and academician in the discipline of Pharmacology and profession of pharmacy; Prof George Ofori, a construction economist and technologists; Prof Andrew Anthony Adjei, a Professor at the Pathology Department of the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), College of Sciences, University of Ghana; Dr K. Adu, Consultant Nephrologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the UGMS and Mr Justice S. A Brobbey, a Legal Luminary. The Academy's Anniversary programme (renamed Founders Week Celebrations) was founded in 1959 on the initiative of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and aimed to promote the pursuit, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in all branches of the sciences and the humanities. The last day is usually dedicated to what used to be called the Anniversary lecture, now renamed the "Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures" in memory of the founder, where topical issues of national discourse are delivered and deliberated on. Prof Alexander Kwapong, former Chair of the Council of State, Emeritus Prof J. H. Kwabena Nketiah, Dr Letitia E. Obeng, Prof Akilagpa Sawyerr, FGA, Prof Agyeman Badu Akosa, FGA, His Excellency K.B. Asante and Mr Tony Oteng Gyasi, Past President of the Association of Ghana Industries have delivered lectures in the past. GAAS has evolved over the years to become a major independent think tank that uses its platform to raise critical issues of contemporary relevance to all sectors of the Ghanaian life. The Governor General, the Earl of Listowell, signed an incorporation, while Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the Great Hall of the University College of Ghana, formally inaugurated the Academy and became the first President and Dr Nkrumah its Chair in November 1959. Membership is chosen on the basis of recommendations by a small working party. At the time it was established, the Academy was the first in Black Africa with membership of 20.    The Academy currently has a membership of 98 living Fellows.     GNA ...

Goaso (B/A), Nov. 19, GNA – Mr James Koduah, Asunafo North Constituency Communications Director of the NPP, has called on activists, especially the youth, to intensify education on the party’s policies and programmes for Election 2012.      He said the constituency executive committee would soon embark on an intensive outreach programme to explain the party’s policies and programmes to the electorate particularly floating voters.      “The programme, which begins at Mim, will involve all the executives to all communities in the constituency until Wednesday, December 5,” Mr Koduah said.      Mr Koduah made the call when addressing the NPP Youth Wing in the constituency at Goaso.      He appealed to the youth to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity to win the seat on December 7.   GNA...

Kumawu (Ash), Nov.19, GNA – Professor William Otoo Ellis, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has asked students to be disciplined and hard working.      He asked students to avoid short cuts to success, and reminded them that admission to tertiary institutions had become more competitive.      Prof. Ellis made the call in an address read on his behalf at the 52nd annual speech and prize-giving day of Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School  at Kumawu in the Sekyere Afram Plains District.         “Quality education, a tool for national development, the ICT factor”, was the theme for the event.      The Vice Chancellor commended the school for discipline and academic excellence.   Prof Elis said quality education was necessary for national development and the improvement of lives of the people.      Mr. Anthony Wilberforce Nantwi, the Headmaster, said the academic performance of the school was impressive.      He said in 2011, the school scored 100 per cent in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination with about 85 per cent of students gaining admission into tertiary institutions and in 2012 about 93 per cent qualified for the various universities and other tertiary institutions.      Mr Nantwi appealed to individuals and organisations to support the school to acquire accommodation and potable water.   GNA...

Tamale, Nov. 19, GNA – The Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday educated parliamentary candidates in the Northern Region on the electoral processes with the aim of promoting free, fair and transparent polls in the December elections.   Mr Sylvester Kanyi, Northern Regional Director of the EC, said in a bid to enhance the credibility of the elections, the EC had embarked on a number of training programmes with various stakeholders and mentioned political parties, the media, community based organizations and women groups as beneficiaries of the trainings.   He said the sensitization, which was in a form of a dialogue, was to enhance the credibility of the poll through peaceful campaigning and casting of ballots.   Mr Kanyi said the region had 31 constituencies, 705 Electoral Areas, 2,386 polling stations, a voter population of 1,263,462, and 155 parliamentary candidates out of which seven were women, for the coming elections.   He said the training was aimed at deepening the confidence of the candidates through reflection of the inbuilt integrity of the electoral system, stressing that over the years, the EC had applied the laws, rules and procedures governing the elections firmly without fear of any candidate.   He added that the two-day workshop would update the participants on preparations made by the EC, provide platform for interaction and exchange of ideas especially between the candidates and the EC.   Alhaji Amadu Sule, Deputy Director of the EC in charge of Finance and Administration, described the biometric voting system as the best so far for the country which would produce credible results than the previous voting systems.   Alhaji Sule said the current voting population of 13 million was considered the most acceptable voter register considering the country’s present population.   He urged the various political parties to nominate loyal, competent and articulate persons to represent them as agents.   GNA...

Accra, Nov.19, GNA - Ms Sherry Ayitey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), has charged member countries of the Global Research Alliance  (GRA) to adopt a coordinated approach and pool resources to augment activities and programmes of the organisation.   She said it was about time the GRA moved quickly from policy to action and practices which people could easily benefit from in their local communities.   Ms Ayitey, whose speech was read by Dr Nicholas Iddi, National Project Coordinator, MEST, was speaking at a workshop in Accra on: “Building Capability in Measurement, Inventory and Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases for African Farming Systems.”   The workshop, organised by the GRA with support from the French Government, is aimed at creating the platform for scientists, researchers and policy makers to deliberate on methods and mechanisms of controlling emission of green house gases associated with agricultural production.   The three-day workshop is being attended by participants from the United States, Netherlands, France, Peru, Burundi, New Zealand, Togo and Zambia.   The rest are South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Kenya and Ghana.   Ms Ayitey also appealed to research scientists to incorporate existing land and water management practices in their findings to address the growing greenhouse gas emission in the farming system.   She charged them to put in place technologies that would ensure that climate friendly agricultural practices could be brought to the door-steps of farmers for accelerated adoption.   She said discussions at the workshop could also be dovetailed into existing policy framework on strategies and plans for reducing green house gases from the agriculture sector.   Ms Ayitey said although Africa contributed only a limited amount of the global house gases, the impact of climate change were projected to be severe in Africa than any other region.   She said Africa, therefore, had to develop the capacity and capability of making agriculture more climate resilient than any other region in the world.   Dr Deborah Knox, a worker at the Ministry of Primary Industries, New Zealand, said the GRA was focused on research, development and extension of technologies and practices that would help provide ways to grow more food without growing greenhouse gas emissions.   She said the GRA brought countries, organisations and individuals together in a bottom-up, voluntary network to increase international cooperation and investment in agricultural greenhouse gas research.   She said the Alliance would share research results, technologies and best practices and deliver them as practical solutions to farmers.   GNA...

 Accra, Nov. 19, GNA – The Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday fixed December 4 for Special Voting by those who would be on duty on Election Day, Friday, December 7.   Constitutional Instrument 75 (21) stipulates: “A voter may apply to the Returning Officer of the Constituency in which the voter is registered to be entered as a Special Voter if as a result of election duties the voter will not be able to be present at the polling station where the voter is registered on the day of election.   “An application for Special Voting shall be made not later than 42 days before the polling day in the Constituency of the applicant except in the case of an applicant who is a Returning Officer.”     Mr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, Deputy Chairman of the EC in Charge of Operations stated in Accra that those expected to cast the early votes include members of the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana National Fire Service, EC officials and staff of essential services.   The EC Deputy Chairman who was speaking at public dialogue dubbed: “EC dialogue with Parliamentary Candidates,” was organised by the Commission in collaboration with DFID for candidates from Ablekuma, Ayawaso and Okaikio sub-districts.   Information available to the Ghana News Agency indicates that special polling stations have been mapped out by the EC for the exercise and voting starts at 0700 hours and ends at 1700 hours.   Constitutional Instrument 75 mandates the Returning Officer to ensure that the ballot boxes are sealed with the seals of the Commission as well as candidates who wished to add their seal.      The boxes would be transported to safe places for storage and opened only after the main election day on Friday, December 7.       The Returning Officer is also mandated to arrange for the ballot boxes to be opened at the time of the counting of votes cast on the polling day and the ballot papers “shall be counted in the same manner as those contained in the ballot boxes used on the polling day”.   Seven political parties and an independent candidate are contesting for the single Presidential slot, whilst about 1,331 Parliamentary Candidates are contesting for the 275 seats in Parliament.   The Presidential Candidates for the political parties and how they would appear on the ballot paper are: President John Dramani Mahama of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Michael Abu Sakara Foster, Convention People's Party (CPP) and Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of Progressive Peoples Party (PPP).   The rest are Mr Hassan Ayariga, Peoples National Convention (PNC), Mr Akwasi Addai Odike, United Front Party (UFP), Mr Henry Lartey, Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) and an Independent Candidate, Mr Jacob Osei Yeboah.    Since 1992, Ghana has had uninterrupted democratic practice, conducting five globally acclaimed successful elections.    According to the EC the positions would be the same for parliamentary candidates, with independent candidates coming after candidates of the political parties in alphabetical order.   Constituency statistics obtained by GNA indicates that 111 parliamentary candidates are contesting for 26 seats in Western Region; 106 contesting for 23 seats in Central Region; 204 for 34 seats in Greater Accra Region; 125 for 26 seats in Volta Region and 152 for 33 seats in Eastern Region.   Two hundred and nine parliamentary candidates are contesting for 47 seats in Ashanti Region; 128 for 29 seats in Brong- Ahafo Region; 154 for 31 seats in the Northern Region; 63 for 5 seats in Upper East and 59 for 11 seats in Upper West Region.   The statistics indicates that only the NDC and NPP are contesting for seats in all the 275 constituencies; PPP is contesting for 211; National Democratic Party 155, CPP 145 and PNC 94.   Others are Democratic People’s Party 16; United Freedom Party seven; Independent Peoples Party five; GCPP two; United Renascence Party four; New Vision Party four; Ghana Freedom Party three; and Yes Peoples Party one.   Hundred and twenty 120 individuals are contesting as Independent Parliamentary candidates.   The statistics indicates that eight are contesting in Western Region; six in Central Region; 21 Greater Accra Region; 16 Volta Region ; 17 in Eastern Region ; 18 Ashanti Region; 10 in Brong Ahafo Region; 18 in Northern Region ,two in Upper East Region and four in Upper West Region.    GNA...

Accra, Nov. 19, GNA – Airtel Ghana limited, has presented 10,000 dollars to Inter Royals Football Club, an Accra based colts football club as their prize for winning the maiden edition of the Africa Airtel Rising Stars Football tournament in Kenya.   The prize is made of  7,000 dollars cash and 3,000 dollars worth of sport equipment.   Philip Sowah, Managing Director of Airtel Ghana Limited, who made the presentation, said his outfit was committed to the promise made to the team before the tournament.   “Airtel was proud of your achievements and the honour you brought to the nation by winning the competition.   “We are happy the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) initiative is already yielding positive results for the nation”. He stated.   Sowah cited the case of Priscilla Okyere, the captain of the National Under-17, female team, who participated in the maiden edition of the ARS competition last year as an example of the success story of the project.   “Priscilla, led the national team to win Africa’s first medal at any female global football competition (FIFA Under-17 Female World Cup) and exhibited an exemplary leadership and immense talent on and off the field.” Sowah stated.   The communications outfit also presented a cheque for 5,000GHC to Priscilla as a reward for her exploits in the maiden edition of the ARS initiative and the national team.   The amount will be channeled into an investment funds for her future.   George Afriyie, Chairman of the National Juvenile Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), commended Airtel for their initiative adding that they are looking forward to further collaboration with them to develop programmes that will unearth more talents at the grassroot.   He said the GFA is happy with their partnership with Airtel as it has helped in the development of football in the country.   Afriyie announced that the GFA will roll out its Football Academy next year and the focus will be on education and football.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 19. GNA – Mr Jean Baptiste Kamate, World Vision (WV) Regional Vice President for the West African Sub Region, on Monday said child death in the region was a threat to development.   The observation is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kamate, to mark the Global Week of Action of WV, which falls on November 13 – 20, copied to the Ghana News Agency.   It said five of the 24 countries with high child mortality were located in West Africa, adding, “This is mostly due to malnutrition, which accounts for 50 per cent of the child deaths, especially in the Sahel region, causing around 37 per cent stunting amongst children”.   The statement said the stunted children also suffered irreversible brain capacity loss, which jeopardized their potential for education and further perpetuated the vicious cycle of poverty in their communities.   It said: “Also in the Sahel, majority of the households derive their livelihood from agriculture and many vulnerable people do not have legal rights to their farming lands”.   The statement explained that the venerability was exacerbated by the current droughts and spikes in food prices, which resulted in food insecurity that affected primarily children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.   It said: “This high rate of child deaths is likely to compromise the development efforts in the region. It is also denying children two fundamental rights guaranteed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: the Right to Food and Right to Health”.   The statement said the high rate of child deaths was an impediment to development efforts in the Sahel, and a silent emergency that required urgent attention by West African Governments as those children’s deaths represented a loss of potential manpower for the economic and industrial development.   It reiterated that the sustainable health policies that prioritized access to quality health services for the most vulnerable required serious attention and investments in strengthening health systems that would enhance social justice and economic productivity.   The statement West African leaders were committed to improving the acceleration of progress on the Millennium Development Goals four and five and that this was done within the framework of the United Nations Secretary General’s campaign “Every Woman Every Child (EWEC) “ in 2010, and re-iterated in the Abuja Declaration of Heads of States.   It, however, bemoaned that the commitment was yet to be translated into action as shown by the 2012 United Nations International Children’s Fund report, which indicated that West African countries were lagging behind in the reduction of child mortality.   The statement said: “As a development organization working for the most vulnerable communities, WV has developed a set of interventions, supported by evidence and good practices in maternal and child health sectors”.   It said the WV sought to support governments’ efforts in ending child-preventable deaths in West Africa.   The statement stated that one of the key strategies of WV interventions is the “Child Health Now Campaign (CHN)” that aimed at enhancing policy dialogue with stakeholders for the implementation of commitments to improve maternal and child health.   It emphasized that two key priorities of the CHN were the advocate for government for their commitment of allocating 15 per cent of Gross Domestic Products to health and developing sustainable livelihoods for the population to help end the everyday emergency which contributed to children’s death in West Africa.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 19. GNA - Majority of preventable child deaths had occurred in middle-income countries and 42 per cent reduction in child deaths took place over the past 22 years,   A World Vision (WV) report, made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday, said that the United Nations (UN) child mortality goal was 15 years off track.   It said political action for the most vulnerable would save more than four million children each year.   The report said more than 4.4 million children are killed each year by six of the most preventable causes of diseases with the majority of them happening in middle-income countries.   It said: “Child mortality is not an issue that is unique to only developing countries. The bulk of preventable child deaths happen in countries that have the resources to put an end to this injustice. At the current rate, there will be almost 100 million preventable child deaths in the next 20 years if political action is not accelerated”.   The report said millions of children would still die needlessly every year unless the six main killers of children under the age of five are prevented, and governmental action needed to save the lives of more than four million children each year.   It said each year preterm complications kill one million children, pneumonia, one million children, newborn infections 700,000 children, diarrhea, 700,000 children, birth complications, 600,000 children and malaria, 500,000 children.   The report said:“These killers are neither surprising nor complicated. Pneumonia, for example, can be bacterial or viral, but both types are generally preventable through good nutrition, hygiene and appropriate care for children”.   It said over the past 22 years, significant progress had been made with a 42 percent reduction in the number of children under the age of five dying each year.   The report said: “But this is not good enough for the millions who could be saved every year. The UN Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to reduce child deaths by two thirds by 2015 is off target by 15 years, and what makes this even more tragic is that it’s entirely preventable.   “Unlike some of the other Millennium Development Goals, we have all the tools and knowledge needed to meet the goal of reducing child mortality, so there is no justifiable reason for this goal to be so far off track. Some governments who have pledged to slash mortality rates are dragging their heels, and the time we’re losing means lost lives”.   It said from November 13-20, the WVI would organise its first Global Week of Action, a mobilization designed to increase attention on the urgent need to end preventable deaths of children under five in the world.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 19, GNA - Mr Gordon Kofi Ansah, Headmaster of Bueman Senior High School (SHS) in the Jasikan District of the Volta Region, has advocated a national conference to arrest the fallen academic standards in the country.   He suggested that the consultation should involve policy makers and implementers as well as parents, school heads, retired educationists, students’ representatives, political parties and other stakeholders.   Mr Ansah who made the suggestion in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Jasikan expressed worry that though serious efforts are being made by individuals, organisations and government to develop educational pursuit particularly at the basic and SHS level, the sector remained threatened by myriad of problems.   He noted that educational standards in the district have declined, citing some schools which performed poorly in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination as example.   Mr Ansah called on the District Assembly, parents, teachers and opinion leaders to collaborate to find solutions to the problem.        “Despite the fact that some teachers absent themselves from school and engage in alcoholism and other acts that affect academic work, placing the blame of the woes of the country’s education solely at the door steps of teachers and school authorities, would mean over-simplification of the issue,” he said.   Mr Ansah asked Parents-Teacher Associations, and opinion leaders to ensure that teachers are disciplined and carry out their duties.    He noted that education would continue to form the foundation for national development hence the need for comprehensive measures to tackle problems affecting teaching and learning.   He appealed to students to take advantage of government’s educational interventions and study hard so that they could pass their examinations, and acquire knowledge and skills required for national development.   Mr Ansah advised school children to use the Internet and other Information Communication Technology to enhance their studies and not to use the facility for fraud and other acts of immorality.   “Whilst some parents and guardians work hard to pay school fees, provide educational needs, and take good care of their children, some students engage in drug abuse, alcoholism, truancy and sexual promiscuity.   “ However, some parents are irresponsible and do not know where their children, particularly the girls, sleep in the night and fail to pay their school fees or provide the educational needs of their children. Some men shirk their parental role to women,” Mr Ansah said.   He observed that though education might not necessarily result in direct employment for all school leavers, it would help them to create their own jobs and shape their lifestyles and make them law abiding citizens.   GNA...

Accra , Nov 19, GNA -The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) has commended the Bank of Ghana, its Financial Intelligence Unit and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for working to get Ghana off the blacklist of countries thought to have inefficient systems for counter terrorism financing and anti-money laundering.   The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body, blacklisted Ghana for almost a year for failing to institute adequate measures in its financial services sector to check money-laundering and identify funding of terrorist activities.   The country’s systems were thought to be inefficient and could aid money-laundering activities and terrorist financing.   A statement signed by Clifford Mettle, President, CIB said the de-listing follows high-level political commitment exhibited by the country to fight money laundering and counter terrorist financing.   “The CIB is therefore happy that the Ghanaian authorities did not rest on their oars but went straight into action to institute the right systems, procedures and regulations that ensured Ghana’s quick exit from the group,” the statement said.   The Institute also commended banks and other financial institutions in the country for instituting internal controls, following the Bank of Ghana regulations on money laundering, with some banks going the extra mile to procure appropriate software to fight money laundering and terrorist financing.   Blacklisting Ghana posed a lot of challenges to Ghanaian banks as most international financial institutions feared doing business with their peers in the country in the belief that their dealings would be frozen due to issues relating to anti-money laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorists Financing (CTF).   Some international banks that acted as correspondent banks to local ones also stopped doing business with them while others increased the cost of transaction to Ghanaian banks.   Going forward, the CIB will roll out a number of practical training programmes and workshops aimed at creating awareness and efficient adherence to Customer Due Diligence/Know Your Customer framework and procedures by financial institutions.   It is pertinent to note that FATF will monitor the progress of the measures implemented and technologies adopted by financial institutions and there will be further inspection in 2013   “It is our hope that the systems put in place will continue to be improved so that in the long run Ghana can continue to lead the way in Africa in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing,” the statement added.   GNA...

Kokofu (Ash), Nov 19, GNA - The National Youth Authority (NYA) has launched a programme to assist young people to reject violence as the struggle for political power became more intense.     It involves the holding of public forums for various youth groups and associations to highlight the dangers of civil strife and conflicts in selected districts across the country.          Mr Mensah Etsibah, Director of Programmes of the NYA, said the youth could not become “willing tools” of politicians to create confusion and tear the nation apart.           Speaking at one of such forums at Kokofu in the Bekwai Municipality, he rallied them to refuse to be part of any evil agenda to unleash violence before, during and after the December 7 general polls.           They should rather channel their abundant energies into useful ventures to improve their livelihood.            He appealed to all stakeholders to do everything to protect the nation’s peace, unity and cohesion.            Ghana, he said, had become the toast of the international community for its democracy and nothing should be done to destroy this.     Mr Opoku Fofie Apraku, the Ashanti Regional Director of NYA, appealed to religious bodies to provide leadership to calm tension in the society.            He said they should use their enormous influence with the people to discourage them from acts of intolerance, division, and ethnocentrism and hate speech.     He reminded politicians to put the nation ahead of selfish interest and convenience.     Nana Gyapong Ababio, Kokofu Ntotoehene, appealed to the political parties to engage in healthy electioneering campaign devoid of foul language.   GNA...

Kumasi, Nov19, GNA - A ceremony to mark the formal start of construction works on the GH¢18.6 million Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM) University College at Esereso in the Bosomtwe District had been performed.           They are putting up structures for lecture theatres, auditorium, administration block, hostels, staff flats and commercial centre on their acquired 16-acre stretch of land.           Sheikh Dr Amin Bonsu, Deputy National Chief Imam of the Mission, said it was a dream, come true and that programmes in administration, theology and education would be run.           The Mission has established 111 basic and senior high schools and nothing could be more refreshing than its addition of a tertiary institution.     Sheikh Dr Bonsu said the project would require huge capital outlay and invited all to pool their resources to assis.           He expressed gratefulness to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his tremendous support for the project.           Ms. Anima Wilson, Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, praised the Mission for its significant contribution to the development of education.           She appealed to all the people to act responsibly, especially as the country inched towards the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.     An appeal for funds in aid of the project yielded GH¢60,000.00.   GNA...

Ashaiman, Nov 19, GNA -- Thieves on Friday night broke into the car of Mr Seyram Tsatsu Yaw Azumah, presiding judge of the Ashaiman Circuit Court at his residence at Afienya in the Ningo-Prampram District.     The thieves broke the back screen of the car which was parked in the judge’s house and made away with some documents and an unspecified amount of money.     Chief Superintendent of PoliceDavid Eklu, Ashaiman Divisional Commander who confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency, said his outfit had taken over the case from the Afienya Police.     One suspect, Moses Tetteh, who is the caretaker of the house, has been arrested by the Afienya police in connection with the theft.     Chief Supt. Eklu added that investigation was still ongoing.   GNA...