Abesim (B/A) Oct. 25, GNA – The Brong-Ahafo Regional Command of Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has impounded 79 smuggled vehicles in the Region.     Mr Seth Tetteh, Collector at the Patrol unit of the Command who announced this at Abesim on Thursday, said preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicles were smuggled into the country and most of them had been fraudulently registered.     Speaking at a Tax Seminar organised by the Division for importers, traders, manufacturers and journalist, Mr Tetteh said import duties on the vehicles amounted to millions of Ghana cedis.     On the theme: “Customs Suspense Regimes” Mr Tetteh explained that the vehicles were due for auction as most of the owners had failed to pay the penalties on them.     He said it was disheartening that some unscrupulous vehicle syndicates capitalised on the ignorance of innocent buyers and sold out those smuggled vehicles to them at low prices.     Mr Tetteh advised importers to present their vehicles together with the relevant documents to the Customs Division when registering them and entreated prospective buyers to approach the Division for advice.     He said it was appropriate that vehicle buyers always checked the chassis or vehicle identification number to see if they had been tampered with.     Mr Robert Mensah, Chief Collector in-charge of Client Services at the Division, commended informants for their numerous contributions to the fight against smuggled goods.     He said Ghana lost huge sums of revenue annually due to smuggling and entreated the general public to continue in lending their support in the fight.     Mr Mensah observed that recent findings showed fake vehicle syndicates who smuggled them into the country also found fraudulent means to register them to evade import duties.     Mr Francis Ntiamoah, of the Research and Monitoring and Mr Theophilus Adamah, Collector Free Zone and Export at the Division, took the participants through export free zone activities and the transit trade. GNA...

Kumasi, Oct.26, GNA - Sheikh Mohammed Kamil Mohammed, the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam of the Alhussunna Wal-Jama’a, a Muslim sect, has urged Ghanaians to avoid insults and intemperate language and ensure peace in the forth-coming elections.     He said it was their right to exercise their franchise in the elections to help deepen democracy in the country.     Sheikh Kamil was addressing Muslims at the Methodist School Park at Old Tafo in the Kumasi Metropolis on Friday to mark the Eid-ul-Adha.     He underscored the importance of education in the socio-economic development of the country and advised them to invest in the education of their wards to enable them to contribute meaningfully towards national development.    The Regional Chief Imam said the occasion was to remind them on the need to unite and contribute their quota to nation building to supplement government’s efforts.     Sheikh Kamil asked them to eschew negative practices like rumour-mongering, back-biting and others that undermined development and rather focus their efforts towards sustainable the development of the nation.     Special prayers were offered for the government to ensure stability and the development of the nation. GNA...

Obuasi, Oct. 26, GNA – Anglo Gold Ashanti (Obuasi) yesterday donated an Internet café worth US 35,000 dollars  to the Obuasi Community as part of the Company’s commitment to its social responsibilities. The facility, sited near the yet-to-be commissioned library, is expected to serve as an e-learning centre for school children and the people of Obuasi. The Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Kwesi Enyan announced at the inauguration of the facility that Anglo Gold Ashanti had planned to open additional Cyber cafes and e-leaning centres in the municipality and the Iduapriem area. “Anglo Gold Ashanti research shows that for a population of about 240, 000, Obuasi municipality had about 24 internet cafes in 2009 and today, there are only a handful of functional Cyber cafes “he said. He said the centre was designed to help students in the municipality in their studies and also help local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses by identifying customers and suppliers in other parts of the country and internationally. Mr. Enyan indicated that though the company was a mining entity, it was committed to investing in its operational areas to improve the socio-economic lives of the people and the country at large. “In mining, we see the huge role that technology plays every day. It drives innovation and helps reduce and manage environmental impact. Technology is transforming the way we operate and we are expected to share our enthusiasm for technology with the community.” Mr. John Alexander Ackon, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive noted that with the improved results of the basic schools and the Obuasi Senior High Technical School of late, coupled with the inauguration of the internet café, it was about time to seize “this platform to launch our desire for the establishment of a tertiary institution in the municipality”. He hoped that AGA would establish these cafes in schools to help easy access by the students to eventually improve their knowledge in the technology. Mr. J.G Assiedu– Kotwi, the Chairman of the Assembly’s sub-committee on education said the facility would help check truancy among students. GNA...

Donkorkrom (B/A), Oct. 26, GNA - A durbar was held at  Donkorkrom in the Asutifi District  in the Brong-Ahafo Region on Thursday to celebrate the abolition of a taboo that forbade women from giving birth in the community.     The initiative organised by Action Aid Ghana was on the theme: “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”.         The elders of Donkorkrom established about 50 years ago, had prohibited women from giving birth in the community, and those who mistakenly gave birth had to sacrifice a sheep or undergo some rituals.     Thus pregnant women had to walk to Hwediem for ante-natal care and to give birth and as there was no reliable means of transport, they were carried by men or on bicycles to receive care or had to deliver in the bush.         Ms Christina Amarchey, Brong Ahafo Regional Programme Manager of Action Aid,   called for the abolition of all traditional and cultural practices that are harmful to women in the society.      She said cultural practices that delivered such excruciating physical pain and subjected women to humiliation must cease.      Ms Amarchey said any existing harmful traditional and cultural practice maintained the subordination of women in society and perpetuated gender based violence and called for the need to identify the neglect of women’s rights as a violation of human rights.      She said even though some cultural practices were good, the 1992 Constitution forbade all customary practices which were inimical to the physical and mental well-being of every citizen.       Ms Amarchey said in spite of all the legal provisions to outlaw harmful traditional practices the situation still persisted due to the lack of capacity, resources and commitments among implementers of such provisions.       She said research shows that such unfortunate practices still continues in some parts of the country and called on traditional authorities and interested stakeholders to take up the issues with the Regional Houses of Chiefs and the Regional Queen mother’s associations to eliminate such practices.       Ms Amarchey expressed appreciation to the traditional authorities for accepting to perform the necessary rituals to end the existing taboo.       Mr Eric Addai, Asutifi District Chief Executive, appealed to the general public to refrain from rumours that could create tensions in the country and help ensure a free and fair election.       Nana Kofi Yeboah, Chief Linguist of Kenyasi Number One Traditional Area, appealed to the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to create violence but endeavour to ensure peace in all their activities. GNA...

Wamfie (B/A), Oct. 26, GNA – Mr Sylvester Kwadwo Peprah, Assemblyman for Wamanafo Sabikrom  in the Dormaa-East District of Brong-Ahafo Region has sponsored the health insurance premium for all babies born in the district in September.    The gesture was in fulfilment of a promise Mr Peprah made when celebrating his 33rd birthday to pay the premium over the next 12 months. For each of the 120 babies born he paid GH¢ 4.00 as premium to the health facilities listed as Rachael Maternity Home at Wamanafo, Kyeremasu Presbyterian Clinic, Akontanim Community Clinic, Dormaa-Akwamu Health Centre and Wamfie Health Centre. Mr Peprah who is a tutor at Mansen Senior High School at Wamfie told the Ghana News Agency that the gesture is to guarantee the health care of the babies and to save their mothers the additional burden of spending on their health.     He appealed to mothers of the beneficiary babies to take advantage of the premium to ensure that their children are protected against the six childhood killer diseases.     Madam Rebecca Domoh, District Director of Health commended Mr Peprah for his kind gesture and urged well-meaning individuals and groups home and abroad to emulate his example.    GNA...

Accra, Oct. 26, GNA - Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has wished all Muslims a Happy Eid ul-Adha on his behalf and that of the party’s Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo and the entire NPP. He said a reflection of unconditional trust in Allah, Eid ul-Adha is a remembrance of the fact that sacrifices and difficulties are a test of one’s faith and principles to impart lessons of courage for the believer to be more accepting of Allah’s will, as he knows best. This was contained in a press statement issued by Dr Bawumia on Friday. The statement said “It is my hope that the celebration brings serenity, an atmosphere of fellow feeling and generosity among us and our communities and further helps in uniting our nation, Ghana, as we approach this years’ General Election and beyond.” Dr Bawumia stated that it is his prayer that Allah blesses all Muslims bountifully for their commitment, prayers and sacrifices as they remain steadfast even in times of very serious challenges and the complexities of life with the hope that Allah would surely lead them to better times. He also congratulated all Muslims who embarked on the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy Land this year for a successful completion and prayed for their safe return. GNA...

Ho, Oct. 26, GNA - Alhaji Hamza Danjumah, Volta Regional Chief  Imam has urged Moslem Youth to discount the notion that they are prone to manipulation by dodgy politicians. He said they should therefore resist overtures by politicians to use them to create violence as the December elections approach. Alhaji Danjumah gave the advice during the Eid- ul-Adha prayers in Ho on Friday. He appealed to the government to help refurbish some public infrastructure in Ho Zongo. Mr Henry Ford Kamel, Regional Minister said the security agencies are on the alert to curb all electoral related misdemeanours. GNA...

Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A), Oct. 26, GNA – Yaw Obiri, a 25-year-old mechanic, who led his captors to retrieve stolen vehicle accessories worth GH¢2,930 has been remanded by the Dormaa Circuit Court to re-appear on November 1.     Obiri who works at Low Cost, a suburb of Dormaa-Ahenkro was charged with three counts of causing unlawful damage, unlawful entry and stealing.     His plea was not taken.     Police Chief Inspector Bismarck Boye-Lartey told the court, presided over by Mr Alexander Osei Tutu, that the complainant, Mr Frank Odame alias “Kwasi Electrician” locked his shop after close of work on October 15, but the accused broke into the shop at dawn and stole five car batteries valued at GH¢1,450, seven car alternators worth GH¢1,140, two car starters valued at GH¢140 and a  TICO engine head worth GH¢200.     He said the accused packed all the stolen items into a fertilizer sack and hid it in a nearby bush.     The prosecution said the accused approached one Kwadwo Kyeremeh, a driver at the Dormaa-Ahenkro Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) main branch ostensibly to arrange for a vehicle to convey the items to Berekum but luck eluded him when Mr Kyeremeh and two others became suspicious and questioned the source of the items.      Chief Inspector Boye-Lartey said the accused led the drivers to the bush where he had concealed the items and was arrested. He was charged after investigations. GNA...

Wa, Oct. 26, GNA – The Conference of Directors of Education (CODE) has called for a National Policy on Education that insulates the sector from undue political interference.       CODE suggested the need for the country to establish an Education Commission to define appropriate education philosophy for the country.       This was contained in a communiqué issued at CODE meeting in Wa. The communiqué said the quality of education required the provision of adequate financial and logistical resources, as well as the supply of strong and robust vehicles at the right time to enhance efficient and effective monitoring and supervision of schools.       Although the meeting expressed appreciation about the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure the directors however requested that efforts should be made to fast tract the payment of all allowances under the scheme.       The communiqué asked the government to decentralise the Integrated Personnel Payroll Database to the regional level to decongest and overcome the delays in the payment of salaries particularly to newly recruited personnel.      The directors stated that the relevance of the Best Teacher/Worker Award cannot be overemphasised and expressed satisfaction about the progressive enhancement of the National Awards by the government.     “CODE is however of the view that some seed money can be provided for the expansion of these awards to the regions and districts.”      The communiqué said for children to grow up and appreciate the need for peace and unity, there is the need for the nation to develop a curriculum that teaches their historical background in order to know the truth about themselves.     It suggested the need for government to pursue a rigorous programme of action that promotes national unity through conscious regional and ethnic integration of students at all level across the country.      CODE proposed the policy of paying special allowances and the provision of accommodation to teachers.      The Conference was on the theme: “Sustaining Peace, Unity, and National Development through Quality Education Delivery.” GNA...

Tarkwa (W/R), Oct. 26, GNA – The youth have been called upon to reject the calls of politicians who would seek to use them to create violence the coming elections. Alhaji Mohammed Sani, Western Regional Manager of Islamic Education, said this on Friday when Muslim citizens in Tarkwa converged at the Tarkwa Central Mosque to offer prayers for the nation as part of the Eid-ul-Adha festival. He said Muslim leaders are prepared to put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere.  Alhaji Sani said it was important for the youth to ignore such politicians and focus on their studies to enable them occupy higher positions in their respective societies. He said to achieve this, his outfit has planned to hold a public education programme in all Muslim communities. In a brief sermon, Alhaji Abdelah Omar, Deputy Chief Imam of the Tarkwa Central Mosque, said Muslims during the period of the Eid-ul-Adha revive the sacrifice made by Abraham. He entreated Ghanaians to use this occasion to comport themselves as the country prepared for a peaceful election. Mrs Christian Kobinah, Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa Nsueam, called on all the aspiring parliamentary candidates in the Municipality to run their campaigns devoid of insults. She also appealed to all religions bodies to unite and work towards a free and fair election in the Municipality.   GNA...

Nkrankwanta (B/A), Oct. 26, GNA –  The Adolescents Development International,  a non-governmental organisation, has been formed to complement government’s efforts at  educating and directing the youth on adolescent issues.     The NGO seeks to ensure the revival of traditional practices that can  help shape the lives of young people to become responsible adults.    The Dormaahemaa, Odeneho Akosua Fima Dwabeng II, who  established  the NGO, announced these when she led some queenmothers to undertake clean-up exercise in  communities within the Dormaa Traditional Area.     She said that the NGO would work to prevent teenage pregnancy, which has affected the development of girls in the area.     Odeneho Dwabeng called on  school authorities, youth and opinion leaders and parents in Dormaa to support the NGO to achieve its objectives.     She said the NGO would be launched on Saturday, November 10, at Dormaa-Ahenkro, and said the Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang-Badu II, and Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area, would attend the event. GNA...

Dunkwa-on Offin, Oct. 26, GNA - Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has urged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghanaians as a whole to turn out in their numbers on December 7 and vote massively for President John Mahama.     He said the NDC government had done a lot in the area of infrastructure, and managed the economy prudently resulting in a- single digit inflation for about two years.     The Government is also resourcing the security agencies as well as the implementation of the single spine pay policy.     Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the call when he paid a working visit to some communities in the Upper Denkyira East and Upper Denkyira West in the Central Region.     He asked the electorate to retain the NDC for another four years to enable it to complete all the development projects it has started.     The Vice President called on Nana Kojo Appiah, Chief of Ayanfuri, who acted on behalf of the Odeefo, Boa Amponsem, Paramount Chief of the Area, and sought the blessing of the traditional leader for a peaceful poll.     He addressed the Health Assistants and students of the Nurses Training College to take their studies seriously.     He assured them of the necessary interventions in the way of infrastructure, teachers and other forms of assistance to help the school achieve higher prospects for the future.     As he travelled, people stood along the streets and with NDC paraphernalia waving at the Vice presidents entourage.     He travelled to Denkyira Dominase, Denkyira Obuasi and Ntom where he addressed rallies.     He urged the electorate to give a “one-touch victory to the NDC” on December 7. GNA...

Takoradi, Oct. 26 GNA - Hundreds of Orthodox Muslims in Takoradi on Friday celebrated the Eid-Ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. Alhaji Mohammed Awal, Imam of Takoradi, led the service during which prayers were offered for peaceful elections and the orderly development of the country. Imam Awal advised Muslim youth in zongo communities to stay away from electioneering conflicts and violence and urged them not to allow themselves to be used by self-seeking politicians to cause disturbance and mayhem in their communities. He said peace was a necessary prerequisite for the country’s development and Muslims and non-muslims should all contribute towards the preservation of peace in the country. Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, called on political parties to conduct the elections in a peaceful manner. He said there is the need for political parties to conduct their campaigns in an acceptable manner so that the party that wins the elections could continue the development of the country in a congenial atmosphere. Mr Gyan said only one party and one candidate would win the election so there was no need for violence and unnecessary conflicts. He urged Muslims to use the festival to strengthen their faith to enable them to play more constructive roles in the country. “I hope the festival would inspire you to devote yourselves to God’s work”, Mr Gyan said. GNA...

Odumase-Krobo (E/R), Oct. 26, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Friday observed that the only way Ghana could develop and forge ahead is through consistent peace and unity among the people. He said:”Perennial conflicts and disunity will remain a bane to our (Ghana’s) development if we do not fight hard to resist all forms of violence and misconduct in our daily activities.” President Mahama made the observation when he joined the chiefs and people of Odumase Krobo to celebrate their annual Anyaklo Ngmayem festival. The festival, which is agriculturally-oriented, is a homecoming event, which enables the indigenes to come home to give thanks for bountiful harvest, pray for abundance yield in the succeeding years, and settle their differences to forge ahead for development. The celebration also provides an opportunity for the people to display their rich culture heritage through drumming, singing and dancing. President Mahama announced that the expansion of Kpong Hydro water project would help to provide adequate water supplies to all communities in the Krobo areas. He called on the people to throw their support behind the government behind to achieve their development goals. He said government would refurbish and expand all technical and vocational schools as a way of giving opportunities to skilled Ghanaians to take up technical responsibilities in the society. The President said government would also train more teachers to account for the heavy deficit in the profession and offer the opportunity for deprived schools to receive adequate qualified teachers. He announced that the Agormanya market had been awarded on contract and would be provided with stores, sheds and stalls. Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya pleaded with government to work on roads in the area, which he said had deteriorated over the years. He called on the people to bury their differences and support government to provide them with all the necessary development projects. GNA...

Kpone-Bawaleshie, Oct. 26, GNA --- Residents of Kpone-Bawaleshie in the Kpone-Katamanso District are living in fear due to the constant attack and harassment of land guards who are claiming the whole town as theirs. Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Dottey (Rtd), Spokesperson for Nene Yarteh Kanor II, Chief of Kpone-Bawaleshie noted that due to the constant attacks by the land guards, residents who are mostly farmers cannot go to their farms for fear of being attacked. Lt Col Dottey (Rtd) disclosed this on Thursday when Alhaji Antiaye Tetteh, District Chief Executive Officer of the Kpone-Katamanso District Assembly (KKDA) visited the community to interact with residents. Alhaji Tetteh was accompanied by Mr Ellis Afari and Mr Asare Bediako, Presiding Member and Coordinating Director of the Assembly respectively as well as departmental heads. Lt Col Dottey indicated that though the inhabitants have been occupying the place since 1816, the land guards were claiming ownership of the town and its surrounding areas. He therefore called on the KKDA to provide security for the people to enable them to go about their farming activities in peace. The residents also appealed to the Assembly to construct a public toilet, second cycle institution and medical laboratory among others for them. They noted that due to the absence of a public toilet in the town, residents use the bushes and the Presbyterian Primary School as places of convenience. At Nanoman, residents urged the Assembly to help the town to register the only school in the area, which is a nursery school established in 1996. The school lack qualified teachers, furniture, toys and learning materials so the school children sit on mats to learn while the town has hired some people to teach the children. At Kpone-Saduase, Nii Nuertey Akpo I, chief of the town expressed his displeasure at the delay in issuing building permits as well as the seizure of tools of masons working on building projects that were yet to receive permit from the Assembly. Nii Akpo I indicated that due to the delay in issuing the building permit, residents preferred to start the building while they initiate the process of getting it. Mr Samuel Akoto, Engineer of KKDA explained to residents that before applying for building permit from the Assembly, the indenture of the land must first be presented to the Lands Commission for the necessary documentation. Mr Akoto also stated that in accordance with the building regulations of the country, the building permit is issued within three months if all requirements have been met. Alhaji Antiaye Tetteh said the interactions with residents were geared towards documenting the immediate needs of the people to enable the new Assembly to strategize and provide the needed social amenities for residents in the district. He urged the public especially residents of Nanoman, which is a known violent prone area during elections, to unite and vote in peace during the December 7 election to bring development into their town. GNA...

Suhum (E/R), Oct. 26, GNA - The Vice Chairman of the physically challenged in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District has called on its members to pay careful attention to politicians who approach them for votes.    He said as the election is almost near all the parties would approach them and offer various promises for their votes but it was prudent to select the candidate whose words and actions would help alleviate their concerns. Mr Emmanuel Budu said this during a meeting of the physically challenged at Suhum over the weekend.    He said in 2008, members of different political parties approached members of the Association with various promises to seek their mandate but after the election none of such politicians came back to the Association again.    Mr Budu expressed concerned about the activities of some members of the Association who continue to go on the streets begging for alms despite several warnings given to them to desist from such acts.    He commended the Suhum Municipal Assembly for the continued support given to the members of the Association and appealed to the Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair election. GNA...

Accra, Oct. 26, GNA – Lt- Col (retired) Henry Smith, Minister of Defence on Friday said the exceptional quality of selfishness portrayed by Abraham in obeying Allah’s command to sacrifice his only son; Ismail had a deeper implication beyond the ritual sacrifice. He said the symbolic sacrifice should serve as a driving force that should motivate the actions of Ghanaians to strive to build a nation together. Lt. Col Smith was addressing the Muslim group in the Ghana Armed Forces after they had held the Eidul-Adha prayers at the Al-Aziz Central Mosque at Burma Camp in Accra. “Even as we envisage the rather tense situation that the nation always finds itself just before and during elections, let us remain true to our democratic aspirations and facilitate a peaceful atmosphere for the promotion of democracy and national development”, he said The Defence Minister expressed appreciation and gratitude to all personnel and partners in operational theatres outside Ghana who were championing the cause for global peace, security and unity. Lt. General Augustine Blay, the Chief of Defence Staff, who also addressed the Muslims, urged them to let the lessons of Eidul-Adha to imbue in them a greater sense of sacrifice and devotion. “You are the ones your civilian counterparts rely upon to rise to their defence when the sovereignty of the nation is at stake.  In this election year, therefore, as you undertake your duties in the defence of our young democracy, you must not be oblivious of your civic responsibility towards impartiality to all stakeholders in the forthcoming elections”, he said. Lt. General Blay therefore urged the soldiers to remain neutral, describing it as “much cherished virtue in much the same way as your devotion to the sanctity of the state”. He advised the soldiers to let the spirit of sacrifice and charity to be a permanent hallmark of theirs, saying: “Service to God can only be demonstrated by service to humanity.” Lt. Col Sheikh Umar Sanda Ahmed, Chief Imam of Ghana Armed Forces led the congregation. President John Dramani Mahama donated two bulls to the Soldiers for the celebration. GNA...

Cape Coast, Oct. 26, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe on Friday commended Muslims in the Region for co-existing peacefully with Christians and asked that they should allow the peace to reflect in the December polls.     She said there was only one Ghana and it was the responsibility of all to protect it from any form of violence or disturbance before, during and after the general election.     Mrs Benyiwa-Doe said this when she joined hundreds of orthodox Muslims at the Holy Child prayer grounds to mark this year’s Edi-Adha  in Cape Coast.    Eid-Adha is a Muslim festival of sacrifice, which is celebrated two months after the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitri.     Many of the congregation, dressed in white cloths to signify their joy and happiness, converged at the holy grounds to begin the Edi prayers.     The Regional Minister underscored the important role Muslims played in the dispensation of democracy in the country asked them to ensure that they did not engage in any violent acts during the elections.     Mrs Benyiwa-Doe re-echoed government’s efforts to ensure that the 2012 general elections were free and fair and stressed that all mechanisms would be put in place to ensure that  peace was achieved.     She urged Muslim leaders to engage the Muslim youth not to engage in acts that would disrupt the December polls and stressed that no nation can develop when there is not peace.     The Regional Imam, Alhaji Yusufi Mohammed Kabate, said the Islamic religion was a religion of peace, unity and oneness and asked urged Muslims not to allow the principles and teachings of the Prophet Mohammed to reflect in their daily activities.     He urged all Muslims to be law abiding and endeavour to respect their chiefs, opinion leaders and people in authority to ensure peace and order in the country.     Mrs Benyiwa-Doe and Mr Rickets Hagan, the NDC Parliamentary aspirant for Cape Coast North constituency, presented a bull, two rams and GH1,000.00 to the regional Imam.     At the Cape Coast Technical Institute, the circuit missionary of the Ahmadiyyah mission Alhaji Osafo Abdulai Yusif said as the country moves towards the polls, the youth should be circumspect in whatever they did to avoid any act of violence or disturbance in the country.     He asked Muslims to pray to Allah for Ghanaians to elect a leader who is God fearing, humble and has the welfare of Ghanaians at heart.     Mr Ebow Barton Oduro, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South constituency, urged Muslims to let the benefits of the festival of sacrifice reflect in their activities and that they should endeavour to live in peace with their neighbours.     He called on radio serial callers and panelists to always endeavour to tell the truth and not say things that would bring violence and any form of disturbance.       Prayers were said for the President John Mahama, Members of Parliament, Council of State members and the nation as a whole. Mr Oduro presented a ram and an undisclosed amount of money to the circuit missionary GNA...

Suhum (E/R), Oct. 26, GNA - “Road Map to a Successful Living” a book by Mr Stephen K. Ali, a 30-year old Senior High School (SHS) graduate, has been launched at Coaltar in the Eastern Region.     The Headmaster of Coaltar SHS, Reverend John Buatey Lawerteh, who is also the District Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Coaltar, launched the book at a ceremony on Thursday.     The book written in seven chapters has 74 pages and includes discussions on: Reshape your life and destiny, Fulfilling your purpose in life, Open up world of possibilities, Basic hindrances to success, Basic Concept of success and  Things to eliminate from your life.     Rev Lawerteh in his inaugural speech commended Mr Ali on his achievement urging the youth to emulate his example.     He said God has created every mankind with unique talents and expected that those talents be imparted to others just as the author has sought to share his experiences with the society.    Rev Lawerteh said many people attributed their failures and progress in life to witches, poor family and others but Mr Ali went through all those superstitions and went ahead to write the book.   Mr Paul Affar, Headmaster of the Catholic Junior High School (JHS), where Mr Ali was a former pupil, also commended him as the first person to write a book in the area and said Mr Ali had made good use of his talent.    He appealed that every necessary assistance be given to Mr Ali to continue writing more books. GNA...

Apam (C/R) Oct. 26, GNA - A methodology survey conducted by the Gomoa West District Oversight Committee of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on five communities has revealed that 88 per cent of children between five-14 years do not attend school.    The survey which was undertaken from July and August was held at Gomoa Dego, Gomoa Brofoyedru, Apam, Mumford and Gomoa Ohua in the Central Region.     Three hundred people from each town made up of assembly members, traditional authorities, private actor and public servants were interviewed.     These came to light during a validation workshop for democracy and good governance by the Gomoa West District APRM at Apam.     Thirty-four per cent of the children said they are not in school because their parents cannot afford the payment of school fees while 22 per cent also indicated that they support their parents at home. GNA...