Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) is convinced that the depth of moral decay and indiscipline in the Ghanaian society has reached a level that needs to be checked, says Nii Armah Akomfrah, Director of Communication.   This, he said is necessary before any successful policy to improve life and reduce poverty could be implemented.   “The next CPP government will therefore strengthen the National Commission for Civic Education and the Information Services Department to educate Ghanaians to imbibe the spirit of discipline and patriotism.”   Mr Akomfrah, made this known to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Saturday to explain the party’s manifesto agenda on social transformation.   According to the CPP Director of Communication, the two bodies would liaise with schools and religious bodies to inculcate the sense of belongingness, oneness, hard work and respect, which are the hallmark of ideals of national core values, into the youth.   He noted that Ghanaians have become more corrupt, disrespectful, partisan and indiscipline which have negative effects on national unity, productivity and nation building.   Mr Akomfrah observed that abhorrence to corruption, self reliance, drive for excellence and institutionalising discipline and patriotism were pre-requisite for social and economic progress.   He recalled that Ghanaians used to be proud, had respect for the elderly and rule of law, courteous, drove carefully on the roads, patriotic and filled with optimism for the future.   He said the CPP social transformation agenda seeks to reverse the negative attributes of the Ghanaian as the only viable foundation needed to achieve national progress.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA- The rescue team at the disaster stricken site of Achimota Melcom Shopping Mall in Greater Accra, have so far cleared 50 per cent of the debris of the six-storey building that collapsed last Wednesday.      Colonel M’bawine Atintande, Head, Public relations Directorate, Ghana Armed Forces,  who made this known  on Saturday said the efforts had made it possible for the team to identify a staircase which could lead to other parts of the building.     Briefing journalists in Accra he said the rescue mission had made slow progress because they did not want to do anything that could endanger the lives of those who might be still alive.     He said so far, 70 people have been rescued alive with 12 others confirmed dead adding that 52 of those who are alive had been treated and discharged from the various hospitals.     Earlier report that reached Ghana News Agency however said 78 people have been rescued.     He pledged the commitment of the team to work into the night to remove the debris and continue with the rescue mission.     In a related development, Apostle Joseph Mend, Head Pastor, Anointed Revival Ministries located at Tantra Hills in Accra presented 15 bags of sachet water, three boxes of bottled water and assorted drinks to the rescue team.      Trudy Catering Services also presented breakfast for people at the site.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA-Mr Rojo Mettle- Nunoo, Deputy Minister of Health said on Saturday that the departure of the Israeli rescue team was an indication that their Ghanaian counterpart had the needed requirement to continue with the mission.      Briefing the media, he said the return of the team to Israel should not be interpreted as their abandonment of the mission as the Ghanaian team made up of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, National Disaster Management Organisation, and the rest are working frantically to facilitate the process.       He said government had commenced investigations into the cause of the collapse and the strength of other buildings in the area and would make the findings public after the investigations.     He expressed his appreciation to the team and urged them to continue working till the last person is found either dead or alive.      The Deputy Minister said work would continue throughout the night to clear the debris thereby making it possible to increase the chances of getting to those trapped.      On Wednesday, November 7, a six- storey building which housed the Achimota branch of Melcom Shopping Mall collapsed trapping unspecified number of persons.      So far 78 persons had been rescued alive while the death toll had risen to 12 after three dead bodies were retrieved on Friday around 2100 GMT.    GNA  ...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA – Reverend Jeresim Offa Jehu-Appiah, Father of Musama Disco Christo (MDCC) and former Gomoa District Organiser of the defunct Young Pioneer Movement of the Convention Peoples Party, died on November 8, at the age of 77.   Rev Jehu-Appiah affectionately called “Uncle Kwame Afful” was the last surviving son of the Founder of MDCC also known as “The Army of Christ Church”; Prophet Jemisiham Jehu-Appiah, formerly Joseph William Egyanka Appiah who was a Teacher-Catechist in the Methodist Church and an Executive Member of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society.   Born on December 15, 1934 the late Church Father was the Parliamentary Candidate of Action Party for Gomoa West in 1969.   He served in various capacities in the MDCC, including Secretary to the Akaboha, (Spiritual and Administrative Head of the Church) as well as  General Secretary.   Funeral announcement will be announced later.       GNA...

Tongo (UE), Nov. 11, GNA- President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday observed that President Barrack Obama’s victory in the United States would be replicated for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December polls in Ghana.   He said: “In 2008 polls in the USA, Obama won by chasing the elephant into the bush and later the NDC also chased the elephant into the bush in Ghana, and just this week, Obama has again chased the elephant into the bush, which will be replicated in Ghana in December.”   President Mahama made the observation when he addressed a rally as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Upper East Region.   President Mahama also paid courtesy calls on chiefs, interacted with students of various tertiary institutions and inspected and inaugurated development projects.   He said the performance of the NDC government in the last four years is enough evidence to encourage more Ghanaians to vote massively for the party in the forthcoming elections.   President Mahama appealed to the chiefs and the people to desist from inflaming passion on the creation of districts and the naming of their capitals.   He said the carving of new districts are geared towards accelerating development projects, explaining that every new district is entitled to new hospitals, small town water projects, police stations, post offices among other basic amenities.   President Mahama said inspite of the increase in wage bills as a result of the implementation of the single spine salary structure; government is still economically solid to execute more development projects in the phase two of the better Ghana agenda.   He promised to increase the supply of energy to increase industrialisation and job creation.   At the Bolgatanga Polytechnic President Mahama said government is working at effective means by which the polytechnics could be turned into technical and vocational degree awarding academic facilities to solve the technical manpower demands of the country.   He said the NDC government since 1992 had been instrumental in the establishment of tertiary institutions and would therefore continue in that direction to train more Ghanaians to become experts and professionals.   Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communications denounced the New Patriotic Party’s promise to provide free Senior High School education, describing it as “trying to provide a hen coop before the laying of the hen”.   GNA...

Nyanyanu, (C/R), Nov. 11, GNA – Christians have been cautioned against unwholesome entertainment that could endanger their precious relationship with Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ.   Christians must therefore woo themselves from unwholesome entertainment include binge drinking, viewing of pornographic materials, films centered on practice of spiritism and violence; immoral dancing, as well as noisy and wild parties that disturb their neighbours.   This was contained in presentations and sermons delivered by various speakers during the second day of the ongoing Three-Day District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.   The convention, which is being organised at Nyanyanu, near Kasoa in the Central Region on the theme: “Safeguard Your Heart”, is based on Proverbs 4:23.   Speaking at the convention, Mr Jared Oblitey, an elder with the Korle-Bu Central Congregation, said “the choice we make in entertainment could cause others to either praise Jehovah God or despise Him”.   He explained that a Christian’s choice of entertainment could affect God’s feelings and his relationship towards an individual.   Mr Oblitey said regular reading and meditation on God’s word, prayer, habitual Christian meetings attendance and application of bible principles would enable a Christian to safeguard the “figurative heart”.   Mr Mishael Opoku-Boamah, an elder with Dansoman Central Congregation reminded the more than 2,569 people attending the convention to espouse Jesus attitude and teachings of marital unity, fidelity and family happiness.   He cautioned against flirting and giving undue attention and time to a member of the opposite sex, saying it could cause marital discord and attract God’s displeasure.   Mr Mark David of the McCarthy Hill Congregation said Christians   needed to imitate Jesus exemplary conduct of kindness, adding that the Witnesses could plan to set aside funds for the needy.   Forty-six of the Witnesses were baptised as a symbol of their dedication to God.   Two newly-published brochures: “Good News From God,” and “Who are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today?” were outdoored at the convention.   They were produced with the aim of helping the Witnesses to be effective in evangelisation and to help others to love God.   A new animated DVD for children was also released.   The DVD which is the first in a series to be outdoored is designed to help the children to learn kingdom songs and to teach them good morals.   GNA...

  Accra, Nov.11, GNA- The National AIDs Control Programme (NACP) had received enough stock of Anti Retroviral (ARVs) to supply Persons Living HIV (PLHIV) for a year, in response to speculations of shortage of the drug since June.     “We experienced shortage of ARVs in June but have now received our consignments at the ports,” Dr Nii Akwei Addo, NACP Programme Manager told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Accra.   He explained that though the consignments are coming in bits, “we hope to receive all the consignments by the middle of this month”.   News reports stated that hospitals especially in the Eastern Region reported shortage of ARVs in June, which threatened the effective treatment of HIV and AIDS.   Dr Addo explained that the importation of the drugs was awarded as contract to six companies who won the competitive bid at a cost of $8.1 million.   He noted that that  there was a target of 15, 058 people with advanced HIV infections to receive ART for 2012 out of which 7, 497 people have been put on the drug as at June.   “As at June, the cumulative number of people with advanced HIV infection receiving ART have been 72,839, of which 69,267 were adults and 3, 572 children. The number of people currently on treatment is 66,504 out of which 63,236 are adults and 3,268 are children.   “There are 166 service delivery points. The alarming shortages are compelling the HIV facilities to ration first line drugs to PLHIV in a bid to prevent a complete shortage of the ARVs,” Dr Addo said.   The NACP Programme Manager said under the new Transitional Funding Mechanism, government had awarded a GH¢6 million, which is a Ministry of Health Budget to DANDAMS, a local antiretroviral manufacture to produce the ARVs for use.   The move is meant to facilitate preparation towards sustaining the programme after the global fund ends by April next year.   Dr Addo said after April 30, 2013, all new cases would be the sole responsibility of government with the full task of bearing the entire cost.   The Ghana AIDS Commission is being supported with GH¢5.7 million.         Some PLHIV the GNA spoke to said their survival depended so much on the ARVs and the persistent interruption was a nightmare.   These concerns were also shared by the National President of Network of Association of PLHIV, Mr Clement Azagwe who said: “If we joke as a country, those of us living with the disease could develop drug resistance and this will potentially undermine our efforts to achieve universal access to treatment.”   GNA...

From Benjamin Mensah, Correspondent in Abuja, Nigeria   Abuja, Nov. 11, GNA- Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on Saturday evening arrived in Abuja- Nigeria to attend an Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to be held on Sunday, November 11.       Representing President John Dramani Mahama, the Veep would participate in crucial deliberations on the political and military situation in Mali and Guinea Bissau.      The Heads of State Summit follows recent UN Security Council Resolution 2071 of 12 October, and the Communiqué of the 339th meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) of 24 October, mandating urgent political actions by the UN Secretary General, ECOWAS and the AU towards a full resolution of the crises in Mali and Guinea Bissau.      Ahead of Sunday’s meeting, Lt General Joseph Henry Smith, Defence Minister and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Chris Kpodo, participated in a meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence during an Extraordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council on Friday.      The deliberation was on reports of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, relative to the operational concept for the swift deployment of an ECOWAS stabilisation force in Mali in light of the UN Resolution.   GNA...

Duayaw-Nkwanta (B/A), Nov.11, GNA – Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister on Saturday stressed the need for the nation to develop awareness of the moral and conventional nature of social values among girls to mould their character in the society.      He said as girls, they should exhibit high moral, intellectual and aesthetic virtues in the society.      Mr Nyamekye-Marfo made the call in a speech read on his behalf at a Speech and Prize-Giving Day to climax activities marking the 40th Anniversary celebration of Serwaa Kesse Girls’ Senior High School (SEKESS) at Duayaw-Nkwanta in the Tano North District.      The celebration was on the theme: “Girls Education-The Bedrock for National Development in the Contemporary Society.”       The school with a current population of 1,400 was established as Women’s Training College in 1965 and converted into a co-educational second cycle institution in 1970 before being made a model girls SHS in 2003.       Mr Nyamekye-Marfo urged girls to be worthy role models by avoiding sexual promiscuity, indecent dressing, drugs, alcoholism and other social vices.       He admonished the students to seize the opportunity provided for them to develop their talents to become marketable in future to contribute meaningfully to national development.       Mr Nyamekye-Marfo asked the students to be open-minded to broaden their academic horizon and capabilities since “Value addition requires receptive to new and useful ideas which could develop intellectual and analytical faculties”.        Mr Ernest Akubuor Debrah, Member of Parliament for Tano North appealed to the staff and students to maintain the school’s level of discipline which had been the basis for the continuous and increasing success since it was established.        He said the school placed first in the 2012 National Debate during Ghana’s 55th independence anniversary celebration through discipline and commended the students, staff and stakeholders for the achievement.         In appreciation, Mr Debrah donated 10 gas cookers valued at GH¢8,000 to the Home Economics Department of the school in addition, his wife, Mrs Akua Debrah who was the Regional Director of Education when the model school was established donated GH¢1,000 to the school.         He explained that the donation was in fulfilment of a promise made to the school during the debate and placing first had brought glory and honour to the Region.          Mrs Doris Cobbinah Bainn, Headmistress said the school had consistently been scoring 100 per cent passes in the West African Examination Certificate for the past six years.         She said challenges facing the school are an assembly hall, additional dormitories, an expansion of the dining hall and lack of means of transport.      Ms Abigail Adubofuor, Head Prefect appealed to government, corporate organisations and philanthropists to assist the school with the provision of mechanised boreholes to relieve staff and students of acute water shortages.          Prizes were presented to deserving students for their academic excellence and achievements in extra curricula activities.         Some teaching and non-teaching staff were also honoured for their meritorious services to the school.   GNA...

Sunyani, Nov. 11, GNA - Mr Kwasi Oppong Ababio, Sunyani East Municipal Chief Executive, has called on Muslims to review polygamous marriage to enable parents become more responsible in the upbringing of their children.         “With the current economic hardships a review would assist parents to provide more improved education for their children,” he added.         Mr Ababio made the call at the launching of the Second Annual Islamic Education Unit Week celebration in Sunyani on Saturday.         Activities planned for the celebration include public lecture, radio programmes, clean up exercise, soccer competition and would be climaxed with a quiz competition in English and Arabic.          Mr Ababio advised Muslim women to refrain from indulging in possessing more material wealth and rather support their husbands to educate their children.            He advised students to take their studies serious to become useful citizens in future.         Mr Yussif Imoru, Brong Ahafo Regional Manager of Islamic Education called on Muslim parents to invest more in their children’s education since most of them had become miscreants in the society.       “Acquisition of knowledge is an injunctive from the Quran for which all Muslims will be held accountable to Allah on the Day of Judgment if we fail to do so. We should acknowledge that our backwardness in society which shows clearly in low participation in politics and in all facet of our national life is as a result of our lack of formal education.       “The crime rate which is on the ascendancy in the Muslim community is also largely due to lack of formal education.”        Mr Imoru said since the Islamic Education Unit was established in 1987 after some efforts, there had been increase in enrolment at the basic schools in the Region, from 29,275 in 2009 to 35,178 in 2011, constituting a 20 per cent increase.        Sheikh Abubakar Bonsu, Former Asunafo North District Chief Executive urged Muslims to let their religion which stood for peace to be manifested in their lives.        He expressed concern about indiscipline and negatives practices in Muslim communities and advised adherents of the religion especially the youth not to allow themselves to be influenced by politicians to cause mayhem during Election 2012.       Sheikh Bonsu urged Muslims to focus on their education which is the greatest legacy that could be bequeathed to them to enhance their in future.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the weekend started training its polling agents for the December elections.   The agents are being equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to enable them monitor the elections effectively, an official stated at a workshop organised by the party at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra.   The NDC Official said the agents are carefully selected to ensure that they protect the interest of the party especially during the elections.   The NDC affirmed its preparedness to provide agents in the more than 22,000 polling stations, across the country.   Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after the training, Mr Kofi Attor a leading member of the NDC said the party would take all measures within the confines of the electoral laws to secure free, fair, transparent and credible elections.   As a first step, he said, the party sought the assistance of Electoral Commission (EC) officials to train leading members of the NDC.   The EC has already distributed hundreds of copies of “A Guide to Candidates and their Agents,” to the political parties contesting the December polls.   The guide is to aid the parties to train their polling agents for Election 2012 as well as aid both presidential and parliamentary candidates on the constitutional requirement for contesting for public elections in Ghana.   Meanwhile the New Juaben Municipal Director of the EC, Mrs Lydia Sackey has advised political parties contesting this year's general election to appoint credible and reliable polling agents to represent them at the polling stations.   She explained that, the credibility of the agents enhances the reliability of the overall election results and help to promote peaceful elections.   Mrs Sackey said polling agents who are influenced with money to compromise their position does not promote free, fair and transparent elections.   She therefore urged political parties to scrutinise their polling agents very well before appointing them since their activities could contribute to their victory or defeat at the elections.   Mrs Sackey, who was speaking at the Eastern Regional Inter-party Dialogue meeting at Koforidua over the weekend, said the EC attaches great importance to the work of polling agents because they act as watchdogs of the election process.   She appealed to the political parties and stakeholders to collaborate to make this year's election incident free.   She said the election would be unique since it is the first time Ghanaians would be using biometric data to vote.   Mrs Sackey said it had become necessary for voters to go through biometric data to vote because the old method of verification did not have built-in mechanism for detecting multiple registrations and voting.   Mr Eric Bortey, Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education urged the parties to give adequate education to their polling agents to make the process peaceful.   GNA...

Jirapa (UW), Nov. 11, GNA – Out of the 133 Rural Banks operating in the country, Sonzele Rural Bank at Jirapa in the Upper West Region and Bosomtwi Rural Bank in the Ashanti Region, are rated as the most efficient rural banks in 2011.       The silver award was conferred on the two banks for their high level of efficiency under the fourth Ghana Business financial services excellence awards for last year.        Mr Albert Bosoro, Board chairman of Sonzele Rural Bank made this known in his report at the Annual General Meeting of the bank at Jirapa on Saturday.      The Bank achieved this feat even against a decrease in pre-tax profit of 27 per cent from GH¢287,146.00 in 2010 to GH¢208,512.00 in 2011.       Mr Bosoro attributed the reduction in profit to a decline in interest on Treasury Bills and the Central Bank’s directive to financial institutions to reduce their lending rates.       On loan recovery, he said the situation was 85 per cent satisfactory although harsh measures were seriously taken to recover outstanding loans.      To expand deposits and client base, the Board decided to make banking services available to more rural people.      The Bank, he said has commenced feasibility studies to open an Agency at the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies and other agencies in some of the newly created districts in the region.      As part of its social responsibility, the Bank donated a table top X’ ray processor costing GH¢26,000 to the Jirapa Hospital and gave out various sums of money to brilliant but needy students.     Mr Duke Osam-Duodu, Acting Managing Director of the ARB Apex Bank Limited in a speech read on his behalf, commended the board, management team, staff, customers and share holders for the roles they played in the dazzling performance.      He said their success story should be based more on initiatives, innovations and major attributes that would continue to define their strategies.      He advised them to put in pragmatic measures and realistic programmes such as development of micro finance business, risk management and internal controls, staff training and project development and provision of quality customer service.   Mr Martin Bayor, Jirapa District Director of Education who is also a shareholder of the Bank called for a change in attitude and professional approach in all aspects of banking.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA – Michael Owusu ‘Sarkodie’, Ghana Music icon was on Friday officially unveiled as the Brand Ambassador for Samsung Electronics at the “You Know what time it is” concert at the University of Ghana, Legon.   The role of the famed musician is to work with Samsung to raise awareness about Samsung Mobile devices and help popularize the devices in the West African sub-region.   Mr Jaspreet Singh, Business Leader at Samsung said: “We are very excited about this partnership because we want to connect with our customers musically and we see in Sarkodie all the values we stand represent.”   “He is an optimistic believer, a relentless innovator and passionate creator and these values make up the Samsung brand, Samsung as a brand is born out of a commitment to relentlessly pursue a better tomorrow by creating future with our customers through innovation.”   Mr Singh said Sarkodie  became a  household name in Ghana with the release of his album “Makye” in April 2009 and has spawned many hit singles such as “Babe, Borga, Lay Away and Alter, which has earned him many awards.   Sarkodie after receiving the honour said “Samsung is a brand that celebrates talents and creates the future we are all working hard to achieve.”   Mr Singh said as a testimony to Samsung’s commitment to providing value to its customers with its Built for Africa products, Samsung Galaxy Pocket and the Chief Hero phones will now come with customized wallpaper of Sarkodie and his signature and users will have the opportunity to download exclusive tracks of Sarkodie.   Samsung Electronics Company Limited is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies operating in 197 offices across 72 countries.   GNA...

Mankradu (N/R), Nov 11, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Sunday promised that the government of the National Democratic Congress would improve on the living conditions in the deprived communities in the Daboya-Makrudu District of the Northern Region.     “One of the main reasons for creating new districts in the deprived areas of the country is to help provide basic amenities such as hospitals, schools, post offices, police stations, good roads and potable water.”     President Mahama gave this promise when he addressed a rally at Makradu in the newly created district of the Daboya-Makradu in the Northern Region as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Upper East Region.    Although Makradu, Kubore and Yagaba are all in the Northern Region, President Mahama during his campaign tour of the Northern region, a couple of weeks ago could not go there because it was not accessible through the Northern region, hence using the Upper East Region to tour the area.    President Mahama said the days of massive disparity between urban and rural areas were fading off with the introduction of technology and improved telecommunication systems and promised that the area would be provided with electricity for both domestic and commercial consumption.    He promised to work on all the roads leading to the area and other regions in order to make the area accessible to commercial activities.    The President said although the area had the potential of becoming the food basket of the entire northern sector, enough had not been done to offer them the opportunity to harness that potential and promised to provide the necessary support to farmers to increase production for consumption and export.   More ...

Ho, Nov. 11, GNA - Nine officers and 210 men and women of the security services, under the command of Captain Eric Amankwa of the 66th Artillery Regiment were on parade on Sunday to mark Remembrance Day 2012 in Ho.     Mr Henry Ford Kamel, Volta Regional Minister, laid a wreath on behalf of the President, Lieutenant-Colonel Abass Seidu, Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment, for the Security Services.     Other wreaths were laid by Togbe Kwaku Ayim, IV, Paramount Chief of Ziavi Tradtional Area, for the chiefs and people of the region and Ex-Warrant Officer William Wogba for the Veterans Association of Ghana.     Besides the contingents of Soldiers, Police, Prison, Immigration and Fire services on parade, was a 20-member body of the Veterans Association of Ghana.     A two-minute silence was held in remembrance of veterans and prayers were said for successful elections.     November 11 each year is observed throughout the world to remember members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the course of duty since the end of First World War.     GNA ...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Alhaji Khazaima Mosman, Executive Secretary of Islamic Peace and Security Council of Ghana (IPASEC) at the weekend called on Ghanaians to help avoid and prevent conflicts as we near the December polls.      He said the nation could maintain the peace we enjoy if we tolerate each other irrespective of our political preferences and religion.      Alhaji Osman was speaking at a peace forum ahead of election 2012, at the Darkuma-Circle trotro station, in Accra.      The forum was attended by more than 200 young people from Daraja Fun Club, Michigan Youth Club, and residents of Darkuman.      Chief Abdul Qadir Tahir, President of National Muslim Chiefs Association, Sheikh Lawal Larry, Imam of Shia Muslim Mission (Darkuman) and Chief Mohammed Buhari, representative of the Chief of  Darkuman were also present.      The forum held on the theme: “The Role of the Youth in Maintaining a Peaceful Election,” was organized by World Youth Alliance Ghana and sponsored by Islamic Peace and Security Council of Ghana.     Alhaji Khuzaima Osman urged members of the Zongo communities to avoid any temptation that could lead to the destabilization of the society saying “tell anyone who attempts to pay you for violence to come along with you and if they refuse, note that they do not value your life.”     Kaneshie District Commander of Police, F.S Adika, said the security agencies and patrol teams have strengthened the security systems to deal with anyone or group of people who would attempt to steal ballot boxes or create violence.     He urged all to accept the results of the elections and desist from infuriating those who lose as that could spark conflicts.   GNA ...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA – The police are investigating the circumstances that led to an articulated truck engulfing in fire near the Achimota Melcom disaster site on Thursday. The driver of the Burkina Faso bound truck with registration number GJ 4120 BF, bolted after the incident and there are suspicions the truck contained illegal materials. A source from the Police Headquarters told the Ghana News Agency that the tractor (front part of the truck) detached from the heavily loaded trailer after it scratched the concrete of the overhead bridge near the Achimota Lorry Terminal. This resulted in the fire engulfing the truck and the spillage of some contents on the road. The source said a closer inspection of its contents revealed that the truck was carrying a huge generator as well as a large number of lighters and torches which they suspected were being illegally transported to its destination. The source said the fire on the truck intensified as the lighters, containing gas kept exploding and fire fighters at the Melcom disaster site had to rush to the scene with their equipment to douse the fire. The source said a caterpillar, deployed to clear the spilled contents of the truck to enable traffic to flow, also caught fire due to the dangerous sparks from the exploding truck. Shortly after the incident and the disappearance of the driver, a man who spoke French approached the police to claim ownership of the truck giving his name as Campoare. The source said the tractor has been towed to the Tesano Police Station and Campoare is helping the police in their investigations.     More ...

Hohoe (V/R), Nov. 11, GNA - Professor D. D. Kuupole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has said the Colleges of Education (CoE) required the review of curricula and injection of capital to ensure their relevance and maintenance of quality.     He said infrastructure in the area of offices, residential, classroom accommodation, ICT facilities, improvement in library and laboratory facilities as well as supply of tools and equipment should be considered by those in charge to ensure that such institutions performed as expected.     Prof Kuupole said this during the Fifth Annual Congregation of the Saint Teresa’s College of Education (TERESCO) in Hohoe.     The event was under the theme: “Tertiarisation of Colleges of Education in Ghana: Prospects and Expectations.”     Prof Kuupole said “we need to design tailor-made programmes to cater for both tutors and students” adding that the execution of administrative policies and the provision of technical services be undertaken by experts of proven professional competences.     The Vice-Chancellor said the UCC was prepared to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to help develop the professional qualifications of staff to help achieve quality teacher development in the country.     Prof Kuupole said “quality should be reflected in products, which should trickle down to affect Ghanaian children holistically”.     He said the Institute of Education in collaboration with CoEs and the Centre for Continuing Education at the UCC is offering post-diploma programmes by sandwich and distance learning and urged graduates to enroll in such programmes to upgrade themselves.     Mrs Angelina Kutin Tandoh, Principal of Teresco, said with a student population of 560 with 35 teaching and non-teaching staff, academic performance continues to improve through hard work and dedication of staff.     She appealed to all stakeholders including the old students to help construct new facilities for their alma mater and urged the graduates to lift the institution’s banner high and become shining stars for the nation.     GNA  ...

Takoradi, Nov.11, GNA - A service to commemorate the 67th Remembrance Day in memory of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and in conflicts around the world was on Sunday held at the Takoradi Cenotaph.     About 32 members of the Western Regional Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) formed the parade led by Ex-Corporal Ekow Quansah.     Reverend Ernest Ofori Debrah led the service while Reverend Sub-Lieutenant Slyvanus Dogodze read the scripture and offered the Christian prayers.     Imam Captain Mohammed Najmudeen Agbere offered the Muslim prayers.     Ex-Chief Petty Officer Class one, Regional Chairman of VAG, read the Biyon verses and the Takoradi Air Force Station Regimental Band provided music.     Madam Emelia Arthur, Deputy Regional Minister, laid the first wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana while Commodore Tim Appiah, Two Garrison Commander, laid the second on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces.     Other wreaths were laid by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Ransford Ninson, the Regional Police Commander, on behalf of the security services, Nana Afedzi Bentum IV on behalf of the Chiefs and People of the Region, Nana Amankwa on behalf of ex-servicemen and Ex-Chief Petty Officer class one Joe Oheneba Annane on behalf of expatriates.         GNA ...

Kumasi, Nov. 11, GNA – A wreath-laying ceremony was on Sunday held at the Cenotaph in Kumasi to commemorate the 67th Remembrance Day in honour of fallen soldiers who fought at the Second World War.            The ceremony saw wreaths being laid on behalf of the President, people of Ghana, security services, chiefs and the Veterans Association of Ghana. It had in attendance various stakeholders, including Heads of Departments, Agencies and Organizations, traditional rulers, ex-servicemen and a cross-section of the general public. A parade made up of nine officers and 160 men, including the various security services, was also mounted under the Command of Captain Laryea Oduro of the Fourth Battallion Infantry Brigade of the Ghana Armed Forces.  At exactly 1100hours, the siren sounded to symbolize the end of the War, after which ex-Corporal G.W.Opoku, 98, read the Binyon verses. This was followed by wreath-laying, while a minute silence was observed. Representatives of the various faiths also prayed to ask of God’s favour for the fallen heroes.        GNA ...