Kumasi, Nov. 11, GNA – The Kumasi Central Police Station had commenced investigations into circumstances which led to the assault of an activist of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), at the studios of Kessben FM on Saturday evening. Mr Fuseini Donkor, the activist, sustained injuries in his neck and arm after he was allegedly hit with a chair by one Hopson Adoye, an activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during disagreement over a political issue. After the incident, Mr Donkor was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) where was admitted for treatment. The two, according a police source, were invited by the station to represent their various parties on its programme dubbed “Democracy” which aims to give opportunity to political parties to deliberate on issues affecting the nation. The source told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi that, the Central Police Station had mounted a manhunt for the NPP activist as he was no where to be found. It said Mr Donkor, was discharged on Sunday morning after spending the night at the KATH.     GNA ...

Tumu (U/W), Nov. 11, GNA – Mr Johnson Saborh, Headmaster of Kanton Senior High School (SHS), has said the use of time and limited resources by school heads to lobby politicians for development projects is affecting quality education delivery.     He said the practice has not improved the position of the disadvantaged schools.     Mr Saborh said this during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Kanton SHS in the Sissala East District.     The event was on the theme: “Quality Education in Senior High Schools, a Prerequisite for Unity, Peace and Development in Political Diversity”.     Mr Saborh said the the burden on government in providing quality education especially in these less endowed schools was enormous and appealed to District Assemblies, donor Agencies, Parent Teacher Associations, Traditional rulers and Religious bodies to join in and support schools in the society.     Mr Saborh said the school was first established in 1962 and was known as Kanton Teacher Training College but was later converted into a secondary school in 1972.     He said, since then, the school had churned out quality products who were now occupying enviable positions in various professions.     Mr Saborh said recent academic performance showed the school did not only obtain and maintain a 100% pass rate since 2005 but also stood tall on its zero tolerance for examination malpractices which is a serious national concern.     He commended the government and school PTA for supporting the school and appealed for more dormitory projects to accommodate the approximately 1,500 students.     Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper West Regional Minister, congratulated the school for attaining 40 years and challenged the authorities to use the occasion to review the past and chart a more illustrious future.     He said the education sector had a lot of competing demands which placed a heavy burden on the government as compared to the small size of available resources.     He added that regardless of this, government was still committed to delivering on its promise of a “Better Ghana Agenda” with much premium on the education sector.     Ms Benedicta Naana Biney, Director General of the Ghana Education Service in a speech read on her behalf, congratulated the school Board of Governors, the Headmaster and staff for their effort in managing the school.     She also advised the students to focus on their education and eschew all forms of negative tendencies that could curtail their education.     Madam Alijata Sulemmana, Sissala East District Chief Executive (DCE), said since the government came into power in 2009, Kanton SHS has had its fair share of the national cake in the area of infrastructure expansion.     Madam Alijata who donated GH¢2,000 in support of the celebration also pledged that the Assembly would drill an additional borehole for the school to help address the water problem facing it.     Old students of the school also donated GH¢5,000 towards the completion of the school fence wall which was initiated by the school PTA.     The occasion was also used to present some awards to some students and staff of the school for distinguishing themselves in their line of duties.   GNA ...

Abuja, Nov. 11, GNA - An extraordinary summit of West African leaders on Sunday opened in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja to discuss an international military intervention in the political crisis in Mali and Guinea Bissau.     The summit is being attended by Ghana’s Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.     President Alasane Ouatara of Cote D’Ivoire, who is also the Chairman of Authority of Heads of State and Government, in an opening remark, decried the situation in the two nations and called for all efforts to bring the situation to normalcy.     Nigeria's  President Goodluck Jonathan, who described the meeting as another step to recover the lost territories in Mali and Guinea Bissau, said it was the duty of the heads to create the right atmosphere for the people to go about their duties in peace.     “It is only in an environment of peace that we can achieve our goals, President Jonathan said, adding; “we must flush out the anarchists."     Other speakers at the opening session were the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission President Kadre Ouedraogo, and representatives of the Chair of African Union Commission and the United Nation Secretary.     The heads of state and government would also reaffirm regional solidarity in support of the necessity to recover the territorial integrity of Mali.      The new concept of operation, based on the expansion of the force, has passed through the various experts and the ministers, whose meeting in Abuja under the Mediation and Security Council, preceded the ECOWAS heads of state summit.      It was attended by Ghana’s Defence Minister, Brigadier General Joseph Henry Smith (Rtd) and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Chris Kpodo.        Ahead of the summit, officials of ECOWAS, African Union, United Nations, European Union and other partners met in Bamako, the Malian capital, last week as part of efforts to wrap up the details of the operation to flush out the rebels. Mali was thrown into crisis following the 22 March military coup that overthrew the nation's democratically-elected government. The  Abuja summit will adopt a blueprint, which once approved, would be transmitted through the African Union, before November 15, to the UN Security Council.   GNA ...

Hohoe, Nov. 11, GNA - Togbega Gabusu VI, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, on Friday congratulated the leadership of political parties for endorsing and gracing the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) debate platforms.      He said these platforms were re-writing the political history, progression and advancement of the country, which even saw President John Dramani Mahama, a seating President fully participating.      Togbega Gabusu, speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, urged party supporters to learn practical lessons from the mannerism being demonstrated by their leadership to tolerate political opponents.      He reminded the supporters of the various political parties that the line between violence and incitement is  thin and almost imaginary but a potent force to reckon with.      Togbega Gabusu entreated political parties to prevail on their supporters to detest violence to safeguard the conduct of the December elections.      He admonished losers in the polls to concede and congratulate winners to curtail time lapses that could be exploited by aggrieved parties to sow disaffection and violence.     The traditional leader said the political temperature was not intense as was the case during the same time in 2008, because the contestants were largely trading ideas and refraining from personal attacks.      “Let the best candidate with national appeal win the contest," he said and urged the voting population to tolerate each other for another peaceful election.   GNA ...

Accra, Nov 10, GNA- Berekum Chelsea staged a late fight to beat visiting Edubiase United 2-1 in their Glo Premier League week seven duel at the Golden City Park, Berekum.      Chelsea left it late to pull the winner through Latif Salifu who earlier missed from the spot.     The homers began well but left Edubiase  off the hook in five minutes following a fine build up between  Eric Bekoe and Latif Salifu, but goalkeeper  Eric Nii Baah proved equal to the challenge to keep the scores barren.          Playing with influential captain, Abdul Basit, Chelsea looked alive from the early exchange, but  Adams Basit almost shot the visitors ahead in 14th minutes after creating space for himself just behind the defensive box to let fly a shot that missed target narrowly.            Chelsea responded by tearing away  when Salifu tore away from his markers on the right flanks, but his attempt to pick out Bekoe from the opposite side went way off.          But the host  invaded five minutes on, compelling the visitors Abeiku Ainooson to parry away danger after Solomon Asante surged.          The lead seem to be closing in on Chelsea when they earned a  penalty in 35 minutes.  Asante was brought flying in the box but Latif who stepped up saw  Nii Baah's save. Salifu was seeking to score his fifth in the league but the goalkeeper picked his spot, dived and parried back to play for clearance.        Chelsea should have headed the recess at least be a goal up but Bekoe effort from a free kick deep in the area missed surprisingly. An in-swing fell to him, somehow, he managed to send his free header so wide from so close with Nii Baah already compromised.        Chelsea walk straight into attack from recess and  Kissi Boateng's fine finish was expelled by Nii Baah;  Bekoe pounced on a rebound only to be denied by goal post.      Asante putt the homers ahead five minutes into the half when he raced, side footed his marker and chipped with his unfavourite left foot beyond Nii Baah who had no answer.        But the jubilation quickly died down when Justin Owusu handled the ball in the box to gift  the visitors a penalty which Ebenezer Ofori converted to draw parity.        Just when the game headed a draw,  Chelsea went ahead on the stroke of time. Latif picked up a ball deep in midfield, scraped through defence and shot tamely to beat Nii Baah. GNA  ...

Sunyani, Nov. 11, GNA – An hour of solemn ceremony and wreath laying was held at the Cenotaph and forecourt of the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) Hall on Sunday to observe the 2012 Remembrance Day.     Remembrance Day, November 11, each year is observed throughout the world to remember security personnel who died during wars and conflicts. It is also a day used to remember gallant soldiers who lost their lives in the fight for independence and in peacekeeping operations.     A contingent of seven officers and 240 men and women under the command of Captain Xavier Hadjah of Third Battalion Garrison mounted the parade and observed two minute silence for the gallant officers and men who lost their lives during World War I and World War II.     They were made up of security personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prison Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and VAG.     At exactly 1100 hours, the Ghana National Fire Service sounded a siren that paved the way for Ex Warrant Officer One (WO1), Stephen Diawuoh, Brong-Ahafo Regional Chairman of VAG, to read the 79-worded Binyon Verses in memory of the fallen heroes, the last post sounded and the reveille for flags to fly at full mast.     Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, laid the first wreath on behalf of the Government, Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Kobla Arthur, Commander of Third Garrison, on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Robert Ayalingo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Police Commander, on behalf of the security agencies.     Nana Kwame Korang, Omanhene of Odomase Traditional Area in the Sunyani West District, laid on behalf of the chiefs and people of Brong-Ahafo while Ex WO1 Diawuoh laid on behalf of the ex-servicemen.     In attendance was the Garrison Band that intermittently played melodious tunes.     GNA ...

Tamale, Nov. 11, GNA – The Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC), a Tamale based international Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) at the weekend launched a six-year strategic plan aimed at fighting child poverty in deprived communities of the north.   The strategic plan, which spanning 2013 to 2018, is a roadmap for the implementation of CCFC’s strategic approach to addressing child poverty in its operational countries and communities across the world.      Mrs Gifty Akosua Baka, Country Director of CCFC -Ghana, said CCFC is an organisation working to alleviate challenges associated with child poverty and that  its mission and vision was to give support to the vulnerable in society.       She said the NGO had the reputation of addressing poverty as well as giving development assistance to communities in its operational areas.      Mrs Baka said children’s experience of poverty differed from that of adults and child poverty emanated from deprivation of children, especially those from poor communities, of essential materials and conditions and services necessary for their survival, growth and development.      She said research by UNICEF and other world bodies revealed that one in three children from the developing countries had no access to good drinking water and improved sanitation facilities while in Ghana, more than nine million children had no access to safe drinking water.      Mrs Baka said CCFC would work with its local partners, government and communities to ensure the materialisation of the six-year strategic plan, which focuses on education, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods and strengthening institutions and community organisations.       These were to address the root causes of poverty with focus on children’s right to survival, development, participation and protection, she said.       Mrs Baka said the six-year strategic plan had eight key strategies outlined for the period and that CCFC was currently working to meet the basic needs of about 10,000 sponsored children and their families from 72 communities in the Northern Region.      She expressed the hope that the six-year strategic plan would change lives of many children and have a greater social impact that would improve the health of children, school enrolment and performance of children in education and enhance employment of youth in gainful economic activities in the country.     She CCFC would soon extend its operations to the Greater Accra and the Eastern Regions to ensure that many more children in the country benefitted from education and health support to improve their livelihood.     Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, commended CCFC for the foresight and commitment to support children and their communities, which complimented government’s efforts in poverty reduction and improving on educational infrastructure.      He said the strategic plan, if well planned and implemented, would go a long way to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and that past achievements of CCFC was a testimony that the six-year strategic plan would be achieved.     He appealed to NGOs in the region to collaborate with one another and come out with strategic plans to create the awareness of areas of intervention of each other to avoid duplication of programmes in order to channel resources to other areas of importance. GNA ...

Bimbilla (N/R), Nov. 11, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government had provided unprecedented access to education for the last four years and that many parts of the country have had their equal share.        He said the government had provided almost 1,700 schools to eliminate schools under trees, built dormitories, science laboratories, administrative blocks and fence walls of many schools across the country to ensure access to quality education.      “It is for this reason that we believe that we must provide conducive classrooms at the basic school level and relieve the burden of parents in the provision of exercise and text books, school uniforms, and increase capitation grant so that parents will not have to suffer to keep their wards in school,” he said.      The President said this in an address read for him by Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Presbyterian College of Education at Bimbilla in the Nanumba North District at the weekend.      The college was established in 1962 by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana and converted into a mixed school in 1975. It has since 2007/2008 academic year been offering Diploma in Basic Education.       President Mahama said the government did not believe it had solved all the problems in the educational sector but had paid a better remuneration desired by teachers.       He said an impressive motion had been set and if sustained, desired results would be achieved in the near future.      President Mahama  challenged the E.P College to seek the best from the trainees so that upon completion, they would serve as good model teachers who would be prepared to serve in remote and deprived communities since the rural areas deserves quality education. Mr Abdulai Abu Wemah, Principal of the Bimbilla E.P College, said the college was one of the 15 colleges selected to train teachers in Science and Mathematics with 80 percent of the students offering Science, Mathematics and ICT.      He said enrolment figures of the school stood at 790 full-time while the non-professional Teacher’s Diploma in Basic Education had a total enrolment of 1,162 and 363 for the two-year Sandwich Top-up programme.       Mr Wemah mentioned inadequate accommodation, lack of potable water, limited staff development opportunities as some of the challenges facing the school and called on government to assist them.      Right Reverend Francis Amenu, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana, said the production of quality teachers demanded putting in place an educational programme that was excellent, well structured, principled, and holistic and built on lasting core values.      He said educational programmes could only be said to be qualitative when it inspired empirical growth and development and enhanced the dignity of life of the citizenry.   GNA ...

Walewale (N/R), Nov. 11, GNA – Zoomlion Ghana and its partners have intensified the routine sanitation programme to rid most communities of filth and dirt in the three northern regions.     The monthly community rotational exercise on Saturday witnessed high turnout in the Mamprusi West District capital, Walewale and the Bolgatanga Municipality where hundreds of the company’s partner teams converged to clean the towns.     The team, including the sanitation task force of Zoomlion, the sanitation model under the National Youth Employment Programme and Zoom Alliance, de-silted gutters, picked litters, pruned trees and cut grasses and weed.     At Walewale, the team cleaned the Walewale Market which had not been cleaned for several weeks due to unresolved problems between the market and the assembly.     Two assembly members, Mr Yahaya Mu-Azu and Mr Martin Ayikode of the Fongni and Kukuazugu Electoral Areas were with the team to support and give direction.     According to the assembly members, the cleaning programme had come to stay as most residents are beginning to appreciate the need to keep their environments clean.     They called on those community members who could not come out to join the exercise to avail themselves during the next cleaning exercise.     In Bolgatanga, the team undertook the execise around the Atulbabisi Electoral Area, the Daporetindongo area, and parts of the Bolga main station after being addressed by officials at Jubilee Park.     Mr Francis Atayuure Abirigo, Public Relations Officer of Zoomlion in charge of the three northern regions, said his outfit would ensure that filth within communities were reduced drastically to improve the health of the citizenry.     He said the monthly clean-up exercise undertaken all over the country would be sustained to ensure that its objective was achieved.     Mr Abirigo said Zoomlion had strategically brought several sanitation companies and groups together so that they could achieve the objective of keeping Ghana clean and ensuring the good health of Ghanaians.   GNA ...

Cape Coast, Nov.11, GNA - An Information Technology (IT) consultant on Saturday expressed concern about the way the nation’s education system was being manipulated by political leaders thereby making it very difficult to effectively manage the sector.     Mr Robert Sackeyfio, IT Infrastructure Solution Consultant at IPMC, said politician should not compromise the standards and quality of education in their bid to win political power.     He said they should rather come out with pragmatic programmes and policies that would make the educational sector vibrant and sustainable since education was the bedrock of any nation’s development.     Mr Sackeyfio said this when he chaired the 136th speech and prize-giving day of Mfantsipim School at Cape Coast under the theme:  “Mfantsipim’s Faithful Eight: An Agenda for Ghana’s Development”.     The ceremony also saw the various year groups such as the 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992 and 2002 donating cash, books and science equipment to the school as part of their contribution towards the celebration.     Mr Sackeyfio, who is an old boy of the school, said education played an important role in the socio-economic development of  any nation  and that it was imperative for the nation’s leaders to give it the necessary assistance and attention to enable the average Ghanaian to have access to education.      He urged parents not to shirk their responsibility towards their children’s education, adding that it was not enough to send their children to school but to encourage them to take their studies seriously because education is the only legacy they could leave their wards.       Mr Kojo Siaw Ofori-Atta, a Power Engineer, who was the guest speaker, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and staff of the school for maintaining the academic standards of the school and urged the authorities to continue to attract qualified and committed teachers to the school.       He called on the students to take advantage of the current Information and Communication Technology system to aspire to the highest level, stressing that in the past such facilities were not available but they managed to excel.       Mr Ofori-Atta urged the students to transform themselves from  mediocrity to the success side of life and endeavour to drive themselves towards their goals, adding that  there was no short cut to success but hard work and determination.      Mr Koame Mieza Edjah, Headmaster of the school, said the academic life of the school had seen tremendous  improvement  over the years and that in the 2012 West African Senior School Certificate  Examination, 99.8 percent of the students  had quality passes  with majority  gaining  admission  into the various universities.      He commended the Parent Teacher Association for the financial support given to newly recruited teachers as well as the  sponsorship for an end of year party for staff and a retreat to Keta to take stock of activities carried out during the past year.       Mr Edjah commended the year groups who were constructing a power generation plant  from Bio-gas to serve the school’s energy needs, completion of the campus clinic, renovation of two staff bungalows, providing a public address system as well as books for the school library.     He said notwithstanding the modest feats, they were still burdened with the increasing number of students being placed  in their school which had necessitated the expansion  of resident  facilities  such as dormitories,  assembly hall,  toilets  and water storage systems.     GNA ...

From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Special Correspondent in Abuja, Nigeria   Abuja, Nov 11, GNA- Leaders of the ECOWAS sub-regional group on Sunday reiterated dialogue with the Islamist terrorists in Mali as the preferred option to resolve the political crisis in the West African State.   They however warned that they might recourse to force to dismantle the rebels and criminal network.   The leaders stressed the role of the of ECOWAS in the deployment of the African led international force and its intention to keep a stand-by force  ready for imminent deployment.   This was contained in a communiqué adopted at the end of an extraordinary session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.   Consequently, about 3,300 troops could be sent to Mali to help oust Islamist terrorists who have taken control of that country's northern territory.   The summit, attended by Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, was convened to evaluate the latest developments in the security and institutional challenges of the political transitions in Mali and Guinea Bissau.   The Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their determination to assist Mali and Guinea Bissau in the resolution of their security and institutional crisis.   The assistance, within the framework of the norms and principles underpinning Community protocols, in the light of United Nations Resolution 2071 adopted last October 12 that demanded that the armed groups should cease human rights abuses and humanitarian violations in northern Mali.   The majority of the military forces will be provided by Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger, and the proposed one year mandate would begin after a vote by the United Nations in coming weeks.   Islamists linked to al Qaeda wrested control of Timbuktu and northern Mali following a military coup in March, and imposed a strict form of Islamic law on areas they control, attracting international condemnation for destroying ancient tombs recognised as UN world heritage sites.   The ECOWAS leaders, from more than a dozen African countries also discussed the fragile situation in Guinea Bissau, and called on the African Union to recognise the transitional government.   They condemned the violence in Guinea Bissau and instructed the ECOWAS Commission to expedite action on the joint assessment to that country by body and international allies like the African Union, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the United Nations and the European Union.   The Authority reiterated its decision that the interim President, the Prime Minister, and the other members of the Transitional Government should not be candidates in the next presidential election.   The Authority decided to extend the initial six-month term of the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau, which expires on November 17, to another six months, and called on the International Community to ease sanctions imposed on the country to alleviate the suffering of the people.   GNA...

Koforidua, Nov. 11, GNA- Reverend John Azumah, a Person Living with HIV has appealed to pregnant women to voluntarily submit themselves to HIV test and counseling to know their status.   He also suggested the need for them to seek early treatment to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.      Rev. Azumah made the appeal at a talk at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral in Koforidua as part of activities to mark this year’s world AIDS Day.      The celebration is being observed on the theme: “Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS related Deaths, Zero stigma and Discrimination –Acceleration to Zero Together.”      Rev Azumah is part of a caravan of experts including the Heart to Heart Ambassadors, a group of people living with HIV who had offered to openly declare their status and join the campaign against the spread of the disease.      Rev Azumah and the wife are HIV positive but have four children who are HIV negative.     Ms Gifty Torkornu, a member of the Heart to Heart Ambassadors, urged people to wear gloves when washing blood stain clothes of their relations to avoid contracting HIV.    It is a culture among many families in Ghana for the elderly women to wash the blood stain clothes of their relations after child birth and explained that, such practice could be one of the ways of elderly people contracting the virus.     Ms Torkornu advised pregnant women to eat balanced diet regularly to help reduce the tendency for them to require blood transfusion when they are giving birth.      Reacting to a question, the Eastern Region Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Ms Golder Grace Asante explained that, the laws of the country does not permit compulsory testing of people for their HIV status.         She therefore suggested the need for public education for the people to know the advantages of undertaking voluntary testing and counseling.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA- Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on Sunday evening returned from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria after attending an extraordinary Heads of State and Government summit that discussed the political situation in Mali and Guinea Bissau.   He told journalists on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, in Accra that the summit maintained the use of dialogue in resolving the crisis, but also considered military intervention as an option.   The Heads of State Summit followed a 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.   These mandated urgent political actions by the UN Secretary General, ECOWAS and the AU towards a full resolution of the crises in Mali and Guinea Bissau, with military intervention.   The summit reiterated its instruction to the ECOWAS Commission to maintain the standby force in a high state of readiness for imminent deployment and urged Member States to concretize their commitments to provide military and logistical contributions to the ECOWAS military efforts.   On the situation in Guinea Bissau, Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the summit renewed its appeal to Member States to extend financial assistance to the Government of Guinea Bissau and called on the International Community to ease the sanctions imposed on the country to alleviate the suffering of the people.   GNA...

Koforidua, Nov. 11, GNA- Nineteen Veterans on Sunday took part in the 67th Remembrance Day Service parade at Koforidua Jackson Park.     The parade was under the command of Captain Enoch Awudu of the First Infantry Battalion whilst music was provided by the Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana Police Service band.     Captain Father Francis Agyeman, who committed the event to the Lord, said it should rekindle the spirit of dedication to professionalism for which the gallant soldiers who fought in the world war were being remembered for.     At exactly 11am, the siren was sounded followed by the recital of a verse by ex-warrant Officer Class One Michael M. Boateng a war veteran after which a minute silence was observed.      The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Victor Smith laid a wreath on behalf of the President and the Republic of Ghana, Lieutenant Colonel Fred Ntiri, Commanding Officer of the First Infantry Brigade laid one on behalf of the security services, Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre Oti Boateng on behalf of the chiefs and people and the Regional Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana, ex WO1 Ntow Ode on behalf of the veterans in the region.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Emmanuel “Game boy” Tagoe combined skills and artistry in the early hours of Sunday, to defeat George “Red Tiger” Ashie to annex the World Boxing Authority (WBA) International Lightweight Champion at the Accra Sports Stadium.   In a bout which was described as one of the greatest on the local scene after the famous Raymond Narh and Smith Odoom bout ten years ago, Tagoe proved to be the superior and lived by his pre-match prediction by dominating much of the rounds to win a majority decision of 114-114, 113-115 and 112-116 at the end of the day.   The bout, which was staged under the auspices of Baby Jet Promotions attracted a huge attendance at the Race Course end of the stadium, but was definitely not without the unique way boxers appeared in the ring.   Ashie, who was ushered into the ring, amidst drumming and dancing was dressed in a skin of tiger to signify his nick name, whilst Tagoe rode on a palanquin, holding a royal matchet in one hand and a whip in one hand, warning his opponent of the punishment ahead of him.   Ashie, noted for his biting punches, aggression and power, could only exhibit these traits in the first three rounds of the bout, but unfortunately failed to land accurate punches in the process as he seemed to be in a haste to knock out his opponent or had Tagoe swerving most of the punches.   Though, Ashie on most occasions was able to attack his opponent to the corner of the ring, it was Tagoe, who always had the best of such encounters, by ensuring he swerved most of the punches and responded with very hefty jabs to the surprise of Ashie; all in the first three rounds.   In a fight many pundits predicted will be difficult for Ashie, should he fail to knock out Tagoe in the first three rounds, it indeed materialized as Ashie seemed to be tired after the exhaustive first three rounds, leaving Tagoe to skillfully to jab him on countless occasions in the fourth and fifth rounds with no response from Ashie.   Indeed, this showed up in Ashie’s approach to the fight as he committed two illegalities which however went unpunished by referee Emmanuel Brenya.   In the sixth, seventh and eighth rounds, the two pugilists ferociously traded off punches from corner to corner, but again it was Tagoe who had much of the points as he was always on hand to swerve most of them, whilst landing accurately.   As the fight progressed, it was evident Tagoe was in a clear lead, occasionally landing very heavy punches to the face of his opponent, which sometimes takes Ashie off his balance, as he failed to find the right response, especially in the ninth and tenth rounds.   Sensing danger, Ashie came back strongly in the 11th round, and resumed attacking his opponent, seeking to find the killer punch that could end the fight in his favour, but Tagoe was always swift to avoid any of such punches, but responded with very good punches on the body and face of Ashie.   Again, Tagoe was always quick at clinching his opponent after landing his punches and ended up frustrating Ashie especially in the 11th and 12th rounds to ensure his dominance as well.   Though both boxers were carried shoulder high after the 12th round, expecting to be declared the winner, it was clear that, the verdict will be in favour of Tagoe, as well several pundits had scored the fight for him.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Liberty Professionals maintained their winning spree courtesy a 2-1 win over visiting Medeama on Sunday at the Sly Tetteh Stadium, Dansoman.      Liberty came from behind to snatch their third successive win of the seven-week old premier league.      Against the run of play,Medeama shot into the lead through Theophilus Anobaah on 13 minutes.      Liberty multiplied in attack and succeeded in grabbing the equalizer through Ebenezer Assifuah on 50 minutes.      Few  minutes later, Kennedy Ashia scored the match winner, his sixth goal of the season to hand the Dansoman lads the maximum point.   GNA...

Obuasi, Nov. 11, GNA – Ashantigold suffered their first defeat in the seven week old Glo premier league when they were stunned by Aduana United by a lone goal at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, Obuasi.   Ashantigold exhibited a good display of football throughout the game but poor finishing especially in the first half cost them.   Aduana in the second half mounted pressure on Ashantigold and succeeded in scoring in the 57th minutes when Francis Larbi, raced through the defence of Ashgold and gave a pass to Richard Arhin to shoot the ball past goalkeeper Isaac Akrong   Ashgold led by their top striker Yakubu Mohammed tried all they could to level up but the defence of Aduana foiled all their moves until the final whistle.   Robert Aryeetey of Aduana was red carded by referee Jonathan Tetteh.      GNA...

 Accra, Nov. 11, GNA – Herewith the standings of the 2012/2013 Premier League after the Week seven matches played on Sunday, November 11, at the various centres;   Club                                       P      W    D    L    GF     GA   GD       PTS   Berekum Chelsea                 7       4     2     1      9        3      6       14   Medeama SC                        7       4     1     2       7        4       3     13         Aduana Stars                        7       3     3     1       6        4       2     12           AshGold                                 7       3     3     1       9        6       3     12         Liberty                                  7      3     3     1       7         5       2     12           Dwarfs                                 7      3     2     2      7          6        1     11           *Asante Kotoko                    6      2     4     0       6         3        3     10         Tema Youth                           7      2     4     1       7        5        2      10     Heart of Lions                        7      2     3     2      7         8       -1       9       Amidaus                              7      2     2     3      6         8       -2       8           King Faisal                          7     2     1     4       5         7       -2       7           *Hearts of Oak                  6     2     1     3     11        12      -1        7           Edubiase FC                        7     2     1     4       7        12       -5      7           Wa All Stars                       7     1     3     3       8         8         0       6           RTU                                     7       0     4    3      7         11       -4     4           Arsenals                             7       0     3    4      2         8         -6      3   The table is without the match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.     GNA...

Elmina Nov.11, GNA- Members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for the review of labour laws to grant mothers six months of maternity leave and  a mandatory establishment  of nurseries  in all public  and private  institutions.   They said exclusive breastfeeding among all working nursing mothers be encouraged and health facilities in the country be made to ensure that they are baby friendly.   These were contained in communiqué issued and signed by the GMA President Dr Kwabena Opoku-Adusei and General Secretary Dr Frank Serebour at the end of the 54th annual general conference of the Association held at Cape Coast.   The four-day  conference which was attended by more than 500  medical doctors  and  other  paramedics  across the nation was under the theme: “Improving  under five survival  in Ghana Challenges  and the way forward”.   The communiqué noted that given the proven benefits of six months of exclusive breastfeeding to newborns the GMA  calls for an increase in the current three months maternity leave to six months, stressing that it was especially  relevant  as some mothers are asked to start their maternity leave six weeks prior to delivery.   It said the lack of nurseries in institutions of work to allow nursing mothers to breastfeed infants during their breastfeeding breaks was negatively impacting efforts at ensuring that all newborns are exclusively breastfed resulting in the use of formula feeds which may be expensive and cumbersome to prepare leading to the loss of all the health benefits of breast milk.   It said given the  current  under five  mortality rate of 80 deaths per 1000 live births and the country’s target of 40 deaths  per 1000 lives by 2015 it was imperative for all stakeholders , policy makers, managers, development partners  and health professionals  to rededicate  themselves  to improve care for children under five , adding that the improved care must span  the entire continuum of care  from conception through delivery and post period to the fifth year of life.   “With 40% of under  five deaths and 60% on infant deaths happening in the neonatal age group it is important for all stakeholders to pay more attention to newborns that are dying primarily from neonatal sepsis, prematurity and asphyxia” it added   The communiqué also called on doctors to take a more proactive leadership role whether as clinicians or as public health physicians through the adoption of a system approach to improve under five care through the engagement of frontline professionals to generate innovative and cost effective change ideas to improve upon under five care.   On the unresolved post single spine migration issues, the members said the GMA would engage the media and the public actively in sensitizing them on the various issues relating to the non resolution  of the outstanding  matters  of the Single Spine pay policy  despite submitting to the National Labour commission(NLC) for compulsory  arbitration almost a year now.   It said the  GMA was  losing confidence in the NLC since it appeared to lack the capacity to resolve the issues relating to the Market premium, Conversion  Difference and other related post migration issues on the SSPP.   The communiqué cautioned  that if  by the end of the 2012 elections the issues still remain unresolved, whichever government gets elected will be given a two-week  window  period after which the GMA will put in  motion a series of action that may disturb the industrial harmony in the health sector.   It expressed concern about the astronomical increases in retention fees by the Ghana Medical and Dental Council stressing that the sudden increment of 150% of retention fees of medical practitioners for the year 2013 over the current rates be reviewed downwards.   It said the Council should pursue their subvention from government instead of financially over burdening the practitioners and urged the GMA members to hold on with any payment of retention fees till the matter was amicably resolved between the MDC and GMA.   The GMA also added its voice to call for peace before in the upcoming general elections “we want to reiterate that the GMA is a non partisan Association and our action and advocacy programmes are done in the best interest of Ghanaians and members, we urge all political actors to ensure peaceful and violence free election.”   It expressed its condolence at the loss of lives in the recent Achimota Melcom disaster and wished the survivors a speedy recovery while congratulating the emergency services for the gallant efforts at helping all individuals involved.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Ghana’s finalists in this year’s final awards of ‘Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year, West Africa 2012’ have been recognized and outdoored at a Country Recognition Cocktail in their honour in Accra.   The 2012 Award Finalists from Ghana are Mr. William Ato Essien, Chief Executive Officer First Capital Plus Ltd, Ms Adelaide Ahwireng, Chief Executive Officer, FIO Enterprises Ltd, Mr Frank Adu, Managing Director, CAL Bank Ltd and Mr Roland Agambire, Managing Director, RLG Technologies Ltd.   The finalists would participate in the awards at the end of November 2012 in Lagos Nigeria.   Founded in the mid-western town of the USA in 1986, the annual programme has not only grown to become the only worldwide award event of its kind, but also currently held in 140 cities across 50 countries around the world.   As the first and only truly global award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is an annual event designed to recognize, celebrate and honour entrepreneurs who through ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created and sustained successful businesses with national, regional and global awards’ programmes.   The award was introduced in West Africa last year and was adjudged a huge success by both participants and industry watchers in Nigeria and Ghana.   According to Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner for West Africa, Mr Henry Egbiki, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Programme was brought to the region to motivate and encourage entrepreneurs in West Africa to maximise their potential.   Ferdinand Gunn, Country Leader, Ghana, said the Entrepreneur of the Year Award Programme is one of the evidences of the giant strides entrepreneurs, business leaders are making in this part of Africa saying “Africa’s progress has been phenomenon as the continent has remained the most attractive for investment in recent times”.   Globally, Ernst & Young has played a supportive role in recognising and honouring entrepreneurs that have made a difference in their business domains and achieved success across a variety of industries and communities.    GNA...