Accra, Nov 25, GNA - The Skills Development Fund says it expects to make known the outcomes of the evaluation for all eligible proposals to COTVET under the second call by end November.    Government of Ghana has received financial support of up to GH¢114 million from the World Bank and Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) towards the setting up and implementation of a Skills Development Fund (SDF).   The five-year Fund (2011-2015) is an initiative of the Government of Ghana and managed by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET).   Between August and September 2012, the Fund invited applications from small, medium and large scale industries, science, technology and research institutions as part of its 2nd Call for Proposals.   In a media brief to shed more light on the on-going grant making processes, Mr Ato Simpson, the Grant Specialist of the SDF, said the evaluation of proposals received under the 2nd Call of the SDF was underway.   He said a total of about 428 proposals have so far been processed by the SDF for evaluation.   It is expected that, by the end of November, the outcomes of evaluation for all eligible proposals submitted to COTVET under the 2nd Call should be made known to applicants.   Under the 2nd call for proposals, the SDF received applications from small, medium and large scale industries in the areas of horticulture, livestock, agro processing, aquaculture, media, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), oil and gas, cosmetics, textiles and garments, construction, welding and fabrication, mining, furniture, forestry and the hospitality industries among others.   Mr Simpson, however, noted that, even though all proposals received had a total value of GH¢182.5 million, the SDF projects to award grant totaling GH¢ 23 million under the 2nd Call which spans till the end of 2012.   To facilitate the convenient tracking of the grant applications, SDF has sent letters to applicants with a tracking code to be used in monitoring the progress of their applications on the SDF webpage.   GNA...

Kwabeng (E/R), Nov. 25, GNA - The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin has said that in spite the wealth of the country, poor leadership and bad governance had left many of the people poor .       However, he said, there are strong evidence that, there are people in the country with good leadership qualities who when given the opportunity could help transform the country, but the challenge is, how to identify such people and put them in their right places in society.       The Okyenhen was speaking at the inauguration of a 300, 000 Ghana Cedi Palace Court for the chiefs and people of Kwabeng on Saturday.       The project was initiated two years ago by the Regent of Kwabeng , Osabarima Kofi Adjei Twining, who is also the Juantuohene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area .       The building which was Christian Barima Adjei Kofi Twining (BAKAT) Unity Palace Court  to honour the regent of Kwabeng for his foresight and contribution towards the project.       The project has an open court for public gathering, offices, board rooms and a conference hall with places of convenience.       Okyenhene said if all traditional authorities and leaders would leave such physical infrastructure in their communities, Okyenman and Ghana would have developed beyond its present stage.       He urged the chiefs and citizens of the area to support the education of their children and the newly established University by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council at Bonsu.      Osagyefuo  Amoatia Ofori Panin thanked the chiefs and people of Kwabeng and all who contributed their resources and time to make the project a reality.      The Member of Parliament for Atiwa, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, described leaders who feared criticisms as cowards because criticism often led to success.        He said for the two years that he had been in office as a Member of Parliament for the area, he had completed 12 projects.       The Atiwa District Chief Executive, Mr Emanuel Atta Twum, who is also the Parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) for Atiwa West, said it is only God who choose leaders and assured the people that whatever be the outcome of the December elections, he would always contribute his quota towards the development of the area.      He said government had awarded contracts for the expansion of the water supply to the area to help solve the water problem in the area and appealed for peace to reign in the coming elections.     Earlier in a welcoming address, the Regent of Kwabeng, Barimah Kofi Adjei Twining narrated how the National Disaster Management Organization(NADMO)  issued a letter to the traditional council to demolish the old palace of the Gyase Division of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area because the building was a threat to the lives of the people and could collapse at any time.      He said after the demolition of the old palace which was constructed in 1920, the chiefs and people of Kwabeng decided to build the palace court to serve as a place for funerals and other social gatherings at the site of the old place.      He said many citizens of Kwabeng and well wishers contributed towards the construction of the project and decided to name various portions of the facility after the main sponsors of the project including, Alhaji Kwadwo Bimpong of Infinity Energy and Construction Limited, Alhaji Mustapha Oti Boateng of Tsotso Industries, Mr Emmanuel Atta Twum, the DCE, the MP for the area, Mr Amoako- Atta and Rev. D. Y. Adade Lawson.   GNA...

Kumasi, Nov. 25, GNA – Mr Martin Eson-Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Millennium Development Authority, has advocated proactive leadership in all aspect of the Ghanaian society to help foster qualitative change.   “As a lower middle income and oil economy, we now have enough resources to share. But we may remain where we are in the absence of proactive leadership”, he said.   The leadership of the nation, he said, ought to demonstrate a high sense of integrity, moral uprightness and patriotism, as well as being disciplined for effective utilization of state resources.   Addressing the 36th graduation ceremony of the Christian Service University College at Odeneho Kwadaso in Kumasi, Mr Eson-Benjamin said, “Our society today is in need of enduring change, as resources dwindle and whatever remain calls for effective control and management”.   The nation must, therefore, pay attention to churning out a new breed of leaders at all levels who were willing to combine knowledge and ethics in the discharge of their duties for economic growth.   “We need a people content with themselves and not corrupt, thoughtful of others and ready to break new grounds”, the CEO noted.   The Right Reverend Professor Osei-Safo Kantanka, Council Chairman of the University College, called for the institution of a national human resource development plan for sustainable growth.   He stressed the need for stakeholders, government and corporate bodies to mobilize resources to strengthen private universities to play a more significant role in the training of the youth to acquire the requisite skills for the benefit of the nation.   A total of 520 students graduated and were given certificates after a four-year first degree programmes in Theology, Business Administration, Communication Studies and Computer Science.   GNA...

Agogo (Ash), Nov. 25, GNA - President John Dramani on Sunday stated that the performance of the National Democratic Congress in the last four year would encourage most Ghanaians to return the party into power next month.   He said the NDC had been instrumental in providing developing projects throughout the country and these would serve as political bait to most voters in the country.   “From schools, roads and health facilities, the people of Ghana will definitely show some gratitude by voting massively for us to continue with the good work,” President Mahama added.   President Mahama said this when he addressed rallies at Juaso in the Asante Akim South and Agogo in Asante Akim North as part of his four-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.   During his tour of the Region, the President would address rallies, inspect and inaugurate development projects, and hold meetings with party leadership and supporters in the Region.   President Mahama added that Ghanaian voters have now grown to decipher the truth and performance from empty talks and falsehood and would therefore go in for the former as it would improve on their living standards.   “Some people are going about promising things that we all know they cannot fulfill, but I can assure you that we are already delivering, and the people will continue to vote for us because we are delivering.”   He said every community in the country had received one development project or the other making the love for the NDC ‘infectious and contagious’ for voters.   Nana Akuoku Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo, in a speech read on his behalf commended government for the numerous development projects they had received over the last four years.   He said urged the NDC government to continue with their human centred programmes that would improve on the lives of Ghanaians in the coming years.   GNA...

Taifa (GAR), Nov. 24, GNA - The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and a Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Prof Mike Quaye over the weekend commissioned three projects valued at One Billion Cedis at Taifa in the Greater Accra Region.   The projects included a building to house a police station, a hospital and an ICT Centre.   Professor Mike Oquaye said whiles serving the constituency over the past two terms, he had been he had been able to construct an ECG-Office, Taifa Community School, a Post Office and a Yam Market at Haatso.   He said his tenure also facilitated the supply of water tanks and electricity poles to other communities within his constituency and this has created cottage industries for many.   Prof Mike Oquaye paid tribute to all who have contributed in diverse ways towards the development in his constituency and presented the keys of the projects to the Municipal Assembly.   He said for the ICT centre, he had acquired 30 computers added that the facility be made free to all children within the area.   He said the numerous projects he had initiated would be continued by the incoming MP Lawyer Sarah Adwoa Sarfo and thanked the NPP ward members who assisted him whiles serving the constituency.   Mr John Kwao Sackey, the MCE for Ga-East Municipal Assembly, said the new police station would help curb armed robbery within their vicinity and reminded the party functionaries on the need to maintain peace of the area in the coming elections.   Lawyer Adwoa Sarfo, the NPP Parliamentary candidate for the constituency, praised Prof Oquaye for the various infrastructural developments undertaken in the constituency during his tenure and also appealed to the gathering to ensure that peace prevails in the area.   In attendance at the commissioning included a former IGP Mr Ernest Opoku, Assembymen, Chiefs, and political party activists.   GNA...

Berekum, Nov. 25, GNA - Berekum Arsenals recorded their first ever Premiership win this season after posting a 1-0 win over visiting AshantiGold in their meeting on Sunday at the Golden City Park, Berekum.       Arsenals looked good from the onset and tormented their guest at every department of the game, ensuring the losers goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda stayed the busiest on the afternoon.       Having missed a few opportunites, Bright Kukubor sent Arsenal ahead on the half hour mark with a fine cracker from a dead ball situation just behind the goal area.       Kukubor, who missed a fine opportunity earlier sent his kick to the very top corner, bending past  Dauda who appeared lost in post.       David Telfer fouled an advancing Arsenal player just behind the box, picking a yellow for for that lapse in judgement.       When action swung in favour of AshantiGold for once,  Sannie  Wahab brought Aaron Amoah down nine minutes on. The visitors Yakubu Moro attempted to pull parity but Moro shot feebly from a close range to leave the homers off the hook.      Moments on, Louis Agyemang raced on the stroke of half time and had the best of Wahab, but his final delivery was curtailed by goalkeeper Henry Yartey to deny  Moro the opportunity of getting at the end of the cross to cause any havoc.       AshantiGold started from recess still sloppy and Arsenals though created several opportunities were unable to double the advantage. In between, it was the visitors' Sulley Musah who scooped the best out of goalkeeper Yartey when he controlled well to let fly one on the turn firmly on his left foot.       But Yartey closed down the angle to throw himself on the way off the ball to push to safety, leaving Arsenals still in the lead.       AshantiGold  sought to build on that brief positive moments on when Agyemang broke free from the middle and sent a fine cross which Yartey's attempt to intercept before Musah could pounce got him injured.       It was the homers who almost doubled the lead just on the stroke of time but Kukubor's effort missed target narrowly.   GNA...

Shama (W/R), Nov. 24, GNA - The Shama Community Cooperative Credit Union (SHACCU), made a net profit of GH¢59,503.04 for the 2011/2012 financial year. Mr. Joseph Anokwafo Arthur, Chairman of the SHACCU, announced at the 4th Annual General Meeting at Shama on Saturday. He said the Credit Union made a loss of GH¢39,116.32 the previous year. Mr. Arthur said saving deposits of the year under review amounted to GH¢1,396,483, representing an increase of 88 per cent over last year’s savings of GH¢743,530.72. He said in 2008, the Board of the Credit Union, approved the floating of house shares and every member was expected to purchase a minimum of 100 shares valued at Gp50 a share amounting to GH¢50. Mr. Arthur said the Union had acquired two plots of land near Shama Senior High School and members were being encouraged to purchase the shares to enable the Union to put up its permanent offices. He said anybody, who had not been able to purchase the minimum shares was not a member of the credit union. Mr. Arthur said the current membership of the Union stood at 7,679 adding. “The Shama branch has a membership of 4,379 and the Komenda branch 3,300”. Mr. Kweku Nyarko Addo, Chief Executive Officer of the Credit Union, said the Union had been promoted from grade “D” to grade “B” credit Union by the Credit Union Association (CUA). He said the total assets of the Union as at June this year was GH¢1.7 million, an increase of 52 per cent over last year’s. Mr. Addo said over GH¢6,000 was paid as dividend for 2012, representing 10.75 per cent of net profit. GNA...

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA – Accra Hearts of Oak recorded a 2-0 victory over Liberty Professionals in the eighth week Glo Premier League game played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. Both goals came in the second half of the game after a tight encounter in the first half, which saw the two sides concentrating much of the action in midfield. Hearts who were bent on improving their standings on the league table, came into the second half a more determined side and had much of the exchanges. With swift combination between Laryea Kinston, Mahatma Otoo and Edward Affum, Hearts secured a penalty in the 67th minute, when Affum was brought down by keeper Daniel Nii Adjei. Ivorian import Reuben Gnagne converted it for the phobians, which paved the way for further dominance over the Dansoman boys. Hearts capitalized on this dominance to score the second goal through Ashietey Ollenu in the 73rd minute when he tapped in a quick set up by Otoo. Hearts maintained their hold on the game with occasional threats from Liberty till the close of proceedings. GNA...

Bekwai, Nov 25, GNA- New Edubiase United defeated struggling Real Tamale United (RTU) 2-0 in the 8th week game of Glo Premier League played at the Gyamfi Park, Bekwai, on Sunday. Both sides started the game well with action moving from one side to the other, as well as occasional scoring opportunities but were wasted. However, Edubiase utilised a chance in the 41st minute when Basit Adams dribbled past the defence of RTU to put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Collins Addo. Back from recess, Hamid Ibrahim made it two for Edubiase when he connected Ebenezer Ofori’s free-kick in the 47th minute. RTU came into the picture in the last minute for a consolation goal, but to no avail until the referee David Offei brought proceedings to an end. GNA...

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA – Herewith the standings of the 2012/2013 Premier League after the week eight league matches, at the various centres;  Club                               P      W    D    L    GF     GA   GD       PTS Aduana Stars             8        4     3     1      8         4      4          15  Dwarfs                           8      4     2     2         11       7       4        14      Asante Kotoko          8      3     4     1         8        4        4          14       Medeama SC              8      4     2     2         9        5       4          14       Berekum Chelsea       8       4     2     2       10        7      3         14 Liberty                            8      3     3     2         7         7       -           12       AshGold                        8      3     3     2        9         7       2           12       Hearts of Oak              8       3     2     3      13        12       1          11         Edubiase FC               8       3     1     4       7         12       -5         10        Tema Youth              8      2     4     2        8         7        1          10         Amidaus                       8      2     3     3       8          10      -2          9      Heart of Lions             8      2     3     4       7         10       -3          9 King Faisal                   8       2     2     4       5          7        -2          8     Wa All Stars                  8      1     4      3       7          9        -2          7      Arsenals                       8      1     3     4       3          8            -5         6  RTU                              8      0     4     4       7          13         -6          4          GNA...

Kumasi, Nov. 25, GNA – Visiting Wa All Stars on Sunday demonstrated tenacity of purpose to force King Faisal Babies FC to a goalless draw game in their Glo-Premier League encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday. The two sides created few chances in the first half, however, it was All Stars who won the admiration of the spectators with some sublime passes and well-rehearsed counter-attacks, particularly in the latter part of the half. Samuel Azumah, in the 22nd minute, intercepted a pass from Kofi Yeboah and ran deep into the vital area of the home team but his final delivery missed the post by inches to the relief of the Faisal supporters. Azumah again came close to scoring ten minutes later as All Stars mounted incessant pressure on the Faisal defence, however, his feeble shot could not go past goalkeeper Ibrahim Iddrisu. In the second half, Faisal exhausted all their three substitutions, bringing on Pius Baffour for skipper Kwadwo Boateng, Nana Dadson replaced Eugene Owusu, while Yasir Abdullah substituted Emmanuel Agyemang. The visitors also brought on Nuhu Salifu for Samuel Azumah with Seidu Salifu also replacing Kofi Yeboah. The tactical changes made by the two sides forced most of the action to be concentrated in midfield, giving the two combatants little room to operate pushing the game to end on a barren note. GNA...

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA – Herewith results of match day eight of the Glo Premier League games played on Saturday and Sunday, at the various league centers.   Accra:                  Hearts                 2             Liberty             0   Tema:                  T. Youth             1              Kotoko          2   Cape Coast:     Dwarfs                 4            Chelsea              1   Dormaa:             Aduana              2             Lions                  0   Tarkwa:              Medeama         2             Amidaus            2   Berekum:           Arsenal              1              Ashgold             0   Bekwai:              Edubiase          2             RTU                      0   Kumasi:              Faisal                  0             A. Stars               0    GNA...

Accra, Nov 25, GNA - The maiden edition of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Ghana Industry Awards, which seeks to provide a platform to help define the highest standards of excellence in business, has been held in Accra.   The awards, which span all sectors of the economy, will be held in November each year to reward companies that have achieved outstanding success in various areas of industry and innovation.   It will be the climax of the national industrial week celebration each year.   Nana Owusu-Afari, President of AGI, said despite the many challenges, many businesses had survived and it was just proper to recognize the achievements of those that had distinguished themselves.   “Our entire economic systems are disrupted more often than we would have loved to experience, and businesses have to respond to these disruptions… The industrial sector is one area where you find such constant disruption, and therefore companies that have managed to resist these disruptions, are worth celebrating,” Nana Owusu-Afari said.   He said the AGI held the view that the country had not been able to harness the industrial potential to the full over the years and expressed the hope that the awards would encourage businesses to develop strategies to improve competitiveness.   Nana Owusu-Afari encouraged the award winners to continue their hard work and sustain the high standards they have set for companies within their respective subsectors and industry as a whole.   He appealed to government, policymakers and the private sector to support the AGI to develop the award to a big national event along the lines of the National Farmers Day celebrations in order to motivate industrialists to increase industry’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product.   The companies competed in six awards categories with Fan Milk Limited being adjudged the Overall Best Industrial Company of the Year while Duraplast Limited picked the prize for the Fastest Growing Company.   Awards in the areas of Best Corporate Social Responsibility and Best Practices in Sustainable Manufacturing Company both went to Guinness Breweries Ghana Limited while the Young Enterprise Company –Innovation and Entrepreneurship was given to Alexiboam.   Eighteen other companies were also honoured with AGI Sector Awards in the field of; Agri-Business; Automotive and Transport; Chemicals; Electricals and Electronics; Energy; Food and Beverages; Garments, Textiles and Leather; Hospitality and Tourism; and Information and Communication and Technology.   The rest are: Metals, Building and Construction; Oil and Gas Service; Pharmaceuticals; Printing, Stationary and Packaging; Rubber and Plastic; among others.   Some of the key criteria considered for the awards include growth, tax responsibility, corporate social responsibility and employment generation.   GNA...

  Nandom (U/W), Nov. 25, GNA – The Nandom Rural Bank has witnessed a significant growth in its total assets from GH¢4,253,768.00 in 2010 to GH¢7,243,236.00 in 2011, representing 70.28%.   Mr. Peter Kuukyame Latuo, Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors announced this at the 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of stakeholders at Nandom in the Nandom District of the Upper West Region.   According to him, the significant growth in the Bank’s assets could largely be attributed to the significant growth in advances from GH¢658,895.00 in 2010 to GH¢1,284,617.00, representing a percentage of 94.96%.   The Chairman noted that the Bank also recorded 87.55% increase in share capital, 40.98% increase in deposits, 26.76% increase in net worth and 20.43% increase in investments.   He said the growth in the loan portfolio by 94.96% contributed significantly to the profit the Bank recorded, saying without which the story would have been different.   Mr. Latuo said the sectors, which benefited from the Bank’s credit activities during the year under review included Agriculture (7.43%), Transport (1.98%), Trading (65.44%), and 25.15% for others.   The Board Chairman said as part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility some donations were made to some institutions including the District Directors of the Ghana Health Services, Lambussie-Karni, Lawra and Wa Municipal District Agric Development Units towards Farmers’ Day celebration.   Other institutions that benefited from the Bank’s donations include the Nandom Students’ Union Holiday Programme, Nandom Kakube 2011 celebration and the Nandom Senior High School (SHS) Fire Disaster.   Mr. Latuo mentioned development of a strategic plan, completion and the refurbishment of the Bank’s head office building and the mobilization of share capital as some of the plans the Bank intended to undertake next year.   He also mentioned post computerization and networking challenges as well as high loan default rate as some of the challenges confronting the Bank.   GNA  ...

Bugubelle (U/W), Nov. 25, GNA – Rural Organization of Women Farmer and Agro Process/Development (ROWFAD), has appealed to the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF) to support it with funds to establish an Agro Processing Centre at Bugubelle in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region.   The centre will support women groups in the shea industry for easy oil seeds processing and also encourage more women to join the industry.   Mr. Yanaa Yahaya, ROWFAD Director, made the appeal at a shea clusters forum in Bugubelle in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region.   According to him, ROWFAD had already developed a comprehensive business plan to demonstrate the highly profitable and socially beneficial prospects of the centre and to attract and secure financing for the implementation of the venture.   He said the organization had identified shea kernel and butter processing as a significant way to improving the social and economic fortunes of rural people, especially women in the area, hence, its decision to seek for funds from EDAIF towards the establishment of the centre.   Mr. Yanaa said ROWFAD had put in place measures to build the capacity of 51 shea women groups in 18 communities to enable them produce quality shea kernels and butter to make some income for themselves.   Additionally, ROWFAD would improve performance of producer organizations in effective management, business development and negotiation skills as well as create an enabling environment for multi-stakeholder advocacy platforms that would lead to improved pro-poor policies and regulations.   GNA...

Adjei Kojo (GAR), Nov. 25, GNA – Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has assured the people of Tema West Constituency of quality leadership when given the mandate to serve them as their Member of Parliament (MP).   Mr Ofosu Ampofo, who is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Tema West, gave the assurance at the weekend when addressing members and supporters of the party at Adjei Kojo in the Greater Accra Region, immediately after a four-hour keep-fit exercise through some parts of the constituency.   He advised the constituents not to allow their conscience to be bought by politicians, who would promise them heavens but would not be able to deliver when voted for.   He regretted that the Tema West Constituency had not witnessed any remarkable development in the last four years under the current MP.   Mr Ofosu Ampofo, therefore, urged the constituents not to waste another four years, but to give him their mandate to take them to the promise land and to ensure the accelerated growth and development of the constituency.   The Minister assured them that when he became their MP he would negotiate with the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) to ensure proper regularization of their land title documents.   For instance, he said, veterans would not pay fees for the regularization of their land documents.   Clad in party paraphernalia, the members and supporters chanted party songs amidst dancing, jubilation and drumming.   GNA...

Hohoe, Nov 25, GNA - Mr Nutifafa K. Gbotsyo, Senior Housemaster of Hohoe EP Senior High High School, has observed that plurality in political representation creates platforms for useful development ideas.   He said it was therefore good that Ghanaians belonged to different political parties that should not result in conflicts.   Mr Gbotsyo was addressing scores of students from second cycles and tertiary institutions in and around Hohoe at a youth seminar towards peaceful elections at Hohoe on Friday.   “We need not belong to one political party as Ghana needs all those differing ideas,” he stated.   The programme was under the aegis of the National Youth Authority’s (NYA) yearly Youth Caravan, which brings youths of different backgrounds together to discuss a chosen issue.   At the forum, representatives of political parties delivered brief messages of peace, all agreeing there was no need for conflict during the coming elections.   Mr Agbenorwosi Roch-Boh, Progressive People’s Party (PPP) Hohoe-North Parliamentary Candidate, said it was sad people only rallied behind symbols instead of candidates.   He cautioned the media, especially the electronic media, to choose words carefully during the period so as not to brush the sensibilities of people.   Miss Keen Galley, Girls Prefect of Hohoe EP Senior High School, said peace was priceless and could never be bought.   Mr Yao Semordey, NYA Volta Regional Director, said besides the peace that the nation needed for the coming elections, peace was also needed in the lives of individuals, without which they (individuals) would fail to progress in life.   He said the Caravan was at Akatsi on Saturday for a programme with out-of-school youth on the elections.   GNA...

Winneba (C/R), Nov. 25, GNA - The Education Minister Mr Lee Ocran has reiterated government’s commitment to pursue education development as the core of its development strategy towards poverty alleviation and improvement in living condition.   He said the strategic direction of government’s education delivery was focused on critical areas such as equity and access, educational management and science technology and technical vocation education and training.   He said these in an address read for him at the 17th congregation of the University of Education, Winneba on Saturday during which 3,759 students graduated and awarded with degrees, diplomas and certificates.   The Minister acknowledged the supportive role of the UEW as a viable partner to effectively and efficiently implement the aforementioned as the country seeks to attain the Millennium Development Goals especially that of providing equal and full access to quality primary and secondary education for all by the year 2015.   He said the government was progressively taking steps to solve most of the problems regarding provision of educational infrastructure, staff development and motivation.   The Minister said in the light of the challenges facing teaching and learning in recent times, the UEW was being encouraged to lead the crusade of coming out with new theories in education.   He said, “Most of the pertinent traditional theories of education have outlived their usefulness to some extent as a result of the changing values, cultures and technology.”   The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, expressed concern that a large number of teachers trained by the University had not been employed while there were many classrooms without teachers.   He said UEW since its inception in 1992 to-date had turned out 70,273 graduates.   He said with assistance from the Ghana Education Trust Find (GETFund) and other areas, the University had expanded infrastructure at its campuses to enhance academic work.   The Vice Chancellor said that “as a young graduate, you’re bound to make errors, but you should learn from the errors, that you commit”. He added that too many errors would destroy their confidence and the confidence others have in them.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 24, GNA - The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) over the weekend held its third post farmers day forum in Accra with the objective of strengthening the rural woman’s participation in agriculture.   In all, 45 women small holder farmers mobilized from the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions participated in the forum and were taken through topics such as policies and extension services available to support the rural woman and challenges in the rural economy.   Mr Andrews Frempong, Head of Programmes and Advocacy at CCG, said apart from winning souls for Christ, the Christian Council is also mandated not only to promote peace but to ensure that food was made available to all.   He said small holder famers in the rural communities who the majority constitutes women are being confronted with hikes in fertilizer prices, lack of transportation to carry their farming produce while in the mining areas, food crops and land are being destroyed by illegal miners.   He said issues such as credit, skewed extension services delivery, labour and inappropriate technology also affected the rural farmer especially women saying in the fishing sector, the issue of premix fuel and pair trolling is still a major concern to the fisher folks.   He appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support the smallholder farmers secured enough food and also earned profit.   Ms Victoria Aniaku, Representative from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in a presentation said government has introduced policies and strategies such as gender and agriculture development strategy, food and agriculture development policy.   She said the policies and strategies being implemented by government were to migrate Ghanaian farmers from subsistence farming to a technological one and added that government would assist women small holder farmers to produce more.   Ms Joyce Larko Steiner, Senior Programme Manager for Human Rights and Gender at CCG, said a baseline survey that was conducted revealed that the issue of food security and child rights are related, with poverty being the main reason why children were trafficked and put through labour.   She said the post farmer’s day forum by the Council formed part of measures to promote food security and child rights and would end in 2013.   GNA...

Koforidua, Nov. 24, GNA - A total of 953 Higher National Diploma (HND) students who completed their studies at the Koforidua Polytechnic in 2012 were on Saturday presented with certificates during the ninth congregation of the Institute.   Professor Reynolds Okai, the Rector of the Polytechnic, said 23 of the graduates obtained First Class honors with 469 students obtaining Second Class Upper, whilst 492 students obtained Second Class Lower.   He commended the graduands on their achievements but cautioned them against arrogance and indiscipline at workplaces.   Professor Okai reminded them that life is not rosy adding that success calls for perseverance, hard work and self-discipline among other virtues.   He announced that the Polytechnic, which started with 47 students in the 1996/97 academic year, now has student population of 5,724.   “Starting with two HND programmes 15 years ago, the polytechnic now offers two Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) programmes in Procurement and Automotive Engineering and HND programmes in 19 disciplines”.   Professor Okai said the polytechnic had shown its commitment to research and publications by the continual support of the research proposals of staff through its allocation for Staff Development/Research from the Ghana Education Trust (GETFUND).   He said the polytechnic won a research proposal submitted to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) worth 750,000.00 dollars to conduct research into renewable energy.   Professor Esther O. Sakyi-Dawson, a member of the Polytechnic Council, reminded the graduands that for them to survive and continue to remain relevant in the world of work, they needed to cultivate good time-management, good financial management and adherence to job rules and regulations.   “Plan your day properly and learn financial discipline well. Learn to save and invest in other investment portfolios available on the financial market”.   Professor Sakyi-Dawson called on education providers to add to the training of students the good job ethics and also to forge close partnership with Industries.   Nana Nkwantabisa III, the Chairman of the Polytechnic Council, commended the government for sustaining the Polytechnic through the GETFUND.   He however stressed the need for the polytechnic to be given special funding from the GETFUND to accelerate its infrastructural development.   GNA...