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Tag: Ho

  • Ho Municipality sees restoration of water supply following weeks of disruption

    Ho Municipality sees restoration of water supply following weeks of disruption

    After weeks of water supply challenges in the Ho Municipality, Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has restored operations, bringing relief to residents who endured prolonged disruptions due to the breakdown of all three pumps at the Kpeve Water Abstraction Plant.

    In a statement issued on Monday, February 10, GWL confirmed that supply had resumed after intensive repair efforts.

    “GWL deployed its technical teams, who worked tirelessly and around the clock to restore operations within the stipulated time of 48 hours, to set in motion the short-term solution outlined by the Managing Director, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu. The short-term measures also implemented include the provision of tanker services to essential service institutions,” the statement read.

    To prevent future interruptions, GWL has secured two new pumps, which are expected to arrive in the country by the end of March as part of a medium-term solution.

    The company reiterated its commitment to the government’s Water for All initiative, highlighting broader efforts to enhance supply and meet growing demand.

    “In line with the government’s vision of ‘Water for All’ and the goal of leaving no one behind in access to safe and sustainable water, the strategic long-term measures to address the growing disparity between water demand and supply are already underway, with a key focus on the planned expansion of the Kpeve Water Treatment Plant to enhance capacity and ensure sustainable water provision for the Ho Municipality and surrounding communities.”

    GWL assured the public of continued improvements in water service delivery and thanked stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the disruption.

  • Two critically injured after clash between Immigration officers and Shia residents

    Two critically injured after clash between Immigration officers and Shia residents

    Tensions flared in Shia, a border community in the Ho Municipality, as a confrontation between residents and officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) left two people critically injured.

    The unrest reportedly began on November 14 after a dispute between an immigration officer and some commercial motorcycle (okada) riders. The situation escalated on Friday, November 15, culminating in violent clashes.

    Eyewitness Kuzor Jonas recounted that heavily armed Immigration officers entered the community around 4:00 PM, triggering further outrage among residents. In retaliation, the aggrieved community members blocked access to the Immigration Service office and burned lorry tyres in protest.

    Two individuals sustained serious injuries during the confrontation and were rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.

    Youth leader Ekro Yao described the incident as a culmination of rising tensions in the area, urging authorities to intervene and restore calm.

  • I will make Ho Municipality a Metropolitan – Bawumia

    I will make Ho Municipality a Metropolitan – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has confirmed plans to upgrade Ho Municipality to a metropolitan area.

    A municipality is a smaller administrative division that typically covers towns, districts, or smaller cities, whereas a metropolitan area generally refers to a large city or a highly urbanized area that may include multiple surrounding municipalities or districts.

    According to him, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has made significant strides toward meeting the necessary criteria, with an official declaration expected soon.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the Ho Municipal Assembly Complex, Dr. Bawumia said the move follows a request from the Asogli Traditional Council.

    “I am happy to say that works are far advanced, and very soon we will have Ho declared a Metro,” he stated.

    He urged the community to support his agenda of development and reject former President John Mahama’s call for resetting the country’s progress.

    “This is an upgrade, and we should not reset it back to how it was,” he emphasized.

    Highlighting the government’s equitable distribution of infrastructure, Dr. Bawumia touted their achievements in roads, schools, and public projects as unprecedented in the Fourth Republic.

    Divine Bosson, Ho Municipal Chief Executive and NPP Parliamentary Candidate, appealed for voter support, citing the NPP’s development projects as evidence of their commitment to the region.

    The newly inaugurated two-story Ho Municipal Assembly Complex, which includes offices, an assembly hall, and other facilities, is one of two new complexes built to resolve office space issues in the Volta Region.

  • Road collapse leaves travelers stranded on Ho-Asikuma-Juapong route

    Road collapse leaves travelers stranded on Ho-Asikuma-Juapong route

    The heavy rains on June 29, 2024, reportedly caused a major disruption on the road between Ho and Juapong.

    According to an eyewitness, the section near the police barrier in Nnudu has collapsed.

    As a result, travelers along the Asikuma-Juapong route are stranded, with motorists facing challenges in finding alternative routes.

    He added, “Travelers from Asikuma may need to detour through Ho to Pooree to reach Juapong, and those coming from Juapong should take the Pooree route to Ho, etc. It is a regrettable situation.”

    He advised, “Those travelling from Ho should avoid the Juapong road and instead use the Adaklu Adidome road or go through Frankadua to reach Juapong.”

  • Accra, Ho, other areas to be hit by rainstorm over Gulf of Guinea

    Accra, Ho, other areas to be hit by rainstorm over Gulf of Guinea

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a weather alert indicating the possibility of a weak to moderate rainstorm over the Gulf of Guinea.

    This weather system is expected to move northwards, affecting both coastal and inland areas.

    As a result, the affected regions may experience increased cloudiness and thunderstorms with or without rain, varying in intensity.

    The thunderstorms are likely to be accompanied by weak to moderate winds. Areas expected to be affected include Asesewa, Begoro, Koforidua, Adeiso, Oyarifa, Taifa, Teshie, Accra, Ada, Aflao, Akatsi, Ho, and others.

    Residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety during the expected weather conditions.

  • 2 arrested for erecting unauthorised speed ramp, causing damage to road

    2 arrested for erecting unauthorised speed ramp, causing damage to road

    Two people have been arrested for destroying a road and erecting an unauthorised speed ramp along the Ho – Sogakope highway in the Volta Region.

    The two have been identified as Saviour Azakasi and Quarshie Godson.

    They were seen in a viral video, in the company of other suspects, causing damage to the highway with concrete blocks and other materials.

    According to a tweet from the Ghana Police Service, both suspects are currently in custody assisting investigation while efforts are underway to get the other suspects arrested.

  • Recent dumsor caused by bushfire – ECG

    Recent dumsor caused by bushfire – ECG

    Ghanaians, especially rural residents, have been cautioned against igniting fires in the bush, particularly during the dry season. 

    The caution was issued by authorities of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) who emphasize the potentially devastating consequences of these fires, warning that they have the potential to escalate into disasters. 

    Additionally, the ECG authorities indicated that these fire incidents affect their operations since they often destroy poles that help in providing electricity to communities. 

    This, according to the power distribution company, results in unstable power supply, and increasing the cost of maintenance.

    During a media engagement in Ho, the General Manager of ECG in the Volta/Oti Regions, Christina Jatoe- Kaleo explained that the unfortunate incident has cost ECG and the state huge sums of money. 

    She indicated that ten electricity poles were burnt between December 2023 and 10th January 2024 in her jurisdiction, which would cost her outfit about GHS‎ 70,000 to replace the affected poles.

    “Some of the communities that do not have power, or they have but people have extended to new sites and they are requesting for us to extend services to them. These poles that should have been used to extend services to them have to be used to replace what have been destroyed by the bushfires”, she lamented.

    She mentioned that ECG has implemented certain measures to reduce the impact of bushfires. These measures include clearing trees along ECG transmission lines, establishing fire belts around the poles, and using fire-retardant paint. Additionally, in areas prone to fires, ECG is replacing wooden poles with metallic ones.

    She also entreated community members to be watchdogs and ensure the protection of the installations of ECG and also act as ambassadors to preach against bushfires.

  • 8 die on the spot in gory car crash near Ho

    8 die on the spot in gory car crash near Ho

    A tragic incident near Ho, Volta Region, when a Mercedes Benz Bus (GR 1645-W) collided with a Zoomlion Refuse Truck (GR 6205-10), has claimed the lives of 8 out of the 16 occupants on board.

    The Benz Bus, en route to Ho, reportedly experienced brake failure while descending a hill, resulting in a head-on collision with the Zoomlion Truck, forcing it into a ditch.

    The preliminary investigation suggests the severity of the crash was exacerbated by the failed brakes.

    Despite the devastating impact, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) noted that the swift intervention of its rescuers played a crucial role in saving 9 lives.

    The injured passengers from both vehicles, along with the trapped driver of the Zoomlion Refuse Truck, were extricated from the badly mangled vehicles and promptly transported to the Ho Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Regrettably, one of the injured passengers succumbed to injuries after receiving treatment at the Ho Hospital.

    The incident also resulted in substantial damage to the head of the Zoomlion Truck, the Benz Bus, and its cargo, comprising food items and other contents.

  • Break failure leads to tragic accident in Ho; 5 in critical state

    On Monday afternoon, October 3, a tragic accident occurred on the God Dey-Access Bank stretch in Ho Bankoe, where a tipper truck lost its brakes and collided with multiple cars.

    This has left at least five people are in critical condition at the Ho Hospital.

    The collision had devastating consequences, causing extensive damage to approximately eight vehicles, including two taxis, to the point where they became unidentifiable.

    Gideon Agbesi, a taxi driver from Ho, was among the victims of this horrifying incident.

    He recounted how he had to hastily flee for his life upon hearing the deafening noise of the approaching tipper truck.

    Both the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service promptly responded to the scene.

    Their efforts were focused on clearing the wreckage of the damaged vehicles and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the area.

  • Gbawe recording high numbers of hypertension, diabetes cases among youth – Medical Doctor reveals 

    Gbawe recording high numbers of hypertension, diabetes cases among youth – Medical Doctor reveals 

    Medical Superintendent at Hillcross Medical Hospital, Dr Henry Nii Odai, has been taken aback by the revelation that a significant number of young individuals in Gbawe are afflicted with hypertension and diabetes.

    Henry Nii Odai reported that among the 180 individuals who received a diagnosis, 12 of them were young individuals, highlighting a worrisome prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among this demographic.

    He shared this information with the media while conducting a health screening event in the area at no cost.

    Dr Henry Nii Odai disclosed that the majority of individuals affected by hypertension and diabetes are oblivious to their condition, and those who are aware tend to rely on traditional herbal remedies, which is a cause for concern.

    The screening exercise was a collaboration with Radiance Oil and part of the Homowo Festival celebration.

    The doctor expressed concern about the prevalence of challenges due to unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise, particularly among individuals under 40.

    “This is a significant challenge. When you speak with those affected, you will find that many are unaware of their conditions. Those aware have turned to herbal medicines and self-medication, which has exacerbated their conditions. The number of people affected by these conditions alarms us. As a result, we must take action and address the problem. If we increase the number to 1,000 people, it will reveal a disturbing number of affected people,” he added.

    Dr. Odai urged the public to adopt healthy habits, avoid junk food, and encourage regular exercise, while also advising drivers to avoid late-night eating.

    Deputy Managing Director for Radiance Oil Joseph Addai urged the public to undergo regular checkups to prevent severe medical conditions and reduce premature deaths.

    He believed that this is both medically and financially sound, as it saves individuals from spending excessively on managing their worsened conditions.

    Chief of Gbawe Nii Boye Kojo III and some residents praised the organizers for their assistance.

    The chief stated that the free health exercise was a good idea, especially given the country’s economic situation.

    He urged the organisers to repeat the exercise on a regular basis.

  • Volta Development Forum readies to offer technical support to end perennial floods

    Volta Development Forum readies to offer technical support to end perennial floods

    Volta Development Forum has expressed deep concern about the devastating impact of the floods after conducting an assessment tour of areas affected by the perennial flooding in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region on the 8th of July, 2023.

    In response, the Forum has committed to providing technical support to finding a sustainable solution to address the recurring issue of flooding in the region.

    “We are determined to work with the Ho Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders in the region to find a lasting solution to the flooding problem in the municipality,” said the VDF Executive Director, Daniel Agboka-Dzegede, at a meeting held with the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Divine Boson.

    Mr. Dzegede hinted at collaborating with the Ho Municipal Assembly to create a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the recurring issue of flooding. The plan includes initiatives such as constructing new drainage systems, installing pumps, and establishing a flood warning system.

    He commended the dedication of the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Divine Bosson, who has shown remarkable commitment to development despite limited resources in the municipality.

    Furthermore, Mr. Dzegede urged the Ministry of Works and Housing to conduct an assessment of the damages caused by the recent flooding disaster in the municipality. He also called upon stakeholders to come together and work in synergy to provide the necessary support to the victims of the flooding incident.

    In addition to disaster response, Mr. Dzegede emphasized the importance of collaboration to elevate the standards of Ho, affectionately known as the “oxygen city,” and make it a favored destination for tourists.

    “Tourists are coming to the region every day and for that matter, we must make sure the region is always kept neat,” he said.

  • Ho hit by worst floods in 30 years after heavy rain

    Ho hit by worst floods in 30 years after heavy rain

    Ho, the regional capital of Volta, was submerged in floods last Saturday, after a downpour that was the heaviest in three decades.

    The rain, which lasted for six hours, measured 189.2 millimetres, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The second highest rainfall recorded in Ho during the period was 152.2 millimetres in 2006.

    The floods affected several areas, including Ho-Bankoe, Ho-Donokodzi, Ho Barracks-New Town, Ho-Adzimakope, and Ho-Powerhouse. More than 1,000 people were displaced and many properties were damaged.

    The EPA and the Ho District Meteorological Office attributed the floods to choked and narrow drains, as well as structures built on waterways.

    The EPA Regional Director, Hope Smith Lomotey, warned that the people living in low-lying areas along water courses must relocate to higher grounds as soon as possible, as more rains were expected in the coming days.

    He also urged the residents to respect the environment and dispose of their rubbish properly to avoid blocking the gutters.

    He said the final destination of flowing water was the sea and once its course was blocked the result was often disastrous.

    “We must all respect the environment to avoid a repetition of this kind of horror in future,” he said.

    The Ho Central MP, Benjamin Kpodo, blamed the Ho Municipal Assembly for failing to enforce its environmental by-laws and building regulations.

    He said the assembly was negligent in allowing people to build on waterways and not clearing the drains regularly.

    He called on the assembly to take immediate action to prevent further floods in the area.

    The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is still assessing the damage caused by the floods and providing relief to the affected people.

  • Ho MCE promises to address Ho flooding

    Ho MCE promises to address Ho flooding

    Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ho, Divine Bosson, has expressed the commitment of the Municipal Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to address the persistent problem of flooding in the Ho municipality.

    The MCE emphasised that the key to resolving the flooding issue in Ho lies in the implementation of a comprehensive drainage system, including the construction of numerous drains and gutters.

    The latest flooding tragedy affected many houses and stores Saturday, 8 July 2023.

    “Ho needs a lot of drains and gutters to contain the volume of water that is passing through the gutters anytime it rains. It must be a well-engineered project and we will put the report together after the final assessment by the disaster managers,” Mr Bosson said.

    He said the Municipal Assembly will apply the necessary effort and send a final assessment report to Accra for attention.

    The MCE was speaking to the media on Sunday morning after his tour of the affected areas in the Ho municipality after Saturday’s heavy rain.

    He blamed the situation partly on human activities such as building on waterways among others.

    He urged residents, especially those who litter gutters and those building and farming on waterways, to immediately put a stop to it.

    He, however, sympathized with all victims of Saturday’s flood which has affected many houses and stores in the municipality causing damages estimated to be in millions of cedis.

  • Ho Youth demand probe into murder of young teacher, rallying for #JusticeForFrancis

    Ho Youth demand probe into murder of young teacher, rallying for #JusticeForFrancis

    Volta Region’s capital, Ho, is currently experiencing a wave of sorrow and an overwhelming call for justice as a significant number of youth have come together to demand answers regarding the alleged murder of Francis Senyo Doheame.

    The community’s collective anguish and determination to seek justice have captured the attention and stirred emotions among residents, as they seek clarity and accountability in this tragic incident.

    The young man, who reportedly went missing on June 21, 2023, was found lifeless in a secluded area of Saviefe Agorkpo, in the Ho West District of the Volta Region, however, eyewitnesses have cast doubt on the official suicide narrative, claiming that the scene was staged to hide evidence of foul play.

    According to those present at the scene, Francis Senyo Doheame’s lifeless body was discovered on June 24, 2023, in a kneeling position, with a yellow nylon rope tightly wound around his neck and tied to a tree.

    They alleged that there was a visible wound on his left calf, which was dripping blood. Francis, affectionately known as “Eperror,” was a dedicated teacher at the Saviefe Agorkpo E.P Primary School until his untimely demise.

    The youth of Ho has taken to social media platforms, using the hashtag #Justice4Francis, to call for a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of their friend and relative. They firmly believe that Francis was murdered and that his body was placed in the remote bush to make the incident look like the case of suicide. The online posts have been accompanied by pictures of the deceased.

    One Facebook user, Prince Yao Amevi, expressed his skepticism about the suicide theory, stating, “We strongly believe Senyo was murdered. We know you have solved more mysterious deaths than this, so our hopes in you are high, even though the officers who retrieved the body left behind crucial evidence, such as the yellow nylon rope and knife.” The community anxiously awaits closure and seeks justice for Francis Senyo Doheame.

    “Shame and Sorry in advance unto whoever had a hand in your Death Bro. You can’t kill a lion like a puppy.

    “As a citizen of Ho Dome and a member of the WUSU Clan, we won’t allow our mother to grief alone. Yes, hearts got broken but wait until we fight back.

    “And till now, I didn’t see any Statement from Ghana Education Service Ghana National Association of Teachers -GNAT,” another added.

    “We can’t believe you are gone just like that. We know you well if you want to leave us, not on that tragedy path which your murderer(s) want us to believe. You are too Good to die now and you can’t choose that painful exit.”

    In response to the tragic incident, the Prime Youth Band, of which Francis was a member, has organized a procession and vigil in his honor.

  • GRA seizes truck smuggling 200 bags of cocoa beans

    GRA seizes truck smuggling 200 bags of cocoa beans

    The Customs Division personnel at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized a heavy-duty vehicle carrying 200 maxi-backs of cocoa beans heading towards Togo at Taviefe, near Ho.

    The Mercedes Benz truck, BA 265 V, was said to have travelled from Kede, through Accra, Sogakope and Ho before Customs officers caught up with it at Taviefe.

    Subsequently, the driver, Felix Tetteh, 30, was arrested and handed over to the police in Ho while the truck was impounded.

    Briefing the Daily Graphic soon after the operation, the Director of Special Services of COCOBOD, Charles Amenyaglo, said the operation followed a tip-off and intelligence gathering.

    Concealment

    According to him, the sacks of cocoa beans were sprinkled with fishmeal and covered with wheat bran to conceal the smell of the cocoa beans on board.

    Mr Amenyaglo said initial investigations revealed that the same truck was involved in a cocoa smuggling case in March, this year.

    Apart from that, he said, the colour of the truck was changed three times between March and May this year to avoid detection by the security agencies.

    Further, Mr Amenyaglo said the truck, which earlier used the Accra- Ho-Hohoe route for cocoa smuggling, now operated through Sogakope to outwit the security agencies.

    “We will get to the bottom of the matter as soon as possible and process the driver and all those involved for court,” he added.

    The Director of Special Services of COCOBOD appealed to patriotic members of the public to readily volunteer information on the activities of cocoa smugglers in the communities to the security agencies and COCOBOD, in the national interest.

    He said the driver of the impounded truck was now on police enquiry bail, assisting in investigations into the matter.

  • Study reveals females in Ho consume ‘akpeteshie’ beyond recommended quantities than men

    Study reveals females in Ho consume ‘akpeteshie’ beyond recommended quantities than men

    A study conducted by the University of Allied Health Sciences and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has discovered that female residents at Ho consume akpeteshie beyond recommended quantities.

    Per the study led by Dr Fidelis Kpodo and Dr Nii Korley Kortei at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Allied Health Sciences, the majority of women (66.7%) consumed akpeteshie beyond recommended quantities (1–2 drinks/day).

    The report published in the 2023 edition of the Journal, Scientific African noted that 51.15 per cent of the males on the other hand consumed normal quantities of the drink (2–3 drinks per day).

    “Females tend to consume small quantities of alcohol because of a relatively lower blood and fluid volume which is more vulnerable to the adverse outcomes of alcohol. Additionally, societal norms and traditional gender role attitudes had contributed to reduced alcohol consumption among females.

    “In Ghana, Akpeteshie is considered a “hard” drink and a preserve of men, hence females have high preference for beer and wine,” the study provided as reason for difference in quantity.

    Akpeteshie is a locally distilled liquor in Ghana and other West African countries. The local gin is known as “Koutoukou” in Ivory Coast and “ogogoro” in Nigeria by Ohimain.

    The University of Allied Health Sciences and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) undertook cross-sectional study done in Ho, Volta Region of Ghana to among others survey the types of alcoholic beverages consumed, the frequency of akpeteshie consumption as well as the volume of akpeteshie consumed.

    The survey was conducted using simple random sampling of 140 participants in various drinking spots/bars in the Ho municipality.

    Most participants consumed akpeteshie every day (53.57%) whilst others consumed it occasionally (8.57%), 1–2 times in a week (9.29%), 3–4 times per week (22.86%) and 5–6 times in a typical week (5.71%).

  • Ho market traders want MCE ousted

    Ho market traders want MCE ousted

    Some members of the Ho Central Traders Association in the Volta region, have called for the removal of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area from office.

    They have embarked on a demonstration to register their displeasure about alleged actions taken by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and officials of the Assembly. 

    The traders’ allegations included the formation of a market management committee by Mr Divine Bosson, the Municipal Chief Executive and Assembly officials without the inclusion of the Market Queen and other executives of the Association. 

    They also claimed that the market toll and other charges had been increased by the Assembly without consulting them for their input. 

    It was based on these and other reasons why the traders took to the streets of the city carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “the MCE must go, Mr President we want a change now, the MCE is too authoritative, the MCE must go for harassing the traders and the MCE is not ready to work with market executives and we need proper security system in the market.” 

    The demonstrators started their procession from the market area through the Civic Centre, walking along the principal street to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), where they presented a petition to the Regional Minister and a copy sent to the Municipal Assembly. 

    The traders, in their petition signed by Madam Joyce Norvixoxo, the Market Queen, to Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, alleged that upon the assumption of office, Mr Bosson had refused to work with the Market Queen and other executives of the Traders Association. 

    “As we write, our Queen Mother has just been arrested and detained for three and half hours by the Police upon the instruction of the MCE just because she was trying to resolve a problem between market women where one called the MCE…” 

    The traders said they had observed that Mr Bosson had the intention of using the NIB, the police and his foot soldiers to harass members and the Market Queen, for no apparent reason. 

    They stressed that the Market Queen and the executives were not operating on their own but were duly selected and appointed by Mamaga Akua-Dei II, the Paramount Queen of the  Asogli State, chiefs, and elders of the State, and witnessed by members of the Assembly under the former MCE. 

    The traders said they had been suppressed to their fullest limit by the actions of the current MCE and his foot soldiers and hence called on the Minister to intervene to address the situation. 

    Mr Augustus Kwaku Awity, the Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, who received the petition on behalf of the Regional Minister said a committee would be constituted to investigate the issues and appropriate actions taken to address them. 

    Responding to the allegations, Mr Bosson said, the supposed market queen only assumed the position when her ailing mother, the designated market queen got indisposed, and claimed that no document at the Assembly had ever given anyone a right to operate as such. 

    He said there were adverse findings against Madam Norvixoxo in the distribution of stalls and extortion, for which the Assembly found it difficult to work with her. 

    Mr  Bosson, however, confirmed the formation of a new Market Management Committee to maximise revenue collection while an invitation to the traditional leadership for a representation was yet to be actualised. 

  • 75 parliamentary aspirants in Ho file to contest NDC primaries

    75 parliamentary aspirants in Ho file to contest NDC primaries

    A total of 75 aspirants have successfully filed nominations to contest the upcoming NDC parliamentary primaries across the 18 constituencies in the Volta Region, the party said in a statement on Thursday.  

    “Submission of nomination forms ended peacefully at all the Constituency offices on Wednesday, March 22,” the statement signed by Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary of the NDC, said.  

    Out of the number, 15 are females.  

    Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu and Mr Charles Agbeve, MP for Agotime Ziope are going unopposed.  

    The statement said two sitting MPs, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, MP for Ketu North, and Mr Benjamin Kpodo, the Ho Central MP, have declared not to seek re-election.  

    Meanwhile, the Ketu North Constituency has the highest number of eight aspirants, who have successfully filed their nominations to contest the parliamentary primaries.  

    Ho Central has seven candidates, Anlo and Hohoe with six aspirants each and South Dayi with two candidates, Mr Rockson Dafeamekpor, the incumbent and Mr Kwame Prosper Ofosu.  

    The Regional Secretariat of the party has since set April 3 to 5 to vet all the 75 Parliamentary Aspirants ahead of the main contest.   

    The NDC has set May 13 for the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries across the various constituencies in the country. 

  • Ghana@66: Ho conjured a crocodile to greet Akufo-Addo

    Ghana@66: Ho conjured a crocodile to greet Akufo-Addo

    At Ghana’s 66th Independence Day celebration in Ho on March 6, 2023, the rich “voodoo” tradition of the Volta people was on display.

    The crocodile that greeted President Akufo-Addo at the parade materialized out of thin air.

    The crocodile, in accordance with regional tradition, was a component of the Zagbetor, a revolving raffia.

    Without using its feet, the raffia-made Zagbetor could rotate and move from one location to another. Its feet were totally undetectable.

    This was to showcase the magical and spiritual efficacy of the deity in the area and how they possess supernatural powers to move about without legs.

    At the parade, the Zagbetor was rotating and putting up gymnastics when a crocodile dropped from nowhere, moved straight to President Akufo-Addo, and prostrated in obedience to a higher authority.

    The scene caught the attention of many, considering how the crocodile was able to obey human direction and carry out the task without any fault; it was under the influence of supernatural power.

    Many believe the people of the Volta region hold their culture in high regard, and at the parade, they graciously displayed it with pomp and pageantry.

  • Independence Day celebration now NPP party jamboree

    Independence Day celebration now NPP party jamboree

    Former president, John Dramani Mahama, has stated he will not attend today’s, March 6, Independence Day celebration in Ho.

    “Our Unity, Our Strength, Our Mission” will be the event’s theme.

    Mr accused the organizers of the event of turning the occasion into a political party jamboree where New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters are bussed to cheer up their leaders.

    Mr Mahama stated that the Independence Day celebration is a national solemn day and should not be hijacked by a political party.

    Speaking at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professional Forum Dinner and Awards Night in Accra on Sunday, March 5, Mr Mahama who is seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NDC ahead of the 2024 general elections said “I just came from the Volta Region, and just when I was leaving they were preparing to celebrate the Independence Day. I have stopped going to Independence day because it has become a party jamboree. I went to Tamale and they told GBC to take the camera off me, they bussed their supporters in and filled the whole stadium.

    “When I got into the stadium the place was quiet, I went and sat, they gave me some corner somewhere, I went and sat there and they occupied the dais. When any of them came [the supporters] shouted.

    “I said I don’t want to be part of this party jamboree. Independence is a solemn national celebration that is celebrated at Independence Square and everybody could come. Today, they bus their supporters in, they have party flags, and they are wearing party T-Shrts, I don’t want to be part of the party jamboree.

    “Nkrumah got us independence, I am a Nkrumahist, I will attend an Independence Day anniversary any day if it is not hijacked by one party, it is a national day for all of us, so I am not going to be there because I don’t want to be part of an NPP Jamboree. You watch what will happen, they will bus their people there and occupy the whole place.”

    In relation to the celebration in Ho, the Volta Region branch of the opposition NDC is demanding the release of GH¢126 million by the government as money owed the region.

    According to the NDC, this amount is the aggregate of the Akufo-Addo-led government’s promise of GH¢1 million per constituency per year, which the party says is in arrears for the past seven years.

    The NDC in the Volta Region said the joy and enthusiasm that usually characterise the celebration of the country’s independence anniversary is eroding as a result of “unprecedented bad governance, unimaginable levels of corruption and the incredible high cost of living”.

    “We believe that in order to have this theme to resonate well with all Ghanaians, it would be appropriate for President Nana Addo to use the Independence Day celebration to apologize to the good people of Volta Region for the kind of humiliations he subjected the good people of the Region to during the 2020 voter registration,” the NDC said in a statement issued by the Regional Secretary, James Gunu.

    “It is obvious that the unprecedented bad governance, unimaginable levels of corruption and the incredible high cost of living is eroding the joy and enthusiasm that ordinarily goes with our Independence Day celebrations.

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    “There is no spirit of patriotism and nationalism in the management of the country’s economy.”

  • Livestreaming: 66th Independence Day celebration at Ho underway

    Livestreaming: 66th Independence Day celebration at Ho underway

    Today marks 66 years since Ghana gained independence – and this year’s celebration is being held at Ho in the Volta Region for the very first time.

    This year’s event is under the theme “Our Unity, Our Strength, Our Purpose.”

    The Special Guest of Honour for this year’s celebration is President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

  • Livestreaming: Mahama launches 2024 presidential campaign

    Livestreaming: Mahama launches 2024 presidential campaign

    Former President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch his presidential campaign for the 2024 elections in the Volta Region today.

    The campaign launch is expected to take place at the Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho.

    It is under the theme “Building The Ghana We Want Together.”

  • Ghana at 66 launched

    Ghana at 66 launched

    Ghana’s 66th independence anniversary celebration has been officially launched.

    The event which is scheduled to be marked in the Volta Region was launched by the National Planning Committee. 

    The celebration which would be under the theme: “Our Unity; Our Strength; Our Purpose”, would be honoured by thousands from across the country and the world.  

    The 66th independence anniversary logo was also out-doored at the ceremony hosted at the residency conference hall in Ho on Tuesday. 

    66th independence anniversary celebration launched
    Head of Communications of the National Planning Committee, Jefferson Sackey.

    The Head of Communications of the National Planning Committee, Jefferson Sackey, indicated that embedded in the logo is the figure 66, which rests on Mount Afadza, the highest mountain in Ghana. 

    The logo which is designed in red, gold, green and black, according to Mr. Sackey, symbolizes the blood of the fore-bearers of the country, mineral wealth, rich forest and natural vegetation and the lonestar of African freedom respectively. 

    66th independence anniversary celebration launched
    66th independence anniversary.

    It also embodies the Volta River; the main river which has served the nation with water, electricity and tourism potentials, the Sabala, an Adinkra symbol; representing coexistence and tolerance, and the independence arch; to symbolize Ghana’s independence. 

    The Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Lord Commey, disclosed that the event would sell the Volta Region to the world as about 5,000 invitations have been extended to “very very important personalities from across the world“ to attend the independence day parade, on the 6th of March, scheduled to be held at the Volta Regional Youth Resource Centre at Adaklu. 

    He said that the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló would grace the parade as the special guest of honor. 

    66th independence anniversary celebration launched

    22 contingents from the security agencies, 12 schools among other institutions would participate in the parade. 

    He congratulated the regional organizing committee and promised Ghanaians and revellers an exciting 12-day celebration, urging the host region to position itself to reap the benefits. 

    The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, appealed to stakeholders to support the organising committee to deliver a successful independence anniversary celebration. 

    66th independence anniversary celebration launched
    Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa.

    “This anniversary is for all Ghanaians, this anniversary is not going to see any party colours, we are going to see the colours of the Republic of Ghana. So all of us are going to come together as a region, the chiefs, the queen mothers, the youth, political parties, opinion leaders, everybody in the Volta Region is going to come on board to support us so that we can host this important anniversary. 

    I believe that the people of this region are ready and that they have shown signs and enthusiasm and commitment to this course”, he said. 

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Ambulance Service refutes allegations that it neglected a sick boy in Kpetoe

    Ambulance Service refutes allegations that it neglected a sick boy in Kpetoe

    The Ghana National Ambulance Service has rejected claims that it neglected a call to help a sick boy being transported by a public vehicle from Kpetoe to Ho.

    A journalist who bears the name, Gati Promise has said the ambulance service in the region failed to come to the aid of a sick boy despite several calls.

    According to him, the actions of the ambulance service could have adversely affected the sick child.

    But commenting on the allegation on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, spokesperson for the National Ambulance Service, Simon Yussif Kewura says that the journalist’s claims are untrue. 

    “If he calls himself a journalist he should have checked the information before putting up this story. When you need an ambulance, we have two types of requests for an ambulance. First one is dialing 112 that is going to the center. If you are in Greater Accra when you dial 112 it will go to our center in Accra and if you are in the Volta region it will go to Volta Region.

    “The news that he had called an ambulance wasn’t true. He hasn’t called an ambulance per our records we have. There is no record because we have a book that when you call the dispatch center people will record it and then dispatch an ambulance,” Mr. Kewura explained.

    “The purpose of calling the dispatch center is that sometimes you may see an ambulance at a location close to you but this ambulance may not be working. It may either not be having fuel or having a mechanical problem so we have to dispatch an ambulance close to you that is in good condition.”

  • Police officer confesses to touching alleged defiled girl’s breast

    Police officer confesses to touching alleged defiled girl’s breast

    A police officer has admitted to touching the breast of a 14 year old girl who was allegedly defiled.

    When G/CPL Emmanuel Duah, 46, appeared before a Ho Circuit Court on February 1, 2023, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement.

    The accused is standing trial for allegedly defiling a class five pupil, now 14, at Ave-Xevi in the Akatsi North District on September 29, 2021, in a yet-to-be-commissioned police station while on duty there.

    The court heard that the accused, a police officer popularly known as Bob Marley, requested from the victim who had gone to fetch rain water from a silver basin at the frontage of the police station to go buy him water, a request the victim declined and insisted on going to first inform her parent before she could run the errand for the accused.

    The court was told, “the accused person then took the basin from her and forcibly held her hands, covered her mouth and carried her into one of the rooms at the police station and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.”

    The prosecution also told the court that, G/CPL Emmanuel Duah in a caution statement taken at the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Tongu Division in Sogakope, when he was first arrested, admitted that “he held the hand and touched the breast of the victim” but denied having sex with her.

    The prosecution has since filed the weighing card and a medical report of the tests conducted on the victim on the night of the incident in the case docket.

    Upon taking a plea from the accused, the court granted him a GHS50,000 bail with two sureties; one of whom must be a public servant is expected to reappear in court on February 22, 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ho Airport now ‘white elephant’ – Presidential staffer

    A Presidential Staffer, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, says the Ho Airport is now a white elephant and that the under utilisation is causing financial loss to the state.

    The facility was built by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

    According to the Director of Local Government, Decentralisation and Local and Rural Development at the presidency, a lot of people advised against the construction of the airport but the then government refused to listen and went ahead with its construction.

    Mr Aboagye made this point to justify the National Cathedral project while speaking on the Key Points show on TV3 on Saturday, December 24, 2022.

    “Where was the justification when we spent US$25 million to build the Ho Airport which is now a white elephant? US$25 million dollars was spent at the time the people of Ho did not have a market.

    At the time the airport was going to be built a lot of people asked economic questions about why they were going to put the airport there.

    “Togbe Afede advised that half of the money for the Ho Airport should be used to construct the road to Ho but he was not listened to and today, that Airport is a white elephant.”

    He stressed “the Ho airport was built at a time this country had dumsor, this county had health insurance that was near collapse, this country at that had 88 districts without hospitals.

    “The construction of the airport had economic value, the same way the cathedral has economic value.”

    But Mr. Aboagye insists that the National Cathedral will have economic benefits to the State because it will be self-financing when completed.

    Source: Graphiconline

  • ECG begins installation of smart prepaid meters in Volta Region

    The Electricity Company of Ghana has begun the installation of smart prepaid meters for clients within its prepaid metering areas in the Volta Region.

    About 5,000 units of smart meters have already been installed in the Ho and Hohoe Municipalities.

    The smart prepaid meters are compliant with the new Meter Management System (MMS) which allows customers to purchase prepaid credit online, without visiting vending points.

    The system also allows the company to monitor the meters remotely, and identify any interference or illegality when the meters are tampered with.

    The Volta Regional Communications Officer of ECG, Benjamin Antwi, explained that the initiative is in line with the power distribution company’s objective of providing quality services to its customers.

    “As a company, we want to make Volta Region, a hub of excellent customer service and we believe providing convenience for our customers will help us achieve this vision.

    Power supply in the Volta Region has improved significantly and introducing these smart meters in the Region will further ensure that our customers are satisfied with our services”, he said.

    He added that a Customer Interface Unit has been attached to the meter to allow customers to access information on energy purchased and consumed from the comfort of their homes.

    Other devices added to the meter include; a user manual, a USB cord to charge the Customer Interface Unit and a battery to power the Interface Unit.

    “After the meter is installed for the customer, the customer can decide to purchase prepaid credit from the comfort of his or her premises or visit the ECG Office. When going to the ECG Office to purchase credit, the customer can decide to go with the Customer Interface Unit or without it since the important information needed to purchase credit is the meter number.

    After purchasing the credit, the smart meter is remotely recharged before the customer leaves the premises. In the event that the meter fails to recharge remotely due to network error, a token is generated for the customer. The customer will key in the 20-digit token number on the Customer Interface Unit and the smart meter will be recharged”, he explained.

    Mr. Antwi bemoaned how illegal connections by some customers affect the revenue generated by the company, and prevents it from undertaking projects that will inure to the benefit of customers.

    He warned customers against perpetuating any illegality by tampering with the smart meter, adding that the metering device has a feature to detect any illegal connection.

    “The meter records every activity and we can see it from our office, including tampering with the meter. When you try tampering with the meter, the meter will go off and you cannot buy credit to recharge your meter until you come to our office. When apprehended, you will be surcharged”, he warned.

    Mr. Antwi concluded by calling on the public to act as whistleblowers – to help ECG curb illegal connections – by reporting people who would engage in any illegality at any ECG office or call the national task force via 0551444011.

    “There is a 6% commission of any amount we recoup as an incentive for anyone who gives us reliable information to unearth any illegality”, he added.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • FLASHBACK: If I come and I don’t succeed, kick me out – Akufo-Addo

    Madam Rebecca Asempa, a businesswoman in Hohoe has resurrected the selling of “ice water” after more than 10 years switch to the consumption of “pure water.”

    She resumed the business on Tuesday, October 25 and so far, it is becoming a favourite to all special drivers at the Hohoe lorry station.

    The Ghana News Agency (GNA) contacted Madam Asempa after a video popped up showing her selling to some drivers.

    She said she was selling the “ice water” for 20 pesewas adding that, she sold the water at the price despite the cost of the polyethene bag she used for the water.

    She said she was also taking into consideration all the hygienic factors to sell a well ‘self-produced’ water and, “I am just doing this thing for doing sake, but they are buying it. I started yesterday and people are buying.”

    The sachet or pure water is now selling at 50 or 60 pesewas due to recent hikes in the cost of production and fuel prices resulting from global turbulence.

    Mr Emma Boakye, a driver told GNA that the cost of water despite its production being done in the country was disturbing, hence, they would continue to buy the “Ice water” as far as it is produced under hygienic conditions.

    He said it was the “ice water” they used to drink before they switched, hence, “Sankofa is not a crime.”

    Mr Boakye also lamented on the price increase in fuel and lorry fares, which would continue to affect the prices of goods including water.

    GNA survey proves that similar business of iced water is emerging in some parts of Ho, an indication that if care is not taken, the phenomenon would become the norm going forward, a worry for public health experts.

    Mr Gorden Akurugu, Volta Regional Director, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has warned the public against the consumption of “ice water.”

    He said it was not safe and consumers could easily get typhoid and other diseases since there was a direct contact processing where sellers blew air into the rubbers before filling them with water.

    Mr Akurugu said consumers must be wary of their health and strictly go by drinking the sachet water or have clean and hygienic water in their houses to drink.

    TWI NEWS

    Mr Emmanuel Yawlui, the Hohoe Environmental Health Officer, when contacted, said the Department was unaware of any developments regarding the sale of “ice water.”

    However, he said the only water in a rubber sanctioned, is the one which solidifies into, “ice blocks.”

    Source: GNA

  • Ho Municipality signs sister city MoU with Gainesville Florida

    The Ho Municipal Assembly and the City of Gainesville, Florida US, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster cooperation and development.

    Lauren Poe, Mayor of Gainesville, and Divine Bosson, Municipal Chief Executive of Ho, signed the agreement via virtual meeting platform, Zoom, in the presence of local stakeholders.

    The MoU would lead to the exploration of common interests in education, economic, and cultural sectors of both cities.

    Mayor Poe held up Gainesville’s renewable energy acclaim, being the fifth largest producer of solar power per capita in the world, and said a sustained partnership should benefit all.

    He said Ho had become Gainesville 10th sister city in the world, and the first in Africa.

    “We are looking forward to a long relationship with the city of Ho. We are excited to broaden our relationship and continue working for peace and security. We will work together and focus on what to do together,” he remarked.

    The mayor was optimistic about common interests in healthcare and education, as well as opportunities for collaboration between related institutions and organisations.

    The Ho MCE, on his part, called the event “an epoch-making signage between our two cities,” and declared, “we are the best in Africa today.”

    He said almost 70 per cent of the city’s 200,000 population resided in the urban centres and that the twin city programme would help develop its economic and social prospects.

    Mr Bosson said the MoU was the city’s second, noting also that one with Namibia was on the table.

    The MCE tasked technocrats of the Assembly to begin processes on the partnership programme, while announcing a trip to Florida in November to physically cement the deal.

    Mr Bosson seemed most excited about the educational component of the project, which would create opportunities for exchange programmes between the cities, and said Ho had eight tertiary institutions, which helped lay claim to the designation as an education hub.

    The MOU expects to create sustainable environment to help meet basic and fundamental social needs, and facilitate economic strengthening and creating opportunities for businesses.

    The MCE said the Municipality’s first sister city partnership, which was with Finland, would be reactivated.

    Technocrats at the Assembly, including the Presiding Member, and the Municipal Engineer, all pledged support for the programme.

    Gainsville is the principal city of the Gainesville metropolitan area and has a population of about 150,000.

    It is home to the University of Florida -fourth largest by population in the US, and which is the main driver of the local economy.

    The Ho Municipality has Ghana’s prime health University, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), which is a decade old institution that ranks among the best in the subregion.

    The regional capital is also said to be the oxygen city of Ghana, and the spirit and soul of tourism development in the endowed Volta Region.

    Source: GNA 

  • Emergency health operations centre opens in Ho

    A public health emergency operations centre has been inaugurated in Ho.

    It will serve as a central location to coordinate operational information and resources for the strategic management of public health emergencies by facilitating better planning, faster identification of public health and disease threats for timely response.

    The $180,000 facility was set up by the government with the support of the US government and the Republic of Korea.

    It brings to four the number of such centres in the country. The others are located in Sekondi in the Western Region, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, and Tamale in the Northern Region.

    Advice

    The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, who inaugurated the centre last Thursday, advised managers of the facility to ensure that it was not only put to effective use, but maintained regularly.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye said globalisation, trade and travelling had led to an increase in the spread of diseases for which reason countries were required to continuously develop, strengthen and maintain their capacity to respond promptly and effectively to public health threats.

    Project

    The Korean Ambassador, Lim Jung-Taek, said the centre was a joint initiative by Korea and the US as part of a global health security agenda project.

    “It is our hope that through this support, the regional capacity to respond to any public health emergency will be improved,” he said.

    The envoy added that in the midst of global health threats it was essential to have localised commanding chains to coordinate data-driven decisions, hence the establishment of the centre.

    The Country Director of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Moo Heon Kong, also said that “the establishment of the emergency operating centre is crucial now more than ever to respond to health emergencies”.

    In a speech read on her behalf, the US Ambassador, Virginia E. Palmer, commended the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the GHS and other stakeholders for their vision in helping to put up the centre.

    “From vaccines to oxygen equipment, long-term health infrastructure investment and coordinated health information, the US government is as committed as ever to our decades-long public health collaboration with Ghana,” she said.

    Gratitude

    For his part, Dr Letsa expressed gratitude to KOICA and the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for their invaluable support to the region over the years.

    Source: Grahiconline

  • 14 injured in gas explosion at Ho

    Some 14 persons have sustained injuries in a gas explosion at the Mighty Gas Filling station in Ho, the Volta regional capital.

    The injured persons have been rushed to the Ho Teaching Hospital and are currently receiving treatment, according to information picked up by Starrfm.com.gh.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the swift response by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service helped in bringing the situation under control.

    Some of the injured persons include station attendants and some drivers who were at the gas station to fill their cylinders.

    It is not yet known what caused the explosion as investigations are yet to commence.

    Source: Starr FM

  • We are in control of the situation – Ho MCE

    Mr Prosper Pi-Bansah, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, says the security services have the city under control after an attack on the State Transport Corporation yard by unidentified gunmen.

    He said the security services were monitoring the situation and urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear.

    Mr Pi-Bansah gave the assurance in an interaction with the media after a visit to the attack scene.

    He said security patrols would be intensified in the Municipality and asked for public cooperation to help end the crisis.

    Gunmen suspected to be members of the Western Togoland Secessionist group, in the early hours of Monday, stormed the STC yard assaulted drivers and a security officer, and set some buses ablaze.

    One bus was destroyed in the attack, and another partially burnt.

    Source: GNA

  • Ho residents count losses from heavy rainfall

    Residents of Donokodzi and Desiadenyo in Ho are counting their losses after two days of intermittent downpour caused massive floods which filled their homes up to knee level.

    The floods on Sunday and Monday filled about 100 houses, destroying personal belonging and causing widespread destruction to livestock.

    As at Sunday, officials of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) assisted some residents to move upland during the heavy rainfall which also claimed portions of the road between Titrinu and Donokodzi and brought traffic to a standstill for three hours.

    In one house at Desiadenyo, the parents of a newborn baby took turns to carry her while standing in the water-filled room all night long.

    Meanwhile, vast acres of crops were destroyed by the floods.

    There was no report of human casualty at the time of filing this report.

    As of Monday, the floods retreated a little but the compounds of many homes were still filled with water.

    Mr Divine Bosson, Volta Regional Director of NADMO said that the phenomenon was mind-boggling because the areas were not known to be prone to floods.

    However, he attributed the destruction partly to the erection of unauthorised structures in waterways and on other unproved sites by lawless residents.

    As a first step towards addressing the problem, Mr Bosson said the Department of Urban Roads and Ho Municipal Assembly were helping to dredge the waterways in the two areas.

    “We are set to start a headcount of the displaced, which we believe run into several scores,” he said when he led a team of NADMO officials to tour the affected areas on Monday.

    Mr Bosson said reports indicating that a contractor had blocked the course of a stream at Desiadenyo to make way for a building project would be investigated.

    The NADMO team also visited Sokode-Lokoe where the floods caused a similar mess.

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Ecosystem report on Ho ready

    The Ho Node Hub, a digital skills training and tech innovation support centre has completed an ecosystem report on the Ho Municipality.

    The three-year MasterCard Foundation-funded nationwide project, is expected to produce a precise guide to investing in the Municipality.

    Mr Courage Asase, Regional Operations Manager of the Hub, told the Ghana News Agency at a stakeholder meeting to preview the document that little or no comprehensive ecosystem reports existed in the country that detailed the local arena and participation.

    He said local economy expertise was key to investment success, and thus with the support of the Ghana Tech Lab, the project sought to provide a “commonplace of information on activities in Volta with Ho as the axis”.

    “This would help understand the ecosystem in Ho, and perfect the mapping of other towns in the Region,” Mr Asase added.

    He said the increase in tertiary institutions and their youthful populations positioned the regional capital as a major centre for tech innovation- a vision the Hub was trailing, and appealed to government to address the slow pace of digital transformation in the city.

    “In Ten to 15 years, tertiary institutions would turn Ho into what they turned Accra and Kumasi. Jobs would grow. But the digital infrastructure growth is very slow,” he said.

    Financial institutions employed the most, according to the report, and created abundant opportunities for business advisory services, financial credit, and training and mentorship.

    The report listed aquaculture as one of the most thriving industries, making tilapia the most consumed produce.

    It showed the entertainment industry boomed, with pubs and hotels becoming common investments, whiles health services also flourished in the fast-growing municipality.

    Although media outlets were multiplying, very few women dominated the space, the report revealed, and also said physical space for businesses were inadequate, limiting their growth and expansion.

    The report outlined human capital development, good road networks, and efficient digital infrastructures as necessary in the rapid socio-economic development of the city and the region as a whole.

    The Ho Node Hub works with a wide spread of stakeholders, and offers digital skills training for students, startups, and small to medium scale enterprises.

    Source: GNA

  • FLCI supports the aged, PWDs in Ho

    Fountain of Life Chapel International (FLCI) in Ho has supported the aged and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) with 110 bags of rice worth GHC 7,600.00.

    The beneficiary communities are Godokpoe, Ho-Dome, Ho-Bankoe, Heve, Avatidome and the Cured Lepers Village.

    The church made similar donations to the vulnerable in other parts of Ho, Mafi-Kumase in the Volta region and some communities in the Greater Accra Region.

    Apostle Mawufemor Senyo Kudjo, General Overseer of the Church said the aged and PWDs were most vulnerable in the wake of COVID-19 and needed to be supported and cared for.

    He noted that some aged and PWDs had been neglected by their families and found it difficult coping with life and needed a helping hand.

    “It is time for churches to move from their comfort zones and open their storehouses to support especially in this pandemic season as a way of giving back to people and society,” he said.

    Mr. Paul Kwame Kuhordzi, a beneficiary, commended the church for the support.

    Source: GNA

  • Floodwaters wash away vehicle into drain in Ho

    A late Thursday afternoon rainstorm plunged a commercial vehicle into a drain in Ho.

    The flood also brought tree logs onto the road causing vehicular traffic for hours at the Amegashie Bridge, near the Ho Central market.

    The vehicle, with four occupants from Hohoe was washed off the bridge by a strong water current between 1400 and 1600 hours.

    Some men in the community who witnessed the incident however braced the storm and rescued the occupants in the vehicle including two women.

    Personnel of the Ghana National Ambulance Service responded promptly to send the victims, some with minor injuries, to the Ho Municipal Hospital where they were treated and discharged.

    Mary, a 21-year-old woman who was onboard the vehicle with registration number GR 2488 14, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that they had cautioned the driver against using the flooded bridge.

    She said the vehicle was partly flooded, and that they used an opened door of the vehicle to escape.

    Personnel from the Police, the National Fire Service, and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) rushed to the scene for a joint rescue operation following distress calls.

    Residents and business owners in the area told GNA the over 60-year-old bridge has been a trouble spot during rainy seasons.

    The GNA was told that locals choked the culverts with different kinds of waste, causing overflowing water to flood the low-lying areas cutting off access to the Ho Central Market.

    The storm also fell some trees at the Ho SNNIT Flats, causing a three-hour diversion of heavy traffic heading to and from areas including the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).

    ]Heavy rains have made access to UHAS main campus extremely difficult with sections of the road unworthy for vehicular traffic.

    The rainstorm also caused flooding on the Ho Polyclinic bridge with challenges for motorists and other road users.

    Source: GNA

  • Covid-19 case count in Volta Region rises to 41, Ho Teaching Hospital staff among new cases

    The Volta Region has witnessed an increase in positive coronavirus case counts from 34 to 41.

    A female health worker stationed at the theatre department of the Ho Teaching Hospital is reported to be among the seven new cases recorded.

    She tested positive for the virus after her sample was sent to the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho.

    She reported at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Hospital with symptoms of flu and slight sore throat.

    This informed a decision by the HTH administration to temporally shut down the theatre for disinfection. While three other colleagues who work with the infected staff were directed to self-quarantine.

    Reports indicated the infected staff had no contact with a patient who died few days after testing positive for coronavirus, leading to the disinfection of the Accident and Emergency Department and quarantine of some 39 staff who participated in treating the deceased.

    The Public Relations officer of HTH, Amos Jah who confirmed the news indicated the infected staff is “responding to treatment”, adding the theatre would be opened for operations on Tuesday.

    However, there is fear and panic among staffs at the theatre, hence, their plea on management to suspend elective surgeries to help prevent a possible spread of the virus at the facility.

    Meanwhile, the Hohoe municipality has recorded three more cases, while Akatsi South District, Ketu South and Kpando Municipalities recorded a case each.

    A case earlier recorded in the Kpando Municipality resulted in a fatality being the second COVID-19 death in the Volta Region.

    However, 28 infected persons have fully recovered and discharged from the isolation centre, pegging active cases at 11.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Ho Teaching Hospital staff member tests positive for COVID-19

    The Surgical Theater of the Ho Teaching Hospital has been closed down for disinfection after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

    According to a staff of the hospital, who spoke to Citi News on condition of anonymity the affected person developed symptoms after returning from sick leave.

    The staff further said workers are living in fear as the carrier of the virus has not been identified.

    Also, it expressed concerns over the seeming inaction from the management of the Ho teaching Hospital on the situation.

    Meanwhile, on consulting the Public Relations Department of the Ho Teaching hospital, it responded that it was yet to abreast itself with the development.

    The Volta Region has 34 confirmed cases, 32 active cases, zero recoveries and zero deaths as at 14:40 GMT on May 18, 2020.

    Volta Region records first COVID-19 death

    The Volta Region on Friday also recorded its first COVID-19 death at the local Treatment Centre in Ho.

    The deceased, a 60-year-old woman who returned from Accra two weeks ago, visited the Ho Teaching Hospital with difficulty in breathing, fever and reduced level of consciousness.

    She was noticed to have been progressively getting weak prior to her presentation at the Teaching Hospital and passed on after five days on admission at the Regional COVID -19 Centre on May 14, 2020 at 1815 hours.

    A source at the hospital told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the deceased was a known diabetic who had suffered a Cerebro-Vascular Accident (CVA) a few years ago.

    The sexagenarian, the source said, also had a pacemaker in situ for an unspecified cardiac condition.

    It said she had been previously reviewed at the National Cardio-Thoracic Centre where she was told the pacemaker was no longer effective.

    It said a preliminary diagnosis of severe pneumonia, Diabetes Mellitus type-2 and CVA with residual weakness was made to rule out COVID-19 but results received from the University of Health and Allied Sciences Laboratory for COVID-19 in three hours confirmed the deceased as positive for the disease.

    “The patient was clinically managed in conformity with the established clinical protocols for the various disease conditions, psychosocial support given to the family of the confirmed case and all contacts and appropriate burial procedures currently underway”.

    The source said 39 staff including ten doctors, 28 nurses and an elderly were immediately quarantined as a precautionary measure after varying levels of exposure while contact identification, listing, tracing and testing was ongoing.

    It said the Emergency Unit of the Ho Teaching Hospital was evacuated and shut down for 24 hours for fumigation.

     

    Ghana COVID-19 cases

    Ghana as at May 18, 2020, has 5,735 confirmed cases, 3,952 active cases, 1,754 recoveries, and 29 deaths.

    Regional Breakdown

    • Greater Accra Region 4,314
    • Ashanti Region 818
    • Central Region 210
    • Eastern Region 99
    • Western Region 98
    • Western North Region 57
    • Volta Region 34
    • Northern Region 31
    • Upper East Region 26
    • Oti Region 24
    • Upper West Region 21
    • North East Region 2
    • Bono Region 1

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Covid-19: Ho Teaching Hospitals Accident and Emergency department temporarily closed for disinfection

    The Accident and Emergency department of the Ho Teaching Hospital has been temporarily closed down for disinfection, after a patient tested positive for coronavirus.

    The patient has since been moved to an isolation and treatment centre.

    Joy News checks revealed a 50-year-old patient was resuscitated upon reporting at the facility unconscious on Sunday.

    This prompted officials to send her sample for a coronavirus test, which she tested positive for. This has resulted in the temporal closure of the emergency department where she was admitted.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Ho Teaching Hospital, Amos Jah, explained that patients on admission at the department have been moved, after which thorough disinfection will be done.

    He further indicated that about 30 health officials who came into contact with the patient, have been asked to self-quarantine.

    Mr Jah added that the officials would be tested for Covid-19 to establish their status.

    “The staff who attended to the patient have been asked to self-quarantine and their samples will be taken for a Covid-19 test, after 14 days we will do another test to detect whether everything is okay”, he said.

    He, however indicated the accident and emergency department would be re-opened on Tuesday evening and assured clients of their safety.

    This brings the total number of positive coronavirus cases recorded in the Ho Municipality to four.

    The region has a total of 33 cases as of 12 May, 2020.

  • Coronavirus: Health Minister pays working visit to health facilities in Ho

    Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly in the Brong Ahafo Region, Mr. Kweku Agyeman-Manu yesterday, Monday March 30, led a team of some officials from the health ministry to pay a surprise visit to Ho, the Volta Regional capital to ascertain the preparedness of the Ho Teaching Hospital and Ghana Health Service for the isolation or treatment of any suspected or confirmed cases of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

    The Minister reassured officials of the Ho Directorate of the Ghana Health Service that in the next few days to come, testing for coronavirus will begin in the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Laboratory.

    Hon. Agyeman Manu however showered praises on the front line health workers in the region for the level of preparedness they have shown and also encouraged them to continue the good work they are doing for the love of humanity.

    Dr. Archibald Letsa who is the Volta Regional minister thanked the minister for the visit and also assured him of nothing but excellence in the handling of any confirmed or suspected cases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Volta Region has so far two COVID-19 task forces. One of the task forces was set up by the University of Health and Allied Sciences in collaboration with Ho Teaching Hospital while the other task force was set up by the regional directorate of the Ghana Health Service which is led by Dr. Timothy Letsa, a brother to the regional minister.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com