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Tag: Ketu South

  • “The sea is swallowing our land” – Ketu South MP bemoans coastal erosion

    “The sea is swallowing our land” – Ketu South MP bemoans coastal erosion

    Communities in Ketu South are once again bearing the brunt of relentless coastal erosion, as tidal waves continue to wash away homes and farmlands, leaving scores of residents displaced and in dire need of support.

    Member of Parliament for Ketu South and Minister for Tourism, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has voiced deep concern over the worsening crisis, describing it as a grave threat to the survival of her constituents.

    “The sea is swallowing our land,” she lamented in a Facebook post, highlighting that the recent destruction caused by tidal waves has been even more devastating than past occurrences.

    Determined to address the crisis, Ms. Gomashie, alongside the Municipal Coordinating Director, visited the hardest-hit communities to assess the extent of the damage. She has since engaged key government officials, including the Volta Regional Minister, the Minister for Interior, the Minister for Works and Housing, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), and the National Security Advisor, urging swift action to mitigate the disaster.

    In response, a high-level delegation consisting of the Volta Regional Minister, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) visited the affected areas to evaluate the situation firsthand.

    So far, relief supplies have been distributed on three separate occasions to support affected families, but with the risk of further destruction looming, authorities are now focusing on relocating those most vulnerable.

    To provide immediate shelter, the Chief of Agavedzi, Togbe Sewor, has stepped forward to accommodate displaced families as officials work towards a long-term solution.

    Expressing frustration over the stalled Coastal Protection Project, Ms. Gomashie stressed the need for urgent action to revive the initiative, which was launched under former President John Mahama but has since been left incomplete. She confirmed that both the Minister for Works and Housing and the Minister for MESTI are working to expedite the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) initiative, which aims to curb coastal erosion and protect affected communities.

    Calling for national solidarity, the MP urged Ghanaians to support Ketu South and offer prayers as residents struggle to rebuild their lives amidst the crisis.

  • Vehicle with network scramblers intercepted, occupants apprehended with weapons in Ketu South

    Vehicle with network scramblers intercepted, occupants apprehended with weapons in Ketu South

    A vehicle equipped with network scramblers was intercepted in Ketu South after vigilant citizens spotted it moving suspiciously around network masts.

    The alert residents pursued the vehicle and successfully apprehended its occupants, who were found in possession of weapons allegedly ready for use.

    During the search, an identification card from the Office of the President bearing the name Sekyere Joseph was discovered on one of the individuals.

    Below is an X post sharing videos of the said incident.

    https://twitter.com/citizentechiman/status/1865184352713187466?s=46

  • Expired meters, tariff hikes cause of over-billing in Ketu South – ECG

    Expired meters, tariff hikes cause of over-billing in Ketu South – ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has attributed the recent over-billing issues in Ketu South to expired meters and the impact of recent tariff increases.

    This explanation follows a recent protest by residents of the Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region, who took to the streets to express their anger and frustration over what they consider to be unfair billing practices by the ECG.

    The residents claim that these billing issues have caused significant emotional and financial strain.

    “On Wednesday, my constituents were on the street demonstrating in Ketu South because of the hikes in cost of electricity now. I think the installation of the new system that you are using must have a problem because a small house with a fan and a television and phone can get a bill of 1000gh or almost 2000gh. Those things are happening,” she stressed.

    Similar allegations of over-billing have been raised by ECG customers in other regions across the country.

    During a session before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, called for immediate action, highlighting the severity of the situation.

    “What we are realizing now is that most people don’t know that meters do expire. Meters don’t have a long life span, so they do expire. This is something that is not the fault of the customer.

    “So this is something that we have to go out there and educate everybody very well,” he explained.

    Mr. Mahama added that, “let’s also not forget that the PURC has increased tariff over the period to a total of almost 75%, so it is a conversation that has to be looked at in a holistic form”.

  • Ketu South Sea Defence Project: Phase Two to begin soon

    Ketu South Sea Defence Project: Phase Two to begin soon

    Efforts are underway to begin Phase II of the Agavedzi-Blekusu Sea Defence Project in Ketu South, aimed at safeguarding coastal communities from recurrent tidal wave threats.

    This development was revealed during a recent visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing, prompted by the Speaker of Parliament on May 13, 2024.

    The directive from the Speaker follows concerns raised by all three Members of Parliament representing the coastal constituencies of Ketu South, Keta, and Anlo regarding the urgent need to preserve the coastline from further degradation.

    Their concerns come after the most recent incident of tidal waves sweeping through the coastal areas of Ketu South on March 4, 2022. 

    The unfortunate incident flooded  85 houses in the early hours, displacing more than 300 people in the towns of Agavedzi and Salakope.

    In light of this, Chairman of the Committee, Isaac Asiamah, disclosed that the government has secured $150 million for the project in Ketu South and other coastal communities.

    He assured me that plans are underway for the commencement of phase II in the near future.

    Highlighting the significance of the project, Asiamah emphasised the importance of expediting the proposed 8-kilometre stretch, along with auxiliary facilities such as a cold store, fishing market, and clinic, estimated at $83 million.

    He expressed concern over the lack of progress in safeguarding the area since the Committee’s previous visit two years ago, emphasising the urgency of addressing the situation to prevent the loss of a valuable resource with significant potential for tourism and transportation.

    He stressed: “We will not allow this critical part of Ghana to go to waste.”

    Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, another Committee Member, expressed concern over the high estimated cost for the continuation of the defence project at Agavedzi-Blekusu. 

    He advocated for the careful allocation of resources to ensure that protection efforts can be extended to cover a large expanse of coastline and address the pressing situation effectively.

    The construction of the sea defense project commenced in October 2010 and concluded in October 2014, with an approximate expenditure of 41 million Euros. 

    The initial phase, referred to as the Blekuso Project, commenced in 2015 and was successfully completed. 

    The subsequent phase aimed to cover approximately 8 kilometers along the coastal stretch.

    The region has grappled with significant challenges stemming from tidal waves, resulting in extensive damage to homes and livelihoods. For instance, in June 2015, around 56 houses in the towns of Dzita and Fuveme were obliterated, rendering many residents homeless. 

    The situation escalated in November 2021 when tidal waves swept through human settlements in the Keta and Ketu Municipalities, displacing approximately 3,000 individuals.

  • National Best Nurse/Midwife, Divine Kporha honoured by Ketu South Municipality

    National Best Nurse/Midwife, Divine Kporha honoured by Ketu South Municipality

    The chiefs and residents of the Ketu South Municipality have honored Divine Kporha, recognized as the 2023 National Best Nurse and Midwife.

    Acknowledged for his volunteerism and philanthropy, Kporha’s efforts notably improved neonatal health services at the Ketu South Hospital.

    Over the past four years, he dedicated himself to various humanitarian projects, including the construction of a neonatal intensive care unit, providing potable water for communities, and enhancing sanitation in specific areas.

    His contributions earned him the 2023 District Best Nurse/Midwife, 2023 Regional Best Nurse/Midwife, and the ultimate 2023 National Best Nurse/Midwife awards.

    The recognition included a Nissan Ameri Saloon car, an undisclosed sum of money, and a citation.

    Mr. Kporha said, “I was granted 42,000 Australian Dollars to establish a well-equipped neonatal intensive care unit that will include modern technologies that support neonates’ health. As a young nurse, I have dedicated myself to community service and volunteerism, and the association that I belong to identified that and decided to honor me with a brand-new car and some other awards.”

    He conveyed his gratitude to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for recognizing his contributions to humanity and bestowing the honor upon him.

    “And I want to say a very big thank you to the GRNMA and all the nurses and midwives across Ghana. This can only be the doing of the Lord and I can only do more for my people and my community”, he said.

    During a tour of the Volta Region, Divine Kporha was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to serving humanity, and he received accolades for achieving such a remarkable feat within the initial four years of his nursing career.

    Dr. Kwasi Asare-Bediako, the Chief Executive Officer of Kings Hand Hospital, who played a pivotal role in Mr. Kporha’s development, praised him as a diligent and dedicated individual who consistently delivers tasks with perfection.

    Togbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, acknowledged Mr. Kporha’s potential and advised him to stay dedicated to his nursing profession.

    He also recognized the significant contribution of Mr. Asare-Bediako to Mr. Kporha’s nursing journey and encouraged others to build networks that would bring merit and positive impact to their lives.

    “After identifying his potential, I told him to concentrate on his career and quit politics. You have to build a career first, then politics will reward you. But if you don’t have a career, politics will sink you”, he said.

    Mr. Kporha was honored by the Aflao Traditional Council with a Kente cloth, recognizing his exemplary lifestyle and dedicated service as a nurse in the area.

  • NADMO Officer accused of withholding relief items meant for flood victims in Ketu South constituency

    NADMO Officer accused of withholding relief items meant for flood victims in Ketu South constituency

    Assemblyman for Ketu South Constituency, Mawufemor Kofi Folivi, has accused the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) officer in the constituency, Paul Alosode, of withholding relief items meant for flood victims in the area.

    Allegedly, this decision was prompted by the fact that other organizations had directly donated items to community leaders without involving the NADMO office.

    In a phone interview with GhanaWeb, the Assemblyman claimed that Paul Alosode, the NADMO officer, withheld the aid as a form of punishment.

    According to Kofi Folivi, when the flooding crisis began, some relief items were brought to the NADMO office, but not all affected individuals received assistance.

    Upon addressing this issue with the NADMO officer, Alosode explained that the initial items were insufficient and that he intended to distribute more once additional relief supplies arrived.

    However, Ghana Gas Company Limited and the Member of Parliament for the area delivered additional aid. The Assemblyman suggested combining these new items with the existing ones at the NADMO office to provide relief to everyone in the affected communities.

    Nevertheless, NADMO officer Alosode refused, stating that since the donations from Ghana Gas and the Member of Parliament had not passed through his office, he could not allocate them.

    “His claim is that they were supposed to pass the items through his office and once they didn’t do that, those of us who received the times, he said he is punishing us. He read to me the things he wanted to give me at the time he called me. Those were 10 plastic bowls, 10 pieces of rubber cups for two communities. Also , there are some wellenting boots for the Sukoladzi community and some for the Zongo community as well. Those were the same items I went back to him to ask for, I didn’t request any other things from him,” the assemblyman stated.

    The assemblyman representing Ketu South Constituency also voiced his dissatisfaction with this decision, pointing out that the relief goods were supposed to come from the NADMO office and that their distribution of the goods under their control would have supplemented the assistance from other organizations.

    He clarified that he attempted to bring the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) into the situation, but the MCE said he was not sure how to handle it.

    “This is something that was supposed to come from your office, and is it my fault the MP and Ghana Gas came to donate the affected people. Even though what they brought were not enough, if you added the ones that the NADMO office was supposed to give us, it would have complimented whatever we are doing and people would have felt a bit relieved. He said no, I can’t decide for him what he should do.

    “I called the MCE [Maxwell Kopelugudor] and told him that this is what the NADMO officer is doing, he also told me he doesn’t know how to deal with the issue now but he will give him a call and get back to me. I tried reaching out to the MCE for an update on the issue but he didn’t pick my calls,” he added.

    He continued “If your office is supposed to help and you are refusing to do that and other people are helping, it is necessary that they pass it through you, is it for you to keep them?” he asked.

  • NADMO boss warns against selling of relief items in Ketu

    NADMO boss warns against selling of relief items in Ketu

    Eric Nana Prempeh-Agyemang, the Director-General of the National Disaster and Management Organisation (NADMO), has cautioned people who take undue advantage when there is a disaster against selling relief items meant for victims.

    He made the comment while touring the areas affected by floods in the Ketu South and Keta Municipalities of the Volta Region.

    Speaking to Class 91.3 FM’s Volta Regional Correspondent, Kingsley Attitsogbui, the NADMO Director-General said “I have directed that relief items are not for sale. It is not meant for every individual in the community. It is meant for individuals who have been affected by the disasters.”

    “So this time around I have pleaded with Chief Executives who are also chairpersons for disaster management committees in the various districts to make sure that nobody, no single person, takes anything to go and sell. They should make sure everything gets to the affected victims,” he continued.

    He urged the local staff of NADMO to co-operate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth distribution of relief items.

    “Co-operate with the assembly that is the Chief Executive so that things will be done orderly according to assessment,” he said.

    The NADMO Director-General also pleaded with the locals to relocate to safer grounds.

    He noted that despite the ancestral beliefs they might hold that deters them from moving from flood prone areas, in times like these, they must move away till a time when the flood waters recede in order to safeguard their lives.

  • School activities in Ketu South come to a halt as residents struggle with impact of tidal waves

    School activities in Ketu South come to a halt as residents struggle with impact of tidal waves

    The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ketu South constituency in the Volta Region, Maxwell Lugudor, says the Assembly is working with traditional authorities to provide temporary accommodation for persons affected by the recent floods in the area.

    The flooding, which resulted from three weeks of continuous downpour, has caused destruction to several homes and cut off several parts of the community from social amenities.

    Schools have subsequently been closed to ensure the safety of students.

    Speaking to Citi News, the MCE said affected residents have been encouraged to seek refuge with relatives while temporary accommodations are being worked on.

    “What is happening is very unexpected and we didn’t prepare any place for the students to stay. I have spoken to some of the chiefs in the area to find places for them to stay, and in the meantime, we are advising those who have relatives nearby to stay with them while we work on something as soon as possible.”

    The regional director for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ivy Amewuga, also said her outfit will soon provide necessary relief items to the victims.

    “We are going to send some reports to the headquarters operations team even before we get to Ho from here, and I have already informed the headquarters of what is happening. So definitely they are also on standby, and so some relief items will be made available to those who need them.”

  • Ketu South records 10 cases of measles

    Ketu South records 10 cases of measles

    Acting Volta Regional Director of Health, Dr Kwasi Senanu Djokoto, said the Ketu South Municipality has recorded 10 cases of Measles.

    He however disclosed to the Ghana News Agency on Monday, that the arrival of the vaccines was “timely, appropriate and God sent,” towards reducing the effect of an escalation of the outbreak of the disease”.

    Dr Djokoto however said the region’s exercise to immunise the babies would hopefully start on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, as consignments were being distributed to the Municipal and District Health Directorates for onward transportation to the various facilities.

    He appealed to parents especially nursing mothers to avail their babies to the hospitals for vaccination, to make up for the missed opportunities.

    10 cases of measles recorded in Ketu South
    Measles patients present with fever, rash, and one or more of these symptoms – cough, red eyes and runny nose. Image [Credit: Flickr]

    Dr Djokoto commended the media for bringing the shortage of vaccines onto the front burner, which resulted in expedited action to prevent a national calamity.

    There was a shortage of vaccines for three childhood killer diseases, Measles, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and Polio, which threatened the country’s effort with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

    The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service on Saturday received the first consignment of vaccines for the three childhood illnesses, and an announcement by the Ministry of Information, through a press statement said distribution to various regions and facilities was underway.

    The statement indicated that more vaccines were expected in the coming weeks from multiple sources.

  • Watch how MPs danced in Parliament to commemorate 30 years

    Watch how MPs danced in Parliament to commemorate 30 years

    Today’s scenes in Parliament are vibrant as the House celebrates 30 years of democracy in Ghana.

    Some MPs could not help but dance heartily to the tune by a choir who performed to crown the celebration.

    Ayawaso West Wuogon legislator, Lydia Seyram Alhassan took the lead with the ‘agbadza’ dance.

    She was joined by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu and Dzifa Gomashie of Ketu South among other colleagues.

    Watch the video below:

    A spectacle, however, ensued when the choir performed a musical interlude.

    The ‘agbadza’ dance is said to have evolved from an old war dance and is usually performed by the Ewe people of the Volta Region.

  • Dissolve African borders, we can’t continue blaming colonialists – Dzifa Gomashie

    Dissolve African borders, we can’t continue blaming colonialists – Dzifa Gomashie

    Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who represents Ketu South in parliament, has bemoaned the lack of freedom of movement within the continent, notably in the ECOWAS sub-region.

    According to the former broadcaster, it was time for African leaders to actualize free movement within the region and between countries because that used to be the case before colonialism came to partition different countries.

    In a video shared by influential African Wode Maya, the MP said: “We have to tell the story of who we are. That we can continue blaming colonialists for all we want but they have been gone for so long and we need to wake up and smell the coffee.

    “We need to wake up, all these seemingly hen coop thing we are doing business in, against ourselves is depressing, truly truly depressing. I am willing to break a few protocols speaking the way I am,” he added alluding to her role as a member of the regional commission on Ewe.

    “The excuses are too much, when they go and sit on our behalf, I expected them to do better than they are doing… you owe it to us as citizens and we are demanding that you do better by us,” he added.

    Wode Maya had gotten into violent exchanges with immigration officials at the Ghana – Togo border as he tried to have his passport stamped.

    “This is me fighting to save my camera at the Togolese border because I refused to pay a bribe of CFA 2000 in order for my passport to stamped,” he captioned a tweet that showed him in a confrontation with supposed border officials.

    Struggles on our African borders are truly depressing……… pic.twitter.com/kUBrZ8J1LM— Wode Maya (@wode_maya) January 28, 2023

    This is me fighting to save my camera at the Togolese border because I refused to pay a bribe of CFA 2000 in order for my passport to stamped???? https://t.co/Emhhqsl5Ey pic.twitter.com/NnmZyNnyvz— Wode Maya (@wode_maya) January 27, 2023.

  • Wode Maya’s Togo border troubles gets attention of Ketu South MP

    Wode Maya’s Togo border troubles gets attention of Ketu South MP

    Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie has lamented the lack of free movement between countries within the continent particularly in the ECOWAS sub-region.

    According to the former broadcaster, it was time for African leaders to actualize free movement within the region and between countries because that used to be the case before colonialism came to partition different countries.

    In a video shared by influential African Wode Maya, the MP said: “We have to tell the story of who we are. That we can continue blaming colonialists for all we want but they have been gone for so long and we need to wake up and smell the coffee.

    “We need to wake up, all these seemingly hen coop thing we are doing business in, against ourselves is depressing, truly truly depressing. I am willing to break a few protocols speaking the way I am,” he added alluding to her role as a member of the regional commission on Ewe.

    “The excuses are too much, when they go and sit on our behalf, I expected them to do better than they are doing… you owe it to us as citizens and we are demanding that you do better by us,” he added.

    Wode Maya had gotten into violent exchanges with immigration officials at the Ghana – Togo border as he tried to have his passport stamped.

    “This is me fighting to save my camera at the Togolese border because I refused to pay a bribe of CFA 2000 in order for my passport to stamped,” he captioned a tweet that showed him in a confrontation with supposed border officials.

  • Fifi Kwetey returns home to Ketu South to rousing welcome

    Fifi Kwetey returns home to Ketu South to rousing welcome

    The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has returned to his home constituency to express gratitude to the chiefs and people there.

    The NDC party executive was the immediate past Member of Parliament for the Ketu South constituency until 2020 when he stepped down, making way for the current legislator, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

    In photos and videos shared online, Fifi Kwetey shared his excitement at returning home, adding that he felt really at home.

    “Over the weekend, I was in Ketu South. It was such a wonderful experience to return to the constituency where I grew up and once served as an MP. I sincerely appreciate the warm reception I received from the religious leaders, traditional authorities, party executives and the good people of the area,” he wrote on Facebook.

    The visit by the NDC General Secretary was done in the company of the sitting MP, Dzifa Gomashie; the Volta Regional Chairman, Mawutor Agbavitor; and other executives of the party.

    The team met with constituency executives and engaged in a number of activities geared towards rekindling the spirit of patriotism in their members.

    The team also visited some churches in the community.

    “I thanked the leadership of both churches for their support to the NDC and Ghana and appealed to them not to relent in their efforts to make the nation better, great and strong,” he added.

    Fifi Fiavi Kwetey and the team also paid homage to Togbui Fiti Adzonugagag Amenya V, the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Council; as well as Togbui Addo of the Klikor Traditional Area, and Tigbui Adamah of Some Traditional Area.

    “My tour ended with a visit to my hometown, Nogokpo, where I paid homage to the chief, Togbui Sabah,” he added.

    Fifi Kwetey was elected as General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at their recent National Delegates Congress, where he beat competition from the likes of Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor.

    The congress also saw the election of Johnson Asiedu Nketiah as the National Chairman of the party, beating the incumbent, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Man kills friend over ¢30

    Godknows Tamakloe, a 22-year-old jobless guy, has been placed in custody following the suspected murder of David Korbla Klutsey.

    Godknows, a resident of Agbozume in Ketu South, is accused of helping his stepbrother, Remember Tamakloe, stab the victim (David) on October 20, 2022, following a fight about GH-30.

    Later, on October 23, David passed away while undergoing medical care at a hospital.

    In his testimony before the Agbozume Magistrate’s Court, which was presided over by Mr. Issah Iddrisu, Police Chief Inspectorr Esperance Agbo said, “Remember sold a cell phone to the dead and was left with a balance of GH30.00.”

    He said Remember and Godknows went to David for the money and in the process, a fight ensued between them and David slapped the suspect, who fell to the ground.

    In the subsequent chaos, according to Chief Inspector Agbo, Godknows seized the victim from behind while Remember stabbed him.

    The victim was brought to the hospital, where he passed away a few days later, while the stepbrother was detained and taken to the police station, according to the prosecutor.

    Godknows, who was first charged on October 23, 2022, is scheduled to appear in court for the fourth time on December 20.

    Rember Tamakloe on the other hand,  is on the run after the incident.

    Meanwhile, The deceased’s body has been placed in the Sacred Heart Hospital mortuary in Abor as it waits for an autopsy.

     

     

  • Ketu South: Persons displaced by tidal waves flooding to get new homes

    The government has said GH¢2 million will be allocated for the construction of 15 two-bedroom apartments to resettle some victims displaced by tidal waves flooding in the Ketu South area.

    Hundreds of residents in the Anlo district, Keta and Ketu South Municipalities were displaced by tidal waves some months ago.

    Answering questions about plans by the government to have the victims relocated, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa said the first batch of 150 victims will be relocated to the apartments by the end of the second quarter of 2023.

    “The municipal assembly has initiated the construction of 15 two-bedroom apartments at Salakope to resettle about 150 victims of tidal waves in the municipality,” Dr. Letsa said.

    The Minister said the project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023 “to accommodate the first batch of victims.”

    Residents in the Anlo district, Keta, and Ketu South Municipalities struggled with tidal waves flooding as they lost some of their communities to the ocean.

    The flooding in November 2021, in particular, gained national attention after hundreds of residents were displaced.

    Relief from the government in the immediate aftermath of the incident was described and as inadequate, with corporate organisations and former President John Mahama, among others, taking the lead in offering significant support.

    After some criticism of the government’s response, the budget was revised and GHS10 million was allocated for feasibility studies for sea walls in affected communities.

     

    Source: Citinewsroom

     

  • Where is your scorecard? – Dzifa Gomashie descends on Afriyie Akoto, Asenso Boakye

    The Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has descended on two sector ministers, Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Francis Asenso-Boakye, over their performances in their respective sectors.

    The MP, in separate posts on her Facebook page, questioned the outputs of the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Works and Housing, respectively, asking how they can prove to Ghanaians that they are working.

    In posts, which included photos and videos she captured from Morocco, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP wondered why, in the case of Afriyie Akoto, he was yet to show physical evidence of his successes with the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs.

    “Dear Minister of Agriculture, people are working without the slogan in other African countries. In these pictures and videos are green houses in Morocco… PLANTING FOR FOOD AND JOBS!

    “Where is your scorecard?” she quizzed.

    Dzifa Gomashie also quizzed the Minister of Works and Housing on why he has not allowed Ghana’s Saglemi Housing Project to become operational, regardless of the existing allegations.

    “Dear Minister for Works and Housing,

    “This could be our SAGLEMI after 6 years. Even if what you alleged was true, 6 years is long enough for you to have given Saglemi life.

    “Where is the scorecard?” she wrote.

  • Ketu South NDC backs Fifi Kwetey’s General Secretary bid

    Some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ketu South have backed the General Secretary bid of their former Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.

    Mr Kwetey, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture and of Transport, declared his intention to contest the NDC General Secretary position following the decision by the incumbent, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah (known as General Mosquito), to exit the position to join the chairmanship race.

    The members who spoke in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) touted the credentials of Mr Kwetey saying, there was no better and perfect replacement for General Mosquito, especially in a critical time when a trusted hand was needed to deliver victory for the party to rescue Ghanaians from the “misrule of the current Akufo-Addo’s rule.”

    Mr Bright Dzila, Communication Officer, Ketu South Constituency, who is seeking re-election, said he would embark on a project in both Volta and Oti Regions after their Constituency Executives elections next weekend to campaign for Mr Kwetey whose competence he said was critical ahead of the 2024 elections.

    Mr Dzila said: “He is a very competent man. His track record as a propaganda Secretary of the party is there for all of us to refer to and when he became an MP, he did a lot in Ketu South. He has what it takes to replace General Mosquito.

    “We all know what he did in the strongroom in 2008. He is very firm, and I can assure you, he has everything it takes for the job.”

    Mr Joseph Kwasi Nyavi, aspiring Chairman, NDC Ketu South said the former Deputy Minister of Finance could be trusted to be the Chief Executive Officer of the NDC believing, he would champion the cause of party and country.

    Mr Daniel Sorokpo, Research Officer, Ketu South NDC said knowing the unforgettable role he played in the success of the NDC in both 2008 and 2012 elections, the “Nogokpo Lion” as NDC’s General Secretary was a sure bet for victory 2024.

    “Some may mistake Nogokpo Lion’s passion for the NDC, fiery and confident posture as arrogance but the truth is that he is very down to earth, respectful, and humble. His rich experience in politics and his ability to listen to all and play well in a team are all very important going into the 2024 elections,” he added.

    Mr Kwetey told the GNA that as a political economist/financial analyst with practical “understanding of the workings of the economy and financial markets,” becoming the General Secretary would make the campaign even easier for the NDC by breaking down the most complex economic issues to the understanding of the ordinary person.

    “These days when the people are interested in how they can put food on the table for their families, not just any general talk and empty claims of being consultants on democratic issues are needed. The NDC needs a campaign that is going to hinge on economy, economy and economy and I am the man for that.

    “I have done it before, and I can do it again and again,” Mr. Kwetey said.

    Source: GNA

  • “Women are not their own enemies” – Dzifa Gomashie

    Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South has disagreed with the ‘women are their own enemies’ claim.

    She said in most cases, the men counterparts were the architects of the rivalry and the unhealthy competitions among women, and asked the men to stop causing hindrance to the progress of women.

    Madam Gomashie said this in her closing remarks at a Gender Advocacy to Parliament (GAP) town hall meeting at Aflao, Ketu South.

    The event was organised by Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), a civil society parliamentary monitoring organisation working across the continent with funding support from the French Embassy.

    The meeting, the first under the GAP project for women and women group organisations was to discuss the gender angles to the parliamentary meeting and to ensure that women MPs received feedback from these groups to inform their work on the floor of Parliament.

    Participants identified challenges to women’s involvement in politics and other fields, and suggested ways to addressing them.

    “Women are not their own enemies. It is the culture that determines how to think. The patriarchal system, the socialisation process – assigning gender roles to boys and girls pulled women back early in life.” Madam Gomashie said.

    The first-ever female MP in the entire southern Volta: Akatsi North and South, North, Central and South Tongu, Ketu North and South, and Keta and Anlo Constituencies since the Fourth Republic encouraged women to conquer the fears, discrimination, perceptions and all other obstacles to attain their aspirations.

    She used herself as an example saying, she defied all odds, closed her ears to discouraging comments and soldiered on, and noted she would not have made history as the first female MP from the area if she had given up.

    Mr Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, Programmes Manager, PNAFRICA said Ghana must be seen to be making efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls, and the best way to do that was to retain the current number of female MPs and vote more women to the next Parliament to advocate for women issues.

    Participants at the meeting identified cultural limitation, lack of resources, stigmatisation and right education among others as setbacks to women’s involvement in politics and progress in other fields.

    They proposed creation of a fund by women caucus in Parliament to empower other women to join politics, female-child empowerment and finding ways to deal with teenage pregnancy to remove some of the barriers to girls/women’s progress.

    Source: GNA

  • Ketu South seeks election results justice on streets

    Hundreds of residents have poured onto streets in the Ketu South Municipality to demand that the right verdict be delivered in the just-ended Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the country.

    The protesters adorned in black and red attires with some in the colours of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) believed the Electoral Commission (EC) massaged the figures in favour of the ruling party.

    Thursday’s protest march organised by the leadership of the NDC in the Constituency formed part of a nationwide demonstration by the party to protest some Parliamentary results for some constituencies and the Presidential result, which saw the incumbent President declared as President-elect.

    Madam Jean Mensah, the EC Chairperson announced President Akufo-Addo as the winner of the December 07 polls on Wednesday, December 09, 2020 amidst concerns by the NDC of vote rigging.

    Subsequently, Mr John Dramani Mahama, former President and leader of the NDC came out to say he and the party were unwilling to accept the outcome of the results disclosing there would be series of activities to ensure the right thing was done.

    The Ketu South protesters through the placards they carried while they walked through the principal streets to present a petition to the Municipal EC office, called on Ghanaians everywhere to “stand and be counted” in ensuring their will regarding the leadership of the country was respected.
    “I voted for freedom, not exile, Ghanaians chose John Mahama not Nana Addo, No justice, no peace, stand to be counted” we’re some of the many inscriptions the protesters carried to drive home their resolve and rejection of the announcement by the EC.

    Various speakers who spoke at the protestation march reiterated their position not to accept the declaration as it currently was.
    Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament elect for Ketu South said a lot of things were amiss with this year’s elections across the country and in her constituency in particular saying, “the election’s not free and fair.”

    She blamed the Municipal EC office for deliberately disenfranchising a lot of constituents by way of removing their names from the electoral roll and failing to address challenges people faced during the registration exercise.

    Madam Gomashie added that the EC itself had admitted to have some computational challenges with its declaration and called on the Commission to take steps to right the wrongs, while also calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to impress on the EC to do the right thing and respect the will of the citizenry in the elections.

    Source: GNA

  • NPP is hot; Government sends a high-powered delegation to Aflao Traditional Council

    Minister of Chiefs and Religions affairs and his deputy are leading a high-powered government delegation to Ketu South.

    According to the letter copied to Accra News and delivered to Aflao Traditional council, the ministry of religious and Chiefs affairs was directed to hold meetings with the traditional council to discuss the fallout from a military ‘siege’ in the border areas in Volta regions in recent times.

    Minister of Chiefs and Religions affairs and his deputy are leading a high-powered government delegation to Ketu South.

    According to the later copied to Accra News and delivered to Aflao Traditional council, the ministry of religious and Chiefs affairs was directed to hold meetings with the traditional council to discuss the fallout from a military ‘siege’ in the border areas in Volta regions in recent times.

    Portions of the later, also confirmed the minister of information and his deputy are also to attain the plan meeting expected to take off 6th July 2020.

    Excerpts of the full later below

    Meanwhile, Accra News sources can confirm NPP is very hot in Aflao, Ketu South.

    The government is sending the Minister for Chieftancy, Mr. Kofi Dzameshie, Information Minister Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and his Deputy Pius  Hadzide to go and apologise to Torgbuiga Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional area for disrespecting his people and community.

    In a related development, government forces are largely withdrawn from the border areas to according to a source speaking on condition of anonymity.

    Source: opera.com

  • Ketu South assured of peace following Peace Council visit

    Residents of Ketu South municipality have been urged to go about their daily duties “without fear”.

    This followed a meeting by the Volta Regional Peace Council with authorities, local and traditional.

    The Council paid a visit to the municipality on Tuesday, June 30 following concerns raised about the presence of security officers in the border town.

    The presence of the joint security team has generated agitation among the residents, some of whom have threatened to retaliate in case of attack by any security officer.

    The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, had told the nation last Monday that the security officers have been stationed not only in the Volta Region but in all other border regions as a result of heightened surveillance at the borders.

    Mr Nitiwul said even the south, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, has seen security officers discharging their duties.

    But the presence in the Volta Region, according to some residents, is a tacit attempt by central government to intimidate them from taking part in the new voter registration exercise.

    The Volta Caucus in Parliament, led by Chairman Emmanuel Bedzrah of Ho West Constituency, warned of reprisal attacks, confirming suspicion by the people.

    But the Regional Peace Council said it has the assurance of the Chairman of the Ketu South Municipal Security Council and, indeed, heads of all the security agencies that “the security personnel deployed on the ground will adhere to the highest professional ethos in the discharge of their respective mandates”.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, the Peace Council called on residents within the municipality to go about their daily chores, particularly going to register for the December 7 elections, “without fear”.

    The residents have also been told to report any act by any duty bearer that they may deem to be an infringement of their rights to the appropriate quarters for redress.

    The meeting by the Peace Council involved but not limited to the Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area, Torgbui Fiti V, the Municipal Chief Executive, Edem Elliot Agbenorwu, and heads of the security agencies in the municipality.

    Source: 3 News

  • Voter’s register: EC officials struggle to control crowd at Ketu South

    Electoral Commission officials at the Akuse Park electoral registration centre in the Ketu South Municipality are struggling to control the scores of residents who have stormed the centre for registration.

    According to Starr New Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu, the residents are jostling over positions in the queue.

    The Ketu South Constituency has a total of 254 polling stations but only few are undertaking the exercise on Day 1 and phase 1 of the exercise. As results, residents out of anxiety are massing up at nearby centres to register.

    At the Akusa Park, there is a Veronica bucket and health officials deployed to screen the applicants but adherence to the social distancing protocol is poor as the electoral officials struggle to control the enthusiastic crowd.

    So far, only 8 people have been able to go through the process since the commencement of the exercise delayed.

    There is no security presence at the Akusa Park registration centre,  the situation is same at the Global Church and the Old Timber, except for the Old Timber market registration center where there was one police officer.

    Ketu South has become topical in the build of the registration exercise after reports military deployment to the area. The area is seen as the stronghold of the opposition NDC.