Tema, Nov. 10, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development on Friday urged farmers to collaborate with agricultural extension officers and research institutions to help increase their produce.   Speaking at Tema Metropolitan Farmers Day Celebration at Tema Manhean, Mr Ampofo noted that working hand in hand with the agricultural officers and research institutions would also ensure an increase in food production and food safety.   The theme for the celebration was, “Grow more food: strengthening farmer based organisations for market place bargaining power”.   Due to the national celebration of the Farmers Day been held in the Greater Accra Region, districts in the region organised theirs a week after the national celebration.   Mr Ampofo congratulated the 21 winners in the metropolis for their work hard, which won them the laurels and for feeding Ghanaians over the years.   Mr Kempes Ofosuware, Metropolitan Chief Executive in a keynote address said the theme for the celebration was a reminder to the authorities to make sure the number of interventions are properly utilised to make farmer based organisations (FBOs) strong and competitive.   Mr Ofosuware said by strengthening FBOs, farmers could become more competitive, cost effective and have better bargaining power in the market place.   He added that over the past two years, the Metropolis had assisted 30 farmers with GH¢10,000 to cultivate 25.5 acres of maize and vegetables.   Mr Edem Asumaning, 2012 Metropolitan Best Farmer thanked the Assembly for the award and gave the assurance that he would mentor the youth to go into farming.   Mr Asumaning who holds a masters degree in agriculture also advised young graduates not to solely depend on getting white colour jobs but should venture into other jobs including farming.   Mr Asumaning was the 2008 Metropolitan Best Farmer and 2010 Greater Accra Regional Best Farmer.   For his price, the 50-year-old received a certificate, tricycle, bicycle, cutlasses and wheelbarrow.   Innusa Adams who was adjudged the best metropolitan fisherman also received a tricycle and a certificate.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA - A UK-based Ghanaian Solicitor Olawunmi Biriyok has won two 2012 Christian Literary Awards for her book: “The Manual for Righteous Living.”   The Book was awarded outstanding Christian Literary work and Readers' Choice on November 3 in Dallas, USA.   The book takes readers to the basics of Christianity and meant to assist people to develop a unique personal relationship with God through the knowledge, actualisation and practice of His Word - that has been in existence prior to the creation of the world.   Xulon Press Editorial Review says “the book lives up to its purpose to inspire. It includes good Scripture supporting the points. Each chapter ends with instruction/direction for the reader and flows nicely, generally, with the end of each chapter leading to the next. The book is organised like a manual, even including a chapter titled ‘Troubleshooting’ at the end – this is clever.”   Olawunmi Biriyok holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies and LLB Hons (Lon).   She is a Christian lawyer and Author of inspirational books – her debut book being ‘Walk the Walk’.   She is a speaker on Christian values and has shared the word in UK and Ghana.   Olawunmi Biriyok operates Christian Books Ministry at www.olawunmibiriyok.com.   GNA...

Accra, Nov.10, GNA – Reverend Kofi Awadzi, Servant Leader of the Lone Voice Ministry, has noted that the church has been turned into “playing ground” rather than what it meant for.   “We see things that are not of Christ in the church,” he stressed.   Rev Awadzi made the observation when he launched his book titled “From Discipleship to Witnessing: How to win yourself to win other souls,” in Accra on Friday.   He said some Christians feel that the mere fact that they are in the four corners of the church meant they are saved.   The 90-page book expressed concern about the way Christian live their lives neglecting the duties of Christ.   He said Christians nowadays want to address their physical needs forgetting the spiritual aspect of their lives.   Rev Awadzi said: “Christians need to re-direct their lives to serving the almighty God.”   The author explained that the book seeks to address the issues of discipleship under Jesus Christ and not of pastors as most Christians thought.   He asked Christians to re-dedicate their lives to God since the end time is at hand.   Rev Dr Hilliard Dela Dogbe, who reviewed the book, commended the author for putting his thought together to impact on the lives of Christians.   He said Christians are now becoming interested in the cosmetics of worshipping God forgetting the bases, adding that witnessing is a Christian obligation every Christian must uphold.   He said being a disciple of God must be based on the knowledge of God and allowing oneself to be molded.   “Christian discipleship must have God as its foundation,” he added.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The Ministry of the Interior on Friday tasked personnel of Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to be vigilant, impartial, and professional in carrying out their duties on December 7 to ensure incident free polls.   Mr Kwabena Owusu Akyeampong, Deputy Minister of the Interior said  “GNFS is a strategic partner in the nation’s development and as it plays a vital role in preventing undesirable fires and the destruction of the country’s valuable investments in the agricultural, industrial, manufacturing, commercial, hospitality, health and the educational sectors of the economy.   “It is in recognition of this crucial role that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has since the beginning of 2012 procured 125 new fire tenders, 55 units of double cabin Nissan pick-up vehicles, 4 turntable ladders, 4 towing vehicles breathing apparatus, protective clothing and other equipment for the Services to enhance their operations”, he added.   The Deputy Minister was speaking at the passing out parade of 298 recruits course 45 of the Service at the Fire Academy and Training School (FATS) at James town in Accra.   Mr Akyeampong who was the reviewing officer urged the Chief Fire Officer to develop more training programmes that would be in line with government policy of prioritising human resource development as one of the pillars to accelerate the enhancement of the service.   “You must update your skills to meet the challenges posed by fires caused as result of technological advancement,” he stated.   He asked the recruits to do all in their power to uplift the image of the service.   Fireman Godsway Kudzo was adjudged the overall Best Recruit.   GNFS was established by Act 537, (GNFS Act of 1997) to give a broad objective of prevention and management of undesired fires and other related matters.   To achieve this objective, the Service is expected to perform the following functions: organise public fire education programmes; create and sustain awareness of the hazards of fire; and heighten the role of the individual in the prevention of fires.   GNFS is to provide technical advice for building plans in respect of machinery and structural layouts to facilitate escape from fire, rescue operations and fire management; and inspect and offer technical advice on fire extinguishers.   It also has the mandate to co-ordinate and advise on the training of personnel in fire fighting departments institutions in the country; train and organise fire volunteer squads at community level; offer rescue and evacuation services to those trapped by fire or in other emergency situations and undertake any other function incidental to the objective of the Service.      GNA...

Accra, Nov.10, GNA – The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday donated medical items worth 12,000 dollars to the Ministry of Health for the upkeep of the victims of the collapsed Melcom Shopping Mall at Achimota in Greater Accra Region.   Dr Iddrisa Sow, WHO Representative, who presented the items, congratulated the security agencies for their quick response to the November 7 disaster.   Dr Sylvester Anemana, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health thanked the WHO for the donation.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The Acting Principal of Ghana Labour College, Mr Isaac K. Yanney, on Friday expressed unhappiness over declining enrolment of students into the College, attributing it to unwillingness of employers to release interested employees for the programme.   He said some workers have re-echoed to the authorities of the college, the possibility of running evening programmes for them because their employers refuse to give them permission to take part in the regular session.   Mr Yanney was speaking during the closing ceremony of the 2012 Certificate in Labour Studies (CLS) programme of the college in Accra.   The CLS programme is collaboration between Trade Union Congress (TUC) and University of Cape Coast aim at helping union activists to build their capacity and understanding of global issues relating to labour and economics to be able to adapt to the dynamics in the world of work.   He said the CLS programme offered admission to 24 students this year, made up of 14 males and 10 females. However only 14 of them reported for the programme comprising eight males and six females.   Mr Yanney also attributed the declining number of students admitted into the college to SASK, Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland, discontinuation of its support that started 2001.   He recalled that SASK has assisted the college with computers, payment of salaries to lecturers, and feeding grant to students.   “We used to feed the students twice a day, but now they have to feed themselves in addition to paying their own school fees.”   Mr Joshua Ansah, acting Secretary General of TUC, acknowledged that the college is facing enormous challenges that need to be addressed.   “People have the notion that the CLS is solely designed for trade unions but this is never true.   “If one takes a critical look at the course content one would realise that the programme is designed to encourage, complement and sustain industrial relations’ climate at workplaces, the communities and the nation as a whole,” he said.   Mr Ansah said the college faces huge infrastructural problems that need massive facelift.   The college also lacks good reference books, inadequate computers, and a vehicle to assist students in their field trips.   He said these problems have contributed to the sharp decline in the number students enrolled for this academic year.   Mrs Martha Akorsah, assistant course prefect, who read the students, reports for the CLS 2012 programme highlighted inadequate infrastructure, poor lightening system, inadequate computers as some of the key challenges confronting the college.   She said in spite of these challenges the programme has given students better insight on issues such as occupational safety, health and environment, the roles of organised labour, employer and the state in ensuring peaceful industrial relations towards productivity and national development.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA - Professor Stephen Adei, Former Reactor of the Ghana Institute of Public Administration said on Friday that the behaviour of politicians in Ghana is the most single threat to national peace.   Prof Adei noted that what politicians say in public are sometimes very disheartening since it tends to threaten the peace of the country.   Prof Adei made this known during a peace symposium in Accra, organised by the Ghana National Association of Adventists Students, as part of efforts to reinforce the campaign for peace in the pending December 7, elections.   The symposium on the theme: “Ghana for Peace: The role of the Student,” targeted student leaders.    He cautioned politicians to desist from playing the ethnic card.   Prof Adei expressed delight that this year’s general election is more of issue base, mentioning education as an example, which he said is an improvement upon Election 2008.   He said research had shown that in Africa what accounts for conflicts were rigging of elections, mismanagement of the electoral process, perceived non-neutrality of the security forces, undue financial screwing by the winning party, among other issues.   Prof Adei asked the media to be proactive in informing the people about issues and not to drive the nation into conflict.   Prof Daniel Buor, Vice Chancellor, Valley View University who chaired the function called on the youth not to allow politicians to use them to cause mayhem through financial inducement.   GNA...

Takoradi, Nov.9 – GNA - Mr Eric Yankah, President of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Ghana, on Friday called on public and private institutions to establish internal audit units to safeguard funds and resources.     He made the call when he launched the Western Regional Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Ghana in Takoradi.      Mr Yankah said internal auditors play important role in decision making, good governance and internal control of institutions.     He said the Internal Audit Agency Act, which was promulgated as part of government’s public accountability enforcement programme, makes it mandatory for all public sector institutions to have internal audit units.     Mr Yankah noted that many institutions have relegated internal audit to a very narrow areas of account verification, “Leaving the broader systems with potential auditable horizon largely untouched”.      He urged managements of all institutions to use the internal audit to the effective benefit of their organisations, to facilitate the value-added advisory and assurance services that would lead to improved and effective corporate governance.     “As Internal Auditors, we believe that we can bring to the table innovative ideas, a fresh pair of eyes to help managements see around the corners, nooks and crannies that would in turn provide an opportunity for our institutions to self-reflect at all times,” Mr Yankah said.      He said the Institute is dedicated to serve as a knowledge sharing platform to assist members and stakeholders, especially institutional leaders.     Mr Yankah said the Institute has set in motion engagement series with chief executive officers and Heads of Institutions to share best practices.     He asked heads of institutions to support the internal audit functions of their organisations through effective allocation of resources, capacity building, timely consideration of audit advice and the comprehensive implementation of audit recommendation.    Mr Yankah advised Internal Auditors to perform their duties with dedication and professionalism.    Mr Paul Boadi of the Takoradi Polytechnic is,  Chairman of the Interim Executives of the Western Regional Chapter of the Institute with Mr. John Akpalu of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Mr Alexander Zormelo of the Regional Coordinating Council, as members.   GNA...

  Tumu, (U/W), Nov. 9,  GNA – Action for Sustainable Development (ASUDEV) a local NGO based  in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region has organised a debate for candidates vying to represent the Sissala East in Parliament.        The debate which was organised in collaboration with STAR-Ghana, a multi-donor funding organisation, gave the electorate the opportunity to express their opinions on the candidates by questioning them on various issues concerning development to enable them make informed choices.       Mr Osman Kanton, Executive Director of ASUDEV cautioned the politicians against the use of indecent language in their campaigns in order to make the general election processes peaceful.      He said with less than a month to the elections, tensions are heightening and any foul language could trigger violence that could mar the peaceful elections Ghanaians are yearning for.      He urged politicians to base their campaign messages on the real enemies of development which are poverty, ignorance, disease, hunger, insecurity, poor roads, lack of potable water and bad sanitation.      Mr Kanton said as part of their commitment towards peaceful, credible, free and fair general election, ASUDEV and STAR-Ghana are investing $50,000 into a project dubbed: “Elections for Peace and Development Project”.      According to him, the project would carry out various elections related interventions including the Parliamentary debates in three constituencies of the Region.      Mr Kanton said the debate would enable the voters to hold their leaders accountable for their actions and inactions.     Parliamentary candidates who participated in the debate were Mr Amidu Chinnia of the New Patriotic Party, Madam Alijata Sulemana of the National Democratic Congress, Mr Moses Dani Baah of the People’s National Convention, Mr Kanton Luriwie Fuseini of the Progressive Peoples’ Party and Mr Musah Issah, an Independent candidate.      They were questioned on various issues including education, health, agriculture, rural infrastructure, governance and gender.   GNA...

Old Ningo (GAR), Nov. 9, GNA- Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah- Arthur on Friday reiterated the commitment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stay focus with its development agenda, adding “the party stands for nothing but development”.   He therefore asked the electorate to retain the NDC in the December general poll.   Vice President Amissah- Arthur made this known when he paid a working visit to Ningo Prampram Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.   The visit took him to Ahwiam, Old Ningo, Prampram, Dawhenya, Afenya where he was given a rousing welcome by the chiefs and the people.   Vice President Amissah-Arthur was accompanied by Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo- Prampram, who is seeking re-election.   He called on the people to vote massively for the NDC Flag bearer; President John Dramani Mahama, and the MP for the area, whom he described as man with maturity, who could go places.    The major concern of the chiefs and people are the bad nature of roads in the area, the need for cold storage system, a hospital and improvement in water distribution and security system.   They also appealed for a defence wall to protect the communities from the ravages of the sea.   Mr Mensah, who is also the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing announced that Parliament had approved a loan for the construction of coastal defence for  communities stretching from Ada to Accra coast.   He said governments intend to construct landing beaches for the coastal towns as well.   He spoke of the number projects he championed as MP listing roads, hospitals and water systems as examples and urged the people to stick to the NDC.   He reiterated the determination of the NDC to give the Constituency its fair share of development.   Mr Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister and MP for Kpone Katamanso asked the chiefs and people to reject the empty promises the New Patriotic Party is making to the electorate,   All the chiefs of that the Vice President interacted with thanked the late President John Evans Atta Mills for his endorsement of the creation of the Ningo Prampram District for effective political administration.   GNA...