RCBs tasked to develop new products

27-01-14                   

Mr Nkulenu (Left) of ARB APEX Bank and Bawku West DCE (right)

Ms Eva Adongo of Toende Bank, Bolga branch receiving her award

Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) have been urged to consider developing new and attractive products that will encourage both shareholders and clients to patronize their services. The Bawku West DCE, Simon Ayande Agbango, who made the call, said the introduction of new products such as attractive and flexible loan terms as well as fix deposit schemes could attract more customers to the bank. He also challenged RCBs to embark on rigorous sensitization drive to drum home the need for shareholders to increase their deposit since the Bank of Ghana has increased the share capital for rural banks. Mr Ayande Agbango was speaking at the 7^th Annual General Meeting of the Toende Rural Bank Limited at Zebilla. The DCE cited the invaluable contribution of RCBs in today’s competitive banking business and implored management of the banks to intensify their loan recovery strategies to enable small holder farmers and businesses to benefit. In a message, the Bolgatanga Manager of the ARB APEX Bank Limited, Zinzendorf Pascal Nkulenu said in the face of the  development in ICT, it was incumbent on small banks to put in place effective risk management policies. Adherence, he noted will enable the banks to mitigate the threats which are likely to impact negatively on their operations. Staff training, effective customer service and product development he further noted were vital in enhancing their overall performance. The Board Chairman, Rev Bishop Kofi Ayeebo, lauded the bank for its remarkable success over the year’s, which resulted in the establishment of two more agencies in Bawku and Bolgatanga.  He commended management, staff and shareholders for being part of the success story. Bishop Ayeebo said the bank in 2012 recorded an increase in its net profit by 77 percent as compared to 2011. Its total and loan assets, also increased significantly, whilst total deposit liabilities increased by 25.6 percent. The bank placed 34 out of the 135 rural banks performance. Awards were presented to some deserving staff and shareholders.

GBC                                                                     END                                                   IA/JKK/VABE

Non-compliance to PPA result in shoddy work

21-01-14       

The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme says non-compliance coupled organisational weaknesses in the public procurement system were the basis for the execution of shoddy work by contractors. He observed that contract execution especially government funded projects are not properly monitored and supervised. This he explained give room for contractors to do poor quality works. The trend, he noted was in contravention of the guidelines set out in the Public Procurement Act 2003 (PPA). Mr Syme however advocated rigorous vetting procedures in the award of contracts. This way, contractors known for shoddy works will be exposed and side-lined. Mr Syme was reacting to concerns by media practitioners at a Social Accountability Network meeting in Bolgatanga. The meeting among other interventions things discussed ensuring prudent utilisation of public funds and resources. It also sought to empower citizens, particularly the media, to hold duty bearers accountable for their stewardship. It was organised by the Social Accountability Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with support from the Upper East Social Accountability Network. Mr Syme who was officially introduced to members of the network called for a paradigm shift in the award of contracts and expressed his office’s resolve to hold contractors accountable for any shoddy work done. Contracts, he said will be awarded equitably at the regional and district level with exception of projects beyond their control. The Deputy Regional Minister entreated the media to play their watch dog role by following events in the execution of projects. He also challenged them to design programmes that will create the needed awareness for people to get involve in project execution. He urged community leaders including chiefs and assembly members to get involve in ensuring that projects are monitored and followed to their final completion. The Regional Director for GBC URA Radio, Asibi Banguu Ekellah, admonished the media to create the needed working relation with duty bearers and not subject them to forms of harassment in their quest to demand answers from them. She advised members of the network to work closely by exposing the ills of society.

GBC                                                             END                                                     IA/

CETAG calls for government’s intervention

17-01-14                 

Mr Alfred Ndago, Principal St John Bosco's (left)

Narration:   The Principal of St John Bosco’s College of Education, Alfred Ndago, has backed calls by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), urging government to speed up the implementation of their upgraded tertiary status. Addressing matriculants at a ceremony in Navrongo, Mr Ndago, said it was unacceptable for CETAG to be placed under the Ghana Education Service despite the coming into force of Act 847, designating the Colleges of Education to tertiary institutions.  Additionally, CETAG members, particularly, tutors, are not given the right incentives and remuneration, though the act places additional responsibilities on them.  According to Mr Ndago, efforts by CETAG members require adequate recognition since they cannot continue to work in tertiary institutions, yet do not benefit what other higher institutions are enjoying. Mr Ndago therefore urged government to consider their plight by implementing the law to avert any unfortunate event. Also, stakeholders including the National Council for Tertiary Education as well as the Principals Conference of Ghana should sit with government and dialogue on the way forward. Mr Ndago revealed that Colleges of Education are built on pillars, and as such elements of statutes, schemes and condition of services should be made available to enable them function effectively. He implored the matriculants to go by the rules  and regulations governing the school. He said any student cited for any act of indiscipline will be liable to sanction. He also encouraged them to live by the tenets of excellent academic performance, discipline and hard work in order to achieve success. 476 students were taken through the matriculation oath for the 3-year Diploma in Basic Education. Out of the number, 51 opted for technical and vocational training, 168 for mathematics and science, while 257 will be studying General Arts.

GBC                                                            END                                                               IA/

NPP group accuses leadership for electoral misconduct

15-01-14       

Mr Akamah, leader of the group reading the press statement

A group calling itself concerned members of the New Patriotic party in the Bongo Constituency is raising red flag, challenging the credibility of the just ended polling station and constituency election held in the district and nationwide. At a press conference in Bongo, the group among other allegations accused the leadership of the party for ignoring a court injunction on the party’s constituency elections as a result of a petition by aggrieved party members against what they term as fraudulent election procedures adopted by the past constituency executives of the party. Beyond that, the group is demanding an explanation as to why there was no Electoral Commission representative to conduct and supervised the said election. The group is therefore calling on the National and Regional Executives of the party to carry out an investigation into the election in the district since due process was not followed. In a statement read and signed by the leader of the group, Richard Akamah, the group is of the conviction that party faithful in the district cannot afford to always put in their efforts yet fail to win parliamentary seat and the national elections. To this end, efforts must be made to halt any negativity that tends to override the interest of the party. The statement moreover said the party’s quest for internal democracy and the strengthening of its democratic structures were paramount, therefore there was the urgent need for the leadership of the party to intervene in the matter and provide amicable solutions to the concerns raised. It added that any activity held within the party without taking into consideration the integrity of the party, is bound to cause division and should be avoided. Meanwhile, January 17 had been fixed for the court to rule on the matter. When contacted, a stalwart of the party who declined to be mentioned said for peace to reign in the party, members should not resort to court actions unless all internal mechanisms are exhausted as per the party’s constitution. He said once the matter was in court, members should be weary of the implications as any action could attract court sanction. According to him, since the court has not come out with its final verdict, it will be pre-judicial for any individual or group of persons to represent the court in dealing with the issue. He therefore advised party members to remain calm whilst the court comes out with its judgement.

GBC                                                    END                                                          IA/

Youth asked to safeguard the integrity of the country’s cultural heritage

    

An administrator at the office of the Centre for National Culture, Bolgatanga, Helen Akanbon, has echoed the need for the youth to respect and safeguard the integrity of the country’s cultural heritage. She observed that youth of nowadays have come to embrace foreign lifestyles at the expense of the rich cultural norms and values, describing the trend as unfortunate. In an interview with Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, Mrs Akanbon drew attention to some of the negativities that has characterised the existing cultural values and identified improper dressing as one of the major culture default that must be looked at and tackled with all the seriousness.  She said the youth who are the worst culprit, no more cherish the value system and have refuse to learn from their elders. According to her the manner at which some young people dress in public gives enough testimony that they have lost their sense of cultural identity. The practice, she underlined could spell doom for the future generation if nothing is done to bring about a change. Mrs Akanbon, in view of the situation called for attitudinal change and further challenged the youth to stick to the cultural value system. Parents, she also urged, should portray good moral values for their wards to emulate. Whilst advising parents to mould their children as per the tradition, Mrs Akanbon, also challenged them to instil discipline in their wards, saying posterity will judge them, if they fail to inculcate good moral values in them.

GBC                                                             END                                                         IA/

Gov’t asked to create the needed employment for the youth

08-01-14  

Reg GJA Chair, (left), PNC Gen Sec,Mr Monarh(middle) 

Government has been implored to free the youth of poverty by creating the needed employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth in the country, particularly, Northern Ghana. Education on the other hand should be given a major facelift and made to benefit majority of Ghanaians. Speaking at the opening of the first ever International Youth Network Summit in Bolgatanga, the General Secretary of the People’s National Convention, Bernard Monarh observed that the youth have become ‘stone throwers and brief case carriers’ with majority wallowing in abject poverty. This notwithstanding has compelled the youth to engage in all sort of illegal activities. The youth he moreover stated are the leaders of tomorrow, therefore efforts must be made to ensure their wellbeing and more importantly help them assume their rightful place in the society. Mr Monarh said poverty among the larger populace could only be tackled when is urged to champion the cause of the youth especially in the area of education. According to him, Northern Ghana is still struggling to come out of poverty due to lack of education and unemployment. He said in view of the unfortunate situation, coupled with lack of development and deprivation, it was incumbent on government to  channel the chunk of its resources and proceeds  to benefit the people of the north and also create a window of job opportunities for the youth. Moreover collapsed and defunct local industries, notably, Northern Star Tomato Factory, formerly Pwalugu Tomato factory, the Bolgatanga meat factory and the Nasia Rice factory should also be revived to create employment for majority of  the youth. The Regional GJA Chairman Mr Eric Amo for his part called for comprehensive and workable youth policy that can see to the total development of the youth. He said with such a policy in place, the youth can identify their strength and weaknesses and work on them to achieve their aim and aspirations. Poor leadership, he bemoaned was one of the major cause of poverty among the youth and charge those at the helm of affairs to exhibit good leadership qualities for the youth to emulate. The Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Mr D. J Abang-Gos entreated the youth to refrain from activities that have the tendency of jeopardizing their future career but rather concentrate on their studies. He encouraged them to be conversant with the existing National Youth Policy and see it as a policy guideline necessary tom direct their course.  The maiden youth network summit which slated to be climaxed on January 8, 2014 is on the theme: ‘Strengthening and Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development. It is being spearheaded by the Youth Network for Societal Transformation with support from other sister networks across the country including the National Youth Authority and the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC). It brought to fore the need for government to review and pass the National Youth Bill into law.

GBC                                                                           END                                                                                  IA/

Rice importation into Ghana must seize: Monarh appeals to gov’t

07-01-14

PNC Gen Sec, Mr Bernard Monarh

The General Secretary of the People’s National Convention, Bernard Monarh has challenged government to place a permanently ban on the importation of rice into the country since the practice thwarts the effort of our local rice producers.  Recounting the ordeal local rice farmers go through in their quest to sell out their produce, Mr Monarh advised government to consider investing in the country’s local rice industry to salvage it from total collapse. For more than a decade, Ghana’s local rice industry is said to supply only 30 percent of its local demand, depending largely on foreign producers. This Mr Monarh rebuked was not the best, as the country loses a whooping US$480m annually on rice importation. Speaking to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, Mr Monarh kicked against the lifting of ban on the importation of rice as half of the said amount could be used to support our local farmers. He however aurged government focus its attention on the country’s rice growing areas and assist the farmers in producing enough to feed the country. He said the northern part of the country particularly Upper East abounds in vast, rich and productive farmlands that ought to be tapped to produce the quantity of rice and other cereals the country needs. He said if government is able to support majority of the people especially youth in rice farming, food security as well as job creation will improve for the better. Government, he recommended should made available the right inputs and machinery for the farmers to operate in order to ensure all year round farming.

GBC                                                              END                                                       IA/

‘Let Christ Presence dwell among us’ Christians urged

05-01-13        

Rev  Amegyei Antwi

Christ believers have been encouraged to let the Christ’s presence dwell amongst them and enter the New Year with renewed commitment with God.  He said as Christians, we are under the obligation to exemplify the personality traits of Christ which are humility, sanctification, holiness and the greatest of all, love, a sign he indicated was exhibited by Christ on the cross of Calvary as reason for our salvation. Delivering a sermon at a special thanksgiving service to usher in the New Year, the District Pastor of the Bolgatanga Peniel Presbyterian Church, Rev. Amegyei Antwi, further entreated Christians to live in perfection and avail themselves for God’s spiritual upliftment. He said Christ as the mediator of creation hopes to bring absolute redemption to his followers; therefore, if Christians  are able to live in h holiness, they  are guaranteed victory.  Rev.  Amegyei Antwi stated with conviction that no one is insignificant as far as Christ’s salvation is concerned and that our desire to be called sons and daughters of God could only be realised if we follow his dictates and repent from all sinful deeds. He prophesy 2014 to be a promising year and challenged Christians to endure and face the challenges ahead.  For him, the love for humanity was key, and advised Christians to co-exist with all religious faith for Christ died for the sins of mankind. Christianity, he however pleaded should not be limited to only the chapel but at the work places, community and homes. He said what was left for Christians was to need to embrace Christ and project his vision to unbelievers. On prosperity, Rev Amegyei Antwi implored Christians to kill their desire for earthly things but rather get closer to God since He is capable of honouring them with material blessing.  The Covenant Sunday was used to pray for God’s blessing. The church also sang praises to thank God for taking them through 2013 peacefully.

GBC                                                             END                                ISAAC ASARE

ARB APEX Bank to reduce its interest rate

       

Mr Pascal Nkulenu, Manager Naara Rural Bank Bolga Branch

The Managing Director of ARB APEX Bank, Kwadwo Aye Kusi has emphasised the bank’s resolve to enhance its corporate image through prudent financial and efficient services. This, he observed, would ensure that the rural banking system attracts more attention and interest of the public. In a speech read for him at the 23^rd Annual General meeting of the Naara Rural Bank Limited in Navrongo, Mr Aye Kusi outlined strategies and plans by the bank to provide efficient services to its clients and stakeholders. This he said would enable the rural banks to perform in today’s competitive banking. He mentioned reduction in interest rates, specie movement, and establishment of sinking fund and adoption of new strategic plans as some of the services to be considered by the bank. Under the said services, the management of ARB APEX bank has reduced the interest rates on its lending to the Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) from 20 percent plus to 15 percent. All RCBs, he advised are to take advantage of the offer and access more facilities from the Apex bank for on-lending to their deserving borrowers. Moreover, the cash holdings of Apex branches have been increased to enable RCBs to access cash within shorter periods after notification. Beyond that the establishment of the sinking fund, which received approval by stakeholders at the last AGM is said to cater for the bank’s capital expenditure in respect of ICT equipment and infrastructure. Whilst appealing to defaulters of the bank to fulfil their loan obligations, Mr Aye encouraged stakeholders of Naara Rural Bank to increase their shareholdings in with the bank to enable it have long term funds to expand its activities and also meet the current statutory capital requirement of GHc 300,000.

GBC                                                          END                                                        IA/

Prison boss bemoans dwindling budget allocation from the government to the prisons

02-01-14      

ASP  Francis Deku (In-hat) receiving the items on behalf of the in-mates

The Upper East Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service , DDP Alhassan Nahii  has emphasized the urgent need for government to address the dwindling budget allocation to the country’s prisons, which he noted was inadequate and not forthcoming. He said considering the malnourished and poor eating habits of prison in mates, there was the need for government to intervene by increasing their current feeding rate of GHc1.80 pesewas since their condition was precarious and expose them to all kinds of diseases. He moreover stated that the country’s prisons were still bedevilled with limited space to house the in mates, thus leading to overcrowding. The situation, he bemoaned requires government attention to enhance their wellbeing.  DDP Nahii made the appeal when members of the Prisons Ministry of Ghana, Bolgatanga chapter visited and feted in-mates of the Navrongo Prisons in Navrongo. The group led by the Chairman, Vincent Chaitey presented assorted drinks, toiletries as well as   food items to the in-mates. In a short message, Mr Chaitey appealed to government to through the prison service to strengthen the prison service and consider  providing training and employable skills for prison in-mates. This, he observed would keep them busy after serving their jail term. Beyond that, in mates through the training they have acquired would be self-reliant and depend less on their family and friends. According to Mr Chaitey, the Prison Ministry which seeks to provide a burning faith in the lives of in-mates would do its bit by equipping in-mates of the Navrongo Prisons with training in carpentry, masonry, weaving and tailoring among other vocational and technical skills. He however implored NGOs and corporate institutions that are capable of offering training support to the stressful conditions of prisoners to do so. In a brief exhortation, a member of the Prisons Ministry, Mr Joseph Jessy Panin advised the public not to see prisoners as outcast but rather show them love and compassion as many are convicted circumstantially. He moreover urged the in -mates not to lose hope but instead have faith in God.  To Mr Jessy Panin, it was not in the interest of the ministry to periodically reach out to the in-mates so efforts should be made to be of good behaviour and think of doing something meaningful in the life.  Meanwhile, some in mates of the Navrongo Prisons have been engaged in smock weaving whilst the Municipal assembly has provided a borehole to address the perennial water shortage at the prison yard.

GBC                                                              END                                                    IA/

Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese commissions New Church building

03-01-14      

The Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese of the Catholic Church has commissioned a new Church building at Yorogo-Gaabisi, near Bolgatanga valued at about GHc 30,000.  The new Church, known as the Yorogo-Gaabisi Christ the King is a 200 capacity outstation structure and would serve about five clusters of communities in the area. The community members apart from volunteering the land for the project also provided labour and some cash through proceeds from annual harvests.  The Cathedral Administrator of the Parish, Reverend James Tachua, entreated the community members to have firm belief in Jesus Christ and to propagate his mission and messages to the World.  He entreated them to live at peace with one another and support the poor and marginalize in society, just as Jesus Christ demonstrated during His teachings on earth.  Reverend Tachua impressed on the congregation to forgive one another as children of God to maintain the peace and security in the community. He further entreated members of the Church to use their God given talents and resources to help develop the Church and thanked all societies in the church that were already doing so for their valuable support.  The community members also used the occasion to thank God and the Church for the project and noted that it would help in the transformation of lives.

GBC                                                        END                                                                          IA/