Day: March 28, 2024

The Osei Kusi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has donated vocational materials to residents of Asuboi to facilitate skill acquisition and reduce unemployment. 

The vocational materials included sewing machines, which were donated to five apprentices who are currently being trained at various training institutions. 

Mr Osei Opare Asante, a scholar of the foundation who donated the items on behalf of the founder, Dr Kofi Osei Kusi, said the decision to present the items to the residents of Asuboi was conceived to engender interest in vocational skills acquisition among the youth. 

‘Now the world is fast changing, and the acquisition of skills is a means that will enable people to acquire their source of livelihood. As part of the vision of our founder, that is why we decided to help the people of Asuboi by providing these materials to help them acquire skills to develop themselves and earn an income,’ he said. 

Mr Asante urged the beneficiaries to effectively make good use of the sewing machine
s and ensure they significantly acquired the needed skills to improve their lives and support others. 

The Osei Kusi Foundation is a non-profit organisation that is committed to holistic youth development, with a special focus on educational scholarships for young people and skill acquisition. 

Mr. Tobias Ibrahim, Assemblyman for Asuboi Electoral Area, underscored the importance of vocational skills acquisition in the community as the community is currently battling with unemployment. 

He said the predominant means of employment for the youth in the community, including farming and ‘okada,’ were not sufficient to reduce unemployment in the community. 

He urged the youth to imbibe the desire to acquire skills to evade unemployment in the community. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Osei Kusi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has donated vocational materials to residents of Asuboi to facilitate skill acquisition and reduce unemployment. 

The vocational materials included sewing machines, which were donated to five apprentices who are currently being trained at various training institutions. 

Mr Osei Opare Asante, a scholar of the foundation who donated the items on behalf of the founder, Dr Kofi Osei Kusi, said the decision to present the items to the residents of Asuboi was conceived to engender interest in vocational skills acquisition among the youth. 

‘Now the world is fast changing, and the acquisition of skills is a means that will enable people to acquire their source of livelihood. As part of the vision of our founder, that is why we decided to help the people of Asuboi by providing these materials to help them acquire skills to develop themselves and earn an income,’ he said. 

Mr Asante urged the beneficiaries to effectively make good use of the sewing machine
s and ensure they significantly acquired the needed skills to improve their lives and support others. 

The Osei Kusi Foundation is a non-profit organisation that is committed to holistic youth development, with a special focus on educational scholarships for young people and skill acquisition. 

Mr. Tobias Ibrahim, Assemblyman for Asuboi Electoral Area, underscored the importance of vocational skills acquisition in the community as the community is currently battling with unemployment. 

He said the predominant means of employment for the youth in the community, including farming and ‘okada,’ were not sufficient to reduce unemployment in the community. 

He urged the youth to imbibe the desire to acquire skills to evade unemployment in the community. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Most Reverend Bishop John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese of the Catholic Church, has called on Catholic priests to let the zeal, enthusiasm and commitment they exhibited during their ordination, reflect in the performance of their priestly duties.

He urged them to deeply reflect on their call to priesthood and the vows they took during their ordination and perform their priestly duties with the needed commitment, faithfulness and zeal to win more souls for the catholic church.

Bishop Attakruh said this in a sermon during Chrism Mass held at St Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Sekondi as part of activities of the Holy Week to herald the celebration of Easter.

The mass, which was attended by more than 200 priests drawn from all the parishes in the diocese, as well as religious (rev. sisters and brothers) and the lay faithful was used to bless special oils to be used throughout the year for the anointment of catechumens, the sick and the ordination of priests.

He underscored the i
mportance of the holy oils in the Catholic Church, describing them as sacraments, which should be administered only by the priests.

Chrism Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their Bishops and it also allows them to renew their commitment (vows) to their priestly duties.

Bishop Attakruh tasked priests to abide by their priestly vows and live and work in unity for the development and growth of the Catholic Church, stressing ‘that the world needs the priests, and that priesthood was still relevant to the world today…and important to the society.

‘The many souls you have touched with your hands which have brought love, happiness, peace and release from bondages and burdens among families continue to make you relevant and important:’

Bishop Attakruh tasked the priests to always listen to the concerns and needs of their parishioners and help relieve them from all bondages and burdens.

He said priesthood was a mission of service and a gift from God and that they should not lord it over the people of G
od.

‘Priestly work is the work of Christ, and you must strive to do what is expected of you, use your strength, wisdom and expertise to glorify the Lord and serve the people of God’.

The bishop Attakruh called on the parishioners to continue to collaborate and work with the priests to help build their spiritual lives.

He commended all the priests in the Diocese for their untiring support and commitment to the growth of the church and urged them to renew their efforts to work harder for the good of the church and the faithful.

The bishop acknowledged the fact that some priests worked under very difficult conditions but called on them to do everything possible to enhance the development and growth of the Catholic Church.

He said the Diocese had a little over 200 priests who were to take care of the 3,070 catholic population in the diocese.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A day’s farmer-led engagement forum to enhance the knowledge of smallholder farmer communities on climate adaptation and resilience has been held at Savelugu in the Northern Region.

It was to provide the platform for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key actors in the agricultural sector the opportunity to educate farmers in the area on some of their projects and interventions, which were crucial to helping them protect the environment and also enhance food production.

It formed part of the GoAdapt Project, which is being implemented by a consortium of NGOs, including Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships (CLIP) as the lead implementer, YEFL-Ghana, and Ghana Venskab, a Danish organisation, with funding support from CISU.

The GoAdapt Project is being implemented in Savelugu, Tolon, Nanton and Kumbungu Districts of thr Northern Region.

It seeks to support inclusive climate adaptation planning, using the butoom-up approach and helping to create more awareness and build the adaptation ca
pacity of vulnerable communities to become more resilient to climate change.

Mr Nurudeen Ibrahim, Coordinator, GoAdapt Project, YEFL-Ghana, speaking during the forum, said it was to help smallholder farmer communities in the area to understand and appreciate some of the projects and opportunities available at the EPA and other sectors of agriculture, and how farmers could leverage on those interventions to safeguard the environment and enhance food production.

He said it was also to enable farmers to present some of their adaptation challenges and other mitigation measures in order to receive answers from the EPA.

Mr Karim Jato Sayibu, Programmes Officer, EPA, Northern Region, outlined some of the interventions being implemented by the EPA to enhance climate adaptation and resilience, which included the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small Scale Mining project, Ghana Environmental Management project, Ghana Climate Adaptation initiative, and Ghana Sustainable Land and Water Management project, among others
.

He said EPA had embarked on series of comprehensive training and education through the effective use of both digital and traditional platforms to sensitise farmers on issues of climate adaptation and resilience.

He said EPA was also providing farmers with various seedlings whilst building the capacity of local groups and other climate reporters, and urged communities to take advantage of the initiatives.

He called for attitudinal change and admonished opinion leaders to refrain from meddling in issues of climate change, saying its impact affected the livelihoods of members of the community.

Smallholder farmers, who participated in the event, made presentations on some of the causes of climate change, effects and proposed some adaptation and mitigating measures.

They called for the enactment and enforcement of by-laws to help protect the environment from further degradation.

They further called for effective collaboration between the EPA, Forestry Commission, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and farmer
s to ensure timely provision of seedlings and other interventions to help in food production.

Similar engagements have been organised for all the beneficiary districts under the project.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has entreated drivers and passengers to take their own safety seriously before, during and after Easter.

Adherence to road safety rules and regulations, it indicated was not solely for the regulatory agencies but a shared and collective responsibility of all citizens.

It said passengers would have to understand that they were part of the driving process until they got to their destinations and therefore, needed to act decisively.

Mr Victor Kojo Wilson, the Western Regional Head of the NRSA, gave the caution after a joint enforcement exercise with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) on the Accra- Takoradi highway during which it carried out a thorough inspection of vehicles and documents of motorcyclists.

The team inspected the conditions of the vehicles to ensure they were road-worthy and interacted with passengers, educating them on the need to play their roles in road safety adherence.

Motorcyclists who did not have reflectors and other relevant e
quipment were seized and others, especially heavy trucks with proscribing lambs above the widescreens were asked to remove them.

Mr Wilson noted that it had become necessary for all to be vigilant in road safety management due to the empirical data indicating the rise of road fatalities and crashes during festive seasons.

The exercise embarked on jointly by the Western and Central Offices of the Authority on the Komenda Junction to Takoradi Highway where major crashes are recorded, is in connection with the 2024 road safety Easter campaign on the theme; ‘Stop Speeding, Stay Alive.’

‘Festive season comes with travel and heavy traffic arises on the major roads, so we want everyone to understand the essence of slowing down whilst driving to avoid accidents.’

Mr Wilson cautioned drivers to drive within the speed limits and passengers to desist from encouraging drivers to overspeed because it could have negative consequences not only for the driver but all on board.

‘Once you get into the public space you nee
d to adhere to every provision of the acts and the road travelling rules Acts LI 218.’

Madam Linda Affotey-Annan, Central Regional Head of NRSA, on her part, gave statistics of road crashes in the region, saying 26 lives were lost this year compared to 24 recorded in January and February last year.

Also, 315 people had been injured through 175 road crashes within the two-month period compared to 194 cases recorded at the same time last year in in130 crashes.

She advised passengers and drivers to stay safe this festive season and beyond.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Located in the heart of Sunyani, the Cocoa House, an imposing edifice of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), stands as a magnificent example of agri-architecture, seamlessly blending agricultural heritage with architectural innovation.

This iconic building pays homage to the cocoa industry, the mainstay and a cornerstone of the country’s economy, and serves as a symbol of the close relationship between agriculture and architecture in Sunyani.

The design of Cocoa House incorporates elements that reflect the agricultural roots of the region, with subtle nods to cocoa farming woven into its architectural features.

From the colour palette inspired by cocoa beans to the organic shapes reminiscent of cocoa pods, the building seamlessly integrates agricultural motifs into its modern design, creating a harmonious fusion of nature and structure.

The Cocoa House is on a 308-metre square land, boasting 135 office rooms and 111 washroom facilities, and two expansive car parks at the front and rear elevations.

History

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the building was performed on Monday, April 25, 1976, by the late General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, the Chairman of the Supreme Military Council I (SMC I) and Head of State of Ghana. The contract was awarded to A-Lark Construction Firm, a United States of America architectural and building company.

That significant event coincided on the same day with the celebration of National Cocoa Day, of which the national durbar was held immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony at the Catering Rest House in Sunyani.

Unfortunately, the sixth-floor building project faced delays as it came to a halt on the fourth floor following General Acheampong’s overthrow in a bloodless palace coup, led by the late Lieutenant General Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo, on Wednesday, July 5, 1978.

In 1979, work on the project resumed under the leadership of Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, then the leader and Chairman of the short-lived Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), a milit
ary junta, but the original plan of eleven floors was reduced to six.

Despite those setbacks, the Sunyani Cocoa House was finally completed in 1996 and officially inaugurated by President Jerry John Rawlings, who was the leader of the then National Democratic Congress-led Government and Head of State under a democratic and constitutional dispensation of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Educational Benefits/Services to the Community/Region

Located at the centre of Sunyani, the Cocoa House’s strategic positioning not only improves accessibility but also strengthens the bond between urban living and agricultural heritage.

This establishment serves as a hub for both public and private businesses to thrive in a comfortable environment.

Besides its physical and imposing presence, the Cocoa House plays a crucial role in raising awareness and appreciation for the cocoa industry and agriculture generally in the country.

Through its design and functionality, the building acts as a driving force for business growth and ed
ucational advancement in the region.

This is because the elevator within the building for instance has become a valuable educational tool for numerous school children in the municipality and its surrounding areas, where pupils and students visit on excursion, providing them with knowledge on its operations and unique and enriching life experience.

Conclusion

In the midst of a rapidly evolving urban landscape, the Cocoa House stands as a shining example of agri-architecture, illustrating the potential for incorporating agricultural elements into contemporary building design.

Taking cues from the Cocoa House’s successful integration of agriculture and architecture, prospective physical infrastructural developers in Sunyani and beyond now had the opportunity to craft spaces that give cognizance to local traditions, and promote best and sustainable practices in the built industry to enrich the urban fabric.

The Cocoa House serves as a premier illustration of agri-architecture, encapsulating the area’s bounti
ful agricultural legacy and serving as a testament to the enduring relationship between agriculture and architecture.

It remains a beloved landmark that continues to inspire and captivate, showcasing the beauty and endless possibilities of merging agriculture with architectural ingenuity.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Located in the heart of Sunyani, the Cocoa House, an imposing edifice of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), stands as a magnificent example of agri-architecture, seamlessly blending agricultural heritage with architectural innovation.

This iconic building pays homage to the cocoa industry, the mainstay and a cornerstone of the country’s economy, and serves as a symbol of the close relationship between agriculture and architecture in Sunyani.

The design of Cocoa House incorporates elements that reflect the agricultural roots of the region, with subtle nods to cocoa farming woven into its architectural features.

From the colour palette inspired by cocoa beans to the organic shapes reminiscent of cocoa pods, the building seamlessly integrates agricultural motifs into its modern design, creating a harmonious fusion of nature and structure.

The Cocoa House is on a 308-metre square land, boasting 135 office rooms and 111 washroom facilities, and two expansive car parks at the front and rear elevations.

History

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the building was performed on Monday, April 25, 1976, by the late General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, the Chairman of the Supreme Military Council I (SMC I) and Head of State of Ghana. The contract was awarded to A-Lark Construction Firm, a United States of America architectural and building company.

That significant event coincided on the same day with the celebration of National Cocoa Day, of which the national durbar was held immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony at the Catering Rest House in Sunyani.

Unfortunately, the sixth-floor building project faced delays as it came to a halt on the fourth floor following General Acheampong’s overthrow in a bloodless palace coup, led by the late Lieutenant General Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo, on Wednesday, July 5, 1978.

In 1979, work on the project resumed under the leadership of Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, then the leader and Chairman of the short-lived Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), a milit
ary junta, but the original plan of eleven floors was reduced to six.

Despite those setbacks, the Sunyani Cocoa House was finally completed in 1996 and officially inaugurated by President Jerry John Rawlings, who was the leader of the then National Democratic Congress-led Government and Head of State under a democratic and constitutional dispensation of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Educational Benefits/Services to the Community/Region

Located at the centre of Sunyani, the Cocoa House’s strategic positioning not only improves accessibility but also strengthens the bond between urban living and agricultural heritage.

This establishment serves as a hub for both public and private businesses to thrive in a comfortable environment.

Besides its physical and imposing presence, the Cocoa House plays a crucial role in raising awareness and appreciation for the cocoa industry and agriculture generally in the country.

Through its design and functionality, the building acts as a driving force for business growth and ed
ucational advancement in the region.

This is because the elevator within the building for instance has become a valuable educational tool for numerous school children in the municipality and its surrounding areas, where pupils and students visit on excursion, providing them with knowledge on its operations and unique and enriching life experience.

Conclusion

In the midst of a rapidly evolving urban landscape, the Cocoa House stands as a shining example of agri-architecture, illustrating the potential for incorporating agricultural elements into contemporary building design.

Taking cues from the Cocoa House’s successful integration of agriculture and architecture, prospective physical infrastructural developers in Sunyani and beyond now had the opportunity to craft spaces that give cognizance to local traditions, and promote best and sustainable practices in the built industry to enrich the urban fabric.

The Cocoa House serves as a premier illustration of agri-architecture, encapsulating the area’s bounti
ful agricultural legacy and serving as a testament to the enduring relationship between agriculture and architecture.

It remains a beloved landmark that continues to inspire and captivate, showcasing the beauty and endless possibilities of merging agriculture with architectural ingenuity.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Reverend Chief Superintendent of Prisons, George Akuamoah-Boateng (rtd), Ho East Synod Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana has said that nothing happens, changes, or progresses without leadership.

‘Leadership therefore sets the growth in every entity,’ he said.

Rev. CSP Akuamoah-Boateng said this at a one-day retreat organised by the Presbytery for Pastors, selected Catechists, and District Treasurers at Ho Kpodzi.

He reminded the participants that ‘leadership is cause and every other thing is effect, everything rises and falls on leadership.’

The Presbytery Moderator told them that as leaders in the Church, they have a huge responsibility on their hands.

He urged them to mobilise the thoughts, philosophies, beliefs, mindsets, attitudes, and behaviours of others to enable them to achieve their goals.

Rev. CSP Akuamoah-Boateng reminded them that a good leader was always ahead of others, inspiring and guiding them adding ‘Be ready to take initiatives and responsibilities.’

He urged th
em to be humble, disciplined, courageous, creative, truthful, and work with others to achieve the future and long-term goals of the church.

‘Be action-centered leaders, know the direction of the church and don’t be title crazy,’ he warned.

The Presbytery Moderator reminded them that the power and authority they wielded were not absolute ones but borrowed ones.

He called on them to be role models to members of the church and influence them with good moral values.

Source: Ghana News Agency