Surf Yellow Pages launched

 Surf Publications Ghana Limited has launched its 2010 Surf Yellow Pages Ghana to commemorate its 10th anniversary.

The La Mantse, Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru III, launching the book, lauded the company for its good work in helping to project the advertising industry to a different level.

The Chief Executive Officer of Surf, Mr Didier Compain, also noted that hard work had sustained the company and explained that the company, which started with six workers, could now boast of about 30 employees.

He further stated that along with the growth in staff had  been the growth in the variety of products and services offered.

 The Marketing Manager, Mr Moses Hammond, said the company's objective was to deliver to the business community in Ghana and abroad, up-to-date information on Ghanaian companies in an attractive, easy-to-use and readily available manner.

"Knowing how relevant information is to business, we have always employed the best in equipment and in manpower to achieve these lofty goals", he stated.

Mr Hammond noted that the current edition had seen a lot of improvement and the number of pages   had now increased to 864.

The Research and Data Manager, Ms Blandina Amo-Kyereh, said the company would soon introduce in their business directory as well as on their website, maps and direction to places to ease the stress people go through when locating  places.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Information, Mr John Tia Akologu, expressed the hope that Surf's contribution will help improve advertising in the country and help promote the ministry's objective of ensuring free flow of relevant public information to project the image of the country and attract investors.

World Youth Camp launched

The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) has launched its annual world camp geared towards inspiring the youth.
The event dubbed, “ Challenge, Change and Cohesion”, will take place from July 18-25, 2010 at the Good News Mission in Tema on the theme: Youth and Conflicts.
Briefing the press, the Deputy General Secretary of IYF, Mr Ato Edwin, explained that the organisation is aimed at developing the potential of the youth globally and creating opportunities for them to imbibe the requisite skills and virtues for the challenges of the 21st century.
He stated that the IYF was established in March 2001 in Korea and that this was the third time they were organising the camp in Ghana.
He gave the highlights of the programme as touring landmarks in Ghana, staging a short distance marathon, musical concert, lectures by notable speakers and a host of others.
The Director of IYF West Africa, Reverend Kyung Won Cho, also said that the youth and students were very involved in the work of God yet they lacked happiness and were rather sorrowful, fearful and insecure.
He further stated that although the youth were bent on serving God, their hearts were captured by lust and desires emerging from bad lifestyle such as examination malpractice, fornication, lesbianism and homosexuality, among others.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr J. S. Annan, also noted that the camp would promote good ideas, innovation and direct the youth on how to adopt better lifestyles.
He also reiterated his ministry’s commitment to the youth, adding that they would adopt measures to ensure that programmes of this nature are carried out effectively.
The Coordinator of the National Youth Council, Dr Sekou Nkrumah, commented on the need for the country to have a youth centre where most young people would be get engaged in meaningful activities to keep them busy, thus preventing them for involving themselves in unlawful acts.
He, however, called on all youth organisations to register with the National Youth Council.

SC Johnson gives to Pantang hospital

The Pantang hospital has received products worth GH¢20,000 from SC Johnson Ghana, manufacturers of Raid insecticides and Mr Muscle disinfectants.
The items included cartons of Raid Multi Insect Killer, Raid Crawling Insect Killer, OFF! Insect Repellents, Mr Muscle Home Cleaners and Pledge Furniture Polish.
The company together with Zoomlion also undertook a clean-up exercise.
The staff led by Zoomlion cleared weeds, rubbish and choked gutters, and also swept the premises.
Others also scrubbed bathrooms and toilets of selected wards in the hospital.
Presenting the items to the hospital, the Managing Director of SC Johnson Ghana, Mrs Doris Kafui Kwawukume, explained that the clean-up exercise was the company’s contribution to support the Ghana Malaria Awareness Week.
"This exercise is part of activities marking the Raid Malaria awareness week, a sustainable development platform aimed at supporting the national drive towards malaria eradication through sensitisation on protection and prevention" she noted.
The Brands Manager of SC Johnson Ghana, Madam Hafsa- Rimantha Arthur, also noted that the initiative is the company’s own way of contributing towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5: Reducing child mortality and improving maternal health by the year 2015.
“As a family company, SC Johnson believes in contributing towards the well-being of the countries and communities where we conduct our business, and further believe in being a responsible leader in the free market economy”, she added.
The Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Pantang Hospital, Madam Margaret Patterson, who received the items lauded the company for the support and called on corporate bodies to emulate this gesture.

Metropolitan Life Insurance supports clinic

Metropolitan Life Insurance Ghana Limited has renovated the recovery, male and labour wards of the Maamobi Polyclinic at a cost of  GH¢30,000 as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Handing over the renovated wards to the management of the polyclinic, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Ahomka Lidsay, noted that “as a nation, our  ability to develop will depend substantially on an energetic, strong and healthy workforce”.
  "It is important for us all to recognise, however, that we will need more than an occasional demonstration of corporate social responsibility if we want to guarantee the health of the people of this country”, he explained.
He further stated: For children in particular, a good health facility is more important as they are delicate and failure to attend to their health needs could jeopardise their future.
“It is in the light of this that Metropolitan Life has committed itself to helping improve facilities at the Maamobi Polyclinic on a sustained basis, as our contribution to national efforts to raise the standard of health care delivery in the country", he added.
The Principal Medical Officer, Dr Mildred Kumassah, observed that as the clinic’s goal is to provide comprehensive quality health care services to clients, the company’s intervention was a timely one that would help it achieve that goal.
She cited that the major challenges of the clinic as inadequate and weak infrastructure and an ageing workforce, and added that although the Ghana Health service (GHS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) was trying to upgrade the facility to a District Hospital, it was being done at a snail's pace.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr George Amofah, urged the staff to manage the facility well to enable it serve later generations.

Clayton Clay wins international award

Dr Sam Newton, a columnist of The Mirror, newspaper and clinical research fellow and public health specialist of the Ghana Health Service, has won the 2009 Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) International Essay Competition.
Dr Newton, who writes under the pen name Dr Clayton Clay, jointly won the award with his essay, Infant Vitamin A Supplementation - From Research to Policy, which covered research into infant Vitamin A supplementation from studies in the Kassena-Nankana District of Ghana to the current Vitamin A studies at the Kintampo Research Centre and how the research has influenced policy, with three researchers from Kyrgzstan who co-authored the essay, Introducing Sprinkles in Kyrgzstan: From people’s mandate to national policy.
The award winners will receive citations, cash prizes and sponsorship to present their work at an international conference on a date to be announced soon.
Speaking to The Mirror, Dr Newton, the paper’s health columnist for the past 12 years, noted that it was his first international award after writing for 14 years.
“I love writing and this award will spur me on to do more,” he said, and advised the youth, especially young scientists, not to be intimidated by what people said about science and research but be determined and they would go far.
“They should endeavour to go into research and publicise their work to put them in the limelight,” he added.
Dr Newton explained that the CHNRI’s mandate was to advocate research programmes directed at addressing conditions responsible for the most important diseases suffered by children, especially in developing countries where the major burden of disease remained. 
He said the competition was, therefore, aimed at finding best examples of research that could be translated into a policy to improve child health and nutrition status at the national, regional or global level.
Dr Newton said the competition attracted many entries from young researchers in developing countries which were reviewed by a jury of international repute.

Face of Black’s Secret

 NYARKOA Darko-Ampem, a 24 year-old final year student of the Central University College was last Sunday crowned the first ever Face of Black's Secret at the La Palm Beach Hotel, Accra.
 For her prize, she was given access to a brand  new Kia Cerato Saloon car for official use during her one year reign, GH¢ 6,000 annual allowance, and  a one-year supply of Black's Secret products as well as a brand endorsement contract and sponsors’ products.
 Miss Darko-Apem will also serve as the brand ambassador and also engage in PR activities for Black's Secret, a beauty product company.
 Geraldine Partington and Jasmine Nkrumah both from the University of Ghana,  emerged first and second runners up respectively. They received GH¢ 1,500  and GH¢1,000 cash respectively, Black's Secret products as well as souvenirs from sponsors.

The rest of the contestants  recieved consolation prizes from sponsors and  products from Black's Secret.
 Face of Black's Secret, an initiative of Berlin Investment was launched early this year to search for a unique young lady of African ancestry to be the official 'face' of Black's Secret products.
 In all, 14 girls contested for the crown. The ladies went through make up application session, catwalking, self comportment, PR lessons and photo sessions .
 According to the C.E.O of Berlin Investments Limited, Mr Bernard Kingsley Annoh, management decided to give the opportunity to a unique young lady and thereby push this  'unknown face' into the limelight and to stardom, instead of using a celebrity to endorse the product.
 “This is not a beauty pageant but a search for a photogenic black woman with beautiful skin, graceful, charming, elegant and well spoken. We will also begin a training session for people interested in make-up artistry and beauty theraphy”, he said.
 Berlin Investment Limited is the manufacturer and distributor of Black's Secret beauty products. The products range from press powder, cream to powder foundation, loose powder, waterproof mascara, lip gloss, eye-shadow and facial wipes.
 The event was laced with music from Bernice Offei and GMA's winners for Reggae Song of the Year, Wutah.

“Be mindful of youthful stage”

The annual edition of ‘Teens to the Top’, a students programme, aimed at empowering persons between the ages of 13 and 19, has been held with a call on students to be mindful of what they do during their youthful stage, since that will inform what they are likely to become in the future.
The CEO of Tumtum Arts and Entertainment, Nana Agyei Parker, who made the call, also advised students to participate in educational programmes as it’s key to their development as well as to the country.
This year’s programme was on the theme “My Independence, Our Development”, and was attended by students from Accra Girls, Labone and St Thomas Aquinas Senior High schools.
The students had the chance to listen to panellists who discussed topical issues and also contributed to the discussion.
The issues discussed were “Youth and the media — How I express myself as a young person” and “Speaking the language I understand”.
Some students also took to the stage to perform choreography to entertain their fellow students.
Mr Parker, who is the brain behind “Teens to the Top”, said the objectives of the programme were to equip teens with excellent communication skills, encourage creativity and expression among the youth, and also to create a network for teenagers from different schools.

Dad is Mom

'Be careful what you wish for, for you might get it when you least expect it' this is what the Playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte, seems to say in his latest play staged at the National Theatre last weekend.
‘Dad is Mom, Mom is Dad’  is  a story of a couple who nag each other on everything the other does and thus, wished to change places to teach the other what to do.
The play revolved around Mr and Mrs Asem, who were always fighting even in the presence of their teenage children.
During one of such fights, a frustrated Mr Asem blurted out, “I do everything for you and yet you are never satisfied. I wish you’d be in my shoes for one day, just one day, and see how it feels like”.
 To which his embittered and unhappy wife retorted, “What is there to being a man or a husband like you? Let God make us change places one day and I’ll teach you how to be a man and a husband”.
Hopefully,their wishes were granted and there lied the challenges as each other had to take the others position at the workplace.
All things being equal, their presence at each other’s work place made some changes which were somehow positive. However, Mrs Asem got to know how mean her husband was to his workers and thus, does not allow anyone to go on leave and also got to meet her husband’s teenage girlfriend, who she later advised to stick to her books and not follow ‘sugar daddies’.
On the other hand, Mr Asem had a share of his wife’s obnoxious boss, who even when something was lying on his table will come and ask his secretary for it and how his wife bought stuffs on credit as her money was not sufficient.
The change was, however, in favour of Mrs Asem since she treated her husband just the way he was treating her and thus, wished the change will never revert.
At the end, however, the couple came to the realisation that there was the need to settle their issues amicably rather than being at each other’s throat and also be appreciative of each other’s effort.
The play was written and directed by Uncle Ebo Whyte. Other plays of uncle Ebo are What Dad Left Behind, The Devil in a Mirror, Mr President Your Move, Unhappy Wives; Confused Husbands among others.
The writer, who is noted for his respect for time, started his play just on the time allotted on the ticket.

 

Haiti

The Ghana Red Cross Society has received donations from Koala, Fiesta Royal and students of the Lincoln Community school, in support of the Haiti: Ghana Response Fund.
The students from Lincoln together with Fiesta Royal donated a cheque for GH¢2,000, while Koala on their part is facilitating donations by placing a box on the premises of the supermarket where customers can put in their contributions.
T-shirts with Haiti printed on them are also being sold at the supermarket to contribute to the response initiative.
Presenting the cheque, a grade five pupil from Lincoln, Miss Mansa Sowah, who made the donation on behalf of her school, expressed her sympathy to the victims of the disaster.
 "I decided to help Haiti because if what happened in Haiti had happened in Ghana we would have needed the same support," she noted.
The Purchasing Manager of Koala, Mr Tarek Sarakbi, also reiterated his outfit's support to the fund and encouraged  the staff and the general public to donate to a worthy cause.
The President of the Red Cross Society, Mr Kwabena M. Bosompem, in his address, noted that the initiative was to help Haiti to recover from the trauma.
 He further explained that the challenges of the Red Cross Society was enormous as their affiliates in other countries were not well structured to combat disasters.
He added that "if the Red Cross is strengthened, it puts the country on a better platform to fight disasters and human-related issues".
He lauded the support by Koala, saying "we acknowledge the extra steps Koala has made by ensuring that workers wear the T-shirts bearing the iconic image created especially for the campaign".
Mr Bosompem  also noted that their gesture would be a motivator for people to donate to the fund and also join the Red Cross Society.
 Provision has also been made for the general public to also contribute their quota through an account, a text code, purchasing of the T-shirt or donations dropped in a box made available at Koala.
 


      

Chemu School wins drama contest

VRA holds workshop on environment

THE Volta River Authority (VRA) has organised a workshop on Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for stakeholders of the Akosombo and Kpong generating stations to determine the key social and environmental impacts of the construction of the dams and their operations.
The Deputy Chief Executive of VRA, Mr Kirk Koffie, in his remarks, noted that his outfit had implemented a number of environmental, social and public health measures to reduce or compensate for adverse impact of the dams.
He said VRA now operated a medical boat to provide health care services to people along the Volta lake and had embarked on a gorge afforestation project as well as periodic dredging activities at the estuary.
Mr Koffie said VRA was preparing an EMP in accordance with the best practices to ensure that the dams were operated in an environmentally sustainable manner and also ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements were complied with.
The Special Assistant to the Chief Executive of VRA, Major John Gyasi (retd), stated that the preparation and implementation of the EMP for the two dams was to fulfil a key legal requirement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by the environmental assessment regulation.
He said the EMP would identify the total impact of the construction of the dams both upstream and downstream and outline measures to be taken to mitigate them.
A consultant to the project, Mrs Margaret Hartman, observed that the overall objective of the EMP was to ensure continuous improvement in environmental performance in reducing or compensating for the adverse impact.

Mechanic jailed for assaulting peace officer

An Accra Circuit Court presided over by Mr C. A. Wilson has sentenced  Theophilus Quarcoe to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour for assaulting a peace officer.
 Quarcoe was served the sentenced on his own plea of guilty to  each count of the offence.
The judge, however, stated that henceforth persons who assault peace officers and other public servants would be handed a stiffer punishment.
According to the prosecution, the convict, a motor mechanic who resides in 'Abola' in James Town was on January 29, 2010 seen riding his unregistered motorbike along the Guggisberg Avenue to Korle-Bu Road in Accra at 7.00a.m.
The complainant, who was together with his colleagues on duty to check motor riders plying that road without registration numbers, asked him to stop.
The complainant, at the time in police uniform, held the carrier of the motorbike and ordered the convict to push the bike to the police station.
 Quarcoe rather sped off with the complainant still hanging onto the carrier of the motorbike.
He dragged the complainant on the main road from the Korle-Bu main bus stop to the Korle-Bu traffic light where he was rescued by other policemen but the convict managed to escape on the motorbike.
On May 27, 2009, Quarcoo was brought to the police station for committing a crime and was apprehended by the police for his earlier offence.
He was then arraigned before the court and charged with the offences.

Make-up bar now in Ghana

For the first time in the nation’s history Ghanaian women will have the chance to have their make-up done for them in the newly established make-up bar which has been introduced in the country by the Berlin Investment Limited.
Apart from the traditional role of the bar, clients will also have great fun and entertainment at all times where artistes and popular stars will meet and provide mentorship and private lessons in make-up artistry.
The CEO of the make-up bar explained that the make-up bar serves as a showroom and retail centre and provides exceptional and world-class make-up products and services to Ghanaian women.
He further stated that the make-up bar, being the first of its kind, will introduce varieties of the Black Secret products for the face, eye, lips, cheeks and nails to customers.
“We shall also provide make-up services for brides, private lessons, parties, fashion shows and day make-up”, he added.
He also noted that the Black Secret brand seeks to project quality, protection  and style.
Berlin Investment Limited is the manufacturer and distributor of Black Secret products. The products range from press powder, cream, powder foundation, loose powder, waterproof mascara, lip gloss, eye-shadow and facial wipes.






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New Beer Launched

Accra Brewery Limited last weekend introduced Club Gold premium lager to add to their portfolio of brands. 

Briefing the press, Mr Greg Metcalf, Managing Director of the company explained that Club Gold is  brewed with the finest crystal malt, which gives a rich taste, fuller body, golden colour and aroma.

"It is a home grown premium lager that meets international standards of quality and taste" he added.

Mr  Metcalf also stated that although the product is a truly home grown premium lager it comes with genuine international credentials, adding that it has been carefully brewed with the choicest ingredients from around the world.

"The development of this brand has been through an in-depth understanding of our target consumer. We discovered through this process that our consumers value good quality brands that have style, but more importantly substance and depth" noted Mr Chris Wulff-Ceasar, the Marketing Manager.

He also added that Club Gold is a crafted premium lager which contain the finest crystal malt and has been tailor-made for the ‘Urban Aspirers’. Stressing that these are highly driven individuals who combine local pride with a global outlook, and wants to be seen drinking only the best.

He further stated, that the introduction of Club Gold to the market will employ integrated marketing channels which appeal to the lifestyle and choices of our target consumers.

Accra Brewery Limited  has been operating within the country since  1931 and has among it portfolio of brands, Club Premium Lager, Castle Milk Stout, Club Minerals, Redd"s Fruit Fusion and Vitalmalt Plus.

Chocofest 2010 launched

The Ghana Tourist Board, in collaboration with Cocoa Processing Company Limited, has launched this year’s celebration of the National Chocolate Day dubbed 'Chocofest 2010’ at a ceremony at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of Ghana Tourist Board, Mr Julius Debrah, explained that the idea behind the celebration was not only to make consumption of chocolate popular during a particular period of time, but to also promote the consumption of made-in-Ghana products, including cocoa products.

The name will soon be changed to ‘Ghana Chocolate Day’ to distinguish the celebration of the day from the idea of it being a day for the celebration of other foreign chocolates, he noted.

He stated further that steps were being put in place to run programmes that will encourage people to eat chocolate at all times.

In his address, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Mr Kobby Acheampong, observed that cocoa, first brought as a seed, had now developed to become a product that tells the Ghanaian success story, adding that cocoa should be patronised by all as it has a lot of health benefits.

The Manager of Special Events, Mr Alex Boakye, added that the day was celebrated to promote made-in-Ghana chocolate, which was acclaimed to be one of the best in the world, especially for health reasons, among others.

He stated further that activities for the celebration of the event would span a period of three days. 

Outlining the programme of activities for the celebration, he said proceedings would begin with a tour by children from deprived schools to cocoa processing companies, followed by exhibitions to be held in selected hotels, drinking spots and restaurants.

The celebration will be climaxed with a beach party at Kokrobite Beach to entertain guest at a special chocolate party, which will lead up to a dinner for selected ‘Valentine couples’ and their wards who will be served with a chocolate meal.

He said a deliberate effort was being made at inculcating in children the habit of consuming chocolate as they are formidable agents who could influence their guardians in their purchases.

The Managing Director of Cocoa Processing Company Limited, however, expressed disappointment that even though cocoa farmers were the producers of the cocoa product, there were some who had never tasted a bar of chocolate in their life. 

He consequently promised that the next consignment of packages to be presented by the company as awards on Farmers Day would include chocolate.

He also called for the inclusion of chocolate in the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

VRA ladies mark 10th anniversary

The Ladies Association of the Volta River Authority (VRA) last weekend held a fund-raising and dinner dance in Accra to climax its 10th anniversary celebration.

The fund-raising was in aid of needy, brilliant girls in the VRA’s resettlement communities.

 Mrs Tandy Chothia, the President  of the association, in her welcoming address, explained that the resettlement communities had been adversely affected by the operations of the VRA, adding, “It is, therefore, appropriate that we do what we can to alleviate some of the problems.”

“Being a ladies’ association, we took into consideration the plight of the girl child and felt that the best way we could help would be in the area of education,” she noted.

She said the association had previously sponsored a few girls  at Mpakadah at the basic level of education, noting that with the advent of the free education policy, it had decided to target the senior high school level and planned to sponsor five girls. 

Mrs Chothia called on the public to help conserve energy. 

Contemporary gospel show at National Theatre

Impact Project Ministry, a non-denominational gospel music ministry, will on February 7, 2010, treat its patrons to the ‘best of contemporary gospel music at the National Theatre in Accra.

 Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Sena Adzam, President of the ministry, explained that the event had the social objective of raising awareness on Dyslexia; learning mental disorder and children.

The concert, which is the fifth edition of the ministry, is  dubbed ‘Evolution 5’.

Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Soul Winners and Worshippers Ministry International are among the gospel musicians that will be performing on the night.

Tickets for the concert are available at Citi FM, Sunny FM, Choice FM and the Legon Hall Main Porters Lodge of the University of Ghana. There will be buses to convey students from the University of Ghana, as well as people who live in the vicinity to and back from the event.              

Miss Zenith crowned Face of Tertiary

After what seemed a boring sermon which sent most of the audience sleeping and others leaving the auditorium, at this year’s Face of the Tertiary event Miss Zenith College was finally crowned the winner.

Jasmine Seyram Akortu, a 19-year-old, first-year accounting student, received a Proton saloon car, a monthly salary of GH¢1200.00 and a ticket to represent Ghana at the finals of Miss World University Pageant to be held in Seoul, South Korea in March. 

She will, as part of her reign, be the Ambassador of the Anti-Child Labour Project which aims at eradicating child labour from Ghana.

 Miss Cape Coast University, the first runner-up took home GH¢1,000 and a laptop, while Miss University of Education, second runner-up took home GH¢700 and a cooker.

All the other finalists each took home  GH¢200.

The competition, which started about six months ago, had 23 contestants  representing their various schools after winning similar pageants in their schools. 

The contestants opened the show, dressed in casual wear and in groups of three while their fans screamed as they appeared.

This was followed by each contestant appearing alone and giving a speech after which each of them answered a question from the judges. 

After this segment the contestants came on stage to showcase their talents. Miss Zenith won that segment after performing a dance move of the late Michael Jackson.

The fashion show segment followed and the contestants modelled beautifully crafted designs.

The number was then pruned to eight with Miss UCC, Miss Zenith, Miss K. Poly, Miss Catholic University, Miss Wisconsin, Miss UDS and Miss UEW making it to the finals.

 The eight finalists then came on stage one after another and presented their project findings to the audience, after which the best three were crowned that the night.

Miss Kumasi Poly and Miss Bolga Poly won the Miss Eloquence and Miss Personality categories respectively.

But for the  musical interlude by the DJ, the audience would have been left sleeping as the stage was left ideal sometimes for as long as five minutes before the show continued.

There were also performances by Rough ‘n’ Smooth which the audience enjoyed.

Increase admission to science education

THE Chief Director of the Ministry Of Education, Mr Paul Bautsi, has called for an increase in the admission of students to pursue science and technology courses in tertiary institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Oda Senior High School, he said availability of scientific equipment in schools would enable more students to read science to accelerate the development of the country.

He noted that technology had a positive impact on the level of poverty through  improvement of health care services, sanitation, among others.

‘With this advantage of science and technology education, the need for the government to continue to promote science and technology is paramount,” he stated.

Earlier in his welcoming address, the Headmaster of the school, Mr Francis K. Appiah, observed that the foundation of science was getting weaker and, therefore, the country was not able to produce most of what it consumed.

“We would, therefore, want to use part of the period of the celebrations to highlight the need for an increase in science and technology education,” he added.

He, therefore, called on stakeholders to come to the aid of the school to enable them to renovate most of their deteriorating structures and also help build additional dormitories.

The anniversary is on the theme “Science and Technology Education: An Indispensable Tool for National Development”.

The school was established on September 30, 1960 and has most of its past students occupying high positions in the country.

DOVVSU receives more cases

By Ruth Oppong Nyarko

THE Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) recorded 5,705  cases in 2009 as against 4,904 in 2008. 

Chief Inspector Irene Oppong, Public Relations Officer of the Accra unit, told The Mirror that there was an increase in cases involving assault, failing to supply the necessities to children, exposing children to harm, abduction, rape and compulsion of marriage.

She said, however, that there was no report on sodomy, depriving people of property and insulting behaviour.

Ms Oppong said defilement, child trafficking, attempted suicide, incest, child labour and unlawful ejection cases reduced compared to 2008.

 The PRO said as part of measures to reduce domestic violence in the country, the unit would soon embark on outreach programmes in collaboration with stakeholders such as the INDEPTH Network, Ark Foundation, Project Abroad and Women Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE) as well as the media.

Ms Oppong explained that outreach programmes would cover educational campaigns against domestic violence in schools and security tips for prevention and defence of  violent attacks.

Touching on the issue of rape, Ms Oppong said most perpetrators lured their victims, for example, by sending them on errands and asking them to send the items into their rooms, thereby abusing the victims, and urged women and young girls to be wary of such miscreants.

 Ms Oppong urged parents to educate their children on sexual abuse and sex, adding that "if the children are aware of what sex is and how to abstain, as well as  identify perpetrators, it would help reduce most of the criminal cases relating to sexual abuse".

Ms Oppong, however, appealed to the public to report domestic violence cases early to help speed up investigations.

Book launch

The Executive Chairman and co-founder of Databank, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta , last Thursday launched his book entitled “Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Values” to herald the bank’s 20th anniversary next year.

The book a compilation of his speeches, statements and writings, is his reflection on the many issues and topics pertinent to Ghana.

Briefing the Press, he noted, that the book has been written in a language that suit the intellectual market. Adding that it is a compendium of his speeches within the last twenty years.

He hopes that the book would inspire people to believe in themselves and exhibit the can do spirit to help them succeed in whatever they want to achieve in life.

Adding that the bank which started with only three people but now boast of over 50 employees, which is an indication of what the can do spirit can lead to.

Kwaku Sakyi Addo in his review of the book described the book as a ‘Three Legged Stool’. He also read portions of the book which stated that ‘our focus is to seek the economic and moral kingdom other than the political kingdom”.

In launching the book, Dr Mensah Otabil, General overseer of Internnational Central Gospel Church, noted that the book is well packaged and designed for the target market.

He also noted that the author has not made himself only his but that of the nation. Thus his parthering with his colleagues to set up a bank to help secure the finances of the people.

‘I believe in the can do spirit that they exemplify all the time’ he added.

Mr Otabil urged everyone to get a copy since the book is full of wisdom, knowlege and dares one to aspire for more in life.

Mr Jude Bucknor, Managing Parthner of Kingdom Zephyr Africa Management, in his remark encouraged the author to work hard in serving as a role model to the young ones.

The occasion which was also used to formally launch the 20th anniversary of the Bank was graced by individuals from the financial as well as the political arena.

The book which is on the market costs GH¢30

from revel films to kids

Revele Films has rolled out a Christmas entertainment package for children, in line with the company’s aim to provide quality recreation to the family at all times.

The package includes Christmas carols in orchestra, exciting Christmas contemporary plays, traditional Christmas displays, hiplife music meets GH rap, festive delights and drinks as well as some goodie bags.

The event will take place at the Accra Mall from December 19 to 23, 2009 with performances by Rana. The MC’s for the shows will be Junior and Nina of Home Sweet Home.

The publicist at Revele Films, Mrs Judith Oluwole Kuwornu, said the event was also aimed at bringing children of all ages together at the special time of Christmas in the hope of entertaining, educating and, above all, nurturing their talents which often went untapped.

The programme will also bring families together to share quality time in the spirit of the Yuletide.

“Revele believes entertainment plays a vital role in the lives of people in general, and children are no exemption. And that it is in the light of this that we are organising this programme for children”.

She also noted that a Christmas play set in contemporary times entitled “Meet me at the manger” would be performed by some talented children. The play was written to bring kids the same Christmas message in a modern setting.

Gospel legends explode at National Theatre

Episode 7 Events Limited last Wednesday launched their maiden show for gospel music lovers dubbed “Gospel Music Legends Night”.

The event, according to the organisers, is to give top singers and the up-and-coming ones the credit they rightfully deserve as well as offer the public good entertainment while raising their spirits.

The event is scheduled for January 2, 2009 at the National Theatre, Accra. Artistes billed to perform on the night include the Tagoe Sisters, Rev. Kusi Berko, Amy Newman, Stella Seal, Bernice Offei.

The show will also seek to promote and raise the standard of gospel events and reward individuals who, in diverse ways, have contributed to gospel music in Ghana while inspiring budding musicians to aspire for excellence.

Briefing the media, Mr Andrews Lartey, the Events Co-ordinator, noted that the event was to honour gospel musicians who had been around for 20 years or more and had attained legendary status.

“This event is designed to showcase, celebrate and appreciate the greatest gospel tunes and musicians of all times,” he stressed.

UCC beat Legon in TV Africa quiz

By Ruth Oppong Nyarko

Students from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Ghana (UG) last weekend churned out excitement on TV Africa in a hotly contested quiz dubbed, 'Knowing Africa'.

After two hours of brain war, the University of Cape Coast beat their colleagues from the University of Ghana to win the top prize.

The 15-week competition saw 16 students from the various tertiary institutions participating.

In the final event, the competitors showed how truly African they were as they answered most of the questions correctly. Prior to the commencement of the quiz, the anthem of the two schools were sang which was probably to lift high the spirits of the contestants.

The quiz had five rounds with each segment getting ‘tighter’ as the contestants proved how truly African they were.

After a very competitive first round, UCC led their counterparts, then the tables turned when UG took the lead in the second round which was a true or false section.???? The fourth round was a riddles contest, in which the contestants battled hard to win but was finally taken by UCC.

Then came the time to prove who had really come for the prize. The final round was an identification contest and there again, UCC won.

The battle for supremacy was settled when UCC was announced the winners of the first ever quiz on Africa.

The General Manager of TV Africa, Mr Kwaw Ansah, noted that the competition had been designed to serve as a platform for students to know their roots, as well as their culture. 

“If people get to know what the struggle has been, it will empower them to be confident and move ahead instead of depending on others,” he added.

The winning students took home a trophy, a laptop each, scholarship from NIIT, books from Readwide Books and Stationery, cash prize of GH¢500 and will also go on a seven-day trip to  Egypt, courtesy of Staple Tours. 

The first runners-up also took home laptops each, scholarship from NIIT, books from Readwide Books and Stationery, cash prize, and will enjoy a trip to Benin, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria,  courtesy of Eco Travel and Tours,

The second runners-up received laptops, books, scholarship from NIIT and a certificate of participation. 

The quiz master was Nanabayin Arhin. The competition was sponsored by NIIT, House Party computers, Eco Travel and Tour, Readwide Books and Stationery and TV Africa.

it was indeed "Decemba 2 Rememba"

By Ruth Oppong Nyarko

Citi FM’s ‘Decemba 2 Rememba’ show really lived up to its name and will really be remembered every 24th December night.

One would have considered it as a flop since the room was rather half-empty when the scheduled time was up, but for Africans, that was another manifestation of ‘African time’ as patrons started trooping in about an hour-and-a-half after the start of the programme.

The Accra International Conference Centre came alive as artistes took turns to sing from their new and old albums.

Songstress and newcomer, Raquel, ‘opened the night’ with soulful tunes, followed by the trio, Niimei. 

4x4 and VIP were sensational as they both performed tracks from their old and new albums. ‘I think I like am’ as well as ‘Fresh One’ from VIP and 4x4 respectively seemed to be the favourite of the crowd as they sang along from the first line till the end.

Sarkodie, who performed last, did justice to the show as the room was still full till he finished his performance. Of course, being the last to perform didn’t make any difference to the reception. It was after he had left the stage that the audience started moving out of the auditorium.

The comic interlude which featured funny interviews and a video clip was climaxed with a surprised performance by a Nigerian comedian, Bash, who got the audience laughing from his first utterance till he moved off the stage. 

Citi FM’s, Voice Factory winner, Fritzs’, rendition of ‘Oh Holy Night’ moved the audience into the Christmas mood as his silky voice got those who knew the lyrics singing along with him.

The crowd couldn’t help, but stand and shake their bodies to the rhythm of ‘Gologolo’ from Echo.

Praye, who were not billed to perform, turned up, made their presence worthwhile as they gave the audience a good show for their money. The hiplife group Bradez, however, did not really get the audience going as they seemed to have missed the presence of their member, Kunta Kinte.

  Morris Babyface was also there to perform alongside Okyeame Kwame, who was full of energy as he performed new and old songs from his days of Akyeame to his going solo.

Lord Kenya also lived up to expectation as he mounted the stage to deliver a good performance. 

It was really a ‘Decemba 2 Rememba’, considering how the audience got involved in the show from the start to the end.