Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Police Service on Saturday stated that security personnel policing Polling Stations on Election Day – December 7 would not handle weapons at the duty post.
However, special Rapid Operation Team would patrol the metropolis especially identified flash-points across the country to deal with any eventualities, Superintendent Francis Aryee, Special Operations Assistant National Police headquarters stated at a day’s training seminar for Journalists at the Ghana News Agency
The seminar sponsored by MTN leading mobile communication operator in the country was on the theme: “The Role of GNA in Enhancing the Credibility of Election 2008” was attended by regional, district and head office staff and management.
Other topics discussed includes; “Dos and Don’ts at Polling Station,” “Interaction with Security at Polling Station,” “Operating Within the Confines of the Law,” “Techniques of Election Reporting,” “Effective Ways of Sending Report From Rural Area,” and “Content of a GNA Story on Polling Day”.
Superintendent Aryee said the officers at the Polling Station would be equipped with communication gargets to enable the send distress calls for assistance; stressing: “Security Personnel are ready to play effective and professional policing duties before, during and after the elections to ensure that Ghana remains united.
“We will not accept any food, money or any other form of provision outside the police rationing for the day. We are there to protect electoral material, officials, the voter and the general public,” he said.
Mr Baldwin Freeman, Principal Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission of Ghana said eligible voters were supposed to dip their index finger into the indelible ink as against ticking by an electoral officer which would make it more visible to avoid multiple registration.
He said all the political parties at a meeting with the EC agreed to the use of either the right or left index finger by the electorate as a mark of identification, “The current change was to make the ink more visible to check unscrupulous individuals who might want to tamper with electoral processes.”
Mr Freeman also called on journalist covering the elections to be circumspective and cooperate with election officials to ensure smooth running of the process.
Nana Apau Dua, General Manager, GNA said the agency reminded journalists of the agency’s core value: speed, accuracy and fairness.
He said the agency would not countenance ‘careless’ mistakes on the part of reporters and urged them to remain neutral in their reportage adding, “do not be carried away by emotions or any other thing to do otherwise”.
Nana Dua also called on regional and district managers of the agency to endeavour to send stories on time.
Mr Boadi Boakye-Dankwa, Supervising Chief Editor, GNA noted that the agency was a world-class medium and therefore needed to meet both local and international expectation especially on election coverage. Mr Mawusi Afele, News Editor, GNA cautioned journalists, “do not pretend to know everything, please cross-check your information especially on allegations of conflicts and speculations”.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
In-coming government urged to adress issues
Accra, Accra, Ghana - Various non-governmental and civil society organisations on Friday tasked heads of political parties to address the numerous problems bordering on health, education and water and sanitation when given the mandate in this year's presidential elections. At a forum organised by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) to engage the representatives of the four major political parties on these essential services, the organisations called for more access to essential services as enshrined in local and international agreements.The forum was on the theme; "Universal Provisioning - Keep Essential Services out of General Agreements in Trade Services and Economic Partnership Agreements."Ms. Hannah Tetteh, Director of Communications, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Mr Charles Enninful, member of the Manifesto Planning Committee, Convention People's Party (CPP), who deliberated on the issues, spoke about the plans put forward by their respective parties to improve upon the lives of the people.The NDC noted that investing in people as stipulated in their manifesto meant the provision of health care facilities and upgrading of some health institutions such as Tamale and Effia-Nkwanta hospitals, ensuring one time premium on the National Health Insurance and paying more attention to Traditional Medicine Practice. The CPP re-stated that their "150 days" fast track agenda was to clean-up the country.On water, the CPP pledged to bring on board all stakeholders to ensure effective water delivery system while the NDC suggested a water policy to ensure effective management."We believe water should be managed by government," the NDC said and proposed a water fund to cater for the needs of consumers. The CPP said it would ensure an education settlement process where schooling would be free, continuous and compulsory and the establishment of a Science and Technology Ministry. The NDC said provision of teachers' accommodation, higher salaries and access to training were high on the agenda of the party with regard to education.Mrs. Rosemond Kumah, Coordinator, ISODEC, said the group would continue to lobby government to take its responsibility of making available such services to it citizenry. She said the move was also to impress on government to come out with pro-poor national budgets and provide needed resources to cater for the gaps in their provision. Mrs Kumah said the provision of social services like education, health, housing, water and sanitation among others would enhance social protection and economic growth
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Endow children with ICT Skills-Education Minister
Accra, Ghana -Professor dominic Fobih, Minister of Education on Thursday noted need for school children to be endowed with skills especially in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order for them to march up with their contemporaries on the other side of the globe.
He said with the current trend of modernity, quality education to produce professionals and scholars for the country's development required all necessary infrastructure to ensure holistic development.
Prof Fobih said this when he commisssioned a GHC 48, 500 computer science laboratory for the Kwashieman Cluster of Shchools to enhance the ICT cacpabilities of the pupils.
The project was the brain-child of Mr Kwamena Bartels, Member of Parliament, Ablekuma North Constitutency and would serve the ICT need of the 28 schools within the cluster.
He said government was committed to strengthen the education sector through various reforms and initiatives, "The every child to a lap top programme is now on pilot basis and would be extended to cover the entire country in no time".
Mr Kwamena Bartels, MP for the area said the project demonstrated his commitment to ensure the development of education in the constitutency.The MP also provided 5,000 pieces of school uniforms at a cost of GHC 28, 350 to needy but brilliant students.
He mentioned some of the development projects undertaken in the constitutency as electrifictaion, health and sanitation, construction and rehabilitation of roads and drainage and human resource development.
Mr Bartels noted that to make education accessible, dual desk have been provided for the school while some selected ones were benefiting from the school feeding programme.
He said with the current trend of modernity, quality education to produce professionals and scholars for the country's development required all necessary infrastructure to ensure holistic development.
Prof Fobih said this when he commisssioned a GHC 48, 500 computer science laboratory for the Kwashieman Cluster of Shchools to enhance the ICT cacpabilities of the pupils.
The project was the brain-child of Mr Kwamena Bartels, Member of Parliament, Ablekuma North Constitutency and would serve the ICT need of the 28 schools within the cluster.
He said government was committed to strengthen the education sector through various reforms and initiatives, "The every child to a lap top programme is now on pilot basis and would be extended to cover the entire country in no time".
Mr Kwamena Bartels, MP for the area said the project demonstrated his commitment to ensure the development of education in the constitutency.The MP also provided 5,000 pieces of school uniforms at a cost of GHC 28, 350 to needy but brilliant students.
He mentioned some of the development projects undertaken in the constitutency as electrifictaion, health and sanitation, construction and rehabilitation of roads and drainage and human resource development.
Mr Bartels noted that to make education accessible, dual desk have been provided for the school while some selected ones were benefiting from the school feeding programme.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Take children's education serious
Accra, Ghana - Parents have been advised not to underestimate the importance of quality education for their children during their formative years.
“The role played by pre-school education in shaping the formative years of the child, especially in developing their capabilities and helping them to overcome initial educational challenges is very crucial”.
Nii Okaija Dinsey, Metro Director of Education said at the launch of the 40th anniversary of the Ghana Education Service Model Nursery School under the theme: Building the Foundation Blocks for the Next Generation’.
He noted that children needed to be adequately prepared to develop specific sets of moral and academic skills and abilities at the pre-school level before they graduated to the basic school.
Nii Dinsey said: “Research has shown that children who participate in high quality, model pre-school programmes are more advanced in key areas of development such as language, literacy and reasoning skills”.
He said government recognized the crucial role played by pre-school, “It is against this background that it has decided to make kindergarten education part of the universal, free and compulsory basic education structure as indicated in the Education Reform”.
Nii Dinsey said some modalities for the realization of the objectives included the supply of text books, syllabi and other logistics to schools and the expansion of kindergarten facilities at the district assemblies.
Mrs Alberta Appietu-Ankrah, Headmistress of the school said the school had adopted improved teaching and learning methods coupled with modern infrastructure to ensure effective academic exercise.
She announced that quiz competition and seminars would be held as part of the activities to mark the 40 years anniversary celebration.
The GES Model School was established in 1969 to serve as a demonstration facility for the training of pre-school teachers.
“The role played by pre-school education in shaping the formative years of the child, especially in developing their capabilities and helping them to overcome initial educational challenges is very crucial”.
Nii Okaija Dinsey, Metro Director of Education said at the launch of the 40th anniversary of the Ghana Education Service Model Nursery School under the theme: Building the Foundation Blocks for the Next Generation’.
He noted that children needed to be adequately prepared to develop specific sets of moral and academic skills and abilities at the pre-school level before they graduated to the basic school.
Nii Dinsey said: “Research has shown that children who participate in high quality, model pre-school programmes are more advanced in key areas of development such as language, literacy and reasoning skills”.
He said government recognized the crucial role played by pre-school, “It is against this background that it has decided to make kindergarten education part of the universal, free and compulsory basic education structure as indicated in the Education Reform”.
Nii Dinsey said some modalities for the realization of the objectives included the supply of text books, syllabi and other logistics to schools and the expansion of kindergarten facilities at the district assemblies.
Mrs Alberta Appietu-Ankrah, Headmistress of the school said the school had adopted improved teaching and learning methods coupled with modern infrastructure to ensure effective academic exercise.
She announced that quiz competition and seminars would be held as part of the activities to mark the 40 years anniversary celebration.
The GES Model School was established in 1969 to serve as a demonstration facility for the training of pre-school teachers.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ghana goes to peace camp
Accra, Ghana- A 10-member team would leave the country on November 22 to represent Ghana in the Second International Generation for Peace Camp in Amman, Jordan. The programme sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme together with Edikanfo Progressive Foundation, an NGO, would also bring together other delegates from Uganda, Sudan, Lebanon and Palestine, among others, to be trained in designing peace proposals as well as implementing them in their home countries. Mr. Patrick Arthur, Director of Communications, Edikanfo Foundation, said the team would use a series of sporting sessions, seminars, workshops, debates and role-playing to cover lessons in conflict management, leadership and project management. "These young leaders will create a global grassroots network of peace advocates and foster a more peaceful world," he added. Mr Arthur said systems and processes had also been put in place to support youth leaders to implement various projects. "Back home in Ghana, the youth will implement various projects aimed at bringing peace in conflict-prone regions in Ghana
Develop indigenous engineering capacity-Ing Akwaboah
Accra, Ghana– Mr Frederick Akwaboah, President, Ghana Institution of Engineers on Friday called for the development of indigenous engineering and technology capacity to enable Ghana to compete effectively in the global economic environment.
He said while science and engineering had contributed to the high quality of life in the developed countries, the role of engineering in developing countries was often not understood.
Mr Akwaboah who made the call when he delivered the 39th Presidential Address of the institution, said capacity building and technical expertise was therefore the key to enhancing the country’s ability to becoming economically self-sufficient.
“Ghana and other developing countries are to lift themselves out of poverty by adopting scientific and engineering approaches to accelerate socio-economic growth”, he said.
Mr Akwaboah said national development entailed the provision of the necessary social and physical facilities towards the realisation of the talents of the individual and the enhancement of the nation.
“Two areas that can likely lead to the desired economic growth and self-sufficiency in developing countries are the utilisation of advanced technologies and education that leads skilful manpower”
Mr Akwaboah relating Ghana to Asia noted that economic development in that continent was mostly attributed to their efforts to enhance the education of their indigenous engineers and technology graduates.
He said the role engineers in poverty reduction could not be under-emphasized adding, capabilities in engineering determine the ability to provide clean water, good health care, adequate infrastructure and safe foods.
On the oil exploration, he said Ghana should learn from the experiences of other countries.
“Engineers need to play a major role in the environmental issues of oil drilling to save the environment from degradation.
Training should aim at developing local competency to complement foreign personnel”.
Mr Akwaboah said such a base of qualified engineers and technologists would facilitate the infusion of foreign capital through aid funds and grow local business.
Engineering practice in Ghana however faces challenges such as the lack of protection of indigenous firms, self-worth, teamwork, slow growth of the construction industry and inadequate support and protection from government and other regulatory bodies.
Mr Akwaboah called for the passage of the engineering bill to enable the council to properly regulate and control the practice in the country.
He said while science and engineering had contributed to the high quality of life in the developed countries, the role of engineering in developing countries was often not understood.
Mr Akwaboah who made the call when he delivered the 39th Presidential Address of the institution, said capacity building and technical expertise was therefore the key to enhancing the country’s ability to becoming economically self-sufficient.
“Ghana and other developing countries are to lift themselves out of poverty by adopting scientific and engineering approaches to accelerate socio-economic growth”, he said.
Mr Akwaboah said national development entailed the provision of the necessary social and physical facilities towards the realisation of the talents of the individual and the enhancement of the nation.
“Two areas that can likely lead to the desired economic growth and self-sufficiency in developing countries are the utilisation of advanced technologies and education that leads skilful manpower”
Mr Akwaboah relating Ghana to Asia noted that economic development in that continent was mostly attributed to their efforts to enhance the education of their indigenous engineers and technology graduates.
He said the role engineers in poverty reduction could not be under-emphasized adding, capabilities in engineering determine the ability to provide clean water, good health care, adequate infrastructure and safe foods.
On the oil exploration, he said Ghana should learn from the experiences of other countries.
“Engineers need to play a major role in the environmental issues of oil drilling to save the environment from degradation.
Training should aim at developing local competency to complement foreign personnel”.
Mr Akwaboah said such a base of qualified engineers and technologists would facilitate the infusion of foreign capital through aid funds and grow local business.
Engineering practice in Ghana however faces challenges such as the lack of protection of indigenous firms, self-worth, teamwork, slow growth of the construction industry and inadequate support and protection from government and other regulatory bodies.
Mr Akwaboah called for the passage of the engineering bill to enable the council to properly regulate and control the practice in the country.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Let ensure quality justice system
Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Chief Justice, on Tuesday underscored the need for the public to offer fair and constructive criticisms that would improve qualitative justice and the rule of law.
This, she said, would help boost public confidence in the Judiciary.
Mrs. Justice Wood made the call at the launch of a 180-page publication
“Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana”, which was published with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Constitutional provisions impose on the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary the onerous task to ensure that conflicts and disputes arising out of election results are amicably settled.
The CJ said, it was for this reason that the launch of the Election Manual had been timely, adding, “It is one of the important initiatives demonstrating our commitment to the rule of law and the speedy and fair adjudication of all electoral related disputes.”
She said the Manual, which was easy to read and digest, was not meant for only lawyers and judges, but for civil society as well.
“Arming ourselves with information and thereby gaining a fair appreciation of the litigation procedures will work to every stakeholder’s advantage.”
She pointed out that the collective will and effort of all Ghanaians, genuinely working together towards transparent and credible elections was absolutely essential to the success of the upcoming elections.
Mrs Justice Wood made reference to the recent election related upheavals in Kenya at the beginning of this year, and in Zimbabwe in the middle of the year.
For this reason, she gave the assurance that the Judiciary was fully prepared to handle, in an expeditious, fair and effective manner, election disputes that might inevitably end up at the courts, as a result of grievances with the electoral process.
“I thought the competent disposal of cases could be achieved through a number of interventions, including the production of an easy-to-read, concise handbook on election dispute adjudication which should serve as a helpful guide to judges, lawyers and other stakeholders to facilitate their effective participation in the process, hence the launch of this manual.”
The CJ intimated that in a week’s time, all Court of Appeal and High Court judges, as well as Registrars, private bailiffs processing companies and other key court staff would attend a two-day intensive training programme on election dispute adjudication.
This, she said, would help boost public confidence in the Judiciary.
Mrs. Justice Wood made the call at the launch of a 180-page publication
“Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana”, which was published with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Constitutional provisions impose on the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary the onerous task to ensure that conflicts and disputes arising out of election results are amicably settled.
The CJ said, it was for this reason that the launch of the Election Manual had been timely, adding, “It is one of the important initiatives demonstrating our commitment to the rule of law and the speedy and fair adjudication of all electoral related disputes.”
She said the Manual, which was easy to read and digest, was not meant for only lawyers and judges, but for civil society as well.
“Arming ourselves with information and thereby gaining a fair appreciation of the litigation procedures will work to every stakeholder’s advantage.”
She pointed out that the collective will and effort of all Ghanaians, genuinely working together towards transparent and credible elections was absolutely essential to the success of the upcoming elections.
Mrs Justice Wood made reference to the recent election related upheavals in Kenya at the beginning of this year, and in Zimbabwe in the middle of the year.
For this reason, she gave the assurance that the Judiciary was fully prepared to handle, in an expeditious, fair and effective manner, election disputes that might inevitably end up at the courts, as a result of grievances with the electoral process.
“I thought the competent disposal of cases could be achieved through a number of interventions, including the production of an easy-to-read, concise handbook on election dispute adjudication which should serve as a helpful guide to judges, lawyers and other stakeholders to facilitate their effective participation in the process, hence the launch of this manual.”
The CJ intimated that in a week’s time, all Court of Appeal and High Court judges, as well as Registrars, private bailiffs processing companies and other key court staff would attend a two-day intensive training programme on election dispute adjudication.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Train relevant manpower to achieve golden age of business
Accra, Ghana-Dr Augustine Quashigah, Head of the Social Studies Department, University of Education, Winneba on Saturday said achieving the golden age of business required the training of relevant manpower to develop the country’s economy.
He therefore urged institutions and government to channel more resources and facilities into business related training schools to churn out products that would help realized the dream.
Dr Quashigah said this at the launching of the seventieth anniversary of the Keta Business Senior High School, which was on the theme: ’70 years of Quality Education, Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward’.
He called on the students to eschew laziness, indiscipline; examination mal-practices and rather become studious in the pursuit of their academic goals for a better future.
Mr Winfred Frealar Kwamivi, National President of the Old Students Association said quality education was the foundation for shaping every individual, “However quality education comes with its challenges ranging from infrastructure development and learning resources and Ketabusco is no exception”.
He noted that the school was faced with numerous challenges that were tampering teaching and learning in the school, “this long hall and the wooden structure has been our cherished mother which accommodated us over the years”.
Mr Kwamivi said despite the challenges, the school had become the centre of attraction in industry, business organizations and tertiary institutions, “this is due to the can do spirited irrespective of the lack of infrastructure”.
He urged the old students to come on board and assist the students in the provision of infrastructure for the school, “Let us re-brand our school and give the future generation a hope”.
Mr Augustine Akpakli, Headmaster of the school said though the school was the second oldest in the Volta region, it lacked adequate facilities and infrastructure that ensured quality education.
He noted that presently the school lacked a library block, typing pool, home economics block, dormitories, science laboratory, and staff bungalows adding, “The administration block which was started more than 10 years ago is still not completed”. Mr Akpakli the achievement of the school with its limited facilities should inspire all stakeholders to continue to strive hard to improve upon the facilities in the school, “The school indeed needs urgent attention”.
He therefore urged institutions and government to channel more resources and facilities into business related training schools to churn out products that would help realized the dream.
Dr Quashigah said this at the launching of the seventieth anniversary of the Keta Business Senior High School, which was on the theme: ’70 years of Quality Education, Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward’.
He called on the students to eschew laziness, indiscipline; examination mal-practices and rather become studious in the pursuit of their academic goals for a better future.
Mr Winfred Frealar Kwamivi, National President of the Old Students Association said quality education was the foundation for shaping every individual, “However quality education comes with its challenges ranging from infrastructure development and learning resources and Ketabusco is no exception”.
He noted that the school was faced with numerous challenges that were tampering teaching and learning in the school, “this long hall and the wooden structure has been our cherished mother which accommodated us over the years”.
Mr Kwamivi said despite the challenges, the school had become the centre of attraction in industry, business organizations and tertiary institutions, “this is due to the can do spirited irrespective of the lack of infrastructure”.
He urged the old students to come on board and assist the students in the provision of infrastructure for the school, “Let us re-brand our school and give the future generation a hope”.
Mr Augustine Akpakli, Headmaster of the school said though the school was the second oldest in the Volta region, it lacked adequate facilities and infrastructure that ensured quality education.
He noted that presently the school lacked a library block, typing pool, home economics block, dormitories, science laboratory, and staff bungalows adding, “The administration block which was started more than 10 years ago is still not completed”. Mr Akpakli the achievement of the school with its limited facilities should inspire all stakeholders to continue to strive hard to improve upon the facilities in the school, “The school indeed needs urgent attention”.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
make regenerative health a subject in schools
Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), Minister for Health on Tuesday said regenerative health education should be prominent in school syllabus to educate Ghanaians and promote a healthy lifestyle.
He noted that promoting healthy living and dieting had the potential to eliminate most of the communicable and non-communicable diseases which had burdened the country's health sector.
Major Quashigah made the call at the opening of a five-day national conference for senior nurse managers on the theme: “Regenerative Health and the Nurse Manager”.
The participants would discuss issues affecting nursing administration and ethics and introduced to other new management concepts, health policies and develop action plans for dissemination.
Major Quashigah said regenerative health and nutrition programme was initiated to change lifestyles, prevent ill-health and promote a healthy individual, adding, "this would increase work output, economic growth, reduce poverty and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals".
He said, "Nurses needed to be empowered with adequate knowledge and skills on the programme for their personal benefit and impart the knowledge to their clientele".
"We are to serve as change agents in our communities after the conference. We must experience a change in our health which would inspire those we come in contact with to adopt the regenerative health and nutrition lifestyle".
Mrs May Osae-Addae, Chief Nursing Officer of Ministry of Health, said a recent survey revealed that there was inadequate information on the programme among senior nurses, therefore the conference would provide a deeper understanding to ensure effective implementation at the regional level.
She noted that the conference would also develop strategies to ensure growth and development of nursing in the country.
Topics to be discussed would include regenerative health and nutrition, customer care, national health vision, NHIS and the nurse/midwifery manager, code of conduct and effect of staff attitude and interpersonal relations in service delivery.
He noted that promoting healthy living and dieting had the potential to eliminate most of the communicable and non-communicable diseases which had burdened the country's health sector.
Major Quashigah made the call at the opening of a five-day national conference for senior nurse managers on the theme: “Regenerative Health and the Nurse Manager”.
The participants would discuss issues affecting nursing administration and ethics and introduced to other new management concepts, health policies and develop action plans for dissemination.
Major Quashigah said regenerative health and nutrition programme was initiated to change lifestyles, prevent ill-health and promote a healthy individual, adding, "this would increase work output, economic growth, reduce poverty and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals".
He said, "Nurses needed to be empowered with adequate knowledge and skills on the programme for their personal benefit and impart the knowledge to their clientele".
"We are to serve as change agents in our communities after the conference. We must experience a change in our health which would inspire those we come in contact with to adopt the regenerative health and nutrition lifestyle".
Mrs May Osae-Addae, Chief Nursing Officer of Ministry of Health, said a recent survey revealed that there was inadequate information on the programme among senior nurses, therefore the conference would provide a deeper understanding to ensure effective implementation at the regional level.
She noted that the conference would also develop strategies to ensure growth and development of nursing in the country.
Topics to be discussed would include regenerative health and nutrition, customer care, national health vision, NHIS and the nurse/midwifery manager, code of conduct and effect of staff attitude and interpersonal relations in service delivery.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
communities benefits from potable water supply
Aqua Vitens Rand Ltd. (AVRL) is spending over GhC1.04 million (700,000 euros) to provide water to nearly 50,000 people in seven deprived communities, under a corporate social responsibility project known as “Water 4 Life.”
“Water 4 Life” is financed through voluntary contributions from customers of Vitens of the Netherlands, one of AVRL’S two shareholders.
AVRL manages the funds in Ghana for projects independently of its management contract with Ghana Water Company.
The beneficiary communities include Teshie Old Town in Accra and Nsuatre in the Brong-Ahafo region where a total of 12,500 people previously without regular access to affordable and potable water, now receive it.
The Nsuatre facility comprises the development and mechanisation of a borehole, electricity extension, a 25,000-gallon steel storage tank and a network of transmission lines. The Nsuatre facility is valued at 85,000 euros. It will serve 5,000 people, and is due to be commissioned in November.
A similar facility worth twice as much has also been approved for Tuobodom to supply water to 13,000 people who are underserved.
Additionally, 11 villages in the Central Region are being connected to new pipelines that will serve almost 14,000 people.
A further 6,500 people in Bawku and Zaare in Upper East will receive potable water through special water kiosks whose construction is near completion. Two water kiosks with associated civil works serving 2,500 people has already been completed at Navrongo at a cost of 100,000 euros.
““Water 4 Life” is very important to AVRL and Vitens,” according to Andrew Barber, Managing Director of AVRL. “It demonstrates the keen interest of Vitens to go beyond its contract obligations to improve access to water for deprived communities in Ghana.”
“Water 4 Life” is financed through voluntary contributions from customers of Vitens of the Netherlands, one of AVRL’S two shareholders.
AVRL manages the funds in Ghana for projects independently of its management contract with Ghana Water Company.
The beneficiary communities include Teshie Old Town in Accra and Nsuatre in the Brong-Ahafo region where a total of 12,500 people previously without regular access to affordable and potable water, now receive it.
The Nsuatre facility comprises the development and mechanisation of a borehole, electricity extension, a 25,000-gallon steel storage tank and a network of transmission lines. The Nsuatre facility is valued at 85,000 euros. It will serve 5,000 people, and is due to be commissioned in November.
A similar facility worth twice as much has also been approved for Tuobodom to supply water to 13,000 people who are underserved.
Additionally, 11 villages in the Central Region are being connected to new pipelines that will serve almost 14,000 people.
A further 6,500 people in Bawku and Zaare in Upper East will receive potable water through special water kiosks whose construction is near completion. Two water kiosks with associated civil works serving 2,500 people has already been completed at Navrongo at a cost of 100,000 euros.
““Water 4 Life” is very important to AVRL and Vitens,” according to Andrew Barber, Managing Director of AVRL. “It demonstrates the keen interest of Vitens to go beyond its contract obligations to improve access to water for deprived communities in Ghana.”
Aqua Vitens establishes call centre
Aqua Vitens Rand Ltd. (AVRL), acting for and on behalf of Ghana Water Company Ltd. (GCL) as the Operator, has established an internet-based Call Centre which will receive customer complaints and enquiries from all over the country.
“Customers can now call 0800 40000 from any Ghana Telecom or One Touch phone to our call centre without paying for the call, because it’s toll free,” Mrs. Edith Boachie, Call Centre Manageress said.
“We’re making efforts to include other networks as well, and so this is the starting point,” she said.
The establishment of the call centre is part of AVRL’s new efforts at improving customer care. “No matter how brilliant our engineers are, if we fail to take good care of our customers, then we would have failed in our purpose,” said Andrew Barber, Managing Director of AVRL.
“The company is investing in training customer care staff and improving customer care facilities throughout the country, because the customer ought to be at the centre of all our activities,” Mr. Barber said.
The Call Centre works through trained Front Office Agents at AVRL’s head office in Accra, who receive customers’ calls. If the Agent cannot assist the customer directly, the complaint or enquiry is forwarded to a Back Office Agent in the concerned region to investigate and respond.
“Every enquiry as well as the time it takes to respond is all logged. This enables us to keep track of the complaints and ensure that it doesn’t take us more than 48 hours to get back to the customer. It also enables us to profile the enquiries so that our efforts can go exactly where they’re required,” Mrs. Boachie said.
“Customers can now call 0800 40000 from any Ghana Telecom or One Touch phone to our call centre without paying for the call, because it’s toll free,” Mrs. Edith Boachie, Call Centre Manageress said.
“We’re making efforts to include other networks as well, and so this is the starting point,” she said.
The establishment of the call centre is part of AVRL’s new efforts at improving customer care. “No matter how brilliant our engineers are, if we fail to take good care of our customers, then we would have failed in our purpose,” said Andrew Barber, Managing Director of AVRL.
“The company is investing in training customer care staff and improving customer care facilities throughout the country, because the customer ought to be at the centre of all our activities,” Mr. Barber said.
The Call Centre works through trained Front Office Agents at AVRL’s head office in Accra, who receive customers’ calls. If the Agent cannot assist the customer directly, the complaint or enquiry is forwarded to a Back Office Agent in the concerned region to investigate and respond.
“Every enquiry as well as the time it takes to respond is all logged. This enables us to keep track of the complaints and ensure that it doesn’t take us more than 48 hours to get back to the customer. It also enables us to profile the enquiries so that our efforts can go exactly where they’re required,” Mrs. Boachie said.
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