Wednesday, November 12, 2008

at 10:03 AM Labels: , , , , , , Posted by THE INFORMER



The Informer


1st edition, November 12th, 2008


Ho, Volta Region - Ghana


Editor: Laura S. Dogbey




EDITORIAL

By Laura S. Dogbey

A journey of thousand miles is said to start with just one step. It is a fact that social vices such as drug abuse and teenage pregnancy are on the increase among the youth of today. What possible cause can we attribute to this issue that is harming our youth, who are the future leaders of this nation?
As youth, to be passive and indifferent to this is wickedness and to be ignorant of it is folly. As such, there must be a zealous effort on the part of all concerned to reverse this state of affairs.
Since time and tide waits for no man, we start our work by first working towards punctuality and time consciousness.
It is through this effort that 19 young people of the Lady Volta Resource Centre’s Creative Writing and Journalism Club, in Ho, the capital of Volta Region, have fought tooth and nail to get matters voiced out through a medium such as this mural newspaper.
Dear reader, we now present to you by the grace of God, the maiden edition of THE INFORMER. A bi-weekly mural newspaper which has the youth in focus and the nation at heart.
Indeed Francis Beacon said that. ‘”some books are to be tasted, others chewed, some swallowed and others digested’. Yes, we present to you a newspaper to be tasted, chewed swallowed and digested into the bloodstream of the youth of today.
The maiden edition features interviews with renowned personalities on politics, agriculture sector, sports and entertainment, and reproductive and sexual health issues including female genital mutilation, teenage pregnancy syphilis, medicine and a whole lot that is going to blow your mind off as you start reading this piece.
We chose to feature all this important topics to create awareness to the growing youth, especially on reproductive and sexual health issues which the youth has little or no knowledge about it.
Finally, we will like to thank all and sundry who contribute diverse quotas towards the realisation of this dream.

“Youth is an opportunity to do something and become somebody” .T,T Munger.




Education Section




Free schooling is not general in Volta Region



By Ike Nkutie



One of the last education policies installed by the government is the School Feeding Programme to free education to all students. At Mawuli E.P., one of the leading schools in Ho Municipality, in Volta Region, students plead for more investment in education and a full and honest approach to the programme.
“The government promised to make education free but hasn’t fulfilled it. We have a good amount of classes and extra curricular activities but it all has a very high cost for our families,” explains the Junior Secondary Student of the Mawuli E.P., Alorkpa Valley.
According to him the free education programme has not yet been fully implemented. “We still pay for the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), sports, exam fees, printing fee and the expensive registration fee. Even though the classes are supposed to be free, what we pay is even more expensive that if we had to pay a tuition,” says Alorkpa.
Alorkpa’s situation is still common in the Volta Region. While some schools are benefiting from the programme, some are only partially and others not at all. The situation is not balanced and, according to Alorkpa, it is unfair and very difficult to handle.




Social Ballot




Agricultural sector is gradually deteriorating



By James Hogra



Due to the high cost of food prices these days, it is assumed that the agricultural sector is gradually deteriorating. Ghana is mostly an agricultural country and its citizens strongly depend on the crop production for survival and development. The deterioration of the sector is alarming to a lot of farmers who are scared to be thrown into poverty.
According to the yam farmer in Dodome (Volta Region), Kwame Enek, 40, the decrease of the productivity is caused by the lack of the transportation that links crop producing areas to the markets.
She also attributes to it the lack of skilled labor and the little investment the government has been doing in the sector. “The government should help educate the farmers on new farming strategies, ” explains Enek, stating that the sector depends on how skillful the workers are.
Enek concluded by saying that that agriculture is the backbone of every nation. “It must be helped vividly.”




Sports Field




Voltarians also have the “spirit” of good football



By Dickson Hayi



Since an incredible match I have witnessed last September in Ho, I can proudly say that voltarians also have the spirit to play great football.
The galley match was organized by the chiefs of Asogli state as part of the regional Yam Festival Celebration. I wish you were there to witness the event and then understand that Volta Region also has talent! The most celebrated players were Norni, Eli, Dedem Alogba, Agbana and Rasta. There were many of them, but these were certainly the ones that were on the people’s mouth.
Ghanaians forget that Cameroon star player, Samuel Lto’o was also a voltarian. And what about the Ghanaians “Iron Strikers” Junior Agogo and Haminu Dramani? Also voltarians! The first and second places of the MTN Soccer Academy were also from Volta!
But we lack sponsorship and it seems like the Ghana Football Association (GFA) does not have the courage to bet on the voltarians. So we are begging to our Chiefs and those others who can to help our players. We must make the GFA see and invest in our voltarians!




It's Politics!




People in Lome support the NPP candidate, Dr. Lestsa



Investment in education is his main concern



By Dzakumah Godwin Noamesi



Last Thursday, on the 30th October, the Chief and people of Lome traditional area, a suburb of Ho Central, in the Volta Region, welcomed with enthusiasm the National Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate Dr. Archibald Yao Lestsa.
Since 1983, Dr. Lestsa has been working as a doctor and now, moved by the wish to bring development to the Volta Region, has decided to venture into politics.
In his speech delivered to the people present at the event, if elected, he promised to address the local issues and to bring development at large for the area. “I will provide a tarred road to the Capital city, Ho, to improve business transactions,” stated the candidate, hoping to have Nana Akuffo (NPP) as his president and partner.
He stressed that education is one of the most important elements for the development of a nation. “Free education is a step in the right direction,” explained, pointing out that if he is elected, the school feeding programme will be extended.
Also as a major project, in a collaborative effort with other parliamentarians from the area, the candidate wishes to bring a public university to Volta Region.
Dr. Lessa addressed the youth, saying that if elected he will battle against unemployment by localizing small-scale industries for the young people to engage in. He also hopes to provide resource centres to keep the youth away from crime.
Another of his great concerns is guaranteeing access to high quality health services in the region. “We shall do all it takes to bring to our doorstep good services in health,” promised Dr. Lestsa.
Finally, the Chief at Lome addressed its people that other political parties should be respected and listened to. He recommended that riots and provocations so that peace and tranquility prevail in December’s election.
Dr. Lestsa was accompanied by high profile members of the party, his campaign manager and the Financial Secretary of the Ho Central Constituency, Mr. Daniel Jekpodoe.




All about RSH



People living with Aids must seek early treatment

By Innocent Akorli

“To fight HIV, the infected person needs to seek early treatment. The anti-retroviral drugs can work,” states the research fellow on the topic, Dr. Danso, from Volta Region.
According to him, Aids is an abbreviation for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is caused by the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV).The virus first attacks the immune system, blocking the body’s defence against other diseases, like tuberculosis, for example. People cannot die from Aids. People die from the other diseases that the body is unable to fight.
“Aids has no cure but with the introduction of various anti-retroviral drugs one can live longer with the virus if he or she seeks early medical intervention”, explains Dr. Danso.
The upcoming of new drugs will probably make an impact on the high HIV prevalence rates in the country. Statistics shows that its prevalence in Ghana is 3.4% and about 90% of those affected are between the ages of 15 to 49 years old.
He said that Aids was first diagnosed in the United States of America (USA) BY local scientists and was first detected in Ghana in the year of 1986 and since then has become a constant in the country.
Currently, for the disease to be diagnosed, one need to go through voluntary counselling and testing (VCT).
Mr. Danso advised the youth is to avoid casual sex and be faithful to their partners. “They must also insist on the use of sterilised syringes and needles anytime they visit the hospital,” added the doctor.
He explained that the virus is transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing needles and syringes without sterilisation and blood transfusion from an infected person. Also pregnant women can transmit the virus to their children and also while breastfeeding.
He concluded by urging us to show love and compassion to people living with Aids.


Opinion Corner




Stop female circumcision

By Regina Agbeko

Female circumcision (FC) or Female Genital Mutilation involves the cutting or removal of the external genitals of girls and young women as a rite of passage into womanhood.

In some cultures it consists on the removal of the hood of the clitoris, or all the clitoris or the inner lips of the vagina. In Ghana, over 15% of the female population has undergone one of these procedures.

The FC has serious consequences on the woman’s health. It can lead to extreme and continuous pain on the genital area, infection, difficulties during childbirth and several sexual problems.

Since 2001, the World Health Organization condemns the practice. In most countries it is considered a crime against a woman’s freedom and self-being.


It is time for it to stop. Organizations and some governments are trying to promote a symbolic cut that would only represent the practice, without jeopardizing the genital system. That can be a good way to avoid ruining a girl’s life forever.




Drugs are not a good way to escape the harshness of life



By Delali Ahiatrogah



Lately drug Abuse has become a problem among the youth because of different reasons – from peer influence, curiosity to trying to forget problems or reducing feelings of failure and pain.
Considering that drugs are anything that changes our perception and the way our body and mind works, alcohol and tobacco and even paracetamol are drugs present in and affecting our youth.
According to a doctor, who is a friend of mine, any substance should only be taken with the prescription and directions of a health worker. He told me that some could affect people’s learning ability and memory. Most of all, drugs can lead into bad judgment and really strong lack of concentration.
The youth must understand that drugs bring a lot of problems to a person’s life and it is the media responsibility to make them aware.
Young people must remember to be true to themselves and not be fooled by what people say. Even though peers might try to convince them that drugs are a good way to escape, life gets harder once they become addicted. It only makes their problems more serious.
Young people should stay focus on living a healthy life and concentrate into a better future.




Unwanted pregnancy also affects young people



By Courage Agrompah



Young people are not safe from unwanted pregnancy. This phenomenon – called teenage pregnancy – is more common than we think and it can affect a young person’s life in many ways.
It is very common for young people to have sex without any form of contraception and ending up getting pregnant and having to face many problems because of that.
Girls either have their babies and become young mothers or go through unsafe abortions that in many cases can lead them to health problems and death.
The boys also go through a lot of trouble. They have to go look for money to support the new family. He faces either having to steal or run away from the responsibility.
Young people must start using contraceptives or stop having sex without reason.




Syphilis; is it still a threat?

By Etornam Kornu

According to the Oxford dictionary, Syphilis, is an infectious disease passed from one person to another through sexual contact with an infected person. Unborn babies can also acquire it from an infected parent through birth. It is caused by a bacteria whose nickname is ‘haircut’ or ‘bad blood’. Its early signs include painless sores which develop around the sex organs in both male and females, rashes on the body and soles of the feet, headache and cold.
These signs and symptoms disappear in about 5 weeks but the virus remains in the body causing harm to internal delicate organs, such as the heart, brain and the sex organs. This can gradually develop into stroke, blindness and even death.
Well, the good news I have for you is that syphilis can be treated if the person seeks early treatment.
But, as people say, prevention is better than cure. I therefore advice anyone who detect any of the above signs or symptoms to seek early medical advice to prevent further damages from occurring. The recent introduction of certain antibiotics has also reduced its spreading rate.
The best way is to avoid the disease and other sexually transmitted infections. So, you should stick to one partner, avoid irresponsible sex and always use a condom when you have sex.




Enternteinment




GOSSIP! GOSSIP! GOSSIP!

Kalyppo fight!

By Courage Afashime

On Tuesday 11th November 2008, at 7pm promptly two ladies were struggling over a Kalyppo at the activity room 2 in the Lady Volta Resource Centre, located in Ho.
Based on my interviews they were given one Kalyppo each for refreshments during a journalism lecture. But this two particular ladies were requesting for more than one with the view that one wasn’t enough for them.

So they were struggling over the rest of the Kalyppo until the facilitator took them away. My final question was: Why struggling over Kalyppo and not biscuits? And guess the expression on their faces… they looked very sad but pretended to smile.

NOTE: I’m very interested in what people do. So, if you have anything that I can gossip on, contact me personally on 02067938889. It’s very confidential!!!!

Catch you later! Cause I have another hot gossip to catch up with!




JOKE
By Maxwel Edem Dogbey

A reporter interviewing a 104 year old woman asked; what do you think is the best thing being 104? “No peer pressure she replied”.


POETRY

A TRUE FRIEND



A true friend is not just a friend; but one who is there till the end.
A true friend is not just for a time; but for all time.
A true friend understands emotions and so stays through all situations
A true friend is part of every storm and so is comforted in every form
A true friend sees distance; not a loss of contact but as a movement of concern, in every instance.
Who is your true friend?





CONTACT US: theinformer-ghana@gmail.com

0 comments: