Fire Destroys Properties Worth Thousands Of Cedis

Fire has destroyed properties worth thousands of cedis at Odornaa near circle.

Our colleague Edward Kwabi visited the affected area and reports, over 300 people have been rendered homeless as a result of the fire.

Panic broke out yesterday 23rd November, 2010 at Odornaa along the railway line near Circle at about 2 pm after a disastrous fire broke out.

According to an eye witness, the fire started when a broken cable caught fire after coming into contact with a cooking device.

People stared in awe as their homes and shops erected along the railway line went up in flames.

Over 150 structures have been affected leaving over 300 people displaced.

The fire service arrived at the scene about 15 minutes to save the situation but there was little to be done as the fire had already gutted structures.

A young woman in her mid-twenties lamented the loss of her baby but authorities of the fire service are yet to confirm.

The regional fire commander, Edwin Blankson said the fire service is yet to establish the cause of fire.


source: www.tv3.com.gh

GJA-GIJ LAUNCHES NEW CONSTITUTION

The Ghana Journalists Association Chapter of the GIJ has launched a new constitution.

Students were advised to uphold the ethics of the profession and read widely to acquire more knowledge.
the newly elected executive of the Association were also sworn-in.

The vice president of the Association, Edward Kwabi, noted, the club has held several fora on the practice of journalism, the challenges of the profession and the importance of specialisation all in a bid to build the capacity of members.

The patron of the club Tim Quashigah advised the students to maintain a high sense of responsibility and decorum in practice.

TV3 news anchor Nana Aba Anamoah advised the students to read broadly.

sourece: www.tv3.com.gh

Only 8 Institutions Accredited to Run and Award Diplomas and Degrees

The National Accreditation Board says it has so far accredited only eight institutions to run and award communications diplomas and degrees.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Kwame Datteh hinted of stringent measures to weed-out unaccredited institutions.

Our correspondent, Edward Kwabi reports that statistics from the National Accreditation Board indicates less than ten tertiary institutions in the country have been accredited to run courses in communication studies and journalism.

That notwithstanding, over a dozen schools claiming to offer such courses have sprung up throughout the country.

Such institutions resort to aggressive media advertisement wooing students for admission.

Apart from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, the University of Ghana, National Film and Television institute and the University of Cape Coast, the board has also accredited four private institutions to offer communication-related courses

He said plans are underway to prosecute schools awarding tertiary certificates without accreditation.

He explained the accreditation acquisition procedures and time-frame.

Kwame Datteh advised parents and students to verify the status of any school before enrolling.

He called on the public to assist in curbing the menace.

source:TV3 News

Story from Tv3.com.gh

Efua Sutherland Children's Park in a Diplorable State

The Efua Sutherland children's park is in a deplorable state.

The facility lacks modern play games which officials say make it unattractive for children and young people who patronize it.

Our correspondents Baisiwa Dowuona-Hammond and Edward Kwabi examine the state of the major children's recreational facility in the capital and report experts say apart from the fun and emotional fulfillment experience, recreation and leisure is crucial to the develop of the child.

They contend, it also provides children and young people with the freedom and space to explore new things and master new skills.

Unfortunately, very little can be said of the recreational centres in the country.

The Efua Sutherland Children's Park, the major recreational centre is in a poor state.

Since establishment in 1979, the facility has seen no major rehabilitation, making it unattractive.

The park which is under the auspices of the ministry of women and children's affairs lacks modern play equipment and decent toilet facilities.

The basket ball court for instance was near collapse as well as some broken chairs that still sat unattended to.

The only train the facility boasts of was in a deplorable state and officials complained about the rail tracks which is yet to undergo repairs.

Not to mention the makeshift train ticket stations which were completely broken down.

One other thing that caught our attention was the overgrown grass, compounding the poor sanitary conditions around the park.

The scene indeed leaves much to be desired, posing danger to the health and safety of the children.

According to the acting Director at the department of children, ministry of women and children's affairs Peter Eduful, the facility is understaffed, making it difficult to keep it in order.

He however called on corporate bodies and individuals to support the rebuilding of the Efua Sutherland Children's Park.

Author: TV3 News source: www.tv3.com.gh

Mining in Wassa- A threat to lives

Residents of Wassa Amenfi east district in the western region have complained about the alarming operations of galamsey operators in the area.

They are worried; activities of these illegal miners have had a bad effect on sanitation.

Edward Kwabi, our correspondent reports, the situation is a health threat to the community.

The only source of drinking water for the people in the Wassa Amenfi east district, river Ankobrah, is said to be polluted with chemicals from mining activities.

Residents of Adansi, a gold mining community in the district, say their sources of drinking water have been used either as sites for mining or construction.

Due to lack of potable water, inhabitants have no option but to drink the water from Ankobrah.

Illegal miners have rendered roads in the district almost unmotorable.

They mostly leave dugged out holes uncovered which are a threat to the community.

Residents are also apprehensive; some Chinese miners have taken over their land without compensating them.

Residents claimed, the Chinese firm promised them good drinking water and electricity but nothing had come of these promises.

They are aggrieved, mining activities have destroyed their cocoa farms and efforts to have the authorities intervene have proved futile.

Meanwhile the only school in the community is in a deplorable state, with a new one yet to be completed.

Residents are therefore appealing for support from government and NGO's.

Author: TV3 News source: www.tv3.com.gh