News
Ho Cenotaph Still In Squalor
The cenotaph constructed at the Old Durbar Ground at Ho almost a quarter of a century ago in honour of fallen war heroes, is still in a horrible state .
The Spectator embarked on a campaign about the two years ago to have the monument restored to serve its appropriate purpose but nothing had since been done about it.
Now the cenotaph is hidden covered by weeds.
Worse is that, some unpatriotic members of the public make their way through the weeds to either defecate or urinate around the cenotaph.
Others also dump wastes around it with impunity.
Meanwhile, rodents and reptiles are multiplying rapidly around the cenotaph which is an affront and great dishonour to the war heroes.
The structure was constructed by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) in 1996, at the cost of GH¢9million.
It served as the venue for the celebration of Remembrance Day and other events of the security agencies.
After some years, the cenotaph was left to decay, fade and fall into oblivion, contrary to the purpose for which it was built.
In the absence of a cenotaph at the Jubilee Park, however, the wreath laying ceremonies now take place around make-shift wooden structures.
The crumbling cenotaph is metres away from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Regional Health Directorate, the uncompleted Regional Library, Ho Municipal Hospital, Regional Museum and the Anglican Basic Schools.
The stench emanating from the excrement around the monument poses public nuisance.
The old Durbar Ground itself is now a bushy field where some young people go hunting for rats, although it could be maintained to host smaller events.
“This is a big shame”, a visitor to the placeremarked.
Investigations conducted by The Spectator prior to filing this story revealed that the Old Durbar Ground is a state land and, therefore, falls under the management of the Volta Region Lands Commission.
When contacted recently, a source close to the commission, explained that the maintenance of the ground was specifically the responsibility of the user-agencies which had acquired it.
The source, however, could not disclose immediately the user-agency in-charge of the ground.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
