Kufuor inaugurates Essipon Stadium
Sekondi, Jan. 13, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Sunday inaugurated the 38.5-million-dollar multi-functional state-of-the-art Sports Stadium built in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The facility with a seating capacity for 20,000, took 20 months to complete, one-and-a-half months ahead of schedule. It will serve as one of the venues for the "MTN Ghana 2008" Tournament, which is just a week away.
Inaugurating it, President Kufuor, said there was no doubt that the hosting of the prestigious Confederation of African Nation's Cup competition would give a boost to the country's economy. He therefore urged the people in the area to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that would be provided. Additionally, he counseled the management of the stadium, to ensure high level of professionalism and best practices to keep it always in good shape.
President Kufuor recognized the significant contribution made by the metropolis to the country's football, citing prolific striker, Edward Acquah, from the area, who was reputed to have scored more goals for the national team, the Black Stars, than any other player. Sekondi-Takoradi, he said, therefore deserved such a facility. He said the vision of the government was to give each regional capital its own stadium.
The President praised the contractors, Shanghai Construction Group of China, for the good job done and said it was one more example of the growing Sino-Ghana relations.
Professor Dominic Fobi, Minister of Education, Science and Sports, described it as a whole new legacy for the people in the Western Region. It would open a new window of opportunity through the generation of economic activities, he observed.
Nana Kobina Nketsia, Omanhene of Essikado, said the people were grateful to the government for the project. He said Ghanaians, noted for their passion for football, should feel proud and thankful to the government for providing them with four world-class stadiums.
Mr Shi Chan Yu, Deputy Project Manager of the Chinese Company, said the harmonious environment and support they enjoyed from the government and people enabled them to deliver ahead of schedule.
Source:
GNA
NDC Organizer assaulted over goat
Techiman (B/A), Jan. 13 GNA - The Police in Techiman have granted an enquiry bail to the Presiding Member of the Techiman Municipal Assembly, Mr Nicholas Asamoah Abanaba for allegedly assaulting Mr Mumuni Saaka Adam, Techiman Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Blewushie Godwin Cashman, Techiman Municipal Crime Officer, told GNA that Abanaba allegedly confronted Mumuni at the premises of the Municipal Assembly, saying he had a personal score to settle with him.
ASP Cashman said Mumuni in his statement to the Police said the Presiding Member accused him (Mumuni) of reporting to ASTA FM, a local radio station, that the Presiding Member had stolen the carcass of a goat.
Mumuni said that even though he denied doing anything of the sort, Abanaba held him and slapped him a number of times and tore his shirt. He said when he was rescued by passers-by; he went and lodged a complaint with the Police.
The Police issued Mumuni with a medical form to attend hospital. It was alleged that in December 2007 a vehicle knocked down a goat at Krobo, near Techiman, and some members of the New Patriotic Party cooked it and ate it and were later made to pay GH=A2 30 for it.
Source:
GNA
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NPP would hand over power to NPP - Akuffo-Addo
Koforidua, Jan. 13, GNA -- The presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has assured that, the party would make a new political history by handing over to itself come January 7, 2009.
He therefore implored the party foot soldiers to vigorously work towards that objective.
Nana Akuffo-Addo said this when he addressed the party faithful at a thanksgiving rally at Koforidua, to show his appreciation to the delegates for electing him at the just ended congress to lead the party for this year's national election.
He observed that, contrary to speculations that the party would be divided after the congress due to the large number of contestants, the NPP had showed maturity and democracy at it best to the admiration of all and even its opponents.
Nana Akuffo-Addo said now that the congress was over and even the contenders had thrashed out their differences, it beholds on party supporters to do the same and forge ahead in unity, whiles working for the realization of the party's victory.
He also called for a cordial relationship between the party and the government, saying that, winning the election this year largely depends on the good works of the government, which must be propagated by the supporters of the party.
Nana Akuffo-Addo advised the party supporters who have attained 18 years to register when the voters-register is opened in March this year.
He said the NPP had always carried out its campaign with decorum and would do same this year, assuring that the tactics and strategies to be adopted would let the NPP win the election one touch.
Nana Akuffo-Addo promised to work tirelessly with all executives and members of the party and said the party was going to strengthen its grassroots structures.
The General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow noted that the peace that was prevailing in the party after the congress was a clear manifestation that, the party had come of age in democracy and would continue to prove to Ghanaians that they really understood democracy.
He said the performance of the party during past elections was commendable and explained that, in 1996, the party won 61 parliamentary seats and it went up 103 in 2000 then to 128 in 2004, and assured that this year, the party was targeting 140 seats in Parliament.
Nana Akuffo-Addo was accompanied to the rally grounds by 13 of the 17 aspirants, who contested the NPP flagbearership with him.
They were Mr Alan Kyerematen, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, Prof Frimpong Boateng, Mr Hackman Owusu Agyemang, Mr Felix Owusu Agyepong, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Dr Addo Kufuor, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, Mr Kwabena Agyepong, Mr Agyarko Kyrematen, Mr Dan Botwe and Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey.
They pledged their unflinching support to Nana Akuffo-Addo to retain power for the party.
Nana Akuffo-Addo had held similar thanksgiving rallies in other regional capitals including Cape Coast, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, Tarkoradi, Wa and Kumasi.
Source:
GNA
Two people die in motor accident
Nyinahin (Ash), Jan 13, GNA- Two people died on the spot and 18 others sustained various degrees of injury when a Kia truck and a Benz Bus collided on Kumasi-Bibiani road in the Atwima Mponua District on Thursday.
The deceased have been identified as Koo Siki, 30, driver of the truck and Kwame Obeng, 50, the driver's mate, all from Nyinahin. Inspector James Opoku in-charge of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit at Nyianhin in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the accident occurred between Akwaabuokrom and Otaakrom near Nyinahin at about 2100 hours.
He said 18 passengers who sustained various degrees of injury were admitted at Nyinahin and Bibiani Hospitals. Inspector Opoku said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Bibiani Hospital for autopsy.
He said the driver of the Benz Bus was on the run and the police have intensified their search for him to assist in investigations.
Source:
GNA
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Use Ghana 2008 to advertise Ghanaian dishes
Tamale, Jan. 12, GNA- Mr. William Ayambire, the Northern Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board, has appealed to food vendors and drinking bar operators to take advantage of the 2008 African Cup of Nations to held in the country this month to market popular Ghanaian dishes.
He cited that Fufu, Banku and Tuo Zafi,(TZ) prepared with groundnut soup and guinea fowl meat could be well packaged for foreigners who would be in the country for the tournament.
Mr. Ayambire was speaking at a two-day training workshop organised by the Tourist Board in collaboration with Cook Art Ghana, for food vendors and chop bar and drinking bar operators in Tamale on Saturday. The workshop was aimed at educating participants on how to improve upon their service delivery and the need to ensure personal and environmental hygiene, especially at the areas of operations. Mr. Ayambire asked service providers to be polite, avoid cheating their customers and to entertain them with Ghanaian music and traditional dances to portray Ghanaian culture during the event. He also cautioned service providers not to engage the services of teenagers, which could be misconstrued as child labour by foreigners who might not understand Ghanaian culture.
Madam Bella Ahu, National Coordinator of Cook Art Ghana, said the group in collaboration with the Tourist Board had trained over 3,000 Chop bar and drinking bar operators throughout the country in preparation for the tournament.
Source:
GNA
Massive demonstration in Tamale
Tamale, Jan. 12, GNA- The Committee for Joint Action (CJA) on Saturday defied a Tamale Circuit Court injunction restraining it from embarking on its planned demonstration by holding a massive successful march in the Metropolis.
The demonstration, dubbed "Birkuti" in Dagbani, meaning they are killing us, started as early as 0830 hours, which saw pockets of demonstrators coming out of different places and converging at starting point. The large number of demonstrators marched for over two hours through the principal streets of the Metropolis clad in red "T" shirts and carrying placards some of which read: "The wahala is too much", "Ghana at 50, Tamale at Zero", "NPP utility bills are killing us" and "Kufuor where are you sending Ghana".
Messer's Kwesi Pratt, Bernard Mornah and Omane Boamah were some of the leaders of the CJA who came from Accra to lead the demonstration. While majority of the demonstrators including women and people with disabilities walked, others rode on motorcycles and horses amidst the hooting of horns, beating of drums and singing war songs. A large crowd also stood by and cheered them up.
Some few police personnel could be seen in position at the Banks and other security checkpoints to ensure that nothing bizarre happened. The demonstrators later converged at the Tamale Jubilee Park, but could not gain entry because the place had been locked, while an helicopter was also flying overhead.
On the whole the demonstration went on peacefully.
Source:
GNA
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Akuffo-Addo storms Ho
Ho, Jan. 12, GNA- Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Friday stormed the Volta Regional capital, Ho and proposed to reconcile the region.
"We will marry the Volta Region so that it joins us towards a new free Ghana built on reconciliation", Nana Akufo-Addo said. In tow was an-almost full armour of his former opponents in the contest to lead the party in this year's Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The tone for the courtship was set by an equally frank response by Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia at the forecourt of his palace with chiefs of the Asogli Traditional Council and people in attendance.
Nana Akufo-Addo said his main pre-occupation would be to bring the Volta region to join the majority as the party gears up to contest in every nook and cranny of the region to break the perceived invincibility of the National Democratic Congress there. He gave the assurance that he was firmly behind the party in the Region and would arm it fully for a major political battle hence his tour to pat them for their resilience so far in holding the bridge in a seemingly difficult terrain.
Togbe Afede, said, "let us reject politics that play on the forces that divide us, that play on sentiments, that make us uncomfortable, and instead forge the kind of alliances that will enhance our strength". He said, "the politics of our region needs to be interpreted within the context of the dirty and hate politics of the past, especially during the transition to democratic rule in 1992, when tribe based slogans were coined by short-sighted politicians".
"Voltarians have become unfortunate victims of the dirty politics from which they have not benefited much," Togbe Afede observed. He said it was imperative that the country was united "to confront the urgent developmental challenges and needs of our people. These are needs of our time and they must be met during our time". Togbe Afede urged politicians to be mindful of their conduct and ensure that their actions do not disturb the peace, which distinguishes the country in the sub-region.
Source:
GNA
Don't Beat War Drums -NPP to Mills/NDC
The former defense minister, Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor has stated that the 2008 elections will be fought and won on issues but not on the beating of war drums as the NDC flagbearer, Prof. Atta Mills is trying to tell Ghanaians. According to him it was wrong for Prof. Mills to begin his campaign with the beating of war drums, which would not help anybody in the country.
Dr. Addo Kufuor noted that Ghana was a peaceful country in the hands of God and that no amount of threats on the part of the opposition would scare Ghanaians. “Ghana is a peaceful country that belongs to God and so nobody can do anything to disturb our peace”, Dr. Addo Kufuor pointed out.
According to the former Ghana Medical Association president, Ghanaian voters would give their votes to political parties based on their track records. “NPP is the best party for Ghana because president Kufuor has laid the foundation for the party and therefore the elections will be won on track record”, he charged.
Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor was speaking at a rally organized at Tarkwa yesterday to welcome the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo to the Western region. The flagbearer was in the region to show appreciation to delegates for electing him as the leader of the party.
Meanwhile, Ernest Kofi Adu & Issah Alhassan report from Kumasi that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has assured his party’s supporters that he is poised to deliver a resounding victory for the party and take over from President Kufuor.
According to him, he would do what the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Prof. J. E. A Mills could not do in the 2000 general elections for his party when he allowed political power to slip through his hands as an incumbent government at the time.
The NPP presidential candidate expressed these sentiments at a ceremony in Kumasi to convey his gratitude to delegates who attended the last congress that elected him. He indicated that he would make history in the country when sitting president from the ruling NPP in the person of President J. A. Kufuor hands over power to another NPP man who would be called “President Nana Akufo-Addo” after the December 7 general elections.
He called on all members of the party to bury their differences as the party’s presidential election had ended and forge ahead in unity to fight a common political opponent, the opposition NDC. The former Foreign Affairs Minister and MP for Akim-Abuakwa South Constituency reiterated his commitment to the solemn pledge of establishing a healthy relationship between the government and the party.
According to him, there would be a taskforce to formulate guidelines for government-party relationship to ensure that no gap was left unattended to, further promising to inject resources into party activities even at the constituency level.
The Party gave a true meaning to its pride as the political party with an entrenched internal democracy when all the front-runners in the just ended presidential race joined Nana Akufo-Addo in his victory tour to the garden city.
Prior to the party’s historic congress, many people including the adversaries of the ruling party predicted that the party could split up considering the number of candidates who were contesting for the flagbearership position.
However, all the presidential aspirants with the exception of the vice-President, His Excellency Aliu Mahama, Mr.Boakye Agyarko, Prof. Frimpong Boateng and Felix Owusu Agyapong, accompanied the victor to the Centre For National Culture in Kumasi, where a thanksgiving durbar was held in honour of the elected flagbearer to show appreciation to delegates and all NPP supporters in the region who in one way or the other ensured his successful election.
Nana Akufo-Addo’s closest rival, Mr. Alan Kyerematen who the former admits gave him a good run for his money together with other strong contenders like Mr. Yaw Osafo-Marfo, Dan Botwe, Prof. Mike Oquaye and Dr.Kwame Addo Kufuor were all present to give moral support to the elected flagbearer who is currently on a nationwide thanksgiving tour.
The demonstration of unity by the members of the ruling party was however sending early signals to the opponents of the party of its preparedness to make history by retaining the seat for the third consecutive time as all the defeated aspirants have pledged to work hand- in-hand with the party’s presidential candidate to ensure victory, come December, 2008.
The NPP Presidential candidate whose entry into the region could be described as a triumphant one was first met on arrival at Kodie in the Kwabre West District of the Ashanti Region by the Ashanti Regional minister and his deputy, Messrs. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah and Osei Assibey Antwi from where the flagbearer stormed the garden city with a fleet of cars and acknowledged cheers from the numerous party supporters who had lined up along the road to welcome him.
Addressing party supporters, Nana Akufo-Addo stressed the need for unity in the party as it prepares to confront its opponents in this year’s general elections.
He noted that in unity lies strength and victory and that with the solid foundation laid by the President Kufuor-led Administration, no party could challenge the NPP if it stays united for the battle.
Nana Addo therefore appealed to the public to patronize the voters’ registration exercise when it is opened in March this year to ensure that they were enfranchised for the election. He, however, explained the reasons behind his early visit to the Asantehene’s palace, stressing that as a descendant of the Oyoko clan, he felt it was traditionally right to pay early homage to Manhyia, which is the head of the Oyoko family.
The flagbearer further intimated that the visit was also to show appreciation to the Asantehene for the advice he offered him when he declared his intention to contest for the position.
Source:
The Chronicle
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Nigerian fraudster jailed in Techiman
Techiman (B/A), Jan. 12 GNA - A circuit court in Techiman has sentenced a 35 year-old Nigerian trader to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour for possessing fake papers cut into the sizes of Ghana Cedi notes without authority, contrary to section 19 (a) clause (1) of currency Act 242 of 1994.
Stanley Eze pleaded guilty to the offence of possessing bundles of pieces of paper resembling New Ghana Cedis notes with intent to print forged currency notes to the tune of GHC 20,000 and was sentenced on his own plea.
Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Comfort Adubia Nyamesah, told the court presided over by Mr. Godwin Kwasi-Kumah that at about 0900 hours on December 14, last year Eze, who is resident at Accra New-Town arrived at Kintampo and approached a witness (name withheld) that he had in his possession bundles of papers that could be converted into 20,000 Ghana cedis.
Chief Inspector Nyamesah said Eze demanded GHC 10,000 from the witness who feigned interest and asked him to wait whilst he went to withdraw money from the bank.
The Prosecutor said the witness immediately alerted the police who dispatched an officer to accompany the witness and act as a customer who also wanted the currency. Chief Inspector Nyamesah said during the transaction the policeman arrested Eze together with the fake papers. The Nigerian admitted the offence was subsequently arraigned before the circuit court. Passing judgment, Mr. Kwasi-Kumah expressed dismay about how foreigners trooped into the country under the guise of helping to improve the economy but had rather turned round to sabotage the nation. He warned that the court would not deal leniently with such currency traffickers and ordered the destruction of the bundles of the fake papers.
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GNA
772 youths get employment under NYEP in Twifo district
Twifo Praso (C/R), Jan 12, GNA- The Twifo-Heman-Lower-Denkyira district assembly has so far offered employment to 772 youth under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in the district. Mr Samuel Agyeibie-Kessie, District Chief Executive, who disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday, said 338 youth have been engaged in the youths in agriculture project, with 250 of them, having been supplied with agricultural inputs and the remaining 88, given loans for cash crops cultivation.
Two hundred and eighty three youths, he said were engaged for the community education model, out of which 150 are currently taking part in the untrained teacher basic education programme at the Komenda teacher training college.
He said 60 others, have been enrolled for the health extension workers programme, 40, for the PSI on oil palm, 41, in waste and sanitation management and 10 as sanitary guards to assist environmental health officers.
Mr Agyeibie-Kessie gave the assurance that the NYEP was on course, despite a few problems being encountered, adding that the programme has been "a great source of relief" for many unemployed youths, who could have been enticed into social vices such as stealing, robbery, prostitution and drug addiction.Source:
GNA
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Deported cancer patient arrives home
Accra, Jan 11, GNA - Ama Sumani, 39, a Ghanaian woman who was undergoing treatment in the United Kingdom after cancer damaged her kidneys, has been flown back to Ghana by UK authorities, accompanied by two British Immigration officers and a medical Doctor.
Ms Sumani was taken by officials from a hospital in Cardiff where she had been receiving dialysis for a year after cancer damaged her kidneys. According to a BBC report Ms Sumani, whose visa had expired after staying in the UK for five years, said she could not afford the treatment in Ghana.
The report said the cancer Ms Sumani was suffering from, malignant myeloma, would ordinarily be treated with a bone marrow transplant. It said Ms Sumani was not entitled to this in the UK because she was a foreign national.
The report said Ama Sumani first went o the UK as a visitor in 2003 but changed her status to that of a student.
According to the report, her inability to speak English had prevented her from pursuing a banking course for which she had enrolled at her city college, causing her to find a job which contravened her student visa.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, Ms Sumani said she hailed from Zabzugu in the Northern Region and had no relatives in Accra.
Ms Sumani said she had not informed any relative of hers of her arrival, adding that even her two children who were staying with a friend of hers as well as the friend had no idea that she was in the country. The doctor accompanying her said he could not disclose the ailment she was suffering from but added that it had been certified that Ms Sumani could continue with treatment in Ghana.
When asked whether she was being deported, one of the immigration officers accompanying Ms Sumani said, ''this is more of a removal.'' Sources at the airport said Ms Sumani would continue with treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
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GNA
Regional Airports prepare for CAN 2008
Accra, Jan 11, GNA - Airports in the regional capitals have being equipped with all necessary facilities in readiness for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament this month.
Ms Gloria Akuffo, Minister for Aviation, said although works on the airports at Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi were at different levels of completion, they were all expected to be in standard condition to receive the large number of people expected in the country during the tournament. The Minister said this when she toured the Kotoka International Airport to observe preparations that had been made so far towards receiving visitors for the tournament.
Ms Akuffo said she has put up a lot of emphasis on the development of the regional airports because the Kotoka International Airport was a functional one which was well equipped to handle the expected large numbers of passengers.
The Minister said that even though most flights were expected in Accra, a few direct flights may be expected to land at the regional airports, adding that it was thus important to ensure that they were up to the expected air safety standards.
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GNA
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Ghana's oil import bill rises
Ghana's oil import bill skyrocketed to more than $2 billion in 2007, almost three times the bill for 2004, which stood at $775 million.
The increase, which has been attributed to the increasing price of crude oil on the international market and the high demand for crude oil products in all sectors of the economy, is also said to be impacting negatively on the nation's foreign exchange reserves.
Experts say that the situation may even get worse this year with the various activities, such as the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) meeting and the general election coming up.
In exclusive interviews with the Daily Graphic in Accra Thursday, the experts called for pragmatic measures to reduce the consumption of crude oil products in the country before the situation got out of hand.
Dr Ernest Addison, the Director of Research at the Bank of Ghana, said but for the resilience of the economy and its prudent management over the years, the import bill on crude oil would have been worrying.
He said the economy had largely been able to sustain the pressure because of the income from exports such as cocoa and gold which had seen impressive upward price movements on the international market, adding that "due to the trust in the economy, remittances have also gone up, while the nation is also enjoying the debt relief.”
As a result of the use of obsolete and high consumption machines and equipment in manufacturing and industry, the use of over-aged vehicles, among others, Ghana's oil intensity (how many barrels of crude oil is used to generate a unit of Gross Domestic Product) is said to be extremely high.
Ghana was able to save $300 million in 2005 and $536 million in 2006 and it is feared that as the import bill on crude oil grows beyond expectation, it may be unable to save to build its foreign reserves.
Dr Addison, however, questioned the sustainability of the phenomenon and indicated that, as had often been done, there was the need to strategise to avoid shocks in the future when the situation reversed.
"From the economic point of view, we have been able to manage the situation well, but where do we go from here?" he asked.
He said there was the need for conservation by all to bring the bill down.
Dr Addison said energy generation had been a contributing factor and suggested alternative ways of generating power to enable the country to cut down on crude oil imports.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr John Attafuah, also expressed concern over the growing import bill on crude oil and added his voice to calls for conservation.
"The issue of conservation should be the talk of town because we may be entering a zone where we may not be able to find the money to do the imports because we may not be able to bear the consequences," he cautioned.
Mr Attafuah said there was the need for the government to fully implement its directive to the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to cut down on fuel consumption, adding that "this general picture should be seen from the private sector as well because it is in our own interest as a nation".
He raised the issue of the consolidation of the salaries of public and civil servants, arguing that "if the fuel for each person is consolidated in the salary, people will be more economic in consuming fuel and that will save the nation".
Mr Attafuah said there was the need to practically restrict consumption to what had been approved, not by actual volumes but by consumption.
He said the situation at the moment went beyond politics because "fuel conservation is critical if we are to save the economy by having fuel available all¬ year round".
Asked whether the deregulation of the petroleum sector which, among others, had, to a larger extent, caused consumers to pay the full cost of the fuel they bought on the market, had made an impact on consumption, Mr Attafuah replied in the negative and described the situation as a bit surprising.
Source:
Daily Graphic
The fate of newly created districts to be decided on Saturday
Kuntanase (Ash), Jan 11 GNA- The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment will hold a meeting in Kumasi on Saturday to work out modalities to facilitate the commissioning of the newly-created districts.
Mr. Joseph Dasana, Deputy Regional Co-ordinating Director for Ashanti who announced this at Kuntanase in the Bosomtwe Atwima-Kwanwoma District (BAK) on Thursday, said the meeting will be attended by the 33 districts concerned as well as other stakeholders.
The Deputy Co-ordinating Director, who was addressing an executive meeting of BAK District Assembly said pertinent issues to be discussed at the meeting include resolution of controversies regarding the location of district capitals and resource-sharing between old and new districts. Mr. C.K.Dondieu, District Co-ordinating Director for BAK commended the Assembly Members for their commitment and dedication towards the development of the district and urged them to educate their people on the need to pay tax to help support the nation's development. He said, the assembly would this year adopt pragmatic measures in its revenue mobilization drive to strengthen its development agenda.
Source:
GNA
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Ghanaian Executed In Saudi
A GHANAIAN, Jameel Hassan, not a pilgrim, has been executed in Saudi Arabia for importing into the Kingdom a quantity of narcotic drugs.
News about the execution which reportedly took place in mid-November, 2007, was carried by the Saudi media.
Narcotic drug convicts are executed summarily, and the hands of thieves are cut off, according to Saudi laws.
In another development the death has been announced of the Ghanaian pilgrim who was in a coma for many days after suffering diabetic complications and contracting Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM).
The deceased, Awudu Ibrahim hailed from Winneba. Before his death he was placed in an isolated ward.
A Ghanaian medical source, which described the ailment as an airborne disease, said it is prevalent in Asia and many pilgrims from that part of the world come for the pilgrimage annually.
The source expressed remorse that many pilgrims avoided the vaccination even though they were issued with the yellow card certification indicating that they were vaccinated.
Another ailment against which vaccinations are required is the deadly yellow fever disease.
Dr. Afisa Zakaria, one of the doctors with the Hajj team had earlier told DAILY GUIDE that future Hajj exercises should insist on medical examination of pilgrims.
She added that there should also be an age limit for pilgrims to obviate the hardship suffered by the aged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Her position about the age limit has been supported by the Chairman of the Hajj Council in a previous interview with DAILY GUIDE.
Another pilgrim, Alima Sardia Armeyaw, a Ghanaian pilgrim from Kumasi, died a couple of days ago after succumbing to diabetes.
The woman, aged 50 years, who registered with the Labaika Hajj Pilgrimage Agency was said to have been stocked with her required medication for the Hajj.
She has since been buried and her family members notified in Kumasi, according to her agent.
By this development, the number of Ghanaians to die in this year’s Hajj has risen to nine. Only one pilgrim passed away on last year’s Hajj.
The names of those dead, according to a medical source in Mecca, are Alhassan Abubakar, Mariama Issahak, Adam Alhassan, Dahinatu Abdulai, Mariama Huudu, Ahmad Baba (resident in the US) Hajaratu Sumaila and Alimatu Sardia, who died on Tuesday.
Meanwhile the airlifting of pilgrims back to Ghana appears to be suffering a hitch because of the small size of the aircraft involved in the exercise.
A Hajj Council member told DAILY GUIDE that the Alama group has promised engaging a bigger aircraft to expedite the process.
A number of pilgrims have complained that they have exhausted their monies and prayed that their home-going be enhanced.
In Jeddah and Medina, two mandatory stops for pilgrims, temperature had fallen tremendously, making life very uncomfortable for the Ghanaians.
In another development, the Chairman of the Hajj Council, Ustaz Seidu Ahmed has told DAILY GUIDE that his outfit is facing a charge of SR51,000 being the cost of services for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims are charged for a number of services provided by the Saudi authorities. The development, he said, was created by some agents who did not pay through the Council yet had these brought in by foreign travel documents.
This, he said, had added to the woes of the Council because the Saudi authorities in the event of non-payment could sanction Ghana.
Another problem being faced by the Council, he noted, was the payment for the use of kitchens by Ghanaian women food vendors. These women, who should have paid for the use of the facilities, reneged.
The women, he disclosed, are mainly Ghanaian women resident in the Kingdom who do business during the Hajj period.
The Chairman disclosed further that efforts were on to secure a bigger aircraft to speed up the movement of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
So far, over 700 out of the 2,700 or so pilgrims have been airlifted. Those left behind are anxious to leave, most having exhausted their kitty.
Movement from Saudi Arabia is more complex than the airlifting of pilgrims to the kingdom, said a source close to the Hajj. Due to security concerns, the Saudi authorities have a planned movement of pilgrims in the kingdom.
Pilgrims for instance should spend not more than six hours in Jeddah and not less than 24 hours in Medina. These requirements have therefore added to the difficulties in the current operations.
The source added that the acquisition of a bigger aircraft for instance, even though in order, might not be feasible if pilgrims who have congregated in Medina, have not spent the required period in the Holy City.
There should therefore be the required number of pilgrims ready to board such an aircraft in Jeddah.
Meanwhile the weighing of goods belonging to pilgrims continues, even though concerns have been raised about passengers arriving without their belongings against the assurance given them that this would not be the case.
Source:
Daily Guide
Rawlings should put up or shut up -Commey
THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Organiser, Lord Commey has called the bluff of former President John Jerry Rawlings, describing his recent utterances as effusions of a confused and frustrated opposition leader.
Lord Commey said Rawlings’ unwarranted attacks on him and the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo was a reflection of the sudden fear that has gripped the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the election of Nana Addo.
The NDC founder had told cadres on Wednesday at Akwatia in the Eastern Region that the NPP National Organiser conspired with some unnamed persons to rig the polls at the ruling party’s congress in favour of Nana Akufo-Addo.
Mr Rawlings said in a plot to get the election postponed and prepare the grounds for Akufo-Addo’s victory, Lord Commey cunningly grabbed the microphone and announced that somebody was distributing money to delegates to vote for Mr. Alan Kyerematen, a front runner in the race.
Reacting to the allegation, Mr Commey said there was no iota of truth in the former President’s statements.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE yesterday, Lord Commey described Rawlings’ utterances as “part of the visible symptoms of a party that is afraid and uncomfortable that Nana Addo had won the congress.
“Rawlings should better put up or shut up. If he feels the heat is too hot for him then he should get out of the kitchen because these old tricks of propaganda and ancient communist tactics the NDC is noted for, can no longer win elections in contemporary Ghanaian politics.
“In the first place, it is a damn lie that I grabbed a microphone. Which mic, and from whom? Honestly, I do not even have to dignify Rawlings with a response when he says such things.
They do not win votes. I want to meet him in the campaign field canvassing for votes. That is where I am ready to face him and prove that our candidate is better than theirs,” Mr. Commey said.
The NPP National Organiser expressed confidence that his party would have no problem marketing Nana Akufo-Addo to the Ghanaian electorate.
He said Nana’s message, attitude and campaign style had won the NPP a lot of goodwill, and that was the source of Rawlings’ fear.
“I dare him and his shrinking NDC to put up a good show and stop the diversionary tactics and useless talks. It is ‘Nana phobia’ that is worrying them,” Mr. Commey noted.
Mr. Rawlings had told the NDC cadres at the meeting that Lord Commey and the NPP’s aim was to prevent the delegates from voting for Mr. Kyerematen and rather vote for Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Alan Cash was going to be the clear winner but after Lord Commey used that strategy, everything went in favour of Nana Akufo-Addo,” Rawlings said.
He called the NPP a bunch of thieves. "The NPP are bringing a thief to take over from another thief," he said, referring to Nana Akufo-Addo and President Kufuor, and added that there was no difference between the two.
“The NPP leaders are a bunch of thieves; they are greedy and very selfish. They have looted the national coffers and see how they are shamelessly flaunting their wealth around in the midst of humiliating conditions of majority of the people," he said.
According to the former President, though the NPP called themselves true democrats, they flagrantly abused the rights of people in the country.
"We in the NDC are not like them. We have minds, we have a heart, we have compassion, we have conscience and above all we respect God," he stated.
He indicated that the NPP was paying people huge sums of money to infiltrate the ranks and break the front of the NDC because they knew if they did not do that, the NDC would win power this time.
The former President alleged that he had heard that an NPP Member of Parliament (MP) had gone to see a Mallam to invoke a curse on the NDC and its parliamentary aspirant, so he would lose the forthcoming elections.
“They want to destroy our party like how they have destroyed the fibre of the society,” Mr. Rawlings said.
He added that he sacrificed his life for the nation as head of state but since the NPP took over power, they had been hunting him like a criminal.
He claimed that when he was going to Akwatia, officials of BNI sent him a text to the effect that he should take it easy, which meant that they were always monitoring him.
Source:
Daily Guide
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15-year-old stones man to death
A fifteen-year-old juvenile from Taviefe in the Ho Municipality has been remanded in police custody for allegedly stoning a 21-year-old man to death.
The magistrate's court, presided over by Mr P. W. D. Amedior, ordered the accused to reappear on January 22.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Joy Afagbedzi, said police investigations on the death revealed that the deceased, Kwaku Agyapong, also from Taviefe was riding a bicycle belonging to a friend in the town and when the accused saw him, he gave him a chase on foot to collect the bicycle from him.
He said the deceased refused to hand over the bicycle resulting in a fight between them With the accused having the upper hand in the fight but a good Samaritan intervened and rescued the deceased.
Inspector Afagbedzi said both went away to their various homes but later in the day, the accused went to the deceased's grandmother's room where he resided at the time and started beating him all over again.
The deceased who was said to be an alleged sickle cell patient took a knife and threatened the accused to leave the room or leave him alone apparently to ward off the accused.
Inspector Afagbedzi said the accused refused and rather stretched out his left hand and dared the deceased to either cut or slash him with the knife, saying that he had been fortified against such objects.
He alleged that the accused further stated that in lieu of carrying out his orders he would be subjected to more beatings.
He said the deceased obeyed as ordered and then slashed the accused resulting in an injury.
The accused ambushed the deceased and hit him with a stone on the forehead, adding that the deceased started bleeding profusely and was rushed to the Ho Municipal Hospital where he was admitted and died the following day.
He said the accused admitted the offence of murder in a caution statement to the police.
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Daily Graphic
Ashanti DOVVSU records more cases in 2007
Kumasi, Jan 11, GNA - The Ashanti Regional branch of the Domestic Violence and Victims' Support Unit (DOVVSU) in 2007 recorded 5,071 cases and this is an increase in domestic-related crimes as compared to that of 2006 that had 2,873 cases.
Out of the number recorded last year, 2,944 of the cases are still under investigation, 1,850 were settled out of court and 277 settled in court. Assistant Superintendent of Police Asare Bediako, Co-ordinator of DOVVSU, told the GNA that crimes recorded during 2007 included offensive conduct, criminal abortion, neglect of parental duty, child exposure to harm, threat of harm, abduction, defilement, incest, bigamy among others. He said the incidence of parental neglect soared recording 1,668 in both 2006 and 2007. Offensive conduct followed with 1,521 in 2007. Mr Bediako said there were 336 defilement cases last year and 288 in 2006.
Other cases such as rape, incest, abduction and criminal abortion were on the low side recording 101 to 16 cases in 2007. He said sodomy, attempted rape, attempted murder, and unnatural carnal knowledge were less than 10 in the past year and appealed to Ghanaians to be law abiding to enable government use money spent on crime for development projects.
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GNA
4,934 pupils in Awutu-Effutu-Senya being fed
Winneba (C/R), Jan. 11, GNA- A total of 4,934 pupils from some selected educational institutions in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District are being fed in school under the School Feeding Programme. The schools are Mayenda District Assembly Primary, Kofiansakrom District Assembly Primary, Chochoe Anglican Primary and Bontrase District Assembly Primary schools.
The rest are Okwabina Seventh Day Adventist Primary, Emmanuel Presbyterian Primary, Saint Martha's Catholic Primary and Kasoa District Assembly Primary all at Kasoa.
Mr. Solomon Abbam Quaye, the District Chief Executive, announced these at the second Ordinary meeting of the District Assembly at Winneba. He said so far a total of GH=A2227,038.00 had been spent on the programme in the district and one man and 38 women were employed. Mr. Abbam Quaye said plans were far advance to include at least two schools each in the Senya and Winneba Urban Councils and Awutu Area Council in the programme He called on the authorities to release funds for the programme on time to ensure the success of the exercise.
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GNA
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Those in power have stolen lots of money - JJ
Akwatia (ER), Jan. 10, GNA- Former President Jerry John Rawlings has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be extra vigilant during the December general elections to prevent the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) from rigging the elections.
He alleged that the NPP rigged the 2004 Presidential and Parliamentary elections and were out to repeat that this year and they should not be allowed to do so this time round.
"What happened in Kenya should not be allowed to happen in Ghana", he said.
Former President Rawlings made the call at the 26th end of year cadres' forum of Progressive Voluntary Organizations, a wing of the NDC at Akwatia on Wednesday, attended by delegates from the three districts of the Eastern Region; namely Kwaebibirem, Birim South and West Akyem. The theme of the forum was; "Strategy for winning 2008 elections." He said the NDC would win the upcoming elections if it was free and fair but victory would not be earned on "silver platter" so members should work hard to make that happen.
He called for unity among the rank and file of the party so that the NPP does not take advantage of "our internal weaknesses."
The founder of the NDC alleged that those in power have "stolen a lot of money..
"If they are washed ten times a day for 100 years, they will not be clean."
He asked party members to do away with divisions based on tribe and religion or place of origin.
He asked the NDC in the Akwatia Constituency to choose a candidate who could win the elections for the party.
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GNA
Ghana is polio-free
For the second year running, Ghana recorded no polio infection. Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is going ahead for a polio-free certificate for the country.
Other strides have been made in communicable diseases such as whooping cough and TB, by securing drastic decreases in their incidence.
The Deputy Director-General of the GHS, Dr George Amofah, who gave these indicators about the health sector, said improvement in the incidence of those diseases had caused a dearth of cases for study by medical students.
He was speaking at a panel discussion on "Promoting Health for All: The Challenge", at the 59th New Year School in Accra over the weekend.
Another positive indicator about the sector, he said, was the regenerative health and nutrition programme as an overall policy and strategy for the promotion of health.
He explained the focus of the programme as promoting healthy lifestyles through adequate nutrition, increased water intake and the promotion of other life-enhancing practices.
On challenges, Dr Amofa cited the location of the country in the tropics, a location that was conducive for the reproduction of all types of vectors and disease, and also its location right in the centre of the world as some of the general factors that posed challenges in the health sector.
He said Ghana's location right at the centre of the world, and within six hours flight from most countries of the world, made it easy for diseases found elsewhere to be transmitted quickly, posing a surveillance challenge.
That was why the country had put in place a surveillance system for epidemic preparedness that included community surveillance preparedness.
Dr Amofa said improving health depended on all individuals, all ministries, non-governmental and all government agencies.
The General-Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses Association, Mr Kweku Asante-Krobea, giving a nurse's perspective of the challenges of promoting health for all, said poverty, social and behavioural factors, high levels of illiteracy and ignorance impeded optimum health in the country.
In particular reference to nursing, he said its strategic position in the continuum of care was not recognised.
Mr Asante-Krobea pointed out that in a healthcare setting, nurses usually provided the majority of care, up to about 80 per cent, but said recognition of professional excellence eluded them.
That was because instead of blending knowledge and innovation to achieve professional excellence, nurses' work was defined for them by traditionally dominant groups in the healthcare system.
He said some nurses themselves perpetuated that system, impeding professional development, at the expense of the client's interest.
He also mentioned the lack of adequate compensation, few opportunities for career advancement in the country, unfavourable working conditions and the lack of a policy to give nurses control over their practice as challenges.
Mr Asante-Krobea proposed a collaborative effort by all health professionals in their inter-disciplinary approach to patient care and policies to address the education, upgrading, adequate recognition and compensation of nurses.
An interesting question raised during the discussions was the linkage between auxiliary health workers, under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) of the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment, and the GHS.
Dr Amofa commended the programme, saying that the GHS saw it as a good one that would ensure the services of the youth for basic duties in healthcare facilities but said those employed under the scheme had to be properly integrated into the healthcare service.
However, Mr Asante-Krobea said information reaching the nurses showed that auxiliary health workers under the NYEP had been employed to replace nurses if they agitated against their conditions of service and embarked on strike.
He said that would have dire implications for the country's health service.
Some participants, who did not agree with Mr Asante-Krobea, protested, shouting, "No, no, no!"
Prof Aaron N. L. Lawson, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana, Legon, who chaired the function, said the country had to work hard to overcome the challenges but commended the strides made so far.
Source:
Daily Graphic
BBC: Kufuor Fails To End Kenya Crisis
GNA: Kufuor Clinches Deal In Kenya
Talks conducted by President John Kufuor to end Kenya's political crisis have broken down, opposition and government sources have said. Kufuor had been hoping to broker a deal between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga after last month's disputed elections.
However, Mr Kufuor said both sides had agreed to work together under a panel headed by ex-UN chief Kofi Annan.
About 600 people have died in unrest which followed the poll.
In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced by the violence following the 27 December election in Kenya - previously seen as a relative beacon of stability in East Africa.
A government spokesman confirmed that Mr Kufuor was leaving the country with no sign of success.
He had spent hours in a meeting with Mr Odinga but had been unable to persuade him to meet Mr Kibaki, the spokesman said.
But the Ghanaian president seemed more upbeat.
"The parties agreed to work together with a panel of eminent African personalities headed by Mr Kofi Annan... towards resolving their differences and all other outstanding issues including constitutional and electoral reforms," he said.
"Both sides agreed there should be an end to the violence and they also agreed there should be dialogue."
Mr Kibaki maintains he won the election fairly, but Mr Odinga says it was stolen.
Earlier Mr Kibaki swore in members of a new cabinet, though some minor posts have been left vacant leading to speculation that these could be offered to the opposition.
Mr Odinga has so far refused to recognise the cabinet or participate in a government of national unity.
Annan to mediate in Kenya crisis
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is to supervise negotiations in Kenya's deadly dispute over presidential elections, the African Union (AU) announced.
The AU also said President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga had agreed to end violence and work towards finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.
The statement was issued as current AU mediator President John Kufuor of Ghana prepared to leave Kenya after failing to get Mr Kibaki and Mr Odinga to meet.
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BBC
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Tech. progress reduces poverty level - Report
Accra, Jan. 10, GNA - Rapid technological progress in developing countries has helped to raise incomes and reduce the share of people living in absolute poverty from 29 percent in 1990 to 18 percent in 2004.
Despite these gains, the technology gap between rich and poor countries remained enormous, and the capacity of developing economies to adopt new technology remained weak. This was contained in the Global Economic Prospects 2008 report of the World Bank made available to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday. According to Andrew Burns, Lead Economist and main author of the report, "Technological progress increased 40 to 60 percent faster in developing countries than in rich countries between the early 1990s and early 2000,"
"Nevertheless, developing countries have a long way to go, given that the level of technology that they use is only one quarter of that employed in high-income countries," he said. Subtitled: "Technology Diffusion in the Developing World," the World Bank report noted that recent progress reflected increased exposure to foreign technologies. As a share of GDP, high-tech imports and foreign direct investment levels had doubled since the early 1990s. According to the report, improving capacity to absorb foreign technology was critical in low-income countries, as well as in those middle-income countries that had exploited low-wage comparative advantages rather than strengthened domestic competencies. It said most developing countries participated minimally at the global technological frontier. Their rapid economic progress had been achieved by adapting and adopting already-existing technologies.
"Technology now spreads much more quickly between countries. In the early 1900s, new technology took over 50 years to reach most countries; today it takes about 16 years.
"Technology tends to spread slowly within countries. Main cities and leading sectors use more sophisticated technologies than the rest of the economy. For example, the IT-enabled services sector in urban India employs world-class technologies, but less than 10 percent of the country's rural households had telephone access in 2007," added. It therefore urged Governments to strengthen domestic technology dissemination channels as a high priority.
These, it said, should include transport infrastructure and the capacity of applied R&D agencies to orient themselves to markets through improved outreach, testing, and marketing. "Weak basic infrastructure systems limit the range of technologies that can be employed in many countries. Policies should ensure that critical enabling services such as roads and electricity are widely available, whether delivered by the private or public sector. In Sub-Saharan Africa, just eight percent of the rural population has access to electricity. "Ineffective or uneven access to quality education also restricts countries' ability to exploit technologies. Even simple technologies can have big impacts. For example, relatively simple skills are needed to build rainwater collection systems, which improve access to clean drinking water and reduce infant mortality by lowering the incidence of diarrhoea", it added. 10 Jan. 08
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GNA
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Thief Lunched Then hanged!
The Madina Police are appealing to the public to help identify a man suspected to have been lynched and later hanged upside down by a mob on suspicion of stealing electrical cables at Ashale Botwe near Madina, a suburb of Accra.
The lifeless body of the unidentified man believed to be a Fulani in his 20s was last weekend found hanging upside down on a mango tree at the Ashale Botwe cemetery.
Narrating the harrowing incident to the Daily Guide newspaper, the Madina District Commander, Superintendent Paul Aryeetey noted that on Sunday January 6, 2008, the Assembly member for Ashale Botwe, Michael Gasu called to inform the Police of the incident.
He said when a team of investigators were sent to the scene, the body, which was stripped naked, was dangling on the tree with a lot of blood dotting the ground underneath it.
Supt. Aryeetey noted that when on-the-scene investigations were conducted, it was discovered that the body was badly battered.A pair of pliers on the scene and some marks on the ground suggested that the body might have been dragged from a distance to where the deceased was finally �crucified�.
He indicated that the body had been deposited at the Police Hospital for autopsy while investigations continue into the case to identify the deceased person and probably uncover identities of the mobsters behind the heinous crime.Supt. Mr. Aryeetey condemned the meting out of instant justice to suspected criminals and urged the public to desist from such acts as innocent persons could fall prey to �street justice�.
When asked what the current crime situation in Madina and its environs was, Supt. Mr. Aryeetey said the Police in Madina were taking giant strides in the area of crime control.
He stressed that prudent measures had been put in place during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations to �disarm� the criminals before they struck.The District Commander pointed out that mobile phone and car snatching, which hitherto were very rampant in Madina and its environs, had been brought under considerable control.
He disclosed that the Police had mounted series of swoops on suspected areas believed to be the hide-outs of miscreants and succeeded in arresting a number of suspected criminals who would soon be screened for the appropriate actions to be taken against those found to be culpable. Supt. Mr. Aryeetey appealed to the public to volunteer information on suspected or suspicious characters to the Police for prompt action to be taken.
He assured the public of Police protection, especially regarding the identity of informants, stressing, �If you are in doubt about your protection you can come straight to the commander and I will readily assist you.
�On some of the alleged frustrations complainants had to go through when dealing with the Police, Supt. Mr. Aryeetey told Daily Guide that police work demanded a lot of patience and that it was not a deliberate attempt to frustrate complainants. He therefore appealed to those who report cases to the Police to exercise patience since other factors such as logistics come into play when following a lead.
Source:
Daily Guide
In court for failing to paint house ....
Takoradi, Jan. 9, GNA - Twelve persons on Tuesday appeared before a Takoradi District Magistrate's court for allegedly failing to paint their buildings in contravention of the byelaws of the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA).
Eight of the accused persons were discharged because they painted their buildings soon after receiving the court summons. The remaining four accused persons pleaded with the court to give them one week to paint their buildings.
The court issued a bench warrant for the arrest of four others who failed to appear in court on the same charge. They include Owusu Ankomah, elder brother of Papa Owusu Ankomah, Member of Parliament for Sekondi, and Kofi Mensah, Managing Director of 06 Lotteries.
The case of the prosecution was that in November last year, SAEMA directed landlords to paint their buildings before the end of the year but the accused failed to comply.
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GNA
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Sultan of Sokoto in Ghana
Accra, Jan. 9, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Wednesday conferred with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, a prominent Muslim religious leader in Accra, where they expressed the need for religious harmony in society.
The Sultan, who leads over 80 million Muslims in Nigeria and West Africa, said as the Chairman of his country's inter-religious body, comprising members of his faith and Christians, one of his priorities was to promote religious co-existence.
Alhaji Abubakar, who is the 20th Sultan of the time-tested religious dynasty, is in Ghana to attend a two-day World Justice Project, being organised by American Bar Association to aid the over 40 participants to promote the rule of law and the welfare of people in their various countries.
He asked for God's blessing for leaders of Africa to hold the Continent together to promote peace and development. The Sultan congratulated organisers of the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations and expressed the hope that it would be one of the best football events of the Continent.
On a humorous note, he said, although he wished Ghana well, he was sure Nigeria would carry the day.
Alhaji Abubakar, an ex-soldier was his country's Defence Advisor to ECOWAS and in Pakistan, with oversight responsibility in Iran, the Middle East and the Gulf States. He was installed Sultan in November 2006, after the tragic death of his predecessor in a plane crash. Vice President Mahama harped the need for religious harmony in the West Africa in Africa and asked the Sultan to use his high office to pursue the objective.
"We are all worshipping one God with different approaches, so I see no need for religious conflicts," he said. Vice President Mahama expressed satisfaction that Nigerian entrepreneurs are investing in finance and other sectors of the Ghana's economy and called for more collaboration.
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GNA
Potholes threatening Western corridor
Elubo (w/r) Jan. 9,-GNA-Potholes have developed on the main road linking Ghana to Cote d'Ivoire, compelling drivers to engage in dangerous driving along the route and this could lead to accidents. A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to Elubo revealed that some drivers had abandoned their side of the road and were using lanes belonging to other oncoming vehicles.
The road leading to the Axim is no exception; a tour of the area revealed similar potholes that needed urgent attention to prevent fatalities among Ivorian football fans who will travel to Essipong to witness the Ghana 2008 which is a few days away.
Incidentally, most traffic lights in the metropolis are not functioning and this could also result in accidents due to the influx of foreigners. In spite of this, several new changes are taking place within the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis, who are playing hosts to some of the teams in the Ghana 2008 tournament.
Giant advertising billboards have been erected in the city while faulty street lights are being repaired.
Some of the zebra crossings, which were dirty and invisible, have been repainted while streets without the requisite lighting are also to be provided with streetlights. Constructional work is busily underway at the Effia Nkwanta bye-pass, which leads to one of the training pitches at the Fijai Secondary School. The road, which was abandoned several months ago, is expected to be completed for use before January 20.
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GNA
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Govt will find lasting solution to Bawku conflict - Bartels
Bawku (U/E), Jan 9, GNA - Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Interior, on Tuesday assured the chiefs and people of the Bawku that government would find a lasting solution to the recurrent conflict in Bawku. He appealed to them to cooperate with security personnel posted to the area to ensure peace and also with any fact-finding group that might visit them to seek their knowledge and wisdom that would assist in finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
Mr. Bartels said this when he visited the municipality and was accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Samuel Anum Odotei. He appealed to the chiefs of Mamprusis and Kusasis and opinion leaders from the area to talk to their people to continue to exercise restraint whilst government finds a lasting solution to the problem. Mr Bartels said as custodians of the land, they needed to help the government find a permanent solution to the conflict and commended the two chiefs for exhibiting high sense of wisdom by helping to bring the communal violence under control and urged them to continue with the peace initiatives.
Both chiefs expressed gratitude for the concern shown by government and pledged their support to help find a lasting solution to the communal conflict, saying that it was retarding the development of the area.
Lt-Col Irvin Ayitey, Commander of the Air Borne Force, told the delegation that an uneasy calm had returned to Bawku and that security personnel were leaving no stone unturned to maintain peace. He suggested the need to complete the Bazua Army camp in the area since it would help combat crimes and pave way for development. Major General Odotei told security personnel to exhibit a high sense of professionalism, not to take sides with any of the feuding factions and to be vigilant.
Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Upper East Region, Mr. Ofosu Mensah-Gyeabour, said eight people had been officially reported dead and that the figure could be higher because some deaths might not have been reported.
Seventeen people were reported injured and are receiving treatment while 98 houses and 29 stores were burnt.
Twenty-two people have been arrested in connection with the conflict and remanded in the Navrongo Prisons pending further investigations. Mr. Kan-Dapaah commended the security personnel for their ability to bring the situation under control and urged them to continue maintaining neutrality.
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GNA
Indiscipline accounts for the bloodbath on the roads - Veep
Accra, Jan. 9 GNA - The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama has stated that indiscipline on the part of some road users was largely accountable for the bloodbath He identified excessive speeding as accounting for over 50 percent of all reported cases of motor accidents.
Mr. Magnus Opare-Asamoah, Deputy Minister of Road Transport read the speech on behalf of the Vice President at the launch of Ameri-Ghana Wireless Radio device in Accra.
The equipment, which is a two-way emergency communication radio, has its own transmitters and does not require any network or system. He said the road traffic accidents and their resultant human, social and economic costs to the nation had become major issues, which should engage the attention of all stakeholders. He said, apart from the grief and sorrow that the death of our compatriots in motor related accidents have on surviving relations, the estimated costs to the economy was between 1-3 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He noted that four persons die daily due road traffic accidents and that 68.2 percent of persons killed annually fall within the active age of 16-55 years.
The Vice President also reminded jubilant fans during the Ghana 2008 tournament to strive to place premium on their lives, respect speed limits and road signs as well as have road safety precautions in their minds.
In a speech read for him, Mr Magnus Opare-Asamoah, Deputy Minister of Road Transport said government had strengthened the coordinating function of the NRSC to develop strategies to effectively deal with the issue. He said it was important that private individuals and organizations collaborate with the Commission in the true spirit of private-public partnership for the NRSC to achieve its objective of a single digit fatality rate per ten thousand vehicles by 2015.
Mr. Noble John Appiah, Acting Executive Director of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) said more than 1600 persons die annually in road fatalities particularly as over 60 percent of those fatalities involve persons in the economically active age group. He announced that the NRSC would, this year launch a road safety call-centre to create a platform for road users to dialogue and contribute to road safety efforts in the country. He said the programme would be a useful input for strategies in road traffic crash reduction and prevention. Mr Kevin Dokes, Chief Executive of Ameri-Ghana said the emergency radio device is a 40-channel radio with channels for emergencies, which would help save lives and cut down on crime.
He said the wireless radio equipment requires no chip or units to function and allows one to say all that needed to be said. He said the wireless radio works within a range of one to five miles and provides for an effective means of relaying emergency information such as robberies, broken down vehicles, traffic conditions and alternative routes to the appropriate agency. Mr Dokes also said the device was adaptable to all vehicles, good for all pubic transport and suitable for private or personal use as well.
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GNA
President urged to shift People's Assembly up North
Accra, Jan. 9, GNA - The Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), has appealed to the President to re-schedule this year's People's Assembly to enable the people of Northern Ghana to "interact with him" in his last People's Assembly this year.
"It is regrettable to note that since the inception of the People's Assembly, the President has never deemed it necessary to attend one in the North", the northern focused pressure group stated. The group stated: "This undoubtedly gives room for groups like NORPRA to feel that the President cares little about the people from this part of the country", the group said in a statement issued in Accra and signed by its president Mr Bismark Adongo Ayorogo It said the President could disabuse the minds of the people and prove their feelings wrong by appearing in one of the northern regions for this year's People's Assembly.
According to the statement, it was on record that during the People's Assembly, various burning socio-economic issues which affected the lives of the downtrodden were raised by people from various backgrounds, who had no other means of sharing their views with the President. It said these views were usually collated and indeed informed policy formulation for smooth running of the country and prudent management of the economy, adding that that was a plus for good governance. Considering the significance of the Assembly, "it is imperative that the father of the nation avails himself to the people of the North, majority of who are poor and vulnerable to meet with him personally for interaction".
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GNA
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Ghana - An African Icon Jets in Today for Talks.
08/01/2008 - Jenny Luesby
Mr John Kufuor - the Ghanaian president - knows about free and fair elections. He won one, ousting long-time ruler, Jerry Rawlings, in 2000.
Mr Kufuor was the first Ghanaian President to achieve a transition of power through the ballot box, and when he went to the polls a second time, in 2004, he won again, fair and square.
A lawyer by training, who lasted just seven months as a minister within the Rawlings regime before citing irreconcilable political differences, he twice served terms as a political detainee, and has over 40 years earned a reputation as a man of principle, more measured than charismatic.
Now as the chairman of the African Union, he has been named as the international mediator that ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga, will not enter talks without. He is the first choice of President Kibaki, from a slate of three. But Mr Kibaki's embrace is not yet total. Rather than move to mediated talks in Nairobi, as the international community has pressed for, he has dispatched a junior minister, Mr Moses Wetangula to Ghana.
It is hard to believe that such an envoy will be empowered enough to reshape the landscape of Kenyan politics.
Albeit to a hesitant start, mediation is certain now to proceed, in time. And the choice of Mr Kufuor means that three will have little room for papering over the cracks.
Mr Kufuor is a clever and patient man, who says little, listens well, and once decided, will not budge. He towers over many, at 6ft 3 inches, but has nonetheless earned the tag of the "gentle giant" for his manner and bearing.
As a man deeply committed to due institutional process, he will not be impressed by the idea that the Kenyan courts are so government-influenced, and so slow, that they offer no viable way to resolve the current problem.
He will, neither, be enthralled by a declaration of power based on inadequate evidence, which the very electoral commission that purveyed it is now seeking legal recourse over.
With both factors clearly in view, he will be seeking stability, knowing that stability rests on justice.
And he arrives understanding the heat of injustice that has swept Kenya in recent days.
Kenyans are right to hope that he will not sell them short now. He never has done to those he has served in 40 years of public administration, predominantly at council level.
Just as importantly, he is here at the behest of the world's diplomatic community, and in this, the agenda is clear. These are not just talks about how to proceed from a disputed poll result, and how to seal the end of brother killing brother.
He has been charged with achieving agreement on amendments to Kenya's constitution that will ensure the events of the last week are never repeated.
For the British, this rests on an end to rule by President.
They have called for, and are backing, the institution of the post of prime minister.
It is a division of power that will be well understood by Mr Kufuor for its significance. For he is not a lawyer alone. Tucked into his youth is the thinking that has launched British prime ministers and diplomats for a century - the PPE.
The politics, philosophy and economics degree that heearned at Oxford University has long been the principle path to leadership in the UK. Providing a grounding in political leverage, philosophical principle, and economic consequence, it has been instrumental in forming the foundation of all British political analysis and strategy.
When 300 people die over the result of a presidential poll, it is a mindset that addresses whether the presidency has become out of control, more than whether the rioters have. And so, too, will Mr Kufuor be weighing the system politique that has degenerated into such a degree of public protest.
That said, the acceptance of Mr Kufuor as mediator represents a mistake followed by a swift correction. He was approached last week by the British as an ideal intermediary. He agreed to act, and announced his departure for Kenya on Thursday: ahead of an invitation by President Kibaki.
Mr Kufuor's trip was postponed on this glitch, and it was not until Sunday that President Kibaki had been repositioned to the extent of an invitation to mediate.
But now engaged, his mission is clear: end the killing and achieve a political solution. And, for Mr Kufuor, training and track record alike suggest that "solution" might very well mean the prospect of an actual solution.
Source: © Reborn Radio
JJ to be put on trial - NDC official
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A top ranking member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Jerry Acquaye Thompson has warned that if the NPP wins the 2008 elections they would put former President Jerry Rawlings on trial.
He urged his party to be aware of the possible consequences that await them if the party does not win the 2008 elections.
Mr. Thompson who is the Greater Accra Regional Organiser said that even though victory for the NDC is clearly written on the walls and in the minds of Ghanaians, if the unexpected happens and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) wins the elections, they would prosecute former President Jerry John Rawlings in 2010.
The year 2010 is the period when the indemnity clause in the 1992 Constitution expires.
According to him knowing the vindictiveness of the NPP and the fact that they harbour hatred for the former President and founder of the NDC, they would put him on trial after the expiration so as to destroy the party.
The Regional Organiser gave the warning over the weekend at a get-together organised at the Ablekuma Central Constituency by one of the party`s defeated Parliamentary aspirants, Mr. Godslove Quaye. The function was attended by other defeated candidates and the Regional Chairman, Daniel Annang.
He said, "If the NDC cannot win the 2008 general elections, then we have a problem. The party would disintegrate. The NPP would put our former President on trial because after 2010, the indemnity clause would be over and that is why we need to work hard to win to the elections."
He was of the view that if the NDC could increase its votes in the region by 5%, victory would be assured.
He therefore, urged members of the NDC to close their ranks, work together devoid of bickering, acrimony and disunity so they can win the upcoming elections.
Also at the function, Joseph Nii Laryea Afoley Agbo, The NDC Member of Parliament for Kpong Katamanso, said the masses are crying for the return of the NDC because they are suffering too much under the NPP.
Source:
The Chronicle
48-million dollar grant to fight HIV/AIDS
Accra, Jan. 8, GNA- Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) and stakeholders on Tuesday signed an Aide Memoire with Ghana's Development Partners to renew their commitment and support to the fight against HIV/AIDS for 2008. The Developing Partners also agreed to support Ghana with a total of 48 million dollar grant for 2008 budget to fight HIV/AIDS.
The development partners included Royal Netherlands Embassy, UN Systems in Ghana, Royal Danish Embassy, Embassy of Japan, World Bank, and Embassy of the United States of America whilst the stakeholders included Ghana Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS, Ghana HIVAIDS Network and Ghana Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Signing on behalf of GAC, Professor Fred Torgbor Sai, Presidential Advisor on HIV/AIDS and Population Issues said government was still committed to the fight against the pandemic and was eager to fulfil its obligations.
He said though the epidemic seemed to have stabilized, there was the urgent need to step up prevention interventions to reduce new infections, especially for the at-risk groups, whom he identified as the virgins, married women and trekking husbands. The aide memoire was concluded at the end of the third HIV/AIDS Partnership Forum and the fourth Business meeting, which reviewed the implementation of 2007 Annual Programme of Work; reviewed and agreed on the 2008 Programme of work and Budget.
Prof. Sai called for more effective collaborations to ensure that the spread of the virus was reduced to its barest minimum and encouraged Ghanaians to use the three effective ways of prevention- Abstinence, Faithfulness and the use of condoms very effectively, adding, "In fact, if one cannot obey the first two, the third one must be a must". Dr Joacquim Saweka, World Health Organisation Country Representative on behalf of the Development Partners commended Ghana for implementing the planned activities for 2007, which included creating an enabling environment for policy and advocacy, embarking on a national stigma campaign and the legal review of HIV and AIDS law. Others were the coordination and management of Decentralized National Response, mitigating the economic, socio-cultural and legal impact of AIDS, prevention and behaviour change communication, treatment care and support, research, surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization and funding arrangement.
He assured Ghana of their continuous support in the areas of technical and funds and called for the maintenance of the collaborative efforts to achieve the set goal of fighting the spread of the pandemic. Under the 2008 annual plan of work, the UN will provide consultants to assist in the development of the Global Fund proposal round eight, whilst GAC would ensure that there were direct links between gaps identified in 2007 and targets for 2008. GAC would ensure that more funds were allocated to youth activities, including expanding the school AIDS Alert programmes and incorporate comments from partners in the annual programme of work and make provision for expanding and sustain the national stigma campaign.
Source:
GNA
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Air Force to be modernized
Accra (Ghanaian Times) -- Ghana's Air Force will soon be modernized with the supply of a new fleet of sophisticated aircraft, Kan-Dapaah, Minister of defense in Accra said on Friday.
He said in view of the vital role of the Ghana Airforce in the maintenance of security and other social services, cabinet will meet at the end of this month to take a firm decision on the matter.
Kan-Dapaah said this last Friday in Accra, when he addressed the Ghana Air Force West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA).
The WASSA celebration enables officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to interact freely and reflect on their activities over the year.
Mr. Kan-Dapaah said the government has already ordered a K8 aircraft and a simulator, which would be delivered next month to boost the operational efficiency of the Number Four Fighter squadron.
He also said the government received proposals for re-equipping of the various squadrons and announced that a recommendation for the acquisition of a transport aircraft will also be discussed at the January cabinet meeting.
'I am optimistic that, the government will give approval in principle for the ministry to conclude negotiations for the purchase to enhance the operational capabilities of the squadrons.' He assured.
He said the programmed acquisition of aircrafts for the Airforce bgan with the delivery of MI 17 Helicopter last two years, Kan-Dapaah praised the Air Force for partnering the Army, Navy, NADMO and other diplomatic and philanthropic organisations to airlift relief items on the quiet to flood victims of the three northern regions.
He has however cautioned the Airforce to be impartial in the lifting of voting materials and officials to very remote areas during the 2008 general elections.
Source:
Ghanaian Times
University of Ghana launches 60th anniversary celebration
Accra, Jan. 8, GNA- Professor Alexander A. Kwapong, the first Ghanaian Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon has urged the authorities to transform the premier university to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
"The University of Ghana is still primus inter pares, but it must now carve out a new and appropriate niche for itself and renew itself for the coming years."
Prof. Kwapong was launching the 60th anniversary celebration and the unveiling of anniversary logo and jingle of the university at a ceremony on Tuesday at Legon.
The celebration, scheduled for July this year is on the theme; "Legon: Charting a New Course".
He said the country had come a long way and the higher education landscape in Ghana was now different from the early seventies. "As we celebrate this 60th anniversary of the University of Ghana, a year after Ghana's own Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations ----, one cannot help but proudly notice the indispensable contribution and overwhelming role that products of this university have made to almost every aspect of Ghana's development as an independent nation. "As we duly take stock of the successes and failures, and assess the challenges, the missed opportunities and achievements of this institution during these past 60 years, I am sure the impartial conclusion will be that the Legon story has so far been a success story; but it must adapt and change itself for the 21st Century," he said. Prof. Kwapong congratulated the university on the attainment of its 60th milestone and paid tribute to all concerned, young and old, Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians alike, who had contributed over the years to the attainment of the anniversary.
He stressed the need to honour the memory of those Ghanaian pioneers, who died, together with their expatriate colleagues, under the leadership of Mr David Balme, the founding Principal of the University, who laid the solid foundations for the growth and development of the university into a great African university.
Professor Clifford N.B. Tagoe, the Vice Chancellor, said although the university celebrated its 50th years anniversary only 10 years ago, "we believed 60 years is worth marking". He said the events of the past 10 years provided the institution not only an opportunity for reflection but also the confidence to look ahead for greater things.
"We have seen unprecedented growth in the numbers of students. Ten years ago we had about 15, 000 students; we now have nearly 30,000. "The University has seen changes in its governance structure by the establishment of colleges, Health Science and Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, a Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Accra City Campus, a number of centres - Gender Studies and Advocacy, Migration Studies and Crop Improvement - are all in place," he said. Prof. Tagoe said the university had witnessed and was witnessing growth in the physical infrastructure involving student and staff accommodation, academic facilities for the Science, Agriculture, Social Studies and Law Faculties and also for various units in the College of Health Sciences and City Campus.
He said the Chemistry Building, started in early 1970s, was eventually completed during the period and there was massive investment in sports and recreational facilities in the form of a swimming pool, gymnasium and sports stadium. In the area of academic work, the Vice Chancellor said, many new programmes, especially at the Master Degree level had been developed and arrangements for the introduction of courses in Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine were nearing completion.
Ambassador James Aggrey-Orleans, Chairman of the 60th Anniversary Panning Committee, commended the authorities for maintaining the cordial relationship between staff and the students over the years. "During our days in the university we experienced a similar friendship, which had enabled us to forge ahead in unity to put together the university's programme of development," he said. He said as part of the celebrations, each faculty would be show casing different activities to portray the success of the university. He, therefore, called on all alumni to support the university by establishing an Endowment Fund to enable it achieve targeted goals. Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, a member of the University Council and the chairperson for the occasion, said the anniversary would offer the university an opportunity to look back and reflect on achievements and failures. She said the university had played a pivotal role in the development of the country and commended stakeholders for their efforts. Prof. Daniel Mireku-Gyimah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa read out the goodwill message.
Source:
GNA
JAK Thanks India For Prez Palace
President Kufuor has expressed appreciation to the government of India for helping Ghana put up a presidential palace.
"After 50 years of independence we now have a complex that will serve as an embodiment of the soul of the nation."
India, the President said, through its Export-Import Bank, extended a $30 million loan facility to Ghana for the construction of the presidential palace. Half of the amount was declared a gift, while the other half a short term loan attracting an interest rate of 1.5 per cent to be repaid over a 25-year period.
Kufuor gave the commendation when the outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Rajesh Nandan Prasad called on him at the Castle, Osu.
Mr Prasad was at the Castle to inform the President about his end of office and to bid him farewell.
Kufuor also acknowledged the assistance India was extending to Africa through the installation of a Pan-African ICT Network to link all 53 countries in Africa.
Source:
Daily Guide
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Free condoms at all hotels
THE Ghana AIDS Commission will soon start distributing condoms to hotels that will accommodate guests who will be in the country for the Ghana 2008 tournament, taking place January 20 to February 10.
The objective of the condom distribution is to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic during the tournament.
Professor Sakyi Awuku Amoa, the Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission (GAC) disclosed this in an interview with the Times in Accra yesterday.
He said the GAC with the support of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) will distribute 5,000 condoms to the hotels. He advised people to be mindful of the spread of HIV/AIDS as over one million visitors will enter the country for the tournament.
Prof Amoa said the number of HIV/AIDS cases recorded as at 2005 and 2006 was over 300,000 out of which 21,828 involved children between the ages of 0 to 14.
Most of the cases were the result of unprotected sex, blood transfusion, and the use of unsterilised sharp tool.
He said the youth, especially girls, should not be enticed by the money they will earn through unprotected sex with some of the visitors. They should place their health over monetary consideration, he said.
Currently there are about 84 treatment centres nationwide catering for 11,500 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) while 21,000 PLWHA are on the waiting list.
Source:
Ghanaian Times
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Fallout From Bawku Conflict / Death Toll Rise To 33