• 18.01.2009

Eight die in fatal accident on Accra-Tema Motorway

Eight people died on the spot and several others, including the driver and mate sustained severe injuries when a 207 benz bus was involved in a fatal accident on the Accra end of the motorway last Friday evening.

The injured were rushed to the Tema General Hospital while the dead, including a four-month old baby were deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

The few survivors also included an eight-month-old baby.

Eye witness account indicated that the white bus with registration number AW 1231 Y which was travelling from Accra burst its back right tyre and the other got detached from the back axel after the burst.

As a result it hit a street light pole, somersaulted and landed into a ditch.

The eye witness stated that the bus was fully loaded with foodstuffs— palm fruits, plantain, palm oil and akpeteshie (local gin) in the booth and was travelling at a top speed resulting in the accident.

The load indicated that some of the women were traders who had gone to buy foodstuffs from the hinterland to the urban areas.

Meanwhile, the badly damaged vehicle had been towed from the scene by the police.

Source: GNA

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Ghanaians asked to expose peace breakers

Winneba, Jan. 18, GNA - The Acting Winneba Municipal Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police Samuel A. Okanta, has appealed to Ghanaians to be bold and report to the security agencies people who want to disturb the peace.

Mr Okanta, who is also the Officer Commanding the Central Region Police Training School in Winneba, said this at a get-together organized by the Effutu Traditional Council for heads of decentralized departments, institutions, corporations and some personalities for their contribution towards the development of the Effutu Municipality. The programme was also used to seek ideas for development and preservation of peace and tranquillity in the area.

Mr Okanta said for the Police Service to achieve maximum success in its work, the public have a role to play by informing about persons whose behaviour could endanger the socio-economic development of the country.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Kejetia Traders congratulate President Mills

Kumasi, Jan. 18, GNA - Members of Kejetia Traders' Association, popularly known as "Mighty 18," and the Ashanti Second-Hand Shoe Sellers' Association have congratulated President John Atta Mills on his assumption to the highest office of the nation. In a joint statement signed by Nana Samuel Kofi Boateng Chairman of the associations, and issued to the Media in Kumasi at the weekend said "we believe it is as a result of your love for peace and unity that saw the Almighty God ordaining you as the President of this great country" "We have followed with keen interest your progress and efforts towards becoming the President of Ghana since the year 2000 when you first made the bid for the Presidency and being a humble person you accepted defeat on twice."

"You humble acceptance of defeat in the 2000 and 2004 general elections greatly helped to keep this country on the path of peace we have enjoyed since independence" the statement said. It said the "Asomdwehene that you have come to be known among your contemporaries, we know and believe that you will lead the nation with the wisdom of God and also continue to keep the peace and unity of our dear nation, Ghana".

"You said in your acceptance speech on your inauguration day that your presidency will be a presidency for all Ghanaians. And we see this as a step in the right direction and your desire for love and unity will indeed see this country moving from strength to strength and in the right direction".

"As a believer of the Rule of Law, we also know that you will champion the cause of Freedom and Justice to all manner of people irrespective of tribe, faith, gender and political persuasions", the statement said.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Former WVLC workers seek government intervention

Sekondi, Jan. 18, GNA - Workers of former Western Veneer and Lumber Company (WVLC), a state owned timber firm in Sekondi that was divested to ASD Limited, have alleged that the company was sold under dubious circumstances and call for investigations.

They also complained about alleged incompetence of management of the new and said the company faces collapse.

In a statement signed by 10 of their representatives, the workers said they had not been paid any salaries or entitlements since ASD Limited took over WVLC more than a year ago.

They have therefore appealed to the government to probe the circumstances under which the company was divested and intervene to save the workers from further "embarrassment, frustration and unfair treatment."

The statement alleged that ASD Limited benefited from state largesse as a result of the dubious manner the company was sold by the Divesture Implementation Committee (DIC).

It said even though full payment of the company had not been effected, management had started selling machinery and equipment as scraps as a means to generate revenue to meet its expenditure. The statement said attention of the DIC had been drawn to the illegal practice of management of ASD Limited but no action had been taken.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

• 17.01.2009

Stop pressurizing children into marriage

In a bid to control the increasing rate of divorce in the country, parents and relatives have been advised against pressuring
their relations into marriage.

Mr. Stephen Nortey, Tema Metropolitan Marriage and Divorce Registrar said even though parents have the right to guide and advice their children on marital issues, the decision to marry should be left to the individual.

Mr. Nortey, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Friday said most people who entered into marriage due to pressures mounted on them by relatives and friends often end up in divorce.

He said a total of 46 customary divorces were recorded by his outfit in 2008 compared to the 32 handled in 2007.

The Marriage and Divorce Registrar however, noted that the figure does not depict the actual divorce rate in the metropolis since the registry only handles customary divorce cases, while the circuit courts have the jurisdiction to dissolve ordinance marriages.

The Registry registered a total of 2,845 marriages in 2008 over the 2,779 registered in 2007.

Mr Nortey stated that the total comprised 2,665 ordinance and 180 customary, adding that, a total of 2,605 and 174 ordinance and customary marriages respectively were registered in 2007.

He explained that monogamous marriages were registered under ordinance while polygamous marriages went into the customary register.

Throwing light on other factors contributing to the increase in divorce cases, he noted that even though people attain the legal marriage age before entering into it most of them were immature.

Due to immaturity, spouses could not properly handle challenges in their marriages leading to divorces, he said and therefore advised aspiring couples to acquire knowledge on marriage before venturing into it.

Urging couples to be committed to the information and teachings acquired during marriage counselling, Mr Nortey encouraged people to take firm decisions on marriage even in the midst of pressures.

Touching on the adaptation of husband’s surname by married women, he said an ordinance marriage must be gazetted before a woman could use the surname of her husband, adding however that, there was no provision for the gazetting of customary marriages.



Source:GNA

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Ghanaians advised to support new government

Kumasi, Jan. 17, GNA - Ghanaians should be supportive of the new government to help build the country into a prosperous one, Togbui Mawufeame Fugah, an opinion leader has Advised.

He said Ghana's democracy was still young and that it behoved all and sundry, irrespective of their political affiliations to make meaningful contributions to Ghana's socio-economic advancement.

Togbui Fugah was speaking at the inauguration of the Professor Atta Mills Foundation at a ceremony in Kumasi at the week-end. The Foundation among other aims would deepen Ghana's democratic dispensation through intellectual discourse at seminars and forums to equip the masses with useful information about their constitutional rights and civil responsibilities.

Togbui Fugah, who is the life patron of the Foundation, was not happy that some Ghanaians due to selfish political interest had started criticizing the new government under President John Evans Atta Mills for not fulfilling their campaign promises.

He also decried the pressure being put on the new President by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) members as to who should be appointed Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, District Chief Executives and others. He stressed that if care was not taken those practices had the potential to derail the focus of the new government.

Togbui Fugah, however, optimistic that President Mills would deliver on his campaign promises because he had the practical experience, expertise and knowledge to implement effectively his plans of improving on the economy. Mr Ebenezer Terlabi Okletey, a leading member of the Foundation, said the NDC in particular should be reminded of where they were coming from so as to work hard to consolidate their victory in the recent polls. He said the Foundation had no political leanings and that it was opened to the public.

".The formation of the society was informed by the good character traits, humility and commitment of President Mills in upholding the Rule of Law and Freedom of Speech," he said.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Surrender diplomatic passports - Ministry

Accra, Jan. 17, GNA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD on Saturday directed that all holders of Ghana Diplomatic and Service Passports should surrender them to the Chief Director. A statement issued and signed by Ms. Georgina Djameh, Acting Director, Information and Linguistics Bureau of the Ministry on behalf of the Chief Director said it was in the process of reviewing the issuance of such passports.

It said all holders of such passports, except former President and Spouse, former Vice President and Spouse, all members of the Ghana Diplomatic Service, including Current Heads of Missions and their spouses and Ghanaians in the employment of International Organizations were to comply with the directive.

The statement said failure to comply with the directive would result in the cancellation of all such passports.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Four jailed for gang rape

Four young men who conspired to gang-rape an 18-year-old lady in a moving vehicle at Pankrono Estate in Kumasi last year have been sentenced to a total of 38years imprisonment with hard labour.

The four - K waku Asiamah, 18; Kwadwo Apau, 23; Kwaku Dwumfour, 20, and Ofori Atta, 19 - were jailed 15 years, 10 years, 10 years and three years, respectively.

They were said to have kidnapped the young lady in August and sent her to the Pankrono Estate where they raped her in turns while the car was still in motion.

They had picked the young lady in a taxi at the SDA Senior High School area near the Suame Roundabout on Saturday, August 9, 2008 and sent her to the Pankrono Estate for the dastardly act, after which they abandoned her and fled.

The prosecutor, ASP Albert Odei Quansah, told the court that about 12:30 a.m on August 9, 2008, the four convicts were on board the Toyota Corolla taxi from a friend's birthday party at Bantarna when they came across the victim.

He said the convicts saw the victim standing by the roadside at the SDASenior High School, near the Suame Roundabout and offered her a lift.

The victim was said to have informed the convicts that she was heading towards Bantama.

They were said to have diverted towards Pankrono and on the way Apau pulled a locally manufactured pistol but Asiamah, the youngest among them, was said to have collected the gun and pointed it at the victim and forced her to submit herself.

The two, Apau and Asi.amah, who were sitting at the back seat of the car together with the victim, were said to have forcibly had sexual intercourse with her in turns at the back seat while the, car was still in motion.

The prosecutor told the court that on reaching a place near the old Ashh FM. office, the vehicle developed a fault and Dwumfour, who was then sitting in the front seat, also wanted to force the victim to have sex with her.

But she was said to have screamed for help, which attracted the attention of three neighbourhood watch committee members who were then patrolling the area.

The convicts, on seeing the watch committee members, were said to have taken to their heels, leaving behind the car and the victim.

The vehicle was towed to the New Tafo Police Station the following day where the owner showed up.

The owner was said to have led the police to the house of the driver, Ofori Atta, who also led the Police to arrest the three others.

When they were arrested, Atta told the police that he did not .have sex with the lady but the three others admitted having had sex with her, arguing that she had wilfully agreed to have sex with them for a fee.


Source: Daily Graphic

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

"Mrs Justice Abban hasn’t fled country"

The Judicial Service has debunked rumours that Mrs Justice Henrietta Abban, the Court of Appeal judge who presided over the trial of the former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) boss, has fled the country out of fear for her safety.

Sources at the Judicial Service denied that the judge had fled the country and explained that she was currently on a sick leave, apparently the situation which gave rise to the rumours.

She was said to have begun the 14-day leave on January 5, 2009.

Mrs Justice Abban hit the headlines when she presided over the Accra Fast Track High Court which, on June 18, 2008, found Mr Tsikata guilty on three counts of wilfully causing financial loss of GH¢230,OOO to the state and another count of misapplying public property and sentenced him to five years imprisonment.

Mr Tsikata, who had maintained his innocence throughout the six-year trial, has appealed against his conviction.

The trial started in 2002 and travelled back and forth the court ladder until his sentence that generated a lot of controversy.

Following the judgement, the judge was lambasted by sympathisers of the former GNPC boss who formed a pressure group called Friends of Tsatsu Movement and agitated for his release from the Nsawam Prison.

There were also reports of alleged threats on the life of the judge when people were said to have sent text messages that she would be dealt with; prompting calls to the security agencies to tighten security around her.

After his conviction and sentence, Tsikata filed an application for bail pending his appeal at the trial court but Mrs Justice Abban, on July 20, 2008, dismissed the application.

However, on, December 8, 2008, the Court of Appeal, by a unanimous decision, ruled that the Accra, Fast Track High Court erred in dismissing the bail application pending appeal filed by Mr Tsikata.

It, therefore, upheld an appeal filed against the dismissal of the application by Mr Tsikata against the trial judge, Mrs Justice Abban.

However, on the last day of his term in office, former President J.A. Kufuor, under his prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the Constitution, granted an unconditional pardon to Mr Tsikata.

At the time, Mr Tsikata, who was still on admission at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, declined the pardon and insisted that he would continue to pursue justice in the court of law.

He described the gesture of the former President as the height of hypocrisy, saying that, "I have never sought, and I do not need your pretence of mercy Justice is my quest and I will pursue this quest in accordance with the constitution and laws of Ghana."

That quest to seek justice at the court commenced on a positive note when the Accra Fast Track High Court upheld his bail application pending appeal and granted him a self-recognisance bail in the sum of GH¢l million.



Source: Daily Graphic

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Police rendered homeless

Police personnel at Obuasi in the Ashanti region have been rendered homeless following a fire outbreak in their quarters at Akaporiso, a suburb of Obuasi, last Friday.

The fire, which razed down the entire quarters destroying property worth several thousands of Ghana Cedis, started at about 11 a.m. that fateful day.

Though the cause of the fire is not yet known, it is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

According to an eyewitness, Inspector Charles Appiah-Kubi, at about 11 a.m. that day, he heard people screaming and went to find out what was happening only to witness a thick smoke coming from the quarters.

He said he immediately called the Fire Service in the municipality for assistance but was told by officers at the fire station that they could not come because their only vehicle for operation had developed a mechanical fault.

He continued that he then called the Fire Service Department of AngloGold Ashanti which came rather late, explaining that they arrived late because supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were celebrating their party’s victory on the street.

Inspector Appiah-Kubi indicated that the affected police officers now have to put up with friends and relatives for the time being.

Confirming the incident to DAILY GUIDE, the Obuasi Divisional Police Commander, Superintendent Owuahene Agyei Acheampong, indicated that he had notified the regional command about the tragedy.

He, however, expressed the hope that accommodation would soon be provided for the police officers to enable them carry out their duties effectively.

The Divisional Commander appealed to individuals and corporate entities to assist the service in addressing the accommodation problem as soon practicable.


Source: Daily Guide

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Environmental, sanitation awareness among caterers low -Tapena

Sunyani (B/A), Jan. 17, GNA - Mr. Francis Tapena, acting Brong Ahafo Regional Manager of Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), expressed worry about low awareness on best environmental and sanitation practices among caterers in the country.

He said consequently, the Board in collaboration with Ghana Traditional Caterers Association (GTCA), has been organising public awareness programmes and training for their members to improve upon sanitation and hygiene, Mr Tapena cited that the GTB has since 2004 trained an average of 700 operators in the catering sector annually.

He was speaking in an interview with GNA in Sunyani on Thursday, after attending a meeting with stakeholders in the catering sector drawn from the region.

The meeting organised by the Brong Ahafo Regional executives of the association, was aimed at explaining to participants the need for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover the yearly mandatory medical health screening and related issues for members of GTCA. They included representatives from Sunyani Municipal Health Directorate, Regional office of the NHIS and the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Regional Health Directorate. Mr. Tapena said that the coverage would help minimise the incidence of communicable diseases that could deter customers in particular and the general public from patronizing the services of Caterers. He after the event "Qualified staff should in turn pass on their skills to their untrained colleagues".

Mr. Tapena appealed to the association to ensure that members and non-members registered with the GTB to enable them to obtain license so that they could benefit from the Board's training programmes. He said the GTB has also been assisting the association "to address the issue of multiplicity of taxes from various government agencies which affect their cost of doing business".

Mr. Tapena praised GTCA for initiating plans to address inequalities in the execution of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He advised members of GTCA "to employ in the interim persons who have already registered with the NHIS and maintain core qualified staff".

Mr. Casely Hayford Ababio, regional president of the association, was dissatisfied that "the NHIS is not covering the screening and its attendant requirements which is a prerequisite for operating a catering service".

He said, however, that about 60-70 per cent of Ghanaians including tourists patronised the services of caters on daily basis. Mr Ababio said "the inclusion of members of the association on the benefit list will motivate a lot if not all operators to undergo the mandatory screening, which will eventually reduce if not overcome the menace of communicable diseases that affects the health of the people". Dr. David Opare, Sunyani Municipal Director of Health Services, said that the NHIS was taking into account public health interventions but only dealt with sick people and emphasized that, "it is not yet ripe to address public health interventions".

He advised GTCA to ensure that members registered with the NHIS and pay their social security contributions as well, so that they would be automatically covered by the scheme.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

• 16.01.2008

Government of Ghana is "Broke"

...Transition Team comments on macro-economic situation

Accra, Jan. 16, GNA--The Economic Sub-Committee of the Government Transition Team, after having studied the nation's current macro economic situation have noted the remarks made by the Minority in Parliament and will respond to the issues raised in detail in the course of next week.

A release issued by Hanna S. Tetteh, Spokesperson, President John Atta Mills Transition Team in Accra on Friday said, the Team's statement will provide the context for the detailed response and the public will be more enlightened on the prevailing state of affairs.

The main points in respect of the nation's current macro-economic situation are as follows:

CLICK HERE  &  READ ALL! <

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Bush says good bye

President George W Bush has strongly defended his record in office in his final TV address to Americans.

Mr Bush said his administration had brought democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan, and had prevented another attack on American soil since 9/11.

He said he had acted decisively to beat the threat of financial collapse.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

I will not criticize NDC government now -Nana Akufo-Addo

Wa, Jan. 16, GNA - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the defeated presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Election 2008, has said he would not criticize President John Attah Mills' administration now but would do that when the need arises. "We in the NPP are just watching the NDC. We will not criticize now. We will wait a little bid before we criticize. That is if the need arises," he said.

"We will reorganize the party by electing new executives and also amend some parts of the constitution to make the party to look more attractive and formidable to win the 2012 election", he said. He said the NPP is 60 years, had gone through several challenges and cannot be blown away by any wind, adding that building the party was not an individual affair but a role for all stakeholders. Nana Akufo-Addo said the country had been evenly divided between the NPP and the NDC and each of them must play its role appropriately to ensure peace, tranquillity, togetherness and a sense of direction for the rapid development of the country. "Our ideas are on the public domain and the NDC can take them to help develop the country", Nana Akufo-Addo said.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

DVLA boss sacked

Media reports indicate that the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mrs. Mabel Sagoe has been fired.

She lost her job in circumstances thought to be associated with the recent hullabaloo that greeted the seizure of vehicles from outgoing political office holders.

Her position has been taken over by the man who acted as head of the Authority during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, Justice Amegashie.

Mr. Amegashie's return to the DVLA, then known as VELD, is seen in NDC circles as the return of old guards to sensitive but lucrative positions, just like Kofi Putorphy staged a comeback to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Mrs. Sagoe, a civil servant, who took over from Hon. Joseph Owusu, was the subject of a heated controversy when some NDC elements embarked on what later became a sour car-seizing cxercise in Accra.

Her interview was said to have given a clearer picture of what some persons sought to explain as a massive attempt at transferring the ownership of government vehicles.

The alleged irregularities turned out to be a storm in a teacup, a situation which embarrassed government.
It would be recalled that two members of the former First Family had their cars taken away from them several kilometers away from home.
Chief Kufuor, son of the former President, and Madam Theresa Kufuor, former First Lady, were two of the victims of the N DC raids, apart from a former deputy minister.
Chief Kufuor's four wheel drive, which actually belonged to George Kufuor, his uncle, was impounded at the DVLA premises when he (Chief) took it there for a renewal of the MOT certification.

The Managing Director of Barclays Bank was also a victim of the haphazard seizure of cars, but he had his Chrysler returned to him when it was discovered later that the action was a goof.

A directive which was issued and posted on the notice board at the DVLA offices asked that all such transfers be routed through the Chief Director at the Office of the President.

Mrs. Sagoe was a Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Transport before being attached to the DVLA.

She was directed to act as head of the Authority soon after Mr. Owusu won the parliamentary seat of Bekwai in the Ashanti Region in the recent general elections.

Source: Daily Guide

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Is the GBC boss still at post?

Forgive me, but I am surprised that the Director General of the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation William Ampem-Darko has not kicked himself out of office yet. I know it’s not a culture that we are used to, but if I were Willie Pee, I’ll not stay a day after January 03, 2008.

Not when his association with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is without a doubt and some actions of his during the political campaigning, not least of them, the packaging of fraudulent & concocted electoral figures and published on the Corporation’s website and what many perceive as a deliberate decision not to provide a live coverage of the Electoral Commission’s declaration of the NDC’s John Atta Mills as winner of the elections.

Never mind the statement released by the GBC management to the effect that they are investigating why the EC declaration was not covered, because, really what they should be telling their viewers and the public is what went wrong and not the establishment of a committee to do that. It is my considered view that you do not need a committee to determine that. If indeed it was a technical difficulty, it should be known within minutes and off course, if someone or people connived to prevent the live feed from getting on air, that should also take just a couple of minutes to find out. After all, we all know that Committees hardly work in Ghana, especially of this type.

And as I have indicated already, that singular act of omission, if we can call it so and other actions of the GBC under Willie Pee’s supervision can and does lend to all kinds of interpretation and Willie Pee should have put together his handing over notes including recommendations on how best to position GBC as a self sustaining business entity and resigned.

The new administration cannot and would not push him out since his appointment was by the National Media Commission. But I am of the view that he knows better. In any case, I do not think that the GBC he met has undergone any tremendous improvement or will see any major changes in direction, management and business propriety if he remains in charge.

Take the case of the GBC website, www.gbcghana.com posting figures that were fraudulently acquired and posted to the effect that the NPP’s Nana Akuffo Addo was leading the polls after collating results from 229 constituencies. How can anybody do that in any serious organisation with structures and clear lines of reporting, supervision and management? It only goes to prove that the Director General of the GBC and his team has failed. If the stories that the fraudulent figures were posted from the Kumasi office of the GBC is anything to go by, then it more than confirms my position that the structures are weak.

My background in broadcasting, and haven been a part of the management team of one of Ghana’s most successful if not the Most Successful radio station, has always convinced me that the GBC is sitting on a gold mine still waiting to be extracted. I was among those who expressed optimism at the appointment of Willie Pee as DG because we were convinced that his background will lead to the establishment of strong structures and implementation of sound business strategies that will bring about changes to GBC’s management style, programming and business operations in a manner that would improve the Corporation’s revenues and make it self sustainable.

Sadly, that has not been the case, and whatever successes if any that has been chalked is reflected more in new vehicles and an award that the DG conferred on himself for a good job done.

GTV’s programming is still so porous, sometimes you want to ask yourself what’s the use of the position of Director of TV and Programme Producers. Watching TV sometimes, unless it is just me, you get the impression that there’s no one in charge because the same mistakes and viewer-annoying spectacles get repeated so often I feel so ashamed that they are now on DStv. My fear is that they’ll be taking the place of Lagos TV on the DStv bouquet because until GTV came, LTV was the only channel that gave you nightmares.

GTV in particular has great revenue potentials once the appropriate business strategies are developed, taking into consideration the public service outlook of the Corporation and which should reflect in its programming. This is achievable and with the right and competent team in place, GTV and for that matter GBC can win itself off government subvention within the shortest possible time. Never mind what any team of English-writing consultants who themselves are interested in long spans to write their recommendations for achieving that in order to garner more dollars for their work.

If the young, relatively inexperienced employees of say Metro TV can make TV viewing exciting and be prepared to hit the road to bring programming that makes the station’s sales efforts less difficult, why not GTV of all stations?

GBC needs restructuring, I mean business restructuring not political restructuring, never mind the fact that some persons perceived to be sympathisers of the then opposition party were kicked out. That restructuring will include Human Resource issues [staff reduction or increment where applicable, intensified job training among others], programming review bearing in mind a clearly targeted demographic and social grouping and the setting of clear operational and sales targets.

The other key issue for GBC would be for the NDC administration to allow the Corporation to run professional while paying attention to their public service roles.


Credit: S. Xoese DOGBE [stan.dogbe@gmail.com]
Stanislav is the Managing Editor of the dailyEXPRESS Newspaper, Ghana’s first and only FREE newspaper (Mondays & Fridays).

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Kufuor exhibited lack of political will to pass - RTI

Accra, Jan. 16, GNA - The Ghana Coalition on Access to Information (ATI) on Friday expressed disappointment about the "lack of political will," by the former President John Agyekum Kufuor to pass the Right to Information (RTI) Bill.

The RTI Coalition has therefore challenged President John Evans Atta Mills' government to muster the political courage to pass the bill within the first 100 days in office.

In a statement signed by Nana Oye Lithur, RTI Co-ordinator, said: "The past six years have shown a lack of political will by former President Kufuor's Government to deliver on its promise to pass the pending RTI Bill for Ghana.

"It is hoped that the new Government's promise of change that underpinned its campaign agenda will translate into substantial action on the Bill and counteract the complacency of the former government with respect to the expedient passage of the RTI Bill." The RTI Coalition reminded President Atta Mills of his promise to pass the long-awaited RTI law as part of his vision to strengthen the nation's democratic practice and combat corruption in public offices. Nana Oye Lithur said the fundamental Right to Information was a Constitutional Right guaranteed to all persons under Article 21 (1) (f) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

She said to date Ghana still had no legislative framework providing for means and procedures to exercise the right to information. "In the absence of such a law, it means that the peoples' right to information is left at the mercy of government officials who withhold information in their custody from the public in disregard of the peoples' legal entitlement to such information." She said these practices in effect undermined the constitutionally cherished principles of democratic governance that represented the choice of governance in Ghana.

Nana Oye Lithur recounted that the Coalition, in the run-up to Election 2008, pressed for detailed and time-bound commitments for the passage of the RTI law from Presidential candidates. "This successfully resulted in the incorporation of such commitments in party manifestoes. The NDC manifesto specifically highlighted on page 24 that; 'The new NDC government shall enact into law the Freedom of Information Bill to facilitate access to official information, buttressing their commitment to disclosures'" The NDC Manifesto, like all other party manifestoes, was, however, silent on the timeframe as to when this commitment to pass the Bill would be fulfilled.

Given the history of government inaction on this issue, the Coalition has renewed its efforts to place freedom of information at the forefront of the political and social agenda. The Coalition called on the new Government to, as a matter of urgency, revise the FOI Bill in accordance with international human rights standards as a means to guarantee maximum disclosure of government-held information to the public.

This would further ensure the expedient passage of the Bill as a fundamental yardstick for the progressive realisation of the peoples' right to information in Ghana and a tool for strengthening the democratic values.

Nana Oye explained that the current Bill on the RTI was drafted by the Attorney-General's Department in 2003 with the aim of giving substance to the Constitutional provision by providing key steps for access to official information held by a government agency subject to the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

• 15.01.2009

Statement on transfer of Executive Assets

 Mpiani to provide details on Ghana@50, CAN2008, Jubilee House

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

“If Kufuor thought there was any criminality in the purchase of the Nsawam Cannery, what moral basis does he have to withdraw the charges?”   -  Nana Konadu Rawlings  -

Nana Konadu's Statement on corruption charges

STATEMENT ISSUED BY NANA KONADU AGYEMAN RAWLINGS ON THE DISCONTINUATION OF CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST HER AND FIVE OTHERS OVER THE PURCHASE OF THE NSAWAM CANNERY

The Accra Fast Track High Court this morning struck out charges of theft, fraud and conspiracy to defraud the state brought against me three years ago.

Messrs Emmanuel Agbodo, Thomas Benson Owusu, Kwame Peprah and Madam Sherry Aryitey who were facing similar charges have also had their charges dropped.

My understanding is that former President John Agyekum Kufuor gave the order for the discontinuation of the case on the eve of his departure from office.

The purchase of Nsawam Cannery by Caridem, which was the transaction in question, was executed without any element of criminality and my colleagues and I always wondered how the state expected to prove its case against us.

A proper bidding process was put in place for the sale and Caridem won through due process because we were the highest bidder. The World Bank supervised the entire bidding process, so it was a huge shock to us when the NPP government decided to prosecute and persecute us over a process that was already ten years old.

Having purchased the Nsawam Cannery we sought assistance from major financiers some of whom had done due diligence and were on the verge of making payments for the factory to resume operations. These institutions withdrew their support soon after 30 charges were preferred against us over a purported discovery of major discrepancies in the sale of the cannery.

My image and that of the co-accused has been battered beyond recognition, my reputation amongst my peers sullied and my family abused both locally and internationally because many were convinced their mum was a criminal.

I wonder on what basis John Kufuor decided to discontinue the case on his last day in office. This same man was the initiator of court proceedings against us but on his departure from office he chose to score cheap and shameless political points with my fundamental human rights as if he owned my life.

At some point during the process we were resigned to our fate knowing that the powers that be had no plans of capitulating. Having excelled in ensuring that all cases against members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led to imprisonment we were like lambs being led to the slaughter.

We definitely were not expecting a fair judgement at the end of the day but are convinced that the case was withdrawn at the last minute because ex-President Kufuor having failed to perpetuate his party’s stay in power and knowing that he will be exposed if the case continued under this government decided to discontinue the case.

If Kufuor thought there was any criminality in the purchase of the Nsawam Cannery, what moral basis does he have to withdraw the charges?

Millions of dollars have gone down the drain as we defended ourselves in court while the project was put on hold. Is Kufuor going refund that? Will ever be able to turn the clock back and restore us our lost reputations?

Taxpayer’s money has been wasted pursuing this exercise in futility. Had it been another government the previous Attorney General would probably have been prosecuted for causing financial loss to the state but alas we find ourselves in different circumstances.

Our legal team has been asked to prepare a detailed report for the general public to appreciate the disdain the previous government had for our liberties and its quest to tarnish our reputations at whatever cost. I am not discounting the possibility of bringing charges against Kufuor and all those who individually and collectively colluded to persecute us, abuse our fundamental human rights, destroy our hard won reputations and lose us potential revenue from the operation of the cannery.

I am grateful to the almighty God for protecting us through these trying moments, to the people of Ghana through whose toil change came to Ghana, compelling John Kufuor to take this belated decision.

My husband Jerry Rawlings was always by my side giving me strength and belief even though he must have had it at the back of his mind that his darling wife may wrongfully go to jail because of the vindictiveness of those who initiated the legal action. Thank you Sweetheart for your enduring support.

Signed: Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Atta Mills Moves To Castle

... Jubilee House Not Ready

President John Atta Mills has moved to the Osu Castle, designating it as the seat of government.

The decision, according to the President’s Spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga, was because the Golden Jubilee House was not ready.

This was however contrary to statements by the Chairman of the Transition Team of the outgoing Kufuor Administration, Kwadwo Mpiani who disclosed that offices in the building were ready for government business.

  SOON!  MORE PALACE PICTURES / Day & Night !         

Reports indicate that all the materials necessary for the functioning of the Office of the President had been moved to the Castle.

Ayariga told Citi FM that the Jubilee House was not fully complete, noting that work on various parts of the facility were still ongoing and thus the Transition Team for the Mills Administration found it inconvenient and inappropriate to house the Presidency in a facility not fully completed.

He said to that extent the Castle would be used for the purpose.

Responding to questions on the timetable for the completion of the exercise, Mr. Ayariga said he was not sure when the facility would be ready because the contractor had not given any indication in that direction.

Yesterday he told newsmen the project which was initiated by former President Kufuor and built in a record time of 18 months, would take another one year to complete.

He said President Mills preferred to work at the Castle because he had worked there in the Rawlings Administration as Vice President for four years, adding that the Transition Team had also inspected the Castle and recommended it for the President.

Observers however believed that the NDC government was deliberately avoiding the Jubilee House.

Source: Daily Guide

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Court discharges Konadu, four others

 

 

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA - The Fast Track High Court on Thursday discharged Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, the former First Lady and four others over the divestiture of the Nsawam Cannery.

They had been charged with conspiracy, causing loss to public property, dishonestly receiving, obtaining public property by false pretences, obtaining public property by false statement, conspiracy to utter forged documents and uttering forged documents. They all pleaded not guilty.

The court, presided over Mr Justice Edward Amoako Asante declared: "I have seen that the Attorney General Department has filed a notice of withdrawal and discontinuation." A Nolle Prosequi has also been entered, the court said, and discharged them.

When the issue of compensation cropped up, the court tasked the lawyers to put their heads together to see what they could do. "In this matter my hands are tied; this is not a civil matter that I can award one," the court said.

Though the state was not represented, Mr Tony Lithur, Mr Kweku Bram-Larbi and Nana Ato Dadzie, the defence legal team, represented Mrs Agyemang Rawlings and the four others.

The four are Emmanuel Agbodo, former Executive Secretary of the Divestiture Implementation Committee (DIC), Mr Thomas Benson, former DIC Accountant, Mr Kwame Peprah, former Finance Minister and chairman of the DIC and Ms Sherry Ayittey, Director of Carridem Development Company Limited.

At Thursday's sitting, Nana Ato Dadzie, who represented Mr Peprah admitted that his client was absent and informed the court that he (Mr Peprah) had been engaged in other matters, adding that he was due to be in court. Nana Ato Dadzie thanked the court for its decision describing the action as an unavoidable battle that should not have started. According to him his client had spent between two to three years on the matter pointing out the stress at both locally and international levels. "They have been affected in terms of their health not to talk about their families, but we are happy that this chapter has been closed." Nana Ato Dadzie proposed that some compensation be paid to them. Mr. Tony Lithur informed the court that Mrs Agyemang Rawlings was upset with the nolle prosequi entered by the state.

Soon after Mrs Agyemang Rawlings, dressed in white kaba with a NDC party scarf tired around her hair, and the four others were discharged, party faithful met them with a brass band amidst singing and dancing. The crowd which sang songs of jubilation escorted Mrs Rawlings and Miss Sherry Ayittey into their Green Pajero parked adjacent to the courts.

Speaking to the press later, Mrs Agyemang Rawlings described the trial as political harassment. Madam Ayittey said the judiciary had been abused and manipulated by the executive and wondered why the charges preferred against them could be reduced from 33 to 6.

When asked whether the compensation demanded by her could correct what they had gone through Madam Ayittey said: "Compensation is not always money but an apology would do."

In the late 90's government received approval to divest Nsawam Cannery and Carridem, formed by the 31 December Women's Movement, won the bid. Carridem was to pay 10 per cent non-refundable commitment fee in the purchase of the cannery. Additionally some amounts of money should have submitted with the final Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) of 2.7 billion cedis (2.7 million Ghana cedis) which was to be paid within 12 month among other conditions.

An audit conducted by the Auditor General said some anomalies were detected in the Nsawam Cannery affair.

 

Source: GNA

 

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

 

Let local people feel part of oil benefits - Mills

 

 

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday reminded Kosmos Energy, one of the companies involved in the nation's oil find in the Jubilee Fields of Cape Three Points, to be mindful of social, legal and corporate responsibilities so that local people would be part of the process and feel its benefits.

He urged the company to make use of available Ghanaian expertise as well as insulate the people against any challenges that would emanate from the drilling of oil.

President Atta Mills, who was speaking when a delegation from the Kosmos Energy, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Musselman, paid a courtesy call on him at the Castle, in Osu, Accra, assured them of the government's support.

The President commended Kosmos Energy for its success in its work in Jubilee Fields, but indicated that the oil find would be a problem if efforts were not well coordinated.

He said procurement of materials must come from local sources and notice should also be taken of environmental issues that would arise when the drilling in commercial quantities began. President Atta Mills painted a bright picture for the oil industry, saying bigger things were yet to come.

He underscored the need for transparency and openness so that Ghanaians, especially those in the environs of the Jubilee Field, would feel part of the oil discovery and see it as a blessing to them. Mr Musselman congratulated Ghana for conducting a "good election", adding that, from afar, Ghana was becoming a symbol for Africa. He said the project in the Jubilee Fields was on course, adding that they had already signed letters of intent with their partners, and once the plan of development was signed with Government, the project would go forward.

He said since Ghana made the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 2007, two other drilling sites had been found, also in Cape Three Points.

The first discovery, called the Mahogany Discovery, renamed Jubilee to match with Ghana's 50th anniversary celebration, now has five wells. This has been placed under Phase One of the Project, with a projected level of 1,200 barrels per day when operations fully begins in 2010. The second discovery, made in February 2008, is called the Odum Discovery in the eastern part of Western Cape Three Points. This is called Mahogany 3.

Mr Musselman described the find as truly world class, but called for moderation in expectations.

 

Source: GNA

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Low turn out of passport applicants worrying - Sarpong

 

 

Wenchi (B/A), Jan.15, GNA - Mr Augustus Offei Sarpong, Wenchi Municipal Immigration Officer on Thursday expressed concern about the low turn-out of passport applicants in the municipality. He attributed the situation to lack of proper education on the need for every Ghanaian to obtain the national passport, as well as the delays in the processing of passport applications by the authorities.

 

Mr Sarpong told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Wenchi that at the end of 2008 only 300 persons in the municipality had applied for passports and stressed the need for every citizen to possess the document despite age, tribe or profession.

He called for an intensification of awareness creation among the general public to promote their interest and to help curb the illegal acquisition of travelling documents.

Mr Sarpong noted that ineffective communication between the passport offices and the Ghana Immigration Service had led to some applicants securing more than one passport. "Some people apply to both the Passport Office and the Immigration Service and because of poor communication between them their names appear twice in the register and cannot be detected for one to be cancelled to avoid the issuance of two passports to the same person," he said.

As a result, about 18 issued passports have been abandoned at the municipal office since 2007 and we are yet to go on air to announce the names of owners, he said. A cross-section of people interviewed by the GNA in Wenchi complained about the inability of the Immigration Service to let the public know their offices and where to collect their passports when ready.

Obed Tachi Mensah, a student, said he applied to the Immigration Service office in Sunyani for a passport but was instructed to collect it in Wenchi, his place of birth. "It took about three months for my passport to be traced", he said and appealed to the authorities to make the public aware of changes in the application for the document.

 

Source: GNA

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

"Suspicious" Dumping of shredded cedis ...

 

A normal routine exercise by the Bank of Ghana (BOG) to destroy worn out currencies yesterday created panic among residents of South Ofankor, because they did not know the source of the shredded and compressed Ghana cedis notes dumped at the Masalaki refuse dump on the morning of Tuesday, January 13.

The anxiety was particularly heightened for two reasons: firstly, it was the first time that such a thing was happening and secondly, the hurried manner in which the money was dumped by an unnumbered tipper truck created suspicion.

When the Times got to the site at about 1.30 p.m. yesterday, scores of money-seeking residents were scavenging for the money although it was no longer legal tender.

The scene was rowdy as men, women and children were seen complaining and cursing whoever might have dumped the notes shredded.

The scene, besides the money, was littered with bundles which bore the stamps of Stanbic Bank, Intercontinental Bank, Merchant Bank, Ecobank and Prudential Bank.

The dates stamped on the bundles were very current, some as late as December 20, last year.

Although the money had been shredded, their serial numbers indicating GH¢50, GH¢20, GH¢ 10, GH¢5 and GH¢ 1 were visible.

A caretaker at the refuge dump, J.O. Ayitey told the Times that a blue tipper truck came to the site at about 1 0:30am yesterday to dispose of what they thought was refuse.

He said there were only two people on the truck, the driver and another man in the front seat.

"They were in blue shirts and 1 suspect that they might be from the Bank of Ghana," he said doubtfully.

He said because they did not suspect foul play it never occurred to them to check the content because they sat in a hut with their backs to the refuse dump.

He said not even the fact that the truck had no number plate aroused their suspicious.

Mr Ayitey said they only got wind of the situation when some children looking for scraps on the refuge dump discovered it and reported to them. "After dumping the stuff, the truck sped away and attempts later to chase it proved futile," he added.

Some of the people around who spoke to the Times expressed varying degrees of shock at the turn of events.

"I have for the past one week worked very hard just for GH¢ 10 but have not gotten it so seeing money being treated this way makes me get high blood pressure," Madam Esi Awumi told the Times.

Another resident, Kwasi Adjei, said he had always fought with his wife because he could not afford the GH¢5 required for his three children to take to school each day.

"I don't care whether it is fake or genuine. The thought of it alone blows my imagination," he added.

When contacted later, the Public Relations Officer for the bank, Esi Asante, explained that it was a normal thing and is in line with the business of the BOG.

She said such currencies, which are either shredded or burned are worn out currencies not fit to be used as legal tender.

According to her, the bank has a very huge machine used for that purpose.

She said the usual place for dumping the shredded currencies or burning them was the Oblogo landfill site, "but that place was full and so the driver had to look for an alternative dumping site."

There is no cause for alarm because nobody can use these monies under any circumstances," she stated.

Source: Ghanaian Times

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Eight in court for kidnapping German nurse

 

Accra, Jan. 15, GNA - Eight persons including a woman who are alleged to be involved in the kidnapping of a German nurse appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Thursday.

They are Godwin Husunugbo, aka Shunton, Isaac Amuzu, James Afari, aka Bob and Roland Gyan, aka Alvin Walker.

The rest are Dennis Asamoah, aka Bigi, Daniel Abebrese, aka Pois Kwadwo Kwarteng and Hannah Aidoo.

They were said to have lured Sonaj Kaiser, a 58 year-old German nurse, to Ghana, assaulted and kidnapped her and demanded a ransom of 150,000 Euros.

Charged with conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, assault and kidnapping, their pleas were not taken by the court.

It remanded them into police custody to reappear on January 29. After listening to the facts, the court recommended that the accused persons should be charged with impersonation.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Reindolf Agyemang prayed the court not to take the plea of the accused.

Fours month ago Gyan established contact with the victim on the internet and introduced himself to her as Alvin Walker, a 58 British national resident in Ghana.

Gyan further demanded from the victim 5,000 Euros to clear his goods locked up at Tema Harbour.

The victim therefore sent 2,000 Euros through Western Union Money Transfer.

The prosecution said on January 1, this year the victim furnished Gyan with her flight details. Gyan contacted Asamoah and informed him about the victim's trip to Ghana.

Gyan and Asamoah contacted Husunugbo, a taxi driver, who agreed to pick the victim up at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The prosecution said on January 2, Husunugbo after receiving the photograph and details of the victim, picked her up at the Airport to Taifa, a suburb in Accra, where she was to lodge. On reaching the house all the accused persons were waiting.

As soon as she was shown her room, the accused locked her up, assaulted her and stole an amount of 1,400 Euros, two mobile phones and a video camera.

They further demanded a ransom of 150,000 Euros from the victim's son before releasing her.

Victim's son after agreeing to pay 35,000 Euros, alerted the German Police who also informed the German Embassy in Ghana.

The German police, together with Ghanaian security personnel, arrested the accused persons.

 

Source: GNA

 

 

 

---

 

---

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

• 14.01.2009

 

 

 

Government urged to tackle child trafficking

 

 

Koforidua, Jan. 14, GNA - Mr Anthony Dontoh, Eastern Regional Director of the Department of Children, has asked the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government to roll-out programmes that would tackle the incident of child trafficking in the country.

 

He said children remained the nation's future asset and that everything ought to be done to ensure that their educational needs were well-catered for by both the state and their families. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Koforidua on Wednesday on the state of children in the Eastern Region, Mr Dontoh identified child trafficking and labour as the greatest challenges to child development and called on the new government to take urgent measures to ameliorate the situation.

 

He said many children were being exploited on farms as child labourers when they were supposed to be in school, noting that the hiatus that develops as result of their inability to acquire any skills could cause irreparable damage to their future aspirations.

Mr Dontoh said government must design a scheme that would enable the children to continue with their education, especially from the Junior High School (JHS) to the Senior High School (SHS). He said this would prevent them from falling prey to self-centred businessmen who would lure them into their plantation to work for them for measly wages.

 

This would require that the state offered some stipend to pay for the school needs of such needy students, especially as they made the transition from the JHS to the SHS, he said. Mr Dontoh said alternatively, the government could strengthen laboratory facilities at the JHS to enable pupils desirous of technical and vocational training to acquire some life long skills.

Source: GNA

 

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

Ghana Association of Bankers announces exchange rates

 

Accra, Jan. 14, GNA - Following are the average inter-bank exchange rate of the dollar and derived rates for the major currencies against the cedi as issued by the Ghana Association of Bankers on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.

Currency NEW GHANA CEDI EQUIVALENT Buying Selling

* U.S. Dollar 1.2150 1.2547
* Pound Sterling 1.7778 1.8361
* Swiss Franc 1.0923 1.1274
* Canadian Dollar 1.0017 1.0339
* Danish Kroner 0.2175 0.2244
* Japanese Yen 0.0135 0.0140
* Swedish Kroner 0.1494 0.1541
* South African Rand 0.1233 0.1271
* Euro 1.6200 1.6724

WEST AFRICAN CURRENCIES CURRENCY EQUIVALENT OF GHANA CEDI

CFA Franc 392.22 404.91 Naira 111.30 114.94 ECOWAS WAUA 0.5727 14 January  2009

 

Source: GNA

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

 

Arrogant DCE Snubs Mills' Directive

 

 

The District Chief Executive for Ahanta West Assembly, Mr. Kwesi Biney has discarded the invitation extended by President John Evans Atta Mills to all District, Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies (DMMCE) to stay in office until further notice. Mr. Biney, whose arrogance is widely known, yesterday disrespectfully and arrogantly stunned listeners of Peace Fm on Sunday evening, when he reportedly and openly told the world that he was not ready to comply with President John Evans Atta Mills’ directive that serving District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives should stay in office until further notice.

It would be recalled that the President last week directed that serving DMMCEs should stay in office until substantive ones were appointed to take over from them.

But Mr. Biney, appearing on Kyzz Fm News hour maintained that he was not prepared to stay in office and that if President Mills and his NDC government did not have the men to take up such positions, then they should shove it. Though this reporter reached Mr. Biney on his cell phone for him to explain the rationale behind his tantrums, he failed to give any tangible explanation except to say to this reporter -‘Adams , you know I will not speak to you, so you are just wasting your credit’, he then cut off the line.

This reporter can report that at the time that the directive came from the President, Mr. Biney was then in Accra. A source at the Assembly confirmed to this reporter that he had not been at post since the directive. He was only there briefly, and drove away in one of the Assembly vehicles.

Though Mr. Biney is leaving office, this reporter can report that one of the blunders he caused while in office as DCE, that needs to be investigated, is how he financed his Sandwich course at the University of Cape Coast, which earned him a degree.

Another blunder that needs to be investigated is how he arbitrarily awarded contracts to his crony, Papa Cromwell without following proper procedure, and how he (Biney) managed to privatise the collection of lorry tolls for the same Papa Cromwell, managed by Cromwell’s private company.

This paper can report that Mr. Biney is the only DCE in the region who has come out openly to oppose the directive from the President. A number of DMMCEs this reporter spoke to, said they have complied with the President’s directive asking them to stay in office until further notice.

One of such Municipal Executive, Mr. Mireku Duker, Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa Nsuaem said he was ready to comply with the President’s directive

Source: chronicle

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Pressure on President Atta-Mills

 

 

Ghana President Professor John Atta-Mills is coming under increasing pressure from his ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to find places for party foot soldiers in his imminent cabinet. Some members of the NDC are reportedly claiming they are being left out after being in the trenches and fighting hard to ensure the party's success in the December 28 election run-off. President Atta-Mills is currently meeting his appointment committee to come up with names to be considered for his cabinet.

 

So far, he has named three persons in his new administration, the latest being his chief of staff. Political analyst Alhaji Idrissu Bature tells reporter Peter Clottey that the president seems to be doing the right thing since the political dynamics have changed into governance.

"The latest development is that President John Evans Atta-Mills has nominated two people - one as his chief of staff at the presidency and then the other in charge of local government. And these two guys are joined together with Mayama Ayariga, who is the presidential spokesman and then the National Security Advisor Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah. So in all we have four appointments so far," Bature noted.

He said the ruling NDC party faithful are scurrying for jobs within the new administration.

"There has been much scramble for position in recognition among closest aides to the president and also among the party faithful and even people who are not known to be members of the ruling National Democratic Congress. And for me, I think it is very unfortunate," he said.

Bature praised President Atta-Mills' appointments so far.

"First of all, I must commend President Atta-Mills for keeping to his steadfastness. The man has promised to deliver to improve the lives of the Ghanaian, and personally, if you look at the caliber of people that he has chosen so far, I think that he is on course. And he knows that price he has to pay if he doesn't deliver. But unfortunately, close aides and party officials think that because they were part of the struggle from the inception, they needed to be recognized or given a place of honor before any other person. And I think that is very unfortunate," Bature pointed out.

He said there is need for people around the new president that governance is significantly different from playing partisan politics.

"It is very unfortunate because the dynamics now have changed. We were close friends with Professor Mills when he was a candidate, and now he is the president of a nation. He needs to satisfy and meet certain requirements," he said.

Bature said the new president has so far demonstrated with his first three appointments that he intends to name qualified Ghanaians to fill ministerial or governmental positions.

"That is exactly what Professor Mills is doing right now. He has promised to tap all available human resource, not only within the NDC party, but also among Ghanaians, and so far he has demonstrated that. There has been some disenchantment and grumbling among the first batch of people he (President Atta-Mills) appointed as caretakers. But I think that he knows what he is about. We need experienced hands to do the transition, and that is exactly what he has done. And so far, the transition, I think, is moving according to plan," Bature pointed out.

He sharply disagreed with speculations that former President Jerry Rawlings would be pulling strings behind the scene after newly elected President Atta-Mills appointed some of members of the former president's cabinet to head the incoming transitional team.

"That is rather the opposite. I can tell you for a fact that among those who are grumbling includes the former President (Rawlings)… so the question of putting him in charge of governmental affairs doesn't arise at all. And I can tell you for a fact that President John Evans Atta-Mills is in full control of the administration of this country," he said.

Atta-Mills earlier named Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah as his National Security Advisor and Mahama Ayariga as presidential spokesman. He also appointed Akwasi Oppong-Ofosu as temporal Minister for Local Government Rural Development and Environment. James Bebako Mensah has also been appointed as Secretary to the President.

Meanwhile, President Atta-Mills promised Ghanaians that he would promote business and economic growth and pursue national reconciliation after the hotly contested December 28 election run-off when he led the then-opposition National Democratic Congress to victory over the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP). Both local and international observers described the election as transparent, free and fair, meeting international standards.

Source: By Peter Clottey

 

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Mpiani Hands Over Assets

 

 

Chief of Staff in the Kufuor Administration has called for a peaceful transition devoid of acrimonies to avoid the regrettable incidents of car seizures from officials of the previous government. The former Chief of Staff made the appeal at a brief ceremony at the Castle at the official handing-over of government assets to the Transition Team in Accra. According to Mr. Mpiani, “it is proper that the incoming administration is shown what is there and if they have any question it is proper they ask the question.

If there are any answers we have, it is proper that we give them the right answers.” He said some of the assets such as movable ones, could easily be handed over but with the fixed ones, the old team would have to show the new one where they could be found.

Mr. Mpiani described as regrettable situations where some members of his government had their vehicles seized at the offices of Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA).

“It’s also my prayer that at the end of it all we will live as one people, one nation, the essence of which is the development of the country, the peace of its citizens, safety of its citizens. I believe all of us here believe in this.

“And I plead again that let’s do this in a very civil, orderly, brotherly and sisterly way and when we do that, we’re all the victors at the end of it all,” he urged. He asked for special blessing for the incoming team and prayed for a successful handing-over arrangement.

For his part, Mr. Don Arthur, Chairman of the Executive Assets Transfer Committee thanked Mr. Mpiani and noted that “politics is not meant to divide a people. It’s meant to unite a people. Politics is not meant to destroy but to develop a nation.”

He assured the old team and Ghanaians that the government of Prof. Mills was committed to uniting the people and “all that it takes to unite the country is understanding and cordial relationship which need to be developed.” Mr. Arthur therefore called on the old team and Ghanaians to help the new team to develop the country for all.

He noted that this was the second time a handing-over ceremony was taking place in the annals of the country, adding that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under former President Rawlings handed over to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under former President Kufuor and now it was the turn of the NPP to hand over again to the NDC.

“This is even more significant because the first time was a shock. The transfer was done among three people, a historical personality in the name of Ato Dadzie and the now famous Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey,” Mr. Arthur indicated. He added that “today it looks as if we’ve all come to realize that handing-over issue should not be the concern of only a few people but all.”

Mr. Arthur thanked the old team for handing-over and appealed to them to avail themselves to the team should they encounter any difficulties for amicable solution. He also thanked the Castle workers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to support the incoming President and his team as they did to the old team.

Present at the function were Kan Dapaah, former Defence Minister; Frank Agyekum, former Deputy Minister for Information and National Orientation; Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, Chief of Staff in the Office of President Mills; Cdr. Steve Obimpeh, a member of the new team and a host of other personalities.

The old team later conducted the new team around the Castle and the Golden Jubilee House, which would eventually become the seat of government.

Source: Ghanaian Times

 

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Supreme Court to rule on CEPS case

 

Accra, Jan. 13, GNA - The Supreme Court will on Wednesday rule on whether the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) is a security service whose workers cannot join or form a trade union.

CEPS filed a writ at the Supreme Court last year seeking interpretation that the scope of application of the Labour Act 2003 as applied by the National Labour Commission to cover CEPS is inconsistent with Article 24 (4) of the 1992 Constitution.

CEPS said the collective bargaining certificate issued to the local Public Services Workers Union dated March 20, 1989 was void and of no effect.

CEPS sought the interpretation when the NLC applied to the Accra High Court for an order to compel the management of the Service to negotiate conditions and terms of employment with the PSWU.

The NLC had earlier ruled that CEPS was not part of the security services because it was not listed as such under the Labour Act.

 

Source: GNA

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

NPP supporters urged to work harder towards 2012 elections

 

 

Sunyani (B/A), Jan. 14, GNA - Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been advised to desist from internal wrangling, remain resolute and work harder to enable NPP to regain power in the 2012 General Election.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP Presidential Candidate for Election 2008, who made the call at Sunyani on Tuesday, asked the followers to eschew bitterness and rancour and reorganise themselves for the elections.

He was addressing NPP rally to show appreciation to the electorate and party supporters in the Brong Ahafo Region for their sacrifice and support for him and the NPP in the last elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo expressed concern about intimidation, assault and brutalities been meted out to NPP followers by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) activists in some parts of the country.

He called on President John Evans Atta Mills and the leadership of the NDC to restrain their supporters from "those excesses", which according to him could undermine peace and national security. Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a leading member of NPP, assured party supporters that the leadership of the party would ensure that "those acts of intimidation, brutalities and assault suffered by their polling agents in the Volta Region will not happen in subsequent elections".

 

Mr. Peter Mac-Manu, NPP National chairman, and Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, a leading member of the party, also addressed the rally. They advised that as much as radio discussions were important for the growth of the country's democracy, they should be geared towards unity but not to inflame passions to divide the people.

Earlier in the day, NPP supporters, who appeared more of a victorious rather than a losing side in the last elections, made a procession through the principal streets of Sunyani. They danced to brass band music with some of them wielding placards of various inscriptions showing their support for NPP and Nana Akufo-Addo.

Some of the placards read "the elephant is still alive", "the NPP is still strong and unshakable", "Nana is the next president of Ghana", "No Nana no voting in 2012", "our next congress should maintain Nana for 2012", and "we the youth still love you".

Some party supporters made brisk business by selling NPP paraphernalia and souvenirs at the rally and it too a contingent of police personnel hectic time to control the crowd, some of whom wanted to catch glimpse of Nana Akufo-Addo when he visited the Sunyani Central Market before the rally.

 

Source: GNA

 

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Police warn public about car snatching syndicate

 

131 cases of car-jacking were recorded in the Greater Accra Region during 2008

 

Accra, Jan. 13, GNA - The Police on Tuesday mounted a search for a three-man gang which robs members of the public of their vehicles at gun point in the Greater Accra Region. The gang targets vehicles such Toyota Rav 4 and VW Touareg. Police have therefore urged members of the public to be careful of suspicious characters loitering in their vicinity, offering of "lift" to people they do not know and picking of passengers at night from spots to unknown places.

Speaking at a press briefing on the crime rate in the Region, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr Bright Oduro, Deputy Director of the Greater Accra Region Police car, said car-jacking was a serious problem. According him 131 cases of car-jacking were recorded in the region during 2008, just slightly down from 146 in 2007 146. ACP Bright Oduro said on Monday, January 12, a VW Touareg with registration number GW 7789 Z was snatched from its owner by three armed men at Adenta in Accra.

He said the complainant, Mr Alex Omar, was on his way to Adenta Estates when he received a call on his cell phone at about 2000 hours. ACP Oduro said Mr Omar parked the car to listen to the call when three armed men seized the vehicle from him, ordered him to sit in it and they drove him to the University Farms at Maajor. The robbers then pushed him out of the vehicle and drove it towards the Volta Region when it failed to move on reaching Aboasa, near Juapong, in the Eastern Region, because of its unique devices. The robbers, Mr Oduro said, therefore abandoned the vehicle. Later the complainant received a call from one of the robbers that they had abandoned the vehicle at Aboasa. ACP said no arrest has so far been made.

The Deputy Regional Commander recalled that on December 9, 2008 another black VW Touareg with registration number GC 2138 Z was stolen from the home of Madam Joyce Boateng at Community 18 in Tema. ACP Oduro said the robbers raided the house asked for the keys of the vehicle and later shot her in the leg. The car has since not been traced. ACP Oduro said the Police suspected it was the same syndicate operating in the metropolis. 13 Jan. 09

Source: GNA

 

---

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 

 

Pay old salaries - Controller directs

 

The Controller Accountant General, Christian T. Sottie, has directed that salaries of public and, civil servant should be paid at the current approved levels.

He said such payments would continue till a directive from the government instructs otherwise.

Mr Sottie said this in an interview with the Times in Accra yesterday. The interview came in the wake of the salary increase announced by former president John Agyekum Kufuor on the eve of his leaving office.

The pay increase is between 16,6 and 34 per cent for the various categories of public sector workers.

Mr Sottie said effecting salary increase of workers has a pattern to follow and is not by mere pronouncement.

"The Controller and Accountant General's Department has come under heavy bombardment following the purported announcement,” he sated.

He said prior to salary increases, circulars are sent to heads of Ministries, departments and agencies to prepare well defined payroll for the various categories of workers.

“In this case my outfit is ignorant of the pronouncement until it receives directive from the new government as to the categories of workers to receive either the 16.5 or the 34 per cent pay rise."

Meanwhile the Ghana News Agency reports that the Controller and Accountant General has issued new directive to re-enforce earlier ones that all treasury books be closed by January 9, 2009, in respect of the financial year ended December 2O08.

A release by the Controller and Accountant, General in Accra on Monday said this is a follow-up circular to re-enforce those guidelines and to provide further directives on commitments and payments by ministries, departments and agencies as follows:

Item one - personnel emolument should be paid at current approved levels.

Item two and three, administration anti service expenditure - these shall be committed and paid for to support overhead and operational expenditures within limits set in the approved vote on account.

Item four - investment/Capital expenditure (a) no new investment ccapital expenditure should be initiated; (b) payments for on-going projects should be with prior approval from the office of the president through the chairman of the finance and economic committee of the transition team. No contract variations are permitted.

The released said (c) other payment: these include legal obligations judgment debts in respect of obligations as at 31st December 2008 only. Approval must be sought from the office of the president through the chairman of the finance committee of the transition team.

These directives shall continue in force until substantive ministers have been appointed.

The release said it should be noted that the directive covers all metropolitan municipal and district assemblies as well and failure to comply with these directives will all attract the appropriate sanctions.

Source: Ghanaian Times

 

 

 

---

 

---

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

---

 

 

• 13.01.2009

 

 

 

Busia Celebrates NDC's Victory

 

 

Kumasi — NANA AFIA Frema Busia, daughter of the late former Prime Minister of Ghana, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, who filed for the Manhyia parliamentary seat in protest, but made a principled withdrawal of her candidature in continued protest of alleged intensified governmental persecution and human rights violations three days before the December 7 elections, is celebrating the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in style, in exile.

She has composed a seven-stanza poem under the title "Ghana is sweet" -which she posted to The Chronicle via the electronic mail last Sunday.

Nana Frema Busia has since December 7, 2008, gone into exile to free herself from the torturous ravages of the Kufuor administration, and "to protest arms and drugs inflows into Ghana, multiple death threats issued against me, injustice and inhumane treatment meted out to me by the Kufour Presidency".

She promised to return to fight to protect her image. "I shall return with my head held high, my reputation, dignity and integrity intact, to seek due redress in a post-Kufour Ghana."

The former legal Counsel to National Security and Technical Advisor of the Small Arms Commission in the Kufuor Administration urged Ghanaians to dance to the rhythmic "Asomdwee" dance on the main streets of Ghana, because Ghana is sweet.

Nana Frema Busia indicated that "A bloody elephant has been succumbed with a deadly umbrella blow", because "King JAK and his Midas crew developed corrupt ears that could not hear", following which "They are now clothed in naked defeat so real" that she had no other option than to dance the 'Yeresesam ako yen anim' dance.

In the second stanza, Nana Frema noted that "the college of democracy is interested in Truth, accountability, economic and social justice as watchmen", but since there was something wrong with "Our collective morality, ethics and principles of ingrained corruption and permissive greed", we as a people, could not but dance the "moving forward to nowhere" dance.

According to the poet, "Ex-President JAK sung blatant discordant baritones of My Golden legacy is around my neck, Dancing the globe trotting waltz with Partners whose fuel slanted eyes do not see so well, The king's men and women who should have known better, Cheered on the unpardonable and justified the ungodly, Till the top heavy 'kukrudu' tripped and fell, on the fake hop, hop kangaroo dance of elephants".

Poet Frema Busia said H.E. President Attah Mills and his 'horsepower' team "Shall spread iron clad umbrella tentacles, Around the misplaced priority golden jubilee presidential peacock house".

She noted that in spite of the negative comments about Attah Mills' victory parade, Ghanaians must dance to the sweet victory and prevailing peace because 'Asabone nkum asaase' and urged further -"Ghana is sweet paa o; let us dance the 'fawohodi' freedom dance".

Ms. Busia as well pointed to the letting loose of all manner of prisoners in "an indiscriminate jigsaw joke", seen as "another puzzle that will tarnish an already beleaguered legacy", while the national footnotes boast a depressing line up of compulsive corpses and a tragedy of mangled bodies, Emaciated ghosts follow the trail in a procession of blood to Accra, in a public invitational to the jubilation dance"

She hoped that H.E. President Attah Mills would revisit the basics of governance as enshrined in NDC's 'A Better Ghana manifesto' and ensure "A sincere political will to serve God and the people with 'kokromoti' thumb printing power".

She noted that with the prevailing peace, there would certainly be development against the "selfish interests in 10 percent sidekicks" which impeded progress.

Meanwhile, the former National Security Legal Counsel has hinted of efforts to get collaborators for the formation of a Revived Progress Party (RPP) to contest the 2012 elections to sustain the UP tradition, since she sees the defeat of the NPP at the last elections as the demise of the party.

Relevant Links West Africa Ghana Nana Frema Busia described what she called "The JAK pardons" and other last minute acts by the previous presidency as "so ridiculous". She is contemplating petitioning the new NDC government to set up a committee to review a 50-page case summaries she submitted to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on December 10, 2007, for Whistle Blower review which required the action of CHRAJ to render an opinion or ruling within sixty days, but failed to do.

Frema Busia has also lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) against the CHRAJ boss, Ms. Anna Bossman, in a petition for failure to act on cases submitted to the Commission

The Poem - Steadfast with God

Nana Frema Busia

Ghana is sweet o, let us dance,
Gesture rhythmic steps towards the NPP/ NDC political foxtrot
On main street Ghana, they are jubilating that
A bloody elephant has been succumbed with a deadly umbrella blow
Surely King JAK and his Midas crew developed corrupt ears that could not hear
They are now clothed in naked defeat so real
‘Yeresesam ako yen anim’ so we dance

The college of democracy is interested in
Truth, accountability, economic and social justice as watchmen
Something is certainly wrong with
Our collective morality, ethics and principles
Of ingrained corruption and permissive greed
These are the treadmills of moving forward to nowhere dance


EX President JAK sung blatant discordant baritones of
My golden legacy is around my neck
Dancing the globe trotting waltz with
Partners whose fuel slanted eyes do not see so well
The king’s men and women who should have known better
Cheered on the unpardonable and justified the ungodly
TILL the top heavy ‘kukrudu’ tripped and fell
On the fake hop hop kangaroo dance of elephants

H.E. President Attah Mills and his ‘horsepower’ team
Shall spread iron clad umbrella tentacles
Around the misplaced priority golden jubilee presidential peacock house
Some are saying that the H. E. Attah Mills victory parade
Has already been overrun by negative ‘akatamanso’ forces dancing the hot salsa dance
A change in location to grandiose edifice is not the needed absolution
It does not release the demons of power that haunt the Ghana presidency

Peace ho, is Ghana’s victory sweet and sour or what?
‘Asabone nkum asaase oooo o’ let us dance
I am not dancing the NPP I told you so dance
Because I believe in Ghana; I am gingerly learning ‘Onyame wo ho ye hu’ steps
I am soberly reflecting gospel blues and singing ‘Gye Nyame’ deliverance songs for Ghana

Ghana is sweet paa o; let us dance the ‘fawohodi’ freedom dance
Let loose all manner of prisoners in an indiscriminate jigsaw joke
Another puzzle that will tarnish an already beleaguered legacy
Our national footnotes boast a depressing line up of
Compulsive corpses and a tragedy of mangled bodies
Emaciated ghosts follow the trail in a procession of blood to Accra
In a public invitational to the jubilation dance

H.E. President Attah Mills & company’s new Ghana manifesto
Should revisit the basics of governance
A sincere political will to serve God and the people with ‘kokromoti’ thumb printing power
Unencumbered by selfish interests in 10 percent sidekicks is key to progress Shall we truly truly dance the ‘asomdwoe’ dance?
Peace ho, Development knocks, Dance yes
Dance the dance of acquiescence.
Comments to busiafordemocracy@yahoo.com

Source: Sebastian R. Freiku/Chronicle

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

30 Civil Servants Sacked

Thirty Civil Servants have been sacked on the orders of the transition team set up by President John Evans Atta Mills. The dismissed civil servants were  Foreign Service officers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who had received their appointment letters and had been officially sworn into office.

Ministry sources said the Mills' Transition Team Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs had expressed doubts about the political affiliation of the said civil servants and thus directed that their appointments be terminated with immediate effect. Indeed the dismissal letters were copied and specifically attentioned to Dr. Tony Aidoo, Chairman of the Government Transition Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The sacked civil servants, as part of the admission requirements, were made to write an entrance examination in May 2007 after which they were interviewed for the positions in February 2008. They eventually received their official appointment letters on December 1, 2008. After being sworn into office on January 5 this year, they received a letter last Friday, January 9 which stated that the Transition Team had directed that their appointments be withdrawn.

The latest development added to the murky situation that had characterized the entire transitional process. Last Friday scores of ex-government appointees and private individuals were dispossessed of their vehicles on the mere suspicion that they (vehicles) belonged to the State. The situation is creating bad blood between the new government and its predecessor.

Hannah Tetteh, spokesperson for the Mills Transition Team, did not pick her phone when Daily Guide called her to get an explanation on why the team directed that the said civil servants be sacked. Daily Guide then left a voice message and also sent an SMS text message to Madam Tetteh but had not received a reply as at the time of going to press.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Atta Mills assures Ghanaians of equitable development

Accra, Jan. 13, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday said Government would ensure fair distribution of national development and make equity the hallmark of his administration.

He noted the high expectations of the Ghanaian citizenry from his administration and gave the assurance that, the government would do its best ensure that no sector was left behind as the nation made efforts to improve the living conditions of the people.

President Atta Mills gave the assurance when a delegation from the Oguaa Traditional Council from the Central Region paid a courtesy call on him to congratulate him on his election and assumption to the highest office of the land.

The President expressed his appreciation to the chiefs for their role in making the last general elections peaceful and reiterated the role of the traditional chiefs in national development. The delegation, led by Oguaahene Osabarima Kwesi Atta, commended the President on his election and pledged the support of the chiefs and people of the Central Region to the President in his role as the leader of the nation.

Osabarima Atta sa id the Oguaman (the Oguaa Council) was confident that the President would be a father to all.

Among the delegation were Nana Kwame Nifa, Adontenhene; Nana Ofori Twako IV, Krontihene of the Council; Nana Kweku Arhin, Akomfodehen of Oguaa; Nana Kweku Enu, Kukuada Apewusikahen, Nana Kow Amoasi III, Efutu Mamponghen; and Nana Kojo Abaka Nsuakyirhen.

A delegation of the top hierarchy of the Ghana Police Service also called on the President, to congratulate the President who was the Chairman of the Ghana Police Council, when he was Vice President from 1997 to 2001.

The President noted the close relationsnip he had with the police at that time and commended the Service for their sacrifices and dedicated service.

He observed that there were challenges within the Service and promised that Government would deal with dispatch in matters affecting the Police.

"Governance is a continuous affair. We therefore want to assure you that we'll continue to co-operate with you to ensure that there is security for our people," the President said.

President Atta Mills said the issue of internal security was a top priority of his administration, and added that there was only one Police Service from which Ghanaians had expectations to maintain security. The President said Government would deal with the Police in an open and objective manner and called for stronger cooperation between the Government and the Police.

"Let's make stronger the links which bind us so that we can strive for excellence," the President said.

Mr. Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, the Inspector General of Police, who led delegation, pledged the loyalty of the Police to the President. He said legislation on the Service was undergoing a review of the new Police Service Law now before Parliament.

Mr. Acheampong, further announced that the Police was pursuing a five-year strategic plan covering all aspects of the Service in terms of training, management, education, logistics and organisation. The President also had talks with Tetsuro Yano of the House of Councillors of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

Mr Yano expressed the interest of Japan to develop the road network of the eastern corridor of the country. The President also held a close-door meeting with the Military High Command.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

DPP expels some of its executives

... the dismissed executives collected money from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and misled the general public that the DPP had declared its support for the NPP in last year's Presidential Runoff..

Sunyani (B/A), Jan. 13, GNA - Mr. Thomas Nuako Ward-Brew, Chairman of Democratic People's Party (DPP), on Monday announced that the national organiser and three regional executives of the DPP in Brong Ahafo Region have been dismissed from the party.

He alleged that the dismissed executives collected money from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and misled the general public that the DPP had declared its support for the NPP in last year's Presidential Runoff.   They were Mr. Kojo Rockson, national organizer, Nana Amanfo Antwi, regional chairman, Reverend Philip Owusu Acheaw, regional treasurer and Mr. Charles Obeng-Yeboah, regional secretary. Mr. Ward-Brew told the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani that "such executives who followed the party because of their stomachs and not for the interest and progress of the party can no longer be entertained and do not even deserve to be members". He said that immediately after the first round of 2008 Election, the NPP and the NDC, the country's leading political parties, consulted the DPP for its support in the runoff. Mr. Ward-Brew said after initial discussions between DPP's National Executive Committee (NEC) and the NPP and NDC, the DPP decided to remain neutral. He said "A day after the NEC meeting, which was held in Accra, Rockson and the three regional executives held a press conference in Sunyani declaring the DPP's support for the NPP, claiming the NEC was in support of their action".

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

President appoints Chief of Staff

Accra, Jan. 13, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has appointed Mr John Henry Martey Newman, Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), as his Chief of Staff.

Mr Newman's appointment takes immediate effect, a release from the Office of the President signed by Mr Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson, said on Tuesday.

The new Chief of Staff holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, a Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree and is also a Barrister at Law (LB). He worked with the Ministry of Finance from 1969 to 1973 and was a staff of the COCOBOD from 1975 to 1992. Mr Newman later became the CEO of the COCOBOD from 1996 to early 2001.

  >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

• 12.01.2009 

NDC / NPP supporters jointly celebrate election victory

Okorase (E/R), Jan. 12, GNA - Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Sunday joined their opponents of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to jointly celebrate the latter's victory at Okorase in the Akropong Constituency. The two main groups of supporters gather early that Sunday morning and undertook a jogging exercise from Okorase to Nsubeto and back clad in their political party Tee-shirts and colours. This was followed with a football match at Okorase where Okorase community football team succeeded in beating Tei Nkwanta team by two nil (2-0).

The NDC won the 2008 Presidential elections which saw professor John Evans Atta Mills, leader of the party being sworn-in as the third President of Ghana of the Fourth Republic on January 7, 2009. Speaking with the Ghana News Agency, the NDC Ward Chairman for Okorase, Mr Francis Barnes, said the area which was hitherto the NPP's stronghold had now been taken over the NDC. He said the area had seen little development over the years and with the NDC now in power, the situation would change.

Mr Barnes said development of the area must be a fight for all, hence the need to unite with their political opponents especially the NPP so as to brainstorm together to develop Okorase. The NDC Ward Secretary of Okorase, Mr Francis .K. Ofori therefore called on all other political parties in the area to unite for the common aim of developing Okorase.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

 Mills' Cabinet Out End Of January

President J.E.A. Mills has given the assurance that his Cabinet will be ready by the end of this month to ensure the effective running of government business.

He explained that the delay in naming his Cabinet was to ensure that decisions were taken in a careful and orderly manner, and noted that the nation was endowed with quality human resource. He urged critics to give him time to sort out his team.

Speaking to the Ghanaian media on a number of issues after the Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, last Saturday, President Mills said, "Ghana is rich in human resource; mine will only be to confirm such people."

The Heads of State were in Abuja to consider certain issues germane to the situation in Guinea-Bissau and also to deliberate on the political crisis in Guinea.

President Mills said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government did not lack human resource when it was in opposition during the last eight years, and wondered how it would not have people of value and integrity to manage the country this time.

On his travels, President Mills reiterated his conviction to travel only when it was necessary, explaining that his visit to Abuja was for various reasons: To thank ECOWAS for its role in Ghana’s elections," its heavy presence at the inauguration ceremony, to be introduced as the new member of the organisation and to join his counterparts to deliberate on the Guinean issue.

He commended ECOWAS for its commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and also its rejection of unconstitutional means to hold power in line with its protocols and relevant African Union (AU) instruments.

On internal security, President Mills reaffirmed his resolve to ensure security for all who live in Ghana stressing that "we are getting out security together to ensure a peaceful 'and safe society".

Meanwhile, President Mills has announced that he will move to the Osu Castle tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13, until work on the Jubilee House is completed.

Since assuming office last Wednesday, the President has been using the Accra International Conference Centre (AlCC) as his temporary office, but government sources told the Daily Graphic at the weekend that the President had decided to move into the Osu Castle on Tuesday, because the AICC was not a suitable alternative.

The source said the structures at the AICC were not conducive for government business, and since the Jubilee House was not ready, the President had opted for the Castle.

Experts say the remaining work at the Jubilee House could take up to a year.

In 2005, there was a debate over whether the Osu Castle should continue to be used as the seat of government, due to its previous association with slavery and also because the facilities there were inadequate.

The government source, however, claimed that in its current state, the Castle was in a far-better condition to enhance the work of the President than the AICC, which was initially allotted for the enhancement of the work of the transition teams.

The Castle has many facilities that are unavailable at the Conference Centre for the use of employees. Some of the facilities are a clinic, internet cafe, shopping centre and post office. It also accommodates a permanent garrison.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Lord Commey Weeps

National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lord Commey, last Saturday broke down and wept uncontrollably in public, refusing to be consoled. Mr. Commey, who was at a thanksgiving service held by his party at the Trade Fair site in Accra, was at the beginning of the programme seen moving around trying to control the overflowing crowd but midway the programme, he was sighted weeping.

Without uttering a word, Lord Commey openly sniffed and whimpered as torrential tears flowed freely from his reddened eyes. Esther Ofori, Chief Executive of the Ghana Trade Fair Company, who was standing close to the National Organizer, initially did not realise the development and patted him on the shoulder, apparently wanting to ask him a question. Madam Esther Ofori, realising that Lord Commey was crying, was heard asking: “Oh Lord why?” as she hugged him in a warm embrace and laid his head on her shoulder.

When asked by Daily Guide why he was crying, he indicated that it was the outcome of the December 2008 elections and the resilience of the members of the party that had moved him to tears. “One day I will tell my story but I know we should not have lost that election; we worked so hard and even after that look at the level of passion here; my heart moved as I watched our people and remembered the effort some of us put into this thing; the toils and the pressure; it broke my heart.

“Now we have to work even harder in opposition because our people cannot continue to suffer what they have undergone these past few days under the NDC,” Lord stated. Rev. Prof Appiah-Poku of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in delivering the sermon at the service, said the party should not get discouraged due to the outcome of the December 2008 elections. He drew an analogy from the Bible, saying the NPP flag-bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, by conceding defeat, had behaved like the wise mother who in the days of King Solomon allowed for her child to be given to another woman rather than getting the child killed and divided into two.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Ministry issues statement on alleged attacks on political opponents

Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - The Ministry of the Interior has noted with concern, reports from some sections of the media as well as rumours and claims making the rounds about attacks by opponents of political parties on each other in the aftermath of the recent elections.

There have also been reports making the rounds that persons who are perceived not to be sympathetic to the political parties of their landlords are also being harassed and threatened with eviction.

"The Ministry wishes to caution all those involved in acts inimical to the development of our beloved Ghana to desist from doing so."

The statement issued by Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, the President's Representative for the Ministry of the Interior also advises persons or media houses that are peddling rumours and unsubstantiated claims to desist from such acts and others that may cause panic in the society.

The Ministry further wishes to assure all Ghanaians that the government is committed to ensuring the security and protection for all persons, irrespective of their political persuasion.

"Ghana has gone through a very remarkable electoral process which has earned the country an enviable record. We as a people share one common destiny and must now look forward to the development of the country, devoid of partisan considerations.

"The Ministry wishes to condemn in no uncertain terms all acts of violence perpetrated by some of our fellow citizens, irrespective of the political persuasion they may come from."

It said the Inspector General of Police has been tasked to ensure that any such acts of a criminal nature and other threats or violations to citizen's rights and liberties are promptly investigated and dealt with in accordance with due process of law.

"The government wishes to assured all that it is committed to ensuring and preserving law and order and the due observance of fundamental human rights and urges all to continue to go about their normal business without fear, let or hindrance."

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Osafo Maafo condemns Kufuor

Former Finance Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo says the new salary increases announced by the Kufuor administration was ill-timed.
With just a day to leave office, President JA Kufuor announced 16-32 per cent increases in salaries for workers in the public and civil service.

The increases formed part of the implementation of the single spine salary structure which has been deliberated upon for the past two years.

Even though he supports the implementation of the new salary structure, Mr. Maafo told JoyFM the decision should have been left for the incoming government.
With the global economic recession, the former finance minister reckons any increases in expenditure, especially the wage bills, without corresponding increases in revenue could be suicidal for the incoming administration.

“There should have been a silent memorandum to the NDC detailing what has been discussed and agreed, for them to have a look at it and incorporate it in the budget.”

He further stressed, the past government should have initiated a debate for the implementation of the policy in October last year before its implementation.
Mr. Maafo however,advised the new administration to quickly negotiate with workers in order to have a common ground in the implementation of a policy which the economy could sustain.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

NDC sets up fund to help accident victims

Tamale, Jan. 12, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has set up an Accident Relief Fund (ARF) to assist party supporters who got injured in the course of duty.

He said "Friends of the NDC" from the North America, New York City and Virginia Chapters of the United States as well as some individuals in Ghana had contributed about GH¢10,000.00 to the fund. The Vice President said this in Tamale at the weekend when he visited some party supporters who were involved in an accident on their way to welcome him when he was visiting the Northern Region as a presidential running-mate.

He said Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South would be in charge of the disbursement of the fund, which would be given to victims according to the severity of injuries. The accident victims he visited were Ms Wasilatu Baba who had her leg amputated, Abudu Mahama, Issahaku Zakaria and Adija Abdul Rahman whose hospital bills were paid by NDC sympathizers in the region.

Vice President Mahama said; "I promise you that nobody's toil and contribution for the party will be in vain". He said the NDC would operate a system of government that would benefit both the supporters and non-supporters of the party for mutual coexistence.

"Though people would be appointed to occupy official positions from the party, their work would be felt at all levels. Professor Mills had already said there would be no NDC, NPP or CPP Ghana and all of us would ensure that all Ghanaians enjoyed the fruits of their labour," he said.

The Vice President used the opportunity to pay courtesy calls on some traditional rulers within the Tamale Metropolis who urged President Mills to work hard to unite the country, which had been polarized over the years because of politics. He also attended the final funeral rites of Alhaji Baba Gariba, father of Dr Sulley Gariba, Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Alternative (IPA), who died last week.

The funeral attracted high profile personalities such as Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama, Flagbearer of the People's National Convention (PNC) and his wife Comfort Mahama, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, Mr Alban Bagbin, Majority Leader in Parliament, Moses Asaga, MP for Nabdam, Alhaji Ibrahim Adam, ranking member of the NDC, MPs from Upper East and Upper West and other executives of the party.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Ghana to host access to information workshop

Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - Ghana would host a two-day workshop to share the findings of a legislative audit aimed at promoting public access to information in the Sub-region, a statement by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), said in Accra.

The CHRI is organising the programme from January 19 to 20, in Accra, with participants from civil society groups in Ghana, the Gambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia The audit was commissioned by the CHRI with support from Action Aid - International, the statement said. "There is broad international consensus that people's access to information from public bodies is crucial for the existence of any truly participatory and democratic system of governance.

The content of the workshop would focus on laws governing police functions; legislative and budgetary processes in the Parliament of Ghana; requirements imposed on political leaders and public officials to declare assets and liabilities and local governance systems," it said.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Amnesty International  issues human rights agenda for Mills

Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - Ghana, Amnesty International has urged President John Evans Atta Mills to champion human rights in his administration. "We call on President Mills to make human rights central to his political programme and to commit himself and his administration to a clear human rights agenda now that he has taken office," said Ms. V=E9ronique Aubert, Amnesty International's Africa Deputy Programme Director.

In a statement released in Accra on Monday, the human rights organisation listed several areas that it said it expected the new President to tackle.

These include abolition of the death penalty; significant reductions in the severe level of over-crowding in prisons and other places of detention and eradicating the widespread violence against women and legislative reforms to ensure equal rights for men and women. It also urged President Atta Mills to stop and prevent the practice of forced evictions that have deprived hundreds of men, women and children of their homes and in most cases, livelihoods; ending illegal detention and ensuring prompt and fair trials for the thousands of prisoners awaiting trial-often for periods longer than the maximum sentence prescribed for their alleged offence; putting an end to mob violence, which has led to the killings of dozens of people over the last year and full compliance with Ghana's international and regional human rights obligations and commitments, as explicitly set out in the treaties it has ratified.

"This is a critical moment for Ghana when it comes to its human rights reputation around the world," said Ms Aubert. "We hope that the new administration will grasp this opportunity to build on the human rights advances that have taken place over the last decade and take the Ghana's human rights record to a whole new level," she said.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

SHS should run for three years-MP

Sokode-Etoe (V/R), Jan. 12, GNA- The Senior High School (SHS) programme should be made to run for three years instead of the four-year period being implemented by the previous government. This is because the four-year programme is not feasible, for lack of supporting syllabuses and textbooks.

Captain George Nfodjo (rtd), Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central gave the hint at a durbar at Sokode-Etoe in honour of a delegation of students and staffs of the Elon University, North Carolina USA on Monday.

The University has been helping to promote formal education at all levels in the Sokode traditional under a partnership initiated by Captain Nfodjo eight years ago. It has also been helping to promote productive activities in the agriculture sector.

Captain Nfodjo said the extra financial burden entailed in the additional one year SHS would make it difficult for many parents to see their wards through Secondary school education, which would then become the preserve to a few privileged people. He said products of the three years SHS have been performing to acceptable standards.

Meanwhile the visiting delegation of students and staff from the Elon University led by Professor Brian Digre, Co-ordinator of International Studies Major, on Monday presented cash, educational materials and a lap-top computers in support of education in the Sokode traditional area. A cheque for 100 United States dollars was presented towards the development of kindergarten education, 1,000 Ghana cedis cash for Junior High School education and 500 Ghana cedis in support of students at the Ho Polytechnic from the Sokode traditional area. The University, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of North Carolina also presented components for eight groundnut shelling machines to the traditional area, where groundnut farming is one of the main agricultural activities.

The Engineering Department of Ho Polytechnic which assembled and demonstrated the workings of a prototype of the machine would design a winnowing component to it. Professor Digre said the groundnut shelling machine, developed under the "Full belly" project was to demonstrate "good neighbourliness in a global world". 12 Jan. 09.

>  BACK  TO  TOP  <

Ghana Home Loans obtains USD15.5 million to support housing finance

Accra, Jan. 12, GNA - Ghana Home Loans, a specialized mortgage provider in Ghana, and FMO, The Hague-based Dutch Development Bank announced on Monday that they have signed and partially disbursed a $15.5 million long-term facility to Ghana Home Loans. This facility enables Ghana Home Loans to further grow its residential mortgage lending portfolio and improve better access to housing finance for Ghanaians, according a statement e-mailed to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

FMO's funding allows Ghana Home Loans to provide both Cedi and US Dollars based loans to Ghanaians to enable them to acquire, complete or improve their homes, the statement said. It said applicants were not required to open a bank account with Ghana Home Loans or participate in any kind of saving scheme before qualifying for a mortgage.

Dominic Adu, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Home Loans, said, "In light of the worsening global financial crisis, and its consequent negative impact on mortgage funding, we are, especially proud to have raised this long term facility for Ghanaians. It shows investor confidence in our business model and further demonstrates Ghana Home Loans' commitment to doing all we can to make housing easier and accessible to Ghanaians".

Ruurd Brouwer, Director, Financial Institutions of FMO, said, "The huge gap between demand and supply of affordable housing finance solutions is recognized as one of the biggest challenges in emerging economies. "In these turbulent financial times, FMO remains committed to invest in sustainable business models that deliver these housing solutions. Our long term facility will capacitate Ghana Home Loans to further improve access to housing finance in the Ghanaian market and will enable Ghana Home Loans to introduce new innovative products." Ghana Home Loans is currently the leading mortgage finance institution in Ghana with loan advances and commitments of over USD40 million.

Ghana Home Loan's key objective is to leverage information technology and modern mortgage finance techniques to consistently provide Ghanaians with competitively priced long term mortgage finance to facilitate home ownership and to become the pre-eminent mortgage finance institution in Ghana and eventually within the region. Shareholders of Ghana Home Loans include Standard Bank (South Africa), FMO (The Netherlands), Broad Cove Partners (USA), and the Company's staff.

 >  BACK  TO  TOP  <