Kumasi, Jan 25, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Executive of the Convention People's Party (CPP), has dismissed speculations that its chairman, Mr Samuel K. Danso has been sacked from office. The executive asked party supporters throughout the country to treat rumours that Mr. Danso has been expelled from the CPP with contempt.

The denial that was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Daniel Essien, the regional secretary, said it was unfortunate that some aggrieved members of CPP were bent on destroying the image of the party.

It also denied allegations by some people that the regional chairman had embezzled party funds and explained that no such money had been entrusted to the regional CPP secretariat by the CPP national headquarters for party activities.

The statement said "Mr. Kwasi Prempeh, a leading member of the CPP raised funds to support the party's programme ahead of the 2008 General election and that the monies were duly accounted for and records are there to testify as to how the monies were used".

It debunked rumours that Mr. Danso had hijacked the party's vehicle for his personal use, explaining that the said pick-up vehicle belonged to Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, the CPP flagbearer for Election 2008, who ordered the regional executive to return the vehicle to him after the elections. The statement appealed to well-meaning supporters of CPP to remain focused and ignore any attempt to divide the party.

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Anfoeta-Gbogame (V/R), Jan 25, GNA-A strange disease, which manifests in victims suddenly becoming dizzy and then suffering a blackout has broken out at Anfoeta-Gbogame in the Ho Municipal Area. The victims stay in coma for a while, sometimes going into spasm before regaining consciousness, but with a lingering general feeling of malaise for days.

Mr. Emmanuel Kusipe, Regent of Anfoeta-Gborgame told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that 11 people had suffered from the disease by Friday January 16, this year.

He said in one instance, two people who came to the rescue of a victim, after he had gone down twitching, also felt dizzy and collapsed.

Mr. Kusipe said the victims included both residents and visitors adding that the community was gripped by fear, especially when the condition had not been reported in any of the adjoining communities. He said no deaths had been reported from the disease. Adeline Klu, 45 and Mary Fiawonu, 35 both victims who spoke to the Both had abrasion on the face and tongue from the fall and twitches while in coma.

Nelson Klu, Assembly Member for the Area said a report had been made to the District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at Ho, where a staff promised to facilitate the dispatch of a team to find out about the disease.

Miss Veronica Ayivi, Superintendent of the Hlefi Health Centre, the nearest medical facility to the affected community said only one person reported after recovering and was treated for abrasions, chest pain and dizziness and was said to be doing well.

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Majority of ministers from parliament

will disturb Atta Mills - CDD

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  Picture (c) ghana-net.com

The court presided over by Justice Owusu Kwarteng, granting the request, instructed that the Regional Police Command should give it full security detail, during and after the transferring that should be done in the presence of all parties or stakeholders in the case.

The court further upheld a preliminary objection to the competency of the EC's application to struck out the writ from the court. The writ filed by the applicant is praying the court to declare the parliamentary election null and void, order for the re-count of the ballot papers and to restrain the defendant from being declared as the duly elected parliamentarian.

Counsel for Mr Osei Ameyaw, led by Francis Polley, prayed the court that since they were contesting the results based on the roles of the electoral officer and other officials who handled the elections on December 7, at the constituency, the ballot boxes should be moved to a neutral place pending the court's ruling on the matter.

Mr Tony Lithur, the lead counsel for Mr Akoto, argued that the request by the applicant of the writ was huge because the EC was mandated by law to be the custodian of electoral materials therefore it should be kept at the Asuogyaman offices of the EC.

He further prayed the court to be mindful of the fact that the EC was an independent body and that transferring the boxes from Asuogyaman to Koforidua EC office would make no difference. No date was set for the next sitting of the case but the transfer of the boxes was scheduled for Tuesday, January 28. 2008

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Accra, Jan. 23, GNA - The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) said on Friday that it had decided to go to court to seek redress over alleged "widespread violence and brutalities" perpetrated against its supporters in some parts of the country, especially the Volta Region.

"The party has reviewed the gamut of infractions and breaches against our party and its accredited agents and officers in the conduct of the elections and even after the elections," it said in a statement signed by Nana Ohene-Ntow, General Secretary.

"Accordingly, the party has decided to proceed to court to seek redress," it said.

The NPP appealed to its members, supporters and sympathisers "to remain calm and steadfast whilst holding fast to our principles".

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THE FORMER President and the founder of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, has stated that the recommendations in Mad. Chinery Hesse’s report on ex-gratia award for former Presidents was not only an attempt by ex-President John Agyekum Kufour to rip-off the nation, but also to cover up his ill-gotten wealth during his administration.

 ...and sold Ghana Telecom on Top  (Proudly Sponsored...)

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 Editorial: Ex-Gratia Awards,

Time for a Sober Reflection by Kufuor

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Nkoranza (B/A) Jan. 22, GNA - The famous Buabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, a popular tourist centre, was nearly destroyed by fire on Tuesday but for the timely intervention by some firemen and volunteers. It took six firemen, 15 fire volunteers and some youth about four hours to bring the raging fire, which was threatening to enter the sanctuary, under control.

Mr. Joseph Tahiru, Nkoranza District Operational Fire Officer, commended the fire volunteers and the youth for their efforts, as well as an unidentified resident who alerted the fire station by phone. He said however, that the fire could have been put off within an hour, but for lack of a water pump on the fire tender as this made them to travel to fetch water from River Fia, about 20 kilometres away.

"We could have put off the fire in about an hour's time if we had such a water pump as we could have fetched water from any near-by stream", he stated.

Mr. Tahiru said four firemen would be stationed at Busunya, the Nkoranza North District capital, to monitor the activities of the people in the communities to forestall the re-occurrence of bushfires. The fire officer reminded the public that the ban on group hunting was still in force and recalcitrant groups would be arrested and prosecuted.

He called on the catchment communities to prepare fire belts to protect the sanctuary from being destroyed by fire. Mr. Tahiru called on traditional authorities, Assembly Members and Unit Committees to support and encourage the local fire volunteers in combating bushfires and appealed for the provision of a water pump for the Nkoranza fire station.

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 Qualified Muslims would be given appointments

 - Atta Mills

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A 'True Democrat' source at the Castle, Osu, says the President, J. E. A. Mills, has opted for a Presidential convoy of not more that three cars and two dispatch riders whenever he has to journey anywhere.

This is in line with the promise he made during the Presidential campaign to reduce the number of vehicles in the Presidential convoy if elected President of Ghana.

"For President Mills, it is not just about honouring a campaign promise but eschewing an opulence and ostentatious lifestyle. Flamboyance is not his style" the very reliable source said.

>  READ THE FULL STORRY; CLICK HERE  <

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has for the first time expressed his view on the presidential retirement package which has generated public outcry.

A source close to Mr. Kufuor told DAILY GUIDE that the former President was of the opinion that three cars would be enough for any retiring head of state, as against the six that the Chinery Hesse Committee recommended in the package.

The source noted further that it is former President Kufuor’s desire that the $1 million seed money recommended for the establishment of a foundation be used for the institution of a professorial chair for research at one of the public universities.

It explained that the quantum of the emolument should not be viewed as a gift greedily put together for the former President, but rather as a resettlement package put in place to dignify the presidency of the Republic of Ghana, pointing out that after all, the former President used his private residence for his eight-year reign.

The source reminded Ghanaians that former President Kufuor had served the country for eight years, shuttling between his private home and office nearly every day without surcharging the state for it, adding that all those sacrifices were made out of Mr. Kufuor’s strong desire to serve his country.

The Chinery Hesse Committee recommendation has caused public outrage such that former President Kufuor had been criticized over the contents of the report, with many contending that it was a deliberate ploy to further impoverish the state kitty.

The report, which was approved by the Ghanaian Parliament on

6th January 2009, included two residential facilities, six vehicles, overseas travels, medical and dental services, entertainment, non-taxable ex-gratia, establishment of a $1 million foundation, and other miscellaneous benefits.

The quality of the two accommodation facilities (one in Accra and another elsewhere), according to the report, should be of a standard befitting a retired Head of State who must be called upon to receive and entertain the network of dignitaries including Heads of State.

It said the standard of accommodation must be determined in consultation with State Protocol. The residences would not revert to the state in the event of the demise of the receiving former president.

The former President is to get a fully equipped and furnished office, staffed with five professionals and adequate secretarial support within the nation’s capital.

The committee further recommended six fully maintained comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicles.

The vehicles should be three saloon cars, two cross country vehicles and one all-purpose vehicle.

Travel in congested traffic should be facilitated appropriately with police escort, bearing in mind security considerations.

A former President who has served two consecutive terms should be entitled to a period of 60 days overseas travels taking into account the longevity of service and accompanying stress given the demands of the office.

There is also an equivalent to 12 months consolidated salary for each full year of service or pro-rata. Where the President has served for a second consecutive term, an additional nontaxable resettlement grant of 6 months of consolidated salary for each full year of service, or pro-rata prepaid with nontaxable ex-gratia of 12months of consolidated salary for each year served.

Other miscellaneous benefits cover medical and dental services, adequate 24hour security service should be provided at all times, entitlement to Ghana diplomatic passport and diplomatic courtesies for former President and spouse, plus adequate entertainment provision by state protocol.

But sources close to President Kufuor say there is no such desire to milk the country dry, but rather, the proposal only seeks to restore dignity to the presidency.

For instance, former Deputy Information Minister, Frank Agyekum, said the package is meant

"to guarantee comfortable living conditions for ex-presidents after they have left office"

so as to discourage them from wanting to hang onto power and loot national treasure.

He said when Presidents feel their post-presidency life will be bleak; they are tempted to hang onto power.

Austin Gamey, a consultant to the Chinery Hesse Committee on emolument for former Presidents, said Parliament is to blame for the commotion that has greeted the announcement of the proposed package.

He told Citi FM that the final figures acquired were based on the prevailing economic conditions of the country two years ago,

adding that the nation at the time could afford the proposed ex-gratia award.

According to him, it was up to Parliament    ( NPP majority )

to have taken into consideration

"the current economic conditions"  before giving its approval or otherwise.


Source: Daily Guide

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OUR COMMENT:

The explanation that the new retirement package is to motivate Presidents leave office, is RUBBBBISH!

Presidents who have been voted for by Ghanaians cannot say they will not leave office when their term of office expires.

(latest after 8 years)

Takoradi, Jan. 21, GNA - Mr Peter Mac Manu, National Chairman of New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for extra hard work, intensification of campaign and adoption of new strategies towards Election 2012.

Addressing a thanksgiving service at the Jubilee Park in Takoradi, Mr Mac Manu expressed appreciation to supporters of the Party for their massive support even though it lost Election 2008. The park was filled to capacity as many supporters and sympathisers clad in Party paraphernalia danced to brass band music. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP Presidential Candidate for Election 2008 expressed appreciation to activists, supporters and sympathisers of the Party for their support. He urged Ghanaians to remain united and continued to be loyal to NPP in opposition.

Mrs Gladys Asmah, former Minister for Fisheries and former Member of Parliament for Takoradi, expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for a peaceful Election 2008.

She said NPP was grateful for their support and optimistic that in 2012, Ghanaians would return it to power. Mrs Asmah urged Ghanaians especially activists, supporters and sympathisers of NPP to be faithful and united to sustain the Party.

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 ...Expenses  on  ex-President  / cost  to  State ( CLICK )

 ...You're not going to entice me with that grandiose rubbish designed for Kufuor - JJ

Ghanaians have criticised plans to give former President John Kufuor a massive retirement package, including six chauffeur-driven cars and two houses.

The benefits, which also include a lump-sum thought to be worth $400,000, were approved on Mr Kufuor's last day in office earlier this month.

New parliamentary speaker Alban Bagbin said it was embarrassing that MPs had taken the decision behind closed doors.

But another MP said it would prevent leaders clinging on to power.

One of Mr Kufuor's allies told the BBC that the measures had not yet been signed into law and so the new administration was free to amend them if they so wished.

'Bankrupt'

"We have a lot of problems in the country - water problems, light problems," one man told him

"Two cars with security is OK. But not five [sic] cars. The country will go bankrupt," he said.

The six cars can be replaced every four years and the former president can pick any two houses.

The package also includes a budget for entertaining, security and a foreign holiday each year.

Mr Bagbin told the BBC that he had not even known that a committee of MPs was meeting to discuss the measures, which had not been debated, bypassing normal parliamentary procedure.

Former President Jerry Rawlings could also benefit from the package but he told the BBC that he had told the committee to "get lost" when they approached him.

"I've lived with the little accorded to me all this time. I told them to get lost.

"You're not going to entice me with that grandiose rubbish designed for Kufuor."

Mr Rawlings founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose candidate John Atta Mills narrowly defeated Nana Akufo-Addo from Mr Kufuor's New Patriotic Party after a run-off.

Mr Kufuor stood down after serving the maximum two terms.

At the weekend, the government said the outgoing administration had exceeded its budget sevenfold, leaving the country "broke", reports Reuters news agency.

The election was relatively peaceful despite the narrow margin of victory and was praised as setting an example for other African countries.

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Takoradi, Jan. 20, GNA - The unsuccessful presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, has thanked the people of the Western Region for voting massively for the party in the 2008 general elections.

Briefing the press in Takoradi on Tuesday, he said it was appropriate for him and the party to say "Ayekoo" (thank you) to their supporters for the love and maturity they showed during the election. He added that although the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the election, the NPP was not worried and would work hard to defeat the NDC in 2012.

Nana Akufo-Addo said the task ahead enjoined all Ghanaians to work together and ensure the rapid development of the country.

"We need to develop our country and the NPP supporters and members must work to develop their parties and unite its members for the 2012. "We should not allow individuals and petty quarrels to divide the NPP but must strategise for the total victory of the party. "We still have massive support in the region and I will encourage the party supporters to still stand firm for the party and be focused,"

he added. 20 January 2009

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 2 Houses, 6 Cars, Tourist Trip for Kufuor

The presidential committee on emolument has recommended a lavish living for ex-president John Agyekum Kufuor for serving his two consecutive terms as president of Ghana.

The committee recommended that the former president should be given fully furnished residences that befit a former president at a place of his choice - one in Accra and another out of the national capital.

In addition, the former president would be entitled among other privileges, to six fully maintained comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeured-driven cars to be replaced every four years. The fleet comprise of three salon cars, two cross country cars and one all-purpose vehicle.

The recommendations cited by JoyFM are contained in a strictly confidential report of the Chinery Hesse Committee which reviewed the facilities and privileges for constitutional office holders.

The committee’s report was approved by the Fourth Parliament before it was dissolved.

The recommendations would, however, not be applied to only ex-President Kufuor but to all former presidents of Ghana elected constitutionally.

The facilities that would be accorded the president would be maintained by the states but would not revert to the state when the former president dies.

The report also noted that travelling in congested traffic by the former president would be facilitated by police escort bearing in mind security considerations.

According to the report, the former president and spouse are entitled to one overseas travel once a year with a maximum duration of 45 days, but if he had served two consecutive terms, he would be entitled to 65 days.

The former first couple, in addition to their privileges will travel on diplomatic passports and courtesies accompanied by three professional and personal assistants and adequate security.

The ex-president will have a 24-hour security services, entertainment package for his leisure among others at the expense of the state.

The committee also recommends that the former president receives a non-taxable ex-gratia award equivalent to 12 months consolidated salary for each full year of service but where the president serves a second consecutive term, an additional non-taxable resettlement grant of six months consolidated salary for each full year of service or pro rata would be paid together with non-taxable ex-gratia of 12 months consolidated salary for each year in office.

Even before former President J.A. Kufuor starts enjoying these privileges, critics are raising eyebrow over the benefits with recourse to the treatment he handed to his predecessor, former President J.J.Rawlings.

 ...2 Houses, 6 Cars, 60 days overseas travels for Kufuor
...Mpiani slipped bill to parliament under cover of darkness

A RAGING WAR OF words have erupted between Hon. Alban Bagbin, the Majority leader and Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Minority leader, over the content of an ‘obscene bill of privileges’ that has been approved for ex-President JJ Rawlings and the former President J.A. Kufuor, in a most dramatic fashion when every eye was riveted to the transition.

Chronicle investigations have established that the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani, chose the cover of darkness to slip his monstrous deal to a select group of Parliament, like a thief creeping towards his quarry with such indecent haste, after sufficiently dulling the conscience of the then legislators with ’kola’ on that day, 6th January 2009, they received the deal, discussed the package, and approved it all within hours, even though it did not come under a Certificate of Emergency.

The approval of the mouth watering ex-gratia and post-presidential privileges was first sent to Parliament and forwarded by the Clerk of Parliament to the Chief of staff, all on the last sitting of the last parliament.

The retirement packages was compiled by the Chinery Hesse Commission, approved by parliament and forwarded to the then Chief of Staff on January 6, this year, for implementation.

The Commission recommended that the former Presidents should be provided with 6 fuelled and chauffer-driven vehicles to be replaced every four years, offices and Residences in and out of the nation’s capital, three professional and personal assistants, non-taxable ex-gratia awards plus Pension benefits, entertainment at the expense of the state and $1million seed money for a foundation.

The then Minority Leader, at the time the report was passed. Hon Alban S.K. Bagbin, insisted that he was not in Parliament at the time the recommendation was approved by parliament on January.

He said since he was with the transitional team, he was not given a copy of the document to study and that after a long while he managed to get a copy just last Friday and was still studying it.

Hon. Bagbin, who is now the Majority leader in Parliament, said ever since the day of approval, he has requested for the hansard to identify how many of his colleagues from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) approved the Commission’s report, because to the best of his best knowledge, his colleagues did not approve it. He argued that since it was a Presidential Commission, the Minority then did not need to approve the report before it could be considered, and that he was aware that it was a closed sitting.

The then Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the report did not cover only the President but the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

When asked whether the facilities were not too extravagant, he said “I don’t know about that, six vehicles and you call that extravagant?”

Dilating on the process by which the report was approved, he said the constitutional provisions required that the Legislature approved that of the Executive while the Executive approved that of the Legislature, adding that since it was a Presidential commission, the President submitted it directly to parliament, as a result it was not reviewed by a specific select committee in parliament.

Regarding the assertions by Hon. Bagbin that the Minority need not have signed before Parliamentary approval, he said “I don’t want to believe that, read article 71 of the Constitution, which says that Salaries and Privileges must be approved by Parliament, and he turns round to say that the report did not need the Minority’s approval, if he said so that would have been ignorance at its height.”

The then Minority Chief Whip, Hon John Tia confirmed that the report was approved with the consent of the Minority He maintained that some aspects were good for the performance of Parliament and the individuals.

Regarding that of the President, he said “You can’t come and be President and leave office poor, that is why some of the Heads of State do not want to leave power, the provisions for the President is beneficial for both democracy and for the individuals.”

The spokesperson of President Mills’ transitional team, Ms Hanna Tetteh told The Chronicle that the government had no alternative than to implement the report because it has been approved by Parliament.

She further told this reporter that the report was the last approval of the 4th Parliament of the 4th Republic which had NPP majority.

“If you remember this was the last approval of the last sitting of parliament on January 6,” She added. The Chinery Hesse Report on the retirement facilities and privileges of the President states, “Fully furnished residence in the nation’s capital, provision of office facilities and guest accommodation to be maintained by state protocol.

The residence should not revert to the state in the event of the demise of the President in order not to destabilize the family in line with best practices. The quality of accommodation should be of a standard befitting a retired Head of State who must be called upon to receive and entertain the network of dignitaries including Heads of States which would have been cultivated during the period in office.

The standard of accommodation must be determined in consultation with state protocol. A model design is attached to the report.

Out- of- capital residence at a location of former President’s choice, which should also not revert to the state in the event of the demise of the former president for the same reason.

Adequate residential support staff for the residence in and out of the capital, to be provided by the state.

Office facility, fully equipped furnished and staffed with five professionals and adequate secretarial support within the nation’s capital at State expense at a location to be determined in consultation with the former president.

Six fully maintained comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur- driven vehicles; vehicles to be replaced every four years. The vehicles should be three saloon cars, two cross country vehicles and one all purpose vehicle (armoured car). Travel in congested traffic should be facilitated appropriately with police escort, bearing in mind security considerations. Overseas travel once a year with a maximum duration of 45 days for former presidents and spouses

A former President who has served two consecutive terms should be entitled to a period of 60 days overseas travels taking into account the longevity of service and accompanying stress given the demands of the office.

Three professional and personal assistants and adequate security should accompany the former president in all overseas travels at the expense of the state; this is in line with best practice.

Medical and dental services at the expense of the State. Adequate 24hour security service should be provided at all times. Entitlement to Ghana diplomatic passport, and diplomatic courtesies for former President and spouse. Entertainment: Adequate provision by state protocol.

Non taxable Ex-gratia award: Equivalent to 12 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro-rata. Where the President has served for a second consecutive term, an additional nontaxable resettlement grant of 6 months of consolidated salary for each full year of service, or pro-rata prepaid with nontaxable ex-gratia of 12months of consolidated salary for each year served.

ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT INSTITUTES/FOUNDATION

As we have stated, the committee acknowledges that the former Presidents should be put in a position to use the experience which they would have garnered during their time in office; this would also have the advantage of mitigating withdrawal pangs after a life of prominence and importance.

In addition to mobilizing resources from the many international Development Partners who have expressed the willingness to support such a cause in promotion of good governance and democracy, the Committee recommends that the State should provide seed money, equivalent to one million US dollars as an endowment to launch this project. This Institute might be associated with one of the tertiary institutions or a think, which might give technical and professional support during the nascent period.

 Mills now lives and works at the Castle

Accra, Jan. 19, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has since January 13 been living and working at the Castle, according to a statement from the Castle signed by Mr Koku Anyidoho, Head of Communications.

The statement said President Mills, not oblivious of the heavy traffic in Accra and especially on the Spintex Road, where his home is located, decided not to allow his motorcade to further inconvenience motorists.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, for the eight years he was head of state, lived in his personal residence near the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange from where he commuted to the Castle.

 Ex-President Kufuor’s retirement package sparks

 controversy in Ghana