| HOME | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2009 | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2008 | | NEWS ARCHIVE 2007 | | PHOTO REPORTS | | VIDEO REPORTS | | AUDIO REPORTS | | EDITORIAL | | LATEST WORLD NEWS | | | | ARTS in GHANA | | GET FREE STUFF | | Food & Drinks in Ghana | | Africa Cup 2008 | | Ghana Hotels | | Links / Websites | | Ghana Districts | | Ghana Tourism | | Ghana Classifieds | Names in Ghana | | | | | | * 26.02.2009 | | Iranian delegation at the Castle | A delegation from Iran, led by Mohammad Reza Bagheri, a Deputy Foreign Minister for Arabic and African Affairs visited the Castle, to deliver a message from the Iranian President. The message is believed to congratulate President Mills on his election, and how the two countries could forge bilateral co-operation for mutual benefits.
President Mills commended Ghana-Iran ties and said in the face of the world's financial crisis, now was time to use the co-operation between the two countries to the advantage of their peoples. "We are all eager to resume our relations. Welcome to Ghana," President Mills said. | | * 25.02.2009 | | Peace and security my priority - Regional Minister | Kumasi, Feb. 25, GNA- Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, has pledged to make peace and security his main priority. Development without peace, he said would be meaningless, stressing that peace, security and the comfort of the people, are the necessary ingredients to facilitate progress.
Mr Opoku Manu made the pledge when he interacted with the media in Kumasi on his first day in office, at the Regional Co-ordinating Council.
He promised to help develop the lighting system in the Metropolis and improve transportation in the region to boost security. The Minister said he would work in close collaboration with the security agencies to adopt measures that would ensure sanity in the region, and also deal with recalcitrant persons who might go against the law.
He said even though majority of the people in the region were not sympathisers of the ruling National Democratic Congress, he would work in the best interest of all and not for his party members alone. "Working towards a common goal to help the people in the region would ensure development," he explained. Mr Opoku Manu called for the suppression of divisive party politics and asked that what is right and beneficial to the people must be done. | | Armed Forces to mark Ghana's 52nd Independence Day | Accra, Feb. 25, GNA - The Ghana Armed Forces, (GAF) would organize an Open Day in all seven Garrisons of the GAF as part of activities to mark the Ghana's 52nd Independence Day anniversary celebrations. A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Y. Dzotefe-Mensah, for the Public Relation Director said the programme is scheduled for Monday March 9, from 0830 to 1300 hours.
It said the GAF would use the occasion to showcase some aspect of military life to the general public, including a photo exhibition, demonstrations and equipment display, air and sea trip and mines awareness lectures.
The Press Release stated that, similar activities would be organized in all the military installations throughout the country. "The general public is therefore invited to participate in the Open Day in all military garrisons".
| | * 24.02.2009 | | Pregnant woman dies in accident | Akosua Lawah, a 33-year-old pregnant woman, died on the spot when she was knocked down by a 207 Benz bus at Baaniekrom, near Nyinahin on Saturday.
Police Sergeant Stephen Darko of the Nyinahin Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit told GNA that the woman was killed by the vehicle with registration number AS 5776 Y travelling from Bibiani to Kumasi, while crossing the road at about 1900 hours.
Sergeant Darko said Thomas Asamoah, driver of the vehicle, is in police custody while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Bibiani Government Hospital for autopsy.
Source: GNA
| | OCI Orphanage closed down | Orphan Cry International (OCI), an orphanage at Apowa in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, has been closed down by the Department of Social Welfare.
The closure was based on reports of unlawful adoption, immoral acts, sexual harassment, emotional abuse of children and maltreatment.
Madam Joana Mensah, Regional Director of the Department, who led a team to close down the facility, at the Weekend, told GNA that operations of OCI over the past six years were below approved standard.
She said 40 children were taken away from OCI and sent to other homes while the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) was investigating how a 20-month-old baby from Adansi in Obuasi came to the orphanage.
Madam Mensah alleged that the OCI did not allow some parents to take their children away from the facility.
Source: GNA
| | * 23.02.2009 | | Fifteen families displaced by fire at Assin-Fosu | Assin Fosu (C/R), Feb.23, GNA-Fifteen families were last Friday rendered homeless after fire gutted the rooms they were occupying on the upper floor of a two-storey building near the main lorry station at Assin -Fosu. All their belongings were burnt to ashes, while the roof of the building was destroyed.
Briefing the GNA on the incident at Assin-Fosu on Monday, Mr Alfred Otoo, one of the victims, said there was nobody at home when the incident happened at around 1520 hrs.
He explained that there was power outage in the town that day and that the fire reportedly started immediately after power had been restored and it was therefore suspected that some of the occupants on the floor must have left their electrical gadgets on. He said personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Fosu tried in vain to put out the fire and had to call for assistance from their counterparts in Cape Coast but the entire floor had completely been burnt by the time the team arrived.
Other people living within the vicinity the GNA spoke to, expressed anger that the local personnel of the Fire Service had been unable to put out the fire, because they were "too old". When contacted, the Assistant Divisional Officer of the GNFS at Fosu, Mr Tony Abraham, explained that a crew of firemen was dispatched immediately a distress call about the fire was received, but the water in the fire tender was not enough to put out the fire. He also explained that the township had no fire hydrant so water has to be fetched into the fire tender from a stream in the next village, a distance of about 13 kilometres and that investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the fire. ASP Seth Doe, the Assin Fosu divisional crime officer said his office is yet to receive a report from Fire Service for it to carry out investigations into the incident. | | ECG to halt power outages with $194m | The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has embarked on a $194 million expansion project to halt the incessant power outages that affect consumers in the southern sector of the country.
The project, which has already started, involves the addition of more sub-stations to ease the pressure and load on the existing ones, the construction of another bulk supply point, the upgrading of existing lines to take heavy loads, among others.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr .Jude Adu-Amankwah, who made this known to the Daily Graphic, said the company had secured $94 million from the Ghana Energy Development Access Programme (GEDAP), which is a World Bank project, and $100 million from the government, while the ECG was using suppliers' credit to raise additional capital to complete the project.
He said the move was meant to bring an end to the frequent power outages in the major towns within the next 12 months.
The company requires more than $990 million to fully replace some of its existing equipment and upgrade some of them to be able to guarantee uninterrupted power supply but the managing director is confident of raising the amount, with the support of the government and donor agencies, as well as funds from its internally generated resources, to rectify other anomalies in the system.
Mr Adu-Arriankwah said the growth in demand for power in the major towns was between eight and 10 per cent but physical expansion had not kept pace with the phenomenon, thereby resulting in serious overload of the existing facilities.
He said while the project was ongoing, the outages would continue and pleaded with consumers to bear with the company to ensure its successful implementation.
He said given the difficulties within the system, an automatic facility had been installed at the Mallam sub-station to ensure that the power went off automatically immediately there were challenges to avoid a total systems collapse.
He said there were moments when Cote d'Ivoire drew power from the system and that also created outages as the system reacted to such situations.
Mr Adu-Amankwah said the major supply station at Achimota, which the company referred to as Station H, was heavily overloaded and that brought a lot of challenges, as demand far exceeded supply, hence the trip offs.
He said there were frantic efforts to upgrade the station and indicated that those who were served on it would be inconvenienced as they would be shifted to the Mallam supply point to allow work to proceed.
On the probability of tariff increases, he said, "We are not yet there because the support from the government and our intensified debt collection programme are helping us and, therefore, we do not need any increases yet.”
Mr Adu-tunankwah said the present losses of the company stood at 24 per cent and explained that efforts were being made to reduce it, as each percentage loss affected the company.
He said the company was not doing badly with the settlement of its indebtedness to the Volta River Authority (VRA).
He mentioned efforts to improve revenue collection and reduce theft in the system; saying, "We are going to introduce prepaid meters known as the shift type."
Source: Daily Graphic
| | | Farmer perished in an accident | Nyinahin (Ash), Feb. 23, GNA - Mr Yaw Frebuo, 47-year old farmer, died on the spot in an accident at Pammuroso near Kyereyaaso in the Atwima Mponua District at the weekend. His wife, Diana Yeboah, 48, who sustained injuries, was also admitted at the Nyinahin Government Hospital for treatment. Sergeant Stephen Darko of the Nyinahin Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit, who briefed the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the Kia truck was travelling from Pammuroso to Nyinahin when the accident occurred. He said the brakes of the Kia truck failed and as a result veered off the road and somersaulted, killing the farmer on the spot. The body of the deceased had already been deposited at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi for autopsy. | | ______________________ |
| Please note: Some links may open in a new window! | * 01.03.2009 | | Ghana to host symposium for West African Pharmacists | | Go to WEEK 10 / 2009 | Accra, March 01, GNA- Ghana would host the 21st Annual General Meeting and the 51st Council and Scientific Symposium for the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) in Accra from March 15 to 20.
The programme will be under the theme; Challenges of Pharmacy in Improving Quality of Life in the West African Sub-region. A press release signed by Harrison Kofi Abutiate, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of WAPCP said over 300 fellows of the College would participate in the meeting which would be held at the conference centre of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra. The release said other sub-themes to be addressed by prominent persons from the sub-region are Pharmacy and Health-related Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Financing of the New Malaria Drug Policy.
The WAPCP, a specialized agency of the West African Health Organization (WAHO) seeks to train pharmacists to attain the highest practicable professional standards in pharmacy practice. > BACK to TOP < | | * 28.02.2009 | | 28th February remembered | | Accra, Feb. 28, GNA - Wreaths were laid at the Freedom Monument, Osu, on Saturday in commemoration of the 61st anniversary of three ex-servicemen who were gunned down at the Christianborg Crossroads on February 28, 1948, while going to present a petition to the British Colonial Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy. | 
(c) ghana-net.com / ghanaweb-news.com | | They were Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey, all members of the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force that fought alongside the allied forces during the Second World War. | | LINK TIP: MILITARY CEMETERY / ARMEE FRIEDHOF ( ACCRA ) | The colonialists had demobilized them promising to resettle them but had reneged.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Smith, Minister of Defence, laid a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana and Rear Admiral R. S Nuno, Acting Chief of Defence Staff, laid one on behalf of the security services. The Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana, Air Vice Marshal Odartey Barnor laid one on behalf of the veterans, while the Osu Mantse, Nii Nortey Owuo III, laid one on behalf of traditional rulers. Special prayers were said for the love, dedication and the service the three soldiers rendered to the country during the colonial era and prayed for peace and stability in Ghana and the world. The acting Osu Klottey Wulomo, Nii Lantey Okunkah poured libation. Relatives of the fallen heroes, Ministers, Parliamentarians as well as other important dignities graced the occasion.
Ex-WOI Robert Kumah, who read the history said on Saturday, February 28, 1948, a number of ex-servicemen were marching from Accra to Christianborg Castle to present a petition to the Governor on their unpaid war benefits when they were intercepted at the crossroads by a contingent of armed policemen.
The contingent, led by British Superintendent, Mr Imray ordered that they dispersed and when they refused to obey, he gave an order to the police to open fire and the three ex-servicemen were killed. The ex-soldiers had fought alongside the allied forces in the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force during the Second World War and had returned home poor and were not paid their gratuities. After several appeals to the colonial government to consider their plight had failed, the ex-servicemen decided that a direct appeal should be made to the British Colonial Governor of the Gold Coast. News about the death of the servicemen spread rapidly, leading to a situation where law and order broke down in Accra and other parts of the country. It encouraged anti-colonial movements to press the British government to institute a committee to investigate the killings and general disorder.
The Committee recommended self-government for the Gold Coast, which subsequently led to the attainment of political independence for the country. 28 February 2009 > BACK to TOP < | | Fineprint industry in Tema shut down | Personnel of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), on Friday shut down the Fineprint Industry, in Tema, for operating without operational permits.
The company, which produces exercise books and other paper products, including toilet rolls has been operating since 1992 without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit and fire certificate.
The industry that has over 200 employees has also since 2007 defaulted in the payment of Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA)’s waste management fee.
Mr Lambert Faabeluon, Deputy Director of EPA, in-charge of the Tema Metropolis, who led the team that was supported by officials from TMA and the Department of Factory Inspectorate to close the factory, told GNA that the owner, a Nigerian, refused to regularize his operations after several warnings.
He advised factory owners to acquire EIA permit, which ensures the checking of solid, liquid and gas producing equipments and occupational and health hazards associated with their operations.
Mr Faabeluon said that apart from failing to comply with warnings, the construction of another plant has been started on the premises of Fineprint without permit.
Mr Jones Sarpong, Tema Fire Officer, said the Service has advised management of the company to acquire a fire certificate since 2007.
He said that operators of companies, schools, hotels, fuel stations and other facilities were required by law to obtain fire certificates to ensure the safety of workers and property.
Mr Sarpong said that in 2008 the Service closed down some companies in the Tema Metropolis for failing to comply with the law.
Mr Abdulai Mahamadu, Head of the TMA Waste Management Department, said that apart from operating under unhygienic conditions, Fineprint owed the assembly over GH¢ 1,000.
The Head of the Department said TMA would summon the company before court for accumulating refuse on its premises, a situation which according to him could result in an outbreak of communicable diseases.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | Three robbers jailed 195 years | An Accra Fast Track High Court on Friday sentenced three persons to 65 years’ imprisonment each for robbing a lecturer and his family of their belongings at gunpoint at Odorkor.
Solomon Duodu, aka Alhaji, a barber; Eric Cobbina, aka Adolph Hitler, a shoemaker; and Kingsley Amankwah, aka Spider, a driver; pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and robbery.
The court presided over by Mr Justice Samuel K. Asiedu, however, found them guilty and convicted them accordingly.
The Prosecution called five witnesses during the trial.
The police have also arrested two accomplices whose names were given as Opele and Tilapia, who were at large, and are expected to be arraigned soon.
Mr Augustines Obuor, a State Attorney, told the court that, at about 0130 hours on September 12 2008, Dr Robert Darko Osei and his household were woke up by a loud bang on their kitchen door.
The Prosecution said six armed men, two of who were in masks, stormed the house and broke into all the rooms in the house.
In the process, the Prosecutor said, Lieutenant Colonel Darko (retd), the complainant’s father, was shot in the right thigh.
The robbers after assaulting them, made away with a laptop computer, four mobile phones, two wedding rings, jewelleries and cash in the sum of GH¢1,540 cedis.
The Prosecution said the incident was reported to the Police and during investigations Duodu was arrested with one of the mobile phones.
Duodu in his caution statement mentioned Cobbina and Amankwah as those who sold the phone to him.
When Cobbina was arrested he denied knowledge of the phone, adding that he had never met Duodu.
On October 6, 2008 Cobbina was identified by a witness in the case as one of the robbers, who attacked them on that night.
The Prosecution said Duodu’s relations later arrested Amakwah.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | Armed robber killed in shootout | An armed robber was shot dead on Wednesday in a shootout with police after robbing a lady of her handbag containing three mobile phones and cash of GH¢300.
The body of the robber, believed to be in his mid-20s, has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for autopsy.
Briefing the press in Kumasi on Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kwaku Ayesu Opare-Addo, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, said the incident occurred at about 1900 hours on Wednesday at Atonsu Kuwait.
He said a police patrol team had a tip-off from the lady who had been attacked by the robber.
He said the robber who was hiding in an uncompleted building after shooting one Alhaji Abdulah who had gone to the aid of the woman, in the forehead, opened fire on seeing the police but was killed when the police fired back.
He said a locally manufactured pistol, three cartridges and a lady’s handbag containing four mobile phones and a cash of GH¢300 were found on him.
DCOP Opare-Addo said the Ashanti Police Command had killed four armed robbers within four weeks while a fifth was nabbed by a civilian.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | * 27.02.2009 | | Student robber has exam to write | There was an emotional scene at the Ashanti West Police Divisional Command, Suame, when a 19-year-old final-year student of a technical school in Accra, suspected to be involved in an armed robbery, broke down and pleaded with the police to spare him to enable him to write his final examination.
The student (name withheld) who said he was lured by friends to rob, was arrested on Wednesday, with an accomplice, Yaw Amoateng, 24, while in the process of selling a stolen taxi cab with registration number AS 1824 Y at Suame Magazine in Kumasi.
Three men believed to be the masterminds, are on the run.
Briefing newsmen, Chief Superintendent A. Aggrey said on Monday morning, the suspects who were in Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region, hired a taxi to another destination in Kukurantumi.
When they got to Ankasi, a suburb of Kukuranmmi, they allegedly beat the driver into unconsciousness and drove the car to Kumasi Suame Magazine, intending to sell it.
However, the person they contacted to buy the car became suspicious of them and alerted the police who stormed the place and arrested Asare and the student, but the others escaped.
The two are in police custody pending further investigations.
Source: Ghanaian Times
> BACK to TOP < | | Atta Mills Begs MPs | * In meeting with MPs
* K. T. Hammond dis Bagbin for public denial of Chinery Hesse report
PRESIDENT JOHN EVANS Atta Mills has pleaded with MPs to ease the pressure on his government by giving him time and room to handle issues concerning the Chinery Hesse recommended ex-gratia approved by immediate past President John Agyekum Kufuor and the just-dissolved 4th Parliament of the 4th Republic.
Sources at a meeting between President Mills and the leadership of Parliament held last week said the President was confronted with evidence that the much maligned Chinery Hesse Committee’s report recommendation was indeed brought to Parliament, properly laid and approved contrary to impressions generated by the Executive and some parliamentarians that this wasn’t so.
Sources say contrary to earlier media reports and a reported BNI probe which concluded without a detailed investigation that the letter purporting to inform Parliament of the President’s approval may have been faked or back-dated, President Mills was told in clear terms by the bi-partisan leadership of Parliament that the Chinery Hesse recommendations had been properly approved and sealed by both former president Kufuor and Parliament.
It is a binding legal document and sacrosanct as the Constitution stipulates, we told him, a source, who was at the meeting said.
The meeting, GYE NYAME CONCORD, gathered included leadership of both minority and majority sides of the House.
Some of those present at the meeting were Majority Leader Alban Sumani Kingsford Bagbin, Majority Chief Whip John Tia as well as Minority Leader Kyei Mensah Bonsu.and some of his lieutenants.
Sources say President Mills upon deliberations appealed to Parliament to take charge of investigations into the legitimacy of the approval processes to arrive at the truth he had been told after some MPs suggested that copies of the letter at the presidency may have been deliberately hidden from him to push him to attempt an unconstitutional act.
He reportedly asked the MPs, however, to ensure that they delay the investigative process so as to give him time to ease off the pressure on managing the economy as well as the anger of opponents of the ex-gratia payments.
Sources say there was agreement that the full implementation of the ex-gratia recommendations on MPs amounting to almost $15 million would go into effect next month, March.
Gye Nyame Concord gathered that Honourable K. T. Hammond, who has not hidden his disdain for the delayed process and is remembered for pushing Central Regional Minister Ama Benyiwa Doe to admit having received her Chinery Hesse-recommended ex-gratia during her vetting process, took his anger on Majority Leader Alban Bagbin, whom he blamed for being a cause of the misleading information to the President with an earlier statement that he was not in Parliament when the issue came up and was therefore unaware of the report.
Sources say he was so wild he had to be restrained from pouring out his anger on his fellow colleague at a later caucus meeting where they were briefed on the meeting at the presidency.
Meantime ongoing checks by this paper suggest that quite a sizable number of MPs may have received their ex-gratia even before President Mills directive to freeze payment was issued.
Sources say contrary to claims by the Controller and Accountant General, Mr Christian Tetteh Sottie that, no ex-gratia payment has been made, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) transferred almost $15 million into the coffers of Parliament for onward delivery to individual MPs by the Clerk of Parliament.
Significantly, the letter for BOG to transfer the amount to Parliament was sent from the Controller and Accountant General’s office on January 20, 2009, almost two weeks before President Mills sought to freeze the payment through a presidential fiat on February 4.
Efforts to reach Presidential Press Secretary Mahama Ayariga by press time on the new developments proved futile.
Sources say the MPs in a bi-partisan rage have for some time now threatened reprisal actions against the President over his withholding of their ex-gratia, with some openly suggesting that his directive to withhold their ex-gratia was illegal and tantamount to a coup d’état.
“Nobody can undo what ex-president Kufuor did” thundered NDC MP for Sene in the Brong Ahafo Region, Twumasi Appiah, when the issue came up recently in a radio interview.
He questioned the constitutional mandate of President Mills to take such action, saying per the Constitution no one has the right to review salaries properly approved by former president Kufuor during his tenure of office.
He said President Mills cannot review the salaries and emoluments due them without recourse to the Constitution and that any attempt by the President to do that would amount to an illegality.
| Source: GYE NYAME CONCORD |
> BACK to TOP < | | * 26.02.2009 | | First woman Attorney-General Sworn In | Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday swore in the first woman Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu and reminded her to ensure equality of all persons before the law.
He said Ghanaians were not happy about selective justice and wanted to be treated equally before the law. Cases must also be dealt with expeditiously.
"We have no doubt you have what it takes to be Attorney-General," the President said, and urged the Minister to improve upon the workings of the Justice Ministry, since Ghanaians would judge her performance by comparing the performance of the Ministry before she took office and when she would be in office.
The President administered the Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Minister of State and Oath of Secrecy to the Minister. President Mills also presented her with the Instrument of Appointment and a copy of the 1992 constitution.
The President urged the Minister to give Ghanaians hope in the justice system, and said it was necessary that rumours about the system were dispelled to boost the confidence of the international and business communities in the nation's justice system.
"Ghanaians expect the highest standards," the President said, and gave the assurance of the Government to co-operate with Ghanaians to ensure an effective judicial system without sacrificing their ability to stand on their own.
Mr Henry Newman, Chief of Staff, urged the Minister to use her experience as a seasoned legal practitioner to improve the Attorney-General's Department and ensure an effective link between the President, the Judiciary and Parliament.
Dr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, expressed confidence that the Minister would use the position to contribute to the change for better lives that the party promised Ghanaians. Mrs Mould-Iddrisu expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her.
> BACK to TOP < | | EU gives Ghana €6m to address food problems | Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - Ghana and the European Commission (EC) on Thursday signed an agreement for additional 6.02 million Euros under the 10th European Development Fund to help government address the effects of the escalating international food prices.
The amount will supplement the initial indicative allocation of 373 million Euros provided under the 10th European Development Fund Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme signed between government and the EC in December 2007.
The EDF country strategy paper provides a framework for the implementation of European Union assisted programmes in the country and takes into account government's development priorities. Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor signed for Ghana and Mr Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Ghana initialled for the EC. Mr Sebregondi said the additional support was to enable government to restore macro-economic stability and put it on the path to reaching the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
He pledged the readiness of the Commission and other donor partners to assist government to overcome the macro-economic situation, adding, however, that increased support would depend on government commitment to enhance and strengthen systems and procedures.
"Only by being able to demonstrate further tangible positive developments can we justify our support to our own domestic constituencies - the tax payers of the European Union," he said.
Dr Duffuor expressed government's appreciation to the Commission and asked that the funds be released early to enable government to promptly address pertinent issues emanating from the shocks of the financial crisis.
The European Union has been providing support to the country in the areas of transportation, macroeconomic support and rural development. 26 Feb. 09
> BACK to TOP < | | Fear grips Atronie as six people disappear | Atronie (B/A), Feb. 26, GNA - Fear has gripped the people of Atronie, a farming community in Sunyani Municipality, and its environs following the disappearance of six residents within the past three months.
A spokesperson for the residents told the Ghana News Agency that the latest incident happened two weeks ago when a 68-year-old basket weaver went to the bush to collect some materials for his work but has not returned.
Mrs. Akua Anima, a farmer, said people of northern extraction, most of whom could not speak Twi, had been the most affected. She said the bodies of two out of the six missing persons including a 12-year-old boy were found at Atronie and Kuffour Camp. Mr. Kwabena Nimo, a taxi driver, corroborated what Mrs. Anima had said and alleged that some private cars that were usually found parked at some points on the Sunyani/Atronie main road at midnight could be the source of the disappearances.
He said the most dangerous places were Timber junction and a teak plantation at the outskirts of Atronie. The people claimed they had made several complaints to the Sunyani District Police but had not received any response. When contacted Superintendent of Police Charles Botwe, Sunyani District Police Commander, said the police were yet to receive a report on the situation. > BACK to TOP < | | Woman dies during casual sex | Nkawkaw (E/R) Feb. 26, GNA - Adiza Ibrahim, a 25-year-old nursing mother, died while having casual sex with a driver assistant behind a building, near the Nkawkaw lorry park.
The driver assistant, Eric Osei alias Kwame Osei, a native of Antoapomaa in the Afram Plains, is in police custody, pending further investigations while the woman's body has been deposited at the Kwahu Government Hospital at Atibie for autopsy.
Briefing the Ghana News Agency, acting Nkawkaw Divisional Commander, Police Superintendent Thomas Osei, said the suspect had arrived at Nkawkaw with three others in a truck loaded with foodstuffs from the Afram Plains last Tuesday at about 2000 hours and decided to spend the night in the town before continuing to Akyem Oda the next day. Supt. Osei said at about 2100 hours, the suspect met Adiza and proposed to have sex with her, which she readily agreed to.
He said on a mutual agreement, the suspect took Adiza to a nearby drinking spot and bought her a bottle of Malta Guinness whilst he had three tots of Castle Bridge gin.
The Police Commander said the two later went behind a building near the lorry park to have sex.
He said the deceased placed her cloth on the floor and they had three rounds of sex during which Adiza started vomiting and later became unconscious.
The suspect became frightened and left the scene to his truck, but later returned to see the woman lying dead.
Superintendent Osei said a barber, whose shop was near the scene, came out to meet the suspect who again took to his heels. The barber, who saw the suspect run away, chased him up to the lorry park where he informed other drivers and their assistants about the death of the woman. The suspect was later arrested and handed over to a police patrol team. Supt Osei said he later learnt from Adiza's family that she had a six-month old baby which was sick and on admission at the Holy Family Hospital, Nkawkaw at the time of the incident. > BACK to TOP < | | | | * 25.02.2009 | | Mills swears in 11 more ministers | President John Evans Atta Mills has sworn in, at the Osu Castle, eleven ministers-designate whose nominations have been approved by Parliament.
The nominees included - Mrs. Zita Okai Kwei for the Information Ministry;
- Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional integration;
- Mrs Honey Sherry Aryittey for the Environment, Science and Technology Ministry
- Hon. Azong Alhassan as Minister of State at the Presidency;
- Hon. Albert Abongo for the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing;
- Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture;
- Mr. Mark Woyongo as the Minister for the Upper East Region.
- Dr. George Sippah Yankey for the Ministry of Health;
- Hajia Rafat Alhassan as Minister at the Presidency;
- Mr. Stephen Amanor Kwao for the Employment and Social Welfare Ministry;
- Alexander Asun Ahensah for the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affiars.
The swearing-in followed Parliament’s approval of the seventh report on four nominees who have also been sworn in.
Source: JFM | | > BACK to TOP < | | Bawumia's woes deepen | There is no let-up in the politically orchestrated woes of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, with plans afoot to deny him the privilege of an official bodyguard as a Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana on terminal, vacation, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) meets on the political harassment of its members.
DAILY GUlDE says it has learnt that even before the curtains are drawn over his long leave during which he is entitled to the privileges which go with the office of Deputy Governor of the country's apex bank, efforts are on to deny him this as a means of embarrassing him.
But persistent harassment and intimidation of its members, according to the NPP, cannot be allowed to continue, leading to the holding of a crisis meeting yesterday.
As at press time, the party was still holed up at its Asylum Down headquarters over the criminal attacks on its members, which have led to the arrest and displacement of several supporters in a move described as target attacks.
The NPP was also worried over the attack on its flag-bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, whose vehicle was impounded at the Osu Castle on the orders of the Mills Administration.
The Toyota Land Cruiser cross country vehicle has since been abandoned on the instruction of Nana Addo who is not in a hurry to use it.
Dr Bawumia, running mate to the NPP flag-bearer in the 2008 elections, was arrested and detained for close to one hour at the Tamale Air Force Station on Friday on suspicion of arms smuggling, leading to his police bodyguard engaging in a brawl with military chaps.
The NPP guru underwent the scathing ordeal less than a week ago at the hands of military boys in what was suspected to be officialdom political jigsaw, and the episode was justified by Presidential Spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga, who saw nothing untoward about it.
Dr. Bawumia was detained at a checkpoint soon after he landed in the Northern Regional capital and was leaving the facility in his vehicle.
Many who were initially perplexed about the underlying forces in the ordeal found the answer when the spokesperson said there was nothing untoward about the ordeal since as he put it, the Air Force personnel were merely doing their work, especially since a weapon was found in the running mate's vehicle.
The frisking and detention of Dr. Bawumia was considered politically motivated by many who heard the story when it made the rounds across the country.
The spokesperson's statement coupled with the disclosure in Tamale by the Air Force that they had been alerted from Accra about Dr. Bawumia's vehicle was carrying arms and weapons, convinced many that the running mate is the target of an image-denting campaign by the government.
According to Mr Ayariga, Dr. Bawumia's treatment was no harassment, adding that an AK47 rifle was concealed in the vehicle and that the soldier, seeing the weapon, had to satisfy himself that it was the only firearm onboard the vehicle.
The law enforcement agencies should be allowed to perform their functions, he said and described as unfortunate, what he said was an inflammatory statement by the General Secretary of the NPP in reaction to the development.
Dr. Bawumia's bodyguard had told the Air Force soldier that as a policeman, he was entitled to bear firearms for his duties. The loyal policeman might have aggravated the predicament of his boss when he called the bluff of their Air Force captors who claimed to be acting on orders from above.
Dr. Bawumia was virtually hounded out of office when after the last election he returned to his to be threatened with a "resign or be sacked order".
Dr. Bawumia's latest ordeal when he arrived in Tamale en route to Walewale appears to have left in its wake unsavoury repercussions, one of which is the transfer to Accra of Group Captain Sumaila Abass, the Air Force Base Commander in the Regional capital.
Although the helicopter pilot could be assuming an elevated appointment at the Air Force headquarters in Accra, DAILY GUlDE has learnt he is a victim of intrigues.
In an unrelated development, the Police Administration has assured all Ghanaians that a joint police/military operation is set to return the regional capital, Tamale, to normalcy.
Intensive day and night patrols, a statement from the Police headquarters noted, are being mounted by the joint teams.
There are some 300 personnel drawn from surrounding regions in Tamale to assist in the internal security operation.
Tamale was the scene of a fierce fighting between two youth gangs a few days ago.
Some political elements belonging to both the NPP and the NDC have not hidden the fact that they possess firearms in the range of AK47s, SMGs andG3s, all weapons belonging to military armouries.
> BACK to TOP < | | Offinso-Techiman Highway accident claimed one life | Offinso , Feb. 25, GNA - It has now been confirmed that one person died whilst 19 others sustained various degrees of injuries in the Offinso-Techiman Highway accident which occurred at Saboa near Offinso on Tuesday evening.
This is in contradiction to earlier reports that more than 20 people have died in the accident.
The dead has been identified as Salifu Abanga, 37 while nine of the injured, who are in critical conditions have been transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the rest on admission at the Saint Patrick Hospital at Maase.
Chief Superintendent Kwadwo Appiagyei, Offinso Police Divisional Commander told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that it is not true that 20 people died in the accident because he went to the hospital on that fateful evening and has been "there today, to confirm the death toll and also asked the doctors of the conditions of the injured". Narrating the story to the GNA, the Divisional Commander said the accident took place at an area where speed ramps were been constructed on the road.
He said because the ramps were been constructed in two phases, to avoid blocking the entire road, many drivers try to swerve away from the area with the ramp and as a result the two vehicles unfortunately collided headlong.
He said when the accident occurred and the bystanders were trying to pick the injured people out, a Benz Van, carrying goods from Techiman, which was travelling at top speed suddenly, ran into the people resulting in several of them sustaining injuries. He said Abanga, died while on admission at the Saint Patrick hospital. > BACK to TOP < | | * 24.02.2009 | | I’ll look into AVRL operations – Minister-designate | | Mr. Albert Abongo, Minister-designate for Water Resources, Works and Housing, on Monday said if given the nod, he would look into the operations of Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL), operators of the urban water systems, to determine whether to abrogate or continue with their contract. | Mr. Abongo, who is also the NDC MP for Bongo, told the Appointments Committee of Parliament during his vetting that public complains about the supposed abysmal performance of AVRL had come to his notice but he had to study the situation before taking any decision.
AVRL was competitively awarded a World Bank sponsored five-year management contract in June 2005
| Mr Albert Abongo ,and a official
of Swansea City and County/Wales,UK 
(c) EventPicture.co.uk & Bongo-Bongo.com |
to serve as Operators of the urban water system on behalf of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). | The terms of the contract mandated them to improve the commercial viability of the sector and also to assist GWCL in making treated water accessible to a wider population.
In that capacity, AVRL was to collect water revenue, use part of it to maintain the system and hand over the profits to GWCL, whiles capital investment and major procurement still remained in the purview of GWCL.
Since the AVRL contract was signed, several pressure groups and individuals have criticised it as a water privatisation move and indeed called the performance of the company into question.
The Minister-designate said he was aware that AVRL was brought in to manage and improve water delivery and revenue generation of the urban water sector, adding, “I am not in the position to say if they are doing well or not.”
He said based on the concerns raised about the performance of the company in the public domain, he would do a technical and financial assessment of their performance to determine whether to continue with or abrogate their contract.
“We will continue with the contract if we find their performance viable but we will consider a review if necessary,” he said.
Mr. Abongo also assured the Committee that the Ministry would verify allegations that all of the Engineers of AVRL had abandoned the districts and relocated to Accra.
He noted that it was also unfair for rural communities to be made to contribute five per cent of the money needed to provide potable water for them, saying that since the urban communities paid nothing, the rural communities should not either.
The Minister-designate also answered questions on such areas as peri-urban water supply, affordable housing, the Korle Lagoon Restorations Project, Coastal Protection, guinea worm eradications and affordable housing.
He assured the committee that if given the nod he would streamline the affordable housing distribution process to ensure some sanity and fairness prevailed.
Mr. Abongo also took note of between 11 kilometres to 15 kilometres loss of coastal land every year to the sea in various coastal communities and assured the Committee that he would initiate measures to forestall the problem.
Mr. Mark Woyongo, Minister-Designate for the Upper East Region was earlier vetted, after two postponements of his vetting last week based on uncertainties around his voters’ registration and some communication equipment he imported into the country.
Mr. Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the committee presented two separate documentary proofs from the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, both of which cleared the air in favour of the nominee.
He was therefore subjected to about one hour of vetting, during which he assured the committee that given the nod, he would assist all the conflict mediating groups in the region to bring lasting peace to the region.
Mr. Woyongo also said he would help provide jobs for the youth in the area to prevent them from getting involved in conflicts in their idleness.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | Stop demonizing Rawlings - Dr. Graham | Accra, Feb. 24, GNA - Dr. Yaw Graham, Coordinator of the Third World Network, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Tuesday advised people who consistently and continuously demonized former President Jerry John Rawlings, to desist from the act.
He said the former President espoused the ideals of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was admired worldwide for his ideology and achievements.
Dr Graham was speaking at a forum, organised by the Socialist Forum of Ghana, to mark the 100th birthday of Dr. Nkrumah and the 43rd year of his overthrow, in Accra.
The Coordinator of the NGO said attempts were being made by some people, who refused to accept well-known facts, to rewrite the country's history, which according to him might mislead the younger generation. He said the decision by President John Evans Atta Mills to institute the founders' day to be observed on the birthday of Dr. Nkrumah was commendable.
Dr, Graham called on Nkrumaists to come out with innovations that could make the celebration of such a day memorable than just the erecting of statutes in remembrance of the first President. Professor Nii Noi Dowuona of the Department of Agriculture, University of Ghana, Legon, recounted the life history of Dr. Nkrumah and his struggle to liberate Ghana as well as the entire African continent.
He said the country would not have been where it was but for the visionary leadership of the first President. 24 Feb. 09 > BACK to TOP < | | Ga State wants law on family heads before parliament | Tema, Feb 24, GNA - The Ga State Traditional Royal Heads Consultative Assembly (GSTRHCA) is to lay before parliament, a proposed bill on the establishment and regulation of the head of family system in the Ga state.
The bill, which would be laid before the house in March seeks to eliminate disputes among family members as well as chieftaincy conflicts in the Ga State.
Pastor Isaac Nii Kwartei, Coordinating Director of the Assembly disclosed this on Tuesday at Tema Manhean, during a public forum to educate residents on the proposed statutory head of family law. The forum was organized by the Assembly in conjunction with the Greater Accra Traditional Concerned Citizens Union. Pastor Kwartei said the law would enable the Union and the Assembly to register all family houses and their heads as well as define their traditional positions within the Ga state.
He stated that the proposed law also has provision for family members to be elected democratically, to head committees in the family, including education, health, funeral, arbitration, women and children committees.
The Coordinating Director further said family members would have the opportunity to advise the Member of Parliament for their constituency on the proper usage of the MP's Common Fund. Pastor Kwartei urged Gas to defend the rules and regulations of the Ga state as well as educate others on the Ga customs as part of their duties under the said law. Reverend Emmanuel Marbel, Chairman of the Management Committee of the GSTRHCA, said the Assembly and the Union would suggest to the appropriate authorities on behalf of the Ga State communities to collect revenue due them for the development of their traditional areas. Rev said three funds, the family, traditional community and Ga state traditional common funds would be created, to help develop the Ga communities.
Nii Markwei Marmah, Member of the Assembly in-charge of Teshie said it was the aim of the Assembly and the Union to unite the over 400 families in the Ga state.
He said with the exception of La, all family houses in Tema, Nungua, Teshie, Osu and Ga Manshie were in support of the proposed law, adding that, due to disputes in the families, the Ga people have lost most of their resources.
He said they would also ensure that schools located in the Ga state teach the Ga language. > BACK to TOP < | | 3 kidnappers grabbed | Three Nigerians have been arrested by the police at Gomoa Budumburam for allegedly kidnapping a South Korean, Park Dong-Man, 53.
The suspects, Peter Ogbole, 16, Uko Kenneth, 22, and John Bull Agu, 26, are in police custody assisting in investigations.
The police is also looking for the alleged gang leader, Mustapha, and six others, who are on the run.
Briefing the media in Accra yesterday, Director General of the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Frank Adu- Poku said Dong-Man told the police that he was lodging with a business partner at a hotel, in Accra when he had a call on February 8, from one Mustapha to meet him at Abeka Lapaz for a business transaction.
DCOP Adu-Poku said at Lapaz, Dong-man met Mustapha and nine others who took him to Budumburam where the supposed business was to be transacted.
At Buduburam, Mustapha and his accomplices allegedly demanded 200,000 dollars from Dong-man.
He said because Dong-man could not provide the amount the group tied him up, cellotaped his mouth and confined him to a room for two weeks, saying that he would be released after he paid the money.
DCOP Adu-Poku said the group also cut the right little finger of Dong-man for failing to give them the money.
Later, Mustapha ordered the three suspects to monitor his movement and ensure that Dong-man did not escape.
Somehow on February 19, Dong-man escaped through a window and reported his ordeal to the Budumburam police who relayed the information to the police headquarters.
DCOP Adu-Poku said personnel were dispatched from the police headquarters to the area and some members of the gang were arrested.
DCOP Adu Poku said his outfit would investigate whether Dong-man who has resided in Ghana for four years entered the country legally.
He said the suspects will be put before court on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping and causing harm.
DCOP Adu-Poku cautioned the public that with the discovery of oil in the country, all manner of people with different characters will enter the country to engage in acts like kidnapping which hitherto was absent in the country.
Speaking to the media, the suspects claimed that even though they knew Mustapha and the other accomplices who kidnapped Dong-man, they were not part of the said operation.
Source: Ghanaian Times
> BACK to TOP < | | Ministry institutes measures to check road crashes | Mr Mike Hammah, Minister of Transport, on Monday said the Ministry had put in place stringent measures to enforce the Road Traffic Act, to curb the spate of accidents on the roads.
“As a first step to addressing this socially unacceptable trend, the Ministry with effect from April 6, 2009, charges all commercial vehicles to introduce log books in their vehicles to monitor the number of hours drivers use over a distance,” he said.
Mr Hammah, at a stakeholders’ meeting to find solutions to the accidents, charged commercial vehicles to have National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) approved reflective tapes and warning triangles to improve visibility.
“The police are required to enforce these directives while the NRSC monitors its enforcement,” Mr Hammah said.
He said the National Road Safety Strategy II would be reviewed to reflect emerging trends. Institutional capacity, funding and legal framework within which the strategy is implemented would also be reassessed.
Mr Hammah said the introduction of speed cameras, installation of speed limiters in commercial vehicles and instant towing of disabled vehicles were some of the long-term measures to be taken to ensure road safety.
On the recent crashes on some major roads, Mr Hammah noted that preliminary investigations revealed that fatigue, carelessness, poor visibility and high speed were the major causes.
“As the Minister of Transport, I cannot sit down for these needless road accidents to go on.”
The stakeholders called for resources for the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), training of drivers and effective collaboration between industry players to mitigate road crashes.
ACP Victor Tandoh (Rtd), former MTTU commander, advocated the training of “proper traffic police”, who would be dedicated and disciplined, to manage the traffic situation.
“We do not need people who want to make hay while the sun shines or a policeman who is a friend of a driver; we need men who can instill discipline into drivers and ensure sanity on our roads,” he added.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | 23 Deputy Miniterial list out | | The President, John Evans Atta Mills has released a list of 23 nominees for appointment as Deputy Ministers of State. | - Fiifi Kwetey - Deputy Ministers of Finance.
- Seth Terpker - Deputy Minister of Finance
- John Jatuah - Trade and Industry;
- Dr. Nartey Siaw Sapore - Communications
- Henry Kamel - Lands and Natural Resources
- Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Boah and Dr. Kwabena Donkor - Energy
- Mrs Gyifa Peace Ativor - Transport
- Hawawu Buoya Gariba - Womens and Children’s Affairs
- Dr. Kwasi Appiah Kubi - Interior.
- Mrs Elizabeth Amoah Tetteh - Deputy Education Minister
- Dr. Joseph Annan - Deputy Minister for Education
- Kwabena Owusu Acheampong - Tourism
- Elvis Afriyie Ankrah - Local Government and Rural Development
- Rojo Mettle Nunoo - Roads and Highways
- Nii Nortey Dua - Deputy Youth and Sports Minister.
The following have also been nominated as deputy regional ministers: They are, - Baba Jamal, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister;
- Eric Opoku, Brong Ahafo Region;
- Khalid Ceasar, Upper West;
- Betty Bosomtwe Sam Deputy Western Region;
- Mr. Moses Magbenba Northern Region;
- Col Cyril Necku Rtd, Volta Region;
- Lucy Awuni, Upper East Region.
Three other nominees have also been named for appointment as ministers of state. They are - Abdul Rashid,
- Alhaji Seidu Amadu,
- Mr. Kwadwo Tawiah.
Source: Ghanaweb-News.com > BACK to TOP < | | Persons with disabilities want tax reduction law enforced | Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in the Upper West Region have appealed to the government to enforce the Internal Revenue Act 592, that required 25 per cent tax reduction for the physically challenged engaged in businesses. They said the non-enforcement of the tax reduction policy for the disabled in business was a major impediment to the growth of their business.
This also served as a disincentive to others who were willing to establish some businesses to sustain their livelihoods. Madam Zenabu Dauda, President of the Mwinikuubu Disabled Women Association (MDWA) made the appeal at a dialogue proposal on | 
(c) EventPicture.co.uk & ghana-net.com |
25 per cent tax reduction for disabled persons in business meeting in Wa on Monday. The forum offered the more than 100 members of the association to dialogue with officials of the Internal Revenue Service in a spirit of mutual respect and trust to ensure that the 25 per cent tax reduction enforced.
Business Advocacy Challenged Fund (BUSAC Fund) sponsored the forum.
Madam Dauda said even though provisions in the law stated that 25 per cent tax relief be given to disabled persons, those of them in the Upper West Region had been denied the service.
“We are given the same tax rate for business operators in the formal private sector and this situation had affected businesses of the disabled persons and also served as a disincentive to many of us who want to engage in businesses”, Madam Dauda lamented.
She said if the law was enforced it would help them to expand their business and become self sufficient while it would also encourage others, who were not in businesses for fear of paying higher taxes to go into businesses.
“An improvement in the income levels of the disabled persons through business would translate into an improved livelihoods and the reduction of extreme poverty and hunger among their family members”, she explained.
“Children who lead some of the disabled persons on the streets to ask for alms would find themselves in school and this would also lead to the attainment of some of the Millennium Development Goals”, she said.
Madam Dauda said persons with disabilities needed to operate in a business–friendly policy environment to enable them to contribute their quota, to complement the public sector for the growth of the national economy.
Mr Christopher Kwaku Dadzie, Assistant Inspector of Taxes at the Wa Municipal Office of the Internal Revenue Service took the members through the different tax regime systems and urged them to always file their returns on their businesses appropriately to enable them to benefit from the act.
Mr Dennis Puorideme, an Integrated Development Consultant and a Service Provider, said issues of disabilities should be taken seriously because the country would not develop if some of its citizens were unable to contribute towards the development of the economy.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | | | | * 23.02.2009 | | Houses burnt in renewed violence in Tamale | Tamale, Feb. 23, GNA - Seven houses and three vehicles were burnt in renewed violence on Sunday between supporters of the NDC and the NPP in the Tamale Metropolis. The arson took place after the burial of one Abdul Rashid who was shot dead in a previous clash between the two parties last week. The destroyed vehicles include a Nissan pick-up with registration No.NR 2663 C, Mercedes Benz saloon car with registration NR 5005 C and a Yamaha motorcycle.
Mr Ofosu Mensah Gyeabour, Northern Regional Police Commander, who disclosed this in an interview with the GNA on Monday, said so far, two persons had been arrested in connection with the violence. He said the violence broke out after the police had provided security for the burial of the late Abdul Rashid at the Old Gulkpegu Cemetery. He said it was after the burial that the police had information that the road leading to Gumbihini, a suburb of Tamale where the deceased resided, had been blocked with stones, wood and other objects while some houses had been set ablaze.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Gyeabour said the police with the assistance of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) rushed to the area and brought the situation under control. He said the police and the military had intensified their patrols in the Metropolis and mounted several check points to search for weapons. He said police reinforcements from the Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti and Upper East Regions were being brought in to strengthen security in the Metropolis and restore law and order.
The Regional Police Commander appealed for cooperation from the public, the media, chiefs and opinion leaders to volunteer information to the police, which would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the violence. He urged the people not to politicise the situation, saying: "The police are arresting people purely on criminal grounds and not on the basis of whether one belonged to party A or party B".
> BACK to TOP < | | Declare your assets in seven days - Prez Mills | President Mills has instructed all his appointees to declare their assets as required by law within seven days.
Even though Act 550 of 1998 requires that the declaration be done in six months, the president wants his appointees to declare their assets in a week.
Presidential spokesperson, Mahama Ayarigah says the president believes six months is a long time enough for people to do untoward things.
That, he said, informed the decision to limit the period for declaration to one week.
Mr. Ayarigah rejected suggestions that because the documents of declaration are not made public they can be altered.
He said nobody can tamper with the forms after they have been submitted.
According to him, the government would, however, be submitting proposals to Parliament to amend the law on Asset Declaration.
In fulfilment of the president’s promise during the electioneering campaign, the amendment would seek to ensure that asset declaration is done publicly.
Currently the law does not require public officials to do public declaration of their assets.
It is therefore difficult for the public to hold public officials accountable by making sure they own what they declare.
Mr. Ayarigah himself has filled the asset declaration form and will be submitting to the appropriate authorities.
Source: JFM
> BACK to TOP < | GIA appeals for US$52m bail-out | With cup in hand, Ghana International Airlines Limited (GIAL) is seeking a US$52 million government bail-out to transform itself into a profitable airline.
Presently, GIAL needs US$1.5 million monthly assistance in the form of credit from government to enable it to operate as it awaits a decision on the bail-out.
GIAL also wants an aircraft for its Airline Operators Certificate (AOC). |  (c) EventPicture.co.uk & ghana-net.com | This was contained in a business plan sent to government by GIAL on the way forward in transforming the fortunes of the airline.
So far, total cash injections of government into the airline's operations as at 31st December 2008 amounted to US$52.3 million, including US$800,000 received in early January.
Some official documents of GIAL gleaned byB&FT show that the airline is prudently treating the debt on its books as a loan to be later repaid.
To put it in an historical perspective, GIAL was formed by the Government of Ghana in 2005, with the government holding a 70% share and GIA-USA Inc. holding the remaining 30%. Management of the company was ceded to the Minority under a signed agreement.
GIAL commenced operations on 29th October, 2005 with a single wet-leased aircraft on the Accra-London route, but the Government of Ghana dismissed the Minority CEO on 7th April 2006 - resulting in the Minority refusing to take further part in the management of the company.
The Minority later filed legal papers against the Government of Ghana at The Hague for wrongful dismissal and redress. GIAL was also a co-defendant in the suit.
Even though the case has become a legal quagmire to date, the Minority has however indicated its willingness for arbitration.
Consequently, in January last year, the board of GIAL - together with some government ministers including the Ministers of Finance and the Attorney General, met in London at the office of the External Solicitors for the Government of Ghana over the case.
After the meeting, GIAL was advised to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company to enable it to circumvent the legal impasse.
B&FT further learnt that board of GIAL, soon after the meeting, presented the government with a Business Plan to address the SPV formation to enable GIAL procure its own aircraft for the AOC procurement. The business plan, which was to enable the airline to wean itself off the US$1.5 million monthly financial support from the state, did not get any response from government. .
In mid-2008, the Board again presented the Government of Ghana with another business plan again to enable GIAL to wean itself off the monthly US$1.5 million financial assistance, and also for GIAL to procure AOC.
Source: B&FT
> BACK to TOP < | | Two women drugged and robbed | Two female traders who were travelling from Elubo to Accra were allegedly drugged and robbed by a fellow passenger. The driver of the vehicle, Stephen Yeboah, said he found the women unconscious on arrival at the Kaneshie lorry station, his final destination.
One of them is believed to be an Ivorian, and is said to have been offered a sachet of water by the stranger passenger.
She was taken to the Korle-Bu Polyclinic unconscious but was later revived, according to hospital sources.
The other trader, who gave her name as Ruth Amoako who was also at the hospital, said she declined to take the water.
"However, I felt heavy and unable to talk after the man had placed a hat on a seat close to mine," she told the Times at her hospital bed.
Narrating their ordeal, Ms Amoako said the suspected robber took away GH¢560 and a mobile phone from her and large amount of money from the other woman.
She said she witnessed the theft but she felt hypnotized and could not utter a word.
According to Ms Amoako the man joined the vehicle at Elubo and he placed his hat on the seat next to hers and existed for a while.
Moments later, the man came back with two sachets of water and offered them to the two women.
Ms Amoako said she declined the offer but her colleague accepted it and drank it.
She said she noticed that her colleague fell into a deep sleep whilst she became heavy and felt hypnotised.
She said even in that state she saw the man pick a Bible she was carrying and removed the money from it.
At Mankessim she said the man alighted from the vehicle and they continued their journey to Accra.
Ms Amoako said when the vehicle got to Kaneshie at about 8 pm and everyone had come out of the vehicle the two of them could not come out.
The driver, Mr Yeboah told the Times that on realising that the two women could not do anything by themselves, he consulted his colleagues who advised him to take them to the hospital.
They refused to give him any further assistance because they said he was not registered at the station.
He said he reported at the Kaneshie Police Station where they were given medical forms to go to the hospital. They first went to the Cocoa Clinic at Kaneshie, but were referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and then to the Korle-Bu Polyclinic where the two women were finally admitted.
Dr. Nana Boakye-Yiadom III, a senior Medical Officer at the Department of Surgery, told the Times yesterday that the two women were initially put on "drip" before being given other medications. He said physical examination proved that there were toxic materials in their system, an indication that they were chloroformed.
He said that the unconscious women regained consciousness at 11 am on Tuesday and both of them have since been discharged.
Dr Boakye-Yiadom advised the public about what they eat or drink, particularly, what is offered by strangers.
Source: Ghanaian Times
> BACK to TOP < | | 3 children trapped to death in car | Three boys were on Saturday found dead in one of several abandoned cars at a house at Alogboshie near Achimota in Accra.
The property belongs to an Accra businessman, Samuel Kwame Aguadze, owner of Topman Bookshop at Makola.
The children, who were identified as Gabriel Kofi and Edem Asimenu both two and half years, and Kobby Ananfu, two, had gone missing for about six hours that day when they went out to play.
Briefing the Timesyesterday, Mr Samuel Anane, a family spokesperson for Kofi and Ananfu said between 9 am and 10 am on Saturday, parents of the two went round the community in search of children.
After hours of fruitless search the parents reported the matter to the chief of the community, Nana Kuma who insisted on a further search.
The children were eventually found trapped in a car abandoned in Mr Aguadze's house. The matter was reported to the Mile 7 Police at Achimota who picked the bodies to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Mr Anane said Kofi and Ananfu were cousins while Asimenu was a neighbour.
A police source told the Times that parents of the children and the owner of the house had been invited to help in investigations.
Mr Aguadze described the incident as very unfortunate and wondered how the children got into the house. "I left home for work at about 8 am on Saturday.
"I locked the gate with padlock and I do not know if they entered the house under the gate where there is a space," he said.
A number of residents told the Times that they had on a number of occasions complained to the house owner to either dispose of or relocate the abandoned cars he had parked infront and inside his house.
They said the vehicles attracted fun-seeking children who went to play with them.
This is the second time children have been found dead under similar circumstance recently.
On Wednesday, February 4, three children were found dead in a parked car at an abandoned auto workshop at Anyaa, a suburb of Accra.
The children, Richard Bonna, Justice Anti (both four) and Ekow Frimpong (two) had been reported missing for about six hours. A search party made up of the Police and volunteers, found their bodies in the abandoned vehicle.
Source: Ghanaian Times
> BACK to TOP < | | Volta region eradicates guinea worm but HIV / AIDS soars | Ho, Feb 23, GNA - The Volta Region recorded no case of guinea worm in 2008 but slumped in the area of HIV/AIDS with more than a 100 per cent increase in reported cases.
Dr. Sam T. Kwashie, Acting Regional Director of Health Services, in a report to the region's health performance review conference on Monday in Ho, said the fight against guinea worm was "a major breakthrough" but that of HIV/AIDS, was "rather alarming". The five-day conference was under the theme "Improving Health Delivery Service: A Focus on Discipline, Supportive Supervision and High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD)".
Dr. Kwashie said the trend to eradicate guinea worm in the region became clear in 2007 and that the last case of indigenous guinea worm was reported in May 2007, after which only one imported case from the Northern Region was detected in June 2008 and promptly contained. He stressed that "vigilance will be maintained in the Volta Region and complacency will not be given a foothold until Ghana is completely free from guinea worm".
Dr. Kwashie said the number of persons with HIV/AIDS in the region increased from 377 in 2006 to 1,306 in 2007 and 2,799 in 2008. He said "This unfortunate situation calls for intensified public education and the urgent campaign for a change in sexual behaviour since over 80 percent of HIV infections in Ghana are through sexual transmission". Dr. Kwashie announced that the measles elimination campaign was right on course, with the region recording only one "confirmed case in 2008 just like it did in 2007".
He said there was a modest reduction in the number of maternal deaths in 2008 thus 52 as against 65 reported in 2007, pledging that the region would do better in the coming years. Dr Kwashie said reported cases of cholera in the Keta Municipality, Krachi-East and Nkwanta districts had been contained with the "daily incidence of cases reduced markedly in recent weeks, although the problem exists".
He said there were 10 deaths in the 410 cases reported in the Keta Area, three out of 63 cases in the Krachi-East and no death out of the 15 cases in the NKwanta Districts.
Dr Kwashie said the region's health sector was hard pressed by financial, transport and human resource constraints. He said there were only 27 out 177 medical assistants needed and that 80 per cent of the 50 midwives in the region were above 50 years and transiting into retirement. Dr. Kwashie expressed regrets that out of the 11 general practitioners posted to the region recently only two, both females, reported.
He stressed the need for a well-disciplined workforce for essential service providers such as the Ghana Health Service to achieve its goals.
Mr. Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, charged the Regional health Directorate to improve its coordination with the Regional Coordinating Council to devise ways of checking the HIV/AIDS spread in the region.
He said the correlation between the health of the people and wealth generation should imbue health professional to do their utmost to implement policies to improve the wellbeing of Ghanaians. Mr. Amenowode, a Psychotherapist, urged the conference to provide input into government suggestions to improve the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He commended some health facilities in the region for coming up with mission statements, in line with the trend to improve performance of public sector institutions. Mr. Amenowode said only the people-centred approach to organization of these facilities, with management and the workforce imbued with professionalism, transparency, integrity and discipline could improve output.
He promised to liaise with the Regional Health Directorate to tackle problems preventing doctors from accepting posting to the region.
Dr. John Eleeza, Ho Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), told GNA that clinical investigation were in the process to explain the strange disease that affected about 20 people in the Anfoeta-Gborgame community in January, this year. He said no fresh cases of the disease, which sent the otherwise healthy people into fits, had been reported lately, and that all victims were well. The conference decorated Mr. Livingstone Dzisa Futokpor, a Private businessman, for providing structures for a clinic at Klikor, in the Ketu-South District. Mr. Futukpor since 1994 when he donated the building had refurbished it, provided additional rooms for child welfare and reproductive health sections and also paid for 60 trips of sand to shore up the area against floods. > BACK to TOP < | |
___________________________________________________________________ | LATEST GHANA NEWS 23.02.2009 - 01.03. 2009 WEEK 9 - 2009 | | | * 01.03.2009 - Ghana to host symposium for West African Pharmacists | * 28.02.2009 - 28th February remembered - Fineprint industry in Tema shut down - Three robbers jailed 195 years - Armed robber killed in shootout - Residents of Ho SSNIT Flats to be dragged to court - Worm-infested water runs at Ashaiman - EU Rep walks out of forum | * 27.02.2009 - Student robber has exam to write - Atta Mills Begs MPs | * 26.02.2009 - First woman Attorney-General Sworn In - EU gives Ghana €6m to address food problems - Fear grips Atronie as six people disappear - Woman dies during casual sex - State funeral for late Salia - Government urged to sign UN Convention on PWDs - Executive worried about spate of road accidents - Iranian delegation at the Castle | * 25.02.2009 - Mills swears in 11 more ministers - Bawumia's woes deepen - Offinso-Techiman Highway accident claimed one life - Nigerians in Ghana urged to protect national image - Government urged to reduce taxes - 18th FAO/WHO session opens in Accra. - Peace and security my priority - Regional Minister - Armed Forces to mark Ghana's 52nd Independence Day | * 24.02.2009 - I’ll look into AVRL operations – Minister-designate - Stop demonizing Rawlings - Dr. Graham - Ga State wants law on family heads before parliament - 3 kidnappers grabbed - Ministry institutes measures to check road crashes - 23 Deputy Miniterial list out - Persons with disabilities want tax reduction law enforced - Minister shocks supporters - Ghana-Vodafone Extends Services to Rural Areas - Government appointees of STMA sworn-in - Minister gives ultimatum for surrendering of weapons - Death of children worrying - Ministry - Pregnant woman dies in accident - OCI Orphanage closed down | * 23.02.2009 - Houses burnt in renewed violence in Tamale - Declare your assets in seven days - Atta Mills - GIA appeals for US$52m bail-out - Two women drugged and robbed - 3 children trapped to death in car - Akufo-Addo to battle government - Volta region eradicates guinea worm but HIV/AIDS soars - Ghana's forest plantations invaded by pest and diseases - Fifteen families displaced by fire at Assin-Fosu - ECG to halt power outages with $194m - Farmer perished in an accident | | | Your REPORT Your STORIES * Your PHOTOS PUBLISH NOW! |  | | All about the Ghana Election 2008 | | |  |  | | | | * 28.02.2009 | | Residents of Ho SSNIT Flats to be dragged to court | Occupants of some blocks of flats at the Ho SSNIT Flats are to be dragged before Court for in-sanitary conditions around their premises.
This followed their failure to act on a five-day ultimatum by the Ho Municipal Environmental Health Office to rid the place of filth, Mr Prosper Anatsui the Environmental Health Officer told the Ghana News Agency.
The blocks concerned were seven, eight, nine, ten, Loboli and Gemi.
He said those occupants of blocks eight; nine and ten had allowed their septic tanks to overflow creating offensive odour and nuisance in the area.
Areas around Gemi, Loboli and Block seven have overgrown with weeds while waste water from domestic activities was allowed to spill all over the place.
Mr Anatsui described the situation as “very serious” considering the calibre of personalities who reside in the flats.
He observed that general sanitation at the flats was bad and that there was general apathy and lack of co-operation by occupants of the flats towards initiatives by block leaders to improve sanitary conditions at the place.
He said few months ago, his office had to retrieve a refuse container from the flats because residents were dumping on the ground instead of the disposing into the container.
“They do not want to get near the refuse container therefore, they stay in their cars and throw the refuse on the ground,” Mr Anatsui said.
He expressed worry at the situation and said his office would not compromise the sanitation situation in the Municipality and urged all to cooperate to ward off preventable diseases.
Mr. Kofi Peprah, Estate Officer at the SSNIT Office in Ho said occupants were responsible for general maintenance of the place, including the lawns, refuse dump and emptying of their septic tanks.
Source: GNA
| Worm-infested water runs at Ashaiman | Residents of Lebanon, a suburb of Ashaiman, on Friday complained that water flowing through their taps was infested with worms.
Mr. Cypillus Blay-Morkeh, a resident of the area, who spoke on behalf of the people on Thursday, appealed to Aqua Vitens Rand Limited to ensure that it supplied potable water to the area.
He showed samples of water to the GNA and said that when the taps were opened after a three-day shut down, residents saw worms in the water they fetched.
Mr. Blay-Morkeh said this was the first time worm-infested water was flowing through taps in the area and asked the company to investigate the matter.
He said that Aqua Vitens did not promptly repair burst-pipes in the area, which resulted in the people attempting to repair the pipes.
Mr. Napoleon Appiah Dadson, Tema Regional Communications Officer of Aqua Vitens, gave the assurance that the situation would be studied for the appropriate measures to be taken.
He said the situation could be due to foreign materials entering burst pipes or receptacles.
Mr. Dadson urged the public to lodge water-related complaints at any of the company’s offices.
Source: GNA
> BACK to TOP < | | EU Rep walks out of forum | A representative of the European Union, on Tuesday, stormed out of a public forum on oil because he disagreed with criticisms directed at some of Ghana's development partners.
Mr. Jannik Vaa reportedly told the moderator of the forum that "This is not the way to dialogue" and stormed out of the forum, which was jointly organized by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and Oxfam America with sponsorship from the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (G-RAP).
It is believed Mr. Vaa was referring to earlier criticisms directed at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector financing arm of the World Bank Group.
The IFC was mainly criticized for last week's approval of a joint bid from Kosmos and Tullow Energy seeking a $215 million finance package for the development of the Jubilee Oil Field, despite objections from Ghanaian civil society groups and their international partners.
The CSOs had argued there was no completed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), which had been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana.
It is internationally accepted that the purpose of an ESIA is to assess the potential impact of a project prior to approval to determine whether, and under what conditions, it should be approved.
The CSOs had emphasized that the absence of the ESIA meant "IFC undermines an international professional norms and drags down international good practices."
A participant at the forum was of the view that the World Bank Group, the EU and other "development partners" did not have the interest of Ghanaians at heart. Instead, they were only interested in what they could take away from Ghana.
He justified his position, citing the case of the mining sector where various rights had been abused by mining companies and yet the "development partners" found no wrong in those acts.
Ironically, Kyle Kelhofer, who represented the IFC, took no offence. Responding to the comments, Mr. Kelhofer said an IFC team was expected in Ghana next week and they were prepared to hear some of the concerns raised and react appropriately. He stressed that they would engage all stakeholders.
Representing the World Bank, Mr. Kofi Tsikata said Ghanaians should not only hold their governments accountable but also development partners.
The public forum was organized to offer a platform for various interest groups to deliberate on some of the critical steps for the Ghanaian government, donors, oil companies, and civil society to partake in order to maximize gains from the coming oil boom.
The occasion was also used to launch a research report titled: Ghana's Big Test: Oil's Challenge to Democratic Development. The report essentially reviews goings-on in the sector so far and makes recommendations that will help Ghana avoid the "oil curse".
Among others, it recommends that Ghana should develop policy principles, a master plan, and regulations in sequence and as a package. It also encourages the disclosure of all petroleum agreements and licenses. It says "The government will be in a better bargaining position and receive better outcomes if all actors know that agreements will be disclosed."
Presenting an overview of the report, Ian Gary, the author and a Senior Research Advisor of Oxfam America in charge of Extractive Industries, stated that oil could easily undermine the progress that has been made.
Source: Public Agenda
| | * 26.02.2009 | | State funeral for late Salia | Accra, Feb. 26, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills has announced a state funeral for Mr Edward Kojo Salia, MP for Jirapa, who died earlier this month, describing him as a person who left a legacy for the nation.
"We received the news (of his death) with great sadness. We knew for quite some time now he was not well, but we did not expect the good Lord will call him soon," the President said, when a delegation of the family, Members Parliament and chiefs from the Jirapa Traditional Area, in the Upper West called on him at the Castle, Osu in Accra, to formally inform him of the death and funeral of the late legsislator, who also served once as Minister of Transport and Communication in the late 1990's.
The funeral of the late MP would be held on March 20 and 21, 2009 at Chepuri, near Jirapa in the Upper West Region, family Spokesman Prof. Bruce Banoeng-Yakubu, announced.
President Mills traced his links with the late Mr Salia to the 1970s when the late legislator happened to be his student, adding that, they both later served in 1997 under the then Rawlings Administration. President Mills said Mr Salia was one of the people he considered for Running Mate in the 2000 elections, and recalled the unflinching support he had from the late Mr Salia in the run-up to the 2008 elections.
The President expressed regret at the death of Mr Salia, and extended his condolence to the widow, Mrs Mary Asunta Salia, the family, the Jirapa Na and the people of Jirapa Area. President Mills said he had agreed jointly with the leadership of Parliament to give a State Burial to the late Mr Salia, who he described as a good friend and good patriot, who sacrificed his life for the progress of Ghana.
"Edward was a hero, and we will mourn him, and give him a fitting funeral," the President said.
Vice President Dramani Mahama eulogised Mr Salia for his pioneering role in the deregulation of telecommunication in Ghana, saying he would be remembered as the "father of modern telecommunication in Ghana." He said the late MP came under a lot of attack during the pioneering days of telecommunication deregulation exercise, but the presence of cell phones even in rural areas was as a result of the efforts of Mr Salia. On his human relations, the Vice President said Mr Salia bore no malice against anyone. | Government urged to sign UN Convention on PWDs | Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - Government has been asked to rectify the United Nations' Convention on Persons with Disability (PWDs) to address issues pertaining to the disabled in the country.
Speaking at a workshop organized for journalists on the promotion of the rights of PWDs on Thursday, Dr. Bashiru Koray, a lawyer at the Attorney General Department noted that since most of the laws regarding PWDs in the country were similar to those of the United Nation, it would be very prudent on the side of government to adopt it.
"Since the United Nation's Convention on PWDs override those of members countries, its adoption will compel the government to always have issues pertaining to PWDs at heart", he said.
He mentioned the removal of all obstacles that militate against the well-being of PWDs, their non discrimination at the workplace, right to own property, accessibility to physical and social services and their free movement as some of the laws entrenched in the UN Convention for PWDs which were similar to that of the country.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which PWDs suffer whenever there was conflict or disaster and appealed to government and Non Governmental organizations for special protection for them since most of them were left vulnerable.
Mr. Tuinese Edward Amuzu, Executive Director of Legal Resource Centre appealed to Ghanaians to respect the rights of PWDs to make them feel part of the society and called for the full enforcement of all laws regarding PWDs in the country. | | Executive worried about spate of road accidents | Accra, Feb. 26, GNA- The government on Thursday expressed concern about the spate of motor accidents on the nation's roads, and directed stakeholder institutions to strengthen their surveillance mechanisms to reduce the carnage on the roads.
In a remark, President John Atta Mills called for discipline to protect the lives of road users, saying, "we are losing far too many lives; we don't want the people of Ghana dead, we want them alive and well."
He therefore called for ways to remove stationary vehicles, which had been identified as a major cause of accidents.
In an interaction with a delegation of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), President Mills expressed dissatisfaction at the presence of stationery vehicles, especially on the Accra-Kumasi Road, and said despite mechanical faults, the lack of discipline and presence of such stationary vehicles had contributed greatly to the accidents.
The delegation was at the Castle, Osu, to congratulate the President and his Vice, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on their ascending to the two highest political positions of the land.
President Mills said road transport carried about 97 per cent of the passenger and freight and it was an important participant in the growth of the economy.
He noted however that, it only was necessary to construct roads, but also to ensure the safety of road users, and urged the GPRTU to use its machinery to enforce discipline on the roads.
Within two weeks, about 90 lives are reported to have been lost through road traffic accidents at different parts of the country. Vice President John Mahama described some drivers as killers. He called for regular eye tests, at least once a year and said drivers must be conversant with road signs, and avoid drunk driving. He also called for self-regulation and gave the assurance that Government would encourage the banks to assist Transport Owner Associations to buy vehicles on hire purchase.
Alhaji Yaw Manu, National Chairman of the GPRTU, who led the delegation appealed for a return of the management of the lorry parks to the GPRTU. Source: GNA > BACK to TOP < | | * 25.02.2009 | | Nigerians in Ghana urged to protect national image | Ho, Feb. 25, GNA - Nigerians living in Ghana have been urged to abide by the laws of Ghana so as to protect the image of Nigeria. Madam Edith Chukwu, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Association in the Volta Region made the call when she spoke to the Ghana News Agency on the reported criminal activities of some Nigerians in the country.
She said there were several Nigerians engaged in genuine businesses in Ghana, who were not happy with the criminal activities of some of their compatriots, and the negative impressions these were creating about Nigerians in general. Madam Chukwu said Nigerians who intend to settle in Ghana are expected to register with the Nigerian Associations in the regions where they intend to settle in. Such people are expected to give details about themselves so as to make it easier for them to be identified and traced in Ghana as well as to Nigeria when required.
She observed that it was those who have criminal intentions for coming to Ghana who refuse to be registered and must be treated as common criminals, when they fall foul of the law, as they do not reflect the character of a patriotic Nigerian. Madam Chukwu, who is also an actor and teacher, warned that such deviant Nigerians should not expect help from their compatriots, who are conducting themselves with civility in Ghana.
| | Government urged to reduce taxes | Kumasi, Feb. 25, GNA - Members of the Kumasi Traders NDC Fun Club have appealed to President John Evans Atta Mills and the NDC government to endeavour to reduce taxes on imported and manufactured goods in the country.
This, according to them, would enable importers bring in more goods; while at the same time reduce the prices of goods on the market to ensure patronage by ordinary Ghanaians. In a congratulatory message jointly signed and issued by Nana S. K. Boateng, Regional Chairman, and Mr J.K Gyebi, Vice Chairman in Kumasi on Tuesday, members of the club appealed to the President to unite members of parliament, so that together they would chart the development agenda of the nation.
The statement said Ghana needed the concerted efforts of its citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, to move the nation into a prosperous one.
It said the country belonged to all Ghanaians and there was the need to give every individual the opportunity to contribute his quota towards development, as was done by the founding fathers. The statement also congratulated Mr John Dramani Mahama, on his election as the Vice President of Ghana, while commending the former President Rawlings, who is also the founder of the NDC for his role in ensuring victory for the party in the general elections. Other executive members who signed the statement were Mr Kwadwo Poku, Secretary, Mr Solomon Ohene Asamoah, Organiser, Mr Francis Asibbey, Executive member and Mr Kwaku Frimpong also executive member. | 18th FAO/WHO session opens in Accra on Monday | Accra, Feb. 25, GNA -World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Daniel Kertesz on Monday said the mortality from consumption of contaminated food and water is around 700,000 annually for all age groups in Africa. The incidence of diarrhoea caused by consumption of contaminated food and water is estimated at up to five episodes per child per year, he said at the opening of the 18th Session of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the Codex Coordinating Committee for Africa in Accra.
The FAO/WHO Coordination Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) is one of the six regional coordinating committees for the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) established by the FAO and the WHO in 1964 to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the international food trade by developing standards and guidelines. The meeting is to enable participant from the Africa Region to exchange recent information on the food control situation as well as emerging issues in the region including trans-boundary food safety problems. He said the Disability Adjusted Life Years lost to Food and water-borne diarrhoea in the Africa region was four point one per 1000 globally as compared to five point seven to seven point one per 1000 in Africa.
Dr. Kertesz noted that, the year 2008 saw an unprecedented number of food- borne diseases caused by microbes and chemical contaminants, including pesticides residues and mycotoxins. These, he said included cholera in many countries: Typhoid fever and botulism; pesticide poisoning through beans and vegetables; Bromide poisoning; diarrhoea and food poisoning. A worrying developing, he said was the multi-drug resistant strains of the causative agents of food-borne diseases have been reported. Some of the countries in the African region were affected by emergencies associated with melamine contaminated milk, milk products and pork products contaminated with dioxin, produced from pigs slaughtered in Ireland.
This, he attributed to the huge gaps in the laboratory capacity in the countries and noted that the WHO regional Committee for Africa would adopt a paper on the establishment of centres of excellence for disease surveillance, public health laboratories and food and Drugs regulation. He was of the view that there was a growing tendency to shift from eating home-prepared food to consuming ready-to-eat foods, which he noted, meant that a single error from a food handler could have far reaching consequences. "Hygiene of vending operation is a major source of concern in food control", he said and added that the current global food crisis has worsened an already precarious food situation. He advised that it was therefore critically important to use the scarce food at our disposal safely, effectively and efficiently. Against this background, he said the WHO regional committee for Africa adopted resolution AFR/RC53/R5 in 2003 in the Regional Food Safety Strategy and its accompanying resolution in August 2006 with a guiding principles of a holistic and risked based actions which apply the risk analysis principles.
Mr. Edouard Tapsoba, FAO Assistant Director General said food safety is indeed a priority of FAO work particularly in Africa and details of the agenda item on capacity building indicate the importance that FAO and WHO attach to capacity building activities in the area of food safety. He said these activities cover all the components of the food safety management system with emphasis on technical regulations and legislation, risk-based inspection services for national markets as well as imports and experts of food commodities, training of food control officials laboratory testing and monitoring and surveillance. The assistance provided, he said, allows national governments to take full responsibility for implementing all measures necessary for ensuring food safety and is taken in collaboration with the private sector and civil society.
Mr. Tapsoba said the ultimate goal of these food safety related activities is to contribute to overall food security for Africa by ensuring that food produced and sold throughout the continent and beyond meet safety and quality requirements consonant with internationally agreed standards, in particular with the applicable Codex Alimentararius standards. He noted that one could never stress enough the fact that the international market had become more demanding in terms of safety and sanitary requirements adding that the world market was becoming increasingly difficult and that getting ejected is becoming increasingly easier. He said progress had been made to improve food control systems, to enhance the safety of food commodities sold on both the domestic and international markets. Mr. Tapsoba said these challenges would require political awareness and commitment at the highest level of government so that these issues are adequately addressed by, and receive proper support from, higher-level decision makers.
| | * 24.02.2009 | | Minister shocks supporters | After enjoying a kingly reception on his arrival from Accra to assume office, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mahmud Khalid shocked his supporters and admirers when he told those with ulterior motives to stay off the corridors of his administration.
He said he would not allow them to take advantage of personal or political relations to besiege his office looking for favours.
"Don't rush into obtaining contract licenses and parade my office looking for contracts. That will not help us," Mr Khalid said in an address to hundreds of party supporters and the general public after they had welcomed him at Bamahu, near Wa.
Amid drumming, dancing and cheering, they had led him through the principal streets to the residency where prayers were said for his safe arrival.
The Minister told the people that the way forward was for them to bury their differences, avoid chieftaincy, land and religious disputes and other negative tendencies that could stall the development of the region.
"We cannot develop when there is insecurity. I, therefore, appeal to all to co-operate so that together we can develop," he stated.
Mr Khalid recalled the President's comment that he would hit the ground running to salvage the country from the doldrums and said he would spare no effort in working towards attaining that dream.
He said though the Upper West Region is the poorest in the country, it has the human re sources to turn the situation around.
That, he said, starts with capacity building for the youth to meet the development challenges ahead.
Welcoming the new Minister, the second vice chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Nator-Naa, pledged the party's support for him to work towards improving the lives of the people.
Source: Ghanaian Times
> BACK to TOP < | Ghana-Vodafone Extends Services to Rural Areas | Adawso-Akropong — The Head of Corporate Communication and Customer Care of Vodafone-Ghana, Major Albert B. Don-Cheb (Rtd), has given assurance that his outfit was ready to provide, as well as find solutions to problems that have affected quality communication service delivery in the country.
He gave the assurance at the commissioning of two Vodafone-Link phones, a product with similar features as a mobile phone, at Adawso in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region last Friday.
He noted that the commissioning of the facility indicated the company's readiness and commitment to make communication available to all Ghanaians, regardless of their location or social status. According to him, in order to satisfy the communication needs of the communities in which the company was operating, there was the need to make communication easily accessible efficient and affordable, hence the project.
He said Vodafone-Ghana believed that the availability of affordable communication for all Ghanaians was a necessary tool to accelerate the socio economic development of the country.
He stated that the facility was part of V-Link phones to be sited in all ten regions, by the end of the second week of March this year.
"The community V-phones is related, to shows another Vodafone-Ghana innovation, which has targeted second cycle institutions, to ensure that parents and wards can communicate easily when schools are in session," he disclosed.
He added that since students were not allowed to keep mobile phones at school, Vodafone-Ghana conceived of the project to enable parents and students communicate easily without infringing on the regulations of the Ministry of Education.
The Eastern Regional Manager of the company, Mr. N. A. Fleischer-Brock, stated that the donation formed part of the company's corporate social responsibility to foster unity between the company and its operational areas.
He lauded the efforts and commitment of the chiefs and people of the area, for their roles played to ensure that they became the first community in the region to benefit from the facility.
According to him, the community had benefited from two important projects, such as the provision of the Onetouch Cell Sit (signal) and two V- Link phone booths, since the takeover of the company by Vodafone-Ghana.
On his part, the Chief of the area, Nana Amoa Fugyaw III, on behalf of the community, thanked the management of the company for extending their services to the area, and promised to take good care of the facility.
Source: The Ghanaian Chronicle
| | Death of children worrying - Ministry | The attention of The Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs has expressed deep concern about the alarming but avoidable deaths of children in abandoned vehicles in auto garages in recent times.
Three children were found dead in a disused vehicle which was parked at an auto-workshop in their neighbourhood in Anyaa, Accra last month. Another worrying report came in at the weekend from Alogboshie, near Achimota, where three young children were found dead in an abandoned car in a house in their neighbourhood. Some children died under similar circumstances in Kumasi late last year.
A statement issued by the sector Minister, Ms. Akua Sena Dansua called on owners of all such abandoned vehicles to take the necessary steps to clear them or take precautionary measures at ensuring that these vehicles do not become death traps for vulnerable children.
“We also wish to call on parents to keep a close eye on their children, especially when they go out to play in their neighbourhood. Under Section 6, Paragraph (3a) of the Children’s Act, parents have the duty to, among others, protect their children from exposure to physical hazards.”
The Ministry also wishes to call on the Police to expedite action on investigations into these occurrences to ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
Source: GNA
| | Government appointees of STMA sworn-in | Some 17 out of the 20 government appointees to the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) were on Monday sworn-in by Mr Kwame Polley, a District Magistrate.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at an extraordinary meeting of the assembly at Sekondi.
The appointees would fill in the vacancies created as a result of the withdrawal of the former appointees of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Mr Ali Mohammed and Mr Wilson Kwofie, members of the assembly, were elected to represent the assembly at the Electoral College to elect the Western Regional Council of State member.
The election of a Presiding Member for the assembly could not take place because according to Mr Clement Dandori, Metropolitan Coordinating Director, the Ministry of Local Government has directed that the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives should be suspended until further notice.
He said no reason was assigned for the directive which was forwarded to the assembly by the Regional Coordinating Council.
Mr Dandori said the assembly has worked together as one family, dedicated to the overriding objective of doing what is good for the people of the metropolis and very mindful of the constitutional provision that bars the assemblies from turning themselves into partisan political entities.
He noted that the President paid tribute to the people of the metropolis for carrying out a remarkable clean-up exercise on the Valentine day.
Mr Dandori said: “We as a house would like to use this opportunity to re-assure his Excellency that the people of Sekondi-Takoradi as represented by their elected members in this house would stand firmly behind his government to successfully deliver on the manifesto of his party and government to improve the living standards of the people”.
He said, “As an emerging oil city in Africa, Sekondi-Takoradi would need to do more to improve upon our sanitation to make the city investor friendly and open it up to job avenues”.
Mr Dandori urged all sub-metropolitan councils to immediately get to work and draw up strategic plans for cleaning their electoral areas and sustaining the exercise.
He appealed to members of the assembly who were allocated tools for the clean-up exercise but failed to return them to do so for use in subsequent exercises.
Source: GNA
| | Minister gives ultimatum for surrendering of weapons | Mr. S.S Nayina, Northern Regional Minister, on Monday gave the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the region, one month ultimatum to ensure that all weapons were retrieved and surrendered to security personnel to bring lasting peace to the area.
The Regional Minister gave the order at an emergency security meeting in Tamale, where the leadership of the two parties had confessed and testified before the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), that both NPP and the NDC members in the area had in their possession sophisticated weapons.
He said “We should not make the Northern Region a warfare area. We have already been tagged with a bad name because of conflicts and this is the time to tell ourselves that enough is enough and cooperate with the security apparatus to bring peace.”
He said people who would willingly surrender their weapons would not be questioned as to where and how they got them adding “From one month from today, surrender all guns in your possession and thereafter, we would hunt for the guns ourselves and there would be no limited period for the hunt.”
Mr. Nayina urged politicians from the Northern part of the country to help create conducive environment for progress and said all trouble makers would be dealt irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said: “The security personnel would be arresting all trouble makers and they would not be asking them of their political affiliation. The law would determine your offence and appropriate charge.”
Some of the leaders who appeared before REGSEC said in the past some people within the Metropolis openly shot people and that though they were arrested there was no indication that guns were retrieved from them.
The leaders said this has encouraged other people to arm themselves to the teeth in anticipation of violence during Election 2008 and urged the security personnel to apprehend all wrong doers to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Seven houses and three vehicles were burnt in renewed violence on Sunday between supporters of the NDC and the NPP in the Metropolis, after the burial of Abdul Rashid, who was shot dead in a previous clash between the two parties last Week.
The destroyed vehicles included a Nissan pick-up with registration No. NR 2663 C, Mercedes Benz saloon car with registration NR 5005 C and a Yamaha motorcycle.
The Minister, who joined family members to bury the late Rashid, had advised them not to revenge but to embrace peace since vengeance was for God.
Source: GNA
| | * 23.02.2009 | | Akufo-Addo to battle government | | The 2008 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who has decided - not to criticize President John Evans Atta Mills for at least six months, is going to renege on his pledge, The Chronicle newspaper reports. |  | This paper has gathered that the former NPP candidate is deeply worried about the actions of government operatives against known NPP members, which is contrary to the President's assertion to ensure unity, peace and above all to be the father of the nation.
The Chronicle was informed that what traumatized the former Abuakwa South legislator was how his running mate, Dr. Bawumia, was subjected to harassment and detention of his vehicles at the Tamale Airport last week, and the rampant seizure of vehicles belonging to private individuals.
According to aides close to the NPP guru, the actions of the operatives of the government have set tongues wagging because consistent appeals by him (Nana Addo) and the NPP leadership to the President to call his supporters to order, has fallen on death ears.
According to the source, though Nana Addo had accepted the apology rendered to him by the government over the unlawful seizure of his car, however, the recent harassment of Dr. Bawumia has rendered the apology worthless.
“As a human rights activist, he deems it fit to cut short his trip and break his silence by taking the fight to President Mills. Nana has been under pressure from the party members on these issues of harassment, and he has planned to seriously fight for the party members," one of the aides said.
When Mr. Gabby Asare Otchere -Darko, the Executive Director of Danquah Institute and one of the Aides to Akufo-Addo was contacted, he confirmed the story.
"I am aware that a lot of concerns within the party have reached Nana Addo, but he has decided not to speak even, though that is not his style. He has now decided to speak," he said.
Mr. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko hinted that though Nana Addo was not noted for keeping quiet, especially on matters of human right issues, he was of the view that President Mills should be given ample time to work, stressing that he would contradict his own decision to keep mute for at least six months.
"He has been very unhappy with certain developments after the elections and is considering seriously speaking on these matters any moment from now," he said.
Mr. Asare Otchere-Darko, who travelled with Nana Addo outside the country and returned last week, could not tell exactly when his boss would speak, but hinted that Nana Adds has already-spoken to Dr. Bawumia on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Chronicle has learnt that the NPP leadership would organize a press conference this week over similar issues.
Source: Chronicle
| | Ghana's forest plantations invaded by pest and diseases | Kumasi, Feb. 23, GNA - Ghana's forest resource is said to be in danger as some of the country's forest plantations are plagued by diseases and pests.
The diseases and pests some of which are yet to be identified by forestry research scientists and experts are attacking trees at a faster rate on affected plantations.
Dr. Victor Agyeman, Director of the Forest Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), who made this known, said the situation was worrying since the country had invested huge sums of money in developing forest plantations.
He was speaking at the opening of the Second Executive Committee workshop of the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FINSA), in Kumasi on Monday.
Dr. Agyeman also cited the invasion of Eucalytus gall in the Eastern Africa Region, the sirex wasp in the Southern Africa Region and more recently, the outbreak of the Acheae Catocaloides Caterpillars and moth in Liberia and other West African countries. He urged African governments to adequately resource forest research institutions to enable them manage pest and disease incursions to secure investments in the forest sector.
Dr. Agyeman expressed dissatisfaction about the problem of alien invasive species in Africa and the world as a whole and attributed it to globalization and increased international trade.
He mentioned invasive plants such as Siam weed or 'Acheampong' (Chromolaena Odorata), Prosopis (Prosopis spp) and paper mulberry 'yorke' (Broussonetia papyrifera) which have already had significant ecological and socio-economic impacts in many African countries. Dr. Agyeman commended members of FINSA for their vision to form the network to collectively tackle invasive species problems on the African continent and urged them to work across national and regional boundaries since the disease and pests do not recognize national boundaries.
Mr. Paulos Nwale, Chairman of FINSA, said networking was very important in view of the increasing invasion of alien species on the African continent.
He called for effective commitment on the part of African governments to sustain the network in order to fight the invasion on forest reserves.
Dr. Paul Bosu, Entomologist and Forest Health Research Scientist of FORIG, who is the Country Co-ordinator, mentioned the Kwamensa Forest Reserve near Bechem in the Brong Ahafo region, as among many others which had been severely invaded by alien species, pests and diseases. He said some of the pests were yet to be identified and called on government to commit more resources into research and integrated pest management programmes in Ghana.
Dr. Bosu said FORIG had experts who were currently working but needed further assistance to do more.
The FINSA is a network of African forest protection scientists and experts who are concerned with increasing problems of invasion of forest plantations by insects and diseases.
It aims at coordinating the collation and dissemination of information relating to forest invasive species in sub-Saharan Africa for sustainable forest management and conservation of biodiversity. Participants from Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Togo, Zimbabwe, Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) and the Africa Forest Research Network, anon-governmental organisation (NGO), are attending the five days workshop. Source:
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