...GIS has so far blacklisted companies, including, Akoko Goldmine Company, Capital Farms limited, Stevenson and Kufuor Legal Firm, Neat Food Limited, Gamin Insurance Company, Google Ventures and Sunshine Travel and Tours Limited, Accra. He said investigations have revealed that these companies were being used to fraudulently extort huge sums of monies from mainly foreigners prior to their arrival in the country, believing that they were transacting genuine businesses. 

                            READ MORE BELOW

• 06.07.2008

  16 die as two vehicles plunge into river Offin

Source:
GNA

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Minister warns against sexual abuse of pupils


Tamale, July 6, GNA - Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs has warned proprietors and instructors of educational institutions not to take advantage of the female pupils in their care to sexually exploit them.

"I will not hesitate to report such characters to the education authorities to take the necessary disciplinary action against them", she said. Hajia Mahama gave the warning in a speech read on her behalf at the inauguration of the National Council for Islamic Education Unit (NCIEU) in Tamale on Saturday.

Sheikh Ibrahim Basha Bayan is the Chairman of the eleven-member council. The Minister said it was time the Muslim community changed their perception about girl-child education, adding that, the communities should ensure that all their children were sent to school. She said the government had initiated a number of interventions such as the capitation grant, the school feeding programme and the free bus ride for the pupils to enhance quality education delivery and urged parents to take advantage of these to educate their children.

Mr. Samuel Bannerman-Mensah, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in a speech read for him, noted that with the revival of the Islamic Education Unit, there was the need for a change to reflect changing needs and current trends in the education front. He said, for example, the membership of the Council should be expanded to include not only the proprietors of the Islamic schools but also Muslims of certain professional backgrounds and other stakeholders. "This would help prevent undue monopoly and control of Muslim education and promote the sharing of varied experiences," he said. Mr. Bannerman-Mensah said the government alone could not provide for all the infrastructure needs of educational institutions and urged the NCIEU to help improve upon educational infrastructure in their schools. The Director-General said it was possible for the NCIEU to put up more basic and second cycle schools to absorb the increasing number of children of school-going age, especially the girl-child, to complement government's efforts.

The Council should also advocate for comprehensive Arabic/Islamic syllabuses to be used in all Islamic schools. Hajia Fati Seidu, General Manager of the Islamic Education Unit, said the lack of vehicle was impacting negatively on the supervision of schools in the Unit. "None of the 10 Regional Offices of the Unit has a vehicle or other means of transport and this is seriously affecting work and communication between the regions," she said.

Source:
GNA

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Veep ask Muslims to give Islam a new image

Accra, July 6, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama at the weekend expressed regret that the main areas of persistent social discord and armed conflicts in the country occur at where Muslims are in the majority.

Speaking at the launch of the translated version of the Koran into Dagbani in Accra, he urged Muslims "to allow the spirit of the Koran to guide their dealings in the area of conflict management and peaceful co-existence."

Quoting from the Koran, Vice President Mahama said: "After all, Allah says.that we are all created from a single male and female and made tribes and nations so that we may know one another. "Deep down, we are not different from each other. So the virtuous teachings of the Holy Koran should influence us positively in order to avoid communal violence because such violence is a complete contradiction to the teachings of the Koran." The 1,287-page book was the handiwork of Sheikh Muhammed Baba Gbetobu, Director of the Zaintun Centre for Education and Charitable Services.

Vice President Mahama said prayerful reading of the Koran with faith in its principles ensured a fruitful life of brotherliness, prosperity and peace, stressing; "Indeed, the Holy Koran says the true servants of God are those who restrain themselves when confronted by the uncultured."

He lauded the initiative of Sheikh Gbetobu, explaining that the translated Koran would challenge those who can read in Dagbani to delve further into the Book since the content will now become more understandable and intelligible in their local language. "Moreover, those who are yet to learn to read and write the local dialect but have a desire to get closer to Allah now have a great opportunity to resume learning."

Sheikh Gbetobu said the book was the first translation of the Koran into a local Ghanaian language.

Dr Nasser Adam, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, said Islam urges Muslims to seek knowledge to be able to comprehend the teachings of Prophet Muhammed, the founder of Islam in order to comprehend the challenges of the times. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, a Lawyer and political activist, who chaired the function, noted that the book was a significant achievement to literacy and theology.

Source:
GNA

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Let us pursue truth- Sheikh I.C Quaye


Accra, July 6, GNA- Sheikh I.C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister on Saturday called on Ghanaians to pursue the truth in order to help move the country forward in its development process.

He noted that without the truth, it would be difficult for Ghanaians to create a decent and sound moral environment to build the nation. The Greater Accra Regional Minister made the call at a special harvest and fund raising service organized by the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA), Mataheko in aid of the Kanashie SDA Church project in Accra.

"As Christians, we have the onerous responsibility to be peacemakers who should build bridges of understanding and reconciliation and leave no stone unturned to remove rancour and mistrust in our society", he stated.

Sheikh Quaye appealed to Christians to register when the voters registrations begin and vote massively during the 2008 elections. He said Christians have the duty and obligation to decide who they want to rule the country to ensure that there was peace for them to serve their God.

He Quaye advised the congregation to do away with apathy which is a drawback to good governance and rather be patriotic citizens. He urged Christians to be tolerant of all shades of opinion and views to help promote peace, unity and development. Mr. K Osei-Prempeh, Deputy Minister of Justice and Attorney General, charged the congregation to seek the welfare of the country, "It is only when there is peace and harmony in the nation that we, as Christian can worship God".

He cautioned the members to help fight indiscipline and violent act in the country since it was the only obstacle that could drawback the country's peace and development.

Pastor Kobina Yamoah, who gave a brief history about the Kanashie branch said it was established on 29th November as a result of evangelical campaign organized by the Mataheko branch. He said members staying in the neighbourhood expressed interest and consequently 15 out of the 25 nucleus members were baptized.

Source:
GNA

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• 05.07.2008

NGO to rescue 60 children from hazardous work

Accra, July 5, GNA- The Association of People for Practical Life Education (APPLE), an anti-child labour non-governmental organisation (NGO), is to rescue 60 children from child labour in the Volta and Brong Ahafo Regions.

Mr James Jack Dawson, Executive Director of the NGO, told GNA on Saturday in Accra that the first batch of five girls and five boys between the ages 4-17 years had been identified and were currently at Atebubu receiving counselling and medical care. He said Geneva Global an international donor was sponsoring the project which included micro-finance to assist parents who would be re-integration with their rescued children in communities such as Avegorme, Adakorpe, Adidome in the North Tongu district of the Volta region.

Mr Dawson said the children who were mostly engaged in fishing, farming and household chores were also deprived of education. He said with the passage of the Child Trafficking Act, some fishermen had become reluctant in releasing child labourers under the pretext that they were taken them to school and called on the authorities to check the phenomenon.

Source:
GNA

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Akufo-Addo on unity and reconciliation journey in Volta

Dzodze, July 5, GNA- Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag bearer, on Friday said he has begun a journey of reconciliation and unity between the party and the Volta region. He said "We have to close the wide gap that exist between the NPP and the Volta region since 1992", at a rally at Dzodze as part of his campaign tour of the region.

Nana Akufo-Addo appealed to the people in the region to open their hearts to the NPP and contribute to its retention in office in the 2008 Election.

He said the sour relationship between the party and the region was a result of vile propaganda, which tended to affect the NPP adversely since 1992.

Nana Akufo-Addo said on the contrary evidence as far as the party's performance in the region in terms of development indicated was positive, a demonstration of the national character of the NPP. He said the trend would continue if he was voted into power, with the establishment of the first public University in the region. Nana Akufo-Addo introduced the Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi as the party's parliamentary candidate for Ketu-North in the 2008 Election and exhorted the people to give him their mandate. He could not call on the chiefs and NPP activists in the Ketu-South district who converged at Aflao, as planned. Nana Akufo Addo who was due to address rallies in the Ketu South, Akatsi and Keta Districts on Friday but had to return to Accra abruptly from Dzodze where he had addressed a rally was expected to resume the tour on Monday.

Source:
GNA

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President Kufuor leaves for G8 summit



Accra, July 5, GNA-President John Agyekum Kufuor, on Friday left Accra, to join a select group of African leaders attending this year's summit of the eight most industrialized nations, otherwise known as the G8, which is scheduled to take place in the Japanese city, Toyako-Hokkaido, from July 7 to 9,2008.
A statement issued by Presidential Spokesman, Andrew Awuni, said the summit will tackle problems relating to the global financial crunch and how to stabilize the financial markets to promote growth.

As well, the world leaders, the statement explained, will seek to take concrete actions on how to rein-in the food crisis which has led to massive rioting across many cities in the world, as failure to act on these developments might adversely hamper to the ability of third world countries in particular to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

Also to be on the menu of the world leaders is the nascent political and economic meltdown in Zimbabwean, Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Middle East peace process and scourge of terrorism.

President Kufour will be joined at the summit by Presidents Umaru Yar' Adua of Nigeria, Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Jakayaa Kikwete of Tanzania and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.

Source:
GNA

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JJ dominates Ghanaian media once again


... even the silence of Rawlings is big news

Anytime former President Jerry John Rawlings speaks, he do minates the media and last Tuesday's press conference he held to talk about a wide range of political issues in the country was not different.

Rawlings' nickname since 2001 is "Dr Boom", following a speech he delivered warning government that there could be an explosion (boom) if it dropped its guard.

The charismatic former leader, who speaks his mind anytime and anywhere, is loved or hated, depending on where one stands on the political scene in Ghana.

Indeed, even the silence of Rawlings is big news and he has said Ghanaian newspapers sell their newspapers out of him.

At the press conference held on Republic Day, Rawlings lashed out at President John Agyekum Kufuor and his ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of us i ng class war, divide and rule, fraud, violence and intimidation to keep themselves in office.

"There is too much injustice in the system and the NPP is testing the ability of the nation to resist their corrupt government," Rawlings, said.

He also criticised the jailing of several of his former ministers and senior officials, including Tsatsu Tsikata, former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, for willfully causing financial loss and said this was part

of a plot to create fear in the citizens to prevent the public from resisting the NPP's intended fraud in the forthcoming elections.

He did not spare his own party, NDC, saying the members have not been listening to his counsel.

And not being a man who is particularly loved by the media, which is dominated by his critics because of strict controls he imposed on the media in the 1980s and the jailing of some journalists, coverage of the 1 July press conference followed the same pattern – love or hate.

"The Real NDC is back as Rawlings 'booms' again", was the main story of the pro-government Statesman newspaper.

The Chronicle, another pro-government newspaper, said: "JJ throws tantrums – says NPP is using intimidation to stay in power."

For its part, yet another pro-government newspaper, the Accra Daily Mail said "NPP's response to Rawlings' lawlessness".

The Crusading Guide said "JJ's hypocrisy exposed as he confuses himself with nebulous and dubious populism philosophies" while another story of the paper had th e headline "Republic Day boom – Rawlings blows Mills".

Also, the pro-Rawlings Ghana Palaver's headline said "Rawlings pours out his heart as he chastises NDC".

The headline of state-owned Daily Graphic read, "NDC must speak out – Rawlings", while another state-owned newspaper, the Ghanaian Times said "Tsatsu's sentencing is NPP plot – Rawlings" In its story, the Statesman said after a long period of silence, Jerry John Rawl ings, the founder of the biggest opposition political party in the country, has r esurfaced with another boom speech that sought to castigate the ruling New Patriotic Party, headed by President John Agyekum Kufuor.."

The Crusading Guide in its story wrote: "Ex-president Jerry Rawlings last Tuesday reaffirmed his inordinate desire for power and his hatred for President Kufuor and his NPP when he showered unprintable insults on them.."

Many people believe the outbursts of Rawlings must have forced his party to do some public relations "clean-up" and the newspapers will have a lot to feast on for the next few weeks.

Source:
PanA

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• 04.07.2008

Ghanaians have lost hope in NPP


The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Dadekotopon, Nii Amassah Namoale, has observed that the mood and utterances of his constituents, in particular and Ghanaians in general, point to the fact that the electorate has lost faith in the New Patriotic Party, (NPP).

He therefore, resolved to retain the seat with a wider margin in the December elections.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the MP expressed the confidence that his margin of victory would widen because of his good leadership qualities, coupled with the development projects he had initiated in the constituency which had endeared him to his constituents.

Nii Namoale explained that the NPP won the constituency seat in 2000 owing to the popular desire for change at that time, saying that having lost the seat to the NDC in the 2004 elections by about 7,000 votes meant the NPP could not get it back.

Cataloguing some of his achievements which he believed could help him to retain the seat, the MP pointed out that he had contributed meaningfully to the rehabilitation of the classroom block of the La Presbyterian Senior High School, as well as a GH¢2,000 assistance for the construction of the new La Anglican Senior High School.

He added that he lobbied for the installation of a transformer which resulted in the installation of street lights at the La Market and other places in the constituency, saying that he contributed GH¢5,000 towards the construction of the La General Hospital.

Nii Namoale, who is an agronomist by profession, said in an effort to ensure vigilance at the polls, the NDC had so far trained 400 polling agents for the constituency, out of which 226 were expected to be deployed to man the various polling stations.

He called on the polling agents of the party to remain vigilant before, during and after the polls.

Source:
Daily Graphic

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     About 180 children withdrawn from child labour

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Ghana and Germany sign GH¢60.45 million agreement


Accra, July 4, GNA - Ghana and Germany on Friday signed a GH¢60.45 million agreement to support the processes towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals and achieving a Middle Income Status by 2015.

About GH¢29.450 million will be used to support the budget for 2008/09, while GH¢20.15 million will go into enhancing poverty related investment at the District Assembly level. The remaining GH¢10.85 million will be used to improve the competitiveness of small holder farmers and small and medium scale processing companies.

Dr Marius Haas, German Ambassador to Ghana, and Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance, signed the agreement for the funds to be used for the three purposes.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Haas said the programmes being financed were agreed on during negotiations on development cooperation between the two governments in September 2007. Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu said in addition to focal areas of Ghana-German cooperation, Germany was supporting the Legal Sector Programme, and the road sector rehabilitation, precisely the Tema-Sogakope-Akatsi highway. The loan would be paid within 40 years with 10 years grace period.

Source:
GNA

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JJ Must Apologize -NPP

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has demanded that former President Rawlings and his Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), who were directly responsible for the murders of so many people, publicly apologise for those murders.

At least under the Rawlings regime, murder of four famous personalities was recorded, which included Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, F. Poku-Sarkordie, K. A. Adjepong and a retired officer, Major Retired Sam Acquah, the NPP said.

These were contained in a statement issued by NPP's campaign communication committee, after former President Rawlings' outburst at his Ridge Residence in Accra on Tuesday, citing unprecedented human rights violation under the watch of the ruling administration.

In a sharp rebuttal to the former President's assertion, the campaign committee indicated it is chagrin that such a statement was coming from a man who had eight senior army officers, three judges and thousands whose graves are only known to God and themselves executed, tens of thousands jailed and hundreds of thousands subjected to whippings and other indignities which it considered breathtaking.

They said although Mr. Rawlings claimed that crime was less during his regime his government could not solve the serial murders of many women in Accra.

The party leadership said the comparison by Mr. Rawlings of the current Ghana to what was happening in Zimbabwe was "an affront to the dignity of every Ghanaian and the hard work we have done in the last sixteen years to come this far".

"As the former President said during his address 'Any lizard can rule a disunited people'.

While that is not happening now in Ghana, we agree with the former President that it has happened before, in our recent past," they said.

Commenting on Mr. Rawlings' complaint that some in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had rejected his advice "not to turn the other cheek," which they said should worry every Ghanaian, the campaign committee stated, "That piece of advice was a clear call for lawlessness that must be condemned by every Ghanaian, including Prof Mills."

"We have come too far and done too much for anybody to take us back. We are moving forward, not backwards" the statement signed by the committee's chair, Arthur Kobina Kennedy said.

It added that the former President attacked plans by the NPP flag-bearer, Nana Akufo¬Addo to double the size of the Police force, saying that according to Mr. Rawlings, "we must rely on the social conscience of people to obey the law. No wonder the Police force was decimated and demoralised under Mr. Rawlings".

The statement said while social factors play a role in crime, appropriate policing is the anchor for maintaining law and order around the world and throughout history and from Azerbaijan to Zanzibar, from developing to developed countries, the Police are seen as indispensable to the maintenance of law and order.

It said therefore the next NPP government under Nana Akufo-Addo would be committed to doubling the size of the police force, increasing their equipment and training, reviewing their pay and making them a first-class police force, focused on the maintenance of order, the apprehension of criminals and the protection of the innocent.

On the former President's charge that there have been ethnic-based terminations in the security forces, the party leadership said that is false and urged the appropriate authorities to let the public know the truth in those allegations.

"The NPP believes that regardless of our ethnic origins, we are all equal citizens of one great country, Ghana. Finally, the NDC was never new. It was, is and will always be the party of Rawlings, conceived and born in violence, and always pre¬occupied with its dark and disturbing past. It cannot take Ghana forward. It can only take Ghana backwards," statement continued.

Zeroing in on the NDC's flagb-earer, the NPP said "Some say Prof. Mills may be in the wrong party but we say he is right at home in the NDC. Prof. Mills is a very intelligent man. He could have joined the NPP which is the party of freedom but he did not."

Prof. Mills, the NPP's campaign communication committee said could have left the NDC after the identification haircuts, the Koforidua congress or any of the other anti¬democratic occurrences in the NDC but he chose not to," adding, "it is time to accept that Prof. Mills is right at home, where human rights violations, including the murder of the judges still remain,''' they stated further.

Touching on the condemnation of the National Honours Awards by Mr. Rawlings and Ex-Capt Tsikata, the party said, "Many Ghanaians who wish the cause of democracy and the NDC well, hoped and prayed that for once, Prof Mills would stand with democracy, the 'new' NDC and for his principles by rejecting the 'Edict of Ridge' by accepting the honour he had agreed to accept" but. "As a "tro-tro" driver said perceptively a few days before Prof Mills announced his decision 'If Massa say ino for go, ino go go!" Alas, he did not."

"He could not and he is not yet his own man. The question that must be asked by every Ghanaian before casting a vote in December is 'Does a vote for Prof Mills mean a third term for President Rawlings?' the party stressed.

Source:
Ghanaian Observer

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Court remands alleged Bawku criminals


Accra, July 4, GNA -- Six people who were arrested in connection with the ethnic conflict at Bawku on Friday appeared before the Osu Magistrate's Court in Accra charged with murder and robbery which they allegedly committed between December 2007 and May 2008 at festivals, curfew hours and Market days.

They are Adamu Salifu, a filling station manager, Haruna Ibrahim, mechanic, Karim Alhassan, Karim Amali, Sallam Atinga and Teminu Adam. The court did not take their plea.

The Judge, Mr Emmanuel Bart-Plunge Brew, remanded them into prison custody to reappear on July 29, 2008. Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Morkeh, told the court that on December 31, 2007 whilst the chiefs and people of Bawku Traditional Area were celebrating their annual Samanpid festival, Salifu and others now at large, went to Kariyame Market on motorbikes and started causing damage to property. ASP Morkeh said when they were confronted by a group led by one Iddrisu Issah, Salifu and his accomplice shot and killed two of them. After the murder, Salifu went into hiding until March 6, 2008 when he was spotted in Bawku and arrested.

ASP Morkeh said Haruna Ibrahim, a Kusasi and his accomplices, now at large, went to Poasem, a suburb of Bawku, during curfew hours with guns and cutlasses and ambushed a 32-year-old Muniru Adam, who had gone to defecate in a nearby bush. They killed and chopped off his head. The prosecutor said Ibrahim fled on a bicycle but was chased and arrested by a taskforce. However, his accomplices escaped. ASP Morkeh said the other accused persons, Karim Alhassan, Karim Amali and Sallam Adam, on May 16, 2008, murdered one Ayaaba Karim and robbed him of six cows at a village called Yarigungo, near Bemse in the Bawku district.

He said on February 13, 2008, Temil Adams, a revenue collector and his accomplices now at large, caused the death of one Yirimiah Alhassan, a 53-year-old educationist, by hitting him with an object from behind. The deceased had closed from his office at the Bawku Municipal Assembly and was riding his motorbike towards Bawku town when they hit him. He was died on admission at the hospital.

Source:
GNA

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Hard Drug Usage Spreads to Pregnant Women



Doctors in Ghana say they are noticing a very disturbing trend of more and more pregnant women getting addicted to hard drugs like cocaine. But they say health practitioners lack knowledge or even basic statistics to help tackle the problem. VOA's Nico Colombant has more with reporting by Ruby Amable in Accra.

Even as children play in the Tudu area of central Accra, drug users line up to do lines of cocaine, out in the open, not far from the regional police headquarters.

Doctors say they have noticed more and more pregnant women are also hooked, endangering the lives of their unborn babies.

Dr. Alex Dodoo is the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana.

"There are increasing reports and I would stress that at this stage most of them are anecdotal, that several women who were on hard drugs, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana are giving birth to children who are being affected by the substances their parents, particularly, the mothers have abused," said Dr. Dodoo.

Scientists say cocaine used during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, trigger pre-term labor or cause the baby to grow poorly, have a smaller brain and suffer from health problems such as urinary-tract defects.

Babies born to women addicted to cocaine, or who are breast-fed by drug-using mothers, also face an increased risk of mental retardation.

Dr. Dodoo says women undergoing treatment for drug abuse in Accra often disappear if they get pregnant.

"Some were doing the treatment process, they get pregnant and disappear. They do give birth in health facilities across the country. Unfortunately, because this, hitherto, was not a big problem, medical practitioners are not trained to pick up the signs and symptoms of infants who have been affected by drug abuse by their mothers during the pregnancy period or before the pregnancy period," explained Dr. Dodoo.

Another problem he says is that there are no statistics to help the government come up with an effective policy to combat the problem.

"The situation is quite chaotic and needs to be rationalized and sorted out. So it is actually about time the universities and the health services collected good quality baseline information on the extent of drug abuse in the country," said Dr. Dodoo. "When that is done, then in subsequent years, it becomes easier to know whether the problem is getting solved or whether the problem is getting worse. So yes we have problems having good statistics. In fact we have a problem having any statistics at all about the extent of usage of hard drugs in this country."

No women users were available to be interviewed for this report.

However, as the sound of a nearby mosque in Tudu indicated the call for prayer, one addict, told VOA, he was busy looking for cocaine.

"I am a barber," he said. "I am looking around for cocaine, ganja, cigarettes, all the drugs, unless I do not have the money. But when I have it, it is non-stop. I do not have a limit. For the whole day, I will be sick, if I do not get it, I will be sick."

Doctors say it seems the rise of drug trafficking through West Africa from South America to Europe is leaving behind drugs, and a new local generation of hard drug users, including expecting mothers.

Source:
VOA

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Police in Central Region intensify road safety campaign


Mumford (C/R), July 4, GNA - The Apam District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) P.A. Gyamiah, has appealed to commercial vehicle owners to fix affordable daily sales for their drivers so they will not e in a hurry on the road in order to meet their sale target.

DSP Gyamiah also called on vehicle owners to agree with their drivers to set aside a day for maintaining the vehicles. He was addressing a forum of commercial drivers and other road users from Apam, Gomoa Ankamu and Mumford at Mumford on Thursday. The forum was organized at the instance of the police in compliance to a directive from the Central Regional Police Command as part of efforts to intensify road safety education to avert fatal accidents being recorded in the Region. DSP Gyamiah appealed to the Driver and Vehicles Licensing Authority (DVLA) to ensure that only prospective drivers who passed driving test were issued with licences.

He admonished the drivers against loading vehicles which were not road worthy. The District Police Commander advised floating drivers to join unions of their choice to enhance easy identification and also for them to enjoy professional facilities granted them Police Inspector Louis Benjamin Allotey, in charge of Accident Squad, cautioned drivers against giving their vehicles to unlicensed and inexperienced persons.

The leadership of the three unions at Apam, Ankamu and Mumford pledged to cooperate with the police in reducing road accidents in the District.

Source:
GNA

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• 03.07.2008

NDC condemns use of police to arrest union leaders

Accra, July 3, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday said it was alarmed at the use of armed policemen to arrest one of the union leaders of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Benjamin Duffuor. It said there were also several policemen wielding AK 47 guns around and he was subsequently detained for more than seven hours. A statement signed by Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Deputy General Secretary, Operations, of NDC, said it smacked of an attempt to intimidate unionized workers, stifle free expression, and introduce a "culture of silence and fear in the Ghanaian body politic".

The NDC also stressed that, it was appalled at the high handedness and the illegal and unconstitutional manner in which the two union leaders of the senior staff of the bank were served with their letters of dismissal without citing any concrete reasons.

The statement said the harassment, heckling and punching of other innocent staff who were demanding the legal basis of such an action was an affront to the human rights and dignity of these staff.

"The NDC condemns in no uncertain terms these acts of brigandage and urges all right thinking Ghanaians, civil society, the clergy, the media and especially the Labour Commission to intervene immediately to restore sanity and confidence in the sanctity of the rule of law, equal rights and the rights of organized labour to express themselves freely and lawfully without any fear of intimidation or victimization," it said.

Source:
GNA

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Military must distance themselves from politics


Shai Hills, July 03, GNA- Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), were on Thursday, called upon to distance themselves from partisan politics, in order to focus on defending the state against all forms of threats.

Brigadier General Richard Debrah, Director General, Joint Operations at the GAF Headquarters, said even though as civilians, they may have actively participated in politics, as soldiers and defendants of the constitution, it was their mandatory duty to distance themselves from politics.

Brig. Gen. Debrah made the call at Shai Hills when he reviewed the passing out parade of 421 recruits, comprising of 299 men and 122 women at the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS). The 421 recruits were taken through drills in weapon handling and marksmanship, minor tactics, field craft, military law, map reading and junior leadership among others, under the Basic Infantry Training Course during the past five months.

The Reviewing Officer reminded them that being apolitical and impartial was a necessary requirement from them, explaining that the military would be called upon to collaborate with other stakeholders to provide security to ensure free, fair and transparent elections during the forthcoming general elections.

He charged them to readily rise to the defence of the constitution as well as abide by the laws of the state and the Armed Forces, adding that, the GAF draws its strength from the constitution. Brig Gen Debrah urged the recruits to protect the public and also desist from molesting innocent civilians, conducting illegal "one-man operations" as well as turning themselves into land guards. He observed that "some young soldiers, on passing out of the Recruit Training School, quickly turn themselves into land guards, apparently for financial benefits," adding that, their conduct was of grave concern to the Military High Command.

He stressed that it was a mark of indiscipline to engage in such activities, emphasizing that, "all these acts of indiscipline, unprofessionalism and cowardice would attract the appropriate sanctions".

Recruit Nyansu Stephen won the Overall Best Recruit in addition to five other prizes, while Recruits Boateng Kingsley, Yaro Mohammed and Guara Isaac won the Best in Junior Leadership, Recruit in Drill and Physical Training respectively.

Source:
GNA

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Stop the smear campaign against Dr Nduom - Committee


Kumasi, July 3, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Steering Committee of the Convention People's Party (CPP), has tasked well-meaning supporters of the Party to campaign vigorously against attempts by some political elements to discredit its presidential candidate, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom.

The committee said those political elements some of whom were within and outside the Party, had been hiding behind the recent Serious Fraud Office (SFO) report issued on Dr Nduom to advance vile propaganda against him in order to achieve their selfish interests.

"Information available to the Committee however indicate that about 12 years ago when the issues raised by the SFO report came up, Dr Nduom, then a consultant with the State Enterprises Commission adequately responded to all the allegations and his response was duly accepted and exonerated", the committee stated.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Comrade S.K. Danso, Regional Chairman of the Committee and issued in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The statement said the committee believed that it was enough to tell anyone that Dr Nduom had committed no wrong that could debar him from contesting the December elections. It therefore condemned the allegations and described it as unfortunate and disappointing.

The statement said it was regrettable that in spite of the fact that the CPP presidential candidate had time and again been exonerated of all those charges, some disgruntled elements were still bent on defaming and destroying him. It pointed out that if concrete steps were not taken to halt such practices, it could dent the image of the CPP and its resolve to chalk a landslide victory in the elections.

It re-affirmed the committee's unflinching support, unwavering confidence and believe in Dr Nduom and urged him and all true dedicated and committed members of the CPP to stay and remain focused on the agenda of winning the December elections.

The statement added that as much as it recognized that individual members of the party had every right to express their opinions on any issue, such statements did not reflect the spirit and aspiration of the committee. It said such divisive statements had no merits and therefore dissociated itself from them.

Source:
GNA

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Accra Traders Polarised!


A Survey conducted at the Okaishie and Makola market centres on Monday, June 23, 2008 by The Heritage newspaper has revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have carried their polarization to those two barometres of markets too: the first is for the NPP, the second is for the NDC.

The survey was a quest for an answer to whether market women at Makola and Okaishie were in a mood to vote for the retention of the New Patriotic Party government on December 7 or not.

The responses were as instructive as hoped for. Majority of the market women at Makola asserted that the recent economic hardships were blamable on the NPP government, a blame that necessitated a change of the party entrusted with state management. Another popular view, which was actually the presumption underlying the first, was that the high cost of fuel, which had led to increases in the prices of foodstuffs; was as a result of the NPP government’s ineptitude.

The deduction from that analogy by the Makola women was that consumers were not able and willing to buy many of their wares and services because the food price index took too big a chunk from their expendable incomes. This, the sellers said, had plunged them into untold economic hardships.

For some of the market women at Makola, voting on December 7 was not quite a serious matter requiring any serious matter requiring any serious thinking: Moko Aya Ni Moko Aba; that’s all.

Just as one of the NPP campaign slogans in year 20000 sought to effect a change because the NDC had been in office for eight years and must have delivered all it was capable of, the Makola sellers asserted, last Monday, that the NPP government had finished serving its term.

Eight years is the time allotted every government, Makola women supposed, and so contended that the NPP should make way for a different party to come to power.

Though these women vociferously wanted a change of government, when they were asked whether the Convention People’s Party or any other party than the NDC should be given the chance to show what it had for Ghana, they responded the CPP could not be entrusted with the destiny of the nation.

Some averred it would be a waste of time to “offer our precious votes to them.” What that implied, and which was actually said explicitly by many, was that Makola women were generally in ‘love’ with Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.

In all, 116 women were interviewed at the Makola Market. Out of the number, 93, representing 80%, pledged their votes for the NDC. Seventeen (17) women, representing 14%, promised to vote for the NPP, while two (2) women; representing 1.7%, went for the CPP. Four women, who, though, said they would vote, were still undecided on which political party to vote for.

It is interesting to note that, of the 116 women interviewed at Makola, those who voted in the last election were 104. Out of the 104, 87 had voted for the NDC. All the 87 women were going to vote for NDC again this year, according to them. Twenty-three (23) women had voted for the NPP in the last election; however, six (6) of them were not going to vote for the same party again.

Four out of the six had shifted to the NDC, one to the CPP and one was not decided on which party to vote for. The situation was quite different at the Okaishie Market. Majority of the women there were willing to endorse the sitting government again. Most of the women at this other market were grateful to the NPP government for initiating such policies as the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Youth Employment Programme.

The most important factor to influence Okaishie petty traders at the next polls is that they can now sell their items freely without anybody disturbing their peace. Those they sharply contrasted with case under the NDC government when their items were whisked away by the notorious ‘Aba ee’ vigilantes.

As many as 82 of 110 women interviewed at Okaishie were unflinchingly going to vote for the NPP in the December election. That number equated 74.5%. The NDC polled 21 votes, representing 19%. The remaining seven (7) were undecided.

The Heritage political consultants have described both Makola and Okaishie as two of the most important political barometres of Ghana. The experts note that, about a million traders and other tourists visit Accra from within and outside Ghana Monday through Saturday.Majority of the 1,000,000 people visit Makola and Okaishie. That huge number and the about 3 million Accra residents who regularly go to the two markets engage in socio political intercourse, including discussions of the impending general election.

With their economic power and strength of unity, women at the two markets are seen to be very powerful. Over the years, therefore, they have been able to influence millions of eligible voters within and outside Accra on which political party to vote for and, this year, the trend is most likely to continue. The Makola women trade in general foodstuffs: meat, fish and vegetables, apart from wholesaling and retailing imported foods, clothing and several other wares. Majority of the women here are citizens of Accra.

Similarly, the Okaishie market women sell clothing, stationery, provisions and foodstuffs. What sets the two markets apart is that, while Makola is dominated by Gas, Okaishie is a base of Asantes, Kwahus and other Akans.

Some of our analysts maintain that, while it is true both Makola and Okaishie can influence, the former can sway more Gas and other people of like cultures, while Okaishie can only persuade Akans in Accra and the many who come from outside the region.

There is no division though between experts over the fact that Accra’s Makola and Okaishie are important indicators, gauges, tests, measurements or form guides to the popularity of competing political parties.

Source:
The Heritage

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Akufo-Addo says Volta Region better off under NPP


Mafi-Kumase (V/R), July 3, GNA - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said the NPP government had done more for the Volta Region in terms of development than previous governments.

Said mentioned roads, schools and electricity among others as remarkable landmarks the government had undertaken in the region over the past eight years.

Addressing a rally at Mafi Kumase on Wednesday, Nana Akufo-Addo said these facilities demonstrated the government's interest in the region.

He appealed to people in the region to ignore propaganda to the contrary and that the NPP "do not subscribe to divide and rule." "We have come to repair every part of the country and hope this is the time for people in the Volta Region to turn to the NPP for us to move together as one people", Nana Akufo-Addo said. He urged voters in the Central Tongu Constituency to vote for the party's candidate, Mr Thomas Moore Sronyrah, a teacher at Mafi-Kumase Secondary Technical School, in the December election.

Source:
GNA

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Nana Akufo-Addo joins trotro


Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), surprised many on Monday evening when he jumped onto one of the commercial mini-buses popularly known as 'trotro' plying the Kaneshie-Circle route in Accra.

Nana Addo joined the trotro from Kaneshie First Light to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, in Accra, and then continued to the Police Headquarters area as he engaged his colleague passengers in a chitchat to have first-hand information on the concerns of the ordinary Ghanaian.

Also on board were Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku and other members of his campaign team.

Many passengers who were on board before Nana Addo entered the vehicle refused to alight when they got to their destinations as they felt happy sitting in the same 'trotro' with a potential president.

Other passengers who joined the vehicle could simply not believe that they were in the same trotro with Nana Akufo-Addo.

Almost every passenger volunteered to pay the trotro fare for Nana Addo while the driver said he would not accept any money for the ride.

The flag-bearer and his colleague passengers held general discussions on various political and social issues as he took the opportunity to explain how he intends to address the country's challenges with a sense of urgency when he succeeds President J. A. Kufuor.

Earlier in the afternoon that day, Nana Addo and his team were overwhelmed by the zeal with which people rushed to meet them when they paid an unannounced visit to vehicle spare-parts dealers at the Abossey Okai market in Accra.

When news went round that the NPP flagbearer had entered the market and was in a meeting with the leadership of the Spare Parts Dealers Association, several hundreds of shop owners closed their shops and trooped to the venue of the meeting in a carnival style.

For close to 30 minutes, the crowd stayed around the meeting grounds chanting "Nana 000 Nana", "Naa Nana; naa shuo" among other NPP slogans and appellations of the flagbearer.

When Nana Addo and his team came out of the meeting, they were greeted with deafening cheers and applause from the mammoth crowd that was waiting.

Vehicular movement in and around the market came to a halt while the crowd kept increasing in size.

Though NanaAddo was addressing his impromptu audience via a mega-phone, his voice was swallowed by the bustling and cheers of the large crowd.

Prior to the Abossey Okai visit, Nana Addo had visited various wards at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to learn more about the challenges in the health sector.

Source:
Daily Guide

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Britain promises to partner Ghana


Bonwire (Ash), July 3, GNA- Dr. Nicholas Westcott, British High Commissioner to Ghana, has promised that his country would continue to partner Ghana in her socio-economic endeavours to enhance the standard of living of its people.

He said this was based on the premise that the nation had over the years upheld the rule of law, respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry and also deepened democracy through good governance. Dr. Westcott said this at a durbar of the chiefs and people of Bonwire in the Ejisu/Juaben Municipality of Ashanti.

The durbar was held in honour of the British High Commissioner, when he visited the town to acquaint himself with the operations of the Kente industry as well as some of the challenges facing it.

He commended leaders of the nation for putting in place proactive economic policies for the accelerated development of the nation and challenged them to aspire for greater heights to help achieve a middle income status in the near future.

He also implored managers of the Kente industry to evolve pro-scientific mechanisms to improve upon Kente weaving and also ensure increased productivity since the fabric was unique all over the world. Nana Bobie Ansah II, chief of Bonwire, thanked the High Commissioner for the visit and hoped he would use his good offices to impress upon his country to partner the industry for its progress.

Source:
GNA

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Rastafarian not happy about discrimination against group

Suhum (E/R), July 03, GNA- The claim by an unemployed Rastafarian, Edward Tetteh Bamfo, that they are suffering unwarranted discrimination in the country took the centre-stage at an otherwise low-key people's assembly held at Suhum in the Eastern Region on Wednesday.

Bamfo, who was taking his turn at the assembly, a platform that enable ordinary citizens to exchange ideas with government officials, insisted that although he has the requisite qualifications to be in government employment, he remains jobless because of his belief A Rastafarian is an advocate of a creed that originated in Jamaica and its adherents worship former Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, as God.

"But in Ghana, many people see them as rascals who are not to be tolerated," he said.

"A more insidious label", Bamfo said, was the perception that all Rastafarians are drug addicts, thus making life even more unbearable for them, even though they had gone through the educational mill as most Ghanaians and are qualified for placements in state agencies. Brandishing a well-laminated certificate, Bamfo said despite all efforts to get a job for the past eight years, he has remained in the house, though in some instances, he seems to be more educated than those who are offered positions.

He rationalizes the abuse of marijuana by some of his affiliates as due to ennui they suffer because of rampant discrimination, which he said, stifles their creativity and ability to economic determination. Responding, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, Eastern Regional Minister, said there was no state policy to discriminate against Rastafarian as concluded by Bamfo.

He said the government, as a liberal democratic entity, would not sponsor any laws that sanctions discrimination against any group of persons based on their calling or religion, as in the case of the Rastafarians.

He, however, was of the view that the social discrimination that the Rastafarians might suffer could be attributed to "the clash of culture, the result of a dominant culture not assimilating a contending culture".

In that connection, Mr Affram Asiedu urged Rastafarians to form an association to articulate their concerns so as to make their religion more amenable to the generality of the society. Some other concerns that were tabled at the forum was the need for government to pay owners for lands it has acquired for development projects in the area, which the District Chief Executive, Mr Michael Kofi Mensah, promised to work on.

The Regional Minister also asked Mr Mensah, to contact his office, so that they can jointly offer support to the Anum Apapam Youth Association, who are building an out- patient's department outlet at their town's health centre.

Source:
GNA

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 Man arrested in possession of fake National ID Card



Accra, July 3, GNA - The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested one Eric Emmanuel, 22, a Nigerian national at Paga border post in the Upper East Region when he attempted crossing the border with the yet to be issued National Identification Card. Mr. Moses Kwabena Gyamfi, Acting Deputy Director of Operations of the GIS told newsmen that, Emmanuel was also found with various forged documents including a complimentary card of President J.A Kufuor. He said the suspect claimed he obtained the identity card by paying 35 Ghana cedis to some other suspects who were being sought by the security agencies.

Mr. Gyamfi warned that similar frauds were being perpetrated by people claiming to be representatives of business companies. He said the GIS has so far blacklisted companies, including, Akoko Goldmine Company, Capital Farms limited, Stevenson and Kufuor Legal Firm, Neat Food Limited, Gamin Insurance Company, Google Ventures and Sunshine Travel and Tours Limited, Accra. He said investigations have revealed that these companies were being used to fraudulently extort huge sums of monies from mainly foreigners prior to their arrival in the country, believing that they were transacting genuine businesses.

Source:
GNA

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• 02.07.2008

Burkina Faso to open its dams


Tamale, July 2, GNA - Authorities in Burkina Faso have alerted the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) that their dams were full and they would be compelled to open them to allow the water flow into the White Volta.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Northern Regional Minister, announced this on Tuesday at a reception hosted by the RCC for senior citizens to mark this year's republic day.

He, therefore, urged people living along the riverbanks, especially farmers to move upstream to avoid any disaster as occurred during last years floods, which destroyed several hectares of farmland, houses and property in the three Northern Regions and rendered several people homeless.

The Regional Minister also charged all the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region to ensure that measures were put in place to avoid any causality should the excess water from Burkina Faso flood the rivers and tributaries in the region.

At the reception, the Minister also urged politicians to campaign on issues and avoid playing on the ethnic and factional emotions of people saying that: "It is counter-productive to be beating war drums and continue to incite or make provocative utterances that tend to deepen divisions and cause strife".

He said Ghanaians were a peace loving people who should not allow their country to degenerate into the Kenyan or Zimbabwean situations. Several prominent senior citizens, including Hajia Adisah Munkaila, former member of the Council of State and Mr James Bakari and Mr Seidu Seini both retired educationist were honoured for their socio-economic contributions to the country.

Source:
GNA

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Asantehemaa: NPP Will Win


If what the Asantehemaa told the New Patriotic Party National Women’s Wing and the deafening applause that greeted the message is anything to go by, then no party ought to waste its time to contest the NPP in this year’s General Elections.

Donning the garb of a prophet, the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, said, the NPP shall surely sail through this year’s elections smoothly and therefore has no cause to worry. Nana Afia Kobi Ampem II was speaking to the wife of the NPP’s presidential candidate, Mrs. Rebecca Akuffo-Addo and the party’s National Women Wing when they paid a courtesy call on her at the Mahyia palace. Mrs. Akuffo-Addo and the National Women’s Wing of the NPP were on their five-day maiden visit to the Ashanti Region, since her husband was elected as the NPP Presidential Candidate at the party’s congress in December last year.

The Ashantehemaa said, the NPP has already clinched victory and the least they could do is worry themselves unduly. She got that prophetic when Mrs. Akufo-Addo sought her prayers for the NPP to win this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Asantehemaa blessed them and asked them to go in peace and in the knowledge that victory is already theirs.

Nana Afia Kobi expressed her elation on that occasion and stated how grateful she was for the homage paid her by the NPP women wing. When it was her turn to speak, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo noted that, she deemed it fit and appropriate to acquaint herself with the people in the region which happens to be the stronghold of the NPP, and what a better way to start than from the Mahyia palace. She wished the Asantehemaa long life and good health. At Ejisu where she was given rousing welcome by teeming supporters of the party, Mrs. Rebecca Akuffo said, she was overwhelmed by the respect and treatment accorded her and the NPP women, and asked them to let that affection reflects on their voting on December 7, 2008.

In her introductory message, the National Women’s Organizer, Madam Rita Talata Asebayire, pointed out that the women in the NPP are battle-ready to ensure that the party retains power in keeping itself in national administration via this year’s general elections. According to her, NPP is moving in full swing and will bring the crème de la crème of the party on board the campaign machinery for a one-touch victory for the party. The team passed through some principal streets in the Kumasi metropolis including Tech Road, Mahyia, Bantama, Kejetia and Adum.

In attendance were Hon. Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister for Women and Children Affairs; Mrs. Helena Konadu Apraku, the wife of Hon. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Offinso North MP; Miss Sophia Horner Sam, Deputy Minister for Harbours and Railways; Mrs. Adelaide Owusu Agyemang; Mrs. Agnes Frimpong Addo Kuffour, and; Madam Patricia Appiagyei, KMA Boss.

Source:
The Independent

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Don't conclude GT sale without parliamentary approval - Minority


Accra, July 2, GNA - The Minority in Parliament on Wednesday registered its disapproval of the general lack of openness and transparency in the privatization of Ghana Telecom (GT), saying it had major national security and economic implications for the country.

They questioned why government was exclusively negotiating with only Vodafone Plc UK "without consideration for other bidders who are likely to offer higher bids than Vodafone and address the socio-economic needs of the country".

It thus reminded government of the provisions of the Constitution and the Public Procurement Act calling on government not to conclude the transaction without parliamentary approval, because the value of GT should attract more than what was being offered.

Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Ranking Member of the Committee of Communications of Parliament, told the media at a press conference in Accra that the current situation was "clearly against and in breach" of established norms and standards for the privatization of a telecom entity as required by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). He queried why the privatization process of GT could not be subjected to a competitive public tender process for all interested bidders as required by the Public Procurement Act.

Government in 2006 initiated a process to identify a strategic investor to acquire 65 per cent of equity of GT and to take over management of its operations. Subsequently 66.7 per cent of shares in GT were advertised for sale, with offers received from major players in the industry including Egypt Telecom, France Telecom, Globacom and a local Ghanaian-led consortium.

France Telecom offered the highest bid of 550 million dollars for 60 per cent of the shares, an offer that did not meet government's expectation, necessitating government to suspend the sale in 2008 due unsatisfactory terms from bidders.

Vodafone, according to government sources, then made an offer of 960 million dollars for 70 per cent of GT's assets - the Onetouch mobile and fixed telephone networks.

The Minority stated that it was not averse to the privatization of the GT, but its contention was that the sale should rake in 1.5 billon dollars or more for the value of GT.

"We are aware of government's desperate need for cash to finance a gaping budget deficit. However, it is important to advise government to take into serious consideration, the supreme national interest and value for money, for this all important exercise. "The value of Ghana Telecom should be higher than what is being offered.

"Onetouch alone should be able to bring in one billion dollars if managed properly and to think that we are getting such bids for both the mobile and fixed networks of the GT are unthinkable." "Is someone causing financial loss to the state?" he asked. The Minority said the requirements advertised by government stated that the strategic investor should have a fixed-line operations experience.

The selection of Vodafone, the only mobile operator flouted the government's own non-negotiable selection criteria that states that successful bidder must have significant experience operating fixed wire-line telecommunications network.

They contended that GT was the only company in Ghana with fixed communications assets that were essential to provision of the broadband services, critical for the development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for economic growth and social progress. It said Vodafone could not meet these requirements because it had no fixed network operations record and experience, and as such may abandon the fixed network operations in favour of the highly profitable mobile wireless operations.

They also registered their disappointment at the inclusion of the National Fibre Optic backbone project in the transaction, demanding to know why this had become part of the deal when the project had never been part of GT's assets. They proposed that government should hold 51 per cent of the shares

of the GT and then float 49 per cent of the shares for interested partners to buy into the company.

Source:
GNA

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  VOA: Ex-President Accuses Ruling Party Over King’s Murder

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Stars slip to 20th position in latest FIFA rankings



Accra, July 2, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars has dropped four places to the 20th position in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola rankings. According to the rankings released on Wednesday by the World Soccer governing body, FIFA, gathered by GNA Sports, the Stars who pegged at the 16th position in June with 986 points slipped to the 20th position on 885 points.

Nine points out of a possible twelve last June in the first round of the qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations was not enough to give the Stars a push.

The downward movement of the Stars was aided by the rise of Scotland, Bulgaria and Greece, occupants of the 16th, 17th and 18th positions respectively.

Ghana, however, maintained her position as the second best ranked team on the African continent behind Cameroon who also retained their 13th position globally.

The latest ranking means that the Stars have dropped six places in the last four months after a historic 14th position in March. European champions, Spain snatched the first position from World Champions, Italy who slipped to second with Germany, Brazil, Netherlands, Argentina, Croatia and Czech Republic in that order.

Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Tunisia and Mali make up the first ten in Africa. The next rankings will be released on August 6.

Source:
GNA

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Concern about abandoned educational projects


Begoro(ER), July 2, GNA - Stakeholders have expressed concern about abandoned educational projects after completion in Fanteakwa District. They contended that pupils expected to utilise the projects continued to attend classes in dilapidated structures. Some of the abandoned projects are, Adjeikrom District Assembly Junior High School(JHS), Heman Presbyterian Primary and Bososu teacher's quarters.

The stakeholders expressed the concern at a day's review meeting of Government Accountability Improves Trust (GAIT II) at Begoro. The project is an affiliate of USAID to improve on education delivery in the district.

They appealed to Fanteakwa District Assembly to inaugurate the projects for their utilization to enhance effective teaching and learning.

Mr Julius Azumah, Fanteakwa District Technical Assistant on GAIT II project, deplored the attitude of parents in the provision of basic educational needs for their children.

Source:
GNA

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Central Region generates GH¢554,470 from tourism


Elmina, July 2, GNA - Mr Edwin Owusu-Mensah, the Deputy Executive Director (Operations) of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), on Tuesday announced that the Central Region realized GH¢554,470 from 253,557 visits to the various tourists sites in 2007.

He said GTB regatta events at Elimina for the year, contributed to the growth in revenue with an increase in the number of tourists' arrival. Mr Owusu-Mensah said this at the second regatta even to mark the celebration of "Bakatue" festival which attracted more than 120 communities along the nation's coastline.

Some of the participating groups came from James Town, Teshie and Tema in Greater Accra, and Saltpond, Takoradi, Cape Coast and Elmina in the Central Region.

Mr Owusu-Mensah said a regatta is an event "that seeks to create wealth and improve the socio-economic benefits of tourism within the coastal settlements in Ghana".

He said, in future, the regatta would be organised purely on economic basis to benefit participating communities. Nana Ato Arthur, the Central Regional Minister, appealed to Ghanaians to come together during festive seasons and bury their differences.

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, the flagbearer of the Conventions Peoples Party (CPP) and Member of Parliament for the area, appealed to the fishermen to always clean their environment to attract more tourists. He also appealed to aspiring parliamentarians in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) to engage in clean campaigns devoid of insults and attacks.

Source:
GNA

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• 01.07.2008

Suspects in Bawku Crisis Airlifted to Accra for Trial


Bolgatanga, July 1, GNA - Seventeen people suspected to be involved in the Bawku conflict were on Tuesday airlifted from Tamale to Accra to ensure speedy investigations and trails.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ofosu Mensah-Gyeabour, Upper East Regional Police Commander, briefing the media in Bolgatanga before the departure of the suspects by road from Bolgatanga to Tamale to be airlifted to Accra, explained that the reasons for their being sent to Accra was to fast-track investigations into their cases.

He said it would also prevent relatives and friends of the suspects in the Region from always pestering the Police personnel investigating their cases.

He explained that for six months now the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and the Government and other stakeholders had been trying to bring calm to Bawku, but some few individuals were taking the law into their own hands by engaging themselves in nefarious activities. DCP Mensah-Gyeabour pointed out that the Government could not continue to spend huge sums of monies and resources in the Bawku crisis because of few individuals, who would want to trample upon the law. He said Government was committed to the promotion of justice and bringing peace to Bawku and noted that the suspects, when found culpable would be made to face the full rigours of the law.

He stated that the suspects involved in the Bawku conflict would be thoroughly investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Accra with assistance from the Upper East Regional CID and the necessary sanctions taken against the offenders. DCP Mensah-Gyeabour warned people, who continued to fan the Bawku conflict, to desist from that since they would be made to dance to the tune of their music when caught.

Source:
GNA

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National ID exercise begins with initial problems


Brakwa (C/R), July 1, GNA - Residents at Brakwa in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District of the Central Regional who thronged centres for the National Identification programme beginning today, were disappointed when the digital cameras for the exercise failed to function.

Some of the disappointed persons who spoke to the Ghana News Agency said as at midday the problem had still not been rectified. Reports from two of the registration centres, the Food Chain and the Presbyterian Primary Centres, also indicated shortage of registration documents.

Some explained that the code numbers did not tally with the centre numbers, which made the programmed digital camera impossible to function.

An official of the National Identification Authority confirmed the problems and said a report have made to the District Officers of the Authority for immediate action.

At the Maternity Home Centre, the exercise could not start until about 1200 hours because materials meant for the place were sent to a different place.

At the Methodist Centre "A" the exercise came to a halt when the digital camera also developed fault after operating for some few hours. The exercise which begins in the Central Region, would last for fifteen days.

Source:
GNA

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Ghana celebrates 48th Republic Day


Tarkwa (W/R), July 1, GNA - Ghanaians on Tuesday celebrate the 48th Anniversary of the nation's attainment of Republican status and the citizens across the length and breadth of the country are marking the historic event with various activities.

People from all walks of life at Tarkwa, early in the morning embarked on a five- kilometre health walk, starting from Akyempim, a suburb of Tarkwa, through Tamso, Efuanta, the heart of Tarkwa and ended at the Tarkwa Community Centre.

In an address, Mr George Mireku Duker, Tarkwa- Nsuaem Municipal Chief Executvie, said the health walk amply demonstrated the unity that existed among the people and that should be sustained. He advised the people not to allow political affiliations to divide their ranks, adding, that those who participated were made up of supporters of different parties and that was the beauty of democracy and which must be upheld.

Mr Duker said, in addition to organizing other health walks, every 1st July would be marked with a health walk. Dr Jack Galley, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Director of Health Services said exercising was a natural therapy which maked the body system reactivated to perform effectively. He said the walk was not for health alone, but has brought people together for peace and development.

Source:
GNA

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Murdered Judges Remebered


In June 1983, the nation woke up to the chilling news of the gory murders of three High Court judges and a retired army officer.

The bodies of the victims were later discovered near a military training post near Bundase in the Accra Plains.

The victims were Justices Cecilia Korangteng-Addow, F Poku-Sarkordie, K.A. Adjepong and Major Retired Sam Acquah. They had been picked or rather abducted by men in the name of the diktats of the December 31st coup and driven in military vehicles blindfolded to their fate.

Up till today, the crime for which they paid the ultimate price, has not been disclosed by the agents of the ruling Provisional National Defence Council, namely, Amedeka, Dzandu and Tekpor, who allegedly committed that dastardly act.

One of the judges was a nursing mother. She was breastfeeding her baby when the hooded goons picked her.

No warrant, no excuse, no arrangements to have anybody accompany the victims wherever they were being sent to.

When the abduction story was broken by the State-owned papers, the Chairman of the erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, went on air castigating those enemies of the revolution for bringing the regime into disrepute by their actions.

The PNDC Chairman pledged to bring the perpetrators to book, swearing to the highest heavens that neither he nor agents of the PNDC were engaged in that act of cold-blooded murder.

It turned out that a PNDC member was involved and that another high-profile PNDC operative was mentioned by the abductors. A key of one of the vehicles used by the abductors were picked on a table in the dining room of the Chairman’s wife.

Those were the days the whole nation was under a curfew.

When the nation had been forced to go to bed, the abductors managed a pass procured from the operational office manned by a PNDC Member operative.

The scandal led to the resignation of two high-profile PNDC operatives, who were all top notch lawyers.

To cover their shame and ameliorate the scandal, one of the murderers was sacrificed in a tribally skewed witch-hunt conducted by the architects of the PNDC.

Amartey Kwei, a Ga from development deficit Teshie, was sacrificed by the cabal.

The other operatives were smuggled out in a Hollywood style arranged jail break.

The bodies of the three judges, including the nursing mother, and the retired military officer were found charred, after a hail of bullets had been senselessly and inhumanly pumped into their helpless bodies.

A senior detective who ranks about the finest in the Police Service at the time, Superintendent Jacob Yidana, was put on the beat. The idea of the initiators of the wicked scheme was to kill and burn the bodies beyond recognition to reduce any chances of effective investigation and finger-pointing.

But God, the Judge of all the Earth, intervened.

The rains came, after the murderers had left the scene, miraculously dousing the flames and leaving the bodies in a state that would allow for identification.

However, when their own appointed detective came up with findings that pointed at them, they arrested the detective and detained him – without trial as usual and typical of the PNDC regime – for several years.

That is the full story behind the gruesome murder of the judges, whose remembrance service was held

Monday, June 30, 2008.

Source:
www.nppnews.com

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Africa must not turn its back on Zimbabwe


From Kwaku Osei Bonsu, GNA Special Correspondent, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El-Sheikh, July 01, GNA - The 11th Summit of the African Union (AU) opened in the Egyptian Red Sea Resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday with a call on the Continent's political leaders not to turn their backs on Zimbabwe.

Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission, said Africa must assume its responsibilities and do all within its power to help the Zimbabwean parties to find a common ground and work together in the supreme interest of their country to overcome the current challenges. The call comes just a day after President Robert Mugabe had been sworn-in for another term following his sweeping victory of the internationally discredited presidential run-off.

Mr Ping said the election crises that continued to haunt the democratic process on the continent should compel "us to exert more sustained efforts to entrench the democratic culture in each of our countries and challenge our ability to face up to the electoral crises and disputes on the continent."

President John Agyekum Kufuor is among the leaders of the 53-member Pan-African Regional bloc attending the two-day meeting, which is being held under the theme: "Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on Water and Sanitation."

The year 2008 is the mid-point of the path towards achieving the MDGs but there is growing anxiety that many African nations are off track in realising the goals.

The leaders are also discussing regional political and economic integration as well as Africa's response to the global emergency caused by the food and crude oil price hike.

The AU Commission Chairperson, pledged his determination to introduce the needed reforms to enhance the performance of the Commission and build its initiative and implementation capacity. The exercise entailed putting premium on competence, experience, efficiency and strengthening measures to render transparent and credible management of financial and material resources provided by the member states and partners of the AU.

He said the objective was to create an efficient structure commensurate with the clear visibility and strong credibility achieved by the Union within a short period of time.

President Jikaya Kikwete, Tanzanian President and Chairman of the AU, also made reference to the Zimbabwean situation and urged the international community to work with the South African Development Cooperation (SADC) to return political normalcy to the country. Africans, he said, had suffered a lot of conflicts and were tired of this. The leaders therefore have a responsibility to end the suffering.

Dr. Asha Rose Migro, Deputy United Nations (UN) Secretary General, said Africa's partnership with the world body was as crucial as its regional integration.

"We must act together and act quickly. Our work in helping Kenya to resolve its political crisis, shows that when political leaders are willing, the AU and the UN can form a powerful coalition to live up to our founding ideals."

Host President Hosni Mubarak, said there was the need for increased solidarity and cooperation among Africans, adding that, they should speak with one voice to defend the interests of the continent.

Source:
GNA

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• 30.06.2008

  2,000 children die from AIDS in 2007 - NACP

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Atta-Mills will not take the AWARD


OFFICE OF PROF. JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS
KUKU HILL, OSU, ACCRA, GHANA
P.O.BOX 375, ACCRA. TEL 233-21-760225 FAX NO 233-21-760226


June 30, 2008
Press Release

Inability To Accept National Award

I have, after very careful reflection, come to the conclusion, regretfully, that I am unable to accept the award of, Order of The Star-Companion, for which I have been nominated by President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Were I convinced that accepting the award would help promote national unity, reconciliation, social cohesion and also enhance multi-party democracy, I would have wholeheartedly accepted it. However, events following my nomination give me cause to doubt that.

John Evans Atta Mills
(NDC Leader & Presidential Candidate)

Source:
OFFICE OF PROF. JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS

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A shame for Ghana if fewer women get elected - MP


Sogakope (V/R), June 30, GNA - It would be a shame if the next Parliament sees a reduction in the number of women elected, a top legislator has said.

Mr Kwabena Okerchiri, Majority Chief Whip, said it would be an embarrassment for Ghana's legislature, if fewer women get elected to Parliament because of current trends. The Member of Parliament (MP) was speaking at the end of a two-day workshop on Sunday at Sogakope in the Volta Region for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps.

The workshop was on the theme:

"Preparing the Parliamentary Press Corps to face the Challenges of Parliamentary Reporting."

Mr Okerchiri said in recent times, various protocols and instruments, including those of the African Union have advocated for more women's representation in leadership positions.

He said in future political parties needed to take a decision on empowering women by allowing incumbent women MPs to avoid primaries or by amending party constitutions to make to room for more women.

Earlier, during the opening, Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, a General Manager of the Graphic Group of Communications, urged the press to educate the public on the workings of parliament.

"We need to educate our people to accept that Parliament is more important to democracy than the executive."

"It is the only arm of government where diversity and partisanship can be openly canvassed."

Mr Robert Apodolla, a Deputy Clerk of Parliament, took the group through some basic principles for conduct of business in the House including the stages in the passage of bills. Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker, urged the press to rise up to the task of upholding parliamentary democracy.

Source:
GNA

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I did not create award for myself - JAK



President Kufuor broke his silence on the much talked about national honours on Saturday when he said he did not create the new highest honour, the "Grand Order of the Star and Eagle of Ghana" for himself but for the institution of the presidency.

He said the occupant of the highest office of the land is entitled to be honoured if he serves the nation well adding he had to start it for others to follow.

The President said this when the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa of the Greek Orthodox Church led a delegation to bestow the Grand medal of St Mark on him.

The honour, equivalent to a knighthood is the highest of the church and usually bestowed on the leader or Presidents who have distinguished themselves in service to their countries.

There have been mixed public reactions since the government came out with a list of 241 people considered to have contributed in diverse ways to the growth and development of the country to be honoured and the creation of the new highest national honours for Presidents.

While a section accuses the President of honouring himself others think the creation of the honours is for the good of the country.

President Kufuor said the creation of the new honour is to give due respect to the office of the President which he has come to know and appreciate.

He said the decision was in agreement with the national Constitution which created the honours but expressed regret that some people were making too much fuss about it especially about the number of people involved.

He said the list of people to be honoured came out after painstaking investigations about the nominees.

The President said he has 1I0t been capricious but he was doing it for others to emulate it.

"As for the President being given honours he is entitled to it and I have to start it for others to follow," he said.

The president said it was unfortunate that there was much talk about the construction of the Presidential Complex which is a property of the state and not for himself. He thanked the Greek Orthodox Church for the honour which he said is for all Ghanaians.

The leader of the delegation, His Beatitudes Theodoras said the church decided to honour the President because of his contribution to Africa when he was the chairman of the African Union.

He said Ghana under President Kufuor had become a respectable and shining example in Africa, adding "we are happy to see you do many important things for Ghana and Africa."

Source:
Ghanaian Times

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NDC supporters urged to reject gifts from other parties

Kumasi, June 30, GNA - Mr Joseph Boure Salifu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s Constituency Secretary for Asawasi in Kumasi, has appealed to party supporters and activists to be vigilant and reject any form of inducement from other political parties to vote for them.

He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) despite failure to deliver on its campaign promises, was determined to win the December 2008 elections no matter the cost.

Mr Salifu who said this when he interacted with the NDC faithful in the Constituency in Kumasi at the weekend, alleged that the NP has adopted the strategy of influencing electorates with all forms of inducement such as gifts.

He urged party supporters to explain the Party's manifesto to the electorate, since it was the only means to the solutions of the country's present socio-economic predicament after the NPP has mismanaged the economy.

Mr Salifu also advised the NDC foot soldiers to intensify their campaign to draw more people to vote massively for the flagbearer, Professor John Atta-Mills. He described Prof. Mills as the only presidential candidate among the lot who has the experience and expertise to manage the affairs of the country. The Constituency Secretary said the NDC would retain the Asawasi seat on the achievements of Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, the NDC MP for the area.

Mr Salifu, therefore, cautioned the party supporters to reject the vile propaganda being peddled against the MP by his opponents with the intention of unseating him. He told party faithful to shun divisive tendencies and arrogance in their campaign to foster unity among supporters in the area.

Source:
GNA

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NPP forms new movement for "one-touch" victory


Kumasi, June 30, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) activists at Suame in Kumasi, have formed a new movement that would mobilise massive support for the party towards a one-touch victory in December 2008.

Known as 'One Touch for Nana Akufo-Addo', the movement, which replaced the Friends of Nana Akufo-Addo (FONAA), the party's flagbearer, would work to embrace all disillusioned members of the party including losers of parliamentary aspirants.

A statement issued in Kumasi and jointly signed by Odeneho Nana Oppong and Mr Joe Boampong, the Movement's Chairman and the General Secretary on Monday, said all leaders of the various groups within the Party were expected to be part of the movement.

Other members are Mr George Ayisi-Boateng, first Vice-Chairman, Mr Kwame Asamoah Boateng, National Treasurer, Mr Agyenim Boateng, first Vice Organiser, Madam Mary Duodo, National Women Organiser and Mr Osei Bonsu as the Financial Secretary.

The statement said the movement aims to mobilize all people in the various groups of the party into a single formidable force capable of breaking all barriers in order to consolidate the Party's victory in December.

"The movement also seeks to mobilize the youth within and outside the Party into one big force, motivated and imbibe in them the true spirit of the Danquah-Busia philosophy to enable us tackle head-on, the campaign to annex power again", it said.

The statement added that, the youth seemed to be disillusioned and apathetic, therefore, needed to be encouraged and inspired to enable them play their expected roles.

"We quite remember the role played by the Young Elephants Movement (YEM) in the run-up to the 2000 presidential and parliamentary polls and we wish to repeat that", it stressed.

It said the movement would task itself to mobilize the youth to patronize the up-coming voter-registration exercise, stressing that it would organise its activities from its own resources. The statement said the movement appealed to all and sundry to donate generously towards making it a mass one that would spread throughout the country.

Source:
GNA

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Teachers introduced to new teaching concept

Kumasi, June 30, GNA - A four-day training of trainers workshop on multi-grade teaching for 230 District Teacher Support Teams and Circuit Supervisors drawn from Eastern, Central and Upper West regions has ended at Kumasi St. Louis Training College on Thursday. The workshop was organized by the Teacher Education Division of Ghana Education Service with financial support from UNICEF. It was aimed at equipping the participants with the requisite knowledge and skills in order to teach teachers on the new concept. Multi-grade teaching is a process where two or more classes are combined to be taught by one teacher due to understaffing and poor enrolment in schools.

Speaking at the closing session on Thursday, Mr Daniel Amofa of the Teachers Education Division of GES, urged teachers to implement new policies and concepts to make the new education reform to succeed. The participants appealed to the government to provide sufficient funds and logistics to make the multi-grade teaching concept succeed.

Source:
GNA

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